Power pack configured to supply power to a common load

Abstract

The utility model provides a kind of power pack configured to power public load.The power pack includes: first power supply;Second power supply;At least one adapter, the at least one adapter is configured to receive public load, and electrically coupled with at least one of first power supply or second power supply to power public load;Tether interface, the tether interface is electrically coupled with at least one adapter, first power supply and second power supply, and is configured to arrange first power supply and second power supply in series or parallel;And control circuit, the control circuit includes at least one controller for performing a plurality of operations.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application is a non-provisional application that claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 671,845, filed July 16, 2024, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 680,143, filed August 7, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates generally to power tools, and more specifically to modular power supplies for battery packs used in power tools, particularly to a power supply configured to supply power to a common load. Background Technology

[0004] Portable battery-powered tools can rely on rechargeable battery packs for power. These battery packs can be directly connected to the tool (i.e., inserted into it) or configured as self-contained units carried by the user and electrically tethered to the tool (such as backpack or handheld battery packs). As the use and convenience of portable tools continue to increase, the demand for power density and efficiency in these battery packs is also increasing to provide tools with higher power and longer runtime.

[0005] In some cases, battery packs are intended to be used only with certain tools that use a standard battery interface. However, some tools have different voltage requirements and may require the purchase of additional battery packs compatible with these voltage requirements. Therefore, there is a need in the art for improved battery packs. In particular, battery packs capable of providing multiple voltage outputs to meet the voltage requirements of various power tools would be advantageous. Utility Model Content

[0006] Many aspects and advantages of this disclosure will be set forth in part in the description which follows, or may be apparent from the description or learned by practice of the technique.

[0007] According to one embodiment, a power supply group configured to supply power to a common load is provided. The power supply group includes: a first power supply; a second power supply; at least one adapter configured to receive the common load and electrically connect the common load to at least one of the first or second power supplies to supply power to the common load; a tether interface electrically connected to the at least one adapter, the first power supply, and the second power supply, and configured to arrange the first and second power supplies in series or in parallel; and control circuitry including at least one controller for performing a plurality of operations. The plurality of operations includes: detecting a voltage requirement of the common load from the at least one adapter; determining, based on the voltage requirement, whether to connect the first or second power supply in series or in parallel; connecting the first and second power supplies in series via the tether interface when the voltage requirement exceeds a voltage threshold; and connecting the first and second power supplies in parallel via the tether interface when the voltage requirement is less than or equal to the voltage threshold.

[0008] According to another embodiment, a power supply group configured to supply power to a common load is provided. The power supply group includes: a plurality of batteries; at least one adapter configured to receive a common load and electrically connect the common load to at least one of the plurality of batteries to supply power to the common load; a tether interface electrically connected between the at least one adapter and the plurality of batteries and configured to arrange one or more of the plurality of batteries in series; and control circuitry including at least one controller for performing a plurality of operations. The plurality of operations includes: detecting a voltage requirement of the common load from the at least one adapter; and, based on the voltage requirement, connecting at least two of the plurality of batteries in series via the tether interface.

[0009] According to yet another embodiment, a method for supplying power from a power bank to a common load is provided. The method includes: detecting a voltage requirement for the common load from at least one adapter configured to receive the common load; determining, based on the voltage requirement, via control circuitry whether to connect a plurality of batteries in parallel or in series; and connecting the plurality of batteries in series or in parallel via a tethering interface, based on the voltage requirement.

[0010] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of this disclosure will be better understood with reference to the following description and the appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the technology and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the technology. Attached Figure Description

[0011] The complete and sufficient disclosure of this application to a person skilled in the art is set forth in the specification with reference to the accompanying drawings, including the best mode of making and using the present system and methods, in which:

[0012] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a power supply assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0013] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a system for supplying power to a common load according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0014] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a system for supplying power to a common load according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0015] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a system for supplying power to a common load according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0016] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a battery pack for supplying power to a common load according to embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0017] Figure 6 This is a flowchart of a method for supplying power to a common load according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0018] Embodiments of this disclosure will now be described in detail, with one or more examples illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The term "exemplary" as used herein means "as an example, instance, or illustration." Any implementation described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily superior to or advantageous over other implementations. Furthermore, each example is intended to explain the technology and not to limit it. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications and variations can be made to this technology without departing from the scope or spirit of the claimed technology. For example, features shown or described as part of one embodiment may be used in conjunction with another embodiment to produce other embodiments. Therefore, this disclosure is intended to cover all modifications and variations made within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. Numerical and alphabetic designations are used in the detailed description to refer to features in the drawings. The same or similar designations in the drawings and description are used to refer to the same or similar portions of this disclosure.

