Battery pack, electric machine using the battery pack, and electric machine system

Abstract

A battery pack and an electric machine, which contain a first unit assembly and a second unit assembly composed of a plurality of units, have a positive power supply terminal (661), a negative power supply terminal (662), and are provided with a series connection member (664) that can connect the first unit assembly (356) and the second unit assembly (357) in series, and a parallel connection member pair (663) that can connect the first unit assembly and the second unit assembly in parallel, and can switch between parallel connection voltage and series connection voltage. For the above switching, a terminal (683) for series-parallel switching is added to the main body of the electric machine for high voltage. When installed in the main body of the electric machine for high voltage, the series connection member (664) is turned on and the parallel connection member pair (663) is cut off by the action of the terminal (683) for series-parallel switching. When installed in the main body of the electric machine for low voltage, the initial state is returned to cut off the series connection member (664) and the parallel connection member pair (663) is turned on.

Description

[0001] Related divisional application

[0002] This patent application is a divisional application of the invention patent application with application number 201780067581.2 entitled "Battery pack and electric machine and electric machine system using battery pack", the original application was filed on October 27, 2017. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to an electric motor having loads such as a motor and lighting, and a power supply device such as a battery pack for supplying power to such an electric motor. Background Art

[0004] Electric tools and other electric machines are increasingly being powered by battery packs using rechargeable batteries such as lithium-ion batteries, leading to the gradual development of cordless electric machines. For example, in handheld power tools that drive the front-end tool via a motor, a battery pack containing multiple rechargeable battery cells is used, and the motor is driven by the electrical energy stored in the battery pack. The battery pack is configured to be detachable from the power tool body; if the voltage drops due to discharge, the battery pack can be removed from the power tool body and recharged using an external charging device.

[0005] In wireless power tools or electric machines, there is a requirement to ensure a specified working time or output, which has led to improvements in the performance of secondary batteries, resulting in higher output or higher voltage. Furthermore, with the development of electric machines powered by battery packs, battery packs with various voltages have become commercially available. Typically, the output voltage of a battery pack is fixed, but Patent Document 1 proposes a power supply device for electric machines that includes multiple battery units housed within a battery casing. These battery units can be selectively connected in series or in parallel via a connecting component, thus accommodating machines with different voltage requirements.

[0006] Prior art literature

[0007] Patent documents

[0008] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-17954 Summary of the Invention

[0009] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0010] For users, when using multiple power tools or electric machines, it is cumbersome to prepare multiple battery packs. Therefore, there is a desire for a battery pack that can handle different voltages by switching voltages, providing convenient use for power tools or electric machines. Moreover, there is a desire to achieve voltage switching through a battery pack that can be easily installed in the electric machine, rather than a power supply device that is separate from the electric machine body as in Patent Document 1.

[0011] Furthermore, according to transportation regulations, when transporting a battery pack containing multiple lithium-ion batteries, etc., where the total electrical capacity of the interconnected lithium-ion batteries, etc., exceeds a specified value, special measures are required. Therefore, it is ideal to realize a battery pack in which the interconnections of the multiple lithium-ion batteries, etc., contained within the battery pack can be disconnected during the transport of an electric machine, and an electric machine using said battery pack.

[0012] The present invention is made in view of the aforementioned background, and the object of the present invention is to provide a battery pack with switchable output voltage and an electric machine using the battery pack.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide a battery pack that can be shared between electric machines of different voltages and an electric machine using the battery pack.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide a battery pack that can be easily set to the voltage of the corresponding electric machine, thereby effectively preventing voltage setting errors, and an electric machine using the battery pack.

[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide a battery pack that can disconnect the interconnection of multiple unit components housed in the battery pack, and an electric machine using the battery pack.

[0016] Technical means to solve the problem

[0017] The general invention disclosed in this application will be described below.

[0018] The battery pack of the invention summarized in point 1 includes: a plurality of cell components, each having at least one cell; a housing that houses the plurality of cell components; a positive terminal and a negative terminal; and a voltage switching element that switches between connecting the plurality of cell components in parallel to output a first voltage or connecting them in series to output a second voltage.

[0019] For example, Embodiments 1 to 13 described below are all embodiments of the general invention corresponding to point 1.

[0020] Based on the invention summarized in point 1, the problem of providing a battery pack with switchable output voltage can be solved.

[0021] The battery pack of the invention summarized in point 2 is as follows: In the battery pack of the invention summarized in point 1, the voltage switching element is configured such that, when the battery pack is connected to a low-voltage electric motor body driven by the first voltage, the plurality of unit components are connected in parallel with each other, and when the battery pack is connected to a high-voltage electric motor body driven by the second voltage, the plurality of unit components are connected in series with each other.

[0022] For example, Embodiments 1 to 13 described below are all embodiments of the general invention corresponding to point 2.

[0023] According to the invention summarized in point 2, the problem of providing a battery pack that can be shared between electric machines of different voltages and an electric machine using the battery pack can be solved.

[0024] The battery pack of the invention summarized in point 3 is as follows: In the battery pack of the invention summarized in point 2, the voltage switching element is configured such that, while maintaining the multiple unit components connected in series with each other, the battery pack cannot be connected to the low-voltage motor body, or, while maintaining the multiple unit components connected in parallel with each other, the battery pack cannot be connected to the high-voltage motor body.

[0025] For example, Embodiments 1 to 13 described below are all embodiments of the general invention corresponding to point 3.

[0026] According to the invention summarized in point 3, a battery pack that can be easily set to the voltage of the corresponding electric machine, thereby effectively preventing voltage setting errors, and an electric machine using the battery pack can be provided.

[0027] The battery pack of the invention summarized in point 4 includes: a plurality of unit components, each having at least one unit; a housing housing the plurality of unit components and configured to be movable relative to the motor body in a front-rear direction; a positive terminal connected to the positive terminal of one of the unit components constituting the plurality of unit components; a negative terminal connected to the negative terminal of another unit component constituting the plurality of unit components and disposed separately relative to the positive terminal in a left-right direction; and a plurality of switching terminals connected to each of the plurality of unit components, and the battery pack is configured such that: when the battery pack is not connected to the motor body, the plurality of switching terminals are not short-circuited with each other, maintaining a state in which the plurality of unit components are disconnected from each other; when the battery pack is connected to the motor body, the plurality of switching terminals are short-circuited with each other by a connecting element provided by the motor body, thereby connecting the plurality of unit components to each other.

[0028] For example, Embodiments 2 and 5 to 13 described later are embodiments of the general invention corresponding to point 4.

[0029] According to the invention summarized in point 4, the problem of providing a battery pack that can disconnect the interconnection of multiple unit components housed in the battery pack can be solved.

[0030] The general invention described above can also be arbitrarily combined with one or more more specific inventions described below. Alternatively, the general invention can also arbitrarily combine one or more specific components of the embodiments described later. Inventions formed by such combinations can solve at least one of the problems described above. Furthermore, the inventions described below can also be considered as independent inventions from the general invention described above. In this case, the inventions described below may solve problems different from those described above.

[0031] The first invention is a battery pack, characterized in that it comprises:

[0032] Multiple unit components, each having at least one unit;

[0033] The housing houses the plurality of unit components and is configured to be mounted such that the battery pack can be moved forward relative to the electric motor body.

[0034] The positive terminal is connected to the positive terminal of one of the multiple unit components;

[0035] The negative terminal is connected to the negative terminal of another unit component constituting the plurality of unit components, and is configured separately in the left-right direction relative to the positive terminal; and

[0036] A voltage switching element switches between connecting the multiple unit components in parallel to output a first voltage, or connecting them in series to output a second voltage.

[0037] Above the plurality of unit components, the voltage switching element is positioned at approximately the same height as the positive and negative terminals.

[0038] For example, Embodiments 1 to 6 and Embodiments 8 to 13 described below are all embodiments corresponding to the first invention.

[0039] According to the first invention, the problem of providing a battery pack with switchable output voltage can be solved. Furthermore, according to the first invention, by positioning the voltage switching element at approximately the same height as the positive and negative terminals, a compact battery pack with reduced dimensions in the height direction can be provided.

[0040] The second invention is a battery pack, characterized in that...

[0041] The voltage switching element is positioned in the left-right direction between the positive terminal and the negative terminal, and in the front-back direction at approximately the same position as the positive terminal and the negative terminal, in front of the positive terminal and the negative terminal, or behind the positive terminal and the negative terminal.

[0042] For example, Embodiments 1 to 6 and Embodiments 8 to 13 described later are all embodiments corresponding to the second invention. Embodiments 1 to 6 and Embodiments 8 to 12 describe battery packs in which the voltage switching element is arranged in the front-to-back direction at approximately the same position as the positive and negative terminals. Embodiment 2 describes a battery pack in which the voltage switching element is arranged in the front-to-back direction in front of the positive and negative terminals. Embodiments 4 and 13 describe battery packs in which the voltage switching element is arranged in the front-to-back direction in rear of the positive and negative terminals.

[0043] According to the second invention, a voltage switching element is arranged in the left-right direction between the positive and negative terminals, thereby achieving the effect of providing a compact battery pack with suppressed size in the left-right direction.

[0044] The third invention is a battery pack, wherein...

[0045] The voltage switching element is configured such that, when the battery pack is connected to a low-voltage electric motor body driven by the first voltage, the plurality of unit components are connected in parallel with each other, and when the battery pack is connected to a high-voltage electric motor body driven by the second voltage, the plurality of unit components are connected in series with each other.

[0046] For example, Examples 1 to 6 and Examples 8 to 13 described later are all embodiments corresponding to the third invention.

[0047] According to the third invention, the problem of providing a battery pack that can be shared between electric machines of different voltages and an electric machine using the battery pack can be solved.

[0048] The fourth invention is a battery pack, wherein...

[0049] The voltage switching element is configured such that, while maintaining the multiple unit components connected in series with each other, it cannot connect the battery pack to the low-voltage electric motor body; or, while maintaining the multiple unit components connected in parallel with each other, it cannot connect the battery pack to the high-voltage electric motor body.

[0050] For example, Embodiments 1 to 6 and Embodiments 8 to 13 described below are all embodiments corresponding to the fourth invention.

[0051] According to the fourth invention, the problem of providing a battery pack that can be easily set to the voltage of the corresponding electric machine, thereby effectively preventing voltage setting errors, and an electric machine using the battery pack, can be solved.

[0052] The fifth invention is a battery pack, wherein...

[0053] The voltage switching element of the battery pack has a switching switch for switching the connection state of the plurality of unit components with each other, and an operating part for operating the switching switch from the outside.

[0054] The battery pack is configured such that when the battery pack is connected to the electric motor body, a switching element located on the electric motor body abuts against the operating part to switch the connection state of the plurality of unit components.

[0055] For example, Embodiments 1 and 3 described later are embodiments corresponding to the fifth invention.

[0056] According to the fifth invention, the connection state of multiple unit components can be switched by a switching element provided in the electric machine body, thereby achieving the effect of providing an electric machine body with a simple structure without having to set up complex circuits inside the electric machine body.

[0057] The sixth invention is a battery pack, wherein

[0058] The voltage switching element of the battery pack has a first switching terminal extending from a first unit component constituting the plurality of unit components, and a second switching terminal extending from a second unit component constituting the plurality of unit components.

[0059] The battery pack is configured such that when the battery pack is connected to the electric motor body, the first switching terminal and the second switching terminal are electrically connected to each other via a connecting element provided on the electric motor body, thereby switching the connection state of the first unit component and the second unit component.

[0060] For example, Embodiments 2, 4, 6 to 8 and 13 described later are embodiments corresponding to the sixth invention.

[0061] According to the sixth invention, the connection state of multiple unit components can be switched by a connecting element provided in the electric machine body, thereby achieving the effect of providing an electric machine body with a simple structure without having to set up complex circuits inside the electric machine body.

[0062] The seventh invention is an electric machine, characterized in that it includes a high-voltage electric machine body that operates under a predetermined voltage, and a battery pack that can be connected to said electric machine body.

[0063] The battery pack includes:

[0064] Multiple unit components, with at least one unit,

[0065] The positive terminal is connected to one of the plurality of unit components;

[0066] The negative terminal is connected to another of the plurality of unit components and is configured separately in the left-right direction relative to the positive terminal;

[0067] Multiple series terminals are connected to each of the multiple unit components;

[0068] Signal terminals, outputting information or signals related to the battery pack; and

[0069] The housing houses the plurality of unit components, positive terminal, negative terminal, plurality of series terminals, and signal terminals, and has a pair of left and right track portions and a group of slots. The pair of left and right track portions extend in a front-rear direction in a manner that allows the battery pack to move forward relative to the high-voltage electric motor body. The group of slots is composed of multiple slots that house the positive terminal, negative terminal, plurality of series terminals, and signal terminals.

[0070] The high-voltage electric motor body includes:

[0071] Loading devices;

[0072] The positive input terminal is connected to the load device;

[0073] The negative input terminal is connected to the load device; and

[0074] The high-voltage connection element can be connected to each of the plurality of series terminals, and one high-voltage connection element can be connected to another high-voltage connection element.

[0075] The electric motor is configured such that, with the battery pack connected to the high-voltage electric motor body, the positive input terminal is inserted into the slot group and connected to the positive terminal, the negative input terminal is inserted into the slot group and connected to the negative terminal, the high-voltage connecting element is inserted into the slot group and connected to the plurality of series terminals, and the plurality of unit components are connected in series with each other via the plurality of series terminals and the plurality of connecting elements.

[0076] Furthermore, the configuration is such that, when the battery pack is not connected to the high-voltage electric motor body, the plurality of unit components are disconnected from each other.

[0077] The positive terminal, negative terminal, multiple series terminals, and signal terminals of the battery pack are arranged vertically above the unit assembly and horizontally between the left and right pairs of track sections.

[0078] For example, Embodiments 2, 5, 6, 8 to 13 described later are embodiments corresponding to the 7th invention.

[0079] According to the seventh invention, the problem of providing a battery pack that can disconnect the interconnection of multiple unit components housed in the battery pack can be solved. Furthermore, according to the seventh invention, the connection state of multiple unit components can be switched by a connecting element provided in the electric motor body, thereby achieving the effect of providing an electric motor body with a simple structure without having to install complex circuits inside the electric motor body.

[0080] The eighth invention is an electric motor, characterized in that...

[0081] The battery pack has a circuit board that connects the plurality of unit components.

[0082] The circuit board is disposed inside the housing above the plurality of unit components, and the plurality of series terminals are directly connected to the circuit board.

[0083] For example, Embodiments 5, 6, 8 to 13 described later are embodiments corresponding to the 8th invention.

[0084] According to the 8th invention, the positions of the first series terminal and the second series terminal are accurately determined, thereby achieving a stable connection between the first series terminal and the second series terminal and the first high-voltage connection element and the second high-voltage connection element.

[0085] The ninth invention is an electric motor, characterized in that...

[0086] The first and second series terminals are positioned above the plurality of unit components at approximately the same height as the terminal configuration areas where the positive and negative terminals are configured.

[0087] For example, Embodiments 2, 5, 6, 8 to 13 described later are embodiments corresponding to the 9th invention.

[0088] According to the 9th invention, by utilizing the ability to suppress the height of the battery pack, a compact battery pack and an electric machine equipped with the battery pack can be provided.

[0089] The 10th invention is an electric motor, characterized in that:

[0090] A series terminal group is formed by arranging the plurality of series terminals such that one series terminal is adjacent to another series terminal.

[0091] One high-voltage connection element constituting the plurality of high-voltage connection elements is integrally connected with another high-voltage connection element to form an integral high-voltage connection element.

[0092] The electric motor is configured such that when the battery pack is connected to the high-voltage electric motor body, the integrated high-voltage connection element is connected to the series terminal group.

[0093] For example, Embodiments 2, 4, and 5 described later are embodiments corresponding to the 10th invention.

[0094] According to the 10th invention, multiple high-voltage connecting elements are integrally formed, thereby providing the effect of providing a simple structure for the electric machine body and an electric machine having said electric machine body.

[0095] The 11th invention is an electric motor machine, characterized in that,

[0096] One of the series terminals constituting the plurality of series terminals is housed in a slot different from the slot housing the positive terminal and the slot housing the negative terminal.

[0097] For example, Embodiments 2 and 5 described later are embodiments corresponding to the 11th invention.

[0098] According to the 11th invention, it can prevent unintended short circuits between the series terminals and the positive and negative terminals when foreign objects enter the slot.

[0099] The 12th invention is an electric motor machine, characterized in that,

[0100] A series terminal group is formed by arranging one series terminal adjacent to another of the plurality of series terminals, and the series terminal group is housed in a slot that constitutes the slot group.

[0101] For example, Embodiments 2, 4, and 5 described later are embodiments corresponding to the 12th invention.

[0102] According to the 12th invention, by utilizing the number of slots required to accommodate series terminals, a compact battery pack and an electric machine equipped with the battery pack can be provided.

[0103] The 13th invention is an electric motor machine, characterized in that...

[0104] One of the series terminals constituting the plurality of series terminals is housed in a slot that houses the positive terminal or a slot that houses the negative terminal.

[0105] For example, Embodiments 6, 8 to 13 described later are embodiments corresponding to the 13th invention.

[0106] According to the 13th invention, by utilizing the number of slots required to accommodate series terminals, a compact battery pack and an electric motor equipped with the battery pack can be provided.

[0107] The 14th invention is an electric motor machine, characterized in that,

[0108] One of the series terminals constituting the plurality of series terminals is housed in a slot different from the slot housing another series terminal constituting the plurality of series terminals.

[0109] For example, Embodiments 6, 8 to 13 described later are embodiments corresponding to the 14th invention.

[0110] According to the 14th invention, it can prevent multiple series terminals from unexpectedly short-circuiting each other when foreign objects enter the slot.

[0111] The 15th invention is an electric motor machine, characterized in that...

[0112] The battery pack has a first plurality of parallel terminals extending from the positive terminal of each of the plurality of unit components, and a second plurality of parallel terminals extending from the negative terminal of each of the plurality of unit components.

[0113] The electric motor is configured such that, when the battery pack is connected to a low-voltage electric motor body that operates at a voltage lower than the predetermined voltage, the first plurality of parallel terminals are connected to each other via a first low-voltage connecting element provided on the low-voltage electric motor body, and the second plurality of parallel terminals are connected to each other via a second low-voltage connecting element provided on the electric motor body. The plurality of unit components are connected in parallel to each other via the first plurality of parallel terminals and the second plurality of parallel terminals, and via the first low-voltage connecting element and the second low-voltage connecting element.

[0114] Furthermore, the configuration is such that, when the battery pack is not connected to the low-voltage electric motor body, the plurality of unit components are disconnected from each other.

[0115] For example, Embodiments 2, 5, 6, 8 to 13 described later are embodiments corresponding to the 15th invention.

[0116] According to the 15th invention, the problem of providing a battery pack that can be shared among electric machines with different voltages and an electric machine using the battery pack can be solved. Furthermore, the problem of providing a battery pack that can disconnect the interconnections of multiple unit components housed within it can be solved.

[0117] The 16th invention is an electric motor machine, characterized in that,

[0118] Above the plurality of unit components, the first plurality of parallel terminals and the second plurality of parallel terminals are positioned at approximately the same height as the positive terminal and the negative terminal.

[0119] For example, Embodiments 5, 6, 8 to 13 described later are embodiments corresponding to the 16th invention.

[0120] According to the 16th invention, it can provide a compact battery pack with suppressed height and an electric motor having said battery pack.

[0121] The 17th invention is an electric motor machine, characterized in that,

[0122] The signal terminal is positioned vertically at approximately the same height as the first plurality of parallel terminals and the second plurality of parallel terminals, and horizontally positioned between the first plurality of parallel terminals and the second plurality of parallel terminals.

[0123] For example, Embodiments 5, 6, 8 to 12 described later are embodiments corresponding to the 17th invention.

[0124] According to the 17th invention, it can provide a compact battery pack with suppressed height, and an electric motor having said battery pack.

[0125] The 18th invention is a battery pack, characterized in that it comprises:

[0126] A housing that accommodates multiple units; and

[0127] The power supply terminals, housed within the housing, include positive and negative terminals arranged apart in directions intersecting with the mounting direction of the housing toward the motor machine body.

[0128] The battery pack can switch between connecting multiple unit components, which are composed of the multiple units, in parallel to output a first voltage, or connecting them in series to output a second voltage to the power supply terminal.

[0129] In the installation direction, a voltage switching element for switching between the first voltage and the second voltage is configured in the terminal configuration area of ​​the housing where the power supply terminal is configured.

[0130] For example, Embodiments 1 to 6 and Embodiments 8 to 13 described later are embodiments corresponding to the 18th invention.

[0131] According to the 18th invention, it can provide a compact battery pack with suppressed height and an electric motor having said battery pack.

[0132] The 19th invention is a battery pack, characterized in that...

[0133] The housing has a pair of left and right track portions, which are positioned far apart from each other in a left-right direction that intersects with respect to the mounting direction.

[0134] The left and right pair of track portions are positioned above the plurality of unit components in a vertical direction that intersects relative to the installation direction.

[0135] The terminal configuration area is positioned between the pair of left and right track portions in the left-right direction, and positioned above the plurality of unit components in the up-down direction.

[0136] The voltage switching element includes:

[0137] A plurality of positive terminals, having one positive terminal extending as a terminal from the positive terminal of one unit component constituting the plurality of unit components, and other positive terminals extending as a terminal from the positive terminal of another unit component constituting the plurality of unit components; and

[0138] Multiple negative terminals, each having a negative terminal extending from the negative terminal of one of the multiple unit components, and other negative terminals extending from the negative terminal of another unit component constituting the multiple unit components.

[0139] The plurality of positive terminals and the plurality of negative terminals are arranged far apart from each other in the left-right direction.

[0140] The signal terminals for input or output information or signals are located in the terminal configuration area.

[0141] For example, Embodiments 5, 6, 8 to 13 described later are embodiments corresponding to the 19th invention.

[0142] According to the 19th invention, it can provide a compact battery pack with suppressed height and an electric motor having said battery pack.

[0143] The 20th invention is a battery pack, characterized in that...

[0144] The signal terminal is positioned in the left-right direction between the plurality of positive terminals and the plurality of negative terminals.

[0145] For example, Embodiments 5, 6, 8 to 13 described later are embodiments corresponding to the 20th invention.

[0146] According to the 20th invention, it can provide a compact battery pack with suppressed height and an electric motor having said battery pack.

[0147] The 21st invention is an electric motor machine, characterized in that,

[0148] The low-voltage electric motor body has a load device, a positive input terminal that can be connected to the load device, and a negative input terminal that can be connected to the load device.

[0149] The electric motor is configured such that, with the battery pack connected to the low-voltage electric motor body, one positive terminal of the plurality of positive terminals is connected to another positive terminal via the positive input terminal, and one negative terminal of the plurality of negative terminals is connected to another negative terminal via the negative input terminal; the plurality of unit components are connected in parallel.

[0150] When the battery pack is not connected to the low-voltage electric motor body, the plurality of unit components are disconnected from each other.

[0151] For example, Embodiments 5, 6, 8 to 13 described later are embodiments corresponding to the 21st invention.

[0152] According to the 21st invention, it can provide a compact battery pack with suppressed height and an electric motor having said battery pack.

[0153] The 22nd invention is an electric motor machine, characterized in that,

[0154] The high-voltage electric motor body has a load device, a positive input terminal that can be connected to the load device, a negative input terminal that can be connected to the load device, and a conduction terminal.

[0155] The electric motor is configured such that, with the battery pack connected to the high-voltage electric motor body, one positive terminal constituting the plurality of positive terminals is connected to the positive input terminal, one negative terminal constituting the plurality of negative terminals is connected to the negative input terminal, and the other positive terminal constituting the plurality of positive terminals and the other negative terminal constituting the plurality of negative terminals are connected to each other via the conducting terminal; the plurality of unit components are connected in series.

[0156] When the battery pack is not connected to the high-voltage electric motor body, the plurality of unit components are disconnected from each other.

[0157] For example, Embodiments 5, 6, 8 to 13 described later are embodiments corresponding to the 22nd invention.

[0158] According to the 22nd invention, it can provide a compact battery pack with suppressed height and an electric motor having said battery pack.

[0159] The 23rd invention is an electric motor, characterized in that...

[0160] The battery pack has a first series connection terminal connected to another positive terminal constituting the plurality of positive terminals, and a second series connection terminal connected to another negative terminal constituting the plurality of negative terminals. The first series connection terminal and the second series connection terminal are arranged adjacent to each other in the terminal configuration area.

[0161] The conducting terminal of the high-voltage electric machine body is configured to engage with the first series connection terminal and the second series connection terminal.

[0162] The signal terminal is positioned in the left-right direction between the plurality of positive terminals and the first series connection terminal and the second series connection terminal, or positioned in the left-right direction between the plurality of negative terminals and the first series connection terminal and the second series connection terminal.

[0163] For example, Embodiment 5 described later is an embodiment corresponding to the 23rd invention.

[0164] According to the 23rd invention, it can provide a compact battery pack with suppressed height and an electric motor having said battery pack.

[0165] The 24th invention is an electric motor machine, characterized in that,

[0166] The conducting terminal is configured to engage with another positive terminal constituting the plurality of positive terminals and another negative terminal constituting the plurality of negative terminals.

[0167] The signal terminal is positioned in the left-right direction between the plurality of positive terminals and the plurality of negative terminals.

[0168] For example, Embodiments 6, 8 to 13 described later are embodiments corresponding to the 24th invention.

[0169] According to the 24th invention, it can provide a compact battery pack with suppressed height and an electric motor having said battery pack.

[0170] Features of other inventions disclosed in this application will be described below. These features can also be combined in any way with one or more specific structures described in the embodiments below to form the invention.

[0171] According to one feature of the present invention, a battery pack includes: a housing housing a plurality of cells; and power terminals, housed in the housing, having positive and negative terminals disposed apart in a direction intersecting the mounting direction toward the housing towards the motor body, switchable to output a first voltage by connecting the plurality of cell assemblies composed of the plurality of cells in parallel, or to output a second voltage by connecting them in series to the power terminals. In the mounting direction, a voltage switching element for switching the first and second voltages is disposed in a terminal configuration area within the housing where the power terminals are disposed. The voltage switching element has a group of switching terminals connectable to terminals of the motor body to be connected, the group of switching terminals being configured to be arranged adjacent to terminals extending from different plurality of cell assemblies. Furthermore, the group of switching terminals is configured such that terminals of the same polarity are arranged adjacent to each other among the terminals extending from different cell assemblies to form a parallel terminal group, and the first voltage is output to the power terminals by connecting the parallel terminal group to the terminals of the motor body. Thus, the power terminals constitute a parallel terminal group.

[0172] According to another feature of the present invention, the switching terminal group is configured such that terminals of opposite polarities are arranged adjacently in the terminals extending from different unit components to form a series terminal group, and a second voltage is output to the power supply terminal by connecting the series terminal group to the terminals of the electric motor body. Furthermore, the switching terminal group has multiple terminal groups whose connection configuration with the terminals of the electric motor body varies depending on the electric motor body to be connected, and the terminal groups are arranged side-by-side in the mounting direction.

[0173] According to another feature of the invention, a battery pack with a switchable output parallel connection of a first voltage or a output series connection of a second voltage includes: a positive terminal and a negative terminal; a first slot provided in the housing for inserting a positive input terminal provided in the terminal mounting portion of the motor body and connected to the positive terminal; a second slot provided in the housing in a direction intersecting the mounting direction toward the motor body housing, for inserting a negative input terminal provided in the terminal mounting portion and connected to the negative terminal; and a third slot provided in the region where the first and second slots are arranged in the mounting direction, for inserting a switching element provided in the terminal mounting portion on the motor body side for switching the output voltage. The third slot is arranged in the region between the first and second slots in the intersecting direction. Furthermore, a first terminal group and a second terminal group are independently formed as positive and negative terminals, respectively. The first terminal group has a first positive terminal and a first negative terminal that can be connected to a first electric motor body driven by a first voltage, and the second terminal group has a second positive terminal and a second negative terminal that can be connected to a second electric motor body driven by a second voltage higher than the first voltage. The configuration is such that a first voltage is output when the first terminal group is connected, and a second voltage is output when both the second terminal group and the switching element are connected. Furthermore, in the first slot and the second slot, a parallel positive terminal group formed by arranging multiple positive terminals extending from the positive poles of multiple unit components side-by-side in the mounting direction, and a parallel negative terminal group formed by arranging multiple negative terminals extending from the negative poles of multiple unit components side-by-side in the mounting direction are arranged.

[0174] According to another feature of the present invention, a series terminal group for connecting multiple unit components in series is arranged side by side in the mounting direction within the third slot. In this case, viewed from the mounting direction, the second terminal group is arranged inwards from the first terminal group. Furthermore, a series connector for connecting the first and second unit components within the multiple unit components in series, and a parallel connector for connecting the first and second unit components in parallel, are provided in the third slot. The configuration is such that when the first motor body is connected to the battery pack, the first and second unit components are connected in series by turning on the series connector and disconnecting the parallel connector; when the second motor body is connected to the battery pack, the first and second unit components are connected in parallel by disconnecting the series connector and turning on the parallel connector. Moreover, the series connector and the parallel connector can also be arranged side by side in the mounting direction within the third slot. In this case, the length of the third slot can also be configured to be longer than that of the first and second slots in the mounting direction.

[0175] According to another feature of the present invention, a battery pack has a housing that accommodates multiple units, and can switch between outputting a first voltage by connecting multiple unit components that are connected in series in parallel, or outputting a second voltage by connecting multiple unit components in series. The battery pack includes: a positive output terminal; a negative output terminal; and a slot for inserting a connecting element formed on a terminal mounting portion of the motor body for switching the output voltage. The slot for providing the connecting element can be provided separately from the first slot for the positive output terminal and the second slot for the negative terminal, forming a third slot, or it can utilize the same slot, with a portion of the first slot and a portion of the second slot used as the slot for the connecting element. This configuration corresponds, for example, to Embodiments 1, 2-6, and 8-13. Furthermore, as positive and negative output terminals, a first terminal group having a positive output terminal and a negative output terminal having a first voltage output, and a second terminal group having a positive output terminal and a negative output terminal having a second voltage output are independently formed, respectively. A series connection element for connecting multiple unit components in series is provided, and the configuration is such that: when the first terminal group is connected to the power input terminal group of the electric motor body, the first voltage is output, and when the second terminal group and the series connection element are respectively connected to the power input terminal group and the connection element of the electric motor body, the second voltage is output. Furthermore, the slot portion has a first slot for arranging a positive output terminal and a second slot for arranging a negative output terminal. In the first slot, a group of parallel positive terminals extending from the positive terminals of multiple unit components are arranged side-by-side in the mounting direction toward the motor body to form a positive output terminal. In the second slot, a group of parallel negative terminals extending from the negative terminals of multiple unit components are arranged side-by-side in the mounting direction to form a negative output terminal. The configuration is such that when the power input terminal group of the motor body is connected to the parallel positive terminal group and the parallel negative terminal group, a first voltage is output. The connecting element is the power input terminal group.

[0176] According to another feature of the present invention, a series connecting element for connecting multiple unit components in series is provided. The series connecting element is arranged in a slot portion and configured such that when a connecting element is connected to the series connecting element and the power input terminal group of the electric motor body is connected to the positive output terminal and the negative output terminal, a second voltage is output. Furthermore, the series connecting element is composed of a positive terminal extending from the positive terminal of one unit component and a negative terminal extending from the negative terminal of another unit component. The positive output terminal is composed of a positive terminal extending from the positive terminal of another unit component, and the negative output terminal is composed of a negative terminal extending from the negative terminal of one unit component. Furthermore, the slot portion is arranged between the positive output terminal and the negative output terminal, which are separately arranged in a direction intersecting the battery pack mounting direction. Moreover, viewed from the battery pack mounting direction, the second terminal group can be arranged in a manner that places it inside the first terminal group.

