Charger and combination of charger and battery pack

Abstract

The utility model relates to a charger, which comprises a shell and a charging circuit, the charging circuit is electrically connected to a power supply to output charging current so as to charge a battery pack, and the charging circuit comprises a charger terminal suitable for being electrically connected to a battery terminal of the battery pack; a switch electrically connected to the charging circuit and adapted to be maintained in an initial state when one battery pack is engaged with the charger to cause the charging circuit to output a first power parameter, and actuated when another battery pack having a different nominal capacity is engaged with the charger to switch the output of the charging circuit to a second power parameter; wherein the value of the first electric power parameter is different from that of the second electric power parameter. The charger provided by the technical scheme can charge a plurality of battery packs with different capacities respectively, and switching between common charging speed and fast charging is realized by actuating the on / off state of the change-over switch. In addition, the utility model also provides a combination of the charger and the battery pack.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to a charger and a combination of the charger and a battery pack. Background Art

[0002] Currently, some chargers on the market can provide different charging currents for battery packs of different capacities. For example, when the battery capacity is larger, the charger provides a larger charging current to achieve the purpose of rapid charging; when the battery capacity is smaller, the charger will also provide a corresponding smaller charging current to protect the battery cells in the battery pack from being damaged.

[0003] In this case, the battery pack and charger will generally require internal design changes, currently mostly in the electronic circuits. However, this approach is not suitable for adjusting battery packs that have already been sold, otherwise it will require major adjustments to the battery pack's internal structure. Utility Model Content

[0004] The utility model aims to provide a charger which can charge multiple battery packs of different capacities separately and realize switching between normal charging speed and fast charging.

[0005] In view of this, the present application provides a charger, comprising:

[0006] case;

[0007] a charging circuit positioned within the housing;

[0008] The charging circuit is adapted to be electrically connected to a power source and is operable to output a charging current to charge a battery pack connected to the charger, the charging circuit comprising charger terminals adapted to be electrically connected to battery terminals of the battery pack; and further comprising:

[0009] A switch electrically connected to the charging circuit and adapted to be maintained in an initial state when a battery pack is connected to the charger so that the charging circuit outputs a first power parameter, and to be actuated when another battery pack with a different nominal capacity is connected to the charger so as to switch the output of the charging circuit to a second power parameter; wherein,

[0010] The value of the first power parameter is different from the value of the second power parameter.

[0011] Furthermore, the switch is electrically connected to the control circuit of the charging circuit and is adapted to receive a communication signal from the switch to control the output of the power parameter of the charger.

[0012] Furthermore, the switch is a normally closed switch;

[0013] When the switch is in the initial state, the switch and the charging circuit maintain communication by default; when the switch is actuated, the circuit between the switch and the charging circuit is disconnected;

[0014] or;

[0015] The switch is a normally open switch;

[0016] When the switch is in the initial state, the circuit between the switch and the charging circuit is kept disconnected by default. When the switch is actuated, the circuit between the switch and the charging circuit is closed, and communication is conducted.

[0017] Furthermore, the first power parameter and the second power parameter are charging currents.

[0018] Furthermore, the switch is supported and connected to the housing and is close to the battery mounting portion of the housing, the battery mounting portion is suitable for detachably mounting and connecting the battery pack, and the switch is suitable for being mechanically actuated by the engagement of the battery pack with the battery mounting portion.

[0019] Furthermore, the switch is placed in a direction in which the battery pack is connected to the charger.

[0020] Furthermore, it also includes:

[0021] an actuator;

[0022] The actuating member is arranged on a connection path between the battery pack and the battery mounting portion. When the battery pack is engaged with the battery mounting portion along the connection path, the battery pack is adapted to act on the actuating member, causing the actuating member to move to actuate the switch.

[0023] Furthermore, the actuating member is a sliding member adapted to slide and displace in the direction of the connecting path.

[0024] Furthermore, a sliding groove is provided on the inner side of the housing to limit the displacement and sliding of the sliding member, and an elastic member is installed between the sliding member and the sliding groove to reset the sliding member;

[0025] One end of the sliding member extends outward and protrudes from the shell, so that when the battery pack is engaged with the battery mounting portion along the connection path, the end abuts against the battery pack and is pushed and slid, and the other end faces the switch and is used to actuate the switch during the pushing and sliding process.

[0026] Furthermore, one end of the sliding member extends outward and protrudes from the charger terminal seat of the shell, and the charger terminal seat is used to fixedly connect the charger terminal and has an opening corresponding to the sliding member. One end of the sliding member extends outward through the opening and protrudes from the outer surface of the opening.

[0027] Furthermore, the sliding member is located between adjacent charger terminals.

[0028] Another charger provided by this application includes:

[0029] case;

[0030] a charging circuit positioned within the housing;

[0031] The charging circuit is adapted to be electrically connected to a power source and is operable to output a charging current to charge a battery pack connected to the charger, the charging circuit comprising charger terminals adapted to be electrically connected to battery terminals of the battery pack; and further comprising:

[0032] a switch electrically connected to the charging circuit and adapted to be actuated to switch from an initial state to an end state;

[0033] The charger has a first charging current corresponding to the initial state;

[0034] The charger has a second charging current corresponding to the initial state;

[0035] When the switch is actuated and switched from the initial state to the final state, the charger switches from the first charging current to the second charging current.

[0036] Furthermore, the charging circuit includes a control circuit and a power supply circuit controlled by the control circuit;

[0037] The switch is electrically connected to the control circuit. The control circuit includes a microcomputer that controls the charging current by receiving a communication signal from the switch. The microcomputer receives the communication signal from the switch to control the output of the power parameter of the power supply circuit.

[0038] Further, the switch is adapted to be mechanically actuated by engagement of the battery pack with a battery mounting portion of the charger.

[0039] Further, an actuating member;

[0040] The actuating member is arranged on a connection path between the battery pack and the battery mounting portion. When the battery pack is engaged with the battery mounting portion along the connection path, the battery pack is adapted to act on the actuating member, causing the actuating member to move to actuate the switch.

