Electric device and transportation case

Abstract

To provide a technique capable of restricting annoyance in a user feeling.SOLUTION: An electric device comprises: a main body case that defines a housing space; a battery attachment part that is provided at the main body case, and in which a battery pack used for a power supply of an electric power tool is detachably attached; an external terminal that is provided at the main body case, and is electrically connected to the battery pack via the battery attachment part; a lid that can be moved between an open position opening a housing space and a closing position closing the housing space with respect to the main body case; and a coupling mechanism that can be switched between a coupling state for coupling the main body case with the lid each other and a coupling cancellation state of canceling the coupling the main body case with the lid.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to electrical equipment and carrying cases.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an electrical device including a main body case defining an accommodation space, a battery attachment portion provided on the main body case and to which a battery pack used as a power source for a power tool is detachably attached, an external terminal provided on the main body case and electrically connected to the battery pack via the battery attachment portion, a lid movable between an open position for opening the accommodation space and a closed position for closing the accommodation space with respect to the main body case, and a connecting mechanism for connecting the main body case and the lid to each other.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Users of the electrical device of Patent Document 1 may find the lid connected to the main body case obstructive. For example, when a user tries to install the electrical device but the lid interferes with an obstacle and makes the installation of the electrical device time-consuming, the user may find the lid obstructive. However, since the connection between the main body case and the lid of the electrical device of Patent Document 1 cannot be released, the lid cannot be removed from the main body case, which may cause annoyance to the user in the above situation. This specification provides a technology capable of suppressing annoyance to the user.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The electrical equipment disclosed in this specification includes a main body case that defines an accommodation space, a battery attachment portion provided on the main body case to which a battery pack used as the power source of an electric tool is detachably attached, an external terminal provided on the main body case and electrically connected to the battery pack via the battery attachment portion, a lid that is movable between an open position where the accommodation space is opened and a closed position where the accommodation space is closed with respect to the main body case, and a coupling mechanism that can be switched between a coupled state in which the main body case and the lid are coupled to each other and a decoupled state in which the coupling between the main body case and the lid is released.

[0006] According to the above configuration, the user can release the connection between the main body case and the lid by switching the coupling mechanism to the decoupled state. Therefore, when the user feels that the lid is in the way, the user can remove the lid from the main body case. Accordingly, according to the above configuration, it is possible to suppress causing annoyance to the user.

[0007] The carrying case disclosed in this specification is a carrying case for the user to carry a battery pack used as the power source of an electric tool. The carrying case includes a main body case that defines an accommodation space, a lid that is movable between an open position where the accommodation space is opened and a closed position where the accommodation space is closed with respect to the main body case, and a coupling mechanism that can be switched between a coupled state in which the main body case and the lid are coupled to each other and a decoupled state in which the coupling between the main body case and the lid is released.

[0008] According to the above configuration, the user can release the connection between the main body case and the lid by switching the coupling mechanism to the decoupled state. Therefore, when the user feels that the lid is in the way, the user can remove the lid from the main body case. Accordingly, according to the above configuration, it is possible to suppress causing annoyance to the user.

[0009] Note that it should be noted that the "closed position" of the lid as referred to in this specification may include not only the position where the accommodation space is completely closed but also the position where the accommodation space is slightly opened. For example, even if the lid has opened the accommodation space, if the lid is closed to such an extent that objects (e.g., battery packs) cannot be taken in and out through the accommodation space, the position of the lid at that time may be regarded as the closed position. Also, the "connection mechanism" as referred to in this specification specifically intends a mechanism that can be switched between a connected state and a disconnected state without the user using a tool (e.g., a driver for tightening or loosening screws). Therefore, it should be noted that a mechanism that requires the use of a tool to switch between the connected state and the disconnected state is excluded from the "connection mechanism" as referred to in this specification.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Typical and non - limiting specific examples of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. This detailed description is merely intended to show those skilled in the art the details for implementing preferred examples of the present invention, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Also, the disclosed additional features and inventions can be used separately or together with other features and inventions to provide further improved electrical equipment and carrying cases.

[0012] Also, the combinations of features and steps disclosed in the following detailed description are not essential for carrying out the present invention in the broadest sense, and are described only for the purpose of explaining representative specific examples of the present invention. Further, the various features of the following representative specific examples, as well as the various features recited in the claims, need not be combined in the manner of the specific examples described herein or in the order recited to provide additional and useful embodiments of the present invention.

[0013] All features described in this specification and / or in the claims are intended to be disclosed separately and independently of each other, as limitations to the initial disclosure and to the specific matters recited in the claims, apart from the configurations of the features described in the examples and / or in the claims. Further, all descriptions of numerical ranges and groups or collections are made with the intention of disclosing intermediate configurations as limitations to the initial disclosure and to the specific matters recited in the claims.

[0014] In one or more embodiments, when the lid is in the closed position, switching the connection mechanism from the connected state to the disconnected state may be prohibited. When the lid is in the open position, switching the connection mechanism from the connected state to the disconnected state may be permitted.

[0015] For example, from the viewpoint of safety, there may be a case where it is desired to suppress the disconnection of the connection between the main body case and the lid in a situation where the posture of the electric device is unstable (for example, a situation where the electric device is being carried by a user). Usually, in a situation where the posture of the electric device is unstable, the lid is expected to be in the closed position. According to the above configuration, when the lid is in the closed position, disconnecting the connection between the main body case and the lid is prohibited. When the lid is in the open position, disconnecting the connection between the main body case and the lid is permitted. Thereby, in a situation where the posture of the electric device is unstable, it is possible to suppress the disconnection of the connection between the main body case and the lid, so that the safety of the electric device can be improved.

[0016] In one or more embodiments, the connecting mechanism may include a connecting member that is movable between a connecting position where the main body case and the lid are connected to each other and a connecting release position where the connection between the main body case and the lid is released. The connected state may be a state where the connecting member is in the connecting position. The connection release state may be a state where the connecting member is in the connection release position.

[0017] According to the above configuration, the user can switch the connecting mechanism between the connected state and the connection release state by changing the position of the connecting member between the connecting position and the connection release position. Thereby, the connecting mechanism can have a simple configuration.

[0018] In one or more embodiments, the connecting member may be attached to an outer surface of one of the main body case and the lid.

[0019] According to the above configuration, the connecting member can be arranged at a location that is easy for the user to operate.

[0020] In one or more embodiments, the connecting member may include an engaging portion that engages with one of the main body case and the lid when the connecting member is in the connecting position.

[0021] According to the above configuration, before the user moves the connecting member from the connecting position to the connection release position, it is necessary to release the engagement between the engaging portion and one of the main body case and the lid. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the connecting member from moving from the connecting position to the connection release position against the user's intention (that is, to prevent the connection between the main body case and the lid from being released against the user's intention).

[0022] In one or more embodiments, one of the main body case and the lid may be provided with an interfering portion that interferes with the movement of the connecting member from the connecting position to the disconnecting position when the lid is in the closed position. The interfering portion may stop interfering with the movement of the connecting member from the connecting position to the disconnecting position when the lid is in the open position.

[0023] For example, from the viewpoint of safety, in a situation where the posture of the electric device is unstable (for example, when the electric device is being carried by a user), it may be desired to prevent the connection between the main body case and the lid from being disconnected. Usually, in a situation where the posture of the electric device is unstable, the lid is expected to be in the closed position. According to the above configuration, when the lid is in the closed position, the interfering portion interferes with the movement of the connecting member from the connecting position to the disconnecting position, so that the disconnection of the connection between the main body case and the lid is suppressed. Thereby, in a situation where the posture of the electric device is unstable, it is possible to prevent the connection between the main body case and the lid from being disconnected, so that the safety of the electric device can be improved.