[0177] According to another feature of the present invention, a battery pack having multiple unit components and an electric machine body for mounting the battery pack are provided. The battery pack includes: a parallel positive terminal group, in which multiple positive terminals extending from the positive terminals of the multiple unit components are arranged side by side in a connection direction toward the electric machine body; and a parallel negative terminal group, in which multiple negative terminals extending from the negative terminals of the multiple unit components are arranged side by side in an mounting direction. The electric machine body includes parallel positive terminals and parallel negative terminals, and is configured such that when the battery pack is connected to the electric machine body, the parallel positive terminals are connected to the parallel positive terminal group, and the parallel negative terminals are connected to the parallel negative terminal group, thereby connecting the multiple unit components in parallel. This configuration corresponds, for example, to Embodiments 2, 5, 6, 8 to 13. Furthermore, the device includes a battery pack with multiple unit components and an electric machine body for connecting the battery pack. The battery pack has a series terminal group for connecting the multiple unit components in series, and the electric machine body has a series terminal connected to the series terminal group. The device is configured such that when the battery pack is connected to the electric machine body, the series terminal is connected to the series terminal group, thereby connecting the multiple unit components in series.

[0178] According to another feature of the present invention, an electric machine system comprises: a battery pack having multiple unit components, a first electric machine body to which the battery pack is connected, and a second electric machine body to which the battery pack is connected and whose rated voltage is greater than that of the first electric machine body. The first electric machine body comprises: a first power terminal group including a first positive input terminal and a first negative input terminal disposed remotely in a direction intersecting the connection direction; the second electric machine body comprises: a second power terminal group including a second positive terminal and a second negative terminal disposed at a different position from the first power terminal group in the intersecting direction. The battery pack includes an extreme terminal and a series terminal for connecting unit components in series. The battery pack has a first output terminal group connected to a first power terminal group, a second output terminal group connected to a second power terminal group, and a series connection terminal for connecting the series terminal. The battery pack is configured such that when the battery pack is connected to the first electric machine body, the first power terminal group is connected to the first output terminal group to connect multiple unit components in parallel. When the battery pack is connected to the second electric machine body, the second power terminal group is connected to the second output terminal group, and the series terminal is connected to the series connection terminal to connect the unit components in series.

[0179] According to another feature of the present invention, a battery pack includes: a plurality of unit components, each having at least one unit; a plurality of power terminals connected to the plurality of unit components; and a voltage switching element connected to the plurality of unit components, capable of switching the plurality of unit components to be connected in parallel or in series with each other, wherein the plurality of power terminals are arranged side by side in the left-right direction above the unit components, and the voltage switching element is arranged vertically at approximately the same height as the plurality of power terminals. This structure corresponds to all embodiments 1 to 13. In an electric machine equipped with the battery pack, the machine body includes a plurality of machine-side power terminals connected to the plurality of power terminals, and a switching element engaged with the voltage switching element. When the battery pack is connected to the machine body, the plurality of power terminals, the plurality of machine-side power terminals, the voltage switching element, and the switching element are arranged vertically at approximately the same height. Furthermore, the plurality of power terminals have positive and negative terminals arranged side by side in the left-right direction above the unit components, and the voltage switching element is arranged in the region from the position where the positive terminal is located to the position where the negative terminal is located.

[0180] According to another feature of the present invention, the electric motor body includes a positive input terminal connected to the positive terminal, a negative input terminal connected to the negative terminal, and a switching element engaged with a voltage switching element. When the battery pack is connected to the electric motor body, the positive terminal, positive input terminal, negative terminal, negative input terminal, voltage switching element, and switching element are arranged at approximately the same height in the vertical direction. This structure corresponds to all embodiments 1 to 13. Furthermore, multiple power terminals have positive and negative terminals arranged side-by-side in the left-right direction above the unit assembly. The battery pack has a housing that accommodates multiple unit assemblies and the voltage switching element. The housing has a first slot corresponding to the positive terminal, a second slot corresponding to the negative terminal, and a third slot corresponding to the voltage switching element. Furthermore, the electric motor body includes a positive input terminal connected to the positive terminal, a negative input terminal connected to the negative terminal, and a switching element engaged with the voltage switching element. When the battery pack is connected to the electric motor body, the positive terminal and the positive input terminal are connected via a first slot, the negative terminal and the negative input terminal are connected via a second slot, and the voltage switching element and the switching element are engaged via a third slot. These structures correspond, for example, to Embodiments 1 to 6 and Embodiments 8 to 13.

[0181] According to another feature of the present invention, a battery pack has a housing that accommodates multiple cells, wherein multiple cells are connected in series one by one to form multiple cell assemblies. It can switch between connecting multiple cell assemblies in parallel to output a first voltage, or connecting multiple cell assemblies in series to output a second voltage. Furthermore, it independently provides a low-voltage terminal group having positive and negative terminals for low voltage, and a high-voltage terminal group having positive and negative terminals for high voltage, arranged such that the area occupied by the low-voltage terminal group is included within the area occupied by the high-voltage terminal group. A voltage switching mechanism operates according to the installation of terminals on the connected motor body to switch the voltage. This structure corresponds to all embodiments 1 to 13. Moreover, the battery pack is configured to include a voltage switching mechanism that switches between connecting multiple cell assemblies in parallel or in series by moving the contact positions between the cell assemblies according to the positions of the terminals on the motor body.

[0182] According to another feature of the present invention, the voltage switching element is composed of terminals connected to the battery pack side of a plurality of unit components, and the switching element is composed of terminals on the motor side disposed at positions corresponding to the terminals on the battery pack side, and is configured such that: when the battery pack is connected to the motor body, the terminals on the battery pack side are connected to the terminals on the motor side, and the plurality of unit components are connected to each other; when the battery pack is not connected to the motor body, the connection between the terminals on the battery pack side and the terminals on the motor side is cut off, and the connection between the plurality of unit components is cut off.

[0183] Effects of the Invention

[0184] According to the present invention, a battery pack is provided that can switch between connecting multiple unit components housed in the battery pack in parallel or in series, thereby switching the output voltage, and can be shared among electric machines with different voltages, as well as an electric machine using the battery pack.

[0185] Furthermore, according to the present invention, when the battery pack is connected to the electric motor body, the output voltage of the battery pack is automatically switched to be suitable for the output voltage of the connected electric motor body. Therefore, a battery pack that can be easily set to the voltage of the corresponding electric motor body and thus effectively prevents voltage setting errors, as well as an electric motor body using the battery pack, can be provided.

[0186] Furthermore, according to the present invention, a battery pack that suppresses the increase in size or weight of the battery pack can be provided.

[0187] Furthermore, according to the present invention, the voltage switching element for switching the output voltage of the battery pack is disposed in the terminal configuration area where the power supply terminals of the battery pack are disposed, or disposed at a position at approximately the same height as the position where the power supply terminals of the battery pack are disposed, thereby providing a motor machine that compactly comprises both or one of the motor machine body and the battery pack.

[0188] Furthermore, according to the present invention, the voltage switching element for switching the output voltage of the battery pack is constructed from the terminals of the battery pack, thereby eliminating the need for a mechanical switching mechanism for switching between a parallel connection circuit for low voltage and a series connection circuit for high voltage. This allows the battery pack to be shared between electric machines with different voltages, enabling an easy-to-use battery pack. Moreover, compared to using a mechanical switching mechanism, the manufacturing cost can be reduced, and durability can be improved. Therefore, an electric machine can be provided that comprises both the electric machine body and the battery pack, or one of them, with a simple structure.

[0189] Furthermore, according to the present invention, the 108V output contact terminal is located inside the battery pack compared to the 36V output terminal, thus ensuring a greater distance during high voltage output.

[0190] Furthermore, according to the present invention, the voltage switching element of the battery pack is constituted by the terminals on the battery pack side connected to the multiple unit components, and the switching element of the electric motor body is constituted by the terminals on the electric motor side that can be connected to the terminals on the battery pack side. Therefore, when the battery pack is removed, the multiple unit components are in an unconnected state, which is the most appropriate state during transportation or storage. Thus, a battery pack that can disconnect the interconnection of multiple lithium-ion batteries, etc., contained in the battery pack when transporting the electric motor, and an electric motor using the battery pack, can be provided. Attached Figure Description

[0191] Figure 1 This diagram illustrates the installation configuration of the battery pack of the present invention toward a power tool.

[0192] Figure 2 To indicate Figure 1 A perspective view of the shape of the battery assembly unit 10 of the power tool body 1.

[0193] Figure 3 The diagram shows the body of the power tool 30A. Figure 3 (1) is a side view of the device powered by power line 90. Figure 3 (2) is a bottom view of the battery assembly unit 40. Figure 3 (3) is a diagram showing the shape of the power cord 90 and the connector 93.

[0194] Figure 4 A block diagram showing the configuration of the drive control system for motor 35.

[0195] Figure 5 This diagram illustrates the connection configuration of the power cord 90 toward the power tool body 30. Figure 5 (1) is Figure 3 and Figure 4 The connection example of the power tool body 30A shown is as follows: Figure 5 (2) and Figure 5 (3) is a diagram showing the connection example of its variant.

[0196] Figure 6 (1) is a circuit block diagram of the drive control system of the power tool body 30B. Figure 6 (2) is the circuit block diagram of the drive control system of the power tool body 30C.

[0197] Figure 7 This is a perspective view showing the external shape of the battery pack 100 in the first embodiment.

[0198] Figure 8 This diagram illustrates the cell packs 150 housed within the battery pack 100. Figure 8 (1) is a three-dimensional diagram. Figure 8 (2) is a side view of unit group 150 obtained by viewing from the axial direction of unit 151.

[0199] Figure 9 (1) is a diagram showing the state near the terminal section 20A when the battery pack 100 is installed in the body of a power tool rated at 36V. Figure 9 (2) is its connection circuit diagram.

[0200] Figure 10 (1) is a diagram showing the state near the terminal section 80 when the battery pack 100 is installed in the body of a power tool rated at 108V. Figure 10 (2) is its connection circuit diagram.

[0201] Figure 11 This is a perspective view showing the shape of the battery pack 200 and the terminal portion connected thereto in the second embodiment. Figure 11 (1) indicates the state when connected to a motor machine rated at 36V. Figure 11 (2) indicates the state when connected to an electric motor with a rated voltage of 108V.

[0202] Figure 12 for Figure 11 Connection circuit diagram of battery pack 200.

[0203] Figure 13 To indicate Figure 12 A diagram showing the shapes of terminals 231 to 235. Figure 13 (1) is a top view. Figure 13 (2) is a side view of terminal group 232 (from) Figure 13 (1) Arrow view in direction B).

[0204] Figure 14 This diagram illustrates the state when the battery pack 200 is installed in the terminal section 270 and the terminal section 280. Figure 14 (1) is the 36V output state. Figure 14 (2) is the 108V output state.

[0205] Figure 15 This is a circuit diagram illustrating a modified example of the second embodiment, specifically a 108V dedicated battery pack 200A. Figure 15 (1) indicates the use of and Figure 11 and Figure 12 In the case of the same terminal unit 280, Figure 15 (2) indicates the case where the modified terminal part 280A is used.

[0206] Figure 16A schematic perspective view showing the shape of the battery pack 300 and the terminal portions 370 and 380 installed therein, according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0207] Figure 17 To indicate Figure 16 A diagram showing the components of the voltage switching mechanism 320 disposed inside the battery pack 300, especially near the slits 321 to 324 on the rear side of the step portion 312.

[0208] Figure 18 This diagram illustrates the voltage switching mechanism 320 using movable guide member 330, movable guide member 340, and terminals 351 to 354. Figure 18 (1) is a diagram showing the housing position of the voltage switching mechanism 320 within the battery pack 300. Figure 18 (2) is an unfolded view obtained by observing the upper surface of the voltage switching mechanism 320. Figure 18 (3) is Figure 18 A cross-sectional view of the CC section of (1).

[0209] Figure 19 This diagram illustrates the connection state of the unit group achieved by the voltage switching mechanism 320 when connected to a motor machine rated at 18V. Figure 19 (1) is a diagram showing the state in which the terminal 370 is installed before the battery pack 300. Figure 19 (2) is a diagram showing the state after installation.

[0210] Figure 20 This diagram illustrates the connection state of the unit group achieved by the voltage switching mechanism 320 when connected to a motor machine rated at 36V. Figure 20 (1) is a diagram showing the state in which the terminal 380 is installed before the battery pack 300. Figure 20 (2) is a diagram showing the state after installation.

[0211] Figure 21 This is a top view of the battery pack 600 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0212] Figure 22 This diagram illustrates the state in which the terminal section 650 and the terminal section 680 are connected to the battery pack 600 by mounting the battery pack 600 to the electric motor body. Figure 22 (1) indicates the connection status when outputting 18V. Figure 22 (2) indicates the connection status when outputting 36V.

[0213] Figure 23 This diagram illustrates the shape of the battery pack cover 640 when the battery pack 600 is not installed on the motor machine body.

[0214] Figure 24 This is a top view of a modified example of the battery pack 600A according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

[0215] Figure 25 This diagram illustrates the state in which the battery pack 600A is installed on the electric motor body and connected to the terminal section 650 and the terminal section 680A. Figure 25 (1) indicates the connection status when outputting 18V. Figure 25 (2) indicates the connection status when outputting 36V.

[0216] Figure 26 This is a perspective view showing the external shape of the battery pack 700 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0217] Figure 27 This diagram illustrates the state of connecting the battery pack 700 to an existing 18V rated electric motor body (power tool body). Figure 27 (1) is the circuit diagram for connection. Figure 27 (2) is a top view of positive end 712 and positive end 713. Figure 27 (3) is a side view of the terminal unit 720. Figure 27 (4) Figure 27 (5) is a front view and a perspective view of the terminal 720.

[0218] Figure 28 This diagram illustrates the state in which the battery pack 700 is connected to a 36V rated electric motor body (power tool body). Figure 28 (1) is the circuit diagram for connection. Figure 28 (2) is a top view of positive end 712 and positive end 713. Figure 28 (3) is a side view of the terminal unit 730. Figure 28 (4) Figure 28 (5) is a front view and a perspective view of the terminal unit 730.

[0219] Figure 29 This is a diagram illustrating the shape of the terminal portion 750 in Modified Example 1 of the 5th Embodiment.

[0220] Figure 30 This is a diagram illustrating the shape of the terminal portion 770 in Modified Example 2 of the 5th Embodiment.

[0221] Figure 31 This is a diagram illustrating the shape of the terminal portion 790 in Modified Example 3 of the 5th Embodiment.

[0222] Figure 32 This is a diagram illustrating the shape of the terminal portion 800 in Modified Example 4 of the fifth embodiment.

[0223] Figure 33 The figure shows a modified example 5 in which the shapes of the positive and negative terminal pairs on the battery pack side are changed, as shown in the fifth embodiment.

[0224] Figure 34 To express self Figure 33 The figure for Modification 6 shows a modification of Modification 5, in which only the terminal 750 for 36V is modified.

[0225] Figure 35 To express self Figure 33 The figure of Modification 7 shows a modification of Modification 5, which only changes the terminal 770 used for 36V.

[0226] Figure 36 This is a diagram illustrating the installation of the battery pack of the sixth embodiment of the present invention toward a power tool.

[0227] Figure 37 To indicate Figure 36 A perspective view of the shape of the battery assembly unit 1010 of the power tool body 1001.

[0228] Figure 38 This is a perspective view of the battery pack 1100 according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

[0229] Figure 39 For the general Figure 38 A perspective view of the battery pack 1100 after the upper casing 1110 has been removed.

[0230] Figure 40 To indicate Figure 39 A diagram showing the individual shapes of the power terminals (1161 and 1171, 1162 and 1172, 1167 and 1177). Figure 40 (1) is a three-dimensional view of the whole. Figure 40 (2) is a perspective view of the upper terminal part 1200. Figure 40 (3) is a perspective view of the lower terminal part 1220.

[0231] Figure 41 This is a perspective view showing the connection state of the power terminals facing the power tool body. Figure 41 (1) indicates the state of being connected to the power tool body 1030 of this embodiment. Figure 41 (2) indicates the state of being connected to the existing power tool body 1001.

[0232] Figure 42 (1) is a perspective view of the terminal portion 1050 of the power tool body 1030 of the sixth embodiment. Figure 42(2) is a diagram showing the connection status between the terminal 1050 and the power terminals of the battery pack 1100.

[0233] Figure 43 (1) is a perspective view of the terminal part 1020 of the existing power tool body 1001. Figure 43 (2) is a diagram showing the connection status between the terminal 1020 and the power terminals of the battery pack 1100.

[0234] Figure 44 To indicate Figure 39 A diagram showing the shape of the individual unit of signal terminal component 1240. Figure 44 (1) is a stereoscopic view taken from the left front. Figure 44 (2) is a three-dimensional image obtained from the lower right.

[0235] Figure 45 This diagram shows the fixing status of multiple signal terminal components 1240 toward the circuit board 1150. Figure 45 (1) is a diagram obtained from the perspective of the front. Figure 45 (2) is a diagram obtained by viewing the signal terminal component 1240 from the left side. Figure 45 (3) is self Figure 45 The bottom view obtained by observing the bottom side of (1).

[0236] Figure 46 To indicate Figure 39 The diagram shows the shape of the connection terminal group and the substrate cover 1180 arranged around it. Figure 46 (1) is a three-dimensional diagram. Figure 46 (2) is the front view. Figure 46 (3) is Figure 46 A partial enlarged view of the substrate cover 1180 of (2).

[0237] Figure 47 for Figure 38 A three-dimensional view of the upper outer shell 1110.

[0238] Figure 48 This is a perspective view illustrating the resin coating method for the circuit board 1150.

[0239] Figure 49 The figure is for illustrating the first modified example of the sixth embodiment. Figure 49 (1) is a perspective view of the upper terminal part 1260 and the lower terminal part 1280. Figure 49 (2) is the left-side view. Figure 49 (3) is the front view.

[0240] Figure 50The diagram shows a second modified example of the sixth embodiment, and is a perspective view showing the upper terminal part 1260 and the lower terminal part 1280A.

[0241] Figure 51 This is a perspective view showing the upper terminal part 1200A and the lower terminal part 1220 of the third modified example of the sixth embodiment. Figure 51 (1) is a diagram showing the state in which it is connected to the body-side terminal of the power tool body 1030A. Figure 51 (2) is a diagram showing the state of the body-side terminals connected to the existing power tool body 1001.

[0242] Figure 52 This is a perspective view showing the upper terminal part 1200 and the lower terminal part 1220A of the fourth modification of the sixth embodiment. Figure 52 (1) is a diagram showing the state in which it is connected to the body-side terminal of the power tool body 1030B. Figure 52 (2) is a diagram showing the state of its connection to the body-side terminal of the existing power tool body 1001.

[0243] Figure 53 This is a perspective view showing the connection state between the fifth modified example of the sixth embodiment and the terminal part of the power tool body.

[0244] Figure 54 An exploded perspective view showing the battery pack 1400 of the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

[0245] Figure 55 for Figure 54 A partial enlarged view of the connection terminals.

[0246] Figure 56 for Figure 54 Enlarged view of the terminal parts. Figure 56 (1) is a three-dimensional diagram. Figure 56 (2) is a diagram used to illustrate the contact length in the fitting part.

[0247] Figure 57 A perspective view of the terminal part 1500 of a modified example of the seventh embodiment.

[0248] Figure 58 This is an unfolded perspective view of the battery pack 2100 shown in the 8th embodiment.

[0249] Figure 59 For the purpose of explaining the use Figure 58 A three-dimensional view showing the stacking arrangement and wiring method of the battery cells in the 2445 separator.

[0250] Figure 60 To indicate Figure 58A diagram showing the individual shapes of the positive terminal pair (2162 and 2172) and the negative terminal pair (2167 and 2177) used for discharge in the power terminals.

[0251] Figure 61 This diagram illustrates the connection between the electric motor body and the power terminals of the battery pack 2100. Figure 61 (1) indicates the connection circuit connected to the power tool body 1030 of this embodiment. Figure 61 (2) indicates the connection circuit connected to the existing power tool body 1001.

[0252] Figure 62 (1) is a perspective view of the terminal portion 2050 of the power tool body 1030 in this embodiment. Figure 62 (2) is a three-dimensional view of the 2059 short-circuit bar. Figure 62 (3) is a diagram showing the connection method between the terminal 2050 and the power terminal of the battery pack 2100.

[0253] Figure 63 (1) is a perspective view of the terminal part 2020 of the existing power tool body 1001. Figure 63 (2) is a diagram showing the connection status between the terminal unit 2020 and the power terminals of the battery pack 2100.

[0254] Figure 64 for Figure 59 A side view of partition 2445 after the parts have been assembled. Figure 64 (1) is the right-side view. Figure 64 (2) is the left-side view.

[0255] Figure 65 A perspective view showing the state in which the circuit board 2150 is fixed to the partition 2445 (viewed from the upper left front).

[0256] Figure 66 A perspective view (viewed from the upper right rear) showing the state in which the circuit board 2150 is fixed to the partition 2445.

[0257] Figure 67 This diagram illustrates the orientation of the lead plates 2461, 2466, 2471, 2476, and the connection method of the positive terminals (2162, 2172) and negative terminals (2167, 2177) of the battery pack 2100.

[0258] Figure 68 To indicate Figure 66 The diagram shows the connection terminal group and the substrate cover 2180 arranged around it. Figure 68(1) is a three-dimensional image obtained from the upper left front. Figure 68 (2) is a stereoscopic view obtained from the upper right rear. Figure 68 (3) is the front view.

[0259] Figure 69 To indicate Figure 68 A diagram of the substrate cover 2180 unit. Figure 69 (1) is a three-dimensional image obtained from the upper left front. Figure 69 (2) is a stereoscopic view obtained from the lower right front. Figure 69 (3) is the front view.

[0260] Figure 70 To indicate Figure 66 The diagram shows the connection terminal group and the substrate cover 2180 arranged around it. Figure 70 (1) is a top view. Figure 70 (2) is the rear view.

[0261] Figure 71 To indicate Figure 66 The diagram shows the connection terminal group and the substrate cover 2180 arranged around it. Figure 71 (1) is the right-side view. Figure 71 (2) is the left-side view.

[0262] Figure 72 This diagram illustrates the state in which the machine-side terminal is inserted into the substrate cover 2180.

[0263] Figure 73 (1) Figure 73 (2) is a perspective view of the terminal portion 2200 of the 9th embodiment of the present invention.

[0264] Figure 74 (1) Figure 74 (3) is a perspective view of the terminal unit 2200 from another angle. Figure 74 (2) is the front view.

[0265] Figure 75 (1) is a perspective view of the terminal section 2050A of the 10th embodiment of the present invention. Figure 75 (2) Figure 75 (3) is a three-dimensional view of the power terminal section.

[0266] Figure 76 This is a schematic circuit diagram of the battery pack and electric motor body according to the 11th embodiment of the present invention.

[0267] Figure 77 For the purpose of explanation Figure 76The diagram shows the timing of the operation of the short-circuit bar connecting switch 2059d and the operation of the trigger switch 2034 and the motor.

[0268] Figure 78 The figure shows the terminal holder 2500 for 18V according to the 12th embodiment of the present invention. Figure 78 (1) is a three-dimensional diagram. Figure 78 (2) is the front view.

[0269] Figure 79 To indicate Figure 78 The diagram shows the 2500 terminal holder. Figure 79 (1) Figure 79 (3) is a three-dimensional diagram. Figure 79 (2) is the front view.

[0270] Figure 80 To indicate that Figure 78 A partial side view of the state in which the terminal retainer 2500 is connected to the existing battery pack 1015.

[0271] Figure 81 This diagram illustrates the shape of the terminal holder 2550 for 36V according to the 12th embodiment of the present invention. Figure 81 (1) is a three-dimensional image obtained from the bottom view. Figure 81 (2) is the left-side view.

[0272] Figure 82 To indicate Figure 81 The diagram shows the terminal holder 2550. Figure 82 (1) is the front view. Figure 82 (2) is a bottom view. Figure 82 (3) is the top view.

[0273] Figure 83 (1) is Figure 81 Side view of the terminal retainer 2550. Figure 83 (2) is self Figure 83 The side view of the side wall of the substrate cover 2180 is omitted in the figure of (1).

[0274] Figure 84 (1) is a right-side view showing the state in which the terminal retainer 2550 is installed in the battery pack 2100. Figure 84 (2) is Figure 84 A cross-sectional view of the CC section of (1).

[0275] Figure 85 The figure shows the terminal portion 2650 of a modified example of the 12th embodiment. Figure 85 (1) is equivalent to Figure 84 A cross-sectional view of the DD section. Figure 85 (2) is Figure 85 A magnified view of (1).

[0276] Figure 86 To indicate that Figure 85 The figure shows a modified example of the terminal portion 2650 being fixed to the substrate cover 2680. Figure 86 (1) is equivalent to Figure 84 A cross-sectional view of the DD section. Figure 86 (2) is Figure 86 A single-unit diagram of the terminal section 2650 of (1), Figure 86 (3) is a left-side view of the terminal unit 2650.

[0277] Figure 87 (1) is Figure 85 A variation of the terminal unit 2650, Figure 87 (2) is a left-side view of the terminal unit 2650.

[0278] Figure 88 The figure shows the terminal portion 2650B of another modified example of the 12th embodiment. Figure 88 (1) is the front view. Figure 88 (2) is the left-side view. Figure 88 (3) is a left-side view of the terminal 2650B in the engagement state with the connection terminal on the battery pack 2100 side.

[0279] Figure 89 This is a perspective view illustrating the installation status of the battery pack 2860 of the power tool according to the 13th embodiment.

[0280] Figure 90 This diagram illustrates the installation of the battery pack in the power tool according to the 13th embodiment.

[0281] Figure 91 This is a perspective view showing the connection state of the power terminals facing the power tool body. Figure 91 (1) indicates that the battery pack 2860 is installed in the body 2801 of an 18V power tool. Figure 91 (2) indicates that the battery pack 2860 is installed in the power tool body 2830 for 36V.

[0282] Figure 92 This diagram illustrates the situation when the battery pack 2860 is installed in a 36V power tool body 2830.

[0283] Figure 93 This diagram illustrates the situation when the battery pack 2860 is installed in the 18V power tool body 2801.

[0284] Figure 94 A top view showing the terminal configuration on the battery pack 2860 side and the shape and configuration of the terminals on the power tool body 2830.

[0285] [Explanation of Symbols]

[0286] 1, 1A, 30A, 30B, 30C: Power tool body

[0287] 2, 32: Shell

[0288] 3, 33: Grip section

[0289] 4.34: Action switch (trigger)

[0290] 10: Battery Assembly Equipment Department

[0291] 11a: Track groove

[0292] 12: Curved section

[0293] 15: Battery Pack

[0294] 20, 20A: Terminal Department

[0295] 20a: Vertical plane

[0296] 20b: Horizontal plane

[0297] 21: Positive input terminal

[0298] 22: Negative input terminal

[0299] 23: LD terminal

[0300] 24: Protrusion

[0301] 24A: Switching protrusion

[0302] 26: Screws

[0303] 35: Motor

[0304] 35a: Rotor

[0305] 35b: Stator

[0306] 40: Battery Assembly Equipment Department

[0307] 40a: Mounting surface

[0308] 40b: Recessed portion

[0309] 41: Terminal Department

[0310] 48a, 48b: Track grooves

[0311] 49, 49A: AC socket

[0312] 49a: Terminal 1

[0313] 49b: Terminal 2

[0314] 49c: Third terminal

[0315] 51: Arithmetic Department

[0316] 52: Control signal output circuit

[0317] 53: Rotational position detection circuit

[0318] 54: Speed ​​Detection Circuit

[0319] 55: Current detection circuit

[0320] 56: Action Switch

[0321] 57: Switch operation detection circuit

[0322] 58: Voltage setting circuit

[0323] 59: Voltage detection circuit

[0324] 60: Diode Bridge

[0325] 61: Capacitor

[0326] 62: Branch resistor

[0327] 66a: Control signal line

[0328] 66: Switching element

[0329] 67: Battery voltage detection circuit

[0330] 68: Commercial power supply detection circuit

[0331] 70: Inverter Circuit

[0332] 75: Connecting Adapter

[0333] 76a, 76b: Power lines

[0334] 80: Terminal Department

[0335] 81: Positive input terminal

[0336] 82: Negative input terminal

[0337] 84: Switching protrusions

[0338] 90: Power cord

[0339] 91: Plug section

[0340] 92a: Terminal

[0341] 93: Joint section

[0342] 93a: Connector body

[0343] 93b: Fixing screw

[0344] 94: Connecting cable

[0345] 95a: Terminal 1

[0346] 95b: Terminal 2

[0347] 95c: Third terminal

[0348] 100: Battery pack

[0349] 101: Lower outer shell

[0350] 110: Upper outer casing

[0351] 111: Lower Surface

[0352] 112: Step section

[0353] 115: Upper surface

[0354] 120: Narrow slot group configuration area

[0355] 121: Positive terminal insertion port

[0356] 122: Negative terminal insertion port

[0357] 123: Low voltage switching component insertion port

[0358] 124: High-voltage switching component insertion port

[0359] 131: Stop section

[0360] 132: Elevated part

[0361] 134: Slit (cooling air inlet)

