Adapter system, first to third adapter systems, first and second adapters, and adapter

Abstract

The present invention provides an adapter for connecting a battery pack having interfaces of different specifications and configured so as to be able to switch output voltages to an electrical device, or an adapter system having such a battery pack, an electrical device, and an adapter. The first adapter (200) can be connected between the first voltage switching battery pack (100) and the second electrical device (30, 40, 50). The first adapter interface (201) can be connected with a first battery interface (101) of a first specification of the first voltage switching battery pack (100), and the second adapter interface (202) can be connected with a second equipment interface (32, 42, 52) of a second specification of the second electrical equipment (30, 40, 50).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery pack, an adapter for connecting the battery pack to an electrical device (such as an electric tool, a charger, a power supply device, etc.), an adapter system, and an electrical device system. Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an adapter for connecting a battery pack with different interface specifications to an electrical device. Patent Document 2 discloses a battery pack with switchable output voltage and an adapter for connecting the battery pack to the electrical device. Patent Document 3 discloses a battery pack (storage battery pack 1) having a pair of power terminals (charge and discharge terminals 33) and signal terminals (temperature detection terminals 35 and communication terminals 36). Patent Document 4 discloses a battery pack with a latch portion forward of the terminals.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2022 / 172776

[0005] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent No. 7255252

[0006] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-143768

[0007] Patent Document 4: U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005 / 0280394 Summary of the Invention

[0008] An object of the present invention is to solve at least one of the following problems.

[0009] A first object is to provide an adapter for connecting a battery pack configured to switch output voltages and an electrical device having interfaces with different specifications, or an adapter system including such a battery pack, the electrical device, and the adapter.

[0010] A second problem is to provide a battery pack capable of switching output voltage, a compact battery pack, or a battery pack with a high degree of design freedom.

[0011] A third problem is to provide an adapter that can be connected to a battery pack capable of switching output voltages, a compact adapter, or an adapter with a high degree of design freedom.

[0012] A fourth problem is to provide a compact adapter system.

[0013] A fifth problem is to provide an adapter that has a sense of integration with the battery pack.

[0014] One embodiment of the present invention is an adapter system, characterized by comprising:

[0015] a first voltage switching battery pack having a plurality of battery cells and a first battery interface of a first specification having a pair of first power terminals and a pair of second power terminals connected to each of the plurality of battery cells, and configured to switch an output voltage by switching a connection state of the plurality of battery cells;

[0016] an electrical device having a device interface having a specification different from the first specification, wherein the device interface is configured to be unable to be connected to the first battery interface; and

[0017] An adapter capable of being connected between the first voltage-switching battery pack and the electrical device, and having a first adapter interface capable of being connected to the first battery interface of the first specification and a device-side adapter interface capable of being connected to the device interface of a specification different from the first specification, wherein the first adapter interface has a pair of third power terminals capable of being connected to the pair of first power terminals and a pair of fourth power terminals capable of being connected to the pair of second power terminals.

[0018] Another embodiment of the present invention is a first adapter system, characterized in that it comprises: a first voltage switching battery pack, which has a first battery interface of a first specification and is configured to be able to switch the output voltage; a second electrical device, which has a second device interface of a second specification, wherein the above-mentioned second device interface is configured to be unable to be connected to the above-mentioned first battery interface and can be connected to the above-mentioned second battery interface of the second voltage switching battery pack that can switch the output voltage; and a first adapter, which can be connected between the above-mentioned first voltage switching battery pack and the above-mentioned second electrical device, and has the above-mentioned first adapter interface of the first specification and the above-mentioned second adapter interface of the second specification, the first adapter interface can be connected to the above-mentioned first battery interface, and the second adapter interface can be connected to the above-mentioned second device interface.

[0019] Another embodiment of the present invention is a first adapter system, characterized by comprising:

[0020] A first battery pack having a first battery interface of a first specification;

[0021] a second electrical device having a second device interface of a second specification, wherein the second device interface is configured to be incompatible with the first battery interface and to be connectable to the second battery interface of a second voltage-switching battery pack capable of switching output voltages; and

[0022] a first adapter capable of being connected in a vertical direction between the first battery pack and the second electrical device, and having a first adapter interface of the first specification capable of being connected to the first battery interface and a second adapter interface of the second specification capable of being connected to the second device interface;

[0023] When the first battery pack is connected to the lower side of the first adapter and the second electrical device is connected to the upper side of the first adapter, the upper end of the first battery pack is located above the lower end of the second electrical device.

[0024] Another embodiment of the present invention is a second adapter system, characterized in that it comprises: a first voltage switching battery pack, which has a first battery interface of a first specification and is configured to switch the output voltage; a third electrical device, which has a third device interface of a third specification, wherein the above-mentioned third device interface is configured to be unable to be connected to the above-mentioned first battery interface and can be connected to the above-mentioned third battery interface of the third voltage fixed battery pack with a fixed output voltage; and a second adapter, which can be connected between the above-mentioned first voltage switching battery pack and the above-mentioned third electrical device, and has the above-mentioned first adapter interface of the first specification and the above-mentioned third adapter interface of the third specification, the first adapter interface can be connected to the above-mentioned first battery interface, and the third adapter interface can be connected to the above-mentioned third device interface.

[0025] Another embodiment of the present invention is a second adapter system, characterized by comprising:

[0026] A first battery pack having a first battery interface of a first specification;

[0027] a third electrical device having a third device interface of a third specification, wherein the third device interface is configured to be incompatible with the first battery interface and to be connectable to the third battery interface of a third fixed-voltage battery pack having a fixed output voltage; and

[0028] a second adapter capable of being connected in a vertical direction between the first battery pack and the third electrical device, and having a first adapter interface of the first specification that can be connected to the first battery interface and a third adapter interface of the third specification that can be connected to the third device interface;

[0029] When the first battery pack is connected to the lower side of the second adapter and the third electrical device is connected to the upper side of the second adapter, the upper end of the first battery pack is located above the lower end of the third electrical device.

[0030] Another embodiment of the present invention is a third adapter system comprising the first adapter system and the second adapter system.

[0031] Another embodiment of the present invention is an adapter that is mounted between a battery pack and an electrical device in a vertical direction, and is characterized in that:

[0032] The battery pack is a first voltage switching battery pack having a plurality of single battery cells and a first battery interface of a first specification, and is configured to switch the connection state of the plurality of single battery cells to switch the output voltage. The first battery interface has a pair of first power terminals and a pair of second power terminals connected to the plurality of single battery cells, respectively.

[0033] The electrical device cannot be connected to the first battery port and has a device port with a different specification from the first specification.

[0034] The above-mentioned adapter has: a first adapter interface that can be connected to the above-mentioned first battery interface of the above-mentioned first specification, and has a pair of third power terminals that can be connected to the above-mentioned pair of first power terminals and a pair of fourth power terminals that can be connected to the above-mentioned pair of second power terminals; and a device-side adapter interface that can be connected to the above-mentioned device interface of a specification different from the above-mentioned first specification.

[0035] Another embodiment of the present invention is an adapter that is located between a battery pack and an electrical device in a vertical direction and is capable of sliding in a front-to-rear direction intersecting the vertical direction to be assembled to the battery pack and the electrical device. The adapter is characterized by comprising:

[0036] a battery-side terminal extending in the up-down direction and the front-rear direction and connected to a battery terminal of the battery pack; and

[0037] The main body side terminal extends in the up-down direction and the front-back direction and is connected to the main body terminal of the electrical device.

[0038] The adapter can slide backward relative to the battery pack and be assembled on the battery pack.

[0039] The battery-side terminal and the main body-side terminal are separated from each other in the front-rear direction, and a contact portion of the battery-side terminal that contacts the battery terminal overlaps with the main body-side terminal in the up-down direction.

[0040] Another embodiment of the present invention is a first adapter configured to connect a first voltage switching battery pack and a second electrical device to each other, the first voltage switching battery pack having a first battery interface of a first specification and configured to be capable of switching the output voltage, the second electrical device having a second device interface of a second specification different from the first specification, the first adapter being characterized in that it comprises: a first adapter interface of the first specification, which is capable of being connected to the first battery interface of the first voltage switching battery pack, and a pair of first guide portions for guiding the first adapter relative to the first voltage switching battery pack, and a pair of third power terminals and a pair of fourth power terminals configured to be respectively connected to a pair of first power terminals and a pair of second power terminals of the first voltage switching battery pack; and a second adapter interface of the second specification , which can be connected to the above-mentioned second device interface of the above-mentioned second electrical device, and has a pair of second guide parts for guiding the above-mentioned first adapter relative to the above-mentioned second electrical device and a pair of seventh power terminals and a pair of eighth power terminals configured to be respectively connected to a pair of fifth power terminals and a pair of sixth power terminals of the above-mentioned second electrical device; a first connection circuit, which electrically connects the above-mentioned pair of third power terminals of the above-mentioned first adapter interface and the above-mentioned pair of seventh power terminals of the above-mentioned second adapter interface; a second connection circuit, which electrically connects the above-mentioned pair of fourth power terminals of the above-mentioned first adapter interface and the above-mentioned pair of eighth power terminals of the above-mentioned second adapter interface; and a first adapter housing, which has the above-mentioned pair of first guide parts and the above-mentioned pair of second guide parts, and is configured to accommodate the above-mentioned first connection circuit and the above-mentioned second connection circuit.

[0041] Another embodiment of the present invention is a second adapter, which is configured to connect a first voltage switching battery pack and a third electrical device to each other, the first voltage switching battery pack having a first battery interface of a first specification and configured to be able to switch the output voltage, and the third electrical device having a third device interface of a third specification different from the above-mentioned first specification, the above-mentioned second adapter is characterized in that it has: the above-mentioned first adapter interface of the first specification, which can be connected to the above-mentioned first battery interface of the above-mentioned first battery pack, and has a pair of first guide parts for guiding the above-mentioned first adapter relative to the above-mentioned first battery pack and a pair of third power terminals and a pair of fourth power terminals configured to be respectively connected to a pair of first power terminals and a pair of second power terminals of the above-mentioned first battery pack; the above-mentioned third adapter interface of the third specification, which can be connected to the above-mentioned third device interface of the above-mentioned third electrical device, and has a third adapter interface relative to the above The third electrical device guides a pair of third guide portions of the above-mentioned second adapter and a pair of tenth power terminals configured to be connectable to a pair of ninth power terminals of the above-mentioned third electrical device; a third connection circuit electrically connects the positive terminals of the above-mentioned pair of third power terminals of the above-mentioned first adapter interface, the positive terminals of the above-mentioned pair of fourth power terminals of the above-mentioned first adapter interface, and the positive terminals of the above-mentioned pair of tenth power terminals of the above-mentioned third adapter interface; a fourth connection circuit electrically connects the negative terminals of the above-mentioned pair of third power terminals of the above-mentioned first adapter interface, the negative terminals of the above-mentioned pair of fourth power terminals of the above-mentioned first adapter interface, and the negative terminals of the above-mentioned pair of tenth power terminals of the above-mentioned third adapter interface; and a second adapter housing, which has the above-mentioned pair of first guide portions and the above-mentioned pair of third guide portions, and is configured to accommodate the above-mentioned third connection circuit and the above-mentioned fourth connection circuit.

