Laser level meter

Abstract

The present application relates to a laser level comprising: a body portion (10) comprising a housing (12) defining a power supply chamber (15), and at least two electrical terminals (30), each electrical terminal extending through the housing and comprising an outer end (30b) exposed within the power supply chamber (15); and a power supply assembly (20) configured to be mounted to the power supply chamber in a mating direction (M) and including a power supply housing (50), a battery (55), and at least two power supply terminals, all of which are exposed toward the mating direction and the power supply housing (50) further including an outer peripheral surface extending around the mating direction, when the power supply assembly is installed in the power supply chamber, all the power supply terminals are electrically connected to the corresponding electric terminals along the matching direction, and the outer peripheral surfaces are sealingly jointed with the corresponding inner peripheral surfaces of the housing which limits the power supply chamber; the outer peripheral surface surrounds the battery accommodation space (45) and all the power terminals when viewed in the mating direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to a laser level. Background Technology

[0002] Power tools typically have a power chamber for housing a power supply assembly (including a battery), and electrical terminals that are electrically connected to the internal power-consuming components of the power tool extend into the power chamber to be electrically connected to the power terminals of the power supply assembly installed in the power chamber.

[0003] The electrical terminals of power tools are typically pairs of terminals protruding from opposite ends into the power chamber. When the power assembly uses disposable batteries, the positive and negative terminals on opposite ends of each battery cell (e.g., a cylindrical alkaline battery) are directly electrically connected to a pair of terminals. Therefore, the number (or pairs) of terminals determines the number of disposable battery cells that the power assembly can contain within the power chamber, i.e., the maximum power that the power assembly can provide, which cannot be increased as needed. Furthermore, when the power assembly is installed in the power chamber, its outer end cap (or, in this application, the "power housing") covers or closes the power chamber and is sealed to the outer shell defining the power chamber by an elastic seal to prevent external impurities from entering the power tool. The electrical connection direction of the aforementioned electrical terminals and power terminals (i.e., the direction of the interaction force between them) is substantially located within the plane of the sealing interface formed by the aforementioned sealing joint. This causes the compression of the portion of the elastic seal located in the aforementioned electrical connection direction to be inconsistent with the compression of other portions of the seal (e.g., the portion perpendicular to this direction). This will impair the sealing effect of the aforementioned sealing joint, causing the power tool to fail to meet relevant regulations in preventing external impurities from entering the power tool. The same problem exists when the power assembly uses a rechargeable battery. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this application is to improve the electrical connection between the power supply assembly and the main body of the laser level, so as to overcome at least one of the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0005] This application discloses a laser level, comprising: a main body including: a housing having a power-consuming component internally mounted and defining a power chamber externally; and at least two electrical terminals, each electrical terminal extending through the housing and including an inner end for electrical connection to the power-consuming component and an outer end exposed within the power chamber; and a power assembly configured to be mounted to the power chamber along a mating direction, and including: a power housing defining a battery accommodating space; a battery accommodating the battery accommodating space; and at least two power terminals electrically connected to the battery, wherein all power terminals are exposed toward the mating direction and the power housing also includes an outer peripheral surface extending around the mating direction, such that when the power assembly is mounted to the power chamber, all power terminals are electrically connected along the mating direction to the outer ends of corresponding electrical terminals of the laser level, and the outer peripheral surface sealably engages with corresponding inner peripheral surfaces of the housing defining the power chamber of the laser level; and when viewed along the mating direction, the outer peripheral surface surrounds the battery accommodating space and all power terminals.

[0006] In one embodiment, the power supply chamber includes a first chamber portion that opens to the outer surface of the housing and a second chamber portion that communicates with the first chamber portion and is located further inside the laser level in the mating direction.

[0007] In one embodiment, at least one of the following is included: the at least two electrical terminals are two, three, four, five, six or more electrical terminals; the at least two electrical terminals are arranged in a row; each of the electrical terminals is a resilient terminal that is retractable in the mating direction; each of the electrical terminals includes: a terminal body that passes through the housing and provides the inner end portion; a resilient element that is received in an inner bore formed in the terminal body and extending in the mating direction; and a plunger that abuts against the resilient element and extends from the inner bore to provide the outer end portion.

[0008] In one embodiment, the power housing includes a base and an outer flange and an inner housing projecting from the base along the mating direction, the outer flange providing the outer peripheral surface, and the inner housing defining the battery accommodating space together with the base.

[0009] In one embodiment, the power supply assembly further includes a fastening device attached to the base within the gap space between the outer flange and the inner housing, configured to fasten the power supply assembly to the housing of the laser level.

[0010] In one embodiment, the fastening device includes: a locking shaft extending through the base along the mating direction and including a first end extending into the clearance space and a second end opposite to the first end; a locking pin passing through a through hole formed on the first end; and an operating part configured for user operation to rotate the locking shaft relative to the base, provided by or attached to the second end integral with the locking shaft, wherein the housing includes a hole adapted to receive the first end of the locking shaft, an elongated slot extending transversely to the hole and adapted to receive the locking pin, and a slot communicating with the elongated slot and the hole to allow the locking pin to rotate about the locking shaft.

[0011] In one embodiment, the power housing further includes a guide feature configured to cooperate with a corresponding feature on the housing to guide the power assembly into the power chamber for mounting. In a first direction in a plane transverse to the mating direction, the guide feature and the fastening device are disposed at or near opposite ends of the power housing, wherein one of the guide feature and the corresponding feature is a lug and the other is a recess for receiving the lug.

[0012] In one embodiment, the battery is a rechargeable battery, and the power assembly further includes a circuit board housed within the battery housing space and electrically connected to the battery, with all power terminals disposed on the circuit board, and the battery sandwiched between the circuit board and the base in the mating direction.

[0013] In one embodiment, an inner cover is attached to the power housing to enclose the circuit board and the battery within the battery housing space, the inner cover including openings that expose the power terminals.