[0024] In one or more embodiments, the connecting member may include a connecting pin that is inserted through a case-side insertion element provided on the main body case and a lid-side insertion element provided on the lid to rotatably connect the main body case and the lid to each other, and an operation portion that is fixed to the connecting pin and can be operated by a user. The connecting position may be a position where the connecting pin is inserted through each of the case-side insertion element and the lid-side insertion element. The disconnecting position may be a position where the connecting pin has come out of one of the case-side insertion element and the lid-side insertion element.

[0025] According to the above configuration, the user can slide the connecting member in the axial direction of the connecting pin to insert and remove the connecting pin from the first insertion element and the second insertion element, thereby switching the connecting mechanism between the connected state and the disconnected state. Thereby, the connecting mechanism can be made into a simple configuration.

[0026] In one or more embodiments, the operation portion may include a finger hook portion for hooking the user's finger. The finger hook portion may be offset in the radial direction of the connecting pin with respect to the connecting pin.

[0027] According to the above configuration, the user can move the connecting member without using any special tools by hooking their finger on the finger hook portion of the connecting member. However, if the finger hook portion and the connecting pin are arranged side by side in the axial direction of the connecting pin, the size of the connecting member may increase in the axial direction of the connecting pin. On the other hand, according to the above configuration, since the finger hook portion is offset in the radial direction of the connecting pin, the finger hook portion and the connecting pin are not arranged side by side in the axial direction of the connecting pin. As a result, the connecting member can be miniaturized in the axial direction of the connecting pin.

[0028] In one or more embodiments, the operation portion may extend in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the connecting pin and include a wall portion for abutting a plate-like element. The wall portion may be offset in the radial direction of the connecting pin with respect to the connecting pin.

[0029] According to the above configuration, the user can apply a force to the connecting member in the axial direction of the connecting pin through the plate-like element by abutting the plate-like element (e.g., a coin, a minus driver, etc.) against the wall portion of the connecting member. However, if the wall portion and the connecting pin are arranged side by side in the axial direction of the connecting pin, the size of the connecting member may increase in the axial direction of the connecting pin. On the other hand, according to the above configuration, since the wall portion is offset in the radial direction of the connecting pin, the wall portion and the connecting pin are not arranged side by side in the axial direction of the connecting pin. As a result, the connecting member can be miniaturized in the axial direction of the connecting pin.

[0030] In one or more embodiments, the battery mounting portion may be disposed inside the accommodation space.

[0031] If the battery attachment portion is disposed outside the accommodation space (for example, on the outer surface of the main body case), the battery pack attached to the battery attachment portion is exposed outside the accommodation space. In this case, the battery pack may hit other objects (for example, tools, the ground, a wall) and be damaged. According to the above configuration, since the battery attachment portion is disposed inside the accommodation space, the battery pack attached to the battery attachment portion is suppressed from being exposed outside the accommodation space. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the battery pack from hitting other objects and being damaged.

[0032] In one or more embodiments, the battery pack may be attached to the battery attachment portion by sliding it in a predetermined sliding direction with respect to the battery attachment portion. The sliding direction may be a direction along the direction in which the accommodation space is opened.

[0033] According to the above configuration, it becomes easy for the user to attach and detach the battery pack to and from the battery attachment portion.

[0034] In one or more embodiments, the electric device may further include an operation portion that can be operated by the user's hand. The connection mechanism may be switched between the connected state and the disconnected state when the operation portion is operated.

[0035] According to the above configuration, the user can operate the operation portion with his or her own hand without using tools (for example, a driver, a wrench) to switch the connection mechanism between the connected state and the disconnected state. Thereby, it becomes easy for the user to switch the connection mechanism between the connected state and the disconnected state.

[0036] In one or more embodiments, the connected state may include a first connected state in which the main body case and the lid are rotatably connected to each other about a first rotation axis, and a second connected state in which the main body case and the lid are rotatably connected to each other about a second rotation axis different from the first rotation axis. The connection mechanism may be switchable between the first connected state, the second connected state, and the disconnected state.

[0037] According to the above configuration, by switching the connection mechanism between the first connected state and the second connected state, the opening direction of the lid with respect to the main body case can be changed. Thereby, the opening direction of the lid with respect to the main body case can be changed to be more user-friendly.

[0038] In one or more embodiments, the carrying case may be provided on the main body case and may further include a battery mounting portion to which the battery pack is detachably attached.

[0039] According to the above configuration, by attaching the battery pack to the battery mounting portion, the battery pack can be positioned with respect to the carrying case.

[0040] (Example 1: Charger 2) The charger 2 shown in Fig. 1 is an electrical device capable of charging a plurality of battery packs B. The charger 2 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The charger 2 includes a main body case 4 that defines a storage space S1 for storing an object (e.g., the battery pack B), and a lid 6 that opens and closes the storage space S1. For the main body case 4 of the present embodiment, for example, PC+ABS (polycarbonate-based polymer alloy) is used. For the lid 6, for example, PC (polycarbonate) is used. The lid 6 is movable between an open position (see Fig. 1) where the storage space S1 is opened with respect to the main body case 4 and a closed position (see Fig. 2) where the storage space S1 is closed. The user can take in and out an object from the storage space S1 with the lid 6 moved to the open position. Further, the main body case 4 is provided with an external terminal 8 for connecting a dedicated AC adapter (not shown). The AC adapter can convert AC power supplied from an external power source such as a commercial power supply into DC power and supply the DC power to the charger 2.

[0041] As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the charger 2 can be placed on a placement surface P such as the ground so that the storage space S1 is opened upward in the vertical direction and the top surface of the lid 6 in the closed position faces upward in the vertical direction. The vertical upward direction referred to here can also be said to be the direction perpendicular to the placement surface P. In this specification, based on the posture of the charger 2 shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the front-rear direction, left-right direction, and up-down direction of the charger 2 are defined. Specifically, when the charger 2 is in the posture shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the vertical up-down direction is defined as the up-down direction of the charger 2. And the direction perpendicular to the up-down direction and along the longitudinal direction of the charger 2 is defined as the left-right direction of the charger 2. Among the left-right directions, the direction along which the lid 6 moves from the open position (see Fig. 1) to the closed position (see Fig. 2) is defined as the left direction, and the direction along which the lid 6 moves from the closed position to the open position is defined as the right direction. And the direction perpendicular to the up-down direction and the left-right direction is defined as the front-rear direction of the charger 2. Among the front-rear directions, the direction in which the external terminal 8 is exposed is defined as the rear direction, and the opposite direction is defined as the front direction. In some drawings after Fig. 2 (Figs. 3 - 9, Figs. 12 - 20), the illustration of the placement surface P is omitted.

