Battery pack with enhanced latch arrangement

Abstract

A battery pack includes: at least one battery cell configured to provide power to a device; a housing configured to receive the at least one battery cell; a latch suspended from the housing and configured to couple the battery pack to the device; an actuator configured to move the latch toward a released position, in which the latch is configured to release the battery pack from the device; and a latch insert. At least one of the latch or actuator is at least partially molded onto the latch insert.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a battery pack, such as a battery pack for electrical devices and / or power tools. The battery pack includes a latching arrangement for coupling the battery pack to the electrical device and / or power tool. Background Technology

[0002] Electrical equipment, such as electrical appliances and / or power tools, can be powered by a battery pack. This battery pack can be charged with a compatible battery charger. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a battery pack. The battery pack includes at least one battery cell configured to provide power to a device, a housing configured to receive the at least one battery cell, a latch suspended from the housing and configured to couple the battery pack to the device, an actuator configured to move the latch toward a released position, in which the latch is configured to release the battery pack from the device, and a latch insert. At least one of the latch or the actuator is at least partially molded onto the latch insert.

[0004] In one embodiment of the first aspect, the latch insert is disposed at least partially in the latch. In another embodiment of the first aspect, the latch insert is disposed at least partially in the actuator. In yet another embodiment of the first aspect, the latch insert is disposed at least partially in both the latch and the actuator.

[0005] In one embodiment of the first aspect, the latch and actuator are at least partially molded on the latch insert.

[0006] In one embodiment of the first aspect, the housing includes a rod configured to receive at least one battery cell and insertable into a socket of the device for electrical connection with the device. The housing includes a latch. An actuator is suspended on the latch. The latch is suspended from the actuator. In the released position, the actuator bends toward the rod.

[0007] In one embodiment of the first aspect, the actuator includes a gripping surface disposed externally and configured to be manually actuated by a user.

[0008] In one embodiment of the first aspect, the latch includes a shaft and a locking member projecting transversely to the shaft. At least one of the shaft or the locking member is at least partially molded onto the latch insert.

[0009] In one embodiment of the first aspect, the latch insert is at least partially disposed in at least one of the shaft or the locking member.

[0010] In one embodiment of the first aspect, the latch insert includes a shaft portion disposed in the shaft and a locking portion disposed in the locking member.

[0011] In one embodiment of the first aspect, the latch insert includes a hole provided in at least one of the shaft portion or the locking portion.

[0012] In one embodiment of the first aspect, the hole is provided in the shaft portion and the locking portion and passes through the bend in the latch insert.

[0013] In one embodiment of the first aspect, the shaft portion is generally flat. The locking portion is generally flat.

[0014] In one embodiment of the first aspect, the shaft portion and the locking portion are arranged at approximately right angles.

[0015] In one embodiment of the first aspect, the shaft portion and the locking portion are connected by a single bend in the latch insert.

[0016] In one embodiment of the first aspect, the shaft portion and the locking portion are connected by a first bend in the latch insert. The shaft portion includes a second bend in the latch insert. The second bend divides the shaft portion into a first generally flat portion and a second generally flat portion, the second generally flat portion being offset from and generally parallel to the first generally flat portion.

[0017] In one embodiment of the first aspect, the first generally flat portion and the locking portion include an elongated hole through the first curved portion. The second generally flat portion includes a plurality of holes configured to receive a flow of material molded therein.

[0018] In one embodiment of the first aspect, the latch insert is formed of a rigid material and is more rigid than the material of the latch and / or more rigid than the material of the actuator.

[0019] In one embodiment of the first aspect, the actuator and latch are formed into a single piece by the material flow during the molding operation.

[0020] In one embodiment of the first aspect, the actuator and latch are formed of a polymeric material, and the latch insert is formed of metal.

[0021] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a battery pack. The battery pack includes a plurality of battery cells configured to supply power to a device, a housing configured to receive the plurality of battery cells, a latch configured to buckle to couple the battery pack to the device, and an actuator configured to move the latch toward a released position, in which the latch is configured to release the battery pack from the device. The actuator is suspended from the housing, and the latch is suspended from the actuator. The battery pack also includes a latch insert. At least one of the latch or the actuator is at least partially molded onto the latch insert.