[0014] In one embodiment, the base includes an opening extending through the mating direction, and the power assembly further includes an additional cover that covers the opening, the additional cover providing a charging port for electrically connecting to an external power source to charge the battery.

[0015] In one embodiment, the additional cover further includes one or more data ports and / or one or more communication ports electrically connected to the battery and / or the circuit board and used for electrically connecting external electrical components.

[0016] In one embodiment, at least one of the following is disclosed: the battery includes one or more battery cells arranged side-by-side and electrically connected to each other in the mating direction; the battery is bonded to the power housing; the battery includes one or more lithium polymer battery cells; the circuit board is mechanically connected to the power housing; the circuit board is soldered to the battery; the inner cover is a plate-like piece; the at least two power terminals are six power terminals; the base is a rectangular plate-like portion; the inner housing is designed to fit into the first chamber portion.

[0017] In one embodiment, the battery is a single-use battery cell, and the central axis of the battery cell extends along a first direction in a plane transverse to the mating direction.

[0018] In one embodiment, the battery comprises multiple rows of battery cells arranged in the mating direction, each row comprising one battery cell or two or more battery cells arranged in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction in the plane, the multiple rows comprising a first row located on the outermost side facing the mating direction and other rows located between the first row and the base of the power housing, the inner housing defining: a main opening that opens the battery receiving space toward the mating direction, the size of which is designed to allow at least one battery cell of the first row to be installed into and removed from the battery receiving space via the main opening; and / or a side opening on one or both sides of one of the opposite sides in the second direction, the size of which is designed to allow at least one row of battery cells of the other rows to be installed into and removed from the battery receiving space via the side opening.

[0019] In one embodiment, each of the multiple rows contains the same number of battery cells; or the number of battery cells in the first row is less than the number of battery cells in each of the other rows, or the number of battery cells in each row gradually decreases toward the mating direction, and accordingly, the inner housing is a cylindrical housing that extends obliquely or tapers in the mating direction.

[0020] In one embodiment, the multi-row includes a first row and a second row, wherein the number of battery cells in the first row is less than the number of battery cells in the second row, and the inner housing includes a first portion adapted to accommodate the battery cells of the second row and a second portion adapted to accommodate the battery cells of the first row. When viewed along the mating direction, the first portion and the second portion are respectively designed to fit into the first chamber portion and the second chamber portion.

[0021] In one embodiment, the inner housing includes a recess or protrusion for holding each battery cell in place, with an electrical connector for electrical connection to the positive or negative terminal of the battery cell exposed in the recess or protrusion.

[0022] In one embodiment, the power housing further includes an additional housing portion between the inner housing and the outer flange, the fastening device being located between the additional housing portion and the outer flange, and the additional housing portion including an opening that exposes all power terminals.

[0023] In one embodiment, in the mating direction, the inner housing protrudes beyond the additional housing portion and all power terminals.

[0024] In one embodiment, the at least two power terminals are two, three, or more power terminals.

[0025] The power supply assembly for power tools disclosed in this application includes power terminals exposed in a mating direction to the power chamber of the power tool, and an outer peripheral surface extending around the mating direction and configured to seal against a housing defining the power chamber of the power tool. This arrangement ensures that when the power supply assembly is installed into the power chamber of the power tool along the mating direction: on the one hand, the power terminals are electrically connected to electrical terminals of the power tool exposed within the power chamber along the mating direction, thus the power terminals are subjected to a force along the mating direction; on the other hand, the outer peripheral surface is sealed against a corresponding surface of the power tool's housing, thus the sealing force on the outer peripheral surface of the power supply assembly is in a plane transverse to (e.g., perpendicular to) the mating direction. Therefore, the force exerted by the electrical terminals on the power terminals does not affect the seal between the power tool's housing and the power supply assembly, and does not disrupt the seal between them. Corresponding to the power terminals of the power supply assembly, the electrical terminals of the power tool are exposed in, and preferably protrude into, the battery chamber along the mating direction to achieve the aforementioned electrical connection with the power terminals along the mating direction. Furthermore, since the force between the electrical terminals and the power supply terminals does not affect the sealed connection between the power tool's housing and the power supply assembly, it does not increase the difficulty of installing and removing the power supply assembly.

[0026] This type of power supply unit can use either rechargeable or disposable batteries. The power terminals of the power supply unit and the power tool can be at least two (positive and negative), regardless of the battery type. This provides the power tool with a universal interface to different power supply unit configurations: the power supply unit can use different battery types, and the power it can provide is expandable, specifically by modifying the power supply unit's housing to increase the number of disposable or rechargeable batteries.

[0027] Furthermore, when the power supply assembly uses rechargeable batteries, the circuit board and battery of the power supply assembly are arranged side by side along the mating direction, so that the power supply assembly can provide the largest possible battery housing space to accommodate as many or as large a number of rechargeable batteries as possible, thereby maximizing the power density that the power supply assembly can provide. This application also provides a novel power supply assembly using disposable batteries. Attached Figure Description

[0028] The above and other features and advantages of this application will become clear from the exemplary embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the drawings are not drawn to scale and are only used to explain the principles of this application.

[0029] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the main body of the laser level of this application separated from the power supply components of two different configurations.

[0030] Figure 2 Is with Figure 1 Views from different angles.

[0031] Figure 3a yes Figure 1 The enlarged view shows details of the electrical terminals of the main body of the laser level and the structure that mates with the fastening device of the power supply assembly.

[0032] Figure 3b This is a schematic diagram of electrical terminals.

[0033] Figure 4a This diagram shows an enlarged view of the power supply assembly, including the fastening device.

[0034] Figure 4b It is Figure 4a An exploded view of the components of the fastening device.

[0035] Figure 4c yes Figure 4a Another viewpoint.

[0036] Figure 5 It is an exploded view of the power assembly, including the rechargeable battery.