[0362] 138a, 138b: Tracks

[0363] 141: Latch

[0364] 142: Spring

[0365] 150: Unit Group

[0366] 151, 151A: Units

[0367] 152, 152A: partition

[0368] 156-158: Unit Components

[0369] 159: Thin Plate

[0370] 160: Substrate

[0371] 161: Positive extreme

[0372] 162: Negative extreme

[0373] 170: Voltage switching mechanism

[0374] 171: Rotating terminal base

[0375] 172: Swing axis

[0376] 173a~173d: Connecting terminals

[0377] 176a~176j: Contact

[0378] 200, 200A, 200B: Battery packs

[0379] 201: Lower outer shell

[0380] 210: Upper outer shell

[0381] 211: Lower Surface

[0382] 212: Step section

[0383] 215: Upper surface

[0384] 221~225: Terminal insertion port

[0385] 231, 235: Terminal

[0386] 232, 233, 234: Terminal Groups

[0387] 232a~232c, 233a~233d, 234a~234c: terminals

[0388] 238a, 238b: Track section

[0389] 240: Elevated portion

[0390] 241: Latch

[0391] 241a: Latch claw

[0392] 270, 280, 280A: Terminal Section

[0393] 271, 281: Positive input terminals

[0394] 272, 282: Negative input terminals

[0395] 283: Connecting element

[0396] 283a: Conductor section

[0397] 283b: Insulator

[0398] 283c: Conductor section

[0399] 300: Battery pack

[0400] 310: Upper casing

[0401] 311: Lower Surface

[0402] 312: Step section

[0403] 315: Upper surface

[0404] 316: Guide Track

[0405] 320: Voltage switching mechanism

[0406] 321~324: Slit

[0407] 330, 340: Movable guide components

[0408] 331, 341: Terminal mounting section

[0409] 332, 342: Inclined section

[0410] 333, 343: Parallel planes

[0411] 334a, 334b: Guide groove

[0412] 335, 345: Intermediate terminals

[0413] 335a, 335b, 335c, 335d: Contact elements

[0414] 345a, 345b, 345c, 345d: Contact elements

[0415] 348: Spring

[0416] 351: Terminal 1+

[0417] 351a, 351b: Contact elements

[0418] 352: Terminal 2+

[0419] 352a, 352b: Contact elements

[0420] 352c: Sales Department

[0421] 353: Terminal 1

[0422] 353a, 353b: Contact elements

[0423] 354: Terminal 2

[0424] 354a, 354b: Contact elements

[0425] 356, 357: Unit components

[0426] 360: Terminal substrate

[0427] 361: Guiding Track

[0428] 370, 380: Terminal Department

[0429] 371, 381: Positive input terminals

[0430] 372, 382: Negative input terminals

[0431] 600, 600A: Battery pack

[0432] 611: Lower Surface

[0433] 612: Step section

[0434] 615: Upper surface

[0435] 621: Slot for positive terminal

[0436] 622: Slot for negative end terminal

[0437] 623: Slot for series-parallel switching elements

[0438] 623A: Slot 1

[0439] 624A: 2nd slot

[0440] 640: Battery pack cover

[0441] 641: Lower Step

[0442] 642: Vertical plane

[0443] 643: Upper section

[0444] 644: Edge

[0445] 645: Ribs

[0446] 646~648: Vertical ribs

[0447] 650: Terminal Department

[0448] 651: Positive input terminal

[0449] 652: Negative input terminal

[0450] 661: Positive output terminal

[0451] 662: Negative output terminal

[0452] 663: Parallel connector pair

[0453] 663a, 663b: Parallel connectors

[0454] 664: Series connector

[0455] 673: Parallel connector pair

[0456] 673a, 673b: Parallel connectors

[0457] 674: Series connector

[0458] 680, 680A: Terminal Section

[0459] 681: Positive input terminal

[0460] 682: Negative input terminal

[0461] 683: Series-Parallel Switching Terminal

[0462] 683a: Cut-off terminal

[0463] 683b: On terminal

[0464] 693: First series-parallel switching terminal

[0465] 693a: Cut off terminal

[0466] 693b: On terminal

[0467] 694: Second series-parallel switching terminal

[0468] 700: Battery pack

[0469] 701, 704, 707: Slots

[0470] 709: Opening

[0471] 711, 714, 717: Terminal substrate

[0472] 712, 713: Positive extremes

[0473] 715, 716: Negative extremes

[0474] 718, 719: Terminals for series connection

[0475] 720: Terminal Department

[0476] 720a: Horizontal plane

[0477] 720b: Vertical plane

[0478] 721: Positive input terminal

[0479] 722: Negative input terminal

[0480] 723: LD terminal

[0481] 730: Terminal Department

[0482] 730b: Vertical plane

[0483] 731: Positive input terminal

[0484] 731a: Wiring connection part

[0485] 732: Negative input terminal

[0486] 733: LD terminal

[0487] 734: On-state terminal

[0488] 735, 736: Insulated terminals

[0489] 750, 770, 790, 800: Terminal Department

[0490] 751, 771, 791, 801: Positive input terminals

[0491] 752, 772, 792, 802: Negative input terminals

[0492] 753, 773: LD terminal

[0493] 754, 774, 804: Conductive terminals

[0494] 795, 796, 775, 776: Insulating boards

[0495] 812, 813: Positive extremes

[0496] 770b: Vertical plane

[0497] 777: Gap

[0498] 781: Terminal substrate

[0499] 782: Positive extreme

[0500] 782a: Upper part

[0501] 782b: Lower part

[0502] 783: Positive extreme

[0503] 787a: Entrance side

[0504] 787b: Export side

[0505] 1001, 1001A: Power tool body

[0506] 1002: Shell

[0507] 1003: Grip section

[0508] 1004: Trigger switch (operated switch)

[0509] 1005: Motor

[0510] 1010: Battery Assembly Equipment Department

[0511] 1011a: Track groove

[0512] 1012: Bend

[0513] 1014: Protrusion

[0514] 1015: Battery Pack

[0515] 1020: Terminal Department

[0516] 1020a: Vertical plane

[0517] 1020b: Horizontal plane

[0518] 1021: Abutment

[0519] 1022: Positive input terminal

[0520] 1022a: Terminal section

[0521] 1027: Negative input terminal

[0522] 1028: LD terminal

[0523] 1030: Power tool body

[0524] 1030A, 1030B: Power tool body

[0525] 1032: Shell

[0526] 1033: Grip section

[0527] 1034: Action Switch

[0528] 1035: Motor

[0529] 1040: Battery Assembly Equipment Department

[0530] 1045: Motor

[0531] 1050: Terminal Department

[0532] 1051: Abutment

[0533] 1052: Positive input terminal

[0534] 1052a: Terminal section

[0535] 1052b: Connector

[0536] 1052c: Wiring section

[0537] 1053: Input / output port group

[0538] 1053a: Gap

[0539] 1053b: Gap

[0540] 1054: Connection terminal

[0541] 1054a: Terminal section

[0542] 1054b: Connecting part

[0543] 1054c: Wiring section

[0544] 1057: Negative input terminal

[0545] 1057a: Terminal section

[0546] 1057b: Connecting part

[0547] 1057c: Wiring section

[0548] 1058: LD terminal

[0549] 1059: Shorting rod

[0550] 1059a: Connecting part

[0551] 1059b, 1059c: Terminal section

[0552] 1060: Control Department

[0553] 1061: Power Supply Circuit

[0554] 1062: Battery voltage detection circuit

[0555] 1063: Switch Status Detection Circuit

[0556] 1064: Current Detection Circuit

[0557] 1065: Input line

[0558] 1072A, 1072B: Positive input terminals

[0559] 1072d: Incision

[0560] 1079: Shorting rod

[0561] 1079b: Terminal section

[0562] 1079d: Incision

[0563] 1082: Positive input terminal

[0564] 1082a: Terminal section

[0565] 1082b: Connecting part

[0566] 1082c: Wiring terminal section

[0567] 1087: Negative Input Terminal

[0568] 1087a: Terminal section

[0569] 1087c: Wiring terminal section

[0570] 1089: Shorting rod

[0571] 1089a: Connecting part

[0572] 1089b, 1089c: Terminal section

[0573] 1100, 1100A: Battery pack

[0574] 1101: Lower outer casing

[0575] 1101a: Front surface wall

[0576] 1101b: Rear surface wall

[0577] 1101c: Right sidewall

[0578] 1101d: Left lateral wall

[0579] 1103a, 1103b: Screw holes

[0580] 1104: Slit (Wind Window)

[0581] 1110: Upper outer shell

[0582] 1111: Lower Surface

[0583] 1113: Opening

[0584] 1114: Step section

[0585] 1115: Upper surface

[0586] 1115a: convex part

[0587] 1120: Narrow slot group configuration area

[0588] 1121–1128: Slot

[0589] 1131: Stop section

[0590] 1132: Elevated part

[0591] 1134: Slit (Wind Window)

[0592] 1138a, 1138b: Tracks

[0593] 1141: Latch

[0594] 1142a: Locking part

[0595] 1142b: Locking part

[0596] 1145: Partition

[0597] 1146: Upper unit assembly

[0598] 1147: Lower unit assembly

[0599] 1147a: Battery cell

[0600] 1148: Unit Component

[0601] 1149: Upper unit assembly

[0602] 1150: Circuit board

[0603] 1150a: Surface side

[0604] 1150b: Rear side

[0605] 1151: Mounting hole

[0606] 1153a, 1153b: solder pads

[0607] 1155, 1155a1-1155c1: Adhesive resin

[0608] 1156a: (Main region for resin inflow)

[0609] 1156b: (Sub-region) (inflowing into the resin)

[0610] 1157~1159: Wiring patterns

[0611] 1161, 1162: Top positive end terminal

[0612] 1162a, 1162b: Wrist

[0613] 1164: T-terminal

[0614] 1165: V terminal

[0615] 1166: LS terminal

[0616] 1167: Top negative end piece

[0617] 1167a, 1167b: Wrist

[0618] 1168: LD terminal

[0619] 1171: Lower positive end piece

[0620] 1172: Lower positive end piece

[0621] 1172a: Wrist

[0622] 1177: Lower negative end piece

[0623] 1177a, 1177b: Wrist

[0624] 1180: Substrate cover

[0625] 1181: Connecting Part

[0626] 1181a: Upper surface

[0627] 1181b: Front wall

[0628] 1181c: Incision area

[0629] 1182: Partition wall

[0630] 1182a: Vertical wall portion

[0631] 1182b: Horizontal wall section

[0632] 1182c: Left end position

[0633] 1183: Divider

[0634] 1183a: Vertical wall portion

[0635] 1183b, 1183c: Horizontal wall section

[0636] 1184: Divider

[0637] 1184a, 1184d: Vertical wall portion

[0638] 1184b: Horizontal wall section

[0639] 1184c: Sealing plate

[0640] 1185: Divider

[0641] 1187: Divider

[0642] 1187a: Vertical wall portion

[0643] 1187b: Horizontal wall section

[0644] 1188: Divider

[0645] 1188a: Vertical wall section

[0646] 1188b: Horizontal wall section

[0647] 1190: Switch

[0648] 1191: Prism

[0649] 1200, 1200A: Upper terminal parts

[0650] 1201: Base part

[0651] 1202: Bridging section

[0652] 1203: Right side view

[0653] 1204: Left side

[0654] 1203a, 1204a: Bending section

[0655] 1203b, 1204b: convex part

[0656] 1203c, 1204c: Pruned parts

[0657] 1205, 1206: Wrist

[0658] 1205a, 1206a: Planar part

[0659] 1205b, 1206b: Bend section

[0660] 1205c, 1206c: Planar part

[0661] 1205d, 1206d: Chimeric part

[0662] 1205e, 1206e: Guidance Department

[0663] 1205f, 1206f: Incision area

[0664] 1207, 1208: Feet

[0665] 1207a, 1208a: Pruned parts

[0666] 1209, 1211: Gap

[0667] 1220, 1220A: Lower terminal parts

[0668] 1221: Base part

[0669] 1222: Bridging section

[0670] 1223: Right side view

[0671] 1223a: Bend

[0672] 1223c: pruning part

[0673] 1224: Left side view

[0674] 1225, 1225A, 1226: Wrist

[0675] 1225a, 1226a: Planar part

[0676] 1225b, 1226b: Bend section

[0677] 1225c, 1226c: Planar part

[0678] 1225d, 1226d: Fitting part

[0679] 1225e, 1226e: Guidance Department

[0680] 1225f, 1226f: Incision area

[0681] 1227, 1228: Feet

[0682] 1227a, 1228a: Pruned parts

[0683] 1231: Incision site

[0684] 1240: Signal terminal parts

[0685] 1241: Base part

[0686] 1242: Bridging section

[0687] 1243: Right side view

[0688] 1243a: Extension

[0689] 1243b: Bend

[0690] 1243c: Pruning part

[0691] 1244: Left side

[0692] 1245, 1246: Base of the wrist

[0693] 1249, 1250: Feet

[0694] 1249a: Pruning section

[0695] 1250a, 1250b: Stepped section

[0696] 1251~1254: Wrist

[0697] 1256: Solder

[0698] 1260: Upper terminal component

[0699] 1262: Bridging section

[0700] 1263: Right side view

[0701] 1263a: Bend

[0702] 1264: Left side

[0703] 1264b: Dashed line

[0704] 1264c: Enhanced surface

[0705] 1265, 1266: Wrist

[0706] 1265d: Fitting part

[0707] 1267, 1268: Feet

[0708] 1280, 1280A: Lower terminal parts

[0709] 1282: Bridging section

[0710] 1283: Right side view

[0711] 1284: Left side

[0712] 1284a: Bend

[0713] 1284b: Dashed line

[0714] 1284c: Notch

[0715] 1285, 1286: Wrist

[0716] 1285d: Chimeric part

[0717] 1291: Incision site

[0718] 1400: Battery pack

[0719] 1401: Lower outer casing

[0720] 1411: Lower Surface

[0721] 1415: Upper surface

[0722] 1420: Slot

[0723] 1432: Elevated area

[0724] 1441: Latch

[0725] 1446: Battery cell

[0726] 1450: Circuit board

[0727] 1461, 1462: Top positive end terminal

[0728] 1464: T-terminal

[0729] 1465: V terminal

[0730] 1466: LS terminal

[0731] 1467: Top-side negative extreme piece

[0732] 1468: LD terminal

[0733] 1471, 1472: Lower positive end terminal

[0734] 1474: T-terminal

[0735] 1475: V-terminal

[0736] 1476: LS terminal

[0737] 1477: Lower negative end piece

[0738] 1478: LD terminal

[0739] 1480: Upper terminal component

[0740] 1482: Bridging section

[0741] 1483: Right side view

[0742] 1484: Left Side

[0743] 1485: Wrist

[0744] 1485a: Planar part

[0745] 1485b: Bend

[0746] 1485c: Fitting part

[0747] 1485d: Guiding section

[0748] 1485e: Front end

[0749] 1486: Wrist

[0750] 1486c: Fitting part

[0751] 1500: Terminal parts

[0752] 1505: Wrist

[0753] 1506, 1507: Wrist X-ray

[0754] 1508: Cut groove

[0755] 1509: Wrist

[0756] 1510, 1511: Wrist X-ray

[0757] 1512: Cut groove

[0758] 2020: Terminal Department

[0759] 2021: Abutment

[0760] 2022: Positive Input Terminal

[0761] 2027: Negative Input Terminal

[0762] 2027a: Terminal Section

[0763] 2028: LD terminal

[0764] 2028a: Terminal section

[0765] 2034: Trigger Switch (Action Switch)

[0766] 2035: Motor (Drive Unit)

[0767] 2050, 2050A: Terminal Unit

[0768] 2051: Abutment

[0769] 2051b: concave part

[0770] 2052, 2052A: Positive input terminal

[0771] 2052a, 2052b: Terminal section

[0772] 2052c: Wiring section

[0773] 2052f: Terminal part

[0774] 2054: T-Terminal

[0775] 2054a: Terminal section

[0776] 2054c: Wiring section

[0777] 2055: V-terminal

[0778] 2055a: Terminal part

[0779] 2056: LS terminal

[0780] 2056a: Terminal section

[0781] 2056c: Wiring section

[0782] 2057, 2057A: Negative input terminal

[0783] 2057a: Terminal section

[0784] 2058: LD terminal

[0785] 2058a: Terminal section

[0786] 2058c: Wiring section

[0787] 2058f: Terminal section

[0788] 2059: Short-circuit bar

[0789] 2059a: Connecting part

[0790] 2059b, 2059c: Terminal section

[0791] 2059d: Shorting bar connection switch

[0792] 2079b, 2079c: (Short circuit bar) Terminal portion

[0793] 2100: Battery Pack

[0794] 2146: Upper unit assembly

[0795] 2146a~2146e: Battery cells

[0796] 2147: Lower unit assembly

[0797] 2147a~2147e: Battery cells

[0798] 2496~2499: Lead wire

[0799] 2150, 2150A: Circuit board

[0800] 2150a: Surface side

[0801] 2150b: Rear side

[0802] 2150c, 2150d: concave part

[0803] 2151: Mounting hole

[0804] 2152a~2152f: Through holes

[0805] 2153a, 2153b: solder pads

[0806] 2155: Adhesive resin

[0807] 2155a~2155c: Adhesive resin

[0808] 2156a: (Main region for resin inflow)

[0809] 2156b: (Sub-region) (inflowing into the resin)

[0810] 2157: Wiring pattern

[0811] 2160: Connection terminal group configuration area

[0812] 2161, 2162: Top positive end terminal

[0813] 2161a, 2161b, 2162a, 2162b: Wrist

[0814] 2164: T-terminal

[0815] 2165: V-terminal

[0816] 2166: LS terminal

[0817] 2167: Top negative end piece

[0818] 2167a, 2167b: Wrist

[0819] 2168: LD terminal

[0820] 2171, 2172: Lower positive end terminal

[0821] 2171a, 2171b, 2172a, 2172b: Wrist

[0822] 2177: Lower negative end piece

[0823] 2177a, 2177b: Wrist

[0824] 2180: Substrate cover

[0825] 2181: Connecting structural components

[0826] 2181a: Upper surface

[0827] 2181b~2181f: Feet

[0828] 2182: Partition wall

[0829] 2182a: Vertical wall portion

[0830] 2182b: Horizontal wall section

[0831] 2182c: Left end position

[0832] 2183: Partition wall

[0833] 2183a: Vertical wall portion

[0834] 2183b, 2183c: Horizontal wall portion

[0835] 2184: Partition Wall

[0836] 2184a, 2184d: Vertical wall portion

[0837] 2184b: Horizontal wall portion

[0838] 2184c: Sealing plate

[0839] 2184e: Rear Connector Plate

[0840] 2184f: Space

[0841] 2184g: Base Plate

[0842] 2185, 2186: Separator

[0843] 2185a: Vertical wall portion

[0844] 2187: Partition Wall

[0845] 2187a: Vertical wall portion

[0846] 2187b: Horizontal wall portion

[0847] 2188: Divider

[0848] 2188a: Vertical wall portion

[0849] 2188b: Horizontal wall section

[0850] 2191a, 2191b: Fitting ribs

[0851] 2192a, 2192b: Stepped section

[0852] 2196: (Short-circuit rod connecting switch 2059) Connection action

[0853] 2197: Triggering action

[0854] 2198: The actions of a microcomputer

[0855] 2199: The operation of the motor

[0856] 2200: Terminal Department

[0857] 2200a: Vertical wall

[0858] 2200b: Horizontal wall

[0859] 2201:Abutment

[0860] 2201a: Upper surface

[0861] 2201c: concave part

[0862] 2202a, 2202b: Covering section

[0863] 2203b: Horizontal Maintenance Section

[0864] 2204a~2208a: Covering section

[0865] 2204b: Horizontal Maintenance Section

[0866] 2210: Separator

[0867] 2210a: Above

[0868] 2210c: Below

[0869] 2210d: the rear

[0870] 2220: Upper terminal component

[0871] 2230: Lower terminal component

[0872] 2240: Signal terminal parts

[0873] 2241: Base part

[0874] 2242: Bridging section

[0875] 2243: Right side view

[0876] 2243a: Extension

[0877] 2243b: Bending section

[0878] 2243c: Pruning part

[0879] 2244: Left side

[0880] 2245: Base of the wrist

[0881] 2245b: Cut groove

[0882] 2246: Base of the wrist

[0883] 2246b: Cut groove

[0884] 2249, 2250: Feet

[0885] 2250a, 2250b: Stepped section

[0886] 2251~2254: Wrist

[0887] 2256: Solder

[0888] 2260: Upper terminal component

[0889] 2261: Base part

[0890] 2262: Bridging section

[0891] 2262a: Stepped section

[0892] 2263: Right side view

[0893] 2263a: Bending section

[0894] 2264: Left side

[0895] 2264c: Enhanced surface

[0896] 2265: Wrist

[0897] 2265a: Planar part

[0898] 2265d: Fitting part

[0899] 2266: Wrist

[0900] 2267: Feet

[0901] 2280: Lower terminal component

[0902] 2281: Base part

[0903] 2282: Bridging section

[0904] 2283: Right side view

[0905] 2284: Left side

[0906] 2284c: Notch

[0907] 2285, 2286: Wrist

[0908] 2291: Incision site

[0909] 2380: Substrate cover

[0910] 2381a: Upper surface

[0911] 2386a: Step section

[0912] 2445: Partition

[0913] 2445a: Screw hole

[0914] 2445c, 2445d: convex part

[0915] 2445e: Plate section

[0916] 2446: Space

[0917] 2447a, 2447b: Screw base

[0918] 2450: Protrusion retainer

[0919] 2461, 2466: Lead-out plates

[0920] 2461a, 2466a: Lead-out lamina

[0921] 2461b: Terminal face

[0922] 2461c: Horizontal face

[0923] 2461d: Fuse section

[0924] 2461e: Notch

[0925] 2462, 2463, 2464, 2465: Connecting plates

[0926] 2462a, 2463a: A central protrusion is drawn out.

[0927] 2464a, 2465a: Connecting terminals

[0928] 2471, 2476: Lead-out plates

[0929] 2471a, 2476a: Lead-out lamina

[0930] 2471b: Terminal face

[0931] 2471c: Side view

[0932] 2471d: Horizontal face

[0933] 2471e: Fuse Section

[0934] 2471f, 2471g: Notch

[0935] 2471h: Heat dissipation section

[0936] 2472, 2473, 2474, 2475: Connecting plates

[0937] 2472a~2475a: Connecting terminals

[0938] 2482a, 2482b: Insulating sheets

[0939] 2496~2499: Lead wire

[0940] 2494b, 2496b~2498b: (lead wire) ends

[0941] 2500: Terminal holding component

[0942] 2501: Horizontal wall

[0943] 2501b: Vertical plane

[0944] 2502: Card Holder

[0945] 2503a~2503d: Curved ribs

[0946] 2504a, 2504b: Curved ribs

[0947] 2506: Stepped surface

[0948] 2510: Base part

[0949] 2510b: Bottom surface

[0950] 2515: Horizontal plane (horizontal wall)

[0951] 2516: concave part

[0952] 2516a, 2516b: Protrusions

[0953] 2522: Positive input terminal

[0954] 2524: T-terminal

[0955] 2525: V terminal

[0956] 2526: LS terminal

[0957] 2527: Negative input terminal

[0958] 2528: LD terminal

[0959] 2532: Hollow Section

[0960] 2550: Terminal holding component

[0961] 2551a: Horizontal plane

[0962] 2556: Stepped surface

[0963] 2560: Base part

[0964] 2565: Horizontal plane (guide plane)

[0965] 2572: Positive input terminal

[0966] 2577: Negative input terminal

[0967] 2582: Hollow Section

[0968] 2588b, 2588c: Terminal section

[0969] 2650, 2650A, 2650B: Terminal Unit

[0970] 2660, 2660A: Matrix

[0971] 2661b: Vertical wall

[0972] 2665: Horizontal plane

[0973] 2665a: (of a horizontal plane) lower surface

[0974] 2665b: convex part

[0975] 2666a, 2666b: Protrusions (Interlocking Parts)

[0976] 2672: Positive input terminal

[0977] 2677: Negative input terminal

[0978] 2680: Substrate cover

[0979] 2688b, 2688c: Terminal section

[0980] 2690: Cushioning material

[0981] 2692a, 2692c: (Second) Guiding section

[0982] 2692b: (First) Guiding section

[0983] 2695a, 2695b: Guide rails

[0984] 2697a, 2697b: Guiding Department

[0985] 2801: Power tool body

[0986] 2802: Casing

[0987] 2803: Grip section

[0988] 2804: Trigger switch

[0989] 2806: Motor

[0990] 2810: Battery Assembly Equipment Department

[0991] 2811a: Track groove

[0992] 2818: Installation direction

[0993] 2820: Terminal Department

[0994] 2820a: Vertical plane

[0995] 2820b: Horizontal plane

[0996] 2822: Positive input terminal

[0997] 2822a: Terminal section

[0998] 2822b: Connecting part

[0999] 2822c: Wiring terminal section

[1000] 2827: Negative Input Terminal

[1001] 2827a: Terminal section

[1002] 2827b: Connecting part

[1003] 2827c: Wiring terminal section

[1004] 2828: LD terminal

[1005] 2830: Power tool body

[1006] 2836: Motor

[1007] 2850: Terminal Department

[1008] 2852: Positive input terminal

[1009] 2852a: Terminal section

[1010] 2852c: Wiring terminal section

[1011] 2857: Negative Input Terminal

[1012] 2857a: Terminal section

[1013] 2857b: Connecting part

[1014] 2857c: Wiring terminal section

[1015] 2859: Shorting rod

[1016] 2859a: Horizontal section

[1017] 2859b, 2859c: Terminal section

[1018] 2860: Battery pack

[1019] 2861: Lower Surface

[1020] 2862: Upper surface

[1021] 2863: Elevated portion

[1022] 2864a, 2864b: Orbits

[1023] 2865: Latch button

[1024] 2872: Positive electrode side slot

[1025] 2877: Negative electrode side slot

[1026] 2878: Slot

[1027] 2882: Front positive end terminal

[1028] 2882b, 2882d: Wrist

[1029] 2882c, 2882e: Contact terminal section (fitting section)

[1030] 2887: Front negative end piece

[1031] 2892: Rear positive end piece

[1032] 2892a: Flat plate section

[1033] 2892b: Wrist

[1034] 2892c: Contact terminal section

[1035] 2897: Rear negative end piece Detailed Implementation

[1036] [Example 1]

[1037] Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described based on the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, in the following drawings, the same reference numerals will be used for the same parts, and repeated descriptions will be omitted. In this specification, the forward / backward direction and up / down direction of the power tool body, or the battery pack mounting direction, as well as the forward / backward direction and up / down direction when viewed from the perspective of a single battery pack unit, will be described as shown in the drawings. Furthermore, the battery pack mounting direction will be described based on the condition that the battery pack is moved without moving the power tool body or the electric machine body, for ease of explanation.

[1038] Figure 1This diagram illustrates the installation of the battery pack into the power tool according to this embodiment. A power tool, as a type of electric machine, is a tool that uses a battery pack and a front-end tool such as a drill bit to fasten bolts, nuts, screws, etc., and is thus called an impact tool. The power tool body 30 is a tool that performs tightening operations on bolts or nuts (not shown) by applying rotational force or axial impact force to a front-end tool such as a socket wrench (not shown). These power tool bodies 1 and 30 have housings 2 and 32 that form the outer frame, and gripping portions 3 and 33 are formed in the housings 2 and 32. The operator performs work by holding the power tool body 1 or 30 with one hand, or by using one hand while simultaneously using the other. The power tool body 1 and 30 are powered by direct current supplied from the battery pack 15 or battery pack 100, driving a motor (not shown) housed inside the housings 2 and 32. A trigger-shaped action switch 4 and a trigger-shaped action switch 34 are provided near the gripping part 3 and a part of the gripping part 33 that the operator's index finger touches when gripping. A battery assembly part 10 and a battery assembly part 40 for mounting the battery pack 15 and the battery pack 100 are formed below the gripping part 3 and the gripping part 33.

[1039] The power tool body 1 is a motorized machine that uses a battery pack 15 with a rated voltage of 36V. Therefore, the battery pack 15 can be installed in the battery assembly section 10 of the corresponding 36V motorized machine (power tool body 1) as shown by arrow a. On the other hand, the power tool body 30 requires a high voltage of 108V, which is the same level as commercial voltage. As shown by arrow b1, a battery pack 100 capable of outputting 108V is installed in the battery assembly section 40. Inside the battery pack 100 capable of outputting high voltage, there are 30 cells of lithium-ion batteries with a rated voltage of 3.6V. As described above, the power tool body 1 and the power tool body 30 are usually equipped with dedicated battery packs 15 and 100 corresponding to the rated voltage. However, in this embodiment, the battery pack 100 is configured to output at low voltages as well as to support multiple voltages. Therefore, the battery pack 100 can also be installed in the power tool body 1 corresponding to 36V, as shown by arrow b2. In order to enable the battery pack 100 to be installed on the power tool body 1 and power tool body 30 with different voltages, as shown by arrows b1 and b2, it is important that the battery assembly mounting section 10 and the battery assembly mounting section 40 have approximately the same shape and that the voltage of the battery pack 100 can be switched. Furthermore, it is important that the battery pack 100 cannot be installed if the voltage set for the battery pack 100 does not correspond to the voltage of the installed electric motor or power tool.

[1040] Figure 2This is a perspective view showing the shape of the battery assembly unit 10 of the power tool body 1. Not limited to power tools, all electric machines using battery packs have a battery assembly unit 10 that matches the installed battery pack, and it is configured so that unsuitable battery packs cannot be installed. In the battery assembly unit 10, track grooves 11a and 11b extending parallel in the front-back direction are formed on the inner walls of the left and right sides, and a terminal part 20 is provided between them. The terminal part 20 is manufactured by integral molding of a non-conductive material such as synthetic resin, and three metal terminals are firmly fixed therein by casting: a positive input terminal 21, a negative input terminal 22, and a laser diode (LD) terminal 23 (abnormal signal terminal). The LD terminal 23 (abnormal signal terminal) functions as a signal terminal for inputting or outputting information or signals. The terminal 20 not only has a vertical surface 20a that serves as a contact surface in the mounting direction (front-to-back direction), but also a horizontal surface (the upper surface when viewed from terminals 21 to 23) 20b. When the battery pack 100 is installed, the horizontal surface 20b becomes flush with the upper surface 115 (via...). Figure 7 (To be described later) The sliding surface. A curved portion 12 is formed on the front side of the horizontal surface 20b, which abuts against the raised portion 132 of the battery pack 100. A protrusion 24 is formed near the center of the left and right sides of the curved portion 12. The protrusion 24 is a screw base for the housing of the power tool body 1, which is formed by dividing it into two parts in the left and right direction, and is fixed from the left and right directions by screws 26 and nuts. Furthermore, the protrusion 24 also functions as a stop to restrict the relative movement of the battery pack 100 toward the installation direction. The width S1 of the protrusion 24 in the left and right direction is the width corresponding to the stop portion (described later) formed on the side of the battery pack 100.

[1041] Figure 3 The diagram shows another power tool body, 30A, corresponding to 108V. Figure 3 (1) is a side view of the device powered by power line 90. Figure 3 (2) is a bottom view of the battery assembly unit 40. Figure 3 Figure (3) shows the shape of the power cord 90 and the connector 93. The motor used in the power tool body 30A is a brushless motor of the same specification as AC 100V, for example, generated by an inverter circuit (via... Figure 4The brushless direct current (DC) motor is driven by the battery pack 100. Therefore, the inverter circuit receives either a 108V DC output from the battery pack 100 or a commercial power supply such as 100V AC (60Hz) after rectification by the rectifier circuit described later. By increasing the output voltage of the battery pack 100 to the same level as the commercial voltage, a high-output power tool body 30A that operates on both the battery pack and commercial voltage and is compatible with both AC and DC power supplies can be realized. The power cord 90 of the power tool body 30A has two terminals 92a and 92b on one side of the connecting wire 94 and has a plug portion 91 for mounting to a commercial power supply socket. On the other side, a connector portion 93 is formed for connecting to the power tool body 30A. In this embodiment, the portion of the connector portion 93 is located within the battery assembly mounting portion 40 after the battery pack 100 has been removed. That is, when the power cord 90 is connected to the power tool body 30A, the battery pack 100 needs to be removed from the power tool body 30A; conversely, when the battery pack 100 is installed in the power tool body 30A, the power cord 90 needs to be removed.

[1042] Figure 3 (2) is a view of the battery assembly section 40 of the power tool body 30A from below, and is a view from below. Figure 3 (1) Arrow view in direction A. This figure shows the state after both the battery pack 100 and the power cord 90 have been removed. In the battery pack mounting section 40, the battery pack 100 is mounted by sliding from the rear to the front (from right to left in the figure). Therefore, in the mounting surface 40a, an opening is formed on the upstream side in the mounting direction, and two track grooves 48a and 48b are formed on the side side. In addition, a recessed portion 40b is formed in an upward recessed manner on the upstream side (rear side portion) of the opening portion. Near the approximate center of the portion of the mounting surface 40a sandwiched by the track grooves 48a and 48b, a terminal portion 41 is provided for connection to the positive or negative terminal of the battery pack 100. In this embodiment, an AC socket 49 is provided in the portion slightly rear of the terminal portion 41. In the AC socket 49, pin-shaped first terminal 49a, second terminal 49b, and third terminal 49c are formed in the circumferential direction.