[0022] In one embodiment of the second aspect, the latch insert is disposed at least partially in the latch. In another embodiment of the second aspect, the latch insert is disposed at least partially in the actuator. In yet another embodiment of the second aspect, the latch insert is disposed at least partially in both the latch and the actuator.

[0023] In one embodiment of the second aspect, the actuator and latch are formed into a single piece by the material flow during the forming operation.

[0024] In a third aspect, the present invention provides a battery pack. The battery pack includes a plurality of battery cells configured to supply power to a device, a housing configured to receive the plurality of battery cells, a latch configured to buckle to couple the battery pack to the device, and an actuator configured to move the latch toward a released position, in which the latch is configured to release the battery pack from the device. The actuator is suspended from the housing. The latch is suspended from the actuator. The actuator and the latch are formed as a single piece by a material flow in a molding operation. The battery pack also includes a latch insert. At least one of the latch or the actuator is at least partially molded onto the latch insert. The latch insert is formed of a rigid material and is more rigid than the material of the latch and the actuator.

[0025] In one embodiment of the third aspect, the latch insert is disposed at least partially in the latch. In another embodiment of the third aspect, the latch insert is disposed at least partially in the actuator. In yet another embodiment of the third aspect, the latch insert is disposed at least partially in both the latch and the actuator.

[0026] In one embodiment of the third aspect, the latch includes a shaft and a locking member, the shaft extending generally in the insertion direction of the battery pack insertion device, and the locking member projecting transversely to the insertion direction from the shaft near its distal end. A latch insert is disposed within the shaft and the locking member.

[0027] Other aspects of the invention will become apparent from consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings. Where appropriate and applicable, any feature described herein with respect to one aspect, embodiment, or implementation may be combined with any other feature described herein with respect to any other aspect, embodiment, or implementation. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0029] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The same perspective view of the battery pack, in which part of the casing is shown as transparent.

[0031] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Another perspective view of the battery pack, in which part of the casing is shown as transparent.

[0032] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 The same perspective view of the battery pack, with some parts of the casing removed to show the battery cells.

[0033] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 An enlarged view of the battery pack, with battery cells removed to show the latch.

[0034] Figure 6 It is based on Figure 1 A perspective view of the latch insert according to the embodiment.

[0035] Figure 7 It is an enlarged perspective view of the latch, in which the latch is shown transparent to show the latch insert.

[0036] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of a portion of the housing of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 The same perspective view of this part of the casing, which is shown as partially transparent.

[0038] Figure 10 It is based on Figure 8 A perspective view of the latch insert according to the embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0039] Before explaining any embodiments of the invention in detail, it should be understood that the application of the invention is not limited to the construction details and component arrangements set forth in the following description or shown in the drawings. The invention can have other embodiments and can be practiced or implemented in various ways. Furthermore, it should be understood that the wording and terminology used herein are for descriptive purposes and should not be considered limiting. Terms such as “about,” “approximately,” “substantially,” “basically,” etc., should be understood to be within standard tolerances, as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0040] Figures 1 to 7 A battery pack 10 with a latch arrangement 12 is shown for connecting the battery pack 10 to a device, such as an electrical device and / or power tool (not shown). The device (not shown) may include a drill, impact actuator, ratchet wrench, reciprocating saw, oscillating multi-tool, instrument, imaging device, inspection device, detection device, lamp, etc. The battery pack 10 includes a housing 14, which includes a lever 22, a base 24, and a latch 26. The housing 14 can be formed from any number of components, in any suitable manner, in any combination, removably or permanently joined together. In other embodiments, the housing 14 may have other shapes, arrangements, constructions, etc. For example, the housing 14 may not need to include the lever 22.

[0041] The housing 14 is formed from a material such as a polymeric material (e.g., plastics and / or elastomers) by any suitable polymer manufacturing method. For example, the housing material may include one or more combinations of the following groups: polycarbonate (PC), polypropylene (PP), nylon, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), PC-ABS, glass-filled polypropylene, and / or nylon. For example, the housing 14 may be molded (formed by material flow during molding operations) by, for example, plastic injection molding, insert molding, blow molding, compression molding, overmolding, or any other suitable molding method. In other embodiments, the housing 14 may be formed by other manufacturing methods.