[0042] As shown in Fig. 3, a tray member 10 is fixed to the main body case 4. The tray member 10 includes a front wall portion 12, a rear wall portion 14, and a bottom wall portion 16. The front wall portion 12 extends in the vertical and horizontal directions along the front wall of the main body case 4. The rear wall portion 14 extends in the vertical and horizontal directions along the rear wall of the main body case 4. As shown in Fig. 4, the bottom wall portion 16 extends in the front-rear and left-right directions at a position spaced apart from the bottom wall of the main body case 4. As shown in Fig. 3, eight battery mounting portions 18 are provided on the tray member 10. Four battery mounting portions 18 are provided on the rear surface of the front wall portion 12, and four battery mounting portions 18 are provided on the front surface of the rear wall portion 14. The battery mounting portion 18 includes a guide rail 20 and a latch receiver 22. When mounting the battery pack B (see Fig. 1) to the battery mounting portion 18, the battery pack B is slid downward with respect to the battery mounting portion 18. As a result, when the guide rail 20 enters a guide groove (not shown) provided in the battery pack B and a latch 24 (see Fig. 1) provided in the battery pack B engages with the latch receiver 22, the mounting of the battery pack B is completed. Thereafter, when removing the battery pack B from the battery mounting portion 18, the latch 24 is operated to release the engagement between the latch 24 and the latch receiver 22, and the battery pack B is slid upward with respect to the battery mounting portion 18. As a result, when the guide rail 20 comes out of the guide groove of the battery pack B, the removal of the battery pack B is completed. Also, eight connection terminals 26 (partially not shown) are provided on the rear surface of the front wall portion 12 and the front surface of the rear wall portion 14. One connection terminal 26 is provided for each battery mounting portion 18. The connection terminal 26 is electrically connected to the battery pack B mounted to the battery mounting portion 18. When the charger 2 charges the battery pack B, power is supplied from the charger 2 to the battery pack B via the connection terminal 26. Also, eight charging status display portions 28 are provided on the upper surface of the front wall portion 12 and the upper surface of the rear wall portion 14. One charging status display portion 28 is provided for each battery mounting portion 18.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 44, the charging status display unit 28 includes a cavity 180 that penetrates the upper surface of the front wall portion 12 (or the upper surface of the rear wall portion 14) in the vertical direction, a display substrate 182 disposed in the cavity 180, a light-emitting element 184 mounted on the upper surface of the display substrate 182, and a label member 186 disposed on the upper surface of the front wall portion 12 (or the upper surface of the rear wall portion 14) so as to cover the upper side of the cavity 180. The label member 186 is a plate-shaped member made of synthetic resin and has visible light transmissibility. The label member 186 includes a flat portion 29 disposed along the upper surface of the front wall portion 12 (or the upper surface of the rear wall portion 14), and a protruding portion 30 protruding upward from the flat portion 29. The protruding amount of the protruding portion 30 with respect to the flat portion 29 (that is, the vertical distance between the upper surface of the flat portion 29 and the upper surface of the protruding portion 30) is about 0.5 mm to 1.0 mm. In a modified example, the protruding amount of the protruding portion 30 may be greater than 1.0 mm.

[0044] The flat portion 29 is disposed at a location on the label member 186 that faces the upper surface of the front wall portion 12 (or the upper surface of the rear wall portion 14) (that is, a location that does not face the cavity 180). The protruding portion 30 is disposed at a location on the label member 186 that faces the cavity 180. Therefore, the visible light emitted by the light-emitting element 184 passes through the protruding portion 30 of the label member 186 and is emitted to the outside of the tray member 10. Accordingly, the user can visually recognize the visible light emitted by the light-emitting element 184 through the protruding portion 30. The charging status display unit 28 displays the charging status of the battery pack B attached to the battery attachment portion 18 (see FIG. 3) by the visible light emitted by the light-emitting element 184. For example, the charging status display unit 28 displays that the battery pack B is being charged, that the charging of the battery pack B is completed, and that an abnormality (for example, overcurrent) has occurred during the charging of the battery pack B.

[0045] In this embodiment, the protruding portion 30 has a rectangular shape when viewed from above. In a modified example, the protruding portion 30 may have a shape other than a rectangular shape (for example, a circular shape) when viewed from above. Although not shown, the upper surface of the protruding portion 30 is subjected to a surface treatment for diffusing the visible light emitted from the light-emitting element 184. For example, a pattern imitating the wrinkle pattern (so-called shibo) formed on the surface of a leather product is formed on the upper surface of the protruding portion 30. By this surface treatment, the visible light emitted from the light-emitting element 184 is evenly distributed over the entire protruding portion 30, so that it becomes easier for the user to recognize the light-emitting state of the light-emitting element 184.

[0046] The battery pack B shown in FIG. 1 is used as a power source for various electric tools (for example, electric drivers, electric drills, electric grinders, electric planers, electric chain saws, electric reciprocating saws, electric lawn mowers, electric brush cutters, electric hedge trimmers, electric blowers, etc., various equipment used at work sites in construction, manufacturing, gardening, civil engineering, etc.) not shown, and is configured to be detachable from the electric tool. The single weight of the battery pack B is, for example, 2 kg. Also, the weight of the charger 2 in a state where the battery pack B is not attached to any of the eight battery attachment portions 18 is, for example, 6 kg. For this reason, the weight of the charger 2 in a state where the battery pack B is attached to all of the eight battery attachment portions 18 is, for example, 22 kg.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 4, the charger 2 further includes a control board 32 that controls the charger 2. The control board 32 is disposed in a board arrangement space S2 provided in the lower part of the tray member 10 in the main body case 4. The accommodation space S1 and the board arrangement space S2 are isolated from each other by the tray member 10. The control board 32 is electrically connected to the external terminal 8, the connection terminal 26, and the charge status display unit 28 via a wiring (not shown) provided in the board arrangement space S2. The control board 32 can charge the battery pack B, for example, by supplying the power supplied to the charger 2 via the external terminal 8 to the battery pack B via the connection terminal 26.

[0048] (Regarding the coupling mechanism 34) As shown in FIG. 5, the charger 2 further includes a connecting mechanism 34 that connects the main body case 4 and the lid 6 to each other. The connecting mechanism 34 is disposed on the right side surface of the charger 2. The connecting mechanism 34 includes a first connecting member 36 and a second connecting member 38 disposed forward when viewed from the first connecting member 36. The first connecting member 36 and the second connecting member 38 are each detachably attached to the main body case 4.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 6, the first connecting member 36 includes a first connecting pin 40. The first connecting pin 40 extends in the front-rear direction. The main body case 4 is provided with a first case-side shaft cylinder portion 42 for inserting the first connecting pin 40. The lid 6 is provided with a first lid-side shaft cylinder portion 44 for inserting the first connecting pin 40. The first connecting pin 40 is inserted into each of the first case-side shaft cylinder portion 42 and the first lid-side shaft cylinder portion 44, thereby rotatably connecting the main body case 4 and the lid 6 to each other. Further, the second connecting member 38 includes a second connecting pin 46. The second connecting pin 46 extends in the front-rear direction. The main body case 4 is provided with a second case-side shaft cylinder portion 48 for inserting the second connecting pin 46. The lid 6 is provided with a second lid-side shaft cylinder portion 50 for inserting the second connecting pin 46. The second connecting pin 46 is inserted into each of the second case-side shaft cylinder portion 48 and the second lid-side shaft cylinder portion 50, thereby rotatably connecting the main body case 4 and the lid 6 to each other. Accordingly, the lid 6 is configured to move between the open position shown in FIG. 1 and the closed position shown in FIG. 2 by rotating about the first connecting pin 40 and the second connecting pin 46. In this specification, the opening degree of the lid 6 is indicated by using the rotation angle of the lid 6 with respect to the closed position. The opening degree of the lid 6 when in the open position shown in FIG. 1 is, for example, within the range of 45 degrees to 180 degrees, and is 115 degrees in this embodiment.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 6, the first connecting member 36 further includes a first operating portion 52. The first operating portion 52 includes a holding portion 54 that holds the front end of the first connecting pin 40, a protruding portion 56 that protrudes upward from the holding portion 54, an extending portion 58 that extends downward from the holding portion 54, a finger-hooking portion 60 connected to the lower end of the extending portion 58, a wall portion 62 connected to the front end of the extending portion 58, and an engaging rib 64 provided on the right surface of the extending portion 58. The wall portion 62 extends in the vertical and horizontal directions (directions orthogonal to the axial direction of the first connecting pin 40). The finger-hooking portion 60, the wall portion 62, and the engaging rib 64 are each offset downward (in the radial direction of the first connecting pin 40) with respect to the first connecting pin 40. Further, the second connecting member 38 further includes a second operating portion 66. The second operating portion 66 includes a holding portion 68, a protruding portion 70, an extending portion 72, a finger-hooking portion 74, a wall portion 76, and an engaging rib 78. Since the shape of the second operating portion 66 is symmetric to the first operating portion 52 of the first connecting member 36 with respect to a mirror surface, the description thereof is omitted.