[1043] Figure 3(3) is a diagram showing the shape of the connector 93 of the power cord 90. The left side is a view of the connector 93 viewed from the outside along the length direction, and the right side is a side view showing the overall shape of the power cord 90 including the connector 93. A male thread is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the connector body 93a. On the outer peripheral side of the male thread, a cylindrical fixing screw 93b is held in a state where it can rotate relative to the connector and its axial movement is restricted. The connector 93 is circular in shape. In the inner peripheral part, three female terminals are arranged side by side in the circumferential direction: terminal 1 95a, terminal 2 95b, and terminal 3 95c. Here, only terminals 1 49a and 2 49b need to be wired for supplying commercial power. Terminal 3 49c can be left unwired in the power tool body 30A or used as a grounding wire. The fixing screw 93b secures the power cord 90 so that it will not detach from the power tool body 30A. The female thread on the inner circumference of the fixing screw 93b engages with the male thread formed on the outer circumference of the AC socket 49. Thus, after the connector body 93a is inserted into the AC socket 49, the fixing screw 93b is screwed in so that it engages with the male thread on the AC socket 49 side, thereby securing the power cord 90 so that it will not detach from the power tool body 30A.

[1044] Next, based on Figure 4 The structure and function of the drive control system for motor 35 are explained. Figure 4 This is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the drive control system for motor 35. In the power tool of this embodiment, an inverter circuit 70 generates an excitation current using direct current supplied from the battery pack 100. This excitation current flows through a predetermined coil of motor 35 while being switched, thereby causing the brushless motor 35 to rotate. The input from the battery pack 100 is received via the positive input terminal 81 connected to the positive terminal 161 of the battery pack 100 and the negative input terminal 82 connected to the negative terminal 162 of the battery pack 100. The motor 35 may be an inner rotor type, comprising: a rotor 35a, comprising multiple sets (two sets in this embodiment) of permanent magnets (magnets) including N and S poles; a stator 35b, comprising three-phase stator windings U, V, and W connected in a star configuration; and three rotational position detection elements (Hall elements) 65 for detecting the rotational position of the rotor 35a, arranged at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction, for example, at 60° intervals. These outputs are converted into a pulse train by the rotational position detection circuit 53 and output to the arithmetic unit 51. The speed detection circuit 54 uses the output of the rotational position detection circuit 53 to detect the speed of the motor 35 and outputs it to the arithmetic unit 51. The arithmetic unit 51 uses these outputs to determine the direction and duration of energization toward the stator windings U, V, and W.

[1045] The control signal output circuit 52, based on the output signals of the applied voltage setting circuit 58 and the rotation position detection circuit 53, generates drive signals for switching specified switching elements Q1 to Q6 under the instruction of the arithmetic unit 51, and outputs the drive signals to the inverter circuit 70. The inverter circuit 70 includes six switching elements Q1 to Q6, such as insulated gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs), connected in a three-phase bridge configuration. The gates of each of the switching elements Q1 to Q6 are connected to the control signal output circuit 52, and each emitter or collector is connected to the stator windings U, V, and W connected in a star configuration. Thus, the six switching elements Q1 to Q6 switch and operate by the switching element drive signals (H1 to H6, etc.) input from the control signal output circuit 52, changing the DC voltage applied to the battery pack 100 of the inverter circuit 70 into a three-phase (U-phase, V-phase, and W-phase) voltage V. U Voltage V V Voltage V W The form is applied to stator windings U, V, and W.

[1046] The arithmetic unit 51 sets the trigger 34A (or...) for operating the action switch 56 via the switch operation detection circuit 57. Figure 1 The presence or absence of operation of the operating switches 4 and 34 is determined by a signal from the applied voltage setting circuit 58, which varies according to the magnitude of the operation (stroke), causing the pulse width modulation (PWM) signal to change its pulse width (duty cycle). This change is then transmitted via the control signal output circuit 52 to drive the gates of the six switching elements Q1 to Q6. This drive control adjusts the power supply to the motor 35 and controls its start / stop and rotation speed. Here, the PWM signal is supplied to any one of the positive power supply side switching elements Q1 to Q3 or the negative power supply side switching elements Q4 to Q6 of the inverter circuit 70, causing rapid switching of either Q1 to Q3 or Q4 to Q6. This controls the amount of electricity supplied from the DC voltage of the battery pack 100 to each stator winding U, stator winding V, and stator winding W.

[1047] Although not shown, the arithmetic unit 51 is configured to include a microcomputer for outputting drive signals based on processing programs and data. The arithmetic unit 51 includes a read-only memory (ROM) for storing processing programs or control data, a random access memory (RAM) for temporarily storing data, a timer, etc. The voltage across the capacitor 61 is detected by the voltage detection circuit 59 as the input power supply voltage and output to the arithmetic unit 51.

[1048] The power tool body 30A can be powered not only by the battery pack 100 but also by the power cord 90. The first terminal 49a and the second terminal 49b of the AC input port 49 provided in the power tool body 30A are connected to the input side of the diode bridge 60. The diode bridge 60 is a rectifier circuit that uses four rectifier diodes to perform full-wave rectification, allowing current to flow to only one of them, thus converting AC voltage to DC voltage. The output of the diode bridge 60 is connected to the inverter circuit 70. The output of the diode bridge 60 is a pulsating current, so a smoothing circuit can be placed between the diode bridge 60 and the inverter circuit 70. The magnitude of the current flowing in the inverter circuit 70 can be measured using a shunt resistor 62 and a current detection circuit 55. This value is fed back to the arithmetic unit 51 for adjustment, thereby applying the set drive power to the motor 35.

[1049] Figure 5 This diagram illustrates the connection configuration of the power cord 90 toward the power tool body 30. Figure 5 (1) is a connection example of the power tool body 30A. Figure 5 (2) and Figure 5 (3) is a diagram showing a connection example of its variation. Figure 5 (2) and Figure 5 Figure (3) shows the power tool body 30B and power tool body 30C, which are variations of the present embodiment. Figure 5 In the embodiment shown in (1), an AC socket 49 is provided in the battery assembly unit 40 (see reference). Figure 3Therefore, the power cord 90 cannot be installed when the battery pack 100 is installed. Furthermore, the battery pack 100 must be removed when the power cord 90 is installed. By providing an AC outlet 49 for the power cord 90 in a location inaccessible when the battery pack 100 is installed, the power supply from the battery pack 100 can be effectively separated from the power supply from the power cord 90. Additionally, the power tool body 30 is equipped with a brushless motor with a rated input voltage of 100V or higher, allowing it to be driven by either commercial AC power or the battery pack 100, thus enabling an AC / DC compatible power tool.

[1050] The power cord 90 is shaped to a length sufficient to allow the operator to work while holding the power tool body 30A's grip 33 with one hand. However, for temporary work where the power cord 90 is insufficient in length, the power cord 90 can be removed and the battery pack 100 installed, allowing for equivalent work without worrying about a reduction in the power tool body 30A's output. Furthermore, Figure 5 The connection method of the power cord 90 toward the power tool body 30A in the configuration shown in (1) has the following advantages: When operating with AC power, the battery pack 100 must be removed, thus reducing the weight of the power tool body 30A. Furthermore, when switching from operation using the power cord 90 to operation using the battery pack 100, the battery pack 100 cannot be installed without removing the power cord 90, thus effectively preventing the forgetting to remove the power cord 90. In addition, when the battery pack 100 is installed, the AC socket 49 is not exposed to the outside, thus greatly reducing the risk of the AC socket 49 being exposed to dust or water, and eliminating the need for a cover to cover the AC socket 49.

[1051] Figure 5 (2) is Figure 5 In a modified example of the power tool body 30A (1), the power tool body 30B is positioned such that the AC socket 49A is located at a point on the lower surface of the power tool body 30B's housing, further forward than the battery pack 100. With this configuration, the power cord 90 can be connected while the battery pack 100 is installed. In this embodiment, the output voltage of the battery pack 100 is 108V when connected to DC, and commercial AC power is 100V to 200V; therefore, the outputs of both can be used to drive the power tool body 30B. Since both power sources are available, using commercial AC power supplied from the power cord 90 is preferable as it prevents the battery pack 100 from discharging. Therefore, in Figure 5 The power tool body 30B of (2) is provided with an input automatic switching component, which enables the use of the commercial AC power side when both the battery pack 100 and commercial AC power are available.

[1052] Figure 6 (1) is Figure 5 The circuit block diagram of the drive control system of the power tool body 30B shown in (2) is essentially the same as... Figure 4 The circuit shown is the same, but a switching element 66, such as an IGBT (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor), is placed between the input line from the positive terminal of the battery pack 100. The gate signal of the switching element 66 is connected to a control signal line 66a from the arithmetic unit 51, and the arithmetic unit 51 controls the connection or disconnection between the source and drain terminals of the switching element 66. Additionally, a battery voltage detection circuit 67 for monitoring the voltage of the battery pack 100 and a commercial power supply detection circuit 68 for monitoring the presence (or voltage) of AC voltage are provided, and their respective outputs are input to the arithmetic unit 51. When the commercial power supply 99 is available, the arithmetic unit 51 disconnects the gate signal of the switching element 66, thereby cutting off the input circuit from the battery pack 100. On the other hand, if the commercial power supply 99 becomes unavailable, the arithmetic unit 51 turns on the gate signal of the switching element 66, thereby connecting the input circuit from the battery pack 100. By configuring the circuit in this way, when the battery pack 100 is connected to the power tool body 30B, it supplies DC 108V (rated). If it is connected to an AC socket via the power cord 90 in this state, it automatically switches to AC power supply. If the power cord 90 is disconnected, it automatically switches to being driven by the battery pack 100. Therefore, the power tool body 30B can be made very convenient to use. In addition, there is no need to worry about the installation and removal of the battery pack 100 or the connection status of the power cord 90, especially when one is connected and the other is forgotten to be disconnected. Therefore, the installation and removal of the battery pack 100 is also easy.

[1053] Back to Figure 5 . Figure 5 (3) is another variation of the power tool body 30C of this embodiment. The power tool body 30C is similar to the power tool body 30C in that it can be AC ​​driven via both the DC 108V battery pack 100 and the power cord 90. Figure 5 (1) Figure 5 The same as (2), but the power cord 90 is connected via a connector 75. Here, the connector 75 is a so-called dummy case used to connect the two output wires from the power cord 90 to the positive input terminal 81 and the negative input terminal 82 of the battery pack 100. The connector 75 does not house the battery unit. On the lower surface of the connector 75, there is a [missing information - likely a typo]. Figure 3The AC socket 49 shown in (2) has the same shape as the AC socket 49. The first terminal 49a of the AC socket 49 is connected to the positive input terminal 81 via power line 76a, and the second terminal 49b is connected to the negative input terminal 82 via power line 76b. In addition, in the above case, Figure 4 The input path of the battery pack 100 in the block diagram shown is changed so that when the battery pack 100 is used, it is also connected to the inverter circuit 70 via the diode bridge 60. Figure 6 (2) shows the circuit.

[1054] Here, the positive terminal 161 and negative terminal 162 of the adapter 75 are installed in the input terminals 81 and 82 of the diode bridge 60. Since the battery pack 100 is DC 108V, connection via the diode bridge 60 is not a problem. Furthermore, even with the positive terminal 161 and negative terminal 162 of the adapter 75 installed, the AC current is rectified by the diode bridge 60, thus enabling the inverter circuit 70 to operate and drive the motor 35. In this embodiment, a brushless DC motor is driven via the DC input of 108V and the inverter circuit 70; however, the type of motor used is not limited to a brushless motor, but can also be other motors driven at approximately AC 100V to 120V, such as AC rectifier motors. With this configuration, power tools using AC rectifiers can also be driven by the battery pack 100, easily realizing AC / DC compatible power tools.

[1055] Next, use Figures 7-9 The battery pack 100, which can switch the output circuit to 36V and 108V, will be described. Figure 7 This is a perspective view showing the external shape of the battery pack 100. The frame of the battery pack 100 includes a lower outer shell 101, which is divided vertically and fixed by four screws (not shown). The upper outer shell 110 has a mounting section with two tracks 138a and 138b formed for mounting to the battery assembly mounting section 40. The tracks 138a and 138b are parallel to the mounting direction of the battery pack 100 and are formed parallel to the left and right sides of the upper outer shell 110. The tracks 138a and 138b are parallel to the track grooves 48a and 48b formed in the battery assembly mounting section 40 of the power tool body 30 (see reference). Figure 3Correspondingly, (2) is formed such that the battery pack 100 is fixed to the power tool body 30 by the operation of the latch mechanism when the rails 138a and 138b are engaged with the rail grooves 48a and 48b. A flat lower stepped surface 111 is formed on the front side of the upper outer shell 110, and an upper stepped surface 115, which is higher than the lower stepped surface 111, is formed near the center. The connection between the lower stepped surface 111 and the upper stepped surface 115 is formed as a stepped portion 112, and the area from the stepped portion 112 to the front side of the upper stepped surface 115 is a slot group configuration area 120 (see reference). Figure 7 (2)). Multiple slots (121-124) extending rearward from the front step portion 112 are formed in the slot group configuration area 120. Here, a positive terminal insertion port 121 is arranged on the side near the left track 138b, and a negative terminal insertion port 122 is formed on the side near the right track 138a. A low voltage switching member insertion port 123 and a high voltage switching member insertion port 124 are formed in the portion sandwiched between the positive terminal insertion port 121 and the negative terminal insertion port 122. Metal positive and negative terminals, which are not visible in the figure, are arranged inside the positive terminal insertion port 121 and the negative terminal insertion port 122. In addition, a voltage switching component described later is arranged in the portion (the internal space of the upper housing 110) that overlaps with the positions of the low voltage switching member insertion port 123 and the high voltage switching member insertion port 124. In addition, in Figure 7 The diagram shows only four slots (121-124) in the slot group configuration area 120, and slots other than the four are not shown, but slots for accommodating other connection terminals may also be formed. In addition, as mentioned above, terminals or voltage switching components (e.g., switching terminals) are arranged in the internal space of the upper housing 110 where the slot group configuration area 120 is located, so the slot group configuration area 120 becomes a terminal configuration area.

[1056] On the rear side of the upper stepped surface 115, a raised portion 132 is formed. The raised portion 132 protrudes further upward than the upper stepped surface 115, and a recessed stop portion 131 is formed near its center. The stop portion 131 becomes a protrusion 24 for mounting the battery pack 100 to the battery pack mounting portion 10 (see reference). Figure 2 When the protrusion 24 on the side of the power tool body 1 abuts against the stop 131, the plurality of terminals 21 to 23 provided on the power tool body 1 (see reference) Figure 2The battery pack 100 is in a conductive state by contacting the terminal group disposed thereon. Inside the stop portion 131, a slit 134, connected to the interior of the battery pack 100, serves as a cooling air inlet. Furthermore, the locking portion of the latch 141 of the battery pack 100 protrudes vertically outward from the lower part of the tracks 138a and 138b by the action of a spring, and engages with a recess (not shown) formed in the track grooves 48a and 48b of the power tool body 30, thereby preventing the battery pack 100 from falling off. When the battery pack 100 is installed in the power tool body 1, the slit 134 is covered in a manner not visible from the outside. The slit 134 is a vent used to force cooling air into the interior of the battery pack 100 when the battery pack 100 is connected to a charger (not shown) for charging; when installed in the power tool body 30, the cooling air inlet 134 is closed.

[1057] exist Figure 7 In (1), the terminal portion 20A on the side of the power tool body 1 driven by 36V is formed by fixing the metal positive input terminal 21 and negative input terminal 22 to a terminal mounting portion made of synthetic resin. Here, a switching protrusion 24A is further formed for switching the output of the battery pack 100 to the low voltage side. The switching protrusion 24A is a switching element integrally formed with the base portion of the terminal portion 20A and is made of synthetic resin. The switching protrusion 24A itself is only used to rotate the terminal base 171 (see reference 171). Figure 9 The mobile part is not used as a terminal for transmitting electricity or signals, so it does not need to be made of conductive material and can be integrally formed with the base part of the terminal part using the same insulating material.

[1058] Figure 7 (2) shows the state of the terminal section 80 installed on the side of the power tool body 30 driven by 108V. The terminal section 80 is formed by fixing the metal positive input terminal 81 and negative input terminal 82 to a base portion made of synthetic resin. Here, a switching protrusion 84 is formed for switching the output of the battery pack 100 to the high voltage side. The switching protrusion 84 is a component integrally formed with the base portion of the terminal section 80 and is made of synthetic resin. According to this embodiment, the external shape of the battery pack 100 is the same under both 36V and 108V output. The operator can select (switch) the output voltage most suitable for the installed power tool body simply by installing it on the 36V or 108V power tool body without having to pay attention to the setting of the output voltage of the battery pack 100.

[1059] Figure 8The perspective view showing the appearance of the unit group 150 shows that the unit group 150 is housed inside the battery pack 100 and is formed by stacking multiple units 151 together into a group. Figure 8 (1) is a three-dimensional diagram. Figure 8 (2) is a side view taken from the axial direction of unit 151. Here, a total of 30 units 151, referred to as size 14500, with a diameter of 14 mm and a length of 50 mm, and containing a rechargeable secondary battery, are stacked. Three unit assemblies 156 to 158 are formed by assemblies of 10 units 151 each. Within each unit assembly 156 to 158, the units 151 are stacked in a manner parallel to each other along their axes A1, and are arranged with adjacent units 151 facing alternately opposite directions. The positive and negative terminals of adjacent units 151 are connected by a metal plate 159 to form 10 units connected in series. The outermost cylindrical portion of the stacked units 151 is covered by a separator 152 made of synthetic resin as an insulator, thereby keeping the units 151 from moving relative to the separator 152. When a lithium-ion battery (with a rated output of 3.6V per cell) is used as unit 151, a rated output of 36V can be obtained from each unit assembly 156 to unit assembly 158. Therefore, by connecting the positive output (positive terminal) and negative output (negative terminal) of unit assembly 156 to unit assembly 158 in parallel, the output from the battery pack 100 can be used as a power supply for a large 36V capacitor. On the other hand, if the positive and negative outputs of unit assembly 156 to unit assembly 158 are connected in series, it can be used as a high-voltage power supply of 108V.

[1060] If 30 cells 14500 are stacked, the axial length is 50 mm, the width (orthogonal to the axial direction) is 124.8 mm, and the height (orthogonal to the axial direction) is 57.3 mm. Furthermore, each cell 151 weighs approximately 23 g, therefore the total weight of the cells 151 is 690 g. Regarding volume, the volume occupied by each cell 151 is 230,907 mm². 3 The volume occupied by partition 152 is 67,392 mm². 3 The total volume is 298,299 mm. 3Therefore, the overall weight of the battery pack 100 can be limited to less than 800g or 21 pounds. Currently, the lithium-ion batteries widely used in power tool battery packs are so-called 18650 size batteries. The 18650 size refers to a battery with a diameter of 18mm, a length of 65mm, and a volume slightly more than twice that of the 14500 size. The weight is twice that of a 14500 size cell, which is 46g. If 30 18650 size cells are stacked to obtain DC 108V, the weight of the cells alone becomes 1380g, making the battery pack itself heavy. Therefore, it becomes an impractical size and weight for power tools that can be operated with one hand.

[1061] According to experiments conducted by the inventors, the upper limit for a user to comfortably perform tasks with one hand is within 2 kg or 51 kg of the total weight of the power tool after the battery pack is installed. Therefore, it is difficult to achieve a portable power tool that can be operated with one hand when using 30 18650-sized cells to obtain a 108V output. In this embodiment, by stacking 14500-sized lithium-ion batteries, which are the same size as so-called AA dry cell batteries, a power tool with high voltage can be achieved while maintaining portability. According to the battery pack 100 of this embodiment, an output voltage of 100V or more, equivalent to AC power, can be reliably ensured, and the unit weight of its cell pack 150 can be suppressed to 0.69 kg. A current of about 15A can be obtained from the lithium-ion batteries, so the power-to-weight ratio of the battery pack can be reset to a value of 100V×15A / 0.69kg = 2173W / kg or more and 100V / 0.69kg = 144V / kg or more.

[1062] Figure 9(1) is a diagram showing the state when the battery pack 100 is installed in a power tool body or electric machine body rated at 36V. The battery pack 100 includes a voltage switching mechanism 170 for switching between parallel or series connection of the outputs of unit components 156 to 158. The voltage switching mechanism 170, which is the element for switching the output voltage of the battery pack 100, includes a rotating terminal base 171 that is pivotally supported by a swing shaft 172 fixed to a base plate 160. It is provided in the terminal configuration area where power supply connection terminals are arranged in the installation direction of the battery pack 100. The rotating terminal base 171 is a component in which a plurality of square rod-shaped connection terminals 173a to 173d are provided in a component extending in two directions from the swing shaft 172, so that a plurality of contacts located on the inner periphery of the connection terminals 173a to 173d are short-circuited or opened with contacts located on the outer periphery. The rotating terminal base 171 functions as an operating part for a switch used to change the output voltage of the battery pack 100. The rotating terminal base 171 is made of synthetic resin, and two metal connection terminals 173a and 173d are cast on each side of the swing shaft 172 with a gap between them. On the side near the negative terminal 162, connection terminals 173a and 173b are arranged with their surfaces exposed on the side facing the substrate 160. On the side near the positive terminal 161, connection terminals 173c and 173d are arranged with their surfaces exposed on the side facing the substrate 160.

[1063] The substrate 160 is used to fix the positive terminal 161 and the negative terminal 162, and to configure a plurality of electrodes (contacts) 176a to 176j for establishing or changing the electrical connection path from the terminals toward the unit assemblies 156 to 158. A plurality of contacts 176a to 176j are provided in an area on the upper part of the substrate 160 that partially overlaps with the rotation area of ​​the rotating terminal base 171. The electrical connection path from the positive terminal 161 to the negative terminal 162 is changed by contacting any of these contacts 176a to 176j with the connection terminals 173a to 173d exposed to the lower surface of the rotating terminal base 171. The plurality of contacts 176a to 176j and the connection terminals 173a to 173d function as a switching switch operated by an operating section for switching the output voltage of the battery pack 100. In the 36V power tool body 1, a switching protrusion 24A is formed in the terminal section 20A. The switching protrusion 24A functions as a switching element or connecting element that abuts against the operating section and switches the output voltage, and is inserted into the third slot 123 or the third slot 124 located between the first slot 121 for inserting the positive input terminal and the second slot 122 for inserting the negative input terminal. When the battery pack 100 is installed in the power tool body, the switching protrusion 24A pushes the rotating terminal base 171 at the position of arrow 25, thereby causing the rotating terminal base 171 to rotate counterclockwise when viewed from above. Figure 9 The position shown in (1). In this state, it can be understood that connecting terminal 173a short-circuits electrode (contact) 176d and electrode (contact) 176b, and connecting terminal 173b short-circuits electrode (contact) 176e and electrode (contact) 176c. Similarly, it can be understood that connecting terminal 173c short-circuits contact 176i and contact 176g, and connecting terminal 173d short-circuits contact 176j and contact 176h.

[1064] Figure 9 (2) shows as follows Figure 9The connection state is such that the rotating terminal base 171 rotates counterclockwise when viewed from above by switching the protrusion 24A. The + side output of unit component 156 is directly connected to the positive terminal 161. The + side output of unit component 157 is connected to contact 176b, and the + side output of unit component 158 ​​is connected to contact 176g. The - side output of unit component 156 is connected to contact 176e, the - side output of unit component 157 is connected to contact 176j, and the - side output of unit component 158 ​​is directly connected to the negative terminal 162. In this state, contacts 176d and 176b, contacts 176e and 176c, contacts 176i and 176g, and contacts 176j and 176h are connected. As a result, unit components 156 to 158 are connected in parallel, outputting a rated 36V DC between the positive terminal 161 and the negative terminal 162.

[1065] Figure 10 (1) is a diagram showing the state when the battery pack 100 is installed in a power tool body or electric machine body rated at 108V. In a power tool rated at 108V, a switching protrusion 84 is formed in the terminal part 80, while no protrusion is formed at the position of the switching protrusion 24A in the terminal part 20 of a 36V machine. The switching protrusion 84 functions as a switching element or connecting element that abuts against the operating part and switches the output voltage, and is inserted into the third slot 124 located between the first slot 121 for inserting the positive input terminal and the second slot 122 for inserting the negative input terminal. In this state, if the battery pack 100 is installed on the power tool body or electric machine body, the positive input terminal 81 contacts the positive terminal 161, and the negative input terminal 82 contacts the negative terminal 162. Simultaneously, by switching the protrusion 84 (as shown by arrow 84a) into contact with one arm of the rotating terminal base 171, the rotating terminal base 171 is rotated clockwise when viewed from above. This rotation switches the connection relationship between the connection terminals 173a to 173d and the contacts 176a to 176j of the rotating terminal base 171. Figure 10 (2) indicates the connection state after switching. Here, the position of the rotating terminal base 171 is determined by... Figure 9 (2) Switch to Figure 10(2) Contacts 176d and 176a, 176e and 176b, 176i and 176f, and 176j and 176g are connected. As a result, unit components 156 to 158 are connected in series, and a rated DC voltage of 108V is output from the positive terminal 161 and the negative terminal 162. Alternatively, a stop mechanism or a latching mechanism may be provided in the swing shaft 172 of the rotating terminal base 171, which serves as the swing member, so that the swing member will not swing unless a specified or greater rotational torque is applied to it by the switching protrusion 24A or the switching protrusion 84. In addition, since contacts 176a and 176f are electrodes that are not connected to either position, they can be removed to increase the electrode spacing between contacts 176b and 176c, and between contacts 176g and 176h, thereby reducing the risk of short circuits between adjacent electrodes during switching.

[1066] According to this embodiment, even in cordless power tools, the same high voltage as that of commercially powered power tools can be obtained from the battery pack 100, thereby enabling high-output portable power tools or electric machines. Furthermore, although the number of cells is increased to improve voltage, because 30 14500-size lithium cells are used instead of 18650-size cells, it achieves both high output and small, lightweight design, increasing the power-to-weight ratio. Moreover, the battery pack 100 of this embodiment switches the connection of cell assembly 156 to cell assembly 158 by arranging a voltage switching element (voltage switching mechanism 170) inside the battery pack 100 to switch between parallel and series connections, thereby enabling output switching between 36V and 108V, thus allowing the operation of widely used 36V rated power tools or electric machines. Furthermore, in the battery pack 100 of this embodiment, the voltage switching mechanism 170, which functions as a voltage switching element, is positioned at approximately the same height as the positive terminal 161 and the negative terminal 162, which function as power terminals, so that the vertical dimensions of the battery pack 100 can be compactly configured.

[1067] [Example 2]

[1068] Next, use Figures 11-14 The second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the second embodiment, a battery pack 200 that can switch the output voltage to two levels, a low-voltage side of 36V and a high-voltage side of 108V, is provided in the same manner as in the first embodiment. Figure 11 A perspective view showing the shape of the battery pack 200 and the terminal portion connected to it. Figure 11 (1) indicates the state when connected to a motor machine rated at 36V. Figure 11(2) indicates the state when connected to a motor machine rated at 108V. Regarding the external shape of the battery pack 200, except for a portion (the shape near the configuration area of ​​the slot group), it is basically the same as... Figures 1 to 8 The battery pack 100 shown in the first embodiment has the same shape.

[1069] The battery pack 200 houses 30 14500-sized lithium-ion battery cells 151 within a housing formed by joining a lower housing 201 to an upper housing 210. If a larger housing is permissible, 18650-sized cells can be used, or cells of other shapes or sizes can be used. A mounting mechanism is formed in the upper housing 210 of the battery pack 200 for mounting towards the power tool body 1 or power tool body 30, and its configuration or shape is similar to... Figure 7 The battery pack 100 of the first embodiment shown has a similar shape. A lower stepped surface 211 for guiding the terminal portion on the motor side and an upper stepped surface 215 disposed on its upper side are formed in the upper outer casing 210. Multiple terminal insertion slots (slots) are formed in the stepped portion 212 that forms the boundary between the lower stepped surface 211 and the upper stepped surface 215. Track portions 238a and 238b are formed on the left and right edges of the upper stepped surface 215, which engage with the slots on the motor body side, i.e., track slots. Here, five terminal insertion slots are shown in the left-right direction, but the number of terminal insertion slots is arbitrary and can be further increased. A raised portion 240 is formed on the upper side of the upper stepped surface 215, and latch portions 241 are provided on the left and right sides of the raised portion 240. The latch portions 241 are linked to latch claws 241a.

[1070] Figure 11 (1) shows the case where it is connected to a 36V rated electric motor body, power tool body 1, etc. The terminal portion 270 provided on the side of the electric motor body 1 has a narrow width in the left-right direction, and the battery pack 200 is moved such that the positive input terminal 271 and the negative input terminal 272 are inserted into the two terminal insertion ports 222 and 224 near the center. The positive input terminal 271 and the negative input terminal 272 are connected to the switching terminals of the battery pack 200 described later, and function as switching elements or connecting elements for switching the output voltage of the battery pack 200 to a low voltage, and also function as low voltage connecting elements for connecting multiple unit components in parallel with each other. Figure 11(2) shows the case where it is connected to a 108V rated electric motor body, power tool body 30, etc. The terminal portion 280 of the power tool body 30 has a wider width in the left-right direction than the terminal portion 270, and the area therebetween is called the terminal configuration area. In the terminal configuration area, there are positive input terminals 281 and negative input terminals 282 arranged near the left and right ends, and a connecting element 283 is formed at approximately the center in the left-right direction. If the battery pack 200 is installed in the power tool body 30, the positive input terminals 281 and negative input terminals 282 are inserted into terminal insertion ports 221 and 225, and the connecting element 283 is inserted into terminal insertion port 223.

[1071] Figure 12 This is a circuit diagram showing the connection of the battery pack 200. The battery pack 200 houses three unit components 156 to 158. Unit components 156 to 158 are connected in... Figure 8 The unit group 150 shown is formed in the form of a partition 152 and is held in place by the partition 152, and each of the ten 14500-cell lithium-ion battery cells 151 is connected in series. Additionally, it should be noted that... Figure 12 The 10 units are grouped together to form a battery. In the terminal insertion slots (slots) 221 to 225 for inserting the input terminals on the terminal sections 270 and 280, one to four connection terminals are arranged side-by-side in the insertion direction of the terminal sections 270 and 280, respectively. This group of connection terminals serves as a voltage switching element for switching between parallel and series connections of the battery pack 200. The group formed by terminal insertion slots 222 and 224 corresponds to the 36V terminal section 270, and a switching terminal group (terminal group 232 and terminal group 234) for outputting low voltage is arranged here. The positive input terminal 271 is installed in contact with each terminal of terminal group 232, and the negative input terminal 272 is installed in contact with each terminal of terminal group 234.

[1072] The group consisting of terminal insertion ports 221 and 225 corresponds to the 108V terminal section 280, where a switching terminal group (terminals 231 and 235) for outputting high voltage is arranged. The positive input terminal 281 is installed in contact with terminal 231, and the negative input terminal 282 is installed in contact with terminal 235. Terminal 231 functions as the positive terminal, and terminal 235 functions as the negative terminal. A connecting element 283 for switching the output voltage is further provided at the left and right center portions of the terminal section 280. The connecting element 283, serving as a voltage switching element for switching between parallel and series connections, is inserted into the terminal insertion port 223. The connecting element 283 has a conducting portion 283a on the front end side (the side closest to the battery pack 200 in the figure) and a conducting portion 283c on the rear end side, and an insulator 283b is disposed between these conducting portions 283a and 283c, thereby making the conducting portions 283a and 283c electrically non-conductive. The purpose of the conducting portions 283a and 283c is to act as a short circuit to short-circuit the specified terminals in the terminal group 233, and wiring from the conducting portions 283a and 283c is not required on the motor body side. Therefore, the connecting element 283 can be manufactured by casting a metal plate forming the conducting portions 283a and 283c in a connecting element base formed of a non-conductive material integrally formed with the terminal portion 280, or by applying a metal plate to the outer peripheral surface of the connecting element base formed of a non-conductive material or by performing conductive treatment such as metal plating on the outer peripheral surface. A short circuit is added to the terminal section 280 to connect multiple unit components in series. The conductive portion 283a of the connection terminal 283 is connected to the switching terminal of the battery pack 200 as described later, functioning as a switching element or connection element to switch the output voltage of the battery pack 200 to a high voltage, and also as an integrated high-voltage connection element to connect multiple unit components 156 and 157 in series. Similarly, the conductive portion 283c of the connection element 283 is also connected to the switching terminal of the battery pack 200, functioning as a switching element or connection element to switch the output voltage of the battery pack 200 to a high voltage, and also as an integrated high-voltage connection element to connect multiple unit components 157 and 158 in series.