[0042] Each part of the housing 14 (e.g., the rod 22, the base 24, and the latch 26) can be formed as a separate component by individual molding operations. In other embodiments, any combination of one or more of the rod 22, the base 24, and the latch 26 can be formed as a single piece.

[0043] Battery pack 10 includes a plurality of battery cells 28 housed in housing 14. Figure 4The multiple battery cells 28 can be arranged in any suitable configuration and can include any number of battery cells 28. In the illustrated embodiment, the multiple battery cells 28 include a first group of battery cells 30 housed in the stem 22 and a second group of battery cells 32 housed in the base 24. The first group of battery cells 30 includes three battery cells 28, and the second group of battery cells 32 includes three battery cells 28, but other numbers of battery cells, such as one, two, four, or more, may also be used. In the illustrated embodiment, the battery pack 10 is a lithium-based rechargeable battery pack 10, and it is removably and interchangeably connected to a device (not shown) to provide power during operation and to facilitate recharging of the battery pack 10 when not in use. The battery cells 28 can be arranged in series, in parallel, or a combination of series and parallel. Each battery cell may have a nominal voltage of approximately four volts (4.0V). In other embodiments, depending on the individual nominal voltage and arrangement of the battery cells 28, each battery cell may have other nominal voltages, such as approximately 3.6V, 3.8V, 4.2V, or higher, or any other nominal voltage. The battery pack 10 may have a nominal voltage of approximately 10.8V, 12V, 14.4V, or higher. Each battery cell 28 may have a capacity rating of approximately 1.2Ah, 1.3Ah, 1.4Ah, 2.0Ah, 2.4Ah, 2.6Ah, 3.0Ah, or higher. Depending on the number and configuration of the battery cells 28 used, the battery pack 10 may have a capacity rating of approximately 2.4Ah, 2.6Ah, 2.8Ah, 4.0Ah, 5.2Ah, 6.0Ah, or higher, or any other capacity rating. In the illustrated embodiment, battery cell 28 is a lithium-ion battery cell having a chemical substance such as lithium cobalt (Li-Co), lithium manganese (Li-Mn), or lithium manganese spinel. In other embodiments, battery cell 28 may have other suitable lithium or lithium-based chemical substances. In other embodiments, battery cell 28 may have non-lithium-based chemical substances.

[0044] The shape and size of the rod 22 are designed to fit into a socket (not shown) in a device (not shown). Therefore, when the battery pack 10 is inserted into the housing in the device (not shown), the first battery cell 30 is received therein. The rod 22 includes a first elongated protrusion 34 and a second elongated protrusion 36. Figures 1 to 2The first elongated protrusion 34 and the second elongated protrusion 36 extend in the insertion direction D of the battery pack 10 into the device (not shown). The first elongated protrusion 34 and the second elongated protrusion 36 provide a keyed insertion into the socket (not shown) in a single orientation, and center the battery pack 10 within the socket (not shown). In other embodiments, the rod 22 may have any number of elongated protrusions, such as one, three, or more. The rod 22 may have any suitable shape and configuration.

[0045] Further reference Figures 1 to 2 The stem 22 includes an end cap 38 to substantially enclose the first battery cell 30 within the stem 22. The end cap 38 shown includes two power terminals 40 configured to provide power, but any number of power terminals may be used in other embodiments. The end cap 38 also includes sensing or communication terminals 42 coupled to a battery circuit (not shown). The battery circuit (not shown) may be configured to monitor various aspects of the battery pack 10, such as battery pack temperature, battery pack and / or battery cell charging status, and may also be configured to send and / or receive information and / or commands to and / or from a device (not shown).

[0046] The latch portion 26 includes a latch arrangement 12 and a generally tubular structure 25 extending from a generally rectangular base 27. Figure 1 A generally tubular structure 25 defines a central axis C, which is generally parallel to the insertion direction D. A latching arrangement 12 extends along the insertion direction D, generally parallel to the central axis C. A generally rectangular base 27 mates with a base 24 to at least partially enclose the second group of battery cells 32. The generally tubular structure 25 and the latching arrangement 12 are formed as a single piece by a material flow during the forming operation. Figures 1 to 5 In one embodiment, the generally tubular structure 25, the latch arrangement 12, and the generally rectangular base 27 are formed into a single piece by the material flow during the forming operation.