[0042] Another embodiment of the present invention is a battery pack that can be assembled in a forward direction relative to an equipment interface of an electrical device, and the battery pack is characterized in that it has: a first single battery unit having one or more single batteries connected to each other; a pair of first power terminals, which are respectively connected to the positive electrode and the negative electrode of the above-mentioned first single battery unit; a second single battery unit having one or more single batteries connected to each other; a pair of second power terminals, which are respectively connected to the positive electrode and the negative electrode of the above-mentioned second single battery unit; a battery controller connected to the above-mentioned first single battery unit and / or the above-mentioned second single battery unit; a signal terminal, which is connected to the above-mentioned battery controller; and a battery housing, which accommodates the above-mentioned first single battery unit, the above-mentioned second single battery unit and the above-mentioned battery controller. The battery pack is provided with an upper surface portion, a battery guide portion provided on the upper surface portion and configured to guide the battery pack toward the front direction, a terminal accommodating portion provided on the upper surface portion, a bottom portion located below the upper surface portion, and a side portion connecting the upper surface portion and the bottom portion, the battery guide portion having a front end portion located on the front side and a rear end portion located on the rear side of the front end portion, the terminal accommodating portion having a plurality of slot portions opening on the surface on the front direction side, the pair of first power terminals, the pair of second power terminals and the signal terminal accommodated in the terminal accommodating portion are arranged at positions corresponding to the plurality of slot portions in the left-right direction, and are arranged at positions corresponding to the rear end portion of the battery guide portion in the front-to-back direction.

[0043] Another embodiment of the present invention is a battery pack that can be assembled in a forward direction relative to an equipment interface of an electrical device, the battery pack being characterized in that it comprises: a single battery cell having one or more single batteries; a pair of power terminals that are respectively connected to the positive and negative terminals of the single battery cell and each have an engaging portion that can be engaged with the terminal of the electrical device; a battery case that accommodates the single battery cell and has an upper surface portion, a battery guide portion provided on the upper surface portion and configured to guide the battery pack in the forward direction, a terminal accommodating portion provided on the upper surface portion, a bottom portion located below the upper surface portion, and a side portion connecting the upper surface portion and the bottom portion; and a limiting recess that, when the battery pack is assembled on the electrical device, engages with the limiting portion of the electrical device to restrict the battery pack from moving backward, wherein the limiting recess is integrally provided on the upper surface portion of the battery case and is arranged in a position forward and below the engaging portion of the pair of power terminals and above the single battery cell.

[0044] Another embodiment of the present invention is an adapter, which is arranged between a battery pack and an electrical device in the up-down direction, and the adapter is characterized in that it comprises: a shell having a device-side adapter interface provided on the upper side and sliding in the front-to-back direction for loading and unloading the above-mentioned electrical device, and a first adapter interface provided on the lower side and sliding in the above-mentioned front-to-back direction for loading and unloading the above-mentioned battery pack; and an operating part, which is operated by an operator to remove the above-mentioned battery pack from the above-mentioned first adapter interface, and when the above-mentioned device-side adapter interface is assembled to the device interface of the above-mentioned electrical device, the above-mentioned operating part cannot be operated or is hidden by the above-mentioned electrical device.

[0045] Another embodiment of the present invention is an adapter that is mounted between a battery pack and an electrical device in a vertical direction, and is characterized by comprising:

[0046] A device-side adapter interface, which is provided on the upper side and slides in the front-to-back direction to be attached to and detached from the device interface of the electrical device; and

[0047] The first adapter interface is provided on the lower side and is slidable in the front-to-back direction to be attached and detached from the first battery interface of the battery pack.

[0048] An upper end portion of the first adapter interface is located above a lower end portion of the device-side adapter interface.

[0049] Another embodiment of the present invention is an adapter system, characterized by comprising:

[0050] A first battery pack having a first battery interface of a first specification;

[0051] an electrical device having a device interface of a specification different from the first specification, wherein the device interface is configured to be incapable of connection to the first battery interface of the first battery pack and to be connectable to a battery interface of a battery pack of a specification different from the first specification; and

[0052] an adapter connectable in a vertical direction between the first battery pack and the electrical device, comprising a first adapter interface connectable to the first battery interface of the first specification of the first battery pack and a device-side adapter interface of a specification different from the first specification, the device-side adapter interface connectable to the device interface of the electrical device, and comprising a pair of guide portions for allowing movement of the electrical device in a direction intersecting the vertical direction and for restricting movement of the electrical device in the vertical direction;

[0053] When the first battery pack is connected to the lower side of the adapter and the electrical device is connected to the upper side of the adapter, the upper end of the first battery pack is located above the lower end of the electrical device.

[0054] Another embodiment of the present invention is a battery pack that is mounted by sliding forward relative to an adapter having a main body-side terminal connected to a main body terminal of an electrical device, and is characterized by comprising:

[0055] a single battery unit having one or more battery cells; and

[0056] A power supply terminal connected to the positive and negative electrodes of the battery cell and connected to the battery-side terminal of the adapter.

[0057] When the battery pack is attached to the adapter, the contact portion of the power terminal that contacts the battery-side terminal overlaps the main body-side terminal in the vertical direction.

[0058] Another embodiment of the present invention is an adapter that is mounted between a battery pack and an electrical device in a vertical direction, and is characterized by comprising:

[0059] A device-side adapter interface, which is provided on the upper side of the adapter and slides forward to be assembled on the electrical device;

[0060] a first rear protrusion provided on the upper side of the adapter, located rearward relative to the device-side adapter interface, protruding upward from the lower end of the device-side interface, and having a first inclined surface on its upper surface; and

[0061] The first adapter interface is provided on the lower side of the adapter and slides backward to be assembled on the battery pack.

[0062] The battery pack has a second rear protrusion, which is located at the rear side relative to the first adapter interface when the adapter is assembled, protrudes upward from the lower end of the first adapter interface, and has a second inclined surface on the upper side.

[0063] When the battery pack is mounted on the first adapter interface, the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface are smoothly connected.

[0064] Another embodiment of the present invention is a battery pack capable of being assembled with respect to an equipment interface of an electrical device in a forward direction, characterized by comprising:

[0065] A single battery unit having one or more single battery cells;

[0066] a pair of power terminals, connected to the positive electrode and the negative electrode of the battery cell, respectively; and

[0067] a battery case that accommodates the battery cell and includes an upper portion, a battery guide portion provided on the upper portion and configured to guide the battery pack toward the front, a terminal accommodating portion provided on the upper portion and accommodating the pair of power terminals, a bottom portion located below the upper portion, and a side portion connecting the upper portion and the bottom portion.

[0068] The contact portions of the pair of power terminals that come into contact with the device-side power terminals of the electrical device are located above the upper surface portion or the battery guide portion.

[0069] Another embodiment of the present invention is an electrical equipment system comprising: the above-mentioned adapter; and a battery pack that can be assembled by sliding relative to the above-mentioned adapter. The above-mentioned electrical equipment system is characterized in that the above-mentioned battery pack comprises: a plurality of monomer units composed of a plurality of single batteries; and a battery pack shell that accommodates the above-mentioned plurality of monomer units and is assembled to the above-mentioned adapter by sliding.

[0070] The effects of the present invention are as follows.

[0071] According to the present invention, at least one of the above-mentioned problems can be solved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0072] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the system according to the first embodiment.

[0073] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the first voltage switching battery pack 100, the first adapter 200, and the second adapter 300 in a state of being separated from each other.

[0074] Figure 3 In the figure, (A) is a stereoscopic view of the first voltage switching battery pack 100, (B) is a stereoscopic view of the state in which the first voltage switching battery pack 100 and the first adapter 200 are combined, and (C) is a stereoscopic view of the first voltage switching battery pack 100 with the upper part of the battery shell 106 removed, and is a stereoscopic view showing the internal structure of the first voltage switching battery pack 100.

[0075] Figure 4 , (A) is a perspective view of the first adapter 200 as viewed from above, (B) is a perspective view of the first adapter 200 as viewed from below, and (C) is a perspective view showing the terminal structure of the first adapter 200 .

[0076] Figure 5 In FIG. 1 , (A) is a rear view of the first adapter 200, (B) is a side view of the first adapter 200, and (C) is Figure 5 (B) is the F-F section view, (D) is Figure 5(C) is a cross-sectional view taken along line GG, and (E) is a bottom view of the first adapter 200 .

[0077] Figure 6 In the figure, (A) is a rear view of the state where the first voltage switching battery pack 100 and the first adapter 200 are combined, (B) is a side view of the state, and (C) is Figure 6 (A) is the D-D section view, (D) is Figure 6 (A) is a BB sectional view showing a state where the second electrical device 40 is mounted thereon, and (E) is a Figure 6 (D) K-K cross-sectional view.

[0078] Figure 7 (A) to (D) represent Figure 6 (A) to (D) are diagrams showing a state where the first adapter 200 is shifted forward.

[0079] Figure 8 In the figure, (A) is a side view of a state in which the first voltage switching battery pack 100 and the second electrical device 40 are connected via the first adapter 200, (B) is a side sectional view of the state, (C) is a front view of the state, (D) is a bottom perspective view of the lower part of the second electrical device 40, and (E) is Figure 8 (B) N-N cross-sectional view.

[0080] Figure 9 , (A) is a perspective view of the second adapter 300 as viewed from above, and (B) is a perspective view of the second adapter 300 as viewed from below.

[0081] Figure 10 In the figure, (A) is a rear view of the second adapter 300, (B) is a side view of the second adapter 300, (C) is a front view of the second adapter 300, and (D) is Figure 10 (C) is a sectional view taken along the line MM, and (E) is a bottom view of the second adapter 300 .

[0082] Figure 11 In the figure, (A) is a rear view of the state where the first voltage switching battery pack 100 and the second adapter 300 are combined, (B) is a side view of the state, and (C) is Figure 11 (A) J-J cross-sectional view.

[0083] Figure 12 In the figure, (A) is a side view of the state where the third voltage fixed battery pack 20 and the third electrical device 60 are connected, (B) is a front view of the state, and (C) is Figure 12 (B) is a PP cross-sectional view, (D) is a bottom perspective view of the lower portion of the third electrical device 60, and (E) is a Figure 12(C) is a diagram showing a state in which the operation portion 76 is pushed and the locking portion 77 is released.

[0084] Figure 13 , (A) is a circuit block diagram of the first voltage switching battery pack 100 , (B) is a circuit block diagram of the first adapter 200 , and (C) is a circuit block diagram of the second adapter 300 .

[0085] Figure 14 , (A) is a circuit block diagram of the first electrical device 80 (36 V device), and (B) is a circuit block diagram of the first electrical device 90 (18 V device).