[0041] Another charger provided by the present application includes:

[0042] case;

[0043] a charging circuit positioned within the housing;

[0044] The charging circuit is adapted to be electrically connected to a power source and is operable to output a charging current to charge a battery pack connected to the charger, the charging circuit comprising charger terminals adapted to be electrically connected to battery terminals of the battery pack; and further comprising:

[0045] A switch is electrically connected to the charging circuit and is adapted to be actuated when a battery pack is engaged with the charger to switch the charging circuit to a second charging current, and is adapted to be maintained in an initial state when another battery pack with a different nominal capacity is engaged with the charger to maintain the default first charging current of the charging circuit.

[0046] Furthermore, the switch is initially kept disconnected so that the switch and the charging circuit remain disconnected from each other;

[0047] The switch is actuated to close, thereby establishing communication between the switch and the charging circuit and sending a communication signal related to the second charging current to a controller.

[0048] Another charger provided by the present application includes:

[0049] case;

[0050] a charging circuit positioned within the housing;

[0051] The charging circuit is adapted to be electrically connected to a power source and is operable to output a charging current to charge a battery pack connected to the charger, the charging circuit comprising charger terminals adapted to be electrically connected to battery terminals of the battery pack; and further comprising:

[0052] a switch connected to the communication line between the charging circuit and adapted to be mechanically actuated to control the communication line to be turned on or off;

[0053] When the communication line is disconnected, the charger outputs a first power parameter accordingly;

[0054] When the communication line is in the conducting state, the charger outputs the second power parameter accordingly; wherein,

[0055] The value of the first power parameter is different from the value of the second power parameter.

[0056] Furthermore, the charging circuit includes a PCB board, a control circuit and a power supply circuit located on the PCB board;

[0057] The switch is connected to the PCB board via the communication line;

[0058] When the communication line is disconnected, the control circuit controls the power supply circuit to execute the default first power parameter for output;

[0059] When the communication line is in a conducting state, the control circuit receives a communication signal related to the second power parameter to control the power supply circuit to execute the second power parameter for output.

[0060] Furthermore, the first power parameter and the second power parameter are charging currents.

[0061] Another charger provided by the present application includes:

[0062] case;

[0063] a charging circuit positioned within the housing;

[0064] The charging circuit is adapted to be electrically connected to a power source and is operable to output a charging current to charge a battery pack connected to the charger, the charging circuit comprising charger terminals adapted to be electrically connected to battery terminals of the battery pack; and further comprising:

[0065] a first switch connected to the charging circuit via a first communication line and adapted to be mechanically actuated to control the first communication line to be turned on or off;

[0066] a second switch connected to the charging circuit via a second communication line and adapted to be mechanically actuated to control the second communication line to be turned on or off;

[0067] When both the first communication line and the second communication line are disconnected, the charger correspondingly outputs a first power parameter;

[0068] When the first communication line is connected and the second communication line is disconnected, the charger outputs a second power parameter accordingly;

[0069] When the first communication line is disconnected and the second communication line is connected, the charger outputs a third power parameter accordingly; wherein,

[0070] The values ​​of the first power parameter, the second power parameter, and the third power parameter are different from each other.

[0071] Furthermore, it also includes:

[0072] a first actuating member and a second actuating member corresponding one-to-one to the first switch and the second switch, wherein the first actuating member and the second actuating member are both arranged on a connection path between the battery pack and the charger;

[0073] When the battery pack is engaged with the charger along the connection path, the battery pack is suitable for acting on the first actuator, causing the first actuator to actuate the first switch; and / or, the battery pack is suitable for acting on the second actuator, causing the second actuator to actuate the second switch.

[0074] Another charger provided by the present application includes:

[0075] case;

[0076] a charging circuit positioned within the housing;

[0077] The charging circuit is adapted to be electrically connected to a power source and is operable to output a charging current to charge a battery pack connected to the charger, the charging circuit comprising charger terminals adapted to be electrically connected to battery terminals of the battery pack; and further comprising:

[0078] a first switch connected to the charging circuit via a first communication line and adapted to be mechanically actuated to control the generation of a first communication signal;

[0079] a second switch connected to the charging circuit via a second communication line and adapted to be mechanically actuated to control the generation of a second communication signal;

[0080] When the charging circuit does not receive any communication signal, the charger correspondingly outputs a first power parameter;

[0081] When the charging circuit receives the first communication signal or the second communication signal, the charger outputs a second power parameter accordingly;

[0082] When the charging circuit receives the first communication signal and the second communication signal, the charger outputs a third power parameter accordingly; wherein,

[0083] The values ​​of the first power parameter, the second power parameter, and the third power parameter are different from each other.

[0084] Furthermore, it also includes:

[0085] an actuator;

[0086] The actuating member is disposed on a connection path between the battery pack and the charger. When the battery pack is engaged with the charger along the connection path, the battery pack is adapted to act on the actuating member to cause the actuating member to move.

[0087] The actuating member is adapted to actuate the first switch and / or the second switch according to different displacement strokes thereof.

[0088] Furthermore, the first switch and the second switch are respectively arranged on both sides of the travel direction of the actuator;

[0089] When the actuator is actuated and displaced, it is suitable for triggering and actuating one of the switches and generating and outputting a communication signal to the charging circuit. As the actuator continues to displace, it is suitable for triggering and actuating two switches and generating and outputting two communication signals to the charging circuit.

[0090] Compared to the prior art, the technical solution provided by this utility model application is to configure a switch in the charger to switch between normal charging speed (e.g., first power parameter) and fast charging (e.g., second power parameter) by actuating the switch, particularly by actuating the open / close state of the switch. In this way, the same charger can charge multiple battery packs of different capacities separately and switch between normal charging speed and fast charging.

[0091] Furthermore, the charger provided by this application can be used to charge battery packs of varying capacities using the same charger, enabling switching between standard and fast charging speeds, simply by modifying the exterior of existing battery packs. The charger adapts to the battery pack's capacity by switching between different charging speeds. This solution is structurally simple and requires minimal modification.

