Battery pack interface for power tool

Abstract

A power tool includes a housing and a battery pack including a body having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, a positive battery terminal disposed on the first end of the body, and a negative battery terminal disposed on the first end of the body. The power tool further includes a battery pack interface supported by the housing and configured to receive a battery pack. The battery pack interface has a first cover having a plurality of resilient members configured to interact with a first end of the battery pack and a second cover configured to secure the battery pack within the battery pack interface.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications This application claims priority to jointly pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 762,396, filed February 24, 2025, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 717,936, filed November 8, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to power tools, and more particularly to battery pack interfaces for power tools. Background Technology

[0003] Cordless power tools (e.g., reciprocating saws, drills, circular saws, wire saws, etc.) are powered by various rechargeable batteries. A battery pack interface can be located within the power tool to connect to a rechargeable battery pack, such as a single-cell battery pack, which can be used to power small devices. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In one aspect, the present invention provides a power tool including a housing and a battery pack. The battery pack includes a body having a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, a positive battery terminal disposed on the first end of the body, and a negative battery terminal disposed on the first end of the body. Furthermore, the power tool includes a battery pack interface supported by the housing and configured to receive the battery pack. The battery pack interface includes a first cover having a plurality of resilient members configured to interact with the first end of the battery pack. The battery pack interface also includes a second cover configured to secure the battery pack within the battery pack interface.

[0005] In another aspect, the present invention provides a power tool including a housing and a battery pack interface supported by the housing. The battery pack interface includes an interface housing defining an interface axis extending centrally through the battery pack interface. The interface housing is configured to receive a battery pack. The battery pack interface further includes a first cover coupled to a first end of the housing. The first cover has at least one positive battery contact and at least one negative battery contact. The at least one negative battery contact is positioned closer to the interface axis than the at least one positive battery contact. The battery pack interface also includes a second cover removably coupled to a second end of the housing opposite to the first end. The second cover is configured to secure the battery pack within the battery pack interface.

[0006] In another aspect, the present invention provides a power tool comprising a housing, a battery pack including a positive battery terminal and a negative battery terminal concentric with the positive battery terminal, and a battery pack interface supported by the housing. The battery pack interface includes an interface housing configured to receive the battery pack and a first cover coupled to a first end of the housing. The first cover has a first set of resilient members positioned to interact with the positive battery terminal and a second set of resilient members positioned to interact with the negative battery terminal. The battery pack interface further includes a second cover removably coupled to a second end of the housing opposite the first end. The second cover has a spring configured to bias the battery pack against the first and second sets of resilient members. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a power tool including a battery pack interface according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0008] Figure 2 It is receivable in Figure 1 Front view of the battery pack inside the battery pack interface.

[0009] Figure 3A yes Figure 2 A three-dimensional view of the positive and negative battery terminals of the battery pack.

[0010] Figure 3B This is a perspective view of a positive battery terminal, a negative battery terminal, and an insulator according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A 3D view of the battery pack interface.

[0012] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A 3D view of the internal casing of the battery pack interface.

[0013] Figure 6A yes Figure 1 A top view of the terminal cover of the battery pack interface.

[0014] Figure 6B yes Figure 6A A cross-sectional view of the terminal cover.

[0015] Figure 7A yes Figure 1 A front-view perspective view of the end cover of the battery pack interface.

[0016] Figure 7B yes Figure 7A Rear-view perspective of the end cap.

[0017] Figure 8A This is a perspective view of a terminal cover according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 8B yes Figure 8A A cross-sectional view of the terminal cover.

[0019] Figure 9A This is a perspective view of a terminal cover according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 9B yes Figure 9A Another perspective view of the terminal cover, in which the insulating components have been removed.

[0021] Figure 10A This is a perspective view of a terminal cover according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 10B yes Figure 10A A top view of the terminal cover, with the support removed.

[0023] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack interface according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 12A yes Figure 11 A perspective view of the end cap of the battery pack interface, which includes a rubber buffer.

[0025] Figure 12B yes Figure 12A A bottom view of the end cap of the battery pack interface.

[0026] Figure 13 yes Figure 12A A three-dimensional view of a rubber shock absorber.

[0027] Figure 14 This is a top perspective view of an end cap according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 15 yes Figure 14 A bottom-view perspective of the end cap.