[1073] Figure 13 This diagram shows the shapes of terminals 231 to 235. Figure 13 (1) is a top view. Figure 13 (2) is a side view of terminal group 232 (from) Figure 13(1) Arrow view in direction B). Terminal group 232 has terminals 232a, 232b, and 232c. These terminals 232a, 232b, and 232c function as connection elements connected to the low-voltage electric motor body 1 and as switching terminals for switching the output voltage of the battery pack 200 to a low voltage, and also function as parallel terminals for connecting multiple unit components in parallel with each other. Terminal group 232 is composed of multiple parallel terminals arranged adjacent to each other and serving as a parallel terminal group. Terminal group 234 has terminals 234a, 234b, and 234c. These terminals 234a, 234b, and 234c function as connection elements connected to the low-voltage electric motor body 1 and as switching terminals for switching the output voltage of the battery pack 200 to a low voltage, and also function as parallel terminals for connecting multiple unit components in parallel with each other. Terminal group 234 is composed of multiple parallel terminals arranged adjacent to each other as a parallel terminal group. Terminal group 233 has terminals 233a, 233b, 233c, and 233d. These terminals 233a, 233b, 233c, and 233d function as connecting elements to the high-voltage motor body 30 and as switching terminals to switch the output voltage of the battery pack 200 to a low voltage, and also function as parallel terminals to connect multiple unit components 156 to 158 in series. Terminal group 233 is composed of multiple series terminals arranged adjacent to each other as a series terminal group. Here, terminals 231, 235, 232a, 233a, and 234a have the same shape as terminals widely used in the present day, and are formed in such a way that the flat plate is bent into a U-shape, and the two sides near the opening end are concave-convex inward, so that the narrowest part formed by the convex portion contacts the two surfaces of the plate-shaped terminal on the terminal side. In terminals 231, 235, 232a, 233a, and 234a, the metal terminal on the terminal side does not penetrate to the rear side, thus forming a closed shape on the rear side. On the other hand, the other terminal groups, namely terminals 232b, 232c, 233b to 233d, 234b, and 234c, are engaged with the metal terminal on the terminal side penetrating from the front to the rear, thus forming an opening not only on the front side but also on the rear side. Figure 13The side view of (2) shows its specific shape. The upper rear part of terminal 232a is closed (arrow 236a), but terminals 232b and 232c are formed to be open not only on the front but also on the rear (near arrows 236b and 236c). Therefore, if the terminal part 270 shown in the figure is inserted in the direction of arrow 265, the positive input terminal 271 simultaneously contacts the three terminals 232a to 232c, thereby becoming electrically connected. This connection state is also the same for the negative input terminal 272 and the three terminals 234a to 234c. In this way, multiple terminals can be arranged side by side in the same direction (parallel direction) as the installation direction in one terminal insertion port, and the connection state of the unit components 156 to 158 in the battery pack 200 can be set to either parallel connection or series connection using the electrode plate of the terminal part.

[1074] Figure 14 This diagram illustrates the state when the battery pack 200 is installed in the terminal section 270 and the terminal section 280. Figure 14 (1) is the 36V output state. Figure 14 (2) is the 108V output state. Figure 14 The terminal 270 shown in (1) for 36V output has a positive input terminal 271 and a negative input terminal 272. The positive input terminal 271 is in contact with terminals 232a, 232b, and 232c, thereby making these terminals conductive. Terminal 232a is connected to the + terminal (positive) of unit assembly 156, terminal 232b is connected to the + terminal of unit assembly 157, and terminal 232c is connected to the + terminal of unit assembly 158. Therefore, the positive input terminal 271 is connected to the + terminals of the three unit assemblies 156 to 158. Similarly, the negative input terminal 272 is in contact with terminals 234a, 234b, and 234c, thereby making these terminals conductive. Terminal 234a is connected to the - terminal (negative) of unit assembly 156, terminal 234b is connected to the - terminal of unit assembly 157, and terminal 234c is connected to the - terminal of unit assembly 158. Therefore, the negative input terminal 272 is connected to the - terminal of each of the three unit components 156 to 158. Additionally, terminal group 233 is not connected in any way, thus terminals 233a to 233d are in an open state. As a result, unit components 156 to 158 are connected in parallel, thus outputting a rated 36V DC voltage to the positive input terminal 271 and the negative input terminal 272.

[1075] Figure 14(2) is a diagram showing the state when the battery pack 200 is installed in the terminal section 280. The terminal section 280 with 108V output has a positive input terminal 281, a negative input terminal 282, and a connecting element 283. The positive input terminal 281 only contacts the terminal 231 connected to the + terminal of the unit assembly 156. Similarly, the negative input terminal 282 only contacts the terminal 235 connected to the - terminal of the unit assembly 158. In addition, the connecting element 283 (connecting terminal) is inserted in such a way that it contacts four terminal groups (series terminal elements 233a to series terminal elements 233d). Through this connecting element 283, the terminals 233a and 233b are connected through the conductive part 283a (see reference). Figure 12 A short circuit occurs, and terminals 233c and 233d are connected through conductive part 283c (see reference). Figure 12 This results in a short circuit. Here, terminal 233b and terminal 233c are connected by an insulator 283b formed in the connecting element 283 (see reference 283b). Figure 12 The terminals 233a and 233b are connected to the - terminal of unit component 156 and the + terminal of unit component 157, respectively, thus establishing a series connection between unit components 156 and 157. Similarly, terminal 233c is connected to the - terminal of unit component 157 and terminal 233d is connected to the + terminal of unit component 158, thus establishing a series connection between unit components 157 and 158. As a result of these conducting states, unit components 156 to 158 are connected in series, thereby outputting a rated 108V DC to the positive terminal 231 and the negative terminal 235. In addition, the terminals of terminal groups 232 and 234 are in an open state.

[1076] As described above, the second embodiment includes a terminal group for switching voltage. This switching terminal group is configured by arranging terminals extending from each of the various unit components adjacent to each other, thus enabling a battery pack 200 that can accommodate multiple power sources. In particular, a series terminal group (series terminal elements 233a to 233d) is provided within the slot 223. This series terminal group is connected to the positive or negative terminals of the multiple unit components and is used to connect the multiple unit components in series, thus enabling a battery pack 200 capable of switching between 36V and 108V. At this time, by setting the terminal portion 270 or terminal portion 280 on the electric machine body side, such as the power tool body, to the shape shown in the figure, a third slot (223) for inserting a switching element (connecting element 283) for switching the output voltage is provided separately from the slots (221 or 222) for inserting the positive input terminal and the slots (224 and 255) for inserting the negative input terminal. Therefore, the output voltage from the battery pack 200 side can be automatically switched simply by installing the battery pack 200. As a result, the operator does not need to pay attention to the battery voltage switching operation, and there is no risk of damage to the electric machine body side due to incorrect voltage setting. Furthermore, when the battery pack 200 is removed, the three unit components 156 to 158 become open (non-connected), thus achieving a state most suitable for storage or transportation. In the battery pack 200 of the second embodiment, terminal groups 232, 234, and connecting element 283, which function as voltage switching elements, and terminals 231, 235, 232, and 234, which function as power terminals, are arranged at approximately the same height in the vertical direction, thus allowing the vertical dimensions of the battery pack 200 to be compactly configured. Furthermore, terminals 233a, 233b, 233c, and 233d, which function as series terminals, are arranged at approximately the same height in the vertical direction as terminals 231 (positive terminal) and 235 (negative terminal), thus allowing the vertical dimensions of the battery pack 200 to be compactly configured. Moreover, terminals 233a and 233b, which function as series terminals, are configured as series terminal groups arranged adjacent to each other, and the conductive portion 283a functions as an integrated high-voltage connecting element connected to these series terminal groups, thus allowing for a simpler structure for the electric motor body. Similarly, terminals 233c and 233d, which function as series terminals, are configured as a group of series terminals arranged adjacent to each other. The conductive part 283c functions as an integrated high-voltage connection terminal connected to these series terminal groups, thus allowing the electric motor body to have a simple structure. Therefore, with multiple series terminal groups arranged side by side in the left-right and right-direction directions, and multiple integrated high-voltage connection elements arranged side by side in the left-right and right-direction directions, the dimensions of the battery pack and the electric motor body in the left-right direction can be compactly configured.

[1077] The structure of the battery pack 200 using the second embodiment is not limited to voltage-switching battery packs, but can also be effectively applied to battery packs with fixed voltage. Figure 15 The structure of this type of battery pack is shown. Figure 15 This is a circuit diagram used to illustrate a 200A battery pack specifically designed for 108V. (This is related to...) Figure 14 (2) The structure is the same as the structure after the terminal group 232 and terminal group 234 are removed, and the terminal insertion port 222 and terminal insertion port 224 are formed at the insertion positions of the terminal group 232 and terminal group 234 (both refer to Figure 11 The 108V electric motor body uses a terminal section 280 having a positive input terminal 281, a negative input terminal 282, and a connecting element 283. The structure of the terminal section 280 is similar to... Figure 12 The structure shown is the same. The connecting element 283 has a conducting portion 283a on the front end and a conducting portion 283c on the rear end, and these conducting portions 283a and 283c are connected in an electrically non-conductive state through an insulator 283b. In this way, when the terminal portion 280 is connected, multiple terminal groups are used to establish the series connection state of unit components 156 to 158. Therefore, when the battery pack 200A is not installed in the electric machine, the three unit components 156 to 158 are in a non-connected state, thus achieving a state most suitable for storage or transportation.

[1078] Figure 15 (2) is a circuit diagram representing another variation of the battery pack 200B. Figure 15 (2) Figure 15 The connecting element 283 of (1) is divided into a first connecting terminal 285 and a second connecting terminal 286 in the left-right direction. Parallel to this division, terminals 233a to 233d are arranged laterally. The first connecting terminal 285 is a metal plate used to short-circuit the terminal 233b connected to the + terminal side of unit assembly 157 and the terminal 233a connected to the - terminal side of unit assembly 156. Similarly, the second connecting terminal 286 is a metal plate used to short-circuit the terminal 233c connected to the - terminal side of unit assembly 157 and the terminal 233d connected to the + terminal side of unit assembly 158. In this modified example, a similar... Figure 15 (1) has the same effect, and can reduce the installation space of terminals 233a and 233b, and terminals 233c and 233d, thus being advantageous in installation with existing battery packs. Furthermore, in Figure 15 In a variation of (2), if six rows of terminal insertion ports are provided in the horizontal direction, then... Figure 15The configuration of (2) includes terminal group 232 and terminal group 234 for 36V output (refer to...). Figure 13 This allows for battery packs with shortened terminal lengths in the front-to-back direction.

[1079] [Example 3]

[1080] Next, use Figures 16-20 The third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the battery pack 300 of the third embodiment, it is common to the first and second embodiments in that the output voltage of the battery pack can be switched between two levels: a low-voltage side and a high-voltage side. However, in the third embodiment, instead of switching the voltage ratio by a factor of 3 as with 36V and 108V, the voltage ratio is switched by a factor of 2 as with 18V and 36V. Figure 16 This is a schematic perspective view showing the shape of the battery pack 300 and the terminal portions 370 and 380 installed therein, according to the third embodiment of the present invention. The electric machines that can be installed in the battery pack 300 are either 18V rated machines with terminal portions 370 or 36V rated machines with terminal portions 380. A positive input terminal 371 and a negative input terminal 372, serving as a first power input terminal group (machine-side power terminals), are formed in the terminal portion 370. A positive input terminal 381 and a negative input terminal 382, ​​serving as a second power input terminal group (machine-side power terminals), are formed in the terminal portion 380. These terminal portions 370 and 380 are provided in the battery pack mounting section on the electric machine body side. The positive input terminals 371, 381, 372, and 382 are formed from metal plate-shaped members, and the base portion for fixing these terminals is formed from a molded product of a non-conductive material such as synthetic resin. Positive input terminal 371, positive input terminal 381, negative input terminal 381, and negative input terminal 382 each function as a switching element or connecting element that contacts the operating part of the battery pack 300 and switches the output voltage of the battery pack 300.

[1081] The battery pack 300 shown here is a schematic diagram, and a plurality of slits 321 to slits 324 are formed from the step portion 312 between the lower step surface 311 and the upper step surface 315 to the rear side. The upper shape of the battery pack 300, including these slits 321 to slits 324, is formed to resemble... Figure 7The shape of the battery pack 100 shown is approximately the same, and descriptions of protrusions or latches are omitted here. The 18V terminal 370 is narrow in the left-right direction, while the 36V terminal 380 is wider in the left-right direction. Depending on the width of these terminal portions 370 and 380, the spacing between the positive input terminal 371 and the negative input terminal 372 is narrow, while the spacing between the positive input terminal 381 and the negative input terminal 382 is wide. The area occupied by the low-voltage terminal group (371, 372) is arranged to be included within the area occupied by the high-voltage terminal group (381, 382). The positive input terminal 371 and the negative input terminal 372 are inserted into slits 322 and 323, respectively, and the positive input terminal 381 and the negative input terminal 382 are inserted into slits 321 and 324, respectively. The positions of these terminals and slits are properly guided by the track grooves formed in the battery assembly section on the power tool body side and the track section formed in the battery pack 300 (illustrations omitted here). By providing two different patterns for the slits into which the clips (positive input terminal 371, positive input terminal 381, negative input terminal 381, negative input terminal 382) of the terminal section on the power tool body side are inserted, 18V and 36V products with different clip widths can be installed, allowing for output switching. The operator can obtain the appropriate output voltage from the battery pack 300 simply by mounting the battery pack 300 on either an 18V power tool or a 36V power tool body.

[1082] Figure 17 To show the interior of the battery pack 300, especially the stepped portion 312 (see reference) Figure 16 The diagram shows the components of a voltage switching mechanism (voltage switching element) 320 located near the positions of slits 321 to 324 on the rear side of the battery pack 300 (terminal configuration area). The voltage switching mechanism 320 is a switching component, comprising two movable guide members 330 and 340 made of synthetic resin with metal terminal members cast thereon. These members are subjected to force by force-applying members such as springs 348, in a direction that intersects each other relative to the mounting direction of the battery pack 300 toward the motor body. The movable guide members 330 and 340 function as operating parts that abut against and operate the switching element of the motor body for switching the output voltage of the battery pack 300. Four contact terminals (351 to 354) are provided near the left and right sides and near the center rear side of the movable guide members 330 and 340. The movable guide member 330 and the movable guide member 340 are formed with terminal mounting parts 331 and 341 for inserting positive input terminal 371 and negative input terminal 372. Figure 17The left side of (1) shows the positions of the movable guide members 330 and 340 when the battery pack 300 is not installed on the electric motor body. In this state, the positive input terminal 371 and the negative input terminal 372 can be directly inserted into the terminal mounting part 331 and the mounting part 341. On the other hand, as Figure 17 As shown in the left side of (2), the situation is different when the terminal 380 is installed. If the battery pack 300 is moved relative to the positive input terminal 381 and the negative input terminal 382, ​​which are connecting elements of the terminal 380, the positive input terminal 381 contacts the inclined portion 332 of the movable guide member 330, and the negative input terminal 382 contacts the inclined portion 342 of the movable guide member 340. This is because, by the action of the spring 348, the movable guide member 330, the parallel surface 333 of the movable guide member 340, and the parallel surface 343 are stationary at a position where the distance between them is wider than the distance between the positive input terminal 381 and the negative input terminal 382.

[1083] If, while simultaneously contacting the positive input terminal 381 with the inclined portion 332 and the negative input terminal 382 with the inclined portion 342, the terminal portion 380 is pushed in as indicated by arrow 349, that is, the positive input terminal 381 and the negative input terminal 382 are inserted into the slits 321 and 324 respectively (see reference). Figure 16 If the movable guide members 330 and 340 compress the spring 348, they move inward in the directions of arrows 336 and 346 (directions approaching each other). Furthermore, in this embodiment, the arrow 349, illustrating the method of bringing the terminal 380 closer to the battery pack 300, only indicates a shortening of the distance to the battery pack 300 side; the direction is shown for convenience and includes both the case where the battery pack 300 side moves to the fixed motor body side and the case where the motor body side moves to the battery pack 300 side. In this embodiment, for ease of understanding, these relative movements are described as the terminal 380 moving to the battery pack 300 side as indicated by arrow 349, but regardless of which side is moved, the installed state is the same.

[1084] If the movable guide members 330 and 340 move along the directions of arrows 336 and 346 while further inserting the terminal portion 380, the spring 348 is further compressed, and the movable guide members 330 and 340 move closer to each other. Therefore, the positive input terminal 381 enters between the parallel surface 333 on the outer side (right side) of the movable guide member 330 and the first+ terminal (first positive terminal) 351. Similarly, the negative input terminal 382 enters between the parallel surface 343 on the outer side (left side) of the movable guide member 340 and the second- terminal (second negative terminal) 354. If, in this inserted state, the battery pack 300 is moved to the specified position in the direction of arrow 349, the installation of the battery pack 300 is completed. Through the movement of the movable guide members 330 and 340, the positions of the intermediate terminals 335 and 345 also move simultaneously, and these closest points change from a "non-contact" state to a "contact" state, thus establishing conductivity. Furthermore, the contact states of the movable guide members 330 and 340 with terminals 351 to 354 change, resulting in a rated DC output of 36V to the terminal section 380. The intermediate terminals 335 and 345, along with the four contact terminals (351 to 354), function as a switching switch operated by the operation unit for switching the output voltage of the battery pack 300.

[1085] Figure 18 This is a diagram illustrating the voltage switching mechanism 320 using movable guide member 330, movable guide member 340, and terminals 351 to 354. Figure 18 Figure (1) shows the housing position of the voltage switching mechanism 320 within the battery pack 300. Figure 18 In (1), the voltage switching mechanism 320 is housed further rearward than the step portion 312 formed by the lower step surface 311 and the upper step surface 315 of the battery pack, and is located above the multiple slits 321 to slits 324 (see reference). Figure 16 The positions of the movable guide members 330 and 340 overlap with those of the terminal substrate 360 ​​(see reference). Figure 18 The movable component that moves along the left and right direction on (3) is a movable component, and the four contact terminals (351-354) are non-movable components that are fixed to the terminal base plate 360 ​​and do not move.

[1086] Figure 18 (2) is an unfolded view obtained by observing the upper surface of the voltage switching mechanism 320, and is illustrated separately at different distances to understand the composition of each part. Figure 18In (2), the movable guide member 330, when viewed from above, has a basic shape formed by connecting a quadrilateral member and a triangular member, and the basic shape part is made of synthetic resin such as plastic. A metal intermediate terminal 335 is cast into the synthetic resin part and is firmly fixed therein. The intermediate terminal 335 has two contacts 335c and 335d formed on the rear side, and has a contact 335a that extends forward between the terminal mounting parts 331 and is bent into a convex shape from the inside to the outside in order to contact the positive input terminal 371 of the terminal part 370. On the inner part (the left side of the movable guide member 330 in the figure), a contact 335b is formed that contacts the contact 345b of the intermediate terminal 345 on the side of the other movable guide member 340. The movable guide member 340 and the intermediate terminal 345 cast therein are formed symmetrically to the movable guide member 330 and the intermediate terminal 335. The intermediate terminal 345 has two contacts 345c and 345d formed on its rear side, and a contact 345a that extends forward between the terminal mounting portions 341 and is bent into a convex shape from the inside to the outside to contact the negative input terminal 372 of the terminal portion 370. A contact 345b is formed on the inner portion (the right side of the movable guide member 340 in the figure) to contact the contact 335b of another intermediate terminal 335. Contacts 335a and 345a form a low-voltage terminal group for outputting low voltage and constitute the first power supply terminal. A spring 348 is cast between the movable guide member 330 and the movable guide member 340. Figure 18 (2) (illustration omitted), at the forming time point, movable guide member 330 and movable guide member 340 are connected via an elastic body. Spring 348 is a metal compression disc spring.

[1087] Four terminals 351 to 354 are arranged on the rear side of intermediate terminals 335 and 345. Arranged centrally in the left-right direction are a second + terminal (second positive terminal) 352 connected to the + terminal (positive terminal) of the first unit assembly, and a first - terminal (first negative terminal) 353 connected to the - terminal (negative terminal) of the first unit assembly. Contacts 352a and 352b, bent forward and arranged side-by-side in the left-right direction, are formed in the second + terminal 352. Contacts 353a and 353b, bent forward and arranged side-by-side in the left-right direction, are formed in the first - terminal 353. Contact 335c selectively contacts either contact 352a or 352b, and contact 345c selectively contacts either contact 353a or 353b.

[1088] A first positive terminal (first positive terminal) 351 is disposed to the right of the intermediate terminal 335, and a second negative terminal (second negative terminal) 354 is disposed to the left of the intermediate terminal 345. The first positive terminal 351 is a component that is bent into a roughly L-shape when viewed from above, and a positive input terminal 381 (see reference) is formed in one end located on the front side for connection with the positive input terminal 381 of the terminal part 380. Figure 17 The first terminal 351 has a contact member 351a that is bent into a convex shape from the outside to the inside in contact with the first terminal 351. At the other end located on the rear side, a contact member 351b is formed that is bent into a convex shape forward in order to contact the contact member 335d of the intermediate terminal 335. The second terminal 354 is formed in a shape symmetrical to the first terminal 351. At the front end, a contact member 351b is formed for contacting the negative input terminal 382 of the terminal portion 380 (see reference 382). Figure 17 The contact 351a is bent into a convex shape to contact the contact 345d of the intermediate terminal 345, and the other end located on the rear side has a contact 354b that is bent into a convex shape to contact the contact 345d of the intermediate terminal 345. The contact 351a and the contact 354a are a high-voltage terminal group for outputting high voltage and constitute the second power supply terminal.

[1089] Figure 18 (3) is Figure 18 A cross-sectional view of the CC portion of (1). The upper side of the movable guide member 330 is covered by the upper outer shell 310 of the battery pack 300, and the lower side is held in a sliding manner in the left-right direction by the terminal substrate 360. A guide rail 361 protruding upward and extending in a straight line in the left-right direction is formed on the upper surface of the terminal substrate 360. In addition, a guide rail 316 extending in a straight line in the left-right direction is formed on the inner sidewall of the upper stepped surface 315 of the upper outer shell 310. On the other hand, a guide groove 334a continuously formed in the left-right direction is formed on the upper side surface of the movable guide member 330, and a guide groove 334b ​​continuously formed in the left-right direction is formed on the lower side surface. In addition, it should be noted that in Figure 18 The guide groove 334a of the movable guide member 330 and the guide groove 344a provided on the side of the movable guide member 340 are not shown in the figure other than (3).

[1090] Thus, guide groove 334b ​​is guided by guide rail 361, and guide groove 334a is guided by guide rail 316, thereby allowing movable guide member 330 to move in a direction intersecting the installation direction of battery pack 300. Similarly, guide grooves and guide rails are formed on the movable guide member 340 side, and guided by these, the movable guide member 340 can smoothly slide in a direction intersecting the installation direction of battery pack 300 (left-right direction), but does not move in the same direction as the installation direction (front-back direction). Intermediate terminal 335 is fixed to movable guide member 330, and is therefore configured to not substantially contact terminal substrate 360. Pin 352c for fixing the second+ terminal 352 is fitted into the interior of terminal substrate 360, and connecting pin penetrates terminal substrate 360 ​​and is welded. Alternatively, pin 352c can be welded without separating it from the pin.

[1091] As described above, in the third embodiment, the voltage switching elements (330, 340) are multiple movable guide members that can move in a direction intersecting the mounting direction of the battery pack 300 in the terminal configuration area on the upper surface of the terminal substrate 360 ​​where power terminals (positive and negative terminals) are arranged. The voltage switching elements (330, 340) can switch between connecting multiple unit components in parallel or in series, thus realizing a battery pack 300 with an automatic voltage switching mechanism. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the moving direction of the movable guide member 330 is set to be orthogonal to the mounting direction of the battery pack 300, but it is not necessarily limited to a 90-degree intersection angle; it can also move in an obliquely intersecting manner by only increasing or decreasing a predetermined angle from 90 degrees. In the third embodiment, the movable guide members 330 and 340 are arranged in the mounting direction of the battery pack 300 in the configuration area of ​​terminals 351 to 354, terminals 335 and 345 (the area where slits 321 to 324 are configured), so that voltage switching can be performed without increasing the size of the battery pack.

[1092] Next, use Figure 19 The connection state of the unit component achieved by the voltage switching mechanism 320 when connected to the main body of the electric motor rated at 18V is explained. Figure 19 (1) shows the state in which the terminal 370 is installed in front of the battery pack 300. Figure 19(2) indicates the installed state and shows the wiring from the four terminals 351 to 354 toward the unit assembly 356 and unit assembly 357 in the form of a circuit diagram. Two unit assemblies 356 and 357 are housed in the battery pack 300. Unit assemblies 356 and 357 are assemblies formed by connecting five lithium-ion battery cells 151 in series, and their output is rated at 18V. The positive output of unit assembly (first unit assembly) 356 is wired to the first positive terminal 351 through a lead, and the negative output is wired to the first negative terminal 353 through a lead. Similarly, the positive output of unit assembly (second unit assembly) 357 is wired to the second positive terminal 352 through a lead, and the negative output is wired to the second negative terminal 354 through a lead.

[1093] Without the terminal 370 installed, the movable guide members 330 and 340 are forced apart by the spring 348. In this state, the contact members 335b and 345b are separated and in a non-contact state. Figure 19 If the terminal unit 370 is installed in state (1), then as follows Figure 19 As shown in (2), the positive input terminal 371 of the terminal 370 is connected via a slit 322 (see reference). Figure 16 The terminal is housed within the terminal mounting section 331, resulting in contact between the contact 335a and the positive input terminal 371. Similarly, the negative input terminal 372 is connected via the slit 323 (see reference 323). Figure 16 The terminal assembly 341 houses the contact 345a, which then contacts the negative input terminal 372. However, the movable guide members 330 and 340 do not move in the same or orthogonal directions (left-right or up-down) as arrow 349, thus the contact relationships between the intermediate terminal 335, the intermediate terminal 345, and the four terminals 351 to 354 remain unchanged. In this state, contact 335d contacts contact 351b, contact 335c contacts contact 352a, contact 345c contacts 353a, and contact 345d contacts contact 354b. The result of these contacts is that a connection path is established from the positive input terminal 371 toward the + output (positive output, positive terminal) of unit components 356 and 357, and a connection path is established from the negative input terminal 372 toward the - output (negative output, negative terminal) of unit components 356 and 357. The two unit components 356 and 357 are connected in parallel, so that their output, namely the rated 18V DC self-contained battery pack 300, is output.

[1094] Figure 20 (1) indicates the state in which the terminal unit 380 is installed in front of the battery pack 300. Figure 20(2) indicates the installed state, and the wiring from the four terminals 351 to 354 toward the unit components 356 and 357 is shown in the circuit diagram. Figure 20 As shown in (1), without the terminal 380 installed, the movable guide members 330 and 340 are forced apart by the spring 348. In this state, the contact members 335b and 345b are separated and in a non-contact state. If from Figure 20 When the terminal 380 is installed in state (1), the positive input terminal 381 passes through the slit 321 (see reference). Figure 16 When the inclined portion 332 comes into contact with the terminal portion 380, and the battery pack 300 is pushed in while in contact (or moved toward the terminal portion 380), the inclined portion 332 moves in a manner that retracts toward the inside of the positive input terminal 381. Therefore, the movable guide member 330 moves in the direction of arrow 336 while compressing the spring 348. Similarly, if the negative input terminal 382 is moved through the slit 324 (see...) Figure 16 When the side in contact with the inclined portion 342 is pushed in, the inclined portion 342 moves in a manner that it retracts towards the inside of the negative input terminal 382. Therefore, the movable guide member 340 moves in the direction of arrow 346 while compressing the spring 348. If the movable guide member 330 moves inward, the positive input terminal 381 enters between the parallel surface 333 located further to the side of the inclined portion 332 and the first terminal 351, and is held in the state described above by the force applied by the spring 348. Figure 20 The state shown in (2) is maintained, and the positive input terminal 381 is in good contact with the contact 351a of the first+ terminal 351. Similarly, if the movable guide member 340 moves inward, the negative input terminal 382 enters between the parallel surface 343 located further to the side of the inclined portion 342 and the second-terminal 354, and remains in the state shown in (2). Figure 20 The state shown in (2) is maintained, and the negative input terminal 382 is in good contact with the contact 354a of the second terminal 354.

[1095] If the movable guide members 330 and 340 move inward, the contact relationships of the other contacts also change. First, the contact 335b of the intermediate terminal 335 contacts the contact 345b of the intermediate terminal 345, and the intermediate terminal 335 and the intermediate terminal 345 become conductive. Additionally, the contact that contacts the contact 335c of the intermediate terminal 335... Figure 20 Contact 352a as shown in (1) Figure 20As shown in (2), the connection between contact 335d of intermediate terminal 335 and contact 351b of the first+ terminal 351 is released. Similarly, the contact that contacts contact 345c of intermediate terminal 345 is released from contact 352b. Figure 20 Contact 353a as shown in (1) Figure 20 As shown in (2), the contact 353b is switched to the contact 353b, and the connection between the contact 345d of the intermediate terminal 345 and the contact 354b of the second terminal 354 is released. The result of this contact state switching is that the connection path from the positive input terminal 381 to the + output (positive output, positive terminal) of the unit component 356 is established, the connection path from the - output (negative output, negative terminal) of the unit component 356 to the + output of the unit component 357 is established, and the connection path from the - output of the unit component 357 to the negative input terminal 382 is established. This connection is a series connection of the two unit components 356 and 357, thereby outputting a rated 36V DC from the battery pack 300. In addition, the movable guide members 330 and 340 of the voltage switching mechanism 320 are forceped by the spring 348, so that in the self Figure 20 If the terminal 380 is removed from state (2), it will return to its original state. Figure 20 The state of (1) is such that the series connection between unit component 356 and unit component 357 is automatically released and they return to the parallel connection state.

[1096] As described above, by implementing the voltage switching mechanism 320 using movable guide members 330 and 340, the operator can obtain the output voltage most suitable for the motor body simply by mounting the battery pack 300 onto either a motor body rated at 18V or a motor body rated at 36V. Furthermore, the third embodiment described above can also be implemented in battery packs that switch between other voltages, such as 54V / 108V, as long as the voltage ratio is 2. Moreover, a switching mechanism with a switching voltage ratio of 3 can also be implemented using three movable guide members. In the battery pack 300 of the third embodiment, the voltage switching mechanism 320, which functions as a voltage switching element, and the contacts 335a and 345a, which function as power terminals, are arranged at approximately the same height in the vertical direction, thus allowing for a compact vertical dimension of the battery pack 300.