[0092] The present application provides a combination of a charger and a battery pack, comprising:

[0093] a first battery pack and a second battery pack having different nominal capacities;

[0094] a charger including a charging circuit positioned within the housing;

[0095] The charging circuit is adapted to be electrically connected to a power source and is operable to output a charging current to charge a battery pack connected to the charger, the charging circuit comprising charger terminals adapted to be electrically connected to battery terminals of the battery pack;

[0096] The charger further comprises:

[0097] a switch electrically connected to the charging circuit;

[0098] An actuator is disposed on a connection path between the battery pack and the charger; wherein,

[0099] A limiting portion is provided at a position where the end of the first battery pack corresponds to the actuating member, and the limiting portion forms an escape space corresponding to the actuating member;

[0100] When the first battery pack is engaged with the charger along the connection path, the actuating member is inserted into the limiting portion to avoid being acted upon by the first battery pack;

[0101] When the second battery pack is connected to the charger along the connection path, the end of the second battery pack acts on the actuating member, causing the actuating member to move to actuate the switch.

[0102] Compared with the prior art, the combination of a charger and a battery pack provided in this application has all the beneficial technical effects of the above-mentioned charger, which will not be repeated here. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0103] In order to more clearly illustrate the specific implementation methods of the utility model or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings required for use in the specific implementation methods or the description of the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some implementation methods of the utility model. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0104] Figure 1 : Schematic diagram of the installation structure of the battery pack and charger in a specific embodiment of the utility model;

[0105] Figure 2 : Schematic diagram of the explosion structure of the battery pack and charger installed in conjunction with each other in a specific embodiment of the utility model;

[0106] Figure 3 : Schematic diagram of the battery pack structure of a specific embodiment of the utility model;

[0107] Figure 4 : A schematic block diagram of the principle of a switch in a specific embodiment of the present utility model;

[0108] Figure 5 : A schematic block diagram of the principle of a specific embodiment of the utility model having two switches;

[0109] Figure 6 : Schematic diagram of the explosion structure of the charger in a specific embodiment of the utility model;

[0110] Figure 7 : Schematic diagram of the installation structure of the actuator in a specific embodiment of the utility model;

[0111] Figure 8 : A cross-sectional view of a charger according to a specific embodiment of the present invention;

[0112] Figure 9 : A cross-sectional view of a charger using a normally closed switch structure in specific embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0113] Figure 10a : A partial schematic diagram of the mounting structure of the charger and the first battery pack in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0114] Figure 10b : Schematic diagram of the structure of the first battery pack in specific embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0115] Figure 11a : A partial schematic diagram of the mounting structure of the charger and the second battery pack in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0116] Figure 11b : Schematic diagram of the structure of the second battery pack in specific embodiment 1 of the present utility model;

[0117] Figure 12a : A partial schematic diagram of the mounting structure of the charger and the third battery pack in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0118] Figure 12b : Schematic diagram of the structure of the third battery pack in specific embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0119] Figure 13 : Schematic diagram of the installation structure of the charger and the first battery pack in specific embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0120] Figure 14 : Schematic diagram of the installation structure of the charger and the second battery pack in specific embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0121] Figure 15 : Schematic diagram of the installation structure of the charger and the third battery pack in specific embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0122] Figure 16a : Schematic diagram of the installation structure of the charger and the first battery pack in specific embodiment 3 of the present invention;

[0123] Figure 16b : Schematic diagram of a first coordinated state of the actuator, the first switch, and the second switch in specific embodiment 3 of the present invention;

[0124] Figure 17a : Schematic diagram of the installation structure of the charger and the second battery pack in specific embodiment 3 of the present invention;

[0125] Figure 17b : Schematic diagram of the second matching state of the actuator, the first switch and the second switch in specific embodiment 3 of the utility model;

[0126] Figure 18a : Schematic diagram of the installation structure of the charger and the third battery pack in specific embodiment 3 of the present invention;

[0127] Figure 18b: Schematic diagram of the third coordinated state of the actuator, the first switch and the second switch in specific embodiment 3 of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0128] The following is a clear and complete description of the technical solution of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the embodiments described are only some of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of them. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making any creative efforts are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0129] Reference Figure 1 、 Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, a charger 100 includes a housing 10 and a charging circuit positioned in the housing 10;

[0130] The housing 10 includes a bottom shell 101 and an upper cover 102 . The bottom shell 101 and upper cover 102 are combined to form a receiving chamber. The upper cover 102 is provided with a battery mounting portion 103 for removably attaching and mounting a battery pack 200. The battery mounting portion 103 has a slide rail 104 for slidingly cooperating with the battery pack 200 and a latch slot 105 for positioning the battery pack 200. The battery mounting portion 103 forms a portion of the housing 10 .

[0131] The battery pack 200 includes a raised supporting connection portion 20, which has a slide groove 201 that cooperates with the slide rail 104 and a latch 202 that cooperates with the latch groove 105, as well as an unlocking button 203 for actuating the unlocking to disengage the latch 202 from the latch groove 105. The battery pack 200 slides into the charger 100 along a direction A, and the slide groove 201 of the battery pack 200 cooperates with the slide rail 104 of the charger 100 to slide along the direction A until the electrical connection terminals of the two (i.e., the battery terminal and the charger terminal 11) form a mechanical and electrical connection, and the latch 202 of the battery pack 200 is locked with the latch groove 105 of the charger 100.

[0132] The charging circuit is composed of a series of electronic components, including a PCB board 15 (refer to Figure 8 As shown), a control circuit and a power circuit are located on the PCB board 15. The charging circuit is suitable for being electrically connected to a power source and is operable to output a charging current to charge the battery pack 200 connected to the charger 100. The charging circuit includes a charger terminal 11 suitable for being electrically connected to the battery terminal of the battery pack 200.

[0133] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the power source electrically connected to the charging circuit can be an AC power source or a DC power source. When connected to an AC power source, the charging circuit rectifies the input AC power and outputs DC power to charge the battery pack 200. The control circuit is adapted to obtain the charging specifications of the battery pack 200 via communication and control the power circuit to output a charging current and charging voltage that match the charging specifications of the battery pack 200.

[0134] Furthermore, the charger 100 further includes a switch 12 .