[0029] Figure 16 yes Figure 14 A cross-sectional view of the end cap.

[0030] Figure 17 Is it possible to... Figure 14 A 3D view of the battery pack with the end cap in place.

[0031] Before explaining any embodiment of the invention in detail, it should be understood that the invention, in its application, is not limited to the details of the construction and arrangement of the components described in the following description or shown in the following drawings. The invention can have other embodiments and can be practiced or implemented in various ways. Furthermore, it should be understood that the wording and terminology used in this invention are for illustrative purposes and should not be considered restrictive. Detailed Implementation

[0032] Figure 1 A power tool 10 including a battery pack interface 14 is schematically shown. Examples of the power tool 10 may include drills, saws, vacuum cleaners, flashlights, and other devices. In some examples, the power tool 10 includes a housing for supporting the battery pack interface 14, a motor disposed within the housing, and an output driver. The battery pack interface 14 is configured to receive a single-cell battery pack 18 and electrically connect it to the power tool 10, thereby providing power to the power tool 10 for operation. When the motor is actuated, the motor is configured to drive the output driver. The motor is preferably a brushless DC motor. The output driver is configured to be coupled to a tool element that performs work on a workpiece.

[0033] See Figure 2 and Figure 3A The illustration shows a battery pack 18. In the illustrated embodiment, the battery pack 18 is a self-standing rechargeable lithium-ion USB battery that can be used to power the device. The battery pack 18 can be charged when plugged into an electrical device electrically connected to a power source via a USB connector. In this way, the battery pack 18 receives power from the electrical device being charged.

[0034] The battery pack 18 has a cylindrical shape so that it can be received within the battery pack interface 14. The battery pack 18 includes a body 22 having a first end 26a and a second end 26b opposite to the first end 26a. The body 22 defines a battery pack axis 28 extending centrally through the battery pack 18. A lithium-ion battery cell (not shown) is disposed within the body 22 of the battery pack 18. The lithium-ion battery has a positive electrode terminal disposed at its center and a negative electrode terminal forming the casing of the lithium-ion battery.

[0035] The battery pack 18 further includes a positive battery terminal 30, a negative battery terminal 34, and a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) thermistor 36 for monitoring the temperature of the battery pack 18. The positive and negative battery terminals 30 and 34 are arranged on a first end 26a of the body 22 to provide a battery pack with positive and negative terminals arranged along the same end. The NTC thermistor 36 is located at the central portion of the battery pack 18. The negative battery terminal 34 has an annular shape and is positioned around the NTC thermistor 36. The positive battery terminal 30 also has an annular shape and is positioned around the negative battery terminal 34. Thus, the negative battery terminal 34 is disposed between the positive battery terminal 30 and the NTC thermistor 36. Furthermore, the negative battery terminal 34 is concentric with the positive battery terminal 30 and the NTC thermistor 36. In some embodiments, the insulator 37 ( Figure 3B The positive terminal 30 can be positioned between the positive terminal 30 and the negative terminal 34. In other embodiments, a gap can be defined between the positive terminal 30 and the negative terminal 34. Electrical interconnection mechanisms (not shown; e.g., wires, circuit boards, etc.) are provided within the battery pack 18 to electrically connect the positive terminal 30 to the positive terminal of the lithium-ion battery cell and the negative terminal 34 to the negative terminal of the lithium-ion battery cell.

[0036] See Figure 4 and Figure 5 The diagram illustrates a battery pack interface 14. The battery pack interface 14 includes an interface housing or outer housing 38. The outer housing 38 of the battery pack interface 14 has a first end 40a and a second end 40b. An inner housing 42 of the battery pack interface 14 is formed within the outer housing 38 and extends between the first end 40a and the second end 40b. The inner housing 42 is formed as a tube configured to receive a battery pack 18. The outer housing 38 also defines an interface axis 44 extending centrally through the battery pack interface 14.