[0086] Figure 15 , (A) is a circuit block diagram of the second electrical device 40 (36 V device), and (B) is a circuit block diagram of the second electrical device 50 (18 V device).

[0087] Figure 16 2 is a circuit block diagram of the third electrical device 60 .

[0088] Figure 17 In the figure, (A) is an assembly diagram of the first voltage switching battery pack 100A and the first adapter 200A in the second embodiment, (B) is a front view of the state in which the first voltage switching battery pack 100A and the first adapter 200A are connected, and (C) is Figure 17 (B) Cross-sectional view of the main parts of M-M.

[0089] Figure 18 In the figure, (A) is a perspective view of a state where the first voltage switching battery pack 100B and the first adapter 200B are connected in accordance with the third embodiment, and (B) is a perspective view of a state where the first voltage switching battery pack 100B and the first adapter 200B are connected in accordance with the third embodiment. Figure 18 (A) is a perspective view of a state where the limiting member 227 is removed, and (C) is Figure 18 (A) is a side view of the state, (D) is Figure 18 (C) is an LL cross-sectional view, (E) is a perspective view of the first voltage switching battery pack 100B, (F) is a top perspective view of the first adapter 200B, and (G) is a bottom perspective view of the first adapter 200B.

[0090] Figure 19 In the figure, (A) is a perspective view of a state where the first voltage switching battery pack 100C and the first adapter 200C are connected in accordance with the fourth embodiment, and (B) is a perspective view of a state where the first voltage switching battery pack 100C and the first adapter 200C are connected in accordance with the fourth embodiment. Figure 19 (A) is a perspective view of a state where the operating portion 232 is moved to the release position, and (C) is a perspective view of a state where the operating portion 232 is moved to the release position. Figure 19 (A) is a side view of the state, (D) is Figure 19 (C) is the N-N cross-sectional view, (E) is Figure 19(D) is a cross-sectional view showing the operating portion 232 moved to the released position, (F) is a perspective view of the first voltage switching battery pack 100C, (G) is a top perspective view of the first adapter 200C, and (H) is a bottom perspective view of the first adapter 200C.

[0091] In the figure: 10—second voltage switching battery pack, 12—second battery interface, 20—third voltage fixed battery pack, 23—third battery interface, 30—second charger, 32—second device interface, 40—second electrical device (36V device), 42—second device interface, 43—main terminal, 43a—a pair of power terminals (fifth power terminals), 43b—a pair of power terminals (sixth power terminals), 43c—signal terminal, 44—short-circuit bar (short-circuit component), 45—device control unit, 46—control signal circuit, 47a—position sensor, 47b—trigger switch, 48—inverter circuit, 49—motor, 50—second electrical device (18V device), 52—second device interface, 55—device control unit , 56—control signal circuit, 57a—position sensor, 57b—trigger switch, 58—inverter circuit, 59—motor, 60—third electrical device, 63—third device interface, 64—main body terminal, 64a—a pair of power terminals (eleventh power terminal), 64b—signal terminal, 65—device control unit, 66—control signal circuit, 67a—position sensor, 67a—trigger switch, 68—inverter circuit, 69—motor, 70—third charger, 73—third device interface, 76—operating unit, 77—locking unit, 78—coil spring (elastic component), 80—first electrical device (36V device), 80a—limiting unit, 81—first device interface, 85—device control unit, 86—control signal circuit signal circuit, 87a—position sensor, 87b—trigger switch, 88—inverter circuit, 89—motor, 90—first electrical device (18V device), 95—device control unit, 96—control signal circuit, 97a—position sensor, 97b—trigger switch, 98—inverter circuit, 99—motor, 100—first voltage switching battery pack, 101—first battery interface, 102—battery terminal, 103—a pair of power terminals (first power terminals), 104—a pair of power terminals (second power terminals), 105—signal terminal, 106—battery housing, 106a—upper surface, 106b—bottom surface, 106c—side surface, 107—battery guide, 107a—front end, 107b—rear end 108—Terminal accommodating portion, 109—Slot portion, 110—Restriction recess (engaged portion), 111—Remaining amount display portion, 112—Remaining amount display button, 113—Battery control substrate, 114—Battery terminal substrate, 115—Single battery unit, 116—Partition, 117—Holding component, 118—First single unit, 119—Second single unit, 121—Remaining amount display LED, 122—Remaining amount display switch, 123—Protection IC, 124—Battery controller, 125—Restriction recess (threaded hole), 126—Battery guide portion, 127—Restriction recess, 128—Coil spring, 129—Locking component, 130—Enclosed portion, 131—Restriction recess, 200—First adapter,201—First adapter interface, 202—Second adapter interface, 203—A pair of power terminals (third power terminals), 204—A pair of power terminals (fourth power terminals), 205—Signal terminals, 206—Battery side terminals, 207—A pair of power terminals (seventh power terminals), 208—A pair of power terminals (eighth power terminals), 209—Signal terminals, 210—Main body side terminals, 211—First adapter housing, 212—First guide portion, 2 13—battery packing assembly portion, 214—electrical equipment assembly portion, 215—second guide portion, 216—latch mechanism, 216a—operating portion, 216b—engaging portion, 217—operating portion, 218—restricting portion, 219—coil spring (elastic component), 220—first adapter substrate, 221—first adapter control portion, 222—first connection circuit, 223—second connection circuit, 224—screw member, 225—through hole, 226—through hole, 22 7—limiting member, 228—through hole, 229—constricted portion, 231—first guide portion, 232—operating portion, 233—limiting portion, 300—second adapter, 301—first adapter interface, 303—third adapter interface, 304—a pair of power terminals (third power terminals), 305—a pair of power terminals (fourth power terminals), 306—battery side terminal, 307—signal terminal, 308—a pair of power terminals (tenth power terminals), 309— —Signal terminal, 310 —Main body terminal, 311 —Second adapter housing, 312 —First guide portion, 313 —Battery pack mounting portion, 314 —Electrical device mounting portion, 315 —Third guide portion, 316 —Lock recess, 317 —Operation portion, 318 —Restriction portion, 319 —Coil spring (elastic component), 320 —Second adapter substrate, 321 —Second adapter control portion, 322, 323 —Third connection circuit, 324 —Fourth connection circuit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0092] In this specification, "specifications" refers to the structure of the interface between a battery pack and an electrical device, such as the guide structure, terminal structure, communication method, etc. If the interfaces between a battery pack and an electrical device are constructed according to common specifications, the battery pack and the electrical device can be directly connected to each other.

[0093] (Implementation 1)

[0094] [System overall structure]

[0095] Figures 1 to 13 Concerning implementation mode 1. Figure 2 , defining mutually orthogonal front-to-back, top-to-bottom, and left-to-right directions of the first voltage switching battery pack 100, the first adapter 200, and the second adapter 300. Furthermore, these directions do not need to be orthogonal to each other, and may also be substantially orthogonal to each other.

[0096] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the system according to the first embodiment.

[0097] The first voltage switching battery pack 100 , the first electrical device 80 , the second electrical devices 30 , 40 , 50 , and the first adapter 200 constitute a first adapter system.

[0098] The first voltage switching battery pack 100 , the first electrical device 80 , the third electrical device 60 , the third charger 70 , and the second adapter 300 constitute a second adapter system.

[0099] A system obtained by combining the first adapter system and the second adapter system corresponds to a third adapter system.

[0100] The first voltage-switching battery pack 100 has a first battery interface 101 of a first specification and is configured to switch output voltage.

[0101] The first electrical device 80 has a first device interface 81 of a first specification. The first device interface 81 is configured to be connectable to the first battery interface 101 of the first voltage switching battery pack 100. The first electrical device 80 is a power tool with a rated voltage of 36V and has a terminal structure that allows the connected first voltage switching battery pack 100 to output 36V.

[0102] The second electrical devices 30 , 40 , 50 each have a second device interface 32 , 42 , 52 of a second format.

[0103] The second device interfaces 32, 42, and 52 are configured to be incompatible with the first battery interface 101 of the first voltage switching battery pack 100. The second device interfaces 32, 42, and 52 are configured to be connectable to the second battery interface 12 of the second voltage switching battery pack 10 with a switchable output voltage, which is different from the first specification.

[0104] The second electrical device 30 is a charger that can be directly connected to the second voltage switching battery pack 10 for charging. The second electrical device 40 is an electric tool with a rated voltage of 36V and has a terminal structure that allows the connected second voltage switching battery pack 10 to output 36V. The second electrical device 50 is an electric tool with a rated voltage of 18V and has a terminal structure that allows the connected second voltage switching battery pack 10 to output 18V. The second electrical devices 40 and 50 are each configured to be directly connected to the second voltage switching battery pack 10 and to operate using the power of the second voltage switching battery pack 10. The second voltage switching battery pack 10 is configured to switch the output voltage to either 36V or 18V depending on the terminal structure of the connected counterpart device. The second electrical devices 30, 40, 50 and the second voltage switching battery pack 10 all correspond to existing products.

[0105] The first adapter 200 is configured to be connectable between the first voltage switching battery pack 100 and the second electrical devices 30, 40, and 50. The first adapter 200 includes a first adapter interface 201 of a first specification that is connectable to the first battery interface 101 of the first voltage switching battery pack 100, and a second adapter interface 202 that is connectable to the second device interface 32, 42, and 52 of the second electrical devices 30, 40, and 50 of a second specification that differs from the first specification.

[0106] The third electrical devices 60 and 70 have third device interfaces 63 and 73 of a third specification. The third device interfaces 63 and 73 are configured to be incompatible with the first battery interface 101 of the first voltage switching battery pack 100. The third device interfaces 63 and 73 are configured to be connectable to the third battery interface 23 of the third fixed-voltage battery pack 20, which has a fixed output voltage and a third specification different from the first specification.

[0107] The third electrical device 60 is an electric tool with a rated voltage of 18V. It is configured to be directly connected to the third-voltage fixed-voltage battery pack 20 and to operate using the power of the third-voltage fixed-voltage battery pack 20. The third electrical device 70 is a charger that is directly connected to the third-voltage fixed-voltage battery pack 20 for charging. The third-voltage fixed-voltage battery pack 20 is configured to output 18V. The third electrical devices 60, 70, and the third-voltage fixed-voltage battery pack 20 all correspond to existing products.

[0108] The second adapter 300 is connectable between the first voltage switching battery pack 100 and the third electrical devices 60 and 70. The second adapter 300 includes a first adapter interface 301 of a first specification that is connectable to the first battery interface 101 of the first voltage switching battery pack 100, and a third adapter interface 303 of a third specification, different from the first specification, serving as a device-side adapter interface that is connectable to the third device interface 63 and 73 of the third electrical devices 60 and 70.

[0109] [Structure of the First Voltage Switching Battery Pack 100]

[0110] The first voltage switching battery pack 100 is a battery pack that can be mounted in a forward direction relative to the battery pack mounting portions of the first electrical device 80 , the first adapter 200 , and the second adapter 300 .