[0135] The switch 12 is electrically connected to the charging circuit and is adapted to be maintained in an initial state when one battery pack 200a is connected to the charger 100, so that the charging circuit performs output at a first power parameter, and to be activated when another battery pack 200b is connected to the charger 100, so as to switch the output of the charging circuit to a second power parameter; wherein,

[0136] The value of the first power parameter is different from the value of the second power parameter.

[0137] It should be noted that:

[0138] The battery pack 200 a and the battery pack 200 b have different nominal capacities (Ah).

[0139] Those skilled in the art know that:

[0140] The operating time of a cordless electrical device is usually determined by the capacity (Ah) of the associated battery pack. The capacity of the battery pack depends on the capacity of the individual battery cells, as well as the number and configuration of these battery cells. For example:

[0141] A "5S1P" battery pack includes five battery cells connected in series. For a battery cell having a capacity of approximately 1.3 Ah, the capacity of the 5S1P battery pack is approximately 1.3 Ah.

[0142] A "5S2P" battery pack, which has two parallel-connected, five series-connected battery cells, has a capacity of approximately 2.6 Ah.

[0143] A "5S3P" battery pack, which has three parallel-connected, five series-connected battery cells, has a capacity of approximately 3.9 Ah.

[0144] The nominal capacity of 1P, 2P and 3P battery packs will vary based on the capacity of the individual battery cells.

[0145] The charging time of a battery pack generally depends on the amount of current provided by the charger and received by the battery pack, the capacity of the battery cells, and the overall capacity of the battery pack. For example:

[0146] A battery pack containing 1.3Ah cells requires approximately 35 to 40 minutes to fully charge using a charger providing a 3 ampere (A) charge current. The higher the cell capacity, the longer it takes to fully charge the battery pack. At the same 3A charge current, a 3.9Ah battery pack requires approximately 75 to 80 minutes to fully charge. Therefore, to achieve a quick full charge, a charger with a higher charge current is required.

[0147] The technical solution provided by this utility model application configures a switch 12 in the charger 100 to switch between normal charging speed (e.g., a first power parameter) and fast charging (e.g., a second power parameter) by actuating the switch 12, particularly by actuating the open / closed state of the switch 12. In this way, the same charger can charge multiple battery packs of different capacities separately and switch between normal charging speed and fast charging. The principle of actuating the switch 12 will be explained in detail later.

[0148] It is important to note that:

[0149] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the switch 12 is electrically connected to the charging circuit, which includes a control circuit and a power supply circuit. Specifically, the switch 12 is electrically connected to the control circuit of the charging circuit. The control circuit includes a microcomputer that controls the charging current of the battery pack 200 installed in the battery installation portion 103 by receiving a signal from the switch 12. The power supply circuit is controlled by the control circuit to charge the battery pack 200 with the corresponding charging current. The power supply circuit has its output connected to the charger terminal 11 by the charging switch 16. The charging switch 16 is controlled by the control circuit and switches on when charging the battery pack 200 and off when not charging.

[0150] When the switch 12 maintains an initial state, that is, is not actuated, the control circuit controls the power supply circuit to charge the battery pack 200 according to preset power parameters, such as a preset first charging current. The power supply circuit connects the preset first charging current output to the charger terminal 11 via the charging switch 16 to charge the battery pack 200.

[0151] When the switch 12 is actuated, an actuation signal is generated. The control circuit receives the signal from the switch 12 and controls the power supply circuit to switch to another power parameter, such as a second charging current to charge the battery pack 200. The power supply circuit connects the second charging current output to the charger terminal 11 through the charging switch 16 to charge the battery pack 200.

[0152] Specifically, the switch 12 can be designed as a normally closed switch or a normally open switch.

[0153] When the switch 12 is a normally closed switch, the switch 12 is initially closed, and communication between the switch 12 and the charging circuit is maintained by default. When the switch 12 is actuated, the switch 12 switches from closed to open, and the circuit between the switch 12 and the charging circuit is disconnected;

[0154] When the switch 12 is a normally open switch, the initial state of the switch 12 remains open, and the circuit between the switch 12 and the charging circuit remains open by default. When the switch 12 is actuated, the switch 12 switches from open to closed, and the circuit between the switch 12 and the charging circuit is closed, and communication is conducted.

[0155] The first power parameter and the second power parameter as mentioned above are preferably charging currents.

[0156] It is necessary to further explain:

[0157] After the switch 12 is actuated to generate an actuation signal, the switch 12 may be switched from an initial normally closed state and maintained to an open state, or may be switched from an initial open state and maintained to a closed state.

[0158] In addition, after the switch 12 is actuated to generate an actuation signal, the switch 12 can switch from an initial normally closed state to an open state and then restore to the initial normally closed state, or switch from an initial open state to a closed state and then restore to the initial open state.

[0159] It can be seen from this that as long as the switch 12 is actuated and an actuation signal is generated, the control circuit receives the signal from the switch 12, and then controls the power supply circuit to switch to another power parameter to charge the battery pack 200, regardless of whether the switch 12 is a normally closed switch or a normally open switch, and regardless of whether the switch 12 is switched from the initial normally closed state and maintained to the disconnected state after being actuated, or switched from the initial disconnected state and maintained to the closed state, or switched from the initial normally closed state to the disconnected state and then restored to the initial normally closed state, or switched from the initial disconnected state to the closed state and then restored to the initial disconnected state.

[0160] Specifically, refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the switch 12 is supported and connected on the housing 10 and is close to the battery mounting portion 103 of the housing 10. Specifically, the switch 12 is supported and connected on the inner side of the battery mounting portion 103. The inner side of the battery mounting portion 103 is provided with protruding and oppositely arranged positioning buckles 106, and the switch 12 is positioned and locked between the positioning buckles 106.

[0161] As described above, the battery mounting portion 103 is adapted to be detachably mounted and connected to the battery pack 200 , and the switch 12 is adapted to be mechanically actuated by the engagement of the battery pack 200 with the battery mounting portion 103 .

[0162] More specifically, the switch 12 is placed in the direction of connecting the battery pack 200 to the charger 100 , and further, an actuator 13 is provided on the connection path between the battery pack 200 and the battery mounting portion 103 ;

[0163] When the battery pack 200 is coupled to the battery mounting portion 103 along the connection path, the battery pack 200 is adapted to act on the actuating member 13 , causing the actuating member 13 to actuate the switch 12 .