[0037] The battery pack interface 14 further includes a first cover or terminal cover 46 and a second cover or end cover 50. The terminal cover 46 is permanently coupled to a first end 40a of the outer housing 38. The end cover 50 is removably coupled to a second end 40b of the outer housing 38. The outer housing 38 has a plurality of fastening recesses 54, and the terminal cover 46 has a fastening hole (not shown) extending therethrough. The fastening hole of the terminal cover 46 is configured to align with the fastening recesses 54 when the terminal cover 46 is coupled to the outer housing 38. In this way, a fastener 56 (e.g., a screw) can extend through the fastening recesses 54 and the fastening hole to couple the terminal cover 46 to the outer housing 38. In some embodiments, a cooperating clamshell half may be provided for coupling the terminal cover 46 and its components to the outer housing 38. In other embodiments, the terminal cover 46 may be coupled to the outer housing 38 by other suitable coupling mechanisms.

[0038] See Figure 6A and Figure 6B The diagram shows a terminal cover 46. The terminal cover 46 includes a printed circuit board (PCB) 58 and an insulating member 62 positioned along the PCB 58. The terminal cover 46 further includes a plurality of resilient members 66 supported by the insulating member 62. In other embodiments, the insulating member 62 may be supported by another portion of the terminal cover 46. The PCB 58 is separated from the insulating member 62 when electrically connected to the terminal cover 46. The resilient members 66 are formed as spring pins, such that the resilient members 66 serve as battery contacts for the battery pack interface 14. The plurality of resilient members 66 are formed by a first set of resilient members or positive electrode resilient members 66a, a second set of resilient members or negative electrode resilient members 66b, and an NTC resilient member 66c.

[0039] Each elastic member 66 has a pin housing 70, a pin 74, and a spring (not shown). The pin 74 is movably coupled to the pin housing 70 between an extended position and a retracted position. The spring is disposed between the pin housing 70 and the pin 74. In the extended position, the spring is configured to bias the pin 74 in a direction away from the pin housing 70 such that a majority of the pin 74 extends out of the pin housing 70. In the retracted position, a force is applied to the pin 74 such that the spring is compressed and a majority of the pin 74 is positioned within the pin housing 70.

[0040] Positive resilient member 66a serves as the positive battery contact of terminal cover 46. Negative resilient member 66b serves as the negative battery contact of terminal cover 46. NTC resilient member 66c serves as the NTC contact of terminal cover 46 and is arranged at the center of terminal cover 46 such that NTC resilient member 66c is arranged along interface axis 44. Negative resilient members 66b are spaced apart from each other at substantially equal distances and surround NTC resilient member 66c. Positive resilient members 66a are also spaced apart from each other at substantially equal distances and surround negative resilient members 66b. Each positive resilient member 66a is positioned at a first distance D1 from interface axis 44. In other words, the first distance D1 extends between interface axis 44 and the corresponding positive resilient member 66a. Each negative resilient member 66b is positioned at a second distance D2 from interface axis 44. In other words, the second distance D2 extends between interface axis 44 and the corresponding negative resilient member 66b. The first distance D1 is greater than the second distance D2. Thus, the negative electrode elastic member 66b is closer to the center portion of the terminal cover 46 or the interface axis 44 than the positive electrode elastic member 66a. In the illustrated embodiment, the terminal cover 46 includes four positive electrode elastic members 66a and four negative electrode elastic members 66b. In other embodiments, the terminal cover 46 may include various other amounts of elastic members 66.

[0041] Once the battery pack 18 is received within the battery pack interface 14, a plurality of resilient members 66 interact with the first end 26a of the battery pack 18, causing the plurality of resilient members 66 to move to a retracted position. The positive resilient member 66a is positioned along the terminal cover 46 to interact with the positive battery terminal 30 of the battery pack 18. The negative resilient member 66b is positioned along the terminal cover 46 to interact with the negative battery terminal 34. Thus, the positive and negative resilient members 66a and 66b are configured to provide an electrical connection between the battery pack 18 and the battery pack interface 14, enabling the battery pack 18 to power the power tool 10. An NTC resilient member 66c is arranged to interact with the NTC thermistor 36 of the battery pack 18 for monitoring the temperature of the battery pack 18.

[0042] See Figure 7A and Figure 7B The diagram shows an end cap 50. The end cap 50 includes a spring 82 coupled thereto. When the end cap 50 is coupled to the battery pack interface 14, the spring 82 is configured to bias and push the battery pack 18 in a direction toward the terminal cover 46. Thus, the battery pack 18 is pressed against a plurality of resilient members 66 to provide an electrical connection between the terminal cover 46 and the battery pack 18. In other embodiments, the end cap 50 may include a PCB.