[0111] like Figure 2 、 Figure 3 (A), (C), and Figure 6As shown in (D), the first voltage switching battery pack 100 has a battery terminal 102, a battery shell 106, a battery guide portion 107, a terminal accommodating portion 108, a limiting recess 110 (an engaged portion), a remaining charge display portion 111, a remaining charge display button 112, a battery control substrate 113, a battery terminal substrate 114, a single battery unit 115, a partition 116 and a retaining component 117.

[0112] The battery terminal 102 includes a pair of power terminals 103 , a pair of power terminals 104 , and a signal terminal 105 . The battery terminal 102 constitutes a portion of the first battery interface 101 .

[0113] The battery case 106 is a resin molded body having, for example, a two-part structure, including an upper surface portion 106a, a bottom portion 106b, and side portions 106c. The bottom portion 106b is located below the upper surface portion 106a. The side portions 106c connect the upper surface portion 106a and the bottom portion 106b. The battery case 106 houses a battery control board 113, a battery terminal board 114, a battery cell 115, a separator 116, and a retaining member 117.

[0114] The battery guide portion 107 is provided on the upper surface portion 106a and is configured to guide the first voltage switching battery pack 100 ( Figure 7 (C)→ Figure 6 (C)). The battery guide portion 107 constitutes a part of the first battery interface 101. In the example shown in the figure, three battery guide portions 107 are provided on the left and right sides of the upper surface portion 106a, respectively, but the number of battery guide portions 107 is arbitrary. Figure 3 As shown in (A), the battery guide portion 107 has a front end portion 107a located on the front side and a rear end portion 107b located on the rear side. A second rear protrusion 151 is provided at the rear of the battery case 106, protruding upward from the upper portion 106a. The upper end of the second rear protrusion 151 is the upper end portion 150 of the first voltage switching battery pack 100. The upper surface of the second rear protrusion 151 has a rear inclined surface (second inclined surface) 152 that gently inclines rearward from its upper end (upper end portion 150). The second rear protrusion 151 is located outside the area where the battery guide portion 107 is provided in the front-to-back direction.

[0115] The terminal accommodating portion 108 is provided on the upper surface portion 106a of the battery housing 106. Specifically, the terminal accommodating portion 108 is uprightly provided at the rear center of the upper surface portion 106a. In the front-to-back direction, the terminal accommodating portion 108 extends at a position corresponding to the rear end portion 107b of the battery guide portion 107. The terminal accommodating portion 108 has a plurality of slot portions 109 for accommodating the battery terminals 102. The plurality of slot portions 109 are respectively open on the surface on the front side so that the battery terminals 102 face forward. The battery terminals 102 accommodated in the terminal accommodating portion 108, that is, a pair of power terminals 103, a pair of power terminals 104, and the signal terminal 105 are located in positions corresponding to the plurality of slot portions 109 in the left-right direction, and are located in a position corresponding to the rear end portion 107b of the battery guide portion 107 in the front-to-back direction. The battery terminal 102 is accommodated in the terminal accommodating portion 108 so that the contact portion (mating portion) of the battery terminal 102, which contacts (mates with) the terminal (battery-side terminal 206) of the connection destination (e.g., the first adapter 200, which is an electrical device), is located vertically above the upper portion 106a or the battery guide 107. The battery terminal 102 is located at the rear side in the front-to-back direction and above the upper portion 106a or the battery guide 107. Because the battery terminal 102 does not need to be positioned between the pair of left and right battery guides 107 located on the front side, the vertical dimension of the portion where the battery guides 107 are located can be reduced. Furthermore, the space required to reduce the vertical dimension can be used for the first adapter 200. Therefore, even if circuitry is installed within the first adapter 200, the vertical dimension of the first voltage switching battery pack 100 and the first adapter 200 can be reduced. Furthermore, the rear side of the terminal accommodating portion 108 is covered by the second rear protruding portion 151 , and thus it is possible to suppress the application of an impact from the rear to the terminal accommodating portion 108 .

[0116] When the first voltage switching battery pack 100 is mounted on the first electrical device 80, the first adapter 200, or the second adapter 300, the limiting recess 110 and the limiting portion 80a ( Figure 1 ), the restriction portion 218 of the first adapter 200 ( Figure 4 (B)) or the restriction portion 318 ( Figure 9 ) is engaged to restrict the first voltage switching battery pack 100 from moving backward. The restricting recess 110 constitutes a part of the first battery interface 101. The restricting recess 110 is integrally provided on the upper surface portion 106a of the battery case 106. The restricting recess 110 is arranged in the vertical direction at a position higher than the fitting portion or contact portion ( Figure 6(A range indicated by R1 in (D)) is located in the front and lower part, and is located above the battery unit 115.

[0117] like Figure 2 As shown, the remaining capacity display unit 111 and the remaining capacity display button 112 are provided on the upper rear portion (second rear protrusion 151) of the battery case 106. The remaining capacity display unit 111 displays the remaining capacity of the first voltage switching battery pack 100 in four levels according to the operation of the remaining capacity display button 112. The number of levels of remaining capacity display is optional.

[0118] like Figure 3 As shown in (C), the battery control board 113 is located above the battery unit 115 and is fixed to the spacer 116 by screw fastening or the like in a vertical position. Figure 13 (A) shows the protection IC 123 , the battery controller 124 , etc. The front portion of the battery control board 113 extends below the restriction recess 110 , and the rear portion extends below the battery terminal board 114 .

[0119] The battery terminal substrate 114 is held in a vertically perpendicular position by the retaining member 117 and is located above and behind the battery control substrate 113. The battery terminal substrate 114 carries the battery terminals 102, four remaining capacity display LEDs 121, and a remaining capacity display switch 122. When the remaining capacity display switch 122 is turned on, the remaining capacity display LEDs 121 illuminate in a number corresponding to the remaining capacity of the first voltage switching battery pack 100. The number of remaining capacity display LEDs 121 is arbitrary. Light emitted by the remaining capacity display LEDs 121 passes through the remaining capacity display portion 111 and reaches the outside. The remaining capacity display switch 122 is turned on by operating the remaining capacity display button 112.

[0120] The battery unit 115 includes a first battery unit 118 having five interconnected battery cells, and a second battery unit 119 having five interconnected battery cells. The battery cells are, for example, lithium-ion secondary batteries. The number of battery cells in the first battery unit 118 and the second battery unit 119 is arbitrary. A pair of power supply terminals 103 are connected to the positive and negative electrodes of the first battery unit 118, respectively. A pair of power supply terminals 104 are connected to the positive and negative electrodes of the second battery unit 119, respectively.

[0121] The separator 116 is, for example, a resin molded body, and holds the cells constituting the battery unit 115 at predetermined positions within the battery case 106. The holding member 117 is, for example, a resin molded body, and is fixed to the separator 116 by, for example, screwing.

[0122] [Structure of the First Adapter 200]

[0123] The first adapter 200 is configured to connect the first voltage switching battery pack 100 having a first battery interface 101 of a first specification to the second electrical device 30, 40, 50 having a second device interface 32, 42, 52 of a second specification different from the first specification. The first adapter 200 is positioned vertically between the first voltage switching battery pack 100 and any of the second electrical devices 30, 40, 50 and is configured to slide in a front-to-back direction intersecting the vertical direction to be attached to the first voltage switching battery pack 100 or any of the second electrical devices 30, 40, 50.

[0124] like Figure 1 As shown, the first adapter 200 includes a first adapter interface 201 of a first specification that can be connected to the first battery interface 101 of the first voltage switching battery pack 100, and a second adapter interface 202 of a second specification that can be connected to the second device interfaces 32, 42, and 52 of the second electrical devices 30, 40, and 50. The first adapter interface 201 and the battery pack mounting portion 213, described later, include an area that faces the first voltage switching battery pack 100 (first battery interface 101) when the first voltage switching battery pack 100 is mounted on the first adapter 200, and an area that faces the first battery interface 101 substantially without a gap. The second adapter interface 202 and the electrical device mounting portion 214 include an area that faces the second electrical devices 30, 40, and 50 (second device interfaces 32, 42, and 52) when the first adapter 200 is mounted on the second electrical devices 30, 40, and 50.

[0125] The first adapter 200 includes a battery-side terminal 206, a main body-side terminal 210, a first adapter housing 211, a battery pack mounting portion 213, an electrical device mounting portion 214, a latch mechanism 216, an operating portion 217, a restricting portion 218, a coil spring 219, and a first adapter base plate 220. A first rear protrusion 230 is provided on the rear side of the first adapter 200, protruding upward from the lower end 214a of the electrical device mounting portion 214. The latch mechanism 216 is provided on the first rear protrusion 230. A first inclined surface is formed on the upper surface of the first rear protrusion 230, gently sloping from the upper front toward the lower rear. The first rear protrusion 230 is provided on the upper side of the first adapter 200 and rearward relative to the electrical device mounting portion 214 in the front-to-back direction. The first rear protrusion 230 is located outward (rearward) of a region where the second guide portion 215, described later, is provided in the front-to-back direction.

[0126] like Figure 4As shown in (C), the battery side terminal 206 includes a pair of power terminals 203, a pair of power terminals 204, and a signal terminal 205. The battery side terminal 206 extends in the vertical direction and the front-back direction and is connected to the battery terminal 102 of the first voltage switching battery pack 100. Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 1 , a pair of power terminals 203, a pair of power terminals 204, and a signal terminal 205 are configured to be connected to the pair of power terminals 103, the pair of power terminals 104, and the signal terminal 105 of the first voltage switching battery pack 100, respectively. The battery-side terminal 206 constitutes a part of the first adapter interface 201. The battery-side terminal 206 is arranged in the front-to-back direction at the rear end portion 107b ( Figure 3 (A)) The battery-side terminal 206 is connected to the first adapter substrate 220 via a lead wire (not shown), but may be directly connected to the first adapter substrate 220.

[0127] like Figure 4 As shown in (C), the main body side terminal 210 includes a pair of power terminals 207, a pair of power terminals 208, and a signal terminal 209. The main body side terminal 210 extends in the vertical direction and the front-back direction and is connected to the main body terminals of the second electrical devices 30, 40, and 50. Figure 4 (C) Figure 8 As shown in (D) and (E), the pair of power terminals 207, the pair of power terminals 208, and the signal terminal 209 are configured to be connected to the pair of power terminals 43a, the pair of power terminals 43b, and the signal terminal 43c of the second electrical device 40, respectively. The main body-side terminals 210 constitute part of the second adapter interface 202. The pair of power terminals 43a, the pair of power terminals 43b, and the signal terminal 43c of the second electrical device 40 constitute the main body terminals 43 and also constitute part of the second device interface 42.

[0128] like Figure 4 As shown in (C), the battery side terminal 206 and the main body side terminal 210 are separated from each other in the front-to-back direction. The battery side terminal 206 is arranged on the rear side of the main body side terminal 210. Figure 6 As shown in (D), in the vertical direction, the existence range R1 of the contact portion of the battery-side terminal 206 that contacts the battery terminal 102 and the existence range R2 of the main body-side terminal 210 at least partially overlap.