[0037] Figure 6a It is a power assembly comprising four single-use battery cells, wherein the battery cells are separated from the power assembly.

[0038] Figure 6b yes Figure 6a Assembly diagram of the power supply components.

[0039] Figure 6c It was through Figure 6b The cross-sectional view of section R shows the arrangement of the battery cells.

[0040] Figure 7a yes Figure 6a A front view of the power supply assembly, with the battery removed.

[0041] Figure 7b yes Figure 7a The left-side view.

[0042] Figure 7c yes Figure 7a Top view. Detailed Implementation

[0043] The power tool and its power supply assembly of this application are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, using a laser level as an example. Although a laser level is described herein and illustrated in the drawings, the principles and power supply assembly of this application are also applicable to other power tools besides laser levels.

[0044] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The separate main body 10 and power supply assembly 20 of the laser level are illustrated from two different angles. The power supply assembly 20 for power tools of this application may be optionally configured as a first exemplary configuration 20a using or including a rechargeable battery or a second exemplary configuration 20b using or including a disposable battery.

[0045] The main body 10 includes a housing 12, which internally houses various functional components (including power-consuming components), such as a pendulum and a (laser) light source supported by the pendulum (as an example of a power-consuming component), and externally defines a power chamber 15 for receiving a power supply assembly 20 through its recess 14. The power chamber 15 includes a first chamber portion 15a open to the outer surface of the housing 12 and a second chamber portion 15b communicating with the first chamber portion 15a and adjacent to the interior of the laser level. As shown, the first chamber portion 15a and the second chamber portion 15b may have different dimensions in a cross-section perpendicular to the mating direction M (as described below), thereby forming a stepped surface 15c, but this is not mandatory. The main body 10 includes at least two electrical terminals 30 fixedly supported by the housing 12 (e.g., from...). Figure 1 and 3a As can be seen, there are four electrical terminals 30, each of which is configured to extend inward into the housing 12 to be electrically connected to an internal power-consuming component (such as the light source described above) and to extend outward into the power supply chamber 15 to be electrically connected to the power supply terminal 40 of the power supply assembly 20 (described below).

[0046] exist Figure 3aAs can be seen in the enlarged view, the four electrical terminals 30 of the main body 10 of the laser level can (but must) be arranged in two pairs, or can (but must not) be arranged in a row. An exemplary structure for each electrical terminal 30 is shown in... Figure 3b The diagram illustrates this. The electrical terminal 30 can be in the form of a spring terminal, also known as a Pogo Pin electrical terminal. The electrical terminal 30 includes a terminal body 32 and a plunger 34 that extends retractably from the terminal body 32 into the power supply chamber 15. The terminal body 32 includes a central portion 32a extending through and secured to the housing 12 (with a corresponding hole) in any manner possible in the art. An inner portion 32b (e.g., cylindrical or tubular) extends inward from the central portion 32a into the housing 12 and has an inner end portion 30a (e.g., semi-cylindrical) for electrical connection to a power-consuming component of a laser level. An outer portion 32c (e.g., having a stepped cylindrical outer circumference) extends outward from the central portion 32a and defines an inner bore 36. The plunger 34 abuts against a spring-type elastic element 38 disposed in the inner bore 36 and protrudes from the inner bore 36 into the power supply chamber 15 to define the outer end portion 30b. In its natural state, when the power assembly 20 is not installed in the power chamber 15 of the main body 10, the plunger 34 of the electrical terminal 30 is in the extended position pushed out by the elastic element 38. When the power assembly 20 is installed in the power chamber 15, the plunger 34 of the electrical terminal 30 is pushed back to the retracted position by the power terminal 40 while being electrically connected to the power terminal 40 of the power assembly 20. The elastic force of the elastic element 38 maintains a good and reliable electrical connection between the electrical terminal 30 and the power terminal 40.

[0047] According to this application, the outer end portion 30b of each electrical terminal 30 of the main body 10 is exposed to the power supply chamber 15 in any possible manner, preferably protruding into the power supply chamber 15 along a first direction as shown in the illustrated example, and configured to make electrical connection with the power supply terminal 40 of the power supply assembly 20 along this direction. Therefore, this direction is also referred to as the mating direction of the electrical terminal 30 and the power supply terminal 40, denoted by reference numeral M. This direction coincides with the direction in which the power supply assembly 20 is mounted into the power supply chamber 15 of the main body 10. Figure 1 As indicated by the arrow, "direction M" in this application specifically refers to the direction in which the power supply assembly 20 is assembled into the power supply chamber 15. Optionally, each of the directions referred to in the second direction L and the third direction A may include two opposite orientations.

[0048] Although Figure 1 , 2As illustrated in 3a and 3b, the laser level includes four electrical terminals 30; however, this application is not limited to four electrical terminals 30, and may include, for example, two, three, five, six, or more electrical terminals. These electrical terminals include at least positive and negative terminals for providing electrical connection, and may also include other functional terminals for communication or transmission of information and / or data when connected in conjunction with the corresponding power terminals 40 of the power supply assembly 20.

[0049] According to any configuration of this application ( Figure 5 First exemplary configuration 20a and Figures 6a-7c In the second exemplary configuration 20b), the power assembly 20 is configured to be detachably mounted in the power chamber 15 of the main body 10, and can generally be described as including: a power housing 50, a fastening device 60 attached to the power housing 50 and configured to secure the power assembly 20 to the outer casing 12 of the main body 10, and a battery 55 installed in the battery accommodating space 45 defined by the power housing 50. Figure 5 rechargeable batteries or Figures 6a-6c A disposable battery), and at least two power terminals 40 that are electrically connected to the battery 55 and exposed toward the mating direction M for electrical connection with the electrical terminals 30 of the main body 10 along the mating direction M. Figure 5-7c ).

[0050] refer to Figures 4a-4c The power supply housing 50 may include a base 52, an outer flange 54 protruding from the base 52, and an inner housing 56 protruding from the base 52.