[0043] To assemble the battery pack interface 14 with the battery pack 18, the end cap 50 is removed from the outer housing 38 of the battery pack interface 14. The battery pack 18 is then loaded into the inner housing 42 by sliding it along the interface axis 44. The battery pack 18 is loaded into the inner housing 42 such that its first end 26a interacts with the terminal cover 46, allowing a plurality of resilient members 66 to engage the positive battery terminal 30, the negative battery terminal 34, and the NTC thermistor 36 of the battery pack 18. The end cap 50 is then coupled to the battery pack interface 14 to bias the battery pack 18 against the terminal cover 46 and secure the battery pack 18 within the inner housing 42 of the battery pack interface 14.

[0044] Figure 8A and Figure 8B An alternative terminal cover 100 for use with battery pack interface 14 is shown. The terminal cover 100 includes a PCB 104, a support 108 coupled to the PCB 104, and a plurality of resilient members 112. Each resilient member 112 extends through a corresponding slot 116 defined within the support 108. Figure 8BThe terminal cover 100 is coupled to PCB 104. The terminal cover 100 further includes a pin 120 disposed within a hole 124 extending through the support 108 and at least partially defined by the PCB 104. The pin 120 defines a recess 128 configured to receive a spring 132 that biases the pin 120 in a direction away from the PCB 104. Thus, the spring 132 is arranged between the pin 120 and the PCB 104 to allow the pin 120 to move between an extended position and a retracted position.

[0045] A plurality of elastic members 112 are formed by a positive elastic member 112a and a negative elastic member 112b. The positive elastic member 112a serves as the positive battery contact of the terminal cover 100. The negative elastic member 112b serves as the negative battery contact of the terminal cover 100. The pin 120 serves as the NTC contact of the terminal cover 100 and is arranged at the center of the terminal cover 100 such that the pin 120 is arranged along the interface axis 44.

[0046] Each elastic member 112a, 112b is formed as a leaf spring having protrusion portions 136a, 136b, connecting portions 140a, 140b, and interconnecting portions 144a, 144b, the interconnecting portions 144a, 144b being arranged to interconnect the protrusion portions 136a, 136b with the connecting portions 140a, 140b. The connecting portions 140a, 140b of each elastic member 112a, 112b are received within a corresponding slot 116 of the support 108 and coupled to the PCB 104. The connecting portion 140a of each positive electrode elastic member 112a is adjacent to the pin 120 such that the protrusion portion 136a of each positive electrode elastic member 112a is positioned at a third distance D3 from the interface axis 44. In other words, the third distance D3 extends between the interface axis 44 and the protrusion portion 136a of the corresponding positive electrode elastic member 112a. The connecting portion 140b of each negative electrode elastic member 112b is adjacent to the outer surface 148 of the terminal cover 100, such that the protrusion portion 136b of each negative electrode elastic member 112b is positioned at a fourth distance D4 from the interface axis 44. In other words, the fourth distance D4 extends between the interface axis 44 and the corresponding protrusion portion 136b of the negative electrode elastic member 112b. The third distance D3 is greater than the fourth distance D4. Thus, the protrusion portion 136b of each negative electrode elastic member 112b is closer to the center portion of the terminal cover 100 or the interface axis 44 than the protrusion portion 136a of each positive electrode elastic member 112a.

[0047] In the illustrated embodiment, the terminal cover 100 includes three positive electrode resilient members 112a and three negative electrode resilient members 112b. The positive electrode resilient members 112a are spaced apart from each other such that individual negative electrode resilient members 112b are positioned between adjacent positive electrode resilient members 112a. In other embodiments, the terminal cover 100 may include various other amounts of resilient members 112.

[0048] Once the battery pack 18 is received within the battery pack interface 14, a plurality of resilient members 112 interact with the first end 26a of the battery pack 18. More specifically, the protrusion portions 136a, 136b of each resilient member 112a, 112b interact with the first end 26a of the battery pack 18. A pin 120 also interacts with the first end 26a of the battery pack 18, causing the pin 120 to move to a retracted position. The positive resilient member 112a is positioned along the terminal cover 100 to interact with the positive battery terminal 30 of the battery pack 18. The negative resilient member 112b is positioned along the terminal cover 46 to interact with the negative battery terminal 34 of the battery pack 18. When the plurality of elastic members 112 interact with the first end 26a of the battery pack 18, the protrusion portions 136a, 136b of each elastic member 112a, 112b are pressed against the support 108 and received within corresponding recesses 152a, 152b defined within the support 108. The positive and negative elastic members 112a and 112b are configured to provide an electrical connection between the battery pack 18 and the battery pack interface 14, enabling the battery pack 18 to power the power tool 10. A pin 120 is arranged to interact with the NTC thermistor 36 of the battery pack 18 to monitor the temperature of the battery pack 18.