[0051] The main body case 4 is provided with a guide portion 80 that slidably receives the first operating portion 52 and the second operating portion 66 in the front-rear direction (the axial direction of the connecting pins 40 and 46). The guide portion 80 includes a guide surface 82 that slidably contacts the left surfaces of the first operating portion 52 and the second operating portion 66 in the front-rear direction, and a guide wall 84 that slidably supports the lower ends of the first operating portion 52 and the second operating portion 66 in the front-rear direction. Further, an engaging piece 86 is provided on the main body case 4 at a position facing the right surface of the extending portion 58. An engaging groove 88 that engages with the engaging rib 64 is formed on the left surface of the engaging piece 86. Similarly, an engaging piece 90 is provided on the main body case 4 at a position facing the right surface of the extending portion 72. An engaging groove 92 that engages with the engaging rib 78 is formed on the left surface of the engaging piece 90.

[0052] As shown in Fig. 5, the first connecting member 36 and the second connecting member 38 are usually attached to the outer surface of the main body case 4. That is, in the first connecting member 36, the first connecting pin 40 (see Fig. 6) is inserted into the first case-side shaft cylinder portion 42 and the first lid-side shaft cylinder portion 44 respectively, and the engaging rib 64 (see Fig. 6) is in a position engaged with the engaging groove 88 (see Fig. 6). In this specification, the position of the first connecting member 36 at this time is referred to as the "first connecting position". Also, in the second connecting member 38, the second connecting pin 46 (see Fig. 6) is inserted into the second case-side shaft cylinder portion 48 and the second lid-side shaft cylinder portion 50 respectively, and the engaging rib 78 (see Fig. 6) is in a position engaged with the engaging groove 92 (see Fig. 6). In this specification, the position of the second connecting member 38 at this time is referred to as the "second connecting position".

[0053] The lid 6 is provided with an interference convex portion 94. The interference convex portion 94 protrudes downward from the lower end portion of the right wall of the lid 6. When the lid 6 is in the closed position, when viewed along the front-rear direction (the axial direction of the connecting pins 40, 46), the interference convex portion 94 overlaps with the protruding portion 56 (the protruding portion 70 of the second connecting member 38) (see Fig. 6) of the first connecting member 36. In this state, even if the user tries to move the first connecting member 36 (the second connecting member 38) forward (backward) from the first connecting position (the second connecting position), the protruding portion 56 (the protruding portion 70) interferes with the interference convex portion 94. Thereby, it is prohibited to move the first connecting member 36 (the second connecting member 38) further forward (backward). However, as shown in Fig. 7, when the opening degree of the lid 6 exceeds a predetermined interference avoidance opening degree, when viewed along the front-rear direction (the axial direction of the connecting pins 40, 46), the interference convex portion 94 does not overlap with the protruding portion 56 (the protruding portion 70) (see Fig. 6). For this reason, when moving the first connecting member 36 (the second connecting member 38) forward (backward) from the first connecting position (the second connecting position), the protruding portion 56 (the protruding portion 70) does not interfere with the interference convex portion 94. Therefore, it is allowed to move the first connecting member 36 (the second connecting member 38) in the front-rear direction (the axial direction of the connecting pins 40, 46). The interference avoidance opening degree mentioned here is, for example, within the range of 45 degrees to 180 degrees, and in this embodiment, it is 90 degrees.

[0054] When the opening degree of the lid 6 exceeds the interference avoidance opening degree, the user can release the engagement between the engagement rib 64 and the engagement groove 88 by applying a forward force to the first connecting member 36, and move the first connecting member 36 forward from the first connecting position. At this time, the user can place a finger on the finger hook portion 60 and apply a forward force to the finger hook portion 60 (the first connecting member 36). Alternatively, the user can insert a plate-like element (not shown) such as a coin into the gap formed between the rear surface of the wall portion 62 and the front surface of the engagement piece 86, and use the plate-like element as a lever to apply a forward force to the wall portion 62 (the first connecting member 36). In this case, the portion of the plate-like element that contacts the engagement piece 86 serves as the fulcrum, the point of the plate-like element that contacts the user serves as the force point, and the portion of the plate-like element that contacts the wall portion 62 serves as the point of action.

[0055] Also, when the opening degree of the lid 6 exceeds the interference avoidance opening degree, the user can release the engagement between the engagement rib 78 and the engagement groove 92 by applying a rearward force to the second connecting member 38, and move the second connecting member 38 rearward from the second connecting position. At this time, the user can place a finger on the finger hook portion 74 and apply a rearward force to the finger hook portion 74 (the second connecting member 38). Alternatively, the user can insert a plate-like element (not shown) such as a coin into the gap formed between the front surface of the wall portion 76 and the rear surface of the engagement piece 90, and use the plate-like element as a lever to apply a rearward force to the wall portion 76 (the second connecting member 38). In this case, the portion of the plate-like element that contacts the engagement piece 90 serves as the fulcrum, the point of the plate-like element that contacts the user serves as the force point, and the portion of the plate-like element that contacts the wall portion 76 serves as the point of action.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 8, when the first connecting member 36 is moved forward from the first connecting position (the position shown in FIG. 7), the first connecting pin 40 comes out of the first lid-side shaft cylinder portion 44 (see FIG. 6), and thus the connection between the main body case 4 and the lid 6 by the first connecting pin 40 is released. In this specification, the position of the first connecting member 36 when the first connecting pin 40 comes out of the first lid-side shaft cylinder portion 44 is referred to as the "first connection release position". When the first connecting member 36 is further moved forward from there, the first connecting pin 40 also comes out of the first case-side shaft cylinder portion 42 (see FIG. 6). Thereby, the first connecting member 36 can be removed from the main body case 4. Note that the second connecting member 38 at the second connecting position is arranged at a position where it does not interfere with the first connecting member 36 in the process of the first connecting pin 40 coming out of the first case-side shaft cylinder portion 42 and the first lid-side shaft cylinder portion 44.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 9, when the second connecting member 38 is moved backward from the second connecting position (the positions shown in FIGS. 7 and 8), the second connecting pin 46 comes out of the second lid-side shaft cylinder portion 50 (see FIG. 6), and thus the connection between the main body case 4 and the lid 6 by the second connecting pin 46 is released. In this specification, the position of the second connecting member 38 when the second connecting pin 46 comes out of the second lid-side shaft cylinder portion 50 is referred to as the "second connection release position". When the second connecting member 38 is further moved backward from there, the second connecting pin 46 also comes out of the second case-side shaft cylinder portion 48 (see FIG. 6). Thereby, the second connecting member 38 can be removed from the main body case 4.

[0058] In the example shown in FIGS. 7 - 9, the second connecting member 38 is removed after the first connecting member 36 is removed. However, differently from this, the first connecting member 36 may be removed after the second connecting member 38 is removed.