[0019] When used herein, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third” are used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to indicate the location or importance of the components. The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural forms unless the context explicitly requires it. The terms “connected,” “fixed,” “attached to,” etc., refer to both direct connections, fixations, and attachments, as well as indirect connections, fixations, or attachments through one or more intermediate components or features, unless otherwise specified herein. When used herein, the terms “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” “having,” “containing,” or any other variations are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, product, or apparatus that includes a set of features is not necessarily limited to those features and may also include other features not expressly listed or inherent in the process, method, product, or apparatus. Furthermore, unless expressly stated otherwise, “or” refers to inclusion rather than exclusivity. For example, conditions A or B satisfy any of the following: A is true (or exists) and B is false (or does not exist); A is false (or does not exist) and B is true (or exists); and both A and B are true (or exist).

[0020] Approximate terms such as “approximately,” “roughly,” “around,” or “substantially” include values ​​that are 10 percent higher or lower than the stated value. When used in contexts involving angles or directions, such terms include values ​​that are 10 degrees higher or lower than the stated angle or direction. For example, “approximately vertical” includes directions that are within 10 degrees vertical in any direction, such as clockwise or counterclockwise.

[0021] The advantages, other benefits, and solutions to problems will be described below with reference to specific embodiments. However, these advantages, benefits, solutions to problems, and any features that may lead to or enhance these advantages, benefits, or solutions should not be considered as critical, necessary, or essential features in any or all claims.

[0022] Generally, power supplies and battery packs used to power power tools such as handheld power tools may have different voltage requirements. For example, users may need to purchase multiple battery packs to power different types of power tools. Therefore, a modular battery pack capable of supplying different voltages for various types of power tools is desirable.

[0023] Now refer to the attached diagram, Figure 1 A perspective view of a power pack 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The power pack 100 includes at least one power source 105 and at least one controller 110. The power source 105 may include a plurality of batteries. The power pack 100 may be configured as a backpack 115, which is configured to be worn by a user. Therefore, the power source 105 and the controller 110 may be disposed in the backpack 115.

[0024] The power supply unit 100 also includes at least one adapter 120 electrically connected to the power supply 105 via a tether 125. The tether 125 may include a cable or wire for electrically connecting the adapter 120 to the power supply 105 within the backpack 115. The adapter 120 is configured to receive a common load 205. Figures 2 to 4 As shown in the diagram, such as a power tool, and connect a common load to power supply 105 to supply power from power supply 105 to the common load.

[0025] like Figure 1 As shown, adapter 120 may include a first adapter 121 and a second adapter 122. One or both of the first adapter 121 and the second adapter 122 are configured to be electrically connected to a common load. In some example embodiments, the first adapter 121 may be configured to be electrically connected to a first load type, while the second adapter 122 may be configured to be connected to a second load type. The first load type and the second load type may be different types of power tools with different voltage requirements. Furthermore, the first adapter 121 may be able to mechanically engage with the first load type but not with the second load type. Therefore, in one embodiment, the first adapter 121 can only electrically connect the first load type to the power supply 105. Similarly, the second adapter 122 may be able to mechanically engage with the second load type but not with the first load type, so that the second adapter 122 can only electrically connect the second load type to the power supply 105.

[0026] Additionally, such as Figure 1 As shown, the power supply 100 includes a tether interface 130 electrically connected to the adapter 120 and the power supply 105. More specifically, the tether interface 130 can electrically connect the power supply 105 and the tether 125. The tether interface 130 can be configured to arrange multiple batteries of the power supply 105 in parallel or series, as detailed herein. In other example embodiments, the multiple batteries of the power supply 105 can be arranged in parallel or series via electrical switches. For example, the electrical switches may include one or more N-channel MOSFETs.