[0049] Figure 9A and Figure 9B A terminal cover 200 according to another embodiment that can be coupled to a battery pack interface 14 is shown. The terminal cover 200 includes a printed circuit board (PCB) 258 and an isolator or support 262 positioned along the PCB 258. The terminal cover 200 further includes a plurality of resilient members 266 supported by the support 262. In other embodiments, the support 262 may be supported by another portion of the terminal cover 200. The PCB 258 is separate from the support 262 while being electrically connected to the terminal cover 200. The resilient members 266 are formed as spring pins such that they serve as battery contacts for the battery pack interface 14. The plurality of resilient members 266 are formed by a first set of resilient members or positive electrode resilient members 266a, a second set of resilient members or negative electrode resilient members 266b, and an NTC resilient member 266c.

[0050] Each elastic member 266 has a pin housing 270, a pin (not shown), and a spring 232. The pin is movably coupled to the pin housing 270 between an extended position and a retracted position. The spring is disposed between the pin housing 270 and the pin. In the extended position, the spring is configured to bias the pin in a direction away from the pin housing 270 such that a majority of the pin extends out of the pin housing 270. In the retracted position, a force is applied to the pin such that the spring is compressed and a majority of the pin is positioned within the pin housing 270.

[0051] Positive resilient member 266a serves as the positive battery contact of terminal cover 200. Negative resilient member 266b serves as the negative battery contact of terminal cover 200. NTC resilient member 266c serves as the NTC contact of terminal cover 200 and is arranged at the center of terminal cover 200 such that NTC resilient member 266c is arranged along interface axis 244. Negative resilient member 266b is a circular plate and is positioned at substantially equal distances such that negative resilient member 266b surrounds NTC resilient member 266c. Positive resilient members 266a are also spaced apart from each other at substantially equal distances and surround negative resilient member 266b. Negative resilient member 266b is closer to the center of terminal cover 200 or interface axis 244 than positive resilient member 266a. In the illustrated embodiment, terminal cover 200 includes four positive resilient members 266a and two negative resilient members 266b. In other embodiments, the terminal cover 46 may include other various amounts of resilient members 266.

[0052] Once the battery pack 18 is received within the battery pack interface 14, a plurality of resilient members 266 interact with a first end 26a of the battery pack 18, causing the plurality of resilient members 266 to move to a retracted position. The positive resilient member 266a is positioned along the terminal cover 200 to interact with the positive battery terminal 30 of the battery pack 18. The negative resilient member 266b is positioned along the terminal cover 200 to interact with the negative battery terminal 34. Thus, the positive and negative resilient members 266a and 266b are configured to provide an electrical connection between the battery pack 18 and the battery pack interface 14, enabling the battery pack 18 to power the power tool 10. An NTC resilient member 266c is arranged to interact with the NTC thermistor 36 of the battery pack 18 for monitoring the temperature of the battery pack 18.

[0053] Figure 10A and Figure 10BAn alternative terminal cover 300 for use with battery pack interface 14 is shown. The terminal cover 300 includes a PCB 304, an isolator or support 308 coupled to the PCB 304, and a plurality of resilient members 312. Each resilient member 312 extends through a corresponding slot (not shown) defined within the support body 308 to couple to the PCB 304. The terminal cover 300 further includes an NTC resilient member or pin 320 disposed within a hole 324 extending through the support body 308 and at least partially defined by the PCB 304. The pin 320 is configured to receive a spring (not shown) that biases the pin 320 in a direction away from the PCB 304. Thus, the spring is arranged between the pin 320 and the PCB 304 to allow the pin 320 to move between an extended position and a retracted position.