[0129] The first adapter case 211 is, for example, a resin molded body, has a first guide portion 212 and a second guide portion 215 , and accommodates the first adapter substrate 220 .

[0130] like Figure 4As shown in (B), the battery pack mounting portion 213 is provided at the lower portion of the first adapter housing 211. The battery pack mounting portion 213 constitutes the first adapter interface 201. The first voltage switching battery pack 100 is mounted and removed by sliding it in the front-to-back direction relative to the battery pack mounting portion 213. The battery pack mounting portion 213 has a battery-side terminal 206 and a first guide portion 212. The first guide portion 212 is configured to guide the sliding movement of the first voltage switching battery pack 100 ( Figure 7 (C)→ Figure 6 (C) In the example shown in the figure, three first guide portions 212 are provided on each of the left and right sides of the battery pack placement portion 213 , but the number of first guide portions 212 is arbitrary.

[0131] like Figure 4 As shown in (A), the electrical device assembly part 214 is provided at the upper part of the first adapter housing 211. The electrical device assembly part 214 constitutes the second adapter interface 202. The electrical device assembly part 214 is slid in the front-to-back direction to be loaded and unloaded on the second electrical device 30, 40, 50. The electrical device assembly part 214 has a main body side terminal 210 and a second guide part 215. The second guide part 215 is configured to guide the sliding movement of the second electrical device 30, 40, 50. The second guide part 215 allows the sliding movement of the second electrical device 30, 40, 50 in a cross direction (front-to-back direction) that intersects the up-down direction relative to the first adapter 200. The second guide part 215 limits the up-down movement of the second electrical device 30, 40, 50 relative to the first adapter 200. As Figure 5 As shown in (B), in the first adapter 200, the upper end 213a of the battery pack mounting portion 213 is located above the lower end 214a of the electrical device mounting portion 214. Figure 6 As shown in (B), when the first voltage switching battery pack 100 is mounted on the first adapter 200, the upper end 150 of the first voltage switching battery pack 100 is located above the lower end 214a of the electrical device mounting portion 214. Figure 6 As shown in Figure (B), when the first voltage switching battery pack 100 is mounted on the first adapter 200, the first rear protrusion 230 of the first adapter 200 extends continuously relative to the second inclined surface 152 of the second rear protrusion 151 of the first voltage switching battery pack 100. In other words, the first and second inclined surfaces are smoothly connected without any steps (concave or convex). This eliminates the sense of protrusion (or separation) of the first adapter 200, creating a sense of unity with the first voltage switching battery pack 100 and improving the aesthetics.

[0132] like Figure 4As shown in (A), the latch mechanism 216 includes an operating portion 216a and an engaging portion 216b. The engaging portion 216b of the latch mechanism 216 engages with a recessed portion (not shown) of the second electrical device 40 or 50, thereby securing the first adapter 200 to the second electrical device 40 or 50. To release the engaging portion 216b, the operator operates the operating portion 216a. The latch mechanism 216 forms part of the electrical device mounting portion 214.

[0133] like Figure 5 (D) Figure 6 (D) Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 2D , the operating portion 217 , the restricting portion 218 , and the coil spring 219 constitute a locking mechanism for locking the first adapter 200 to the first voltage switching battery pack 100 .

[0134] The operating portion 217 and the limiting portion 218 are integral limiting components, provided on the upper surface of the electrical device mounting portion 214 and located forward of the main body terminal 210. The limiting portion 218 engages with (enters) the limiting recess 110 ( Figure 3 (A)) is restricted so that the first voltage switching battery pack 100 cannot move backward relative to the first adapter 200. In order to release the locking of the restriction portion 218 (in order to remove the first voltage switching battery pack 100 from the battery pack mounting portion 213), the operator operates the operating portion 217. The coil spring 219 is an elastic component that applies force to the operating portion 217 upward (applies force to the restriction portion 218 downward, that is, in the direction of entering the restriction recess 110). When the first adapter 200 is assembled to the first voltage switching battery pack 100, the restriction portion 218 abuts against the upper surface of the first voltage switching battery pack 100, and the operating portion 217 overcomes the force of the coil spring 219 and moves from Figure 5 (D) status Figure 7 (D) Then, when the first adapter 200 is connected (assembled) by sliding along the first guide portion 212 and the battery guide portion 107 to the first voltage switching battery pack 100, the restricting portion 218 is biased by the coil spring 219 toward the restricting recess 110. That is, when the first adapter 200 is assembled into the first voltage switching battery pack 100, the restricting portion 218 and the restricting recess 110 automatically engage without the operator having to operate the operating portion 217. This structure saves operator time and enables smooth assembly. This also applies to the third adapter 300, described later.

[0135] When the electrical equipment mounting portion 214 is mounted on the second electrical equipment 40, Figure 6As shown in (D), the upper surface of the operating unit 217, which is the portion to be pressed by the operator, is covered (hidden) by the housing of the second electrical device 40. Therefore, the operator cannot operate the operating unit 217. In other words, the operating unit 217 hinders the operator's operation through the second electrical device 40. Figure 6 (D) and Figure 8 As shown in Figure (A), with the first voltage-switching battery pack 100 connected to the bottom side of the first adapter 200 and the second electrical device 40 connected (mounted) to the top side of the first adapter 200, the upper end 150 of the first voltage-switching battery pack 100 (the upper end 213a of the battery pack mounting portion 213) is positioned above the lower end 41 of the second electrical device 40 (the lower end 214a of the electrical device mounting portion 214). This positional relationship applies not only to the first voltage-switching battery pack 100 but also to situations where a first battery pack that is not voltage-switching and has a first battery port 101 is mounted on the first adapter 200.

[0136] The first adapter substrate 220 is mounted Figure 13 (B) shows the first adapter control section 221, the first connection circuit 222, the second connection circuit 223, etc. The circuit configuration will be described later.

[0137] [Structure of the Second Adapter 300]

[0138] The second adapter 300 is configured to connect the first voltage switching battery pack 100 having a first battery interface 101 of a first specification to the third electrical device 60 or 70 having a third device interface 63 or 73 of a third specification different from the first specification. The second adapter 300 is positioned vertically between the first voltage switching battery pack 100 and either of the third electrical devices 60 or 70 and is configured to be slidable in a front-to-rear direction intersecting the vertical direction so as to be attached to either of the first voltage switching battery pack 100 or the third electrical device 60 or 70.

[0139] like Figure 1As shown, the second adapter 300 includes a first adapter interface 301 of a first specification that can be connected to the first battery interface 101 of the first voltage switching battery pack 100, and a third adapter interface 304 of a third specification that can be connected to the third device interface 63, 73 of the third electrical device 60, 70. The first adapter interface 301 is configured similarly to the first adapter interface 201 of the first adapter 200. The first adapter interface 301 and the battery pack mounting portion 313, described later, are regions that face the first voltage switching battery pack 100 (first battery interface 101) when the first voltage switching battery pack 100 is mounted on the second adapter 300, and include regions that face the first battery interface 101 substantially without a gap. The third adapter interface 303 and the electrical device mounting portion 314 include regions that face the third electrical device 60, 70 (third device interface 63, 73) when the second adapter 300 is mounted on the third electrical device 60, 70.

[0140] The second adapter 300 includes a battery-side terminal 306, a main body-side terminal 310, a second adapter housing 311, a battery pack mounting portion 313, an electrical device mounting portion 314, an operating portion 317, a restricting portion 318, a coil spring 319, and a second adapter base plate 320. A first rear protrusion 330 is provided on the rear side of the second adapter 300, protruding upward from the lower end 314a of the electrical device mounting portion 314. A first inclined surface is formed on the upper surface of the second adapter 300, gently sloping from the upper front toward the lower rear. The first rear protrusion 330 is provided on the upper side of the second adapter 300 and is positioned rearward relative to the electrical device mounting portion 314 in the front-to-back direction. The first rear protrusion 330 is located outside (rearward of) a region where the second guide portion 315, described later, is provided in the front-to-back direction.

[0141] like Figure 9 As shown in Figure 2 (B), the battery-side terminals 306 include a pair of power terminals 304, a pair of power terminals 305, and a signal terminal 307. The battery-side terminals 306 extend in the vertical and front-to-back directions and are connected to the battery terminals 102 of the first voltage switching battery pack 100. The pair of power terminals 304, the pair of power terminals 305, and the signal terminal 307 are configured to be connectable to the pair of power terminals 103, the pair of power terminals 104, and the signal terminal 105 of the first voltage switching battery pack 100, respectively. The battery-side terminals 306 constitute part of the first adapter interface 301.

[0142] like Figure 10 As shown in (C), the main body side terminal 310 has a pair of power terminals 308 and a signal terminal 309. The main body side terminal 310 extends in the vertical direction and the front-back direction and is connected to the main body terminals of the third electrical equipment 60, 70. Figure 10 (C) Figure 12 As shown in FIG. 5 , the pair of power terminals 308 and the signal terminals 309 are respectively connectable to the pair of power terminals 64a and the signal terminals 64b of the third electrical device 60. The main body side terminals 310 constitute a part of the third adapter interface 304.

[0143] The second adapter case 311 is, for example, a resin molded body, has a first guide portion 312 and a second guide portion 315 , and accommodates the second adapter substrate 320 .

[0144] like Figure 9 As shown in (B), the battery pack mounting portion 313 is provided at the lower portion of the second adapter housing 311. The battery pack mounting portion 313 constitutes the first adapter interface 301. The first voltage switching battery pack 100 is loaded and unloaded by sliding in the front-to-rear direction relative to the battery pack mounting portion 313. The battery pack mounting portion 313 has a battery side terminal 306 and a first guide portion 312. The first guide portion 312 is configured to guide the sliding movement of the first voltage switching battery pack 100. In the example shown in the figure, three first guide portions 312 are provided on the left and right sides of the battery pack mounting portion 313, respectively, but the number of the first guide portions 312 is arbitrary.

[0145] like Figure 9 As shown in (A), the electrical device assembly part 314 is provided at the upper part of the second adapter housing 311. The electrical device assembly part 314 constitutes the third adapter interface 304. The electrical device assembly part 314 is slid in the front-to-back direction to load and unload the third electrical device 60, 70. The electrical device assembly part 314 has a main body side terminal 310 and a second guide part 315. The second guide part 315 is configured to guide the sliding movement of the third electrical device 60, 70. The second guide part 315 allows the sliding movement of the third electrical device 60, 70 in a cross direction (front-to-back direction) that intersects the up-down direction relative to the second adapter 300. The second guide part 315 limits the up-down movement of the third electrical device 60, 70 relative to the second adapter 300. The second guide part 315 has a locking recess 316. The locking recess 316 is as shown in FIG. Figure 12 (C) is engaged with the locking portion 77 of the third electrical device 60, locking the second adapter 300 relative to the third electrical device 60. When the operator operates the operating portion 76 of the third electrical device 60, as shown in FIG. Figure 12 As shown in (E), the locking of the locking portion 77 is released. The coil spring 78 is an elastic member that urges the locking portion 77 in a direction to enter the locking recess 316.