[0027] Now refer to Figure 2A schematic diagram of a system 200 for supplying power to a common load 205 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. In at least one example embodiment, the common load 205 may be a power tool, such as any suitable handheld power tool. Furthermore, as shown, the system 200 includes a battery pack 210. The battery pack 210 may include a power source 105. For example, as shown, the battery pack 210 includes: a first power source 215 having a first battery 216 and a second battery 218; and a second power source 220 having a third battery 222 and a fourth battery 224, the first power source 215 and the second power source 220 being electrically connected to the common load 205 via a tether interface 130 and an adapter 120. The first battery 216 and the second battery 218 may be connected in parallel, and the third battery 222 and the fourth battery 224 may also be connected in parallel.

[0028] In at least one example embodiment, the battery pack 210 includes at least one control circuit 225 electrically connected to each of the batteries 216, 218, 222, and 224. For example, the at least one control circuit 225 includes: a first circuit 230 electrically connected to a first battery 216 and a second battery 218 in a first power source 215; and a second circuit 235 electrically connected to a third battery 222 and a fourth battery 224 in a second power source 220.

[0029] The first circuit 230 includes a first diode 240, a second diode 245, a first driver 250, a second driver 255, and a first controller 260. The first controller 260 can be configured to... Figure 1 The controller in at least one controller 110 under discussion. The first driver 250 and the second driver 255 may each be implemented via a solid-state disconnect device (SSD) controlled by the first controller 260. The first controller 260 is configured to provide signals to one or both of the first driver 250 and the second driver 255 to control a first output 290 from one or both of the first battery 216 and the second battery 218.

[0030] The second circuit 235 includes a third diode 265, a fourth diode 270, a third driver 275, a fourth driver 280, and a second controller 285. The second controller 285 can also be for... Figure 1The controller in at least one controller 110 under discussion. The third driver 275 and the fourth driver 280 may each be implemented via a solid-state disconnect device (SSD) controlled by the second controller 285. The second controller 285 is configured to provide signals to one or both of the third driver 275 and the fourth driver 280 to control a second output 295 from one or both of the third battery 222 and the fourth battery 224.

[0031] Still refer to Figure 2 The tether interface 130 is configured to arrange the first power supply 215 and the second power supply 220 in series or parallel based on the voltage requirements of the common load 205. In at least one example embodiment, the adapter 120 receives the common load 205, and at least one control circuit 225 is configured to detect the voltage requirements of the common load 205 from the adapter 120. The at least one control circuit 225 also determines whether to connect the first power supply 215 and the second power supply 220 in series or in parallel based on the voltage requirements. The tether interface 130 is configured to connect the first power supply 215 and the second power supply 220 in series, such as via a series connection device 300, based on voltage requirements exceeding a voltage threshold.

[0032] In at least one example embodiment, the voltage threshold is approximately 18 volts. In this embodiment, each of batteries 216, 218, 222, and 224 may comprise an 18-volt battery. Therefore, based on a voltage requirement exceeding the voltage threshold, the first power supply 215 and the second power supply 220 are connected in series via tether interface 130 to achieve a higher voltage output and meet the voltage requirements of the common load 205.

[0033] Now refer to Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a system 200 for supplying power to a common load 205 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. More specifically, Figure 3 The first power supply 215 and the second power supply 220 are shown in parallel connection.

[0034] As mentioned above, regarding Figure 2 The control circuit 225, as discussed, determines whether to connect the first power supply 215 and the second power supply 220 in series or in parallel based on voltage requirements. (Refer to...) Figure 3 The tether interface 130 is configured to connect the first power supply 215 and the second power supply 220 in parallel, such as via a parallel connection device 305, based on a voltage requirement less than or equal to a voltage threshold. For example, in embodiments where the voltage threshold is 18 volts and batteries 216, 218, 222, and 224 include 18-volt batteries, the first power supply 215 and the second power supply 220 can be connected in parallel via the tether interface 130 to send a voltage requirement to a common load 205.