[0047] The latch arrangement 12 is cantilevered on a generally tubular structure 25 of the latch portion 26. The latch arrangement 12 includes a first latch 46 and a second latch 48 for attaching the battery pack 10 to a device (not shown), and a first actuator 50 and a second actuator 52 for releasing the respective first latch 46 and second latch 48. In other embodiments, any number of latches and actuators may be employed, such as one latch and one actuator, three latches and three actuators, four latches and four actuators, or more. The first latch 46 and the second latch 48 releaseably secure the battery pack 10 to the device (not shown), and the first actuator 50 and the second actuator 52 allow the user to release the battery pack 10 from the device (not shown) by pressing or squeezing inward on the gripping surface 51 of the first actuator 50 and the gripping surface 53 of the second actuator 52, respectively. Each gripping surface 51, 53 is located externally (on the outer surface of the battery pack 10) and is configured to be manually actuated by the user. Actuation (e.g., pressing) of the first actuator 50 and the second actuator 52 causes the corresponding first latch 46 and second latch 48 to move or flex toward a release position configured to release the battery pack 10 from the device. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the release position of the first latch 46 and the second latch 48 is achieved by flexing the first latch 46 and the second latch 48 toward the lever 22 (e.g., toward each other) so that the battery pack 10 can be disengaged from the device (not shown). This arrangement allows the user to quickly remove the battery pack 10 for recharging or replacement without the use of tools.

[0048] The first latch 46 will be described in more detail below, and it should be understood that the detailed description of the first latch 46 also applies to the second latch 48, so that the second latch 48 does not need to be described separately herein. Therefore, the reference numerals used below to describe the first latch 46 are also used in the drawings for the second latch 48, but followed by an apostrophe “'”. The detailed description of the first latch 46 may also be applied to any number of latches that may be used.

[0049] The first latch 46 is suspended from the latch portion 26 of the housing 14. More specifically, the first latch 46 is suspended from the first actuator 50, and the first actuator 50 is suspended from the generally tubular structure 25. Specifically, at least the first actuator 50 and the first latch 46 are formed as a single piece by the material flow of the latch portion 26 during the molding operation. More specifically, the first latch 46, the first actuator 50, and the generally tubular structure 25 are formed as a single piece by the material flow of the latch portion 26 during the molding operation. Even more specifically, the first latch 46, the first actuator 50, the generally tubular structure 25, and the generally rectangular base 27 are formed as a single piece by the material flow of the latch portion 26 during the molding operation.

[0050] The first latch 46 includes a shaft 54 ​​extending generally along the insertion direction D. The first latch 46 includes a locking member 56 that protrudes transversely to the insertion direction D near the distal end of the shaft 54. The shaft 54 ​​is configured to buckle during insertion into the device (not shown), and the locking member 56 is configured to engage a stop surface (not shown) of the device (not shown) to retain the battery pack 10 in the device (not shown).

[0051] The first latch 46 is formed of a polymeric material (e.g., plastic) (as described above relative to housing 14) and includes a latch insert 58. Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 A latch insert 58 is disposed in the latch arrangement 12, i.e., in at least one of the shaft 54, the locking member 56, or the first actuator 50. For example, at least one of the shaft 54, the locking member 56, or the first actuator 50 is at least partially molded onto the latch insert 58 to form an integral part. In the illustrated embodiment, the latch insert 58 is disposed in the shaft 54, the locking member 56, and the first actuator 50. It should be understood that a second latch insert 58' is similarly disposed in the second latch 48 and / or the second actuator 52, and will not be described further. The second latch insert 58' may be a mirror image of the latch insert 58, and in some embodiments (e.g., Figures 1 to 7 In the case of (as in the case of), they can be the same (e.g., if they are symmetrical).