[0054] A plurality of elastic members 312 are formed by a positive elastic member 312a and a negative elastic member 312b. The positive elastic member 312a serves as the positive battery contact of the terminal cover 300. The negative elastic member 312b serves as the negative battery contact of the terminal cover 300. The pin 320 serves as the NTC contact of the terminal cover 300 and is arranged at the center of the terminal cover 300 such that the pin 320 is arranged along the interface axis 44.

[0055] Each elastic member 312a, 312b is formed as a leaf spring, having protrusion portions 336a, 336b, connecting portions 340a, 340b, and interconnecting portions 344a, 344b arranged to interconnect the protrusion portions 336a, 336b with the connecting portions 340a, 340b. The connecting portions 340a, 340b of each elastic member 312a, 312b are received in corresponding slots of the support 308 and coupled to the PCB 304.

[0056] In the illustrated embodiment, the terminal cover 300 includes two positive electrode resilient members 312a and two negative electrode resilient members 312b. The positive electrode resilient members 312a are spaced apart from each other such that individual negative electrode resilient members 312b are positioned between adjacent positive electrode resilient members 312a. In other embodiments, the terminal cover 300 may include various other amounts of resilient members 312.

[0057] The elastic members 312 are positioned in a helical shape. For example, one of the positive electrode elastic members 312a is positioned at an angle 337a relative to the central axis A, and the other of the positive electrode elastic members 312a is positioned at an angle 339a offset from the central axis A. In this embodiment, angle 337a is 45 degrees, and the offset angle 339a is 45 degrees. Similarly, one of the negative electrode elastic members 312b is positioned at an angle 337b relative to the central axis A, and the other of the negative electrode elastic members 312b is positioned at an angle 339b offset from the central axis A. In this embodiment, angle 337b is 90 degrees, and the offset angle 339b is 90 degrees. In other embodiments, the elastic members 312 can be positioned at any suitable angle such that the elastic members 312 form a helical shape.

[0058] Once the battery pack 18 is received within the battery pack interface 14, a plurality of resilient members 312 interact with the first end 26a of the battery pack 18. More specifically, the protrusion portions 336a, 336b of each resilient member 312a, 312b interact with the first end 26a of the battery pack 18. A pin 320 also interacts with the first end 26a of the battery pack 18, causing the pin 320 to move to a retracted position. The positive resilient member 312a is positioned along the terminal cover 300 to interact with the positive battery terminal 30 of the battery pack 18. The negative resilient member 312b is positioned along the terminal cover 46 to interact with the negative battery terminal 34 of the battery pack 18. When the plurality of elastic members 312 interact with the first end 26a of the battery pack 18, the protrusions 336a, 336b of each elastic member 312a, 312b are pressed against the support 308 and received within corresponding recesses 352a, 352b defined within the support 308. The positive and negative elastic members 312a and 312b are configured to provide an electrical connection between the battery pack 18 and the battery pack interface 14, enabling the battery pack 18 to power the power tool 10. A pin 320 is arranged to interact with the NTC thermistor 36 of the battery pack 18 to monitor the temperature of the battery pack 18.

[0059] Figure 11 A battery pack interface 400 according to another embodiment is shown. The battery pack interface 400 includes an interface housing or an outer housing 404. The outer housing 404 of the battery pack interface 400 has a first end 408a and a second end 408b opposite to the first end 408a. An inner housing 412 of the battery pack interface 400 is formed within the outer housing 404 and extends between the first end 408a and the second end 408b. The inner housing 412 is configured to receive a battery pack (e.g., Figure 2 The tube of the battery pack 18).

[0060] The battery pack interface 400 further includes a first cover or terminal cover 416 and a second cover or end cover 420. In the illustrated embodiment, the terminal cover 416 and... Figure 9A and Figure 9B The terminal cover 200 is the same. In other embodiments, the terminal cover 416 may be the same as... Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 8A , Figure 8B , Figure 10A and Figure 10B Terminal covers 100, 300, and 416 are identical. Terminal cover 420 is removably coupled to a first end 408a of the outer housing 404. Terminal cover 416 is permanently coupled to a second end 408b of the outer housing 404.