[0051] The base 52 may be, but is not limited to, a plate-like portion extending transversely to (e.g., perpendicularly to) the mating direction M. Preferably, the base 52 is shaped and sized to fit into the power chamber 15 of the power assembly 20, and may have an outer surface that is substantially flush with the housing 12 of the body 10 when mounted into the power chamber 15, to provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance for the laser level.

[0052] The outer flange 54 can extend from the base 52 along the mating direction M and provide an outer peripheral surface that seals against the corresponding surface of the housing 12 of the body portion 10. The outer peripheral surface can have any possible closed shape extending around the mating direction M (e.g., circular, elliptical, quadrilateral, or any other polygon or any irregular shape, etc.). It should be noted that the term "annular" is sometimes used in this application to refer to the same meaning as "closed," and the two are used interchangeably. "Annular" is not limited to "ring-shaped," but refers to any possible closed structure, including, but not limited to, quadrilaterals, annular rings, elliptical annular rings, other polygons, any irregular closed shape, etc., as described above. As an example, the outer peripheral surface may have an annular groove (not visible in the figure), and an annular elastic (e.g., rubber) seal 51 (…). Figures 4a-6b It is positioned within the annular groove to provide a sealing connection between the power supply assembly 20 and the main body 10, so that the laser level meets the relevant regulations for preventing external impurities from entering the laser level.

[0053] The inner housing 56 also protrudes generally along the mating direction M, and is generally cylindrical in shape extending in the mating direction M. It may, but does not necessarily, have a closed shape around the mating direction M. The battery accommodating space 45 is defined by the inner housing 56 and the base 52 and opens toward the mating direction M ( toward the power chamber 15). In the illustrated embodiment, both the outer flange 54 and the inner housing 56 extend in the same direction from the base 52, with the inner housing 56 protruding a greater distance than the outer flange 54 to define a sufficiently large battery accommodating space 45.

[0054] As described above, the outer flange 54 of the power supply housing 50 is sealed to the outer casing 12 of the main body 10, forming an annular (or closed) sealing interface in a plane transverse to (e.g., perpendicular to) the mating direction M. This plane can be defined by a first direction L and a second direction A that are perpendicular to each other. This plane can be parallel to or inclined to the extending plane of the plate-like base 52, and can extend vertically or slightly inclined to the vertical plane. In a non-limiting embodiment of the illustrated laser level, the first direction L can be or approximately corresponds to a vertical or up-down direction (defining two orientations: "up" and "down"), i.e., the placement direction of the laser level during use, and the second direction A is a generally horizontal direction perpendicular to the first direction L.

[0055] The fastening device 60 is disposed in the space between the outer flange 54 and the inner housing 56. This space may vary around the inner housing 56 (e.g., the distance between the outer flange 54 and the inner housing 56 may vary), for example, it may be larger above the inner housing 56 or the battery accommodating space 45 to accommodate the fastening device 60. As an example, one or more ribs 31 are provided in the space between the outer flange 54 and the inner housing 56 to define a sub-region 35 for mounting the fastening device 60. For example, two spaced-apart ribs 31 may be provided from the inner housing 56 (e.g., Figure 4a , Figure 4b and Figure 5 ) or other parts of the power supply housing 50 (e.g. Figures 6a-7c The additional housing portion 90) extends toward the outer flange 54.

[0056] The fastening device 60 mainly includes a locking shaft 62, a locking pin 64, and an operating part 66. The locking shaft 62 extends rotatably through a hole 57 formed in the base 52 of the power supply housing 50, and has an inner end 62a located in sub-region 35 and an opposite outer end 62b. Figure 4bThe locking pin 64 extends through a through hole 61 on the inner end 62a of the locking shaft. The operating part 66 is located at the outer end 62b of the locking shaft 62 and can be provided by the outer end 62b integral with the locking shaft 62, or can be constructed as a separate component provided independently of and attached to the outer end 62b, such as the annular operating member 67 shown. The annular operating member 67 includes a portion 67a extending through a hole 63 formed in the outer end 62b of the locking shaft, thereby allowing the annular operating member 67 to rotate relative to the locking shaft 62 about the portion 67a. Accordingly, see reference... Figure 3a The outer shell 12 of the main body 10 has a hole 11 for receiving the inner end 62a of the locking shaft 62 and an elongated groove 13 extending transversely to the hole 11 and adapted to receive the locking pin 64. The slot 17 is biased from the elongated groove 13 toward the interior of the laser level and extends transversely to the hole 11.

[0057] On the opposite side (lower side in the figure) of the fastening device 60 in the first direction L, the power housing 50 of the power assembly 20 has a downwardly projecting guide feature, specifically at least one (e.g., two in the figure) lug 68. Correspondingly, the outer casing 12 of the main body 10 includes a recess 18 adapted to receive the corresponding lug, such as... Figure 1 As shown.

[0058] When the power assembly 20, pre-assembled with the fastening device 60, is installed into the power chamber 15 of the main body 10, the power assembly 20 is first positioned at an angle relative to the main body 10 with the battery 55 of the power assembly 20 facing the power chamber 15, so that the lug 68 at the lower end of the power assembly 20 is inserted into the corresponding recess 18 while the upper end of the fastening device 60 is away from the power chamber 15. Then, the upper end of the power assembly 20 is pushed into the power chamber 15 until the locking pin 64 of the fastening device 60 passes through the elongated slot 13 and enters the gap 17. Finally, the annular operating member 67 is rotated clockwise. This rotation further pushes the upper end of the power assembly 20 into the power chamber 15, and locks the power housing 50 of the power assembly 20 into the outer casing 12 (the locking pin 64 rotates within the slot 17 until it is not aligned with the elongated slot 13). At this time, the power terminal 40 of the power assembly 20 and the plunger 34 of the electrical terminal 30 of the main body 10 are electrically connected, while the latter is partially pushed back into the inner hole 36 of the terminal body 32. Under the action of the elastic element 38 in the inner hole 36 of the electrical terminal 30, the power terminal 40 of the power assembly 20 and the electrical terminal 30 of the main body 10 maintain a good electrical connection.