[0059] In this embodiment, when one of the first connecting member 36 and the second connecting member 38 is removed from the main body case 4 and the other of the first connecting member 36 and the second connecting member 38 is moved to the disconnection position, the connection between the main body case 4 and the lid 6 is released, and the lid 6 can be removed from the main body case 4. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, by installing the charger 2 in a state where the lid 6 is removed from the main body case 4, when the user accesses the accommodation space S1, the trouble of opening and closing the lid 6 is eliminated. Thereby, it becomes easy for the user to access the accommodation space S1. Further, in this state, since the size of the charger 2 is reduced by the amount of the absence of the lid 6, the space required for installing the charger 2 is reduced.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 6, when the lid 6 removed from the main body case 4 is attached to the main body case 4 again, first, the lid 6 and the main body case 4 are aligned so that the first lid-side shaft cylinder portion 44, the first case-side shaft cylinder portion 42, the second case-side shaft cylinder portion 48, and the second lid-side shaft cylinder portion 50 are aligned in the axial direction of each other. Thereafter, after adjusting the posture of the lid 6 with respect to the main body case 4 so that the opening degree of the lid 6 exceeds the interference avoidance opening degree, the first connecting member 36 and the second connecting member 38 are attached. Note that the attachment procedure of the first connecting member 36 and the second connecting member 38 corresponds to the reverse of the removal procedure of the first connecting member 36 and the second connecting member 38 described with reference to FIGS. 7-9, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

[0061] (Regarding the fastener 96 and the locking portion 100) As shown in Fig. 2, a fastener 96 (e.g., a snap lock) for holding the lid 6 in the closed position is provided on the left surface of the main body case 4. The lid 6 is provided with a groove 98 for passing the fastener 96. Further, in front of the fastener 96 and the groove 98, a locking portion 100 for locking with a padlock (not shown) is provided on the left portion of the charger 2. The locking portion 100 includes a case-side locking hole 102 provided in the main body case 4 and a lid-side locking hole 104 provided in the lid 6. The user can lock the locking portion 100 by passing the shackle of the padlock through the case-side locking hole 102 and the lid-side locking hole 104. In the state where the locking portion 100 is locked, the lid 6 is prohibited from moving from the closed position to the open position. Specifically, in the state where the locking portion 100 is locked, the lid 6 can only be opened to such an extent that objects (e.g., the battery pack B) cannot be taken in and out through the accommodation space S1.

[0062] (Regarding the seal member 110) As shown in Fig. 1, the lid 6 is formed with a mating groove 108 for receiving the opening end 106 of the main body case 4. The mating groove 108 is provided at the end of the side wall of the lid 6. As shown in Fig. 12, a seal member 110 is accommodated in the mating groove 108. As shown in Fig. 4, when the lid 6 is in the closed position, the opening end 106 of the main body case 4 enters the mating groove 108, and the seal member 110 accommodated in the mating groove 108 is crushed between the opening end 106 of the main body case 4 and the bottom surface of the mating groove 108. Therefore, when the lid 6 is in the closed position, the space between the main body case 4 and the lid 6 is sealed by the seal member 110. Thereby, the entry of liquids such as water from the outside of the main body case 4 into the inside of the main body case 4 (i.e., the accommodation space S1) is suppressed.

[0063] (Regarding the surface treatment of the lid 6) The lid 6 of this embodiment has visible light transmissibility. Therefore, the user can visually recognize the inside of the main body case 4 (i.e., the accommodation space S1) through the lid 6.

[0064] As shown in FIGS. 13, 14, and 15, the outer surface of the lid 6 includes a clear surface 112 and a patterned surface 114. The clear surface 112 has the advantage of high visible light transmittance, although scratches are more noticeable when it is scratched. In contrast, the patterned surface 114 has the advantage that scratches are less noticeable when it is scratched, although its visible light transmittance is lower than that of the clear surface 112. In FIGS. 13, 14, and 15, for simplicity of illustration, the patterned surface 114 is provided with a mesh pattern. However, the pattern of the patterned surface 114 is not limited to the mesh pattern. The pattern of the patterned surface 114 may be, for example, a pattern imitating the wrinkles (so-called dimples) formed on the surface of a leather product.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 13, substantially the entire left surface of the lid 6 is the clear surface 112. Substantially the entire rear surface of the lid 6 is the patterned surface 114. Further, the upper surface of the lid 6 includes a top surface 116, a first concave surface 118 recessed downward from the top surface 116 by a first depth (for example, 2 mm), a second concave surface 120 recessed downward from the top surface 116 by a second depth (for example, 3 mm), and a third concave surface 122 recessed downward from the top surface 116 by a third depth (for example, 4 mm). Among the upper surface of the lid 6, the top surface 116 is the patterned surface 114. Among the upper surface of the lid 6, the first concave surface 118, the second concave surface 120, and the third concave surface 122 are the clear surface 112.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 14, when the charger 2 is viewed from above with the lid 6 in the closed position, the protruding portion 30 of the charging status display portion 28 (that is, the position of the light emitting element 184) entirely overlaps with the first concave surface 118 (clear surface 112). Therefore, when the user views the accommodation space S1 through the lid 6 from above, the charging status display portion 28 can be visually recognized relatively clearly.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 15, substantially the entire front surface of the lid 6 is the patterned surface 114. Substantially the entire right surface of the lid 6 is the clear surface 112.

[0068] (Regarding the left handle 124 and the right handle 136) As shown in FIG. 2, a left handle 124 is attached to the left side surface of the main body case 4. The weight of the left handle 124 is, for example, 100 g. The left handle 124 includes a front arm portion 126, a rear arm portion 128, and a grip portion 130. The grip portion 130 extends in the front-rear direction and connects between one end of the front arm portion 126 and one end of the rear arm portion 128. The other end of the front arm portion 126 and the other end of the rear arm portion 128 are respectively rotatably attached to the main body case 4 about a handle rotation axis AL (see FIGS. 16 and 17) extending in the front-rear direction. Further, the main body case 4 is provided with a handle accommodation recess 132 formed by recessing the left side surface of the main body case 4 rightward. The handle accommodation recess 132 has a shape corresponding to the left handle 124. In the state shown in FIG. 2, the left handle 124 is partially accommodated in the handle accommodation recess 132. Also, the right side surface of the left handle 124 is in contact with the bottom surface of the handle accommodation recess 132. In this state, the left handle 124 cannot be further rotated clockwise when viewed from the front. FIG. 16 shows a view of the charger 2 in this state as viewed from the front. When the left handle 124 is rotated counterclockwise when viewed from the front from the position shown in FIG. 16, eventually, the upper surface of the left handle 124 comes into contact with a stopper surface 134 provided on the main body case 4 (see FIG. 17). In the state where the upper surface of the left handle 124 is in contact with the stopper surface 134 as shown in FIG. 17, the left handle 124 cannot be further rotated counterclockwise when viewed from the front. Therefore, the left handle 124 is rotatable between the position shown in FIG. 16 and the position shown in FIG. 17. During the rotation of the left handle 124, the vertical position of the grip portion 130 is at the lowest position when the left handle 124 is in the position shown in FIG. 16 and at the highest position when the left handle 124 is in the position shown in FIG. 17. For this reason, in this specification, the position of the left handle 124 shown in FIG. 16 is referred to as the "left lowered position", and the position of the left handle 124 shown in FIG. 17 is referred to as the "left raised position".

[0069] As shown in FIG. 5, a right handle 136 is attached to the right side surface of the main body case 4. The weight of the right handle 136 is, for example, 100 g. The right handle 136 includes a front arm portion 138, a rear arm portion 140, and a grip portion 142. The grip portion 142 extends in the front-rear direction and connects between one end of the front arm portion 138 and one end of the rear arm portion 140. The other end of the front arm portion 138 and the other end of the rear arm portion 140 are respectively rotatably attached to the main body case 4 about a handle rotation axis AR (see FIGS. 16 and 17) extending in the front-rear direction. Further, the main body case 4 is provided with a handle accommodation recess 144 formed by recessing the right side surface of the main body case 4 leftward. The handle accommodation recess 144 has a shape corresponding to the right handle 136. In the state shown in FIG. 5, the right handle 136 is partially accommodated in the handle accommodation recess 144. Also, the left side surface of the right handle 136 is in contact with the bottom surface of the handle accommodation recess 144. In this state, the right handle 136 cannot be further rotated counterclockwise when viewed from the front. FIG. 16 shows a view of the charger 2 in this state as viewed from the front. When the right handle 136 is rotated clockwise when viewed from the front from the position shown in FIG. 16, eventually, the upper surface of the right handle 136 comes into contact with a stopper surface 146 provided on the main body case 4 (see FIG. 17). In the state where the upper surface of the right handle 136 is in contact with the stopper surface 146 as shown in FIG. 17, the right handle 136 cannot be further rotated clockwise when viewed from the front. Therefore, the right handle 136 is rotatable between the position shown in FIG. 16 and the position shown in FIG. 17. During the rotation of the right handle 136, the vertical position of the grip portion 142 is at the lowest position when the right handle 136 is in the position shown in FIG. 16 and at the highest position when the right handle 136 is in the position shown in FIG. 17. For this reason, in this specification, the position of the right handle 136 shown in FIG. 16 is referred to as the "right-side lowered position", and the position of the right handle 136 shown in FIG. 17 is referred to as the "right-side raised position".