[0052] like Figure 6 As shown, the latch insert 58 includes a shaft portion 60 and a locking portion 62, each of which is generally flat. Figure 6 In the illustrated embodiment, each of the shaft portion 60 and the locking portion 62 is generally flat. The shaft portion 60 extends generally parallel to the shaft 54 ​​of the first latch 46, and therefore generally parallel to the insertion direction D. The shaft portion 60 extends at least partially through the shaft 54 ​​of the first latch 46, and further at least partially through the first actuator 50. The locking portion 62 is bent relative to the shaft portion 60 (e.g., by bending, forming, hammering, forging, stamping, etc.) such that the locking portion 62 is transverse to the shaft portion 60. The latch insert 58 may be formed from a single piece of material, including as shown (see Figure 1). Figures 6 to 7The latch insert 64 may be a single bend 64 (e.g., no more than one bend, or in other words, no more than two generally flat portions arranged transversely to each other), or in other embodiments, two or more bends 64 may be included. The locking portion 62 may extend approximately at a right angle relative to the shaft portion 60 as shown, or may extend relative to the shaft portion 60 at any suitable angle (e.g., about 80-100 degrees, about 70-110 degrees, about 60-120 degrees, etc.). The locking portion 62 extends at least partially into or through the locking member 56 of the first latch 46. The latch insert 58 is formed of a rigid material that is more rigid than the material of the first latch 46 and / or more rigid than the material of the first actuator 50. For example, the latch insert 58 may be formed of metal or any combination of metals (such as spring steel, carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum, nickel-plated copper, and / or steel alloys). For example, steel alloys may use any one of the following groups or a combination of one or more of the following groups as alloying elements: chromium, nickel, manganese, molybdenum, silicon, tungsten, vanadium and / or boron.

[0053] refer to Figure 6 The latch insert 58 includes one or more holes 66a, 66b, and 66c. In the illustrated embodiment, the latch insert 58 includes a first hole 66a, a second hole 66b, and a third hole 66c; however, in other embodiments, one, two, four, or more holes may be used. In the illustrated embodiment, the holes 66a, 66b, and 66c are configured to pass through the through-holes of the latch insert 58 and are closed holes (e.g., not open to the side edges of the latch insert 58); however, in other embodiments, the holes 66a, 66b, and 66c may be in any combination including blind holes, slots, recesses, etc., and may be closed or open to the side edges of the latch insert 58. In the illustrated embodiment, the first hole 66a is continuously provided in the shaft portion 60 and the locking portion 62, thereby extending through the bend 64 in the latch insert 58. The first hole 66a includes a narrow portion 67 provided in the shaft portion 60 and a wide portion 69 provided in the bend 64 and the locking portion 62. The narrow portion 67 is narrower than the wide portion 69 in a direction generally perpendicular to the insertion direction D (in the plane of the shaft portion 60). The second hole 66b and the third hole 66c are each provided in the shaft portion 60 and each extends along the insertion direction D.

[0054] The one or more holes 66a, 66b, 66c reduce the weight of the latch insert 58 and provide increased rigidity. The one or more holes 66a, 66b, 66c also provide space for material flow to the first latch 46 and / or the first latch actuator 50 during the forming process to securely attach the latch insert 58 to the material of the first latch 46 and / or the first latch actuator 50. In the illustrated embodiment, the second hole 66b and the third hole 66c receive material flow, while the first hole 66a does not receive material flow. Although the first hole 66a is recessed from the material of the first latch 46, it is open to the surrounding environment. In other embodiments, the first hole 66a may also receive material flow.

[0055] like Figure 5 and Figure 7 Ideally, the latch insert 58 may be disposed within the first latch 46 such that the engagement surface 68 of the first latch 46, configured as an engagement device (not shown), does not include the latch insert 58. In other words, the latch insert 58 is at least covered by the engagement surface 68 of the first latch 46, such that the latch insert 58 is not exposed and does not engage the device (not shown). In other embodiments, a portion of the latch insert 58 may be exposed through the first latch 46 to provide at least a portion of the engagement surface 68 of the engagement device (not shown). In the illustrated embodiment, as... Figure 5 As shown, the latch insert 58 may be partially exposed on some non-engaging surfaces 70 of the second latch 48 (e.g., Figure 5 The second latch insert 58' is better shown in the figure. However, the latch insert 58 can be recessed from the outermost side of the non-engaging surface 70 as shown in the figure (e.g., Figure 5 (The second latch insert 58' is best shown in the diagram). In other embodiments, the latch insert 58 may be completely enclosed in the latch arrangement 12 such that the surfaces of the latch insert 58 are invisible and / or cannot be exposed through the latch arrangement 12.