[0035] In other example embodiments, the voltage threshold may be greater than 18 volts, such as 36 volts or 72 volts. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the common load 205 may include one or more 18-volt, 36-volt, and 72-volt power tools.

[0036] Now refer to Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a system 400 supplying power to a common load 205 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Specifically, as shown, system 400 includes a battery pack 410. Battery pack 410 may include a power source 105. For example, battery pack 410 includes multiple batteries, such as a first battery 415, a second battery 420, a third battery 425, and a fourth battery 430. Each of batteries 415, 420, 425, and 430 is configured to be electrically connected to the common load 205 via a tether interface 130 and an adapter 120.

[0037] In at least one example embodiment, the battery pack 410 includes at least one control circuit 435 electrically connected to each of the batteries 415, 420, 425, and 430. The control circuit 435 may include: a first control circuit 436 electrically connected to the first battery 415; a second control circuit 437 electrically connected to the second battery 420; a third control circuit 438 electrically connected to the third battery 425; and a fourth control circuit 439 electrically connected to the fourth battery 430. Furthermore, as shown, each of the control circuits 436, 437, 438, and 439 includes a diode 440, a driver 445, and a controller 450. The driver 445 may be implemented using a solid-state disconnect device (SSD) controlled by the controller 450. In one embodiment, the controller 450 may act as a... Figure 1 This is part of the controller 110 under discussion. Furthermore, controller 450 is configured to provide signals to driver 445 to control the outputs from one or more of batteries 415, 420, 425, and 430. For example, controller 450 of each of the control circuits 436, 437, 438, and 439 provides signals to driver 445 to control a first output 451 from the first battery 415, a second output 452 from the second battery 420, a third output 453 from the third battery 425, a fourth output 454 from the fourth battery 430, or a combination of the above outputs.

[0038] However, it should also be understood that the controller 450 of one or more of the first control circuit 436, the second control circuit 437, the third control circuit 438, and the fourth control circuit 439 can be electrically connected to one or more of the first battery 415, the second battery 420, the third battery 425, and the fourth battery 430 to control the output from one or more of the first battery 415, the second battery 420, the third battery 425, and the fourth battery 430. Therefore, any one of the first battery 415, the second battery 420, the third battery 425, and the fourth battery 430 can cooperate with the controller 450 of any one of the first control circuit 436, the second control circuit 437, the third control circuit 438, and the fourth control circuit 439.

[0039] Still refer to Figure 4 The tether interface 130 is configured to arrange one or more of batteries 415, 420, 425, and 430 in series based on the voltage requirements of the common load 205. In at least one example embodiment, the adapter 120 receives the common load 205, and the control circuitry 435 is configured to detect the voltage requirements of the common load 205 from the adapter 120. The tether interface 130 is configured to connect one or more of batteries 415, 420, 425, and 430 in series based on the voltage requirements.

[0040] In at least one example embodiment, each of batteries 415, 420, 425, and 430 comprises an 18-volt battery. In this embodiment, if the voltage requirement of the common load 205 is 18 volts, only one of batteries 415, 420, 425, and 430 needs to be connected to the common load 205 via tether interface 130 and adapter 120. However, if the voltage requirement is 72 volts, all batteries 415, 420, 425, and 430 can be connected in series via tether interface 130 to meet the voltage requirement of the common load 205, as shown below. Figure 4 As shown.

[0041] In other example embodiments, the voltage requirement of the common load may be 36 volts or 54 volts, thereby allowing three or four of batteries 415, 420, 425, and 430 to be connected in series via cable interface 130 to meet the voltage requirement.

[0042] Now refer to Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a battery pack 510 for supplying power to a common load 205 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The battery pack 510 can be used with... Figure 4 The battery pack 410 discussed herein is similar or analogous.

[0043] In at least one example embodiment, as shown, the battery pack 510 includes a plurality of modules 515 for controlling a plurality of batteries 520. For example, each of the plurality of modules 515 may include two batteries from the plurality of batteries 520, as shown. Furthermore, additional modules and batteries may be added to the battery pack 510 to increase the voltage output of the battery pack 510. For example, the battery pack 510 may contain a total of 1 to Z modules from the plurality of modules 515 and a total of 1 to N batteries from the plurality of batteries 520.