[0070] For example, the user can carry the charger 2 by moving the left handle 124 to the left raised position and the right handle 136 to the right raised position, gripping the gripping portion 130 with one hand and the gripping portion 142 with the other hand. Also, the user can move the left handle 124 to the left lowered position and the right handle 136 to the right lowered position to move the left handle 124 and the right handle 136 to positions where they do not interfere with the opening and closing of the lid 6 or the taking in and out of objects through the storage space S1.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 16, the handle rotation axis AL of the left handle 124 is disposed above the bisecting horizontal plane H that bisects the charger 2 in the vertical direction and above the center of gravity G1 of the charger 2. When the left handle 124 is in the left lowered position, the upper end 130u of the gripping portion 130 is disposed below the handle rotation axis AL and below the bisecting horizontal plane H. Also, the upper end 130u of the gripping portion 130 is disposed below the opening end 106 (i.e., the upper end of the main body case 4) (see FIG. 1) of the main body case 4. Similarly, the handle rotation axis AR of the right handle 136 is disposed above the bisecting horizontal plane H. When the right handle 136 is in the right lowered position, the upper end 142u of the gripping portion 142 is disposed below the handle rotation axis AR and below the bisecting horizontal plane H. Also, the upper end 142u of the gripping portion 142 is disposed below the opening end 106 (i.e., the upper end of the main body case 4) (see FIG. 1) of the main body case 4. Also, the upper end 130u of the gripping portion 130 and the upper end 142u of the gripping portion 142 are each disposed below the center of gravity G1 of the charger 2. In this embodiment, the center of gravity G1 of the charger 2 is determined with the battery pack B attached to all eight battery attachment portions 18 (see FIG. 3).

[0072] As shown in Fig. 17, when the left handle 124 is in the left raised position, the lower end 130s of the grip portion 130 is disposed above the handle rotation axis AL and also above the bisecting horizontal plane H. Further, the upper end 130u of the grip portion 130 is disposed above the opening end 106 (i.e., the upper end of the main body case 4) (see Fig. 1) of the main body case 4. Similarly, when the right handle 136 is in the right raised position, the lower end 142s of the grip portion 142 is disposed above the handle rotation axis AR and also above the bisecting horizontal plane H. Further, the upper end 142u of the grip portion 142 is disposed above the opening end 106 (i.e., the upper end of the main body case 4) (see Fig. 1) of the main body case 4. Also, the lower end 130s of the grip portion 130 and the lower end 142s of the grip portion 142 are each disposed above the center of gravity G1 of the charger 2. In this embodiment, the center of gravity G1 of the charger 2 is defined at the same position regardless of the positions of the left handle 124 and the right handle 136. This is because the weights of the left handle 124 and the right handle 136 are very small compared to the weight of the charger 2, and thus the position of the center of gravity G1 of the charger 2 does not substantially change even if the positions of the left handle 124 and the right handle 136 change.

[0073] As shown in Fig. 14, when the left handle 124 is in the left raised position, a gap 148 is formed between the outer surface of the grip portion 130 and the outer surfaces of the main body case 4 and the lid 6. The left - right width WL of the gap 148 is, for example, within the range of 25 mm to 55 mm, and is 28 mm in this embodiment. The left - right width WL of the gap 148 can also be said to be the distance between the outer surface of the grip portion 130 and the outer surfaces of the main body case 4 and the lid 6. Similarly, when the right handle 136 is in the right raised position, a gap 150 is formed between the outer surface of the grip portion 142 and the outer surfaces of the main body case 4 and the lid 6. The left - right width WR of the gap 150 is, for example, within the range of 25 mm to 55 mm, and is 29 mm in this embodiment. The left - right width WR of the gap 150 can also be said to be the distance between the outer surface of the grip portion 142 and the outer surfaces of the main body case 4 and the lid 6.

[0074] (Regarding the legs 154, 156, 158, 160) As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, the main body case 4 is provided with legs 154, 156, 158, and 160 that protrude from the outer surface of the main body case 4. The legs 154, 156, 158, and 160 include a lower leg 154 provided on the lower surface of the main body case 4, a front leg 156 provided on the front surface of the main body case 4, a rear leg 158 provided on the rear surface of the main body case 4, and a left leg 160 provided on the left surface of the main body case 4. The lower leg 154 abuts on the placement surface P when the charger 2 is placed on the placement surface P such that the downward direction of the charger 2 is vertically downward. The front leg 156 abuts on the placement surface P when the charger 2 is placed on the placement surface P such that the forward direction of the charger 2 is vertically downward. The rear leg 158 abuts on the placement surface P when the charger 2 is placed on the placement surface P such that the rearward direction of the charger 2 is vertically downward. The left leg 160 abuts on the placement surface P when the charger 2 is placed on the placement surface P such that the leftward direction of the charger 2 is vertically downward.

[0075] Among the legs 154, 156, 158, and 160, the front leg 156, the rear leg 158, and the left leg 160 are coated with a rubber material (for example, EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber)). That is, a rubber material is used for a front contact portion 156c that abuts on the placement surface P among the front legs 156, a rear contact portion 158c that abuts on the placement surface P among the rear legs 158, and a left contact portion 160c that abuts on the placement surface P among the left legs 160.

[0076] For example, when the charger 2 is placed on a table or a shelf (i.e., a place higher than the ground), if the accommodation space S1 faces vertically upward, it may be difficult for the user to access the accommodation space S1. In contrast, as shown in FIG. 10 for example, the charger 2 can be placed on the placement surface P by bringing the rear leg portion 158 (see FIG. 2) into contact with the placement surface P. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 11, the charger 2 can be placed on the placement surface P by bringing the left leg portion 160 (see FIG. 2) into contact with the placement surface P. Although not shown, the charger 2 can be placed on the placement surface P by bringing the front leg portion 156 into contact with the placement surface P. By these means, since the accommodation space S1 faces horizontally, it becomes easy for the user to access the accommodation space S1.

[0077] As shown in FIG. 16, the left end of the left handle 124 in the left descending position is disposed to the right of the left end of the left leg portion 160 (left contact portion 160c). For this reason, when the left leg portion 160 is brought into contact with the placement surface P as shown in FIG. 11 with the left handle 124 moved to the left descending position, the vertical lower end of the left handle 124 (the left end of the left handle 124 in FIG. 16) is disposed vertically above the vertical lower end of the left leg portion 160 (the left end of the left leg portion 160 in FIG. 16). Thereby, since the left handle 124 is prevented from contacting the placement surface P, it is suppressed that dirt (for example, sand) existing on the placement surface P adheres to the left handle 124.

[0078] (Regarding the multiple connection of the charger 2) As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, four engaging members 162 are provided on the lid 6. Four engaging receiving portions 164 corresponding to the four engaging members 162 are provided at the lower part of the main body case 4. As shown in FIG. 18, in a state where the main body case 4 is placed on the lid 6, the engaging member 162 and the engaging receiving portion 164 can be engaged with each other. Taking a specific example, when two chargers 2 are prepared and stacked in the vertical direction, the engaging member 162 of one charger 2 and the engaging receiving portion 164 of the other charger 2 can be engaged with each other. Thereby, two chargers 2 can be connected to each other.