[0164] The actuating member 13 is preferably a sliding member, which is suitable for sliding displacement in the direction of the connection path.

[0165] Specifically, continue to refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 , and combined with Figure 8 As shown, the inner side of the housing 10, especially the inner side of the battery mounting portion 103, is provided with a slide groove 107 suitable for limiting the displacement and sliding of the sliding member, and an elastic member 14 is installed between the sliding member and the slide groove 107 (refer to Figure 8 More specifically, referring to Figure 8 As shown, a boss 109 that cooperates with the sliding member is provided on the inner side of the battery mounting portion 103, and the elastic member 14 is provided between the boss 109 and the sliding member, wherein the boss 109 is fixedly connected to the inner side of the battery mounting portion 103 and protrudes inward, and the sliding member cooperates with it to form a cavity, and the elastic member 14 is provided in the cavity. When the sliding member is actuated to slide downward by an external force, it acts to compress the elastic member 14. When the external force is removed, the elastic member 14 pushes the sliding member to the opposite direction and resets it under the action of the elastic restoring force.

[0166] A limit cover 108 is provided on the other side of the sliding member relative to the slide groove 107. The limit cover 108 is fixedly connected to the connecting column bolts protruding from the inner side of the battery mounting portion 103 to limit the sliding member so that the sliding member is limited to slide in the upper and lower directions of the slide groove 107.

[0167] One end of the sliding member extends outward and protrudes from the housing 10 so that when the battery pack 200 is engaged with the battery mounting portion 103 along the connection path, the end abuts against the battery pack 200 and is pushed and slid. The other end faces the switch 12 and is used to actuate the switch 12 during the sliding process to control the actuation of the switch 12, especially to control the opening and closing of the switch 12.

[0168] Further, refer to Figure 8 As shown, one end of the sliding member extends outward and protrudes from the charger terminal seat 110 of the shell 10. The charger terminal seat 110 is used to fix the connection of the charger terminal 11 and has an opening corresponding to the sliding member. One end of the sliding member extends outward through the opening and protrudes from the outer surface of the opening.

[0169] Preferably, the sliding member is located between adjacent terminals of the charger 100 .

[0170] Thus, those skilled in the art can understand that:

[0171] The charger provided by the present invention is additionally equipped with a switch 12, which is electrically connected to the charging circuit and is adapted to be actuated to switch from the initial state to the final state;

[0172] The charger 100 has a first charging current corresponding to the initial state of the switch 12;

[0173] The charger 100 has a second charging current corresponding to the initial and final states of the switch 12;

[0174] The switch 12 is actuated by an actuator 13 , and when it switches from the initial state to the final state, the charger 100 switches from the first charging current to the second charging current.

[0175] Wherein, as described above, and in combination Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the charging circuit includes a control circuit and a power supply circuit controlled by the control circuit;

[0176] The switch 12 is electrically connected to the control circuit. The control circuit includes a microcomputer that controls the charging current by receiving a communication signal from the switch 12. The microcomputer receives the communication signal from the switch 12 to control the output of the power parameters of the power supply circuit.

[0177] Further, the switch 12 is mechanically actuated by engagement of the battery pack with the battery mounting portion 103 of the charger 100 .

[0178] Specifically, the actuator 13 is arranged on the connection path between the battery pack and the battery mounting portion 103 . When the battery pack is engaged with the battery mounting portion 103 along the connection path, the battery pack is adapted to act on the actuator 13 , causing the actuator 13 to move to actuate the switch 12 .

[0179] It is important to note that:

[0180] The switch 12 is electrically connected to the charging circuit. The switch 12 is adapted to be activated when a battery pack is coupled to the charger 100, in which case the switch 12 is in its initial state. When another battery pack having a different nominal capacity is coupled to the charger 100, the switch 12 is maintained in its initial state, in which case the switch 12 is not activated. When the battery pack is coupled to the charger 100, the switch 12 is activated to switch the charging circuit to the second charging current. When another battery pack having a different nominal capacity is coupled to the charger 100, the switch 12 is maintained in its initial state to maintain the charging circuit at its default first charging current.

[0181] Specifically, the switch 12 is initially kept open so that the communication between the switch 12 and the charging circuit remains disconnected; the switch 12 is actuated to close, so that the communication between the switch 12 and the charging circuit is connected, and a communication signal related to the second charging current is sent to a controller, such as the microcomputer in the above-mentioned control circuit.

[0182] As mentioned above, preferably, the switch 12 is connected to the communication line between the charging circuit and is suitable for being mechanically actuated to control the communication line to be turned on or off;

[0183] When the communication line is disconnected, the charger 100 outputs the first power parameter accordingly;

[0184] When the communication line is in the conducting state, the charger 100 outputs the second power parameter accordingly; wherein,

[0185] The value of the first power parameter is different from the value of the second power parameter, and the first power parameter and the second power parameter are preferably charging currents.

[0186] The charging circuit includes a PCB board, a control circuit and a power supply circuit located on the PCB board;

[0187] The switch 12 is connected to the PCB board via a communication line;

[0188] When the communication line is disconnected, the control circuit controls the power supply circuit to execute the default first power parameter for output; when the communication line is connected, the control circuit receives a communication signal related to the second power parameter to control the power supply circuit to execute the second power parameter for output.

[0189] In addition, the switch 12 may be provided in multiple numbers, such as Figure 5 As shown, the switch 12 includes a first switch 12a and a second switch 12b, which are respectively connected to the charging circuit, so that one charger can output three different charging currents to charge three battery packs with different nominal capacities.

[0190] In a specific embodiment, the first switch 12a is connected to the charging circuit via a first communication line and is adapted to be mechanically actuated to control the first communication line to be turned on or off;

[0191] The second switch 12b is connected to the charging circuit via a second communication line and is suitable for being mechanically actuated to control the second communication line to be turned on or off;

[0192] When both the first communication line and the second communication line are disconnected, the charger 100 correspondingly outputs the first power parameter;

[0193] When the first communication line is connected and the second communication line is disconnected, the charger 100 outputs the second power parameter accordingly;

[0194] When the first communication line is disconnected and the second communication line is connected, the charger 100 outputs the third power parameter accordingly; wherein,

[0195] The values ​​of the first power parameter, the second power parameter, and the third power parameter are different from each other.