[0056] Figures 8 to 10 Another embodiment of the latch portion 126 of the housing 14 is shown. It should be understood that, except for the differences described below, the above description of the latch portion 26 applies to the latch portion 126. Therefore, it is unnecessary to repeat identical or common descriptions. Figures 8 to 10 Similar reference numerals are used in the figure with "100" added, and need not be described herein, as it should be understood that similar reference numerals are referenced in the above description of the latch 26.

[0057] Figures 8 to 9The latch portion 126 is shown, which has a bottom end cap 172 instead of a generally rectangular base 27. The bottom end cap 172 generally closes the generally tubular structure 125 opposite the end cap 38 of the rod portion 22. Figures 8 to 10 The end cap 38 of the rod 22 is not shown again, but it is consistent with the above regarding... Figures 1 to 7 (The manner shown and described is the same). Therefore, as Figures 8 to 10 As shown in the embodiment, the battery pack 10 need not include the base 24 and the second set of battery cells 32.

[0058] The latching portion 126 includes a latching arrangement 112 having a first actuator 150 and a second actuator 152, as well as a first latch 146 and a second latch 148, as described above regarding Figures 1 to 7 As stated above.

[0059] The latching portion 126 includes a first latching insert 158 ​​and a second latching insert 158'. Figure 10 The second latch insert 158' is shown in more detail below, and will be described in more detail below.

[0060] The second latch insert 158' is disposed in the latch arrangement 12, specifically in at least one of the second shaft 154', the second catch 156', or the second actuator 150'. For example, at least one of the second shaft 154', the second catch 156', or the second actuator 150' may be at least partially molded onto the second latch insert 158'. In the illustrated embodiment, the second latch insert 158' is disposed in the second shaft 154', the second catch 156', and the second actuator 150'. It should be understood that the first latch insert 158 ​​is similarly disposed in the first latch 148 and / or the first actuator 152, and does not need to be described again. The first latch insert 158 ​​is a mirror image of the second latch insert 158'.

[0061] like Figure 10 As shown, the second latch insert 158' includes a shaft portion 160' and a locking portion 162'. The locking portion 162' is generally flat. The shaft portion 160' and the locking portion 162' are connected by a first bend 164' in the second latch insert 158'. The shaft portion 160' includes a second bend 176' in the second latch insert 158', wherein the second bend 176' divides the shaft portion 160' into a first generally flat portion 178' and a second generally flat portion 180', the second generally flat portion 180' being offset from and generally parallel to the first generally flat portion 178'. The first generally flat portion 178' and the second generally flat portion 180' each extend generally parallel to the central axis C and the insertion direction D.

[0062] The first generally flat portion 178' and the locking portion 162' include an elongated hole 166a' passing through the first curved portion 174'. In other words, the elongated hole 166a' is continuously provided in the first generally flat portion 178', the first curved portion 164', and the locking portion 162'. The elongated hole 166a' includes the features described above. Figures 1 to 7 The narrow portion 167' and the wide portion 169' are described. The first generally flat portion 178' includes a step 182' that widens the first generally flat portion 178' in a direction generally perpendicular to the insertion direction D (in the plane of the generally flat portion 178').

[0063] The second generally flat portion 180' includes a plurality of holes 184a'-184f' configured to receive a flow of material from the latch arrangement 112 molded therein. Specifically, six holes 184a'-184f' are employed, although in other embodiments one, two, three, four, five, seven, eight, or more holes may be used. The plurality of holes 184a'-184f' are configured as generally circular through-holes, but in other embodiments they may have other shapes and structures. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of holes 184a'-184f' are arranged in a generally rectangular path, but in other embodiments, the plurality of holes 184a'-184f' may have other arrangements.

[0064] The other features, structure, arrangement, dimensions, angles, materials, advantages, alternatives, etc. of the second latch insert 158' (and therefore the first latch insert 158) are the same as those of the latch insert 58 described herein.