[0146] like Figure 10 (D) Figure 11As shown in FIG. 5C , the operating portion 317 , the restricting portion 318 , and the coil spring 319 constitute a locking mechanism for locking the second adapter 300 to the first voltage switching battery pack 100 .

[0147] The operating portion 317 and the limiting portion 318 are integral limiting components and are provided on the upper surface of the electrical equipment mounting portion 314. The limiting portion 318 engages with (enters) the limiting recess 110 ( Figure 3 (A)) to prevent the first voltage switching battery pack 100 from moving rearward relative to the second adapter 300. To release the locking mechanism 318 (to remove the first voltage switching battery pack 100 from the battery pack mounting portion 313), the operator operates the operating member 317. The coil spring 319 is an elastic member that biases the operating member 317 upward (biasing the limiting member 318 downward, i.e., toward the limiting recess 110).

[0148] Although not shown in the figure, when the electrical equipment mounting portion 314 is mounted on the third electrical equipment 60, the operating portion 317, like the operating portion 217 described above, has the portion for the operator to press, i.e., the upper surface, covered (hidden) by the housing of the third electrical equipment 60. Therefore, the operator cannot operate the operating portion 317. In other words, the operating portion 317 hinders the operator's operation through the third electrical equipment 60. Figure 10 As shown in (B), in the second adapter 300, the upper end 313a of the battery pack mounting portion 313 is located above the lower end 314a of the electrical device mounting portion 314. Figure 11 As shown in FIG. 1B , when the first voltage switching battery pack 100 is mounted on the second adapter 300, the upper end 150 of the first voltage switching battery pack 100 is located above the lower end 314a of the electrical device mounting portion 314. In other words, the first voltage switching battery pack 100 is connected to the lower side of the second adapter 300, and the third electrical device 60 is connected (mounted) to the upper side of the second adapter 300. Figure 11 In the state (not shown in the figure), the upper end 150 of the first voltage switching battery pack 100 is located above the lower end 61 of the third electrical device 60 (the lower end 314a of the electrical device mounting portion 314). In addition, this positional relationship is applicable not only to the first voltage switching battery pack 100, but also to the case where a first battery pack having a first battery interface 101 and not capable of switching voltage is mounted on the second adapter 300. Figure 11As shown in Figure (B), when the first voltage switching battery pack 100 is mounted on the second adapter 300, the first inclined surface of the first rear protrusion 330 of the second adapter 300 is configured to extend continuously with the second inclined surface 152 of the second rear protrusion 151 of the first voltage switching battery pack 100. In other words, the first and second inclined surfaces are smoothly connected without any steps (concave or convex). This eliminates the sense of protrusion (or separation) of the third adapter 300, creating a sense of unity with the first voltage switching battery pack 100 and improving the aesthetics.

[0149] The second adapter substrate 320 is mounted Figure 13 The second adapter control section 321, the third connection circuit 322, the fourth connection circuit 323, etc. shown in (C) will be described later regarding the circuit configuration.

[0150] [Circuit structure]

[0151] Figure 13 (A) is a circuit block diagram of the first voltage switching battery pack 100 .

[0152] exist Figure 13 In (A), the B1+ terminal corresponds to the positive terminal of the power terminal 103, the B1- terminal corresponds to the negative terminal of the power terminal 103, the B2+ terminal corresponds to the positive terminal of the power terminal 104, the B2- terminal corresponds to the negative terminal of the power terminal 104, and the Data terminal corresponds to the signal terminal 105.

[0153] The protection IC 123 is a circuit that protects the first cell 118. The battery controller 124 is a control unit that protects the second cell 119 and controls the overall operation of the first voltage switching battery pack 100. Upon detecting operation of the remaining battery level indicator switch 122, the battery controller 124 illuminates the remaining battery level indicator LED 121 based on the remaining battery level in the first voltage switching battery pack 100. The battery controller 124 is connected to the Data terminal and communicates with the paired device. The battery controller 124 generates a signal that is transmitted from the Data terminal based on the on / off state of the switching element Q1.

[0154] Figure 13 (B) is a circuit block diagram of the first adapter 200 .

[0155] exist Figure 13In (B), the B1+ terminal on the left corresponds to the positive terminal of the power terminal 203 and is connected to the terminal of the same name on the first voltage switching battery pack 100. The B1- terminal on the left corresponds to the negative terminal of the power terminal 203 and is connected to the terminal of the same name on the first voltage switching battery pack 100. The B2+ terminal on the left corresponds to the positive terminal of the power terminal 204 and is connected to the terminal of the same name on the first voltage switching battery pack 100. The B2- terminal on the left corresponds to the negative terminal of the power terminal 204 and is connected to the terminal of the same name on the first voltage switching battery pack 100. The Data terminal corresponds to the signal terminal 205 and is connected to the terminal of the same name on the first voltage switching battery pack 100.

[0156] exist Figure 13 In (B), the right-side B1+ terminal corresponds to the positive terminal of power supply terminal 207, the right-side B1- terminal corresponds to the negative terminal of power supply terminal 207, the right-side B2+ terminal corresponds to the positive terminal of power supply terminal 208, the right-side B2- terminal corresponds to the negative terminal of power supply terminal 208, and the Ld, V, Ls, and T terminals correspond to signal terminal 209. The C1+ and C2+ terminals are positive terminals for charging.

[0157] The first connection circuit 222 electrically connects the left and right B1+ terminals and the left and right B1- terminals. In other words, the first connection circuit 222 electrically connects the pair of power supply terminals 203 and the pair of power supply terminals 207.

[0158] The second connection circuit 223 electrically connects the left and right B2+ terminals and the left and right B2- terminals. In other words, the second connection circuit 223 electrically connects the pair of power supply terminals 204 and the pair of power supply terminals 208.

[0159] The first adapter control unit 221 controls the overall operation of the first adapter 200. The first adapter control unit 221 generates a signal transmitted from the Data terminal based on the on / off state of the switching element Q2. When receiving a signal from the Data terminal, the first adapter control unit 221 turns off the switching element Q2. The switching element Q3 is turned on / off by the signal received from the Data terminal.

[0160] The first adapter control section 221 is configured to convert a signal of a first standard input from the Data terminal into a signal of a second standard different from the first standard, and output the signal from at least one of the Ld, V, Ls, and T terminals. Furthermore, the first adapter control section 221 is configured to convert a signal of the second standard input from at least one of the Ld, V, Ls, and T terminals into a signal of the first standard, and output the signal from the Data terminal.

[0161] The second adapter interface 202 of the first adapter 200 has ten terminals: C1+ terminal, C2+ terminal, right B1+ terminal, right B1- terminal, right B2+ terminal, right B2- terminal, Ld terminal, V terminal, Ls terminal, and T terminal.

[0162] Figure 13 (C) is a circuit block diagram of the second adapter 300 .

[0163] exist Figure 13 In (C), the B1+ terminal corresponds to the positive terminal of the power terminal 304 and is connected to the terminal of the same name on the first voltage switching battery pack 100. The B1- terminal corresponds to the negative terminal of the power terminal 304 and is connected to the terminal of the same name on the first voltage switching battery pack 100. The B2+ terminal corresponds to the positive terminal of the power terminal 305 and is connected to the terminal of the same name on the first voltage switching battery pack 100. The B2- terminal corresponds to the negative terminal of the power terminal 305 and is connected to the terminal of the same name on the first voltage switching battery pack 100. The Data terminal on the left corresponds to the signal terminal 307 and is connected to the terminal of the same name on the first voltage switching battery pack 100.

[0164] exist Figure 13 In (C), the B+ terminal corresponds to the positive terminal of the power terminal 308, the B- terminal corresponds to the negative terminal of the power terminal 308, and the T+ and T- terminals and the Data terminal on the right correspond to the signal terminal 309.

[0165] The third connection circuit 322 electrically connects the B1+ terminal, the B2+ terminal, and the B+ terminal. In other words, the third connection circuit 322 electrically connects the positive terminals of the power supply terminal 304, the power supply terminal 305, and the power supply terminal 308.

[0166] The fourth connection circuit 323 electrically connects the B1-terminal, the B2-terminal, and the B-terminal. That is, the fourth connection circuit 323 electrically connects the negative terminals of the ninth power supply terminal 304, the tenth power supply terminal 305, and the twelfth power supply terminal 308.

[0167] The second adapter control unit 321 controls the overall operation of the second adapter 300. The second adapter control unit 321 generates a signal transmitted from the Data terminal based on the on / off state of the switching element Q4. When receiving a signal from the Data terminal, the second adapter control unit 321 turns off the switching element Q5. The switching element Q5 is turned on / off based on the signal received from the Data terminal.

[0168] The second adapter control unit 321 is configured to convert a signal of a first standard input from the left Data terminal into a signal of a third standard different from the first standard, and output the signal from the T+ and T- terminals or the right Data terminal. Furthermore, the second adapter control unit 321 is configured to convert a signal of the third standard input from the T+ and T- terminals or the right Data terminal into a signal of the first standard, and output the signal from the left Data terminal.

[0169] The third adapter interface 303 of the second adapter 300 has five terminals: a B+ terminal, a B- terminal, a T+ terminal, a T- terminal, and a Data terminal on the right. The number of terminals on the third adapter interface 303 of the second adapter 300 is different from the number of terminals on the second adapter interface 202 of the first adapter 200.

[0170] The signal of the third standard input or output from the third adapter interface 303 of the second adapter 300 is different from the signal of the second standard input or output from the second adapter interface 202 of the first adapter 200 .

[0171] Figure 14 (A) is a circuit block diagram of the first electrical device 80 (36 V device).

[0172] The B1+ terminal, B2+ terminal, B1− terminal, B2− terminal, and Data terminal are respectively connected to the terminals of the same name of the first voltage switching battery pack 100 .

[0173] In the first electrical device 80, the B2+ terminal and the B1- terminal are short-circuited. Therefore, the voltage between the B1+ terminal and the B2- terminal is the series combination voltage (36V) of the voltage of the first cell 118 (18V) and the voltage of the second cell 119 (18V).

[0174] The first electric device 80 includes a device control unit 85 , a control signal circuit 86 , a position sensor 87 a , a trigger switch 87 b , an inverter circuit 88 , and a motor 89 .

[0175] The device control unit 85 includes a microcontroller and the like, and controls the overall operation of the first electrical device 80. The device control unit 85 communicates with the battery controller 124 of the first voltage switching battery pack 100. The control signal circuit 86 controls the on / off switching of each switching element of the inverter circuit 88 according to the control of the device control unit 85. The position sensor 87a detects the rotational position of the motor 89 and transmits it to the device control unit 85. The trigger switch 87b detects the operator's motor driving operation and transmits it to the device control unit 85. The inverter circuit 88 converts the DC voltage between the B1+ terminal and the B2- terminal into an AC voltage and supplies it to the motor 89. The motor 89 is, for example, a brushless motor, and is an example of a load unit driven by the power of the battery pack.

[0176] Figure 14 (B) is a circuit block diagram of the first electrical device 90 (18 V device).