[1097] [Example 4]

[1098] Next, use Figure 21 and Figure 22 The fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 21 This is a top view of the battery pack 600 according to the fourth embodiment. The external shape of the battery pack 600 is similar to... Figure 7 The battery pack 100 shown is approximately the same, and the shape of the track portion and the shape of the lower stepped surface 611 or the upper stepped surface 615 are identical. Multiple slot portions are provided in the upper stepped surface 615, and the arrangement area of ​​the slot portions becomes the terminal arrangement area. Here, in addition to the positive terminal slot 621 and the negative terminal slot 622, a series-parallel switching element slot 623, serving as a third slot, is also formed as a slot portion. The positive terminal slot 621 is a slot for accommodating the positive output terminal 661 (positive terminal), and the negative terminal slot 622 is a slot for accommodating the negative output terminal 662 (negative terminal). The series-parallel switching element slot 623 is arranged in the portion sandwiched between the positive terminal slot 621 and the negative terminal slot 622. Here, an empty slot in the existing battery pack that is not assigned any terminals is assigned as the series-parallel switching element slot 623.

[1099] Inside the slot 623 for the series-parallel switching element, starting from the inlet side (front side), there is a pair of parallel connectors 663, including two parallel connectors 663a and two parallel connectors 663b, and a series connector 664. The parallel connector 663a is composed of a connector pair containing a connector (conductor) connected to the + output (positive terminal) of the unit assembly 356 and a connector (conductor) connected to the + output (positive terminal) of the unit assembly 357. Similarly, the parallel connector 663b is composed of a connector pair (conductor pair) containing a connector (conductor) connected to the - output (negative terminal) of the unit assembly 356 and a connector (conductor) connected to the - output (negative terminal) of the unit assembly 357. In other words, the parallel connectors 663a and 663b each contain a pair of connectors respectively connected to the same pole (+ output or - output) of each unit assembly and arranged adjacently. Parallel connectors 663a and 663b are each composed of conductive pairs separated in the left-right direction, and in normal operation, the conductive pairs are in contact as shown in the figure. The connector (conductor) connected to the + output (positive terminal) of the unit assembly 356 constituting parallel connector 663a and the connector (conductor) connected to the + output (positive terminal) of the unit assembly 357 constituting parallel connector 663a each function as a switching terminal for switching the output voltage of the battery pack 600 to a lower voltage. Similarly, the connector (conductor) connected to the - output (negative terminal) of the unit assembly 356 constituting parallel connector 663b and the connector (conductor) connected to the - output (negative terminal) of the unit assembly 357 constituting parallel connector 663b each function as a switching terminal for switching the output voltage of the battery pack 600 to a lower voltage. The series connector 664 is composed of pairs of conductors separated in the left-right direction. Under normal conditions, these pairs of conductors are separated and in a non-contact state, as shown in the figure. The series connector 664 is composed of a pair of connectors (conductors) including a connector (conductor) connected to the + output (positive terminal) of the unit assembly 356 and a connector (conductor) connected to the - output (negative terminal) of the unit assembly 357. In other words, the series connector 664 includes a pair of contacts respectively connected to the opposite poles (+ output and - output) of each unit assembly and arranged adjacent to each other. Furthermore, to achieve sufficient distance between the terminals of the separated conductor pairs, the series connector 664 may also have a distanced positional relationship in the mounting direction of the battery pack 600. The connector (conductor) connected to the + output (positive terminal) of the unit component 356 constituting the series connector 664 and the connector (conductor) connected to the - output (negative terminal) of the unit component 357 constituting the series connector 664 each function as a switching terminal for switching the output voltage of the battery pack 600 to a high voltage, and also function as a series terminal for connecting multiple unit components 356 and 357 in series with each other.

[1100] The length of slot 621 for the positive terminal, slot 622 for the negative terminal, and other slots in the mounting direction is L. S The length L of the slot 623 for series-parallel switching elements in the mounting direction is relative to the length of these. S1 It is approximately twice as long. This is because, inside the slot 623 for the series-parallel switching element, three pairs of conductors—parallel connectors 663a, 663b, and series connectors 664—are arranged in series and parallel in the mounting direction. Here, the positive output terminal 661 and the negative output terminal 662 (collectively referred to as power terminals) are spaced apart in a direction that intersects with the mounting direction. The area where these power terminals are located (specifically, from the step portion 612 to the length L in the mounting direction)... S1 Or length L S2 (pass Figure 24 In the region described later, more specifically in length L S The region containing the slot is equipped with a pair of parallel connectors 663 and a series connector 664, which serve as voltage switching elements. In other words, the voltage switching element is disposed in the region where the slot is provided.

[1101] Figure 22 This diagram illustrates the connection circuit of the unit components when the battery pack 600 is connected to the electric motor body. Figure 22 (1) is a diagram showing the state of the main body of an electric motor connected to a low voltage (e.g., 18V). Figure 22 (2) is a diagram showing the state of a motor body connected to a high-voltage (e.g., 36V) motor. In the 18V motor body, the terminal portion 650 has the same shape as those used in the past. That is, it has a positive input terminal 651 and a negative input terminal 652. Input terminals other than those shown in the diagram (e.g., LD terminals) may also be provided in the terminal portion 650, but only the characteristic configuration of the fourth embodiment will be described here, and descriptions of other input terminals will be omitted. The LD terminal functions as a signal terminal for inputting or outputting information or signals.

[1102] Figure 22 The circuit diagram below (1) shows the state in which the terminal 650 is connected to the output terminal group of the battery pack 600 by mounting the battery pack 600 on the electric motor body. Inside the battery pack 600, there are unit components 356 and 357 formed by connecting five lithium-ion battery units in series. Figure 22In state (1), the + and - outputs of unit components 356 and 357 are connected in parallel to the positive output terminal 661 and the negative output terminal 662. That is, the + terminal of unit component 357, which is formed by connecting five units in series, is connected to the positive output terminal 661, and the - terminal is connected to the negative output terminal 662 via parallel connector 663b. On the other hand, the + terminal of unit component 356, which is formed by connecting five units in series, is connected to the positive output terminal 661 via parallel connector 663a, and the - terminal is connected to the negative output terminal 662. Here, the series connector 664 that connects the + terminal of unit component 356 and the - terminal of unit component 357 forms a series terminal group containing multiple contact terminals (the right terminal and the left terminal in the figure) in order to connect multiple unit components 356 and 357 in series. The left and right contact terminals are in an open state (non-conductive state) in the initial state (the state in which the battery pack 600 is removed).

[1103] Figure 22The upper part of (2) is a diagram showing the terminal shape of the terminal portion 680 of the motor body for 36V. Here, in addition to the positive input terminal 681 and negative input terminal 682 which have the same shape as those used in the past, a series-parallel switching terminal 683 is also formed. The series-parallel switching terminal 683 is provided in the terminal configuration area where power terminals (positive output terminal 661 and negative output terminal 662) are arranged in the battery pack mounting direction, and it becomes a connection element for switching between parallel connection and series connection. The series-parallel switching terminal 683 has two functions: when the battery pack 600 is installed, the front end portion that first abuts against the voltage switching element (parallel connector pair 663 and series connector 664) is formed as a conductive terminal 683b, and the rear end portion is formed as a non-conductive disconnect terminal 683a. The terminal portion 680 has its base portion formed by integral molding of synthetic resin, where a metal plate-shaped positive input terminal 681 and a negative input terminal 682 are fused and cast. The series-parallel switching terminal 683 has a group of switching terminals. The cut-off terminal 683a is integrally formed from a non-conductive material with the terminal portion 680, and a portion of its front end is formed by fusion casting to create a metal conductive terminal 683b. Here, the purpose of the cut-off terminal 683a is to cut off the conductive state of the parallel connector 663a and the parallel connector 663b, which are in a contact state (conductive state) when the battery pack 600 is not installed. The cut-off terminal 683a connects to the parallel connectors 663a and 663b of the battery pack 600, which consists of multiple switching terminals, and functions as a switching element to switch the output voltage of the battery pack 600 to a lower voltage. Conversely, the conducting terminal 683b functions as a short circuit. This short circuit is established by short-circuiting each of the series connectors (series connection elements) 664, which are in a non-contact (disconnected) state when the battery pack 600 is not installed. The conducting terminal 683b functions as a switching terminal (series connector) 664 connecting the battery pack 600, which is composed of multiple switching terminals, and as a switching element that switches the output voltage of the battery pack 600 to a higher voltage. It also functions as an integrated high-voltage connection element that connects multiple unit components 356 and 357 in series. Therefore, the conducting terminal 683b can be a simple metal plate, eliminating the need for wiring to a base plate or similar material on the power tool body. Thus, the series-parallel switching terminal 683, which serves as a voltage switching element, is formed by arranging the switching terminals extending from the various unit components adjacent to each other.

[1104] Figure 22The circuit diagram below (2) shows the state in which the terminal 680 is connected to the output terminal group of the battery pack 600 by mounting the battery pack 600 to the electric motor body. Figure 22 In state (2), a series connection circuit is established between the + output of unit component 356 and the - output of unit component 357, with the positive output terminal 661 and the negative output terminal 662 in the connected state. The + terminal of unit component 357, which consists of five units connected in series, is connected to the positive output terminal 661, and the - terminal is connected to the + terminal of unit component 356 via a series connector 664, which is short-circuited by the insertion of the conducting terminal 683b. The - terminal of unit component 356 is connected to the negative output terminal 662. Here, the parallel connectors 663a and 663b, which form a parallel connector pair 663, are in a non-conductive state because a cut-off terminal 683a is separated between the two contacts, so as Figure 22 The parallel connection state of unit components 356 and 357 shown in (1) is released, and on the other hand, the series connection state is established.

[1105] As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, by changing the shapes of the terminal portions 650 and 680 on the power tool body side, and using a third slot 623 for inserting a switching element (series-parallel switching terminal 683) for switching the output voltage in addition to the first slot 621 for inserting the positive input terminal 681 and the second slot 622 for inserting the negative input terminal 682, the output voltage of the battery pack 600 can be appropriately switched. Furthermore, when using the widely used 18V output, the terminal portion 650 is formed in the same shape as conventional power tools, so the battery pack 600 of this embodiment can be installed in conventional 18V power tool bodies or electric motor bodies and used similarly. On the other hand, in power tool bodies or electric motor bodies that require a rated voltage of 36V, if... Figure 22If the terminal part 680 is shaped as in (2), a rated 36V DC can be obtained from the battery pack 600 simply by installing the battery pack 600. At this time, since there is no complicated switching mechanism, a battery pack with automatic voltage switching that suppresses the increase in manufacturing costs and has good durability can be realized. In addition, the switching terminal group (663a, 663b, 664) that serves as the voltage switching element is arranged in the third slot 623 in the area where the power terminals (positive output terminal 661 and negative output terminal 662) are arranged in the mounting direction, so the voltage can be easily switched simply by installing the battery pack on the electric motor body. In particular, the voltage switching element is arranged between the power terminals in the direction intersecting the mounting direction, so the size of the battery pack is not increased, and the existing electric motor body can also be installed. In the fourth embodiment, the voltage switching element and the power terminals are arranged at approximately the same height in the vertical direction, so the vertical dimensions of the battery pack can be compactly configured. In addition, the connector (conductor) connected to the + output (positive terminal) of the unit component 356 constituting the series connector 664 and the connector (conductor) connected to the - output (negative terminal) of the unit component 357 constituting the series connector 664 each function as a series terminal for connecting multiple unit components 356 and 357 in series with each other. However, these series terminals are arranged in the vertical direction at approximately the same height as the positive terminal, i.e., the positive output terminal 661, and the negative terminal, i.e., the negative output terminal 662, so that the dimensions of the battery pack can be compactly configured in the vertical direction.

[1106] Figure 23This diagram illustrates the shape of the battery pack cover 640 when the battery pack 600 is not installed on the motor body. The battery pack cover 640 is made of a non-conductive material, such as chloroethylene resin or other plastics, and is installed to cover the lower stepped surface 611, the stepped portion 612, and the upper stepped surface 615 of the battery pack 600. The battery pack cover 640 has a crank-shaped cross-section when viewed from the side, formed by connecting the upper stepped portion 643 (a first flat portion) and the lower stepped portion 641 (a second flat portion) via a vertical surface 642. Three vertical ribs 646 to 648 are formed across the upper stepped portion 643 and the vertical surface 642 of the battery pack cover 640. Vertical ribs 646 to 648 are formed with the same dimensions at approximately the same positions as the positive input terminals 651 and 681, the negative input terminals 652 and 682, and the series-parallel switching terminal 683. The lower portion of the front end of vertical ribs 646 to 648 is made slightly thinner to facilitate installation. By mounting the battery pack cover 640 onto the battery pack 600, unit components 356 and 357 become electrically independent. For example, when unit components 356 and 357 each have a capacity of 54Wh (= 18V × 3.0Ah), without the battery pack cover 640, unit components 356 and 357 are connected in parallel to form a capacity of 108Wh (= 18V × 2 × 3.0Ah). Typically, in lithium-ion battery packs, a capacity exceeding 100Wh is considered a transportation restriction. However, by installing the battery pack cover 640, it is regarded as two 54Wh batteries, thus it is not subject to transportation restrictions and can be handled in the usual transportation mode, which can significantly reduce packaging materials and transportation costs.

[1107] Ribs 644 and ribs 645 extending in the thickness direction (vertical direction) are integrally formed on the outer periphery and near the center line in the length direction of the battery pack cover 640 to improve rigidity. When vertical ribs 646 to 648 are installed on the battery pack cover 640, vertical rib 646 is inserted into the slot 621 for the positive terminal and engages with the positive input terminal 651, vertical rib 647 is inserted into the slot 622 for the negative terminal and engages with the negative input terminal 652, and vertical rib 648 is inserted into the slot 623 for the series-parallel switching element and engages with the parallel connector 663a, parallel connector 663b, and series connector 664. The battery pack cover 640 is held in place by the elasticity of the positive input terminal 651, negative input terminal 652, parallel connector 663a, and parallel connector 663b, etc., in a manner that prevents it from falling off the battery pack 600.

[1108] The above, in Figures 21-23In the battery pack 600 shown, a pair of parallel connectors 663, including two sets of parallel connectors 663a and 633b, and a series connector 664, including a set of open contacts, are arranged side-by-side in the mounting direction inside the slot 623 for the series-parallel switching element. Therefore, as Figure 21 As shown, the length L of the slot 623 for series-parallel switching elements in the mounting direction is... S1 Compared to the length L of other slots S Length. If the length L of slot 623 is used for series-parallel switching elements... S1 If the area becomes significantly longer, there is a risk that space cannot be guaranteed for the installation of the battery pack 600. In this case, instead of arranging all the series connectors 664, parallel connectors 663a, and parallel connectors 633b in one slot (slot 623 for series-parallel switching elements), they can be distributed in two slots. Figure 24 and Figure 25 A top view of the battery pack 600A to show the configuration of the battery pack 600A (a modified example of Example 4).

[1109] Figure 24 This is a top view of a modified battery pack 600A according to the fourth embodiment. The changes in the external shape of the battery pack 600A are in the first slot 623A and the second slot 624A for series-parallel switching. While a plurality of slot portions are provided in the upper stepped surface 615, the slot portions used for signal transmission have been modified to ensure that the second slot 624A serves as a series-parallel switching device. In the first slot 623A, a parallel connector 673a is arranged on the side of the opening (installation direction entrance side) near the lower stepped surface 611, and a series connector 674 is arranged on the depth side, with these adjacent terminal pairs arranged in series. On the other hand, in the second slot 624A, a parallel connector 673b is arranged on the depth side portion away from the lower stepped surface 611. The series connector 674, parallel connector 673a, and parallel connector 673b are each composed of a set of conductive pairs separated in the left-right direction. When the battery pack 600A is not installed, the left and right conductive pairs of the parallel connectors 673a and 673b are in contact, while the left and right conductive pairs of the series connector 674 are separated and in a non-contact state. Through this configuration, the length of the first slot 623A and the second slot 624A when viewed from the installation direction can be set as L. S2 Therefore, with Figure 21 The length L of the slot 623 used for the series-parallel switching element shown is [not specified]. S1Compared to other designs, this allows for a shorter construction, which is advantageous for installation. Furthermore, although not shown, the open side of the second slot 624A can be directly fitted with a conventionally configured signal connection connector, such as a V terminal for displaying battery output, thus maintaining interchangeability when connecting to 18V power tools. The signal connection connector functions as a signal terminal for inputting or outputting information or signals.

[1110] Figure 25 This diagram illustrates the connection circuit of the unit components when the battery pack 600A of the modified embodiment of the fourth embodiment is connected to the electric machine body. Figure 25 (1) is a diagram showing the state of the main body of an electric motor connected to a low voltage (e.g., 18V). Figure 25 (2) is a diagram showing the state of the motor body connected to a high voltage (e.g., 36V). (and) Figure 22 Compared to the configuration shown, the shape of the terminal portion 650 for low-voltage (e.g., 18V) electric motors is the same, but the shape of the terminal portion 680A for high-voltage (e.g., 36V) electric motors is different. Figure 22 In the terminal section 680 shown, the series-parallel switching terminal 683 is configured as a single unit. However, in the modified terminal section 680A, a first series-parallel switching terminal 693 and a second series-parallel switching terminal 694 are separately arranged as series-parallel switching terminals. In the first series-parallel switching terminal 693, the front end portion that first abuts against the parallel connector 673b when the battery pack 600A is installed is formed as a conductive terminal 693b, and the rear end portion is formed as a non-conductive cut-off terminal 693a. On the other hand, all of the second series-parallel switching terminals 694 are manufactured as non-conductive cut-off terminals. Here, the terminal section 680A has its base portion formed by integral molding of synthetic resin, where a metal plate-shaped positive input terminal 681 and a negative input terminal 682 are fused and cast. The cut-off terminal 693a of the first series-parallel switching terminal 693 and the second series-parallel switching terminal 694 can be integrally made of synthetic resin with the base portion.

[1111] Figure 25 The circuit diagram on the lower side shows the state in which the terminal section 650 and the terminal section 680A are connected to the output terminal group of the battery pack 600A by mounting the battery pack 600A to the electric motor body. Figure 25In state (2), the + output of unit component 356 and the - output of unit component 357 are connected in series to the positive output terminal 661 and the negative output terminal 662. The + terminal of unit component 357, which is formed by connecting five units in series, is connected to the positive output terminal 661, and the - terminal is connected to the + terminal of unit component 356 via a series connector 674 that is short-circuited by the insertion of the conducting terminal 693b. The - terminal of unit component 356 is connected to the negative output terminal 662. Here, the parallel connectors 673a and 673b that form the parallel connector pair 673 are in a non-conductive state because the cut-off terminal 693a and the second series-parallel switching terminal (cut-off terminal) 694 are separated between their respective two contacts, so as Figure 25 The parallel connection between unit components 356 and 357 shown in (1) is released. Here, the position of the parallel connector 673a when viewed from the self-installation direction is adjacent to the series connector 674, rather than adjacent to the parallel connector 673b. This is so that the signal transmission terminal used in the past can be arranged on the input side of the parallel connector 673a. Alternatively, the parallel connectors 673a and 673b can be arranged together on the side of the first series-parallel switching terminal 693, and the series connector 674 can be arranged on the side of the second series-parallel switching terminal 694. However, if the first series-parallel switching terminal 693 is damaged and detached from the terminal 680A, and the connection is made only by the series connector 674 through the action of the second series-parallel switching terminal 694, there is a risk of short circuit. Therefore, it is more advantageous to arrange it as shown in this figure.

[1112] As explained above, Figure 24 and Figure 25 The advantage of the modified example shown is that the length of the first series-parallel switching terminal 693 in the longitudinal direction can be suppressed, and the length of the first slot 623A can also be suppressed in the same way. On the root side of the second series-parallel switching terminal 694, the existing signal transmission terminal can also be maintained by using a terminal made of cast metal. In addition, no modification is required to the terminal 650 of the electric motor body for low voltage (18V), so the battery pack of the present invention can be directly applied to the existing electric motor body. In addition, in the fourth embodiment, an example of a battery pack that outputs 18V and 36V as a unit component for low voltage and high voltage use was described, but the output voltage can be arbitrarily set. As long as it is twice the voltage difference, other combinations can also be realized, such as a battery pack that switches between 54V (low voltage side) and 108V (high voltage side) as a unit component.

[1113] [Example 5]

[1114] Next, use Figures 26-28 The fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the battery pack 700 of the fifth embodiment, similarly to the fourth embodiment, the voltage can be automatically switched between 18V and 36V depending on the terminal shape on the power tool body side. That is, when the battery pack 700 is installed on the power tool body or the electric machine body, it automatically switches to the output voltage corresponding to the rated voltage on the body side. Figure 26 This is a perspective view showing the external shape of the battery pack 700. Its shape is similar to that of the existing 18V rated battery pack 15 (see reference). Figure 1 The battery pack 700 is interchangeable. Multiple slots are formed in the stepped protrusion at the boundary between the lower stepped surface 111 and the upper stepped surface 115. The inner sides of these slots form terminal configuration areas where multiple output terminals or signal terminals are configured. The slots have cutouts not only in the direction parallel to the installation direction but also in the vertical direction, allowing insertion of terminals from the lower stepped surface 111 side into the power tool body side. Furthermore, an opening 709, continuously opening in the lateral direction, is formed on the lower side of the slots and behind the lower stepped surface 111. In the region formed on the front side of the upper surface 115, the first slot 701 houses a terminal pair for transmitting the positive output of the battery pack side, the second slot 704 houses a terminal pair for transmitting the negative output of the battery pack side, and the third slot 707 houses a terminal pair for series connection, which is configured such that the negative output from one unit component and the positive output from another unit component are adjacent to each other and in a non-contact state, thereby switching the output voltage of the battery pack 700. Furthermore, the battery pack 700 includes slots for the following terminals: an LD terminal for outputting an over-discharge protection signal generated by a battery protection circuit (not shown) included within the battery pack 700; an LS terminal for outputting battery temperature information generated by a temperature sensing element (not shown) disposed in contact with the cell ground; a V terminal for inputting a control signal from a charging device; a T terminal for outputting a signal serving as identification information of the battery pack 700 to the power tool body or the charging device; and a C+ terminal, serving as a + terminal for charging. The terminals arranged in these slots function similarly to those in the existing battery pack 15 (see reference 15). Figure 1 They serve the same purpose. The LD, LS, and T terminals function as signal terminals for inputting or outputting information or signals.

[1115] Figure 26(2) is a circuit diagram of the battery pack 700. Inside the battery pack 700, there are two sets of unit components 356 and 357, which are formed by connecting five lithium-ion battery units such as 14500 or 18650 in series. The + output of unit component 356 is connected to the positive terminal 712, and the + output of unit component 357 is connected to the positive terminal 713. The positive terminals 712 and 713, which form a parallel positive terminal pair, are fixed adjacent to each other on the terminal substrate 711 and are fixed in a manner located in the slot 701. The positive terminals 712 and 713 function as positive terminals, and also function as switching terminals for switching the output voltage of the battery pack 700 to a low voltage, and also function as parallel terminals for connecting multiple unit components in parallel. In addition, the multiple positive terminals 712 and 713 that function as parallel terminals are configured to be arranged adjacent to each other as a parallel terminal group. Similarly, the - output of unit component 357 is connected to the negative terminal 715, and the - output of unit component 356 is connected to the negative terminal 716. The negative terminals 715 and 716 function as negative terminals, and also as switching terminals for switching the output voltage of the battery pack 700 to a low voltage, and as parallel terminals for connecting multiple unit components in parallel. Furthermore, the multiple negative terminals 715 and 716, functioning as parallel terminals, are configured adjacent to each other as another group of parallel terminals. The negative terminals 715 and 716 forming the parallel negative terminal pair are fixed adjacent to each other on the terminal substrate 714 and fixed within the slot 704. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the series connection terminal 718 connected to the + output of unit component 357 and the series connection terminal 719 connected to the - output of unit component 356 are configured as a series connection terminal pair within the slot 707. The series connection terminals 718 and 719 function as switching terminals for switching the output voltage of the battery pack 700 to a higher voltage, and also as series terminals for connecting multiple unit components 356 and 357 in series. Furthermore, the multiple series connection terminals 718 and 719, functioning as series terminals, are arranged adjacent to each other as a series terminal group. The positive terminals 712 and 713, and the negative terminals 715 and 716, are arranged adjacently and separately, extending from the respective unit components of the multiple unit components 356 and 357, thereby functioning as voltage switching elements for switching between parallel and series connections of the unit components 356 and 357.

[1116] When the battery pack 700 is not installed in the power tool body or charger, such as Figure 26As shown in the circuit diagram of (2), positive terminals 712 and 713 are in a non-contact state, negative terminals 715 and 716 are in a non-contact state, and series connection terminals 718 and 719 are in a non-contact state. Series connection terminals 718 and 719 are used in pairs and are fixed adjacent to each other on terminal substrate 717. Furthermore, terminal substrates 711, 714, and 717 can be a single substrate or can also be used as a protection circuit substrate with a battery protection circuit. Positive terminal 712, positive terminal 713, negative terminal 715, negative terminal 716, and series connection terminals 718 and 719 constitute a switching terminal group. Positive terminal 712 and positive terminal 713 constitute a positive terminal pair or a positive terminal group connected in parallel (parallel terminal group), negative terminal 715 and negative terminal 716 constitute a negative terminal pair or a negative terminal group connected in parallel, and series connection terminals 718 and 719 constitute a series connection terminal group (series terminal group).

[1117] Figure 27 This diagram illustrates the state of connecting the battery pack 700 to an existing 18V rated power tool body. Figure 27 (1) is the circuit diagram when connected. Here, the positive input terminal 721 on the power tool body side is in contact with the positive terminals 712 and 713, and the negative input terminal 722 is in contact with the negative terminals 715 and 716, thereby forming a parallel connection circuit of unit components 356 and 357. The positive input terminal 721 and the negative input terminal 722 function as switching elements or connection elements for switching the output voltage of the battery pack 700 to a low voltage, and also function as low voltage switching elements for connecting multiple unit components in parallel with each other. Figure 27 (3) is a side view of the positive terminals 712 and 713, and shows the shape of the positive input terminal 721 of the terminal part 720 of the power tool body with a rated voltage of 18V installed therein. Figure 27(2) is a top view of the positive terminals 712 and 713. Here, the positive input terminal 721 of the terminal 720 is formed in the same shape as conventional power tools and is a metal plate with a height of H. The contact areas of the positive terminals 712 and 713 with the positive input terminal 721 are formed by an elongated plate-shaped member with a height of H / 2 or less in the vertical direction. The side of the positive terminal 712 away from the positive input terminal 721 (opposite to the opening of the slot) extends upward from the terminal substrate 711 and extends towards the positive input terminal 721 side (the opening of the slot) on the upper side of the positive terminal 713. On the other hand, the positive terminal 713 is shaped by cutting off the upper part of the conventional positive terminal to reduce the thickness, and the positive terminals 712 and 713 are separated from each other in a way that they do not contact each other. The positive input terminal 721 is formed by a metal plate of a synthetic resin terminal 720 that is fused to the side of the power tool body.

[1118] The positive terminal 712 is shaped as follows: a flat plate is bent into a U-shape with a fold at the open end, the folded portion contacting and sealing the open end. Similarly, the positive terminal 713 is also shaped as follows: a flat plate is bent into a U-shape with a fold at the open end, the folded portion contacting and sealing the open end. The front-to-back length of the positive terminal 713 is shorter, approximately half that of the positive terminal 712, but the top view of the front portion L is the same as the corresponding portion of the positive terminal 712. In this way, multiple positive terminals are arranged adjacent to each other in the first slot 701 to form a positive terminal group. Moreover, when the battery pack 700 is installed in the battery pack mounting section of the power tool body, the positive input terminal 721 is pressed in by opening the open ends of the positive terminals 712 and 713, a portion of the upper side of the positive input terminal 721 contacting the positive terminal 712, and a portion of the lower side contacting the positive terminal 713. As a result, positive terminals 712 and 713 are short-circuited through positive input terminal 721. Figure 27 (2) and Figure 27 The terminal structure shown in (3) is also formed in the same shape in the negative terminal 715 and negative terminal 716. That is, the negative terminal 715 and the positive terminal 712 have the same shape, the negative terminal 716 and the positive terminal 713 have the same shape, and the negative input terminal 722 and the positive input terminal 721 have the same shape. A group of negative terminals is formed by arranging multiple negative terminals adjacent to each other in the second slot 704. Therefore, by installing the battery pack 700 in the terminal part 720 on the power tool body side, and connecting the positive terminal pair and the negative terminal pair in the positive input terminal 721 and the negative input terminal 722 respectively, the unit assembly 356 and the unit assembly 357 are connected in parallel, and their rated output is 18V.

[1119] Figure 27 (4) is a front view showing the shape of the terminal portion 720 on the body side of the power tool. Figure 27 (5) is a perspective view of the terminal 720. The terminal 720 is manufactured by integral molding of a non-conductive material such as synthetic resin, and three metal terminals, namely positive input terminal 721, negative input terminal 722, and LD terminal 723, are firmly fixed therein by casting. Figure 27 As can be seen from (5), the LD terminal 723 is configured to be larger than the positive input terminal 721 and the negative input terminal 722 in order to stably hold the installed battery pack 700. The terminal part 720 not only has a vertical surface 720b that serves as a contact surface in the installation direction, but also has a horizontal surface (the upper surface when viewed from the terminal 721 to the terminal 723) 720a. The horizontal surface 720a becomes a surface that slides towards the upper step surface 115 when the battery pack 700 is installed.

[1120] Figure 28 The diagram shows the state in which the battery pack 700 is connected to the body of a novel 36V rated power tool. Figure 28 (1) is the circuit diagram when connected. Here, the positive input terminal 731 on the body side of the power tool rated at 36V is only in contact with the positive terminal 712 and not with the positive terminal 713. Similarly, the negative input terminal 732 is only in contact with the negative terminal 715 and not with the negative terminal 716. On the other hand, by inserting a metal conductive terminal (circuit breaker) 734 added to the terminal 730 between the series connection terminals 718 and 719, the series connection terminals 718 and 719, which are configured in a non-contact state, are short-circuited. The result of using a circuit breaker to connect the series connection terminals 718 and 719 is that the - output of unit component 356 is connected to the + output of unit component 357, thereby achieving the desired connection as per the circuit diagram. Figure 28 As can be understood from the circuit diagram of (1), unit components 356 and 357 are connected in series at the positive input terminal 731 and the negative input terminal 732. The conducting terminal (circuit breaker) 734 functions as a switching element to switch the output voltage of the battery pack 700 to a high voltage, and also as a high-voltage connecting element to connect multiple unit components 356 and 357 in series. Figure 28 (2) Figure 28 In (3), the shape of the terminals on the battery pack 700 side, i.e., the shape of the positive terminal 712, the positive terminal 713, or the shape of the negative terminal 715, the negative terminal 716 of the same form, is the same as... Figure 27 The terminal shape shown remains unchanged. However, the terminal shape of the terminal section 730 has been redesigned. Figure 28On the right side of (3), in the positive input terminal 731 of the terminal 730, the metal portion corresponding to the positive terminal 712 is exposed, but the portion corresponding to the positive terminal 713 is replaced with insulating terminal material or a portion of the positive terminal 713 is covered by insulating material, thereby forming a plate-shaped insulating terminal 735. As a result, the positive input terminal 731 is only connected to the positive terminal 712 and not to the positive terminal 713. Therefore, the + output of the unit assembly 356 is connected to the positive input terminal 731 on the power tool body side, and the + output of the unit assembly 357 is in an unconnected state (in Figure 28 In (1), it is shown as a dashed line because it is in an unconnected state. The negative input terminal 732 on the power tool body side is also as shown. Figure 28 (4) Figure 28 As shown in (5), the terminal shape is exactly the same as that of the positive input terminal 731. An insulating terminal 736 is provided on the lower part of the negative input terminal 732, so that when the terminal part 730 is installed in the battery pack 700, the negative input terminal 732 and the negative terminal 716 are not connected. As a result, the output of the unit assembly 357 is connected to the negative input terminal 732 on the power tool body side, but the output of the unit assembly 356 is in an unconnected state.