[0044] In at least one example embodiment, the battery pack 510 includes at least a first module 525, a second module 530, and a third module 535. (As stated above regarding...) Figure 4 As discussed, the multiple batteries 520 in each module 515 can be connected in series or parallel to achieve a desired voltage, such as the voltage requirement of the common load 205. For example, in some example embodiments, the battery pack 510 can output a voltage greater than or equal to 18 volts and less than or equal to 72 volts. Furthermore, the battery pack 510 can supply power to the common load 205. The common load 205 can be a power tool, such as one or more of an 18-volt power tool, a 36-volt power tool, or a 72-volt power tool.

[0045] In an example embodiment, as shown in the figure, each of the plurality of batteries 520 may include an 18-volt battery. Therefore, the first module 525 can output an 18-volt voltage; the first module 525 arranged in series with the second module 530 can output a 36-volt voltage; and the first module 525, the second module 530, and the third module 535 arranged in series can output a 54-volt voltage. However, as discussed above, additional modules can be added to the plurality of modules 515. For example, a fourth module 540 can be added to the battery pack 510, such that the first module 525, the second module 530, the third module 535, and the fourth module 540, when arranged in series, output a 72-volt voltage.

[0046] Now refer to Figure 6 A flowchart of a method 600 for supplying power to a common load 205 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. For example, method 600 may be provided by... Figures 1 to 5 The battery pack implementation is shown. Furthermore, method 600 is illustrated as a set of blocks in a logic flowchart, representing operations that can be implemented by hardware, software, or a combination of both. The order in which method 600 is described should not be considered limiting, and any number of blocks can be combined in any order to implement the exemplary methods disclosed herein or equivalent alternative methods. Additionally, certain blocks may be removed from the exemplary methods, or extended by adding modules with additional functionality, without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject matter described herein.

[0047] In at least one example embodiment, as shown at (605), method 600 includes detecting a voltage requirement for a common load via an adapter. As shown at (610), method 600 includes determining, via control circuitry, whether to connect multiple batteries in parallel or in series based on the voltage requirement of the common load. For example, in one embodiment, determining whether to connect multiple batteries in parallel or in series based on the voltage requirement of the common load may include comparing the voltage requirement with a voltage threshold. As shown at (615), method 600 includes connecting multiple batteries in series or in parallel via a tether interface based on the voltage requirement. In this embodiment, connecting multiple batteries in series or in parallel based on the voltage requirement may include: connecting one or more of the multiple batteries in series based on a voltage requirement exceeding a voltage threshold; and / or connecting the multiple batteries in parallel based on a voltage requirement less than or equal to a voltage threshold. For example, the first power supply 215 and the second power supply 220 can be connected in series via the tether interface 130 based on a voltage requirement exceeding a voltage threshold, and the first power supply 215 and the second power supply 220 can be connected in parallel via the tether interface 130 based on a voltage requirement less than or equal to the voltage threshold. In at least one example embodiment, the voltage threshold can be 18 volts.

[0048] In some additional example embodiments, connecting multiple batteries in series or in parallel based on voltage requirements may include connecting one or more of batteries 415, 420, 425, and 430 in series via tether interface 130, such that the voltage requirement is output to the common load 205. Additionally or alternatively, connecting multiple batteries to the common load 615 may include connecting one or more of batteries 520 from multiple modules 515 in series via tether interface 130, such that the voltage requirement is output to the common load 205. In at least one example embodiment, the voltage requirement is greater than or equal to 18 volts and less than or equal to 72 volts.

[0049] Other aspects of this disclosure are provided by one or more of the following embodiments:

[0050] A power supply assembly configured to supply power to a common load is provided. The power supply assembly includes: a first power supply; a second power supply; at least one adapter configured to receive the common load and electrically connect the common load to at least one of the first or second power supplies to supply power to the common load; a tether interface electrically connected to the at least one adapter, the first power supply, and the second power supply, and configured to arrange the first and second power supplies in series or in parallel; and control circuitry including at least one controller for performing a plurality of operations. The plurality of operations includes: detecting a voltage requirement of the common load from the at least one adapter; determining, based on the voltage requirement, whether to connect the first or second power supply in series or in parallel; connecting the first and second power supplies in series via the tether interface when the voltage requirement exceeds a voltage threshold; and connecting the first and second power supplies in parallel via the tether interface when the voltage requirement is less than or equal to the voltage threshold.