[0196] In this specific embodiment, the charger 100 includes a first actuator 13a and a second actuator 13b that correspond to the first switch 12a and the second switch 12b in a one-to-one manner. The first actuator 13a and the second actuator 13b are both arranged on the connection path between the battery pack and the charger;

[0197] When the battery pack is connected to the charger along the connection path, the battery pack is adapted to act on the first actuator 13a, causing the first actuator 13a to actuate the first switch 12a; and / or the battery pack is adapted to act on the second actuator 13b, causing the second actuator 13b to actuate the second switch 12b. This will be described in detail below in conjunction with specific embodiments.

[0198] In another specific embodiment, the first switch 12a is connected to the charging circuit via a first communication line and is adapted to be mechanically actuated to control the generation of the first communication signal;

[0199] The second switch 12b is connected to the charging circuit via a second communication line and is adapted to be mechanically actuated to control the generation of a second communication signal;

[0200] When the charging circuit does not receive any communication signal, the charger 100 correspondingly outputs the first power parameter;

[0201] When the charging circuit receives a signal, such as the first communication signal or the second communication signal, the charger 100 outputs the second power parameter accordingly;

[0202] When the charging circuit receives two communication signals, such as the first communication signal and the second communication signal, the charger 100 outputs a third power parameter accordingly; wherein,

[0203] The values ​​of the first power parameter, the second power parameter, and the third power parameter are different from each other.

[0204] At this time, the charger 100 includes an actuator 13;

[0205] The actuator 13 is arranged on the connection path between the battery pack and the charger. When the battery pack is engaged with the charger 100 along the connection path, the battery pack is suitable for acting on the actuator 13 to cause the actuator 13 to be displaced. The actuator 13 is suitable for actuating the first switch 12a and / or the second switch 12b according to its different displacement strokes.

[0206] Specifically, the first switch 12a and the second switch 12b are respectively arranged on both sides of the travel direction of the actuator 13;

[0207] When the actuator 13 is actuated and displaced, it is suitable for triggering and actuating one of the switches and generating and outputting a communication signal to the charging circuit. As the actuator continues to displace, it is suitable for triggering and actuating both switches and generating and outputting two communication signals to the charging circuit. The following will continue to explain in detail with reference to specific embodiments.

[0208] [Example 1]

[0209] Reference Figure 9 As shown, the charger 100 includes a first switch 12a and a second switch 12b, which are respectively connected to the charging circuit and are respectively provided with a first actuator 13a and a second actuator 13b, and each actuator (13a, 13b) is configured with an elastic member 14 for resetting.

[0210] In this embodiment 1, the first switch 12a and the second switch 12b are normally closed switches. Figure 9 The initial states of the first switch 12a and the second switch 12b are shown.

[0211] Reference Figure 10a and Figure 10b As shown, a first battery pack 200a having a first nominal capacity is inserted into the charger 100, and the end of the first battery pack 200a does not match the position of the actuator (13a, 13b). Specifically, no limiting portion is provided at the position where the end of the first battery pack 200a corresponds to the actuator (13a, 13b). At this time, the end of the first battery pack 200a contacts the front end of the actuator (13a, 13b), causing the actuator (13a, 13b) to slide downward, and then the rear end of the actuator (13a, 13b) actuates the switch (12a, 12b), causing the switch (12a, 12b) to switch from the initial normally closed state to the open state.

[0212] At this time, the communication circuits between the first switch 12a and the second switch 12b and the charging circuit are both disconnected, and the charger 100 uses the first charging current to charge the first battery pack 200a by default.

[0213] Reference Figure 11a and Figure 11bAs shown, a second battery pack 200b with a second nominal capacity is inserted into the charger 100, and the end of the second battery pack 200b matches one of the actuators (13a, 13b). Specifically, a limiting portion 204 is provided at a position corresponding to the end of the second battery pack 200b and the second actuator 13b. The limiting portion 204 forms an avoidance space corresponding to the second actuator 13b. At this time, the second actuator 13b matched with the limiting portion 204 will not slide downward, and the second switch 12b remains on; the first actuator 13a is resisted by the end of the second battery pack 200b and slides downward, and the first switch 12a is actuated and switched from the initial normally closed state to the open state.

[0214] At this time, the communication signal line of the second charging current is connected, and the communication signal line of the third charging current is disconnected. After receiving the signal, the charging circuit uses the second charging current to charge the second battery pack 200b.

[0215] Reference Figure 12a and Figure 12b As shown, a third battery pack 200c with a third nominal capacity is inserted into the charger 100, and the end of the third battery pack 200c matches one of the actuators (13a, 13b). Specifically, a limiting portion 204 is provided at the position where the end of the third battery pack 200c corresponds to the first actuator 13a, and the limiting portion 204 forms an avoidance space corresponding to the first actuator 13a. At this time, the first actuator 13a matched with the limiting portion 204 will not slide downward, and the first switch 12a remains on; the second actuator 13b is resisted by the end of the third battery pack 200c and slides downward, and the second switch 12b is actuated and switched from the initial normally closed state to the open state.

[0216] At this time, the communication signal line of the third charging current is connected, and the communication signal line of the second charging current is disconnected. After receiving the signal, the charging circuit uses the third charging current to charge the third battery pack 200c.

[0217] [Example 2]

[0218] Reference Figure 13 、 Figure 14 and Figure 15 As shown, the structure and principle of this embodiment 2 are basically consistent with those of the above-mentioned embodiment 1, except that: in this embodiment 2, the first switch 12a and the second switch 12b are normally open switches.

[0219] Reference Figure 13As shown, a first battery pack 200a having a first nominal capacity is inserted into the charger 100, and the end of the first battery pack 200a matches the position of the actuator (13a, 13b). Specifically, a limiting portion 204 is provided at the position corresponding to the end of the first battery pack 200a and the actuator (13a, 13b). The limiting portion 204 forms an avoidance space corresponding to the actuator (13a, 13b). At this time, the first actuator 13a and the second actuator 13b matched with the limiting portion 204 will not slide downward, and the first switch 12a and the second switch 12b are not actuated and remain disconnected.