[0079] Hereinafter, regarding the engagement between the engaging member 162 and the engagement receiving portion 164, an explanation will be given by paying attention to the engaging member 162 (see FIG. 5) provided at the left portion of the front surface of the lid 6 and the engagement receiving portion 164 (see FIG. 5) provided at the left portion of the front surface of the main body case 4.

[0080] As shown in FIG. 19, the engaging member 162 includes an operation portion 166, hollow portions 168a, 168b, 168c, 168d, snap portions 170a, 170b, and shaft portions 172a, 172b. The operation portion 166 is provided at the upper portion of the engaging member 162 and has a shape that can be operated by the user. The hollow portions 168a, 168b, 168c, 168d are respectively formed by recessing the rear portion of the engaging member 162 forward. The hollow portions 168a, 168b are arranged side by side in the left - right direction and are disposed below the operation portion 166. The hollow portions 168c, 168d are arranged side by side in the left - right direction and are disposed below the hollow portions 168a, 168b. The snap portion 170a is provided at the central portion of the left surface of the engaging member 162 and is elastically deformable in the left - right direction. The snap portion 170b is provided at the central portion of the right surface of the engaging member 162 and is elastically deformable in the left - right direction. The shaft portion 172a is provided below the snap portion 170a on the left surface of the engaging member 162 and protrudes leftward from the left surface of the engaging member 162. The shaft portion 172b is provided below the snap portion 170b on the right surface of the engaging member 162 and protrudes rightward from the right surface of the engaging member 162.

[0081] As shown in FIG. 20, the lid 6 is provided with grooves 174a and 174b for receiving the shaft portions 172a and 172b (see FIG. 19) of the engaging member 162 in a vertically movable and circumferentially rotatable manner. The lid 6 is also provided with lid-side protrusions 176a and 176b that can enter the hollow portions 168a, 168b, 168c, and 168d of the engaging member 162. When the engaging member 162 is in its normal position (the position shown in FIG. 5), the lid-side protrusions 176a and 176b are inserted into the hollow portions 168a and 168b (see FIG. 19). By the lid-side protrusions 176a and 176b entering the hollow portions 168a and 168b, the engaging member 162 is prohibited from moving vertically with respect to the lid 6. Also, when the engaging member 162 is in its normal position (the position shown in FIG. 5), the snap portions 170a and 170b of the engaging member 162 are snap-fitted into the grooves 174a and 174b. When a force is applied to pull the operation portion 166 forward with respect to the engaging member 162 in its normal position, the snap fit between the snap portions 170a and 170b and the grooves 174a and 174b is released, and the engaging member 162 rotates about the shaft portions 172a and 172b. As a result, as shown in FIG. 20, the lid-side protrusions 176a and 176b come out of the hollow portions 168a and 168b, and the engaging member 162 is allowed to move vertically with respect to the lid 6.

[0082] When the main body case 4 is placed on the lid 6, the engagement receiving portion 164 is disposed above the engagement member 162. The engagement receiving portion 164 is provided with case-side protrusions 178a, 178b that can enter the cavity portions 168a, 168b of the engagement member 162. When the main body case 4 is placed on the lid 6, by moving the engagement member 162 in the vertical direction, the cavity portions 168a, 168b can be aligned with the case-side protrusions 178a, 178b, and the cavity portions 168c, 168d can be aligned with the lid-side protrusions 176a, 176b. Further, when the engagement member 162 is pushed backward from there, the case-side protrusions 178a, 178b enter the cavity portions 168a, 168b, the lid-side protrusions 176a, 176b enter the cavity portions 168c, 168d, and the snap portions 170a, 170b snap-fit into the grooves 174a, 174b. As a result, as shown in FIG. 18, the engagement member 162 and the engagement receiving portion 164 engage with each other. When the operation portion 166 is pulled forward from this state, the snap fit between the snap portions 170a, 170b and the grooves 174a, 174b is released, and the engagement member 162 rotates about the shaft portions 172a, 172b, and the case-side protrusions 178a, 178b and the lid-side protrusions 176a, 176b come out of the cavity portions 168a, 168b, 168c, 168d. Thereby, the engagement between the engagement member 162 and the engagement receiving portion 164 is released.

[0083] (Example 2: Charger 202) The charger 202 shown in FIG. 21 is different from the charger 2 (see FIG. 1) of Example 1 in that a tray member 204 is provided instead of the tray member 10 (see FIG. 4). Other portions of the charger 202 are configured substantially the same as those of the charger 2 of Example 1. Hereinafter, the description will focus on the tray member 204.

[0084] The tray member 204 includes a first vertical wall portion 206, a second vertical wall portion 208, a third vertical wall portion 210, and a bottom wall portion 212. The first vertical wall portion 206 extends in the vertical, left-right, and front-back directions along the front wall of the main body case 4. The second vertical wall portion 208 extends in the vertical, left-right, and front-back directions behind the first vertical wall portion 206. The third vertical wall portion 210 extends in the vertical, left-right, and front-back directions behind the second vertical wall portion 208. The bottom wall portion 212 extends along the front-back and left-right directions at a position spaced apart from the bottom wall of the main body case 4, similar to the bottom wall portion 16 (see FIG. 4) of the tray member 10 in the first embodiment. The tray member 204 is provided with eight battery attachment portions 214, eight connection terminals 216, and eight charge status display portions 218. Four battery attachment portions 214 are provided on the rear surface of the first vertical wall portion 206, and four battery attachment portions 214 are provided on the rear surface of the second vertical wall portion 208. One connection terminal 216 and one charge status display portion 218 are provided for each battery attachment portion 214. Since the configurations of the battery attachment portion 214, the connection terminal 216, and the charge status display portion 218 are substantially the same as those of the battery attachment portion 18, the connection terminal 26, and the charge status display portion 28 (see FIG. 3) in the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted. Further, the accommodation space S1 behind the third vertical wall portion 210 is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped-shaped space. In this space, for example, a hand tool, a power tool, and / or accessories for the power tool can be accommodated. In the example of FIG. 21, a power tool T is accommodated in the accommodation space S1 behind the third vertical wall portion 210.

[0085] (Modifications of the First and Second Embodiments) The charger 2 (charger 202) may be configured to supply the power supplied from the battery pack B to the outside via the external terminal 8. That is, the charger 2 (charger 202) may function as a power supply device that supplies power to the outside.

[0086] The charger 2 (charger 202) may include an operation unit that performs a predetermined operation (for example, heating, keeping warm, keeping cold) using the power supplied from the battery pack B. The charger 2 (charger 202) may function as, for example, a microwave oven, a warmer, or a cooler.

[0087] The charger 2 (charger 202) does not necessarily include the external terminal 8, the tray member 10 (tray member 204), and the control board 32. In this case, the charger 2 (charger 202) may function as a carrying case for carrying objects.

[0088] A battery attachment portion 18 may be formed on the outer surface of the main body case 4. As a result, the battery pack B may be detachably attached to the outer surface of the main body case 4.

[0089] The arrangement and orientation of the battery attachment portion 18 (battery attachment portion 214) in the tray member 10 (tray member 204) may be changed. As a result, the sliding direction of the battery pack B when attaching and detaching the battery pack B to / from the battery attachment portion 18 (battery attachment portion 214) may be a direction inclined with respect to the vertical direction (for example, the front-rear direction, the left-right direction).

[0090] The main body case 4 may have a shape different from a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape (for example, a substantially cylindrical shape, a substantially hexagonal prism shape).