[1121] Figure 28 (4) is a front view showing the shape of the terminal portion 730 on the body side of the power tool. Figure 28 (5) is a perspective view of the terminal unit 730. (and) Figure 27 Compared to the terminal portion 720 shown, the terminal portion 730 is characterized in that the positive input terminal 731 and the negative input terminal 732 are made narrower in the vertical direction, so that they only contact the positive terminal 712 and the negative terminal 715 disposed on their respective upper sides. Furthermore, an insulating terminal 735 made of synthetic resin is formed on the lower side of the positive input terminal 731, and an insulating terminal 736 made of synthetic resin is formed on the lower side of the negative input terminal 732. The insulating terminals 735 and 736 can be integrally formed with the terminal portion 730, and their rear ends are connected to the vertical surface 730b. Here, the thickness of the plate-shaped insulating terminals 735 and 736 is configured to be thicker than that of the positive input terminal 731 and the negative input terminal 732. Therefore, when molding the synthetic resin portion of the terminal portion 730 including the insulating terminals 735 and 736, the lower half of the metal positive input terminal 731 and the negative input terminal 732 can be melted and cast into the synthetic resin to form an insulating state.

[1122] A conductive terminal 734 is further added to the terminal section 730. The position of the conductive terminal 734 is arbitrary; here, an unused slot portion not used in a conventional 18V battery pack is utilized. Figure 26 The series connection terminals 718 and 719 are configured using a slot 707, and the conductive terminal 734 is located beside the positive input terminal 731. The conductive terminal 734 is a metal plate. A portion of the positive input terminal 731, negative input terminal 732, and LD terminal 733 has wiring connection portions 731a, 732a, and 733a for wiring within the electric machine body. In contrast, the conductive terminal 734 does not require a wiring connection portion. This is because the conductive terminal 734 is only used to short-circuit the series connection terminals 718 and the wiring connection portion 719. Alternatively, the conductive terminal 734 can be configured for signal transmission, in which case a wiring connection portion can be formed. Figure 28 As seen in Figure (4), the wiring connectors 731a, 732a, and 733a are arranged offset inwards from the positions of the positive input terminal 731, the negative input terminal 732, and the LD terminal 733. This is because they are constructed such that the metal plate forming the positive input terminal 731, the negative input terminal 732, and the LD terminal 733 is bent into a crank shape with a stepped manner, and the bent portion is cast with synthetic resin.

[1123] In the fifth embodiment, only the shape of the terminal portion on the power tool body side is changed... Figure 27 Shape (terminal 720) or Figure 28 The shape (terminal 730) allows for easy switching of the output voltage from the battery pack 700 from 18V to 36V. Furthermore, since no moving parts such as switches are used within the battery pack 700, a simple and durable battery pack can be achieved. Moreover, the positive terminal 712, positive terminal 713, negative terminal 715, negative terminal 716, series connection terminal 718, and series connection terminal 719 can be installed within the existing slot of an 18V battery pack, thus enabling a voltage-switching battery pack to be implemented with an interchangeable size with existing designs. The above describes the use of... Figure 27 and Figure 28 The structure of the fifth embodiment has been described, but such structures, especially the terminal shapes, can be modified in various ways. In the fifth embodiment, the voltage switching element and the power supply terminal are arranged at approximately the same height in the vertical direction, thus the vertical dimensions of the battery pack can be compactly configured. In addition, the series connection terminal 718 and the series connection terminal 719, which function as series terminals, are arranged at approximately the same height in the vertical direction as the positive terminal 712, the positive terminal 713 and the negative terminals 715 and 716, thus the vertical dimensions of the battery pack can be compactly configured.

[1124] Figure 29The figure shows a modified example 1 where only the end portion of the power tool body for 36V has been changed. Figure 29 In this case, only the shape of the terminal 750 is different; it is designed so that no terminal is provided on the lower side of the positive input terminal 751. Figure 28 Such a cut-off terminal configuration ensures that no contact is made in the positive terminal 713 during battery pack installation. As per... Figure 29 (3) Figure 29 As can be seen from (4), the lower side of the negative input terminal 752 is also configured without a cut-off terminal. The shapes of the conducting terminal 754 and the LD terminal 753 are similar to... Figure 28 The same shape. The terminal portion 750 as described above can also be obtained with... Figure 28 Same effect.

[1125] Figure 30 This diagram illustrates a modified example 2, where only the end portion of the power tool body for a 36V power supply has been changed. The basic structure and... Figure 29 Similarly, positive terminals 712 and 713 are arranged side-by-side in a direction intersecting the insertion direction of the battery pack 700, meaning they do not contact each other vertically. A positive input terminal 771 is formed in the 36V terminal portion 770. This positive input terminal 771 has a suitable vertical width for contacting only the positive terminal 712, and an insulating plate 775 extending horizontally is formed to contact the lower edge of the positive input terminal 771. When the battery pack 700 is installed, the insulating plate 775 enters the vertical gap 777 between the positive terminals 712 and 713, effectively preventing a short circuit between the positive terminals 712 and 713 due to dust or foreign objects during power tool operation, thus maintaining good insulation between the positive terminals 712 and 713. The negative input terminal 772 is also formed in the same shape as the positive input terminal 771, such as... Figure 30 As shown in (3), when viewed in a direction parallel to the insertion direction of the battery pack, an insulating plate 776 with a predetermined width in the horizontal direction is formed in the negative input terminal 772. The shapes of the conducting terminal 774 and the LD terminal 773 remain unchanged. Figure 30 As seen in Figure (4), the insulating plates 775 and 776 on the lower sides of the positive input terminal 771 and the negative input terminal 772 are connected to the vertical surface 770b of the terminal portion 770. Ideally, the width of the insulating plates 775 and 776 in the left-right direction is formed to extend to the vicinity of the boundary of the adjacent slit, but it may also be less than such a width. Here, the insulating plates 775 and 776 can be manufactured by integrally forming with the terminal portion 770, in which case the positive input terminal 771 and the negative input terminal 772 are fixed by casting.

[1126] Figure 31 This figure illustrates a modified example 3 where both the terminal shape on the 36V battery pack side and the terminal portion 790 on the power tool body side are altered. Positive terminals 782 and 783 are arranged side-by-side on the terminal substrate 781 in the same direction as the insertion direction of the battery pack 700 and remain in a non-contact state. The upper portions 782a and 783a of the positive terminals 782 and 783 are as follows... Figure 31 As shown in the top view of (1), they are arranged separately in the installation direction, and the inserted positive input terminal 721 is shaped to extend from the inlet side 787a to the outlet side 787b. The lower portions 782b and 783b of the positive terminals 782 and 783 are formed into a U-shape connected from left to right, so they can be easily manufactured by pressing a metal plate.

[1127] The positive input terminals 721 and 722, which are inserted into the positive terminal pair (782, 783) and the negative terminal pair of the same shape, are in the shape of a power tool body rated at 18V. Figure 31 (2) and Figure 31 As shown in (3), it is not necessary to be relative to Figure 27 The shape shown is changed. On the other hand, in the power tool body rated at 36V, the shape of the terminal 790 needs to be changed. In the terminal 790, the insulating plate 795 and the positive input terminal 791 are arranged side by side in the battery pack insertion direction. That is, compared with the terminal 720 rated at 18V, the exposed area of ​​the positive input terminal 791 is reduced to about half that of the positive input terminal 721, so that when 36V output is performed, the positive input terminal 791 only contacts the positive terminal 782, and the positive terminal 783 is configured to be non-conductive. The configuration of the negative input terminal 792 side is also configured in the same way as the positive input terminal 791 side, as shown. Figure 31 (4) Figure 31 As shown in (5), an insulating plate 796 is formed adjacent to the negative input terminal 792. The insulating plates 795 and 796 can be integrally manufactured together with the base portion of the terminal portion 790 by injection molding of synthetic resin. As described above, in Modification 3, a voltage-switching battery pack that is interchangeable with existing 18V machines can also be realized.

[1128] Figure 32 This figure illustrates a modified example 4, in which only the terminal portion 800 of the power tool body for 36V is modified. This embodiment is configured such that... Figure 31 The example shown shows the shape of the insulation board 795 after removal. The positive input terminal 801 has a length in the mounting direction slightly shorter than the positive input terminal 721 for 18V (see reference). Figure 27 The negative input terminal 802 is also similarly set to a length in the mounting direction that is slightly shorter than half the length of the negative input terminal 722 for 18V. When... Figure 32 When viewed from the rear as in (3), the shape of the terminal 800 is the same as that of the 18V terminal except for having the conductive terminal 804, but according to Figure 32 As can be clearly seen from the perspective of (4), the positive input terminal 801 and the negative input terminal 802 are shorter in the front-to-back direction compared to the other terminals (803, 804).

[1129] Figure 33 This diagram illustrates a variation of Example 5, where the shapes of the positive and negative terminal pairs on the battery pack side have been altered. In this variation, positive terminal 812 and positive terminal 813 have had the shapes of... Figure 27 The positive terminals 712 and 713 shown are only one-sided shapes; positive terminal 812 has only the right half formed, and positive terminal 813 has only the left half formed. When... Figure 33 When viewed from the side as in (2), since they are separated in the vertical direction, there is no risk of contact between the positive terminal 812 and the positive terminal 813 when the positive input terminal 721 or the positive input terminal 731 is not inserted. Although not shown here, the shape of the negative terminal side and the shape of the series connection terminal pair can also be configured in the same way. The 18V terminal 720 installed in this terminal and Figure 27 The shape shown is the same; the shape of the terminal 730 for 36V is the same. Figure 28 The shapes shown are the same. In this variation 5, the weight of the positive terminal, negative terminal, and series connection terminal pair can be reduced, thereby achieving a lighter battery pack.

[1130] Figure 34 To indicate relative to Figure 33 The figure for Modification 6 shows a modification of Modification 5, where only the terminal 750 for 36V is changed. The shape of this terminal 750 is similar to... Figure 29 The shapes shown are the same, but the widths of the positive input terminal 751 and the negative input terminal 752 in the vertical direction are reduced. By forming it in this way, when the 36V terminal 750 is contacted, the series output of the unit assembly 356 and the unit assembly 357 can be obtained from the battery pack.

[1131] Figure 35 To indicate relative to Figure 33 The figure for Modification 5 shows only a change to the terminal 770 for 36V. The shape of this terminal 770 is similar to... Figure 30The shape is the same as shown, but the width of the positive input terminal 771 in the vertical direction is reduced, and an insulating plate 775 extending in the horizontal direction is formed in contact with the lower edge of the positive input terminal 771. The configuration of the negative input terminal 772 side is also the same. Figure 30 The structures shown are the same.

[1132] In the fifth embodiment described above, in a battery pack capable of switching the output voltage, multiple positive and negative terminal pairs are provided without relying on a switching mechanism having multiple movable members. Furthermore, a series connection terminal pair is provided to connect the two unit components 356 and 357 in series. Therefore, a battery pack where voltage switching can be easily achieved simply by selecting the shape of the terminal side of the motor body for 18V or 36V operation can be implemented. Additionally, since a complex switching mechanism is not required within the battery pack, the number of parts can be reduced, assembly reliability improved, and the battery pack miniaturized while maintaining interchangeability.

[1133] Various modifications can be made to Embodiments 1 through 5. These embodiments are designed for switching between 18V and 36V voltages, but other voltage ratios are also possible.

[1134] [Example 6]

[1135] Figure 36 This diagram illustrates the installation of the battery pack toward the power tool according to the sixth embodiment. The power tool, as a type of electric machine, has a battery pack and uses the rotational driving force generated by the motor to drive the front-end tool or working machine. Power tools have been implemented in various types, but... Figure 36 The power tool bodies 1001 and 1030 shown are both referred to as impact tools. The power tool bodies 1001 and 1030 are tools that perform tightening operations by applying rotational force or axial impact force to a front-end tool such as a drill bit or socket wrench (not shown). These power tool bodies 1001 and 1030 have housings 1002 and 1032 that form the outer frame, and grip portions 1003 and 1033 are formed within the housings 1002 and 1032. Trigger-like operation switches 1004 and 1034 are provided near the portion of the grip portion 1003 and 1033 that is touched by the operator's index finger when gripping. Battery mounting portions 1010 and 1040 for mounting battery packs 1015 and 1100 are formed below the grip portions 1003 and 1033.

[1136] The power tool body 1001 is an existing electric motor that uses a battery pack 1015 with a rated voltage of 18V. The battery pack 1015 is an existing battery pack and can be installed in the battery assembly section 1010 of the corresponding 18V electric motor (power tool body 1001) as shown by the combination of arrows a. Inside the battery pack 1015, there is either a single unit assembly consisting of five 3.6V lithium-ion battery cells connected in series, or two such unit assemblies connected in parallel. 18V refers to a relatively low voltage, referred to here as low voltage. Similarly, the power tool body 1001 with a rated voltage of 18V or the electric motor body is sometimes referred to as a low-voltage power tool body or a low-voltage electric motor body, respectively. Similarly, the battery pack 1015 with a nominal voltage of 18V is sometimes referred to as a low-voltage battery pack.

[1137] The power tool body 1030 is a motorized machine body with a rated voltage of 36V, and as shown by arrow b1, a battery pack 1100 capable of outputting 36V is installed in the battery pack mounting section 1040. 36V refers to a relatively high voltage, referred to here as high voltage. Similarly, the power tool body 1030 with a rated voltage of 36V or the motorized machine body is sometimes referred to as a high-voltage power tool body or a high-voltage motorized machine body, respectively. Inside the battery pack 1100, two sets of unit components are housed, each consisting of five 3.6V lithium-ion battery cells connected in series. By changing the connection method of the two sets of unit components, switching between 18V output and 36V output is possible. In the sixth embodiment, the battery pack 1100 is configured to output both low and high voltages, allowing the battery pack 1100 to be installed in the 18V power tool body 1001 as shown by arrow b2, or in the 36V power tool body 1030 as shown by arrow b1. The battery pack 1100, capable of outputting both low and high voltages, is sometimes referred to here as a voltage-variable battery pack. In order to install the battery pack 1100 on power tool bodies 1001 and 1030 with different voltages, as indicated by arrows b1 and b2, it is important that the shapes of the rail portion or terminal portion of the battery assembly mounting section 1010 and 1040 are approximately the same; and that the output voltage of the battery pack 1100 can be switched. At this time, it is important that the output voltage of the battery pack 1100 accurately corresponds to the rated voltage of the mounted power machine body or power tool body to prevent voltage setting errors.

[1138] Figure 37This is a perspective view showing the shape of the battery mounting section 1010 of the power tool body 1001. The power tool body 1001 shown here is an impact driver and has a grip extending downwards from the main body of the housing 1002. The battery mounting section 1010 is formed on the lower side of the grip. A trigger switch 1004 is provided in the grip. An anvil (not shown) serving as an output shaft is provided on the front side of the housing 1002, and a front tool holder 1008 for mounting a front tool 1009 is provided at the front end of the anvil. Here, a four-channel (plus) driver bit is mounted as the front tool 1009. Not limited to power tools, all electric machines using battery packs have a battery mounting section 1010 with a shape corresponding to the mounted battery pack, and are configured such that battery packs unsuitable for the battery mounting section 1010 cannot be mounted. In the battery assembly section 1010, track grooves 1011a and 1011b extending parallel in the front-back direction are formed on the inner walls of the left and right sides, and a terminal section 1020 is disposed therebetween. The terminal section 1020 is manufactured by integral molding of a non-conductive material such as synthetic resin, and multiple metal terminals, such as a positive input terminal 1022, a negative input terminal 1027, and an LD terminal (abnormal signal terminal) 1028, are fused and cast therein. The LD terminal (abnormal signal terminal) 1028 functions as a signal terminal for inputting or outputting information or signals. The terminal section 1020 has a vertical surface 1020a that serves as a contact surface in the installation direction (front-back direction) and a horizontal surface 1020b. When the battery pack 1100 is installed, the horizontal surface 1020b becomes flush with the upper step surface 1115 (via... Figure 38 (To be described later) Adjacent to, facing surfaces. A raised portion 1132 is formed on the front side of the horizontal surface 1020b, which is adjacent to the battery pack 1100 (through...). Figure 38 (To be described later) The abutting curved portion 1012 has a protrusion 1014 formed near the center of the left and right sides of the curved portion 1012. The protrusion 1014 also serves as a base for fastening the housing of the power tool body 1001, which is divided into two parts in the left and right direction, and also functions as a stop to restrict the relative movement of the battery pack 1100 in the installation direction.

[1139] Figure 38 This is a perspective view of the battery pack 1100 according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. The battery pack 1100 is relative to the battery assembly section 1010 and the battery assembly section 1040 (see reference). Figure 36 It can be installed and removed, and automatically switches between low voltage (18V here) and high voltage (36V here) outputs depending on the terminal shape of the power tool body 1001 or power tool body 1030. This is compatible with existing 18V rated battery packs 1015 (see reference 1030). Figure 36 The battery pack 1100 has interchangeable mounting options, and its mounting portion is shaped identically to the existing battery pack 1015. The frame of the battery pack 1100 is formed by a lower outer casing 1101 and an upper outer casing 1110, which can be separated vertically. The lower outer casing 1101 and the upper outer casing 1110 are non-conductive components, such as those made of synthetic resin, and are fixed together by four screws. The upper outer casing 1110 has a mounting mechanism formed by two tracks 1138a and 1138b for mounting to the battery pack mounting portion 1010. Tracks 1138a and 1138b extend in a direction parallel to the mounting direction of the battery pack 1100 and protrude from the left and right sides of the upper outer casing 1110. The front ends of tracks 1138a and 1138b are open ends, and the rear ends are closed ends connected to the front wall of the raised portion 1132. Tracks 1138a and 1138b are formed as track grooves 1011a and 1011b formed in the battery assembly section 1010 of the power tool body 1001 (see reference). Figure 37 The corresponding shape, when the tracks 1138a and 1138b are engaged with the track grooves 1011a and 1011b, is controlled by the locking part 1142a (the right-side locking part) which acts as a latch. Figure 38 The battery pack 1100 is secured to the power tool body 1001 by locking the latches 1142a and 1142b (which are not visible in the center). When the battery pack 1100 is removed from the power tool body 1001, the latches 1141 located on the left and right sides are pressed, and the locking parts 1142a and 1142b move inward, releasing the locking state. Therefore, in this state, the battery pack 1100 can be moved to the opposite side of the installation direction.

[1140] A flat lower stepped surface 1111 is formed on the front side of the upper casing 1110, and an upper stepped surface 1115, which is higher than the lower stepped surface 1111, is formed near the center. The lower stepped surface 1111 and the upper stepped surface 1115 are stepped, and the connecting portion forms a step portion 1114, which is a vertical surface. The front portion from the step portion 1114 to the upper stepped surface 1115 forms a slot group configuration area 1120. In the slot group configuration area 1120, a plurality of slots 1121 to slots 1128 extending from the front step portion 1114 to the rear are formed. Slots 1121 to slots 1128 are portions cut in a manner having a predetermined length in the battery assembly direction, and the interior of the cut portion forms a terminal configuration area, which is provided with a plurality of connection terminals (via...) that can be fitted with the machine-side terminals of the power tool body 1001, the power tool body 1030, or an external charging device (not shown). Figure 39(To be described later). In order to allow the slots 1121 to 1128 to be inserted into the end of the power tool body from the lower step surface 1111 side, cuts are formed not only on the upper surface parallel to the installation direction but also on the vertical surface. In addition, an opening 1113 that opens continuously in the lateral direction is formed on the lower side of the slots 1121 to 1128 and between them and the lower step surface 1111.

[1141] Of the slots 1121 to 1128, slot 1121, located near the right side of track 1138a of the battery pack 1100, serves as the insertion port for the positive terminal (C+ terminal) for charging, and slot 1122 serves as the insertion port for the positive terminal (+ terminal) for discharging. Additionally, slot 1127, located near the left side of track 1138b of the battery pack 1100, serves as the insertion port for the negative terminal (- terminal). In the battery pack 1100, the positive and negative terminals are typically arranged to be fully separated. Viewed from a vertical imaginary plane located at the center of the left and right sides, the positive terminal is positioned at the fully separated position on the right side, and the negative terminal is positioned at the fully separated position on the left side. Between the positive and negative terminals are multiple signal terminals for transmitting signals to the battery pack 1100, the power tool body 1001, the power tool body 1030, or an external charging device (not shown). Here, four slots 1123 to 1126 for the signal terminals are arranged between the power terminals. Slot 1123 is a spare terminal insertion port, and no terminal is provided in the sixth embodiment. Slot 1124 is an insertion port for outputting a signal as identification information of the battery pack 1100 to the power tool body or the charging device (T terminal). Slot 1125 is an insertion port for inputting a control signal from an external charging device (not shown) (V terminal). Slot 1126 is an insertion port for outputting the temperature information of the battery formed by a thermistor (temperature sensing element) (not shown) disposed in contact with the cell ground (LS terminal). To the left of the slot 1127, which serves as the insertion port for the negative terminal (- terminal), a slot 1128 is provided for the LD terminal that outputs the abnormal stop signal generated by the battery protection circuit included in the battery pack 1100 (described later).

[1142] On the rear side of the upper stepped surface 1115, a raised portion 1132 is formed. The raised portion 1132 is shaped to rise above the upper stepped surface 1115, and a recessed stop portion 1131 is formed near its center. The stop portion 1131 becomes a protrusion 1014 when the battery pack 1100 is installed in the battery pack mounting portion 1010 (see reference). Figure 37 If the protrusion 1014 on the power tool body 1001 side abuts against the stop 1131, then the multiple terminals (machine-side terminals) provided on the power tool body 1001 and the multiple connection terminals (via the battery pack 1100) provided on the battery pack 1100 will be connected. Figure 39 (To be described later) it contacts and becomes conductive. Additionally, the latch 1141 of the battery pack 1100 has a locking portion 1142a (the right-side locking portion, in...) Figure 38 The battery pack 1100 (not visible in the center) protrudes vertically outward from the lower part of the tracks 1138a and 1138b by the action of a spring, and engages with a recess (not shown) formed in the track grooves 1011a and 1011b of the power tool body 1030, thereby preventing the battery pack 1100 from falling off. Inside the stop portion 1131, a slit 1134, connected to the interior of the battery pack 1100, serves as a cooling air inlet. Furthermore, when the battery pack 1100 is installed in the power tool body 1001, the slit 1134 is covered in a manner that prevents it from being visible from the outside, thus becoming closed. The slit 1134 is a vent used to force cooling air into the interior of the battery pack 1100 when the battery pack 1100 is connected to a charging device (not shown) for charging. The cooling air introduced into the battery pack 1100 is discharged to the outside through the slit 1104, which is provided on the front wall of the lower housing 1101 as an exhaust vent.

[1143] Figure 39 For the general Figure 38 This is a perspective view of the battery pack 1100 after the upper outer casing 1110 has been removed. Ten battery cells are housed within the interior space of the lower outer casing 1101. Two screw holes 1103a and 1103b are formed on the front wall of the lower outer casing 1101 for fastening to the upper outer casing 1110. Screws (not shown) are inserted through the screw holes 1103a and 1103b from bottom to top. Although not visible in this view, two screw holes are also formed on the rear wall of the lower outer casing 1101. Multiple battery cells (not shown) are stacked in two layers of five cells each and fixed to a separator 1145. The separator 1145 is made of synthetic resin and is formed with openings only at the left and right ends of the battery cells. Within the separator 1145, the axes of each battery cell are stacked in a parallel manner, and adjacent cells are arranged with their orientations alternately opposite. The positive and negative terminals of adjacent battery cells are connected by metal tabs, thereby connecting the five battery cells in series. Here, the upper unit assembly 1146 is formed by the five series-connected battery cells on the upper layer (via... Figure 41 (described later), and the five series-connected battery cells disposed on the lower side form the lower unit assembly 1147 (via Figure 41(To be described later). In addition, the upper and lower sides of the unit components mentioned here do not refer to the upper or lower layer of the battery unit inside the lower housing 1101, but rather the unit component located on the ground side when two unit components are connected in series is called the "lower unit component", and the unit component located on the high voltage side when connected in series is called the "upper unit component".

[1144] Regarding the battery cells, a lithium-ion battery cell (not shown) with a diameter of 18mm and a length of 65mm, referred to as the 18650 size, capable of multiple charge-discharge cycles, is used. In the sixth embodiment, in order to switch the output voltage from the battery pack 1100, the configuration of series connection voltage (high voltage side output) and parallel connection voltage (low voltage side output) of multiple cell components can be selected. Therefore, according to the idea of ​​the sixth embodiment, as long as the number of cells contained in each cell component is equal, the number of cell components is arbitrary. However, the number of cell components is set to an even number, such as two or four. The battery cells used are not limited to the 18650 size; they can also be the so-called 21700 size battery cells or other sizes. In addition, the shape of the battery cells is not limited to cylindrical; they can also be cuboid, stacked, or other shapes. The type of battery cell is not limited to lithium-ion batteries; any type of rechargeable battery, such as nickel-metal hydride battery cells, lithium-ion polymer battery cells, and nickel-cadmium battery cells, can also be used. Two electrodes are provided at both ends of the battery cell in the length direction. One of the two electrodes is the positive electrode and the other is the negative electrode, but the position of the electrodes is not limited to the two ends. Any electrode configuration is possible as long as the cell assembly can be easily formed within the battery pack.

[1145] A circuit board 1150 is disposed on the upper side of the separator 1145 that holds the battery cell. Multiple connection terminals (1161, 1162, 1164-1168, 1171, 1172, 1177) are fixed to the circuit board 1150 by soldering, and circuit patterns are electrically connected to the connection terminals. Various electronic components (not shown here), such as a battery protection integrated circuit (IC) or microcomputer, a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) thermistor, resistors, capacitors, fuses, and light-emitting diodes, are further mounted on the circuit board 1150. The circuit board 1150 is fixed in a horizontal direction on the upper side of the separator 1145, which is made of non-conductive materials such as synthetic resin. The material of the circuit board 1150 is called a printed circuit board, which is obtained by printing patterns and wiring on a substrate impregnated with a resin that is insulating to the material, using a conductive material such as copper foil. Single-layer substrates, double-sided substrates, and multi-layer substrates can be used. In this embodiment, a double-sided substrate is used, thereby having an upper surface (surface) of the circuit substrate 1150, and being self-contained. Figure 39 The upper surface (when viewed) and the lower surface (back side) are shown. A plurality of connection terminals (1161, 1162, 1164 to 1168, 1171, 1172, 1177) are arranged slightly forward of the center in the front-rear direction of the circuit board 1150. Here, the plurality of connection terminals are arranged approximately side by side in the lateral direction.

[1146] Each connection terminal, such as Figure 38As shown, on the upper surface of the upper housing 1110, C+ terminals (1161, 1171: positive terminals for charging), + terminals (1162, 1172: positive terminals for discharging), T terminal 1164, V terminal 1165, LS terminal 1166, - terminals (1167, 1177: negative terminals), and LD terminal 1168 are arranged side by side from right to left on the circuit board 1150. Here, the connection terminals for the power supply line from the battery pack, i.e., the power terminals, are formed by two separate terminal parts. That is, the C+ terminal (positive terminal for charging) includes an upper positive terminal 1161 and a lower positive terminal 1171, and these positive terminal pairs (1161, 1171) are arranged at the positions corresponding to the single slot 1121. A wrist assembly of an upper positive terminal 1161 is disposed on the upper side of the inner portion of the slot 1121, and a wrist assembly of a lower positive terminal 1171 is disposed on the lower side of the wrist assembly of the upper positive terminal 1161. Similarly, the positive terminals (positive terminals for discharge) marked in the upper housing 1110 include an upper positive terminal 1162 and a lower positive terminal 1172, and these positive terminal pairs (1162, 1172) are disposed at positions corresponding to a single slot 1122. A wrist assembly of an upper positive terminal 1162 is disposed on the upper side of the slot 1122 portion, and a wrist assembly of a lower positive terminal 1172 is disposed on the lower side of the wrist assembly of the upper positive terminal 1162. The terminals (negative terminals) marked in the upper housing 1110 include an upper negative terminal 1167 and a lower negative terminal 1177. These negative terminal pairs (1167, 1177) are arranged at portions corresponding to a single slot 1127. A wrist assembly of the upper negative terminal 1167 is arranged on the upper side of the slot 1127 portion, and a wrist assembly of the lower negative terminal 1177 is arranged on the lower side of the wrist assembly of the upper negative terminal 1167. The upper positive terminal 1162 and the lower positive terminal 1172 each function as positive terminals and, as described later, as switching terminals for switching the output voltage of the battery pack 1100 to a low voltage, and also as parallel terminals for connecting multiple unit components 1146 and 1147 in parallel with each other. Multiple parallel terminals, namely the upper positive terminal 1162 and the lower positive terminal 1172, are arranged adjacent to each other to form a parallel terminal group. Similarly, the upper negative terminal 1167 and the lower negative terminal 1177 each function as a negative terminal and, as described later, as a switching terminal for switching the output voltage of the battery pack 1100 to a lower voltage, and also as a parallel terminal for connecting multiple unit components 1146 and 1147 in parallel. Multiple parallel terminals, namely the upper negative terminal 1167 and the lower negative terminal 1177, are arranged adjacent to each other to form a parallel terminal group.Furthermore, as described later, the lower positive terminal 1172 and the lower negative terminal 1177 also function as series terminals for connecting multiple unit components 1146 and 1147 in series. Thus, the upper positive terminal 1162, the lower positive terminal 1172, and the upper positive terminal 1162 and lower positive terminal 1172 function as voltage switching elements for switching the output voltage of the battery pack 1100.

[1147] Connection terminals (1161, 1162, 1164-1168) are configured to connect with Figure 38 The positions corresponding to slots 1121 to 1128 are shown. Therefore, the mating portion of the connection terminal is arranged with openings on the upper and front sides from the circuit board 1150. However, the portion between the upper positive terminal 1162 and the T terminal 1164 is different from the existing battery pack 1015 (see reference). Figure 36 Similarly, in the battery pack 1100 of this embodiment, it becomes an unused empty space.

[1148] The positive terminal pairs (1161, 1171) for charging are configured such that the adjacent positive terminal pairs (1162, 1172) are offset forward. This is due to spatial constraints, to avoid the movement range of the latching mechanism (not shown) immediately following the positive terminal pairs (1161, 1171). Therefore, if there were no spatial constraints, the positive terminal pairs (1161, 1171) could be arranged so that the positive terminal pairs (1162, 1172) and the negative terminal pairs (1167, 1177) could be placed side by side with the front end.

[1149] Positive terminals (1161, 1162, 1171, 1172) and negative terminals (1167, 1177) are positioned at a point significantly separated in the left-right direction, with three signal terminals (T terminal 1164, V terminal 1165, LS terminal 1166) located between them. In this embodiment, a voltage switching element for switching between parallel and series connections is achieved through the upper positive terminal 1162 and upper negative terminal 1167, and the lower positive terminal 1172 and lower negative terminal 1177. Furthermore, as signal terminal components, two sets of horizontally extending wrists are used, one set on the upper left and one set on the lower left and one set on the lower right. Their detailed shape will be described later. Figure 44This will be described later. Furthermore, regarding the signal terminals (1164-1166, 1168), existing signal terminal components with a single wrist in the vertical direction can be directly used. However, in this embodiment, to achieve the same engagement state between the positive terminals (1161, 1162, 1171, 1172) and the negative terminals (1167, 1177) and the machine-side terminals, a signal terminal component with both vertical and horizontal wrists is also used on the signal terminal side (via...). Figure 44 (To be described later).