[0220] At this time, the communication circuits between the first switch 12a and the second switch 12b and the charging circuit are both disconnected, and the charger 100 uses the first charging current to charge the first battery pack 200a by default.

[0221] Reference Figure 14 As shown, a second battery pack 200b with a second nominal capacity is inserted into the charger 100, and the end of the second battery pack 200b matches one of the actuators (13a, 13b). Specifically, a limiting portion 204 is provided at a position corresponding to the end of the second battery pack 200b and the second actuator 13b. The limiting portion 204 forms an avoidance space corresponding to the second actuator 13b. At this time, the second actuator 13b matched with the limiting portion 204 will not slide downward, and the second switch 12b remains disconnected; the first actuator 13a is resisted by the end of the second battery pack 200b and slides downward, and the first switch 12a is actuated and switches from the initial disconnected state to the closed state.

[0222] At this time, the communication signal line of the second charging current is connected, and the communication signal line of the third charging current is disconnected. After receiving the signal, the charging circuit uses the second charging current to charge the second battery pack 200b.

[0223] Reference Figure 15 As shown, a third battery pack 200c with a third nominal capacity is inserted into the charger 100, and the end of the third battery pack 200c matches one of the actuators (13a, 13b). Specifically, a limiting portion 204 is provided at the position where the end of the third battery pack 200c corresponds to the first actuator 13a. The limiting portion 204 forms an avoidance space corresponding to the first actuator 13a. At this time, the first actuator 13a matched with the limiting portion 204 will not slide downward, and the first switch 12a remains disconnected; the second actuator 13b is resisted by the end of the third battery pack 200c and slides downward, and the second switch 12b is actuated and switches from the initial disconnected state to the closed state.

[0224] At this time, the communication signal line of the third charging current is connected, and the communication signal line of the second charging current is disconnected. After receiving the signal, the charging circuit uses the third charging current to charge the third battery pack 200c.

[0225] [Example 3]

[0226] The principles of this third embodiment are essentially the same as those of the first and second embodiments described above. The difference lies in that, whereas in the first and second embodiments described above, the first and second switches 12a, 12b are each provided with a first actuator 13a, 13b, respectively, in this third embodiment, the first and second switches 12a, 12b share a single actuator 13. The actuator 13 is provided with a first protrusion 130, a second protrusion 131, and a third protrusion 132 along the direction of actuation. In this case, the stoppers 204 disposed at different ends of the battery pack have different depths.

[0227] At the same time, the first switch 12a is connected to the charging circuit by a first communication line and is suitable for being mechanically actuated to control the generation of a first communication signal; the second switch 12b is connected to the charged circuit by a second communication line and is suitable for being mechanically actuated to control the generation of a second communication signal.

[0228] Reference Figure 16a and Figure 16b As shown, a first battery pack 200a with a first nominal capacity is inserted into the charger 100. At this time, the limit portion 204 configured for the first battery pack 200a is at its deepest, the actuator 13 does not slide downward, the first switch 12a and the second switch 12b are not turned on, the charging circuit does not receive any communication signal, and the charger 100 defaults to using the first charging current to charge the first battery pack 200a.

[0229] Reference Figure 17a and Figure 17b As shown, a second battery pack 200b with a second nominal capacity is inserted into the charger 100. At this time, the limit portion 204 of the second battery pack 200b is deeper, and the actuator 13 slides downward a portion. During this process, the first protrusion 130 of the actuator 13 first turns on the first switch 12a on the left and then turns it off. That is, the first protrusion 130 first presses the switch element of the first switch 12a, and then continues to slide downward, and finally stops at the lower position of the first switch 12a. At this time, the third protrusion 132 does not contact the switch element of the second switch 12b on the right. After the charging circuit receives the command signal of the first switch 12a on the left, that is, the charging circuit receives the first communication signal, it controls the charger 100 to use the second charging current to charge the second battery pack 200b.

[0230] Reference Figure 18a and Figure 18bAs shown, the third battery pack 200c with a third nominal capacity is inserted into the charger 100. At this time, the depth of the limit portion 204 of the third battery pack 200c is the smallest, and more preferably, its depth is 0, that is, at this time, the third battery pack 200c is not provided with a limit portion 204, and the end of the third battery pack 200c abuts the movable member 13 and slides downward. When the actuator 13 slides to the bottom, at this time, the second protrusion 131 and the third protrusion 132 of the actuator 13 respectively turn on the first switch 12a and the second switch 12b on both sides. After the charging circuit receives the signals of the first switch 12a and the second switch 12b, that is, the charging circuit receives the first communication signal and the second communication signal, it controls the charger 100 to use the third charging current to charge the third battery pack 200c.

[0231] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, rather than to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments, or replace some or all of the technical features therein with equivalents. However, these modifications or replacements do not deviate the essence of the corresponding technical solutions from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A charger comprising: case; a charging circuit positioned within the housing; The charging circuit is adapted to be electrically connected to a power source and is operable to output a charging current to charge a battery pack connected to the charger, the charging circuit comprising charger terminals adapted to be electrically connected to battery terminals of the battery pack; It is characterized by further comprising: A switch electrically connected to the charging circuit and adapted to be maintained in an initial state when a battery pack is connected to the charger so that the charging circuit outputs a first power parameter, and to be actuated when another battery pack with a different nominal capacity is connected to the charger so as to switch the output of the charging circuit to a second power parameter; wherein, The value of the first power parameter is different from the value of the second power parameter.

2. The charger according to claim 1, wherein: The switch is adapted to be actuated to switch from the initial state to the final state; The charger has a first charging current corresponding to the initial state; The charger has a second charging current corresponding to the initial state; When the switch is actuated and switched from the initial state to the final state, the charger switches from the first charging current to the second charging current.

3. The charger according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The switch is electrically connected to the control circuit of the charging circuit and is adapted to receive a communication signal from the switch to control the output of the power parameter of the charger.