[0061] See Figure 12A , Figure 12B and Figure 13 The diagram shows an end cap 420. The end cap 420 includes a top portion 424 and an elongated edge 426 for coupling the end cap 420 to a first end 408a of an outer housing 404. The elongated edge 426 is integrally formed with and extends from the top portion 424. When coupled to the outer housing 404, the top portion 424 and the elongated edge 426 of the end cap 420 form part of an inner housing 412. A protrusion 428 is formed along the top portion 424 and extends into the inner housing 412 when the end cap 420 is coupled to the outer housing 404.

[0062] End cap 420 further includes an elastic member or rubber buffer 432 connected to top portion 424. In other embodiments, rubber buffer 432 may be a foam pad or other elastic member. Rubber buffer 432 has a body 436, a first or inner protrusion 440a extending from the body 436, and a second or outer protrusion 440b extending from the body 436 and surrounding the inner protrusion 440a. When coupled to top portion 424, rubber buffer 432 is received within a recess 444 defined within a protrusion 428 of top portion 424. Thus, rubber buffer 432 is fixedly coupled to top portion 424 at the central portion of end cap 420. When end cap 420 is coupled to battery pack interface 400, rubber buffer 432 is configured to bias and push the battery pack in a direction toward end cap 416. Thus, the battery pack is pressed against terminal cap 416 to provide an electrical connection between terminal cap 416 and battery pack.

[0063] Figures 14-16An alternative end cap 500 is shown that can be combined with battery pack interfaces 14, 400 as discussed in this invention. The end cap 500 includes a top portion 504, an elongated edge 508 extending from the top portion 504, a power button 512 coupled to the top portion 504, and a rigid core 516 having an internally threaded portion 520 formed thereon. The top portion 504 and the elongated edge 508 are integrally formed together to define an internal space 524 of the end cap 500. Figure 16 A rigid core 516 is disposed therein. The rigid core 516 has a base 528 and a skirt 532. An internal threaded portion 520 is formed on the skirt 532. Furthermore, a central hole 536 is defined to pass through the base 528 of the rigid core 516. The skirt 532 extends from the base 528 and is surrounded by at least a portion of an elongated edge 508.

[0064] See also Figures 14-16 The end cap 500 further includes a PCB 540 coupled to an elongated edge 508, an elastic member or rubber buffer 544 disposed along the PCB 540, and a spring 548. The PCB 540 has two key portions (not shown) extending therefrom, each key portion being received within a keyway 552 defined along the elongated edge 508. The PCB 540 is sandwiched or disposed between a top 504 and a rigid core 516. The rubber buffer 544 is disposed within a central hole 536 in a base 528 to securely couple the rubber buffer 544 to the rigid core 516. The spring 548 is coupled to the center of the PCB 540 and passes through the central hole 556 defined within the rubber buffer 544 to extend into an interior space 524.

[0065] See Figure 17 It shows a battery pack of 600. Similar to... Figure 2 The battery pack 18 and battery pack 600 are self-standing rechargeable lithium USB batteries that can be used to power devices. The battery pack 600 has a cylindrical shape and includes a body 604 having a first end 608a and a second end 608b opposite to the first end 608a. Lithium-ion battery cells (not shown) are disposed within the body 604 of the battery pack 18. The battery pack 600 further includes a negative battery terminal 612 on the first end 608a and a positive battery terminal 616 on the second end 608b. More specifically, the negative battery terminal 612 is located on the anode end of the battery pack 600.

[0066] Once the battery pack 600 is received within the battery pack interfaces 14, 400, the end cap 500 can then be coupled to the outer housings 38, 404. The end cap 500 is threaded to the outer housings 38, 404 via the internal threaded portion 520 of the rigid core 516. A rubber damper 544 and a spring 548 are configured to bias and push the battery pack 600 in a direction toward the terminal covers 46, 416. The battery pack 600 is then pressed against the terminal covers 46, 416 to provide an electrical connection between the terminal covers 46, 416 and the battery pack 600. Additionally, a power button 512 is specifically positioned along the top portion 504 of the end cap 500 and connected to the negative battery terminal 612 of the battery pack 600. The position of the power button 512 allows the end cap 500 to mate with devices such as flashlights. Therefore, the combination of the rubber damper 544 and the spring 548 is provided as an alternative implementation to accommodate the position of the power button 512.

[0067] Although the invention has been described in detail in conjunction with certain preferred embodiments, variations and modifications may be made within the scope and spirit of one or more independent aspects of the invention.