[0051] According to any one or more of the power supply groups described in the embodiments, the voltage threshold is 18 volts.

[0052] According to any one or more of the power supply groups in the embodiments, the first power supply includes a first battery and a second battery; and the second power supply includes a third battery and a fourth battery.

[0053] According to any one or more of the power supply groups in the embodiments, wherein at least one controller includes: a first controller for controlling power from at least one of a first battery or a second battery; and a second controller for controlling power from at least one of a third battery or a fourth battery.

[0054] According to any one or more of the power supply groups in the embodiments, the control circuit further includes a first driver communicatively connected to a first controller and a second driver communicatively connected to a second controller; the first driver is configured to control a first output of a first battery and a second battery; and the second driver is configured to control a second output of a third battery and a fourth battery.

[0055] According to any one or more of the power supply groups in the embodiments, the first battery and the second battery are connected in parallel; and the third battery and the fourth battery are connected in parallel.

[0056] According to any one or more of the power supply groups described in the embodiments, the common load includes power tools.

[0057] According to any one or more of the power supply groups described in the embodiments, the power tools include one or more of 18-volt power tools, 36-volt power tools, or 72-volt power tools.

[0058] According to any one or more of the power supply groups in the embodiments described, the power supply group is configured to supply a range of voltages to the power tool; and the adapter is configured to prevent mechanical connection with the power tool based on the power tool's voltage requirements being outside the range of voltages.

[0059] According to any one or more of the power supply units in the embodiments described, a tether is further included to electrically connect the tether interface and at least one adapter, wherein the tether includes a cable or a conductor.

[0060] A power bank configured to supply power to a common load is provided. The power bank includes: a plurality of batteries; at least one adapter configured to receive a common load and electrically connect the common load to at least one of the plurality of batteries to supply power to the common load; a tether interface electrically connected between the at least one adapter and the plurality of batteries and configured to arrange one or more of the plurality of batteries in series; and control circuitry including at least one controller for performing a plurality of operations. The plurality of operations includes: detecting a voltage requirement of the common load from the at least one adapter; and connecting at least two of the plurality of batteries in series via the tether interface based on the voltage requirement.

[0061] According to any one or more of the power supply groups in the embodiments described, each of the plurality of batteries includes an 18-volt battery.

[0062] According to any one or more of the power supply groups described in the embodiments, the voltage is required to be greater than or equal to 18 volts and less than or equal to 72 volts.

[0063] According to any one or more of the power supply groups described in the embodiments, at least one controller includes a controller for each of the plurality of batteries; and the control circuitry further includes a driver communicatively coupled to the controller for each of the plurality of batteries. The driver is configured to control the output of each of the plurality of batteries.

[0064] According to any one or more of the power supply groups in the embodiments described, the common load includes power tools.

[0065] According to any one or more of the power supply groups described in the embodiments, the power tools include one or more of 18-volt power tools, 36-volt power tools, and 72-volt power tools.

[0066] According to any one or more of the power supply units in the embodiments described, a tether is further included to electrically connect the tether interface and the adapter, wherein the tether includes a cable or a conductor.

[0067] A method is provided for supplying power from a power bank to a common load. The method includes: detecting a voltage requirement for the common load from at least one adapter configured to receive the common load; determining, via control circuitry, whether to connect a plurality of batteries in parallel or in series based on the voltage requirement; and connecting the plurality of batteries in series or in parallel via a tethering interface based on the voltage requirement.

[0068] The method according to any one or more of the embodiments further includes: connecting one or more batteries in series via a tether interface based on a voltage requirement exceeding a voltage threshold; and connecting one or more batteries in parallel via a tether interface based on a voltage requirement less than or equal to a voltage threshold. The voltage threshold is 18 volts.

[0069] According to any one or more of the methods described in the embodiments, the voltage requirement is greater than or equal to 18 volts and less than or equal to 72 volts.