4. The charger according to claim 3, characterized in that: The switch is connected to the charging circuit through a communication line and is suitable for being mechanically actuated to control the communication line to be turned on or off; When the communication line is disconnected, the charger outputs the first power parameter accordingly; When the communication line is in a conducting state, the charger correspondingly outputs the second power parameter.

5. The charger according to claim 4, characterized in that: The charging circuit includes a PCB board, a control circuit and a power supply circuit located on the PCB board; The switch is connected to the PCB board via the communication line; When the communication line is disconnected, the control circuit controls the power supply circuit to execute the default first power parameter for output; When the communication line is in a conducting state, the control circuit receives a communication signal related to the second power parameter to control the power supply circuit to execute the second power parameter for output.

6. The charger according to claim 1, characterized in that: The switch is supported and connected to the housing and is close to the battery mounting portion of the housing. The battery mounting portion is suitable for detachably mounting and connecting the battery pack. The switch is suitable for being mechanically actuated by the engagement of the battery pack with the battery mounting portion.

7. The charger according to claim 6, characterized in that: Also includes: an actuator; The actuating member is arranged on a connection path between the battery pack and the battery mounting portion. When the battery pack is engaged with the battery mounting portion along the connection path, the battery pack is adapted to act on the actuating member, causing the actuating member to move to actuate the switch.

8. The charger according to claim 7, characterized in that: The actuating member is a sliding member, which is suitable for sliding displacement in the direction of the connection path; The inner side of the housing is provided with a sliding groove suitable for limiting the displacement and sliding of the sliding member, and an elastic member is installed between the sliding member and the sliding groove to reset the sliding member; One end of the sliding member extends outward and protrudes from the shell, so that when the battery pack is engaged with the battery mounting portion along the connection path, the end abuts against the battery pack and is pushed and slid, and the other end faces the switch and is used to actuate the switch during the pushing and sliding process.

9. The charger according to claim 8, characterized in that: One end of the sliding member extends outward and protrudes from the charger terminal seat of the shell. The charger terminal seat is used to fix the charger terminal and has an opening corresponding to the sliding member. One end of the sliding member extends outward through the opening and protrudes from the outer surface of the opening.

10. A charger comprising: case; a charging circuit positioned within the housing; The charging circuit is adapted to be electrically connected to a power source and is operable to output a charging current to charge a battery pack connected to the charger, the charging circuit comprising charger terminals adapted to be electrically connected to battery terminals of the battery pack; It is characterized by further comprising: a first switch connected to the charging circuit via a first communication line and adapted to be mechanically actuated to control the first communication line to be turned on or off; a second switch connected to the charging circuit via a second communication line and adapted to be mechanically actuated to control the second communication line to be turned on or off; When both the first communication line and the second communication line are disconnected, the charger correspondingly outputs a first power parameter; When the first communication line is connected and the second communication line is disconnected, the charger outputs a second power parameter accordingly; When the first communication line is disconnected and the second communication line is connected, the charger outputs a third power parameter accordingly; wherein, The values ​​of the first power parameter, the second power parameter, and the third power parameter are different from each other.

11. The charger according to claim 10, characterized in that: Also includes: a first actuating member and a second actuating member corresponding one-to-one to the first switch and the second switch, wherein the first actuating member and the second actuating member are both arranged on a connection path between the battery pack and the charger; When the battery pack is connected to the charger along the connection path, the battery pack is adapted to act on the first actuating member, causing the first actuating member to actuate the first switch; And / or, the battery pack is suitable for acting on the second actuating member, causing the second actuating member to operate to actuate the second switch.

12. A charger comprising: case; a charging circuit positioned within the housing; The charging circuit is adapted to be electrically connected to a power source and is operable to output a charging current to charge a battery pack connected to the charger, the charging circuit comprising charger terminals adapted to be electrically connected to battery terminals of the battery pack; It is characterized by further comprising: a first switch connected to the charging circuit via a first communication line and adapted to be mechanically actuated to control the generation of a first communication signal; a second switch connected to the charging circuit via a second communication line and adapted to be mechanically actuated to control the generation of a second communication signal; When the charging circuit does not receive any communication signal, the charger correspondingly outputs a first power parameter; When the charging circuit receives the first communication signal or the second communication signal, the charger outputs a second power parameter accordingly; When the charging circuit receives the first communication signal and the second communication signal, the charger outputs a third power parameter accordingly; wherein, The values ​​of the first power parameter, the second power parameter, and the third power parameter are different from each other.

13. The charger according to claim 12, characterized in that: Also includes: an actuator; The actuating member is disposed on a connection path between the battery pack and the charger. When the battery pack is engaged with the charger along the connection path, the battery pack is adapted to act on the actuating member to cause the actuating member to move. The actuating member is adapted to actuate the first switch and / or the second switch according to different displacement strokes thereof.

14. The charger according to claim 13, characterized in that: The first switch and the second switch are respectively arranged on both sides of the travel direction of the actuator; When the actuator is actuated and displaced, it is suitable for triggering and actuating one of the switches and generating and outputting a communication signal to the charging circuit. As the actuator continues to displace, it is suitable for triggering and actuating two switches and generating and outputting two communication signals to the charging circuit.

15. A combination of a charger and a battery pack, comprising: a first battery pack and a second battery pack having different nominal capacities; a charger including a charging circuit positioned within the housing; The charging circuit is adapted to be electrically connected to a power source and is operable to output a charging current to charge a battery pack connected to the charger, the charging circuit comprising charger terminals adapted to be electrically connected to battery terminals of the battery pack; Characterized in that the charger further comprises: a switch electrically connected to the charging circuit; An actuator is disposed on a connection path between the battery pack and the charger; wherein, A limiting portion is provided at a position where the end of the first battery pack corresponds to the actuating member, and the limiting portion forms an escape space corresponding to the actuating member; When the first battery pack is engaged with the charger along the connection path, the actuating member is inserted into the limiting portion to avoid being acted upon by the first battery pack; When the second battery pack is connected to the charger along the connection path, the end of the second battery pack acts on the actuating member, causing the actuating member to move to actuate the switch.

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