[0059] Those skilled in the art will understand that the annular actuating member 67 can be configured to facilitate gripping or rotating the locking shaft 62 by any separately provided structural component or integral part of the locking shaft. Furthermore, in the figures, the base 52 of the power supply housing 50 of the power supply assembly 20 includes a recessed region 69. Figure 4cThe recessed area 69 is designed to accommodate or position the annular operating element 67 when it is not in use, preventing it from protruding beyond the outer contour of the laser level. The shape of the recessed area 69 is designed to prevent accidental counter-clockwise rotation of the annular operating element 67. Operating instructions 71, in any suitable form such as text or graphics, are also provided on the outer surface of the base 52. Figure 4c This is used to provide operators with operational guidance for operating the operating unit 66. Furthermore, it should be understood that this application is not limited to the fastening device 60 specifically configured in the illustrations.

[0060] Those skilled in the art should also understand that although the lug 68 and recess 18 constitute guiding features when the power assembly 20 is installed into the power chamber 15 in the illustrated example, this application is not limited thereto. Any other structure capable of providing the same function may be adopted.

[0061] The following is for reference. Figure 5 The first exemplary configuration 20a of the power assembly 20 is described in detail below. In this exemplary configuration, the battery 55 is a rechargeable battery, such as, but not limited to, a lithium polymer battery. The battery 55 can be attached to the power housing 50 by adhesive means, specifically to some portions of the base 52 and / or some portions of the cylindrical inner housing 56. More specifically, the battery 55 can be attached to the base 52 by double-sided adhesive to securely hold or fix the battery 55 to the power housing 50.

[0062] Configuration 20a also includes a circuit board (e.g., a printed circuit board, PCBA) 72 and an inner cover 74. Circuit board 72 may include any possible electrical components, including, but not limited to, electrical traces or conductors for electrical connections, functional electrical components for controlling or managing the battery, etc. As an example, circuit board 72 may be electrically connected to battery 55 by soldering (e.g., spot welding) to ensure electrical connection between the two. Simultaneously, circuit board 72 is secured to power housing 50 using any mechanical connection method known in the art, such as screws 41 as illustrated (e.g., connected to any of the base 52, outer flange 54, inner housing 56, or portions protruding from them; illustrated, connected to portion 33 protruding inward from inner housing 56). Power terminals 40 (e.g., six power terminals 40 as illustrated) protrude from circuit board 72 in the mating direction M. Inner cover 74 is attached to power housing 50 to cover or enclose circuit board 72 and battery 55 within battery accommodating space 45. The power terminal 40 extending from the circuit board 72 is exposed through a corresponding hole 76 on the inner cover 74, so that it is electrically connected to the exposed electrical terminal 30 of the main body 10 when the power assembly 20 is installed in the power chamber 15.

[0063] It should be understood that Figure 5The illustration only shows an exemplary structure of battery 55, and battery 55 is not limited to the illustrated shape, size, etc. Although battery 55 is shown as a single battery cell in the illustration, battery 55 may include multiple battery cells arranged along the mating direction M to achieve a desired or maximum power or power-to-volume ratio. Although six power terminals 40 are shown in the illustrated example, this application does not limit the number of power terminals 40. Of the six power terminals 40 illustrated, in addition to the two terminals for providing electrical connection (positive and negative), the remaining four can be configured as functional electrical terminals. For example, functional electrical terminals can be configured to provide signal or data connection, communication connection, etc., to transmit detailed information and / or data about battery type, rated voltage, state of charge, etc. Those skilled in the art will understand that one or more of these four functional electrical terminals may be omitted.

[0064] As shown, the inner cover 74 is a simple plate shape, thus minimizing its space occupation within the power supply chamber 15, which allows for the arrangement of as many battery cells as needed. As an example, the inner cover 74 is fastened to the power supply housing 50 (any part, such as the base 52 or the inner housing 56, or their protrusions, such as ribs 31) by bolts 43, thereby forming an integral or modular power supply assembly 20. The way the inner cover 74, circuit board 72, and battery 55 are connected to the power supply housing 50 is not limited to the methods shown in the figures and listed above; any method that achieves the same function can be used.

[0065] In this configuration of the power assembly 20, where the battery 55 is a rechargeable battery, an opening (not shown) extending through in the mating direction M is formed on the base 52 of the power housing 50. A separate cover 80 can cover this opening and provide at least one port electrically connected to the circuit board 72 and / or the power terminal 40. The at least one port includes at least a charging port electrically connected to the battery 55 for connecting to an external power source to charge the battery 55, and optionally may also include functional ports such as a communication port or a USB port. A seal 81 may also be provided between the cover 80 and the base 52 of the power housing 50 to prevent external dust from entering the laser level through this opening. The cover 80 can be attached to the power housing 50 using screws 83 or any other known method.

[0066] In this configuration, the power assembly, with circuit board 72 and battery 55 arranged side-by-side along the mating direction M, maximizes the available space in the plane transverse to the mating direction M, compared to a configuration where the circuit board and power terminals are arranged around (e.g., above) the battery 55. This allows for the placement of as many and / or large battery cells as possible when needed, achieving the highest power-to-volume ratio and providing the highest energy density, thereby extending the operating time of the power tool. Power terminals 40 and 30 are electrically connected along the mating direction M, and the resulting forces between them do not affect the sealed connection between the power assembly 20 and the main body 10, nor do they affect the installation and removal of the power assembly 20 from the power chamber 15.

[0067] This power supply assembly configuration, while ensuring that the power terminals 40 on the circuit board 72 can be electrically connected to the corresponding electrical terminals 30, allows for changes to various details of the battery 55 (such as the number and type of battery cells), making the power supply assembly scalable and versatile.