[0070] This written description uses examples to disclose this application, including best practices, and to enable those skilled in the art to practice this disclosure, including making and using any device or system and performing any included methods. The patentable scope of this disclosure is defined by the claims, but may include other examples that would occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be included within the scope of the claims if they contain structural elements that are not different from the literal language of the claims, or if they contain equivalent structural elements that are not substantially different from the literal language of the claims.

Claims

1. A power supply group configured to supply power to a common load, characterized in that, The power supply unit includes: First power source; Second power source; At least one adapter is configured to receive the common load and electrically connect the common load to at least one of the first power source or the second power source to supply power to the common load; A tethering interface, electrically connected to the at least one adapter, the first power supply, and the second power supply, and configured to arrange the first power supply and the second power supply in series or parallel; and A control circuit, comprising at least one controller for performing a plurality of operations, the plurality of operations including: The voltage requirement of the common load is detected from the at least one adapter. Based on the voltage requirements, determine whether to connect the first power supply or the second power supply in series or in parallel. When the voltage requirement exceeds the voltage threshold, the first power supply and the second power supply are connected in series via the tether interface. When the voltage requirement is less than or equal to the voltage threshold, the first power supply and the second power supply are connected in parallel via the tether interface.

2. The power supply pack according to claim 1, characterized in that, The voltage threshold is 18 volts.

3. The power supply pack according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first power source includes a first battery and a second battery; and The second power source includes a third battery and a fourth battery.

4. The power supply pack according to claim 3, characterized in that, The at least one controller includes: A first controller, configured to control power from at least one of the first or second batteries; and A second controller is used to control the power from at least one of the third or fourth batteries.

5. The power supply pack according to claim 4, characterized in that: The control circuit further includes a first driver that is communicatively connected to the first controller and a second driver that is communicatively connected to the second controller. The first driver is configured to control the first output of the first battery and the second battery; as well as The second driver is configured to control the second outputs of the third and fourth batteries.

6. The power supply pack according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first battery and the second battery are connected in parallel; and The third battery is connected in parallel with the fourth battery.

7. The power supply group according to claim 1, characterized in that, The common load includes power tools.

8. The power supply pack according to claim 7, characterized in that, The power tools include one or more of 18-volt, 36-volt, or 72-volt power tools.

9. The power supply pack according to claim 7, characterized in that: The power supply is configured to provide a range of voltages to the power tool; and The adapter is configured to be outside the voltage range required by the power tool, thereby preventing mechanical connection with the power tool.

10. The power supply pack according to claim 1, characterized in that, The power supply unit also includes a tether that electrically connects the tether interface and the at least one adapter, wherein the tether includes a cable or a conductor.

11. A power supply group configured to supply power to a common load, characterized in that, The power supply unit includes: Multiple batteries; At least one adapter is configured to receive the common load and electrically connect the common load to at least one of the plurality of batteries to supply power to the common load; A tether interface electrically connecting the at least one adapter and the plurality of batteries, and configured to arrange one or more of the plurality of batteries in series; and A control circuit, comprising at least one controller for performing a plurality of operations, the plurality of operations including: The voltage requirement of the common load is detected from the at least one adapter, and Based on the voltage requirements, at least two of the plurality of batteries are connected in series via the tethering interface.

12. The power supply pack according to claim 11, characterized in that, Each of the plurality of batteries comprises an 18-volt battery.

13. The power supply pack according to claim 11, characterized in that, The voltage requirement is greater than or equal to 18 volts and less than or equal to 72 volts.

14. The power supply pack according to claim 11, characterized in that: The at least one controller includes a controller for each of the plurality of batteries; and The control circuitry also includes a driver communicatively coupled to a controller for each of the plurality of batteries, the driver being configured to control the output of each of the plurality of batteries.

15. The power supply pack according to claim 11, characterized in that, The common load includes power tools.

16. The power supply pack according to claim 15, characterized in that, The power tools include one or more of 18-volt power tools, 36-volt power tools, and 72-volt power tools.

17. The power supply pack according to claim 11, characterized in that, The power supply unit also includes a tether that electrically connects the tether interface and the adapter, wherein the tether includes a cable or a conductor.

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