[0177] The B1+ terminal, B2+ terminal, B1− terminal, B2− terminal, and Data terminal are respectively connected to the terminals of the same name of the first voltage switching battery pack 100 .

[0178] In the first electrical device 90, the B1+ and B2+ terminals are short-circuited, and the B1- and B2- terminals are short-circuited. Therefore, the voltage between the B1+ and B2- terminals is the combined voltage (18 V) of the first cell 118 and the second cell 119.

[0179] The device control unit 95, control signal circuit 96, position sensor 97a, trigger switch 97b, inverter circuit 98, and motor 99 of the first electrical device 90 respectively have the same functions as the device control unit 85, control signal circuit 86, position sensor 87a, trigger switch 87b, inverter circuit 88 and motor 89 of the above-mentioned first electrical device 80.

[0180] Figure 15 (A) is a circuit block diagram of the second electrical device 40 (36 V device).

[0181] The B1+ terminal, B2+ terminal, B1- terminal, B2- terminal, Ld terminal, V terminal, Ls terminal, and T terminal are connected to Figure 13 (B) shows the terminals of the same name on the right side of the first adapter 200.

[0182] In the second electrical device 40, the B2+ terminal and the B1- terminal are short-circuited. Therefore, the voltage between the B1+ terminal and the B2- terminal is the series combination voltage (36V) of the voltage of the first cell 118 (18V) and the voltage of the second cell 119 (18V).

[0183] The device control unit 45, control signal circuit 46, position sensor 47a, trigger switch 47b, inverter circuit 48, and motor 49 of the second electrical device 40 have the same functions as the device control unit 85, control signal circuit 86, position sensor 87a, trigger switch 87b, inverter circuit 88, and motor 89 of the first electrical device 80, except for the communication method of the device control unit 45. The device control unit 45 communicates with the first adapter control unit 221 of the first adapter 200.

[0184] Figure 15 (B) is a circuit block diagram of the second electrical device 50 (18 V device).

[0185] The B1+ terminal, B2+ terminal, B1- terminal, B2- terminal, Ld terminal, V terminal, Ls terminal, and T terminal are connected to Figure 13 (B) shows the terminals of the same name on the right side of the first adapter 200.

[0186] In the second electrical device 50, the B1+ and B2+ terminals are short-circuited, and the B1- and B2- terminals are short-circuited. Therefore, the voltage between the B1+ and B2- terminals is the combined voltage (18 V) of the first cell 118 and the second cell 119.

[0187] The device control unit 55, control signal circuit 56, position sensor 57a, trigger switch 57b, inverter circuit 58 and motor 59 of the second electrical device 50 have the same functions as the device control unit 45, control signal circuit 46, position sensor 47a, trigger switch 47b, inverter circuit 48 and motor 49 of the second electrical device 40.

[0188] Figure 16 2 is a circuit block diagram of the third electrical device 60 .

[0189] The B+ terminal, B- terminal, T+ terminal, T- terminal, and Data terminal are connected to Figure 13 (C) shows the terminals of the same name on the right side of the second adapter 300.

[0190] The device control unit 65, control signal circuit 66, position sensor 67a, trigger switch 67b, inverter circuit 68, and motor 69 of the third electrical device 60 have the same functions as the device control unit 85, control signal circuit 86, position sensor 87a, trigger switch 87b, inverter circuit 88, and motor 89 of the first electrical device 80, except for the communication method of the device control unit 65. The device control unit 65 communicates with the second adapter control unit 321 of the second adapter 300.

[0191] Here, the first power terminal corresponds to power terminal 103. The second power terminal corresponds to power terminal 104. The third power terminal corresponds to power terminals 203 and 304. The fourth power terminal corresponds to power terminals 204 and 305. The fifth power terminal corresponds to power terminal 43a. The sixth power terminal corresponds to power terminal 43b. The seventh power terminal corresponds to power terminal 207. The eighth power terminal corresponds to power terminal 208. The ninth power terminal corresponds to power terminal 64a. The tenth power terminal corresponds to power terminal 308.

[0192] This embodiment has the following effects.

[0193] (1) The first adapter 200 can be connected between the first voltage switching battery pack 100 and the second electrical device 30, 40, 50, and has a first adapter interface 201 of a first specification that can be connected to the first battery interface 101 of the first voltage switching battery pack 100, and a second adapter interface 202 of a second specification that can be connected to the second device interface 32, 42, 52 of the second electrical device 30, 40, 50. Therefore, the second electrical device 30, 40, 50 that cannot be directly connected to the first voltage switching battery pack 100 can be connected to the first voltage switching battery pack 100 via the first adapter 200. This provides an adapter system with a high degree of design freedom. For example, even if the battery pack has a design change such as replacing the guide portion with a higher-strength component, the battery pack with the changed design can be connected to the second electrical device 30, 40, 50 through the first adapter 200.

[0194] (2) The first adapter 200 includes a first adapter control unit 221 configured to convert a signal of a first standard input from the first adapter interface 201 into a signal of a second standard different from the first standard and output the signal from the second adapter interface 202, and / or to convert a signal of the second standard input from the second adapter interface 202 into a signal of the first standard and output the signal from the first adapter interface 201. Therefore, even when the communication standards (communication methods) of the first voltage switching battery pack 100 and the second electrical devices 30, 40, 50 differ, communication between the first voltage switching battery pack 100 and the second electrical devices 30, 40, 50 can be performed via the first adapter 200.

[0195] (3) The second adapter 300 is connectable between the first voltage switching battery pack 100 and the third electrical devices 60 and 70 and includes a first adapter interface 301 of a first specification that can be connected to the first battery interface 101 of the first voltage switching battery pack 100 and a third adapter interface 303 of a third specification that can be connected to the third device interface 63 and 73 of the third electrical devices 60 and 70. Therefore, the third electrical devices 60 and 70 that cannot be directly connected to the first voltage switching battery pack 100 can be connected to the first voltage switching battery pack 100 via the second adapter 300. This provides an adapter system with a high degree of design freedom. For example, even if the battery pack has undergone a design change, such as replacing the guide portion with a higher-strength component, the battery pack with the changed design can be connected to the third electrical devices 60 and 70 via the second adapter 300.

[0196] (4) The second adapter 300 includes a second adapter control unit 321 configured to convert a signal of a first standard input from the first adapter interface 301 into a signal of a third standard different from the first standard and output the signal from the third adapter interface 303, and / or to convert a signal of the third standard input from the third adapter interface 303 into a signal of the first standard and output the signal from the first adapter interface 301. Therefore, even when the communication standards (communication methods) of the first voltage switching battery pack 100 and the third electrical devices 60 and 70 differ, communication between the first voltage switching battery pack 100 and the third electrical devices 60 and 70 can be performed through the first adapter 200.

[0197] (5) In the first adapter 200, the battery-side terminal 206 and the main body-side terminal 210 are separated from each other in the front-to-back direction, and the contact portion (engaging portion) of the battery-side terminal 206 that contacts the battery terminal overlaps with the main body-side terminal 210 in the top-to-bottom direction. Figure 6 The ranges R1 and R3 shown in (D) and the preferred ranges R1 and R2 at least partially overlap. Figure 6Compared to a case where the ranges R1, R3, or R2 shown in (D) do not overlap, the vertical dimension of the first adapter 200 can be reduced. The second adapter 300 also achieves the same effect. Furthermore, since the vertical dimension of the first adapter 200 can be reduced, when the first voltage switching battery pack 100 and the second electrical device 40 are connected via the first adapter 200, the upper end 150 of the first voltage switching battery pack 100 can be positioned above the lower end 41 of the second electrical device 400, thereby reducing the vertical dimension of the first adapter system. When the first adapter 200 is connected to the first voltage switching battery pack 100, the upper end 150 of the first voltage switching battery pack 100 (the upper end of the second rear protrusion 151) can be positioned above the lower end 214a of the electrical device mounting portion 214, thereby reducing the vertical dimension of the electrical device system. The second adapter 300 also achieves the same effect.

[0198] (6) In the first voltage switching battery pack 100, the battery terminals 102, i.e., the pair of power terminals 103, the pair of power terminals 104, and the signal terminal 105, housed in the terminal housing 108 are located at positions corresponding to the plurality of slots 109 in the left-right direction, are located above the battery guide 107 in the up-down direction, and are located at positions corresponding to the rear end 107b of the battery guide 107 in the front-to-back direction. Therefore, it is easy to secure a large space in front of the battery terminals 102. Thus, a compact battery pack can be provided. Furthermore, a battery pack with a high degree of design freedom can be provided, such as enabling the battery pack housing of an electrical device to be enlarged.

[0199] (7) The limiting recess 110 of the first voltage switching battery pack 100 is arranged in the vertical direction at a position closer to the mating portion or contact portion (between the battery terminal 102 (a pair of power terminals 103, etc.) and the mating terminal. Figure 6 (D) is closer to the front of the battery terminal 102). Therefore, it is easy to arrange the battery terminal 102 in the rear position, and a large space can be ensured in front of the battery terminal 102. Furthermore, the limiting recess 110 is arranged at a position higher than the single battery cell 115, so that the space required for providing the limiting recess 110 can be reduced compared with a structure in which the limiting recess 110 is arranged at positions in front, behind, left and right relative to the single battery cell 115. Thus, a compact battery pack can be provided. In addition, a large space can be ensured in the front direction of the battery terminal 102, so that a battery pack with high design freedom can be provided, for example, the battery pack installation portion of the electrical equipment can be increased.

[0200] (8) When the electrical equipment mounting portion 214 is mounted on the second electrical equipment 40, Figure 6As shown in (D), the portion of the operating unit 217 that the operator presses, i.e., the upper surface, is covered (hidden) by the housing of the second electrical device 40. Therefore, the operator cannot operate the operating unit 217. This can prevent the first voltage switching battery pack 100 from falling off from the first adapter 200 due to misoperation. The second adapter 300 also has the same effect. In addition, consider the following situation: when the first voltage switching battery pack 100 is connected to the counterpart device via the first adapter 200 or the second adapter 300, the rear side ( Figure 8 (A) left side) falls downward, and the counterpart device falls and hits a step or slope. In this case, the first voltage switching battery pack 100 is moved in the falling direction, that is, the direction in which the first voltage switching battery pack 100 is separated from the adapter 200 or 300 ( Figure 8 A drop load (inertia force, moment) is applied to the adapter 200 or 300 (left direction, as shown in Figure 2A). At this time, the adapter mounting portion of the counterpart device restricts the rotation of the operating portion 217 or 317, thereby preventing the operating portion 217 or 317 from rotating due to the impact of the drop, thereby preventing the first voltage switching battery pack 100 from being separated from the adapter 200 or 300. Furthermore, the operating portion 217 or 317 can be prevented from rotating in a direction that disengages the restricting portion 218 or 318 from the restricting recess 110, thereby preventing the first voltage switching battery pack 100 from being separated from the adapter 200 or 300, due to vibrations during use of the counterpart device.