[0068] refer to Figures 6a-7c This illustrates a second exemplary configuration 20b of the power assembly 20, where the battery 55 is a disposable battery. Figures 6a-6c A power supply assembly 20 with a battery 55 is shown; Figures 7a-7c The power assembly 20 with battery 55 removed is shown. Note that the same reference numerals in all figures of this application indicate structures or structures with the same structure or function.

[0069] In the specific example illustrated, battery 55 includes four cylindrical disposable battery cells 55a-55d, each with its central axis extending along a second direction L. These battery cells are arranged in two rows, R1 and R2, along a mating direction M. The first row of R1 battery cells 55a and 55b are arranged side-by-side along a third direction A and are located near the main opening 56A defined by the inner casing 56 facing the mating direction M. The second row of R2 includes battery cells 55c and 55d spaced apart from each other. For example, in the illustrated example, the battery cells 55c and 55d in the second row of R2 are spaced apart along a third direction A (e.g., via a spacer 55e). Figure 6c In the first row of R1, battery cells 55a and 55b are arranged substantially adjacent to each other. Correspondingly, as illustrated, the inner housing 56 includes a first portion 82 directly connected to the base 52 and a second portion 84 connected to the first portion 82. The first portion 82 corresponds to or is used to accommodate the second row of R2 battery cells, and therefore has a larger dimension in the third direction A. The second portion 84 corresponds to or is used to accommodate the first row of R1 battery cells, and therefore has a smaller dimension in the third direction A. Along the mating direction M, the inner housing 56 can taper from the first portion 82 to the second portion 84, or as... Figure 6cThe step-like transition from the first part 82 to the second part 84 is shown in the diagram. (Combined) Figure 1 It can be seen that the first part 82 and the second part 84 can be designed to fit the first chamber portion 15a and the second chamber portion 15b of the battery chamber 15, respectively. It can also be understood that when... Figure 5 When the power assembly 20 of the first exemplary configuration 20a is installed in the power chamber 15, its inner housing 56 is adapted to the first chamber portion 15a of the battery chamber 15 (at this time, the second chamber portion 15b may remain hollow).

[0070] According to a specific example shown in the figure, the inner housing 56 defines a main opening 56A, which has a shape and size that allows the battery cells 55a and 55b of the first row R1 to be installed into and removed from the battery accommodating space 45. The second portion 84 includes portions 84a and 84b opposite each other in the first direction L, which are respectively provided with any form of electrical terminal or electrical connection element for electrical connection to the positive or negative terminal of each battery cell in the first row R1 and for connecting adjacent battery cells in series, as is known and not described in detail here. These portions also include various auxiliary features, such as, but not limited to: mounting features facilitating the installation and removal of each battery cell 55a and 55b from the main opening 56A, such as the channel groove 55a1 formed on the inner surface of the inner housing 56 for installing and removing battery cell 55a as shown in the figure; retaining features that help hold each battery cell in place, such as the recess 55a2 shown in the figure containing an electrical connection element for electrically connecting the positive terminal of battery cell 55a; and guiding features that provide the operator with the installation orientation of each battery cell, such as... Figure 6a The text and / or symbols shown in the diagram are explained in 55a3.

[0071] The first portion 82 of the inner housing 56 may be defined by two side openings 56B on opposite sides in the second direction A. Figure 6a and 6b ) and 56c ( Figure 6c The size and shape of the side opening are designed to allow the two battery cells 55c and 55d of the second row R2 to be laterally installed into and removed from the battery housing space 45, respectively. This application does not limit the specific details of the side opening (e.g., size, shape, etc.) to the extent that this function can be achieved. It is understood that the first portion 82 of the inner housing 56 may also include the mounting features and retaining features (e.g., ...) described above with respect to the second portion 84. Figure 6c The interval 55e and one or more of the guiding features are not repeated here.

[0072] Although the description above and the accompanying drawings show the second row of R2 battery cells being installed and removed from the side via side openings 56B and 56C, it is also possible for these battery cells to be installed or removed from the main opening 56A. Similarly, the first row of R1 battery cells can also be configured to be installed and removed from the side.

[0073] Although the power assembly 20 is shown in the above description and in the accompanying drawings as including two rows of battery cells R1 and R2, it may also include only one row of battery cells or more than two rows of battery cells. In the case of more than two rows, the power housing 50 may be configured to allow one or more rows of battery cells near the main opening 56A to be installed and removed via the main opening, or the power housing 50 may be configured to allow one or more rows of cells other than the first row to be installed and removed from the side via side openings provided separately for each row or via a common side opening. It is also possible that the power housing 50 may be configured to allow one or more battery cells in the first row R1 furthest from the base 52 to be installed and removed from the side as well.

[0074] Although the two rows R1 and R2 of the power assembly 20 shown in the above description and in the accompanying drawings each include the same number of battery cells, the arrangement (e.g., spacing) of the battery cells in each row is different. It is also conceivable that each row of the power assembly 20 may include the same number of battery cells, or one or more rows may have a different number of battery cells or a different spacing arrangement than the other rows; the battery cells in each row may be spaced apart in the same or different ways; the battery cells in adjacent rows may be aligned with each other or staggered. In some embodiments, the power assembly 20 may be configured such that the number of battery cells in each row along the mating direction M gradually decreases or the spacing of the battery cells in each row along the mating direction M gradually decreases (as illustrated in the example).

[0075] exist Figures 6a-7c In a second exemplary configuration 20b of the power assembly 20, the power housing 50 further includes an additional housing portion 90 located between the inner housing 56 and the outer flange 54. As an example, but not strictly necessary, the additional housing portion 90 is disposed adjacent to the fastening device 60, specifically between the fastening device 60 and the inner housing 56. Power terminals 40 of the power assembly 20, electrically connected to the battery 55, are exposed from the additional housing portion 90 in a mating direction M, for example, extending through a hole in the additional housing portion 90 as illustrated.