[0065] In operation, the user inserts the battery pack 10 into the device socket (not shown) in a bonded manner. During insertion, the first latch 46 and the second latch 48 buckle to engage with the device (not shown), and upon full insertion, the corresponding locking member 56 engages a stop surface (not shown) in the device (not shown) using a retaining force to hold the battery pack 10 in an electrically and mechanically coupled manner until the user actuates the first actuator 50 and the second actuator 52 to remove the battery pack 10. To remove the battery pack 10, the user presses the first actuator 50 and the second actuator 52 inward toward the lever 22 to buckle the first latch 46 and the second latch 46, and release at least some of the retaining force between the corresponding locking member and the stop surface (not shown), allowing the user to pull the battery pack 10 out of the socket (not shown). The latch inserts 58, 58' increase the rigidity and strength of the corresponding latches 46, 48 and / or the corresponding actuators 50, 52 to suppress damage, fatigue, failure, etc. Therefore, the latch inserts 58, 58' reinforce the respective latches 46, 48 and / or the respective actuators 50, 52. In the illustrated embodiment, each latch insert 58, 58' extends from within the respective actuator 50, 52 and extends into the respective latch 46, 48, such that the force applied by the user to the respective actuator 50, 52 for releasing the latch is applied to the latch insert 58, 58' and transmitted through the latch insert 58, 58' to the respective latch 46, 48, thereby reducing some stress and fatigue on the latch portion 26 of the housing 14 over time.

[0066] The operation of latch arrangement 112 is largely the same as that of latch arrangement 12 described above.

[0067] Although the invention has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, various changes and modifications are possible within the scope and spirit of one or more independent aspects of the invention described.

[0068] Therefore, the present invention particularly provides a battery pack 10 having an enhanced latch arrangement 12 (or latch arrangement 112).

Claims

1. A battery pack, the battery pack comprising: At least one battery cell, the at least one battery cell being configured to provide power to the device; A housing configured to receive the at least one battery cell; A latch, suspended on the housing and configured to couple the battery pack to the device; wherein the latch includes a shaft and a locking element projecting transversely to the shaft; An actuator configured to move the latch toward a released position, in which the latch is configured to release the battery pack from the device; and A latch insert, wherein the shaft, the locking element, and the actuator are at least partially molded on the latch insert to form an integral part; wherein the latch insert extends from within the actuator and extends into a corresponding latch.

2. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein, The housing includes a rod portion configured to receive the at least one battery cell and capable of being inserted into a socket of the device for electrical connection with the device, wherein the housing includes a latch portion, wherein the actuator is suspended on the latch portion, wherein the latch is suspended from the actuator, and wherein, in the released position, the actuator is bent toward the rod portion.

3. The battery pack according to claim 2, wherein, The actuator includes a gripping surface that is externally disposed and configured to be manually actuated by a user.

4. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein, The latch insert includes a shaft portion disposed in the shaft and a locking portion disposed in the locking member.

5. The battery pack according to claim 4, wherein, The latch insert includes a hole provided in at least one of the shaft portion or the locking portion.

6. The battery pack according to claim 5, wherein, The hole is provided in the shaft portion and the locking portion and passes through the bend in the latch insert.

7. The battery pack according to claim 4, wherein, The shaft portion is generally flat, and the locking portion is also generally flat.

8. The battery pack according to claim 7, wherein, The shaft portion and the locking portion are arranged at approximately right angles.

9. The battery pack according to claim 8, wherein, The shaft portion and the locking portion are connected by a single bend in the latch insert.

10. The battery pack according to claim 4, wherein, The shaft portion and the locking portion are connected by a first bend in the latch insert, wherein the shaft portion includes a second bend in the latch insert, wherein the second bend divides the shaft portion into a first generally flat portion and a second generally flat portion, the second generally flat portion being offset from and generally parallel to the first generally flat portion.

11. The battery pack according to claim 10, wherein, The first generally flat portion and the locking portion include an elongated hole through the first curved portion, and wherein the second generally flat portion includes a plurality of holes configured to receive a flow of material molded therein.

12. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein, The latch insert is formed of a rigid material and is more rigid than the material of the latch and / or more rigid than the material of the actuator.

13. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein, The actuator and the latch are formed into a single piece by the material flow during the forming operation.

14. The battery pack according to claim 13, wherein, The actuator and the latch are formed of a polymer material, and the latch insert is formed of metal.

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