[0201] (Implementation Method 2)

[0202] Figure 17 (A) to (C) relate to Embodiment 2. The following description will focus on the differences from Embodiment 1.

[0203] In the first voltage switching battery pack 100A, the battery guide 107 is replaced with a battery guide 126, and the limiting recess 110 of the first voltage switching battery pack 100 is replaced with a limiting recess 125. The battery guide 126 is a rail extending in the front-to-back direction. Accordingly, the first guide 212 of the first adapter 200 is replaced with a guide of the first adapter 200A (not shown). The limiting recess 125 is a threaded hole that opens forward.

[0204] In the first adapter 200A, the operating portion 217, restricting portion 218, and coil spring 219 of the first adapter 200 are replaced with a through-hole 225 opening at the front. The first adapter 200A is assembled and fixed to the first voltage-switching battery pack 100A using a screw 224 that passes through the through-hole 225 and is screwed into the restricting recess 125.

[0205] This embodiment is otherwise identical to the first embodiment. Furthermore, the battery guide 126 may have the same structure as the battery guide 107 of the first voltage switching battery pack 100. Alternatively, the restricting recess 125 may be a threaded hole opening upward, and the through-hole 225 may be opened upward. In this case, as in the first embodiment, the first voltage switching battery pack 100A cannot be removed from the first adapter 200A while the first adapter 200A is attached to the counterpart device.

[0206] (Implementation 3)

[0207] Figure 18 (A) to (G) relate to Embodiment 3. The following description will focus on the differences from Embodiment 2.

[0208] The first voltage switching battery pack 100B replaces the restricting recess 125 of the first voltage switching battery pack 100A with a restricting recess 127 , and adds a coil spring 128 and a locking member 129 .

[0209] The first adapter 200B replaces the through hole 225 of the first adapter 200A with a through hole 226 that opens upward.

[0210] The first adapter 200B is secured to the first voltage switching battery pack 100B by a restricting member 227 that extends through the through-hole 226 and engages with the restricting recess 127. The retaining member 129, engaged with the constricted portion 229 of the restricting member 227 by the force of the coil spring 128, generates a retaining force that prevents the restricting member 227 from dislodging upward. To remove the restricting member 227, insert the tip of a flat-blade screwdriver, for example, into the through-hole 228 of the restricting member 227 and pull the restricting member 227 upward. When the first adapter 200B is attached to the mating device, the restricting member 227 is hidden by or interferes with the mating device, preventing it from being pulled upward.

[0211] The other aspects of this embodiment are the same as those of Embodiment 2. Furthermore, the first guide portion 231 of the first adapter 200B is a rail portion corresponding to the battery guide portion 126 and has the same rail portion as the first adapter 200A of Embodiment 2.

[0212] (Implementation 4)

[0213] Figure 19 (A) to (H) relate to Embodiment 4. The following description will focus on the differences from Embodiment 1.

[0214] In the first voltage switching battery pack 100C, the restriction recess 110 of the first voltage switching battery pack 100 is replaced with a restriction recess 131. The restriction recess 131 opens to the right and has an engaged portion 130 provided therein.

[0215] The first adapter 200C replaces the operating portion 217 and the restricting portion 218 of the first adapter 200 with an operating portion 232 and a restricting portion 233. The operating portion 232 and the restricting portion 233 constitute an integrated restricting member.

[0216] like Figure 19 As shown in (A) and (D), when the operating portion 232 is moved to the left, the restricting portion 233 engages with the engaged portion 130, generating a locking force to prevent the operating portion 232 from moving to the right. In this state, the restricting portion 233 is located within the restricting recess 131, and the first adapter 200C is locked to the first voltage switching battery pack 100C.

[0217] like Figure 19 As shown in Figures (B) and (E), when the operating portion 232 is moved to the right, the restricting portion 233 is located outside the restricting recess 131, allowing the first adapter 200C to be removed from the first voltage switching battery pack 100C. When the first adapter 200C is attached to a mating device, the operating portion 232 is hidden by the mating device and cannot be operated.

[0218] Other aspects of this embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0219] While the present invention has been described above using the embodiments as examples, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments. Various modifications can be made to the various matters specifically described in the embodiments within the scope of the claims.

[0220] The number of terminals and voltages of each interface, as exemplified by specific numerical values in the embodiments, do not limit the scope of the invention and can be arbitrarily changed according to required specifications. In embodiments 2 to 4, the changes made to the first adapter 200 of embodiment 1 can be similarly applied to the second adapter 300.

Claims

1. An adapter system, characterized in that: have: a first voltage switching battery pack having a plurality of battery cells and a first battery interface of a first specification having a pair of first power terminals and a pair of second power terminals connected to each of the plurality of battery cells, and configured to switch an output voltage by switching a connection state of the plurality of battery cells; an electrical device having a device interface of a specification different from the first specification, wherein the device interface is configured to be incapable of connecting to the first battery interface; as well as An adapter capable of being connected between the first voltage-switching battery pack and the electrical device, and having a first adapter interface capable of being connected to the first battery interface of the first specification and a device-side adapter interface capable of being connected to the device interface of a specification different from the first specification, wherein the first adapter interface has a pair of third power terminals capable of being connected to the pair of first power terminals and a pair of fourth power terminals capable of being connected to the pair of second power terminals.

2. A first adapter system, which is the adapter system according to claim 1, wherein the first adapter system is characterized in that: The electrical device is a second electrical device having a second device interface of a second specification different from the first specification. The second device interface is configured to be incompatible with the first battery interface and to be connectable to the second battery interface of the second specification of the second voltage switching battery pack capable of switching the output voltage. The adapter is a first adapter that can be connected between the first voltage switching battery pack and the second electrical device. The first adapter has the first adapter interface and the second adapter interface of the second specification.

3. The first adapter system according to claim 2, characterized in that The second device interface has a pair of fifth power terminals and a pair of sixth power terminals. The second adapter interface includes: a pair of seventh power terminals connectable to the pair of fifth power terminals; and a pair of eighth power terminals connectable to the pair of sixth power terminals.

4. The first adapter system according to claim 2, wherein: The first adapter includes a first adapter control unit configured to convert a signal of a first specification input from the first adapter interface into a signal of a second specification different from the signal of the first specification and output the signal from the second adapter interface, and / or to convert the signal of the second specification input from the second adapter interface into a signal of the first specification and output the signal from the first adapter interface.

5. A second adapter system, which is the adapter system according to claim 1, wherein the second adapter system is characterized in that: The electrical device is a third electrical device having a third device interface of a third specification different from the first specification. The third device interface is configured to be incompatible with the first battery interface and to be connectable to a third battery interface of the third specification of a third voltage-fixed battery pack having a fixed output voltage. The adapter is a second adapter that can be connected between the first voltage switching battery pack and the third electrical device. The second adapter has the first adapter interface and the third adapter interface of the third specification.

6. The second adapter system according to claim 5, characterized in that The third device interface has a pair of ninth power terminals. The third adapter interface of the second adapter includes a pair of tenth power terminals connectable to the pair of ninth power terminals.

7. The second adapter system according to claim 5, characterized in that The above-mentioned second adapter has a second adapter control unit, which is configured to convert a signal of the first specification input from the above-mentioned first adapter interface into a signal of a third specification different from the signal of the above-mentioned first specification, and output it from the above-mentioned third adapter interface, and / or convert the signal of the above-mentioned third specification input from the above-mentioned third adapter interface into a signal of the above-mentioned first specification, and output it from the above-mentioned first adapter interface.

8. The adapter system according to claim 1, wherein: A first electrical device is provided, the first electrical device having a first device interface of the first specification, wherein the first device interface is configured to be connectable to the first battery interface of the first voltage switching battery pack.

9. The adapter system according to claim 1, wherein: When the first voltage switching battery pack is connected to the lower side of the adapter and the electrical device is connected to the upper side of the adapter, the upper end of the first voltage switching battery pack is located above the lower end of the electrical device.

10. A third adapter system, characterized in that: The device comprises the first adapter system according to claim 2 and the second adapter system according to claim 5 .

11. The third adapter system according to claim 10, wherein: The number of terminals included in the second adapter interface of the first adapter is different from the number of terminals included in the third adapter interface of the second adapter.

12. The third adapter system according to claim 10, wherein: The second-standard signal input or output from the second adapter interface of the first adapter is different from the third-standard signal input or output from the third adapter interface of the second adapter.

13. An adapter mounted between a battery pack and an electrical device in a vertical direction, wherein: The battery pack is a first voltage switching battery pack having a plurality of single battery cells and a first battery interface of a first specification, and is configured to switch the connection state of the plurality of single battery cells to switch the output voltage. The first battery interface has a pair of first power terminals and a pair of second power terminals respectively connected to the plurality of single battery cells. The electrical device cannot be connected to the first battery port and has a device port with a different specification from the first specification. The above-mentioned adapter has: a first adapter interface, which can be connected to the above-mentioned first battery interface of the above-mentioned first specification, and has a pair of third power terminals that can be connected to the above-mentioned pair of first power terminals and a pair of fourth power terminals that can be connected to the above-mentioned pair of second power terminals; and a device-side adapter interface, which can be connected to the above-mentioned device interface of a specification different from the above-mentioned first specification.

14. The adapter according to claim 13, wherein: The adapter can be slidably moved in a front-to-rear direction intersecting the up-down direction and assembled to the battery pack and the electrical device body. The adapter has: a battery-side terminal extending in the up-down direction and the front-rear direction and connected to a battery terminal of the battery pack; and The main body side terminal extends in the vertical direction and the front-back direction and is connected to the main body terminal of the electrical device main body. The adapter can slide backward relative to the battery pack and be assembled on the battery pack. The battery-side terminal and the main body-side terminal are separated from each other in the front-rear direction, and a contact portion of the battery-side terminal that contacts the battery terminal overlaps with the main body-side terminal in the up-down direction.

15. The adapter according to claim 13, wherein: The first adapter interface is located on the lower side of the adapter. The device side adapter interface is located on the upper side of the adapter. In the vertical direction, an upper end portion of the first adapter interface is located above a lower end portion of the device-side interface.

16. A first adapter, which is the adapter according to claim 13, wherein the first adapter is characterized in that: The electrical device is a second electrical device having a second device interface of a second specification different from the first specification. The second device interface is configured to be incompatible with the first battery interface and to be connectable to the second battery interface of the second specification of the second voltage switching battery pack capable of switching the output voltage. The first adapter has the first adapter interface and a second adapter interface that can be connected to the second device interface of the second specification, and can be connected between the first voltage switching battery pack and the second electrical device.

17. A second adapter, which is the adapter according to claim 13, wherein the second adapter is characterized in that: The electrical device is a third electrical device having a third device interface of a third specification different from the first specification. The third device interface is configured to be incompatible with the first battery interface and connectable to the third battery interface of the third specification of the third fixed voltage battery pack with a fixed output voltage. The second adapter has the first adapter interface and a third adapter interface that can be connected to the third device interface of the third specification, and can be connected between the first voltage switching battery pack and the third electrical device.

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