[0076] The power supply assembly 20 of the second exemplary configuration of this application is shown to include three power terminals 40, including two power terminals (positive and negative) for supplying power to the light source of the laser level and one functional (redundant) terminal for other functions. However, as described above, the power terminals 40 of this application are not limited to the three shown in the figure, and may also be two or three.

[0077] The above description of two different exemplary configurations for the two different battery types of the power assembly 20 is presented. However, it should be understood that each exemplary configuration of the power assembly 20 has power terminals 40 arranged in a mating direction M that are adapted to the electrical terminals 30 in the power chamber 15 of the power tool. Preferably, the electrical terminals 30 (in the power chamber 15) of the power tool can be arranged in greater numbers to accommodate power assemblies with different exemplary configurations having different arrangements (particularly, a greater number) of power terminals 40. It should also be understood that various power assemblies 20 with different configurations can be installed within the same power housing 50 of the power tool. These power assemblies 20 all have external mating portions (sealing interfaces) adapted to the power chamber 15 of the power tool, including: the outer peripheral surface of the outer flange 54 of the power housing 50, the fastening device 60 on the power housing 50, and some external portions of the inner housing 56 of the power housing 50, etc. For example, in the second exemplary configuration of the power assembly 20, in order to provide support for the inner housing 56 of its power housing 50 to contact the corresponding inner surface of the power chamber 15, the inner housing 56 also includes an outwardly projecting ridge 77. Figure 6c On the other hand, provided these adaptation requirements are met, any other aspects of the power components 20 can be modified as needed. As an example, the power housing 50 can be extended in the opposite direction of the mating aspect M to increase the volume of the battery housing space 45 in the mating direction M, thereby expanding the maximum capacity that the power component 20 can provide.

[0078] The above describes in detail a laser level as a non-limiting example of a power tool and a power supply assembly for a power tool according to the principles of this application. The power supply assembly of this application includes power terminals exposed in a mating direction M in which the power supply assembly is mounted to the power chamber of the power tool, and an outer peripheral surface extending around the mating direction M and configured to seal against a housing defining the power chamber. Thus, when the power supply assembly is mounted to the power chamber of the power tool along the mating direction M, on the one hand, the power terminals are electrically connected to electrical terminals of the power tool exposed within the power chamber along the mating direction M, and therefore the force exerted by the electrical terminals on the power terminals is in the mating direction M; on the other hand, the outer peripheral surface seals against a corresponding surface of the housing defining the power chamber, so that the force exerted by the housing of the power tool on the outer peripheral surface of the power supply assembly is in a plane transverse to the mating direction M (the sealing interface). Therefore, the force exerted by the electrical terminals on the power terminals does not affect the sealing connection between the housing of the power tool and the outer peripheral surface of the power supply assembly, thus preventing damage to the seal and ensuring that external impurities do not enter the interior of the power tool.

[0079] Corresponding to the power terminals, the power terminals of the power tool are exposed, preferably protruding into the battery cavity along the mating direction M, so that the power terminals of the power assembly can be electrically connected along the mating direction M. The power tool housing is sealed to the outer peripheral surface of the power assembly to ensure that the power tool complies with the regulations for preventing external impurities from entering the power tool.

[0080] The power supply assembly of this application can be configured to use either a disposable battery or a rechargeable battery, making it versatile. Therefore, the interface between the power tool and the power supply assembly is also a universal interface. When using a rechargeable battery, the power supply assembly's circuit board and battery are arranged side-by-side along the mating direction M, allowing the power supply assembly to provide the largest possible battery housing space to accommodate as many and / or large rechargeable battery cells as possible, maximizing the power density that the power supply assembly can provide.

[0081] While some exemplary embodiments and possible variations of this application have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, this application is not limited to the embodiments and variations described above. Without departing from the spirit of this application, those skilled in the art can make various additions, omissions, modifications, etc., to the details shown in the drawings and described above, and all new embodiments obtained are within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A laser level comprising: a body portion (10) comprising a housing (12) internally hosting electrically consuming components and externally defining a power supply chamber (15), and at least two electrical terminals (30) each extending through the housing (12) and comprising an inner end portion (30a) for electrically connecting to the electrically consuming components and an outer end portion (30b) exposed within the power supply chamber (15); and a power supply assembly (20) configured to be mounted to the power supply chamber (15) along a mating direction (M) and comprising a power supply casing (50) defining a battery accommodation space (45), a battery (55) housed within the battery accommodation space (45), and at least two power supply terminals (40) electrically connected to the battery, characterized in that all power supply terminals (40) are exposed towards the mating direction and the power supply casing (50) further comprises an outer peripheral surface extending around the mating direction such that, when the power supply assembly (20) is mounted to the power supply chamber, all power supply terminals are electrically connected to the outer end portions (30b) of the corresponding electrical terminals (30) of the laser level along the mating direction and the outer peripheral surface sealingly engages a corresponding inner peripheral surface of the housing (12) of the laser level defining the power supply chamber, and in that the outer peripheral surface, when viewed along the mating direction, surrounds the battery accommodation space (45) and all power supply terminals.

2. The laser level of claim 1, wherein, The power supply chamber (15) comprises a first chamber portion (15a) open to an outer surface of the housing (12) and a second chamber portion (15b) in communication with the first chamber portion (15a) and more internally of the laser level in the mating direction.

3. The laser level of claim 2, wherein At least one of: The at least two electrical terminals (30) are two, three, four, five, six or more electrical terminals; The at least two electrical terminals (30) are arranged in a row; Each of the electrical terminals (30) is a flexible terminal retractable in the mating direction (M); Each of the electrical terminals (30) comprises a terminal body (32) extending through the housing (12) and providing the inner end portion; a flexible element (38) accommodated in an inner bore (36) formed in the terminal body and extending along the mating direction (M); and a plunger (34) abutting the flexible element and protruding from the inner bore to provide the outer end portion.