[0068] Various features of the present invention are described in the claims.

Claims

1. An electric tool, comprising: case; A battery pack, the battery pack comprising a body having a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, a positive battery terminal disposed on the first end of the body, and a negative battery terminal disposed on the first end of the body; and A battery pack interface, supported by the housing and configured to receive the battery pack, the battery pack interface comprising: A first cover having a plurality of elastic members configured to interact with a first end of the battery pack, and A second cover is configured to secure the battery pack within the battery pack interface.

2. The power tool of claim 1, wherein the positive battery terminal has an annular shape and is positioned around the negative battery terminal, and wherein the negative battery terminal is concentric with the positive battery terminal.

3. The power tool as claimed in claim 1, wherein, Each elastic component is formed as a spring needle.

4. The power tool as claimed in claim 1, wherein, Each elastic component is formed as a leaf spring.

5. The power tool of claim 1, further comprising: A motor is installed inside the housing; and An output driver, which is supported by the housing and configured to be driven by the motor.

6. The power tool as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The battery pack includes a negative temperature coefficient thermistor disposed at the central portion of the battery pack such that the negative electrode battery terminal is positioned around the negative temperature coefficient thermistor, and one of the plurality of elastic members is configured to interact with the negative temperature coefficient thermistor.

7. An electric tool, comprising: case; and A battery pack interface supported by the housing, the battery pack interface comprising: An interface housing defining an interface axis that extends centrally through the battery pack interface, the interface housing being configured to receive the battery pack. A first cover, coupled to a first end of the housing, having at least one positive battery contact and at least one negative battery contact, the at least one negative battery contact being positioned closer to the interface axis than the at least one positive battery contact. A second cover, removably coupled to a second end of the housing opposite to the first end, is configured to secure the battery pack within the battery pack interface.

8. The power tool of claim 7, wherein the at least one positive battery contact is positioned at a first distance from the interface axis, wherein the at least one negative battery contact is positioned at a second distance from the interface axis, and wherein the first distance is greater than the second distance.

9. The power tool as claimed in claim 7, wherein, The at least one positive battery contact and the at least one negative battery contact are formed as spring pins.

10. The power tool as claimed in claim 7, wherein, The at least one positive battery contact and the at least one negative battery contact are formed as leaf springs.

11. The power tool of claim 10, wherein, The at least one positive battery contact and the at least one negative battery contact each include a bump portion configured to interact with the battery pack.

12. The power tool of claim 11, wherein the bump portion of the at least one positive battery contact is positioned at a first distance from the interface axis, wherein the bump portion of the at least one negative battery contact is positioned at a second distance from the interface axis, and wherein the first distance is greater than the second distance.

13. An electric tool, comprising: case; A battery pack, the battery pack including a positive battery terminal and a negative battery terminal concentric with the positive battery terminal; and Battery pack interface, supported by the housing, includes: An interface housing configured to receive the battery pack. A first cover, coupled to a first end of the housing, the first cover having a first set of elastic members positioned to interact with the positive battery terminal and a second set of elastic members positioned to interact with the negative battery terminal, and A second cover, removably coupled to a second end of the housing opposite to the first end, the second cover having a spring configured to bias the battery pack against the first set of elastic members and the second set of elastic members.

14. The power tool as claimed in claim 13, wherein, The second set of elastic members is positioned closer to the center of the battery pack interface than the first set of elastic members.

15. The power tool as claimed in claim 13, wherein, The first set of elastic members and the second set of elastic members are formed into a spring needle.

16. The power tool as claimed in claim 13, wherein, The first set of elastic members and the second set of elastic members are formed into a leaf spring.

17. The power tool as claimed in claim 13, wherein, The positive battery terminal and the negative battery terminal are located on the same end of the battery pack.

18. The power tool of claim 13, further comprising: A motor is installed inside the housing; and An output driver, which is supported by the housing and configured to be driven by the motor.

19. The power tool of claim 13, wherein the battery pack includes a negative temperature coefficient thermistor disposed at a central portion of the battery pack such that the negative battery terminal is positioned around the negative temperature coefficient thermistor, and wherein the first cover includes a negative temperature coefficient contact configured to interact with the negative temperature coefficient thermistor.

20. The power tool of claim 13, wherein, The first cover is permanently coupled to the first end of the housing.

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