[1150] To the left of the negative terminal pair (1167, 1177) is another signal terminal, namely LD terminal 1168. LD terminal 1168 is also formed with two sets of arms, one on the upper side and one on the lower side. However, LD terminal 1168 differs in size from the other signal terminals (T terminal 1164, V terminal 1165, LS terminal 1166). This is due to spatial constraints, as a latching mechanism (not shown) extends immediately following LD terminal 1168; therefore, LD terminal 1168 is formed smaller than the other signal terminals to avoid the latching mechanism. All signal terminals (1164-1166, 1168) have their feet extending from the surface to the back side through mounting holes 1151 formed in the circuit board 1150, and are fixed on the back side by soldering. In this embodiment, the method of fixing the three signal terminals (1164-1166) is also characteristic, the details of which will be explained later. Figure 44 and Figure 45 As described later, after mounting electronic components (not shown) on the circuit board 1150 and fixing multiple connection terminals by soldering, the circuit board 1150 is fixed to the partition 1145 by screwing or adhesive.

[1151] Four light-emitting diodes (LEDs) (not shown) are disposed near the rear of the circuit board 1150. Above the LEDs are elongated cuboid prisms 1191 to 1194. The bottom surfaces of prisms 1191 to 1194 are arranged facing the illuminating surfaces of the upward-facing LEDs, and their obliquely cut upper surfaces protrude to the outside through slits (not shown) formed in the upper housing 1110. Prisms 1191 to 1194 are configured to diffuse light to the outside of the upper housing 1110. The four LEDs (not shown) are used to display the remaining battery level of the battery pack 1100. When the operator presses the switch 1190, a number of LEDs corresponding to the battery cell voltage illuminate for a limited time. An operating lever (not shown) for operating the switch 1190 is disposed on the outer surface of the upper housing 1110, operable by the operator. The lower outer casing 1101 is generally rectangular in shape with an open upper surface, and is composed of a bottom surface, a front surface wall 1101a, a rear surface wall 1101b, a right side wall 1101c, and a left side wall 1101d extending vertically relative to the bottom surface. A slit 1104 is provided at approximately the center of the front surface wall 1101a. The slit 1104 serves as an outlet for discharging cooling air supplied from the charging device side within the internal space of the battery pack 1100 during charging.

[1152] Next, use Figure 40 The shapes of the parts (1200, 1220) used in the power terminals are described. Figure 40(1) is a perspective view showing the upper terminal part 1200 and the lower terminal part 1220. The upper terminal part 1200 is a general-purpose part used in the upper positive terminal 1161, upper positive terminal 1162 and upper negative terminal 1167, and the lower terminal part 1220 is a general-purpose part used in the lower positive terminal 1171, lower positive terminal 1172 and lower negative terminal 1177. The upper terminal part 1200 and the lower terminal part 1220 are formed by pressing a plate containing conductive metal, cutting it, and then bending it into a U-shape. The upper terminal part 1200 is bent so that the bottom surface of the U-shape, i.e., the bridging portion 1202, is on the upper side, and the lower terminal part 1220 is bent so that the bridging portion 1222 is on the rear side. The reason why the bridging portion 1202, formed by a U-shaped bend, and the bridging portion 1222 are arranged to intersect at approximately a right angle is that the front bridging portion 1222 cannot sufficiently ensure the area of ​​the side wall surface in the front-back direction. Therefore, if the bridging portion is arranged on the upper side, the size of the bridging portion will be smaller. In the lower terminal part 1220 of this embodiment, the bridging portion 1222 is made to be in the vertical direction, so the length in the front-back direction required for the arrangement can be shortened, and the size of the bridging portion, especially the length in the vertical direction, can be sufficiently ensured, thus improving the rigidity of the lower terminal part 1220. On the other hand, in the upper terminal part 1200, the wrist portion 1205 and the wrist portion 1206, which span the lower terminal part 1220, can be formed, and the bridging portion 1202 is formed as a surface extending in the same direction as the front-back direction of the wrist portion 1205 and the wrist portion 1206, thus improving the mounting rigidity of the wrist portion 1205 and the wrist portion 1206.

[1153] The upper terminal part 1200 has a right side surface 1203, a left side surface 1204 formed in a parallel U-shape, and a bridging portion 1202 connecting them as the upper surface. Wrist portions 1205 and 1206, which clamp the machine-side terminal inwards from both sides, are respectively provided on the front sides of the right side surface 1203 and the left side surface 1204. The front portion of the left side surface 1204 is formed such that it extends in a straight line from the lower side in the vertical direction to a position near the upper end, and then extends forward in an arc with a large radius of curvature from near the arrow 1024d near the upper end. The shape of the right side surface 1203 is symmetrically formed with respect to the left side surface 1204. The wrist portion 1205 is arranged to extend forward from the upper front edge of the right side surface 1203, and the wrist portion 1206 is arranged to extend forward from the upper front edge of the left side surface 1204. In this manner, the wrists 1205 and 1206 are formed extending forward from the upper part of the front side of the base 1201, that is, in a direction parallel to the mounting direction of the battery pack 1100. Viewed from the left and right, the wrists 1205 and 1206 face each other, and the smallest interval portion, that is, the fitting portion that engages with the machine connection terminal, is pressed at a position close to almost contact, thus providing elasticity. Here, "pressing" refers to plastic processing using a pressing machine, pressing a material such as a metal sheet against a mold with high pressure to perform cutting, stamping, hole-making, and other shearing processes, and then bending or rolling processes as needed, thereby cutting and shaping into the desired shape. In this embodiment, the upper terminal part 1200 and the lower terminal part 1220 are formed, for example, from a flat plate with a thickness of approximately 0.5 mm to 0.8 mm. Therefore, the upper positive terminals 1161, 1162, 1171, 1172, 1167, and 1177 negative terminals 1167 and 1177 possess high mechanical strength, resulting in higher engagement pressure when mated with the machine-side terminals. Furthermore, heat treatment or plating can be performed after pressing.

[1154] The lower terminal part 1220 is also manufactured in the same manner, having a base portion 1221. The base portion 1221 includes a right side surface 1223, a left side surface 1224 formed in a parallel manner bent into a U-shape, and a bridging portion 1222 connecting these sides. Wrist portions 1225 and 1226 are formed forward from near the elongated upper portion of the right side surface 1223 and the left side surface 1224. The wrist portions 1225 and 1226 are shaped to clamp the machine side terminal from the left and right sides inward. The distance S between the upper end of the upper wrist portion group (1205, 1026) and the lower end of the lower wrist portion group (1225, 1226) is configured to be approximately the same as the width of the power terminal provided in a conventional 18V battery pack. On the other hand, the upper wrist assemblies (1205, 1026) and the lower wrist assemblies (1225, 1226) are arranged with a predetermined distance S1 between them in the vertical direction. A cutout 1231, which is significantly cut from the front, is formed on the lower side of the lower wrist assemblies (1225, 1226). The rear side of the lower terminal part 1220 and the right side 1203 and left side 1204 of the upper terminal part 1200 are fixed side-by-side in the front-rear direction with a predetermined gap 1211 between them so as not to contact each other. Thus, multiple power terminals (1161, 1162, 1167, 1171, 1172, 1177) are arranged side-by-side in the left-right direction above the partition 1145, and the terminal pairs serving as voltage switching elements are arranged in the vertical direction at approximately the same height as conventional power terminals. Furthermore, the lower positive terminal 1172 and lower negative terminal 1177, which function as series terminals, the upper positive terminal 1162, which functions as a positive terminal, and the upper negative terminal 1167, which functions as a negative terminal, are located at the same height in the vertical direction. Thus, the series terminals are positioned at approximately the same height as the positive and negative terminals in the vertical direction, thereby compactly constituting the vertical dimensions of the battery pack.

[1155] Figure 40(2) is a perspective view of the upper terminal component 1200. Here, the area of ​​the bridging portion 1202 and the portions of the feet 1207 and 1208 are illustrated with shading lines to make their boundaries clear. The base portion 1201 mentioned in this specification refers to the portion exposed from the surface of the mounted circuit board 1150 to the upper side, and is the portion excluding the wrist portions 1205 and 1206. The base portion 1201 of the upper terminal component 1200 includes the right side surface 1203, the left side surface 1204, and the bridging portion 1202. The feet 1207 and 1208 are connected to the lower part of the base portion 1201. The feet 1207 and 1208 are inserted into the mounting holes (through holes) 1151 of the circuit board 1150, so that the feet 1207 and 1208 protrude from the mounting surface (surface) of the circuit board 1150 to the opposite side (back side) of the mounting surface. On the back side, the feet 1207 and 1208 are soldered to the circuit board 1150. Furthermore, the wrists 1205 and 1206 are electrically connected to battery cells or electronic components mounted on the circuit board 1150 by soldering. Here, the height H1 of the feet 1207 and 1208 is formed to be greater than the thickness of the circuit board 1150 but less than twice the thickness of the circuit board 1150. Additionally, a rearwardly protruding protrusion 1204b is formed in the lower rear portion of the left side surface 1204. Figure 40 While not visible in the center, a similar protrusion is also formed on the lower part behind the right side surface 1203. A portion extending convexly in the horizontal direction is formed on the front side of the lower part of the right side surface 1203 and the left side surface 1204, and bends 1203a and 1204a are formed by bending this convex portion inwards. Cutting portions 1203c, 1204c, 1207a, and 1208a are formed on the upper and lower sides of the bends of the bending portions 1203a and 1204a to facilitate bending processing. The bending portions 1203a and 1204a, and the protrusions 1203b and 1204b are formed for positioning the upper terminal component 1200 in the vertical direction by contacting the upper surface near the mounting holes of the circuit board 1150.

[1156] The base portion 1201 is roughly L-shaped when viewed from the side. The rear portions of the wrist portions 1205 and 1206 have planar portions 1205a and 1206a extending forward from near the rear connecting portion, sharing the same plane as the right side surface 1203 and the left side surface 1204. The left-right spacing of the planar portions 1205a and 1206a is fixed and parallel. In front of the planar portions 1205a and 1206a, curved portions 1205b and 1206b are formed, which curve inward when viewed from the left-right direction. Planar portions 1205c and 1206c are again formed in front of the curved portions 1205b and 1206b. The opposing planar portions 1205c and 1206c are formed with a large rear-side gap that gradually narrows towards the front, and are respectively surfaces extending in the vertical direction. The front ends of planar portions 1205c and 1206c have mating portions 1205d and 1206d formed by bending outwards with a large radius of curvature R1. The inner curved surfaces of mating portions 1205d and 1206d contact the terminals of the power tool body 1001 and 1030, thereby electrically connecting the upper terminal part 1200 to the connection terminals on the power tool body 1001 and 1030 sides. The inner sides of mating portions 1205d and 1206d are formed to have a small gap 1209 when the battery pack 1100 is removed from the power tool body 1001 and 1030. The front sides of the fitting portions 1205d and 1206d are connected to the guide portions 1205e and 1206e, which are formed with a rapidly increasing spacing as they move towards the front, guiding the terminals on the power tool body 1001 and power tool body 1030 sides. The inner surfaces of the guide portions 1205e and 1206e are formed as planar surfaces, but they can also be formed as curved surfaces. The height from the curved portion 1205b to the guide portion 1205e and from the curved portion 1206b to the guide portion 1206e is fixed in the vertical direction. On the other hand, the planar portions 1205a and 1206a are formed with downward-direction cutouts 1205f and 1206f, which are formed with a decreasing height as they move towards the rear. The cutouts 1205f and 1206f are formed for manufacturing reasons, namely, to facilitate bending of the wrists 1205 and 1206 during pressing; and to adjust the clamping load (or clamping pressure) in the set of mating portions 1205d and 1206d. By forming them in the manner described above, an upper terminal part 1200 with excellent durability and ease of use can be achieved.In addition, in the wrist 1205 and wrist 1206, it is preferable to maximize the height of the fitting portion 1205d and fitting portion 1206d, but the height of the curved portion 1205b, curved portion 1206b, flat portion 1205c, flat portion 1206c, guide portion 1205e, guide portion 1206e in the vertical direction does not necessarily have to be fixed, and can also be formed into a shape that changes with the forward and backward direction.

[1157] Figure 40(3) is a perspective view of the lower terminal part 1220. Here, the area of ​​the bridging part 1222 and the parts of the feet 1227 and 1228 are also illustrated with shading lines to make their range clear. As can be seen from the figure, the lower terminal part 1220 bends in a U-shape in a different direction than the upper terminal part 1200. Here, the base part 1221 is formed into an upright, roughly L-shaped shape when viewed from the side. The wrist part 1225 and the wrist part 1226 are connected to the upper front side of the right side 1223 and the left side 1224. The wrist part 1225a and the wrist part 1226 are formed near the connection between the wrist part 1225 and the base part 1221. The plane part 1225a and the plane part 1226a are the same plane as the right side 1223 and the left side, and the opposing planes are parallel. In front of planar portions 1225a and 1226a, curved portions 1225b and 1226b are formed, which curve inward when viewed from the left-right direction. Planar portions 1225c and 1226c are formed again in front of the curved portions 1225b and 1226b. The opposing planar portions 1225c and 1226c are formed with a large rear-end spacing that gradually narrows towards the front, tapering towards the front. The front ends of planar portions 1225c and 1226c are formed with fitting portions 1225d and 1226d, which are curved with a large radius of curvature. The inner curved surfaces of fitting portions 1225d and 1226d are electrically connected through contact with terminals of the power tool body 1001 and the power tool body 1030. The inner sides of the fitting portions 1225d and 1226d are formed to have a small gap when the battery pack 1100 is removed from the power tool body 1001 and power tool body 1030. Guide portions 1225e and 1226e are formed on the front sides of the fitting portions 1225d and 1226d, respectively. These guide portions 1225e and 1226e are formed such that their spacing increases sharply towards the front, and are used to guide the terminals on the power tool body 1001 and power tool body 1030 sides. The inner surfaces of the guide portions 1225e and 1226e can be planar or curved. The height from the planar portion 1225a to the guide portion 1225e and from the planar portion 1226a to the guide portion 1226e is fixed in the vertical direction. However, it is also possible to form a lower terminal part 1220 with the same top and bottom dimensions as the wrists 1205 and 1206 of the upper terminal part 1200, except for the fitting portions 1225d and 1226d, where the height varies in the vertical direction. By forming it in the manner described above, in this embodiment, a lower terminal part 1220 with excellent durability and ease of use can be achieved.

[1158] On the lower side of the wrists 1225 and 1226 of the lower terminal part 1220, a cutout 1231 is formed from the front to the rear, which is U-shaped when viewed from the side (see reference). Figure 40 (1)). The reason for forming the cutout 1231 is that a substrate cover 1180 is provided in this part to separate the upper terminal part 1200 and the lower terminal part 1220 (by means of...). Figure 46 (To be described later). Feet 1227 and feet 1228 are connected to the lower side of the base portion 1221. Feet 1227 and feet 1228 are inserted into mounting holes in the circuit board 1150, protruding from the mounting surface (surface) of the circuit board 1150 to the opposite side (back surface), and the protruding portions are soldered. Furthermore, soldering establishes an electrical connection from the wrist portions 1225 and 1226 towards the battery cell or electronic components mounted in the circuit board 1150. Here, the group formed by feet 1227 and feet 1228 is wired independently without short-circuiting with the group formed by feet 1207 and feet 1208 of the upper terminal part 1200. The size or shape of the feet 1227 and 1228 are approximately the same as those of the feet 1207 and 1208, and bends 1223a and 1224a are formed on the front side. Cut-off portions 1223c, 1224c, 1227a, and 1228a are formed on the upper and lower sides of the bends of the bends 1223a and 1224a. The cut-off portions are formed to allow for bending during the pressing process with good precision, and therefore are not necessary.

[1159] Next, use Figure 41 The shape of the terminal portion 1020 on the power tool body 1001 and power tool body 1030 side when the battery pack 1100 is installed on them, and the connection state with the connection terminals of the battery pack 1100, will be described. Here, the positive terminal (upper positive terminal 1162, lower positive terminal 1172) and negative terminal (upper negative terminal 1167, lower negative terminal 1177) for discharge in the connection terminals of the battery pack 1100 are illustrated. LD terminals 1028 and 1058 are further provided in the terminal portions 1020 and 1050 of the power tool body 1001 and power tool body 1030, but are not shown here. Figure 41Figure (1) shows the state in which the battery pack 1100 is installed in the power tool body 1030 for 36V. As described above, the battery pack 1100 contains 10 battery cells, five of which constitute the upper unit assembly 1146 and the remaining five constitute the lower unit assembly 1147. Here, compared with the terminal portion 1020 of the conventional power tool body 1001, the terminal portions 1052a and 1057a of the positive input terminal 1052 and the negative input terminal 1057 are smaller. That is, the width in the vertical direction is made smaller so that it only contacts the upper positive terminal 1162 and the upper negative terminal 1167 disposed on the upper side. The positive output terminal of the upper unit assembly 1146 is connected to the upper positive terminal 1162, and the negative output terminal is connected to the lower negative terminal 1177. On the other hand, the positive output terminal of the lower unit assembly 1147 is connected to the lower positive terminal 1172, and the negative output terminal is connected to the upper negative terminal 1167. That is, two sets of positive and negative terminals are independently provided. One terminal set (upper positive terminal 1162 and lower negative terminal 1177) is connected to the upper unit assembly 1146 in the left-right direction and crosses vertically, and the other terminal set (lower positive terminal 1172 and upper negative terminal 1167) is connected to the lower unit assembly 1147. The upper positive terminal 1161 and the lower positive terminal 1172 are not electrically connected, so they are in an electrically independent state when the battery pack 1100 is not installed in the electric motor body (the state where the battery pack 1100 has been removed). Similarly, the upper negative terminal 1167 and the lower negative terminal 1177 are not electrically connected inside the battery pack 1100, so they are electrically independent when the battery pack 1100 is not installed in the electric motor body (the state where the battery pack 1100 has been removed).

[1160] like Figure 41As shown in (1), a positive input terminal 1052 and a negative input terminal 1057 for receiving power are provided in the terminal portion of the power tool body 1030 rated at 36V. During installation, the positive input terminal 1052 is only engaged with the upper positive terminal 1162, and the negative input terminal 1057 is only engaged with the upper negative terminal 1167. On the other hand, a short-circuit bar 1059 is further provided in the terminal portion of the power tool body 1030 to connect the lower positive terminal 1172 and the lower negative terminal 1177 by short-circuiting. The short-circuit bar 1059 is a short circuit device or conducting terminal containing a metal conductive member, and functions as a switching element for switching the output voltage from the battery pack 1100 to a high voltage, and also functions as a high-voltage connecting element for connecting multiple unit components 1146 and 1147 in series with each other. The shorting rod 1059, a metal component bent into a U-shape, has one end forming a terminal portion 1059b that engages with the lower positive terminal 1172, and the other end forming a terminal portion 1059c that engages with the lower negative terminal 1177. Terminal portions 1059b and 1059c are connected by a connecting portion 1059a. The shorting rod 1059 is cast together with other machine-side terminals such as the positive input terminal 1052 or the negative input terminal 1057 onto a base 1051 made of synthetic resin (via...). Figure 42 The method (described later) is fixed. The shorting bar 1059 is only used to short-circuit the lower positive terminal 1172 and the lower negative terminal 1177, so there is no need to make wiring toward the control circuit, etc. of the power tool body.

[1161] The positive input terminal 1052 includes: a terminal portion 1052a, which is fitted into the upper positive terminal 1162 and is formed in a flat plate shape; a wiring portion 1052c, for soldering leads to the circuit board side of the power tool body 1030; and a connecting porti...

Claims

1. A battery pack, characterized in that: include: a plurality of unit assemblies, each having at least one unit; a housing for accommodating the plurality of unit assemblies and configured to mount the battery pack on the electric machine body forward in the front-rear direction, the housing including a plurality of slots; a plurality of power terminals configured to be directly connectable to a plurality of input terminals of the electric machine body and to supply power to the plurality of input terminals of the electric machine body, the plurality of power terminals including a positive terminal connected to a positive electrode of a first unit assembly constituting the plurality of unit assemblies, and a negative terminal connected to a negative electrode of a second unit assembly constituting the plurality of unit assemblies, wherein the negative terminal is arranged away from the positive terminal in a left-right direction; and A voltage switching element is configured to switch the connection state of the plurality of unit components, the voltage switching element is set to be different from the positive terminal and the negative terminal, and is configured to switch the connection state of the plurality of unit components to: a parallel connection state in which the plurality of unit components are connected in parallel to output a first voltage to the positive terminal and the negative terminal, or a series connection state in which the plurality of unit components are connected in series to output a second voltage to the positive terminal and the negative terminal, wherein: The housing has a lower step surface, an upper step surface formed at a rear side of the lower step surface to be higher than the lower step surface, and a step portion formed between the lower step surface and the upper step surface, wherein the plurality of slot portions are formed in the step portion. When viewed in the front-rear direction, each of the positive electrode terminal, the negative electrode terminal, and the voltage switching element is disposed inside the plurality of slot portions formed on the step portion, When the battery pack is connected to a high voltage electric machine body or a low voltage electric machine body as the electric machine body, each of the positive terminal and the negative terminal is directly connected to the plurality of input terminals of the connected electric machine body via the plurality of slot portions, wherein When the battery pack is connected to the high-voltage electric machine body, the voltage switching element can be directly connected to the switching terminal of the high-voltage electric machine body via the plurality of slot portions, and When the battery pack is connected to the low-voltage electric machine body, the voltage switching element may be directly connected to the input terminal of the low-voltage electric machine body via the plurality of slot portions.

2. The battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that: The voltage switching element includes a plurality of switching terminals, which are composed of terminals other than the positive terminal and the negative terminal among a plurality of terminals connected to the positive electrode or the negative electrode of each unit component constituting the plurality of unit components, wherein: The plurality of switching terminals include a first switching terminal connected to a positive electrode of a cell assembly different from the first cell assembly, and a second switching terminal connected to a negative electrode of a cell assembly different from the second cell assembly.

3. The battery pack according to claim 2, characterized in that: The signal terminal for inputting or outputting information or a signal is arranged at a position between the first switching terminal and the second switching terminal in the left-right direction.

4. The battery pack according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The first switch terminal is disposed adjacent to the positive terminal to form a positive terminal group, and the second switch terminal is disposed adjacent to the negative terminal to form a negative terminal group. The positive electrode terminal group and the negative electrode terminal group are arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction.

5. The battery pack according to claim 4, characterized in that: The signal terminal for inputting or outputting information or signals is arranged at a position between the positive electrode terminal group and the negative electrode terminal group in the left-right direction.

6. The battery pack according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The first switching terminal and the positive electrode terminal are arranged in a first slot constituting the plurality of slot portions, and the second switching terminal and the negative electrode terminal are arranged in a second slot constituting the plurality of slot portions. The second slot is arranged away from the first slot in the left-right direction, wherein When the battery pack is connected to the high-voltage electric machine body, the first switching terminal and the second switching terminal can be directly connected to the switching terminal of the high-voltage electric machine body, and When the battery pack is connected to the low-voltage electric machine body, the first switching terminal and the second switching terminal may be directly connected to the input terminal of the low-voltage electric machine body.

7. The battery pack according to claim 6, characterized in that: The first switching terminal and the positive electrode terminal are arranged in the first slot and aligned in the front-rear direction, and the second switching terminal and the negative electrode terminal are arranged in the second slot and aligned in the front-rear direction.

8. The battery pack according to claim 6, characterized in that: A signal terminal for inputting or outputting information or a signal is arranged in the third slot constituting the plurality of slot portions, The third slot is disposed between the first slot and the second slot in the left-right direction.

9. The battery pack according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The first switching terminal and the second switching terminal are arranged adjacent to each other to form a series terminal group.

10. The battery pack according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The first switching terminal and the second switching terminal are arranged in a fourth slot constituting the plurality of slot portions.

11. The battery pack according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The voltage switching element includes: a switch for switching the connection state of the plurality of unit assemblies, and an operation unit for operating the switch from the outside. The switching switch and / or the operating unit are arranged above the plurality of unit assemblies and at the same height as the positive electrode terminal and the negative electrode terminal in the vertical direction.

12. An electric machine, characterized in that: comprising the battery pack according to claim 1 or 2, and the low-voltage electric machine body connectable to the battery pack, The low-voltage electric machine body includes a low-voltage switching means configured to control the voltage switching element to switch the connection state to a parallel connection state when the battery pack is connected to the low-voltage electric machine body.

13. An electric machine, characterized in that: comprising the battery pack according to claim 1 or 2, and the high voltage electric machine body connectable to the battery pack, The high-voltage electric machine body includes a high-voltage switching means configured to control the voltage switching element to switch the connection state to a series connection state when the battery pack is connected to the high-voltage electric machine body.

14. A battery pack, characterized in that: include: a plurality of unit assemblies, each having at least one unit; a housing for accommodating the plurality of unit assemblies and configured to mount the battery pack on the electric machine body forward in the front-rear direction, the housing including a plurality of slots; a plurality of power terminals configured to be directly connectable to a plurality of input terminals of the electric machine body and to supply power to the plurality of input terminals of the electric machine body, the plurality of power terminals including a positive terminal connected to a positive electrode of a first unit assembly constituting the plurality of unit assemblies, and a negative terminal connected to a negative electrode of a second unit assembly constituting the plurality of unit assemblies, wherein the negative terminal is arranged away from the positive terminal in a left-right direction; and A voltage switching element is configured to switch the connection state of the plurality of unit components, the voltage switching element is set to be different from the positive terminal and the negative terminal, and is configured to switch the connection state of the plurality of unit components to: a parallel connection state in which the plurality of unit components are connected in parallel to output a first voltage to the positive terminal and the negative terminal, or a series connection state in which the plurality of unit components are connected in series to output a second voltage to the positive terminal and the negative terminal, wherein: The housing has a lower step surface, an upper step surface formed at a rear side of the lower step surface to be higher than the lower step surface, and a step portion formed between the lower step surface and the upper step surface, wherein the plurality of slot portions are formed in the step portion. When viewed in the front-rear direction, each of the positive electrode terminal, the negative electrode terminal, and the voltage switching element is disposed inside the plurality of slot portions formed on the step portion, When the battery pack is connected to a high voltage electric machine body or a low voltage electric machine body as the electric machine body, each of the positive terminal and the negative terminal is directly connected to the plurality of input terminals of the connected electric machine body via the plurality of slot portions, wherein When the battery pack is connected to the high-voltage electric machine body, the voltage switching element can be directly connected to the switching terminal of the high-voltage electric machine body via the plurality of slot portions, and When the battery pack is connected to the low-voltage electric machine body, the voltage switching element can be directly connected to the input terminal of the low-voltage electric machine body via the plurality of slot portions. The voltage switching element includes a plurality of switching terminals, which are composed of terminals other than the positive terminal and the negative terminal among a plurality of terminals connected to the positive electrode or the negative electrode of each unit component constituting the plurality of unit components, wherein: The plurality of switching terminals include a first switching terminal connected to a positive electrode of a cell assembly different from the first cell assembly, and a second switching terminal connected to a negative electrode of a cell assembly different from the second cell assembly. The first switching terminal and the positive electrode terminal are arranged in a first slot constituting the plurality of slot portions, and the second switching terminal and the negative electrode terminal are arranged in a second slot constituting the plurality of slot portions. The second slot is arranged away from the first slot in the left-right direction, wherein When the battery pack is connected to the high-voltage electric machine body, the first switching terminal and the second switching terminal can be directly connected to the switching terminal of the high-voltage electric machine body, and When the battery pack is connected to the low-voltage electric machine body, the first switching terminal and the second switching terminal can be directly connected to the input terminal of the low-voltage electric machine body. The first switching terminal and the positive electrode terminal are arranged in the first slot and aligned in the vertical direction, and the second switching terminal and the negative electrode terminal are arranged in the second slot and aligned in the vertical direction.

15. An electric machine, characterized in that: A high voltage electric machine body is included which can be connected to a battery pack. The battery pack comprises: a plurality of unit assemblies, each having at least one unit; A housing for accommodating the plurality of unit assemblies and configured to mount the battery pack forwardly on the high-voltage electric machine body in a front-to-rear direction, the housing including a plurality of slots; a plurality of power terminals configured to be directly connectable to a plurality of input terminals of the high-voltage electric machine body and to supply power to the plurality of input terminals of the high-voltage electric machine body, the plurality of power terminals including a positive terminal connected to a positive electrode of a first unit assembly constituting the plurality of unit assemblies, and a negative terminal connected to a negative electrode of a second unit assembly constituting the plurality of unit assemblies, wherein the negative terminal is arranged away from the positive terminal in the left-right direction; and A voltage switching element is configured to switch the connection state of the plurality of unit components, the voltage switching element is set to be different from the positive terminal and the negative terminal, and is configured to switch the connection state of the plurality of unit components to: a parallel connection state in which the plurality of unit components are connected in parallel to output a first voltage to the positive terminal and the negative terminal, or a series connection state in which the plurality of unit components are connected in series to output a second voltage to the positive terminal and the negative terminal, wherein: The high-voltage electric machine body includes a high-voltage switching component, wherein the high-voltage switching component is configured to control the voltage switching element to switch the connection state to a series connection state when the battery pack is connected to the high-voltage electric machine body. The input terminal is configured to be directly connectable to the power supply terminal and to be supplied with power from the battery pack. The housing has a lower step surface, an upper step surface formed at a rear side of the lower step surface to be higher than the lower step surface, and a step portion formed between the lower step surface and the upper step surface, wherein the plurality of slot portions are formed in the step portion. When viewed in the front-rear direction, each of the positive electrode terminal, the negative electrode terminal, and the voltage switching element is disposed inside the plurality of slot portions formed on the step portion, Each of the positive terminal and the negative terminal is directly connected to each of the plurality of input terminals of the high-voltage electric machine body via the plurality of slot portions, wherein When the battery pack is connected to the high-voltage electric machine body, the voltage switching element can be directly connected to the high-voltage switching member of the high-voltage electric machine body via the plurality of slot portions, and When the battery pack is connected to a low-voltage electric machine body, the voltage switching element can be directly connected to an input terminal of the low-voltage electric machine body via the plurality of slot portions. The voltage switching element includes a plurality of switching terminals, which are composed of terminals other than the positive terminal and the negative terminal among a plurality of terminals connected to the positive electrode or the negative electrode of each unit component constituting the plurality of unit components, wherein: The plurality of switching terminals include a first switching terminal connected to a positive electrode of a cell assembly different from the first cell assembly, and a second switching terminal connected to a negative electrode of a cell assembly different from the second cell assembly. The first switching terminal and the positive electrode terminal are arranged in a first slot constituting the plurality of slot portions, and the second switching terminal and the negative electrode terminal are arranged in a second slot constituting the plurality of slot portions. The second slot is arranged away from the first slot in the left-right direction, wherein When the battery pack is connected to the high-voltage electric machine body, the first switching terminal and the second switching terminal can be directly connected to the high-voltage switching component of the high-voltage electric machine body, and When the battery pack is connected to the low-voltage electric machine body, the first switching terminal and the second switching terminal can be directly connected to the input terminal of the low-voltage electric machine body. The first switching terminal and the positive electrode terminal are arranged in the first slot and aligned in the vertical direction, and the second switching terminal and the negative electrode terminal are arranged in the second slot and aligned in the vertical direction.

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