4. The laser level of claim 3, wherein, The power supply casing (50) comprises a base portion (52) and an outer flange (54) and an inner casing (56) respectively protruding from the base portion along the mating direction, the outer flange (54) providing the outer peripheral surface, the inner casing (56) defining the battery accommodation space (45) together with the base portion (52).

5. The laser level of claim 4, wherein, The power supply assembly (20) further comprises a fastening means (60) attached to the base portion (52) within a clearance space between the outer flange (54) and the inner casing (56) and configured for fastening the power supply assembly (20) to the housing of the laser level.

6. The laser level of claim 5, wherein, The fastening arrangement (60) comprises a lock shaft (62) extending through the base (52) in the mating direction and comprising a first end extending into the void space and a second end opposite the first end, a lock pin (64) passing through a through hole (61) formed on the first end, and an operating portion (66) configured for being operated by a user to rotate the lock shaft relative to the base (52), which is provided by the second end integral with the lock shaft or is a separate operating component attached to the second end, wherein the housing (12) comprises a bore (11) adapted to receive the first end of the lock shaft, an elongated slot (13) extending transversely to the bore and adapted to receive the lock pin, and a slit (17) communicating with the elongated slot and the bore to allow the lock pin to rotate around the lock shaft.

7. The laser level of claim 6, wherein, The power supply housing (50) further comprises guiding features configured to cooperate with corresponding features on the housing (12) to guide the installation of the power supply assembly (20) into the power supply cavity, the guiding features and the fastening arrangement (60) being disposed at or near opposite ends of the power supply housing (50) in a first direction in a plane transverse to the mating direction, wherein one of the guiding features and the corresponding features is a lug and the other is a recess for receiving the lug.

8. Laser level according to any of claims 4-7, characterized in that, The battery is a rechargeable battery, the power supply assembly (20) further comprises a circuit board (72) housed in the battery housing space (45) and electrically connected with the battery (55), all power supply terminals (40) are disposed on the circuit board (72), the battery (55) is clamped between the circuit board (72) and the base (52) in the mating direction.

9. The laser level of claim 8, wherein, Further comprising an inner cover (74) connected to the power supply housing (50) to enclose the circuit board (72) and the battery (55) in the battery housing space (45), the inner cover (74) comprises apertures exposing each power supply terminal (40).

10. The laser level of claim 9, wherein, The base (52) comprises an opening passing through in the mating direction (M), the power supply assembly (20) further comprises an additional cover (80) covering the opening, the additional cover provides a charging port for electrically connecting an external power supply to charge the battery (55).

11. The laser level of claim 10, wherein, The additional cover further comprises one or more data ports and / or one or more communication ports electrically connected with the battery and / or the circuit board and for electrically connecting external electrical components.

12. The laser level of claim 11, wherein, At least one of the following: The battery (55) comprises one or more battery cells arranged side by side in the mating direction (M) and electrically connected with each other; The battery (55) is adhered to the power supply housing (50); The battery (55) comprises one or more lithium polymer battery cells; The circuit board (72) is mechanically connected to the power supply housing (50); The circuit board (72) is soldered to the battery (55); The inner cover (74) is a plate; The at least two power supply terminals (40) are six power supply terminals; The base (52) is a rectangular plate; The inner housing (56) is designed to fit in the first chamber portion (15a).

13. The laser level of any of claims 5-7, wherein, The battery is a disposable battery cell, a central axis of the battery cell extending along a first direction in a plane transverse to the mating direction.

14. The laser level of claim 13, wherein, The battery comprises a plurality of rows of battery cells arranged in the mating direction (M), each row comprising one battery cell or two or more battery cells arranged in a second direction in the plane perpendicular to the first direction, the plurality of rows comprising a first row located outermost toward the mating direction and other rows located between the first row and a base (52) of the power supply housing (50), the inner housing defining: a main opening (45A) of the battery accommodation space (45) open toward the mating direction, sized and dimensioned to at least allow the battery cells of the first row to be installed into and removed from the battery accommodation space (45) via the main opening; and / or side openings (45B, 45C) on one or both of opposite sides in the second direction, sized and dimensioned to at least allow the battery cells of at least one of the other rows to be installed into and removed from the battery accommodation space (45) via the side openings.

15. The laser level of claim 14, wherein: each of the plurality of rows contains the same number of battery cells; or the number of battery cells in the first row is less than the number of battery cells in each of the other rows, or the number of battery cells contained in each row gradually decreases toward the mating direction (M), and correspondingly, the inner housing is a tapered cylindrical housing that tapers or steps in the mating direction.

16. The laser level of claim 14, wherein, the plurality of rows comprises the first row and a second row, the number of battery cells in the first row is less than the number of battery cells in the second row, the inner housing (56) comprises a first portion (82) adapted to accommodate the battery cells of the second row and a second portion (84) adapted to accommodate the battery cells of the first row, the first portion (82) and the second portion (84) are designed to fit in the first chamber portion (15a) and a second chamber portion (15b), respectively, as viewed along the mating direction.

17. The laser level of claim 15, wherein, The inner housing (56) comprises a recess or a protrusion for holding each battery cell in place, an electrical connector for electrically connecting with a positive terminal or a negative terminal of the battery cell being exposed to the recess or the protrusion.

18. The laser level of any of claims 14-17, wherein, The power supply housing (50) further comprises an additional housing portion (90) between the inner housing (56) and the outer flange (54), the fastening device (60) is located between the additional housing portion (90) and the outer flange (54), and the additional housing portion (90) comprises an opening exposing all the power supply terminals (40).

19. The laser level of claim 18, wherein, In the mating direction, the inner housing (56) protrudes beyond the additional housing portion (90) and all the power supply terminals (40).

20. The laser level of claim 19, wherein, The at least two power supply terminals (40) are two or three or more power supply terminals (40).

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