[0091] The main body case 4 and the lid 6 may be slidably connected to each other. For example, a long hole extending in the left-right direction may be formed in the lid 6, and the first connecting pin 40 and the second connecting pin 46 may be inserted through the long hole. By sliding the first connecting pin 40 and the second connecting pin 46 in the left-right direction with respect to the long hole, the lid 6 may be slid in the left-right direction with respect to the main body case 4. Also in this case, by removing the first connecting pin 40 and the second connecting pin 46 from the main body case 4, the connection between the main body case 4 and the lid 6 may be released.

[0092] (See FIG. 6) The finger hook portion 60 and / or the wall portion 62 may be arranged side by side with the first connecting pin 40 in the front-rear direction (the axial direction of the first connecting pin 40). Also, the finger hook portion 74 and / or the wall portion 76 may be arranged side by side with the second connecting pin 46 in the front-rear direction (the axial direction of the second connecting pin 46).

[0093] (See FIG. 6) Instead of being provided on the main body case 4, the guide portion 80 and the engaging pieces 86 and 90 may be provided on the lid 6. That is, instead of being attached to the main body case 4, the first connecting member 36 (the second connecting member 38) may be attached to the lid 6. Further, in this case, the interference convex portion 94 may be provided on the main body case 4.

[0094] (See FIG. 6) Instead of being provided on the outer surface of the main body case 4, the guide portion 80 and the engaging pieces 86 and 90 may be provided on the inner surface of the main body case 4 (inside the accommodation space S1). That is, instead of being attached to the outer surface of the main body case 4, the first connecting member 36 (the second connecting member 38) may be attached to the inner surface of the main body case 4 (inside the accommodation space S1).

[0095] (See FIG. 5) The lid 6 may not be provided with the interference convex portion 94. In this case, regardless of the opening degree of the lid 6, it may be allowed to move the first connecting member 36 (the second connecting member 38) between the first connecting position (the second connecting position) and the first connecting release position (the second connecting release position).

[0096] (See FIG. 6) The first connecting member 36 (the second connecting member 38) may not be provided with the engaging rib 64 (the engaging rib 78). Further, the first connecting member 36 (the second connecting member 38) may not be provided with the finger hook portion 60 (the finger hook portion 74). Further, the first connecting member 36 (the second connecting member 38) may not be provided with the wall portion 62 (the wall portion 76).

[0097] (See FIGS. 2 and 5) The configuration for changing the position of the gripping portion 130 (the gripping portion 142) of the left handle 124 (the right handle 136) may be realized by means other than rotatably attaching the left handle 124 (the right handle 136) to the main body case 4. For example, this configuration may be realized by slidably attaching the left handle 124 (the right handle 136) to the main body case 4. Alternatively, this configuration may be realized by providing a telescopic mechanism (for example, a telescopic) on the arm portions 126 and 128 (the arm portions 138 and 140) of the left handle 124 (the right handle 136).

[0098] (See FIGS. 16 and 17) The arrangement and shape of the left handle 124 may be changed. As a result, the handle rotation axis AL of the left handle 124 may be disposed below the bisecting horizontal plane H. When the left handle 124 is in the left ascending position, the lower end 130s of the grip portion 130 may be disposed below the handle rotation axis AL. When the left handle 124 is in the left ascending position, the lower end 130s of the grip portion 130 may be disposed below the bisecting horizontal plane H. When the left handle 124 is in the left ascending position, the upper end 130u of the grip portion 130 may be disposed below the opening end 106 (i.e., the upper end of the main body case 4) (see FIG. 1) of the main body case 4. The left - right width WL of the gap 148 may be smaller than 25 mm or larger than 55 mm.

[0099] (See FIGS. 16 and 17) The arrangement and shape of the right handle 136 may be changed. As a result, the handle rotation axis AR of the right handle 136 may be disposed below the bisecting horizontal plane H. When the right handle 136 is in the right ascending position, the lower end 142s of the grip portion 142 may be disposed below the handle rotation axis AR. When the right handle 136 is in the right ascending position, the lower end 142s of the grip portion 142 may be disposed below the bisecting horizontal plane H. When the right handle 136 is in the right ascending position, the upper end 142u of the grip portion 142 may be disposed below the opening end 106 (i.e., the upper end of the main body case 4) (see FIG. 1) of the main body case 4. The left - right width WR of the gap 150 may be smaller than 25 mm or larger than 55 mm.

[0100] When the left handle 124 is in the left ascending position and the right handle 136 is in the right ascending position, the lower end 130s of the grip portion 130 and the lower end 142s of the grip portion 142 may each be disposed below the center of gravity G1 of the charger 2 (charger 202).

[0101] (See FIGS. 2 and 5) The charger 2 (charger 202) may not be provided with the front leg portion 156 and / or the rear leg portion 158.

[0102] (see FIGS. 2 and 5) The front leg 156, the rear leg 158, and / or the left leg 160 may not be coated with a rubber material. That is, the same material as that of the main body case 4 (for example, PC + ABS) may be used for the front leg 156, the rear leg 158, and / or the left leg 160.

[0103] (see FIGS. 2 and 5) The front leg 156, the rear leg 158, and / or the left leg 160 may be in a form different from those of the first and second embodiments. For example, the front leg 156, the rear leg 158, and / or the left leg 160 may be formed by attaching a sheet made of a rubber material (so-called rubber sheet) to the outer surface of the main body case 4. Alternatively, the front leg 156, the rear leg 158, and / or the left leg 160 may be formed by inserting a block made of a rubber material into the main body case 4. Alternatively, the front leg 156, the rear leg 158, and / or the left leg 160 may be formed by screwing a block made of a rubber material to the main body case 4.

[0104] (see FIG. 5) The charger 2 (charger 202) may not include the right handle 136. In this case, the user can carry the charger 2 (charger 202) by gripping the left handle 124 with one hand (or both hands).

[0105] (Features of the first and second embodiments) In one or more embodiments, the charger 2, 202 (an example of an electrical device) includes a main body case 4 that defines an accommodation space S1, a battery attachment portion 18, 214 provided on the main body case 4 to which a battery pack B used as a power source for a power tool is detachably attached, an external terminal 8 provided on the main body case 4 and electrically connected to the battery pack B via the battery attachment portion 18, 214, a lid 6 movable between an open position for opening the accommodation space S1 and a closed position for closing the accommodation space S1 with respect to the main body case 4, and a connection mechanism 34 switchable between a connected state in which the main body case 4 and the lid 6 are connected to each other and a disconnected state in which the connection between the main body case 4 and the lid 6 is released.

[0106] According to the above configuration, the user can release the connection between the main body case 4 and the lid 6 by switching the connection mechanism 34 to the disconnected state. Therefore, when the user feels that the lid 6 is in the way, the user can remove the lid 6 from the main body case 4. Therefore, according to the above configuration, it is possible to suppress giving the user a nuisance.

[0107] In one or more embodiments, when the lid 6 is in the closed position, it is prohibited to switch the connection mechanism 34 from the connected state to the disconnected state. When the lid 6 is in the open position, it is allowed to switch the connection mechanism 34 from the connected state to the disconnected state.

[0108] For example, from the viewpoint of safety, there may be a case where it is desired to prevent the connection between the main body case 4 and the lid 6 from being released in a situation where the posture of the chargers 2, 202 is unstable (for example, a situation where the chargers 2, 202 are being carried by the user). Usually, in a situation where the posture of the chargers 2, 202 is unstable, the lid 6 is expected to be in the closed position. According to the above configuration, when the lid 6 is in the closed position, it is prohibited to release the connection between the main body case 4 and the lid 6. When the lid 6 is in the open position, it is allowed to release the connection between the main body case 4 and the lid 6. Thereby, in a situation where the posture of the chargers 2, 202 is unstable, it is possible to suppress the connection between the main body case 4 and the lid 6 from being released, so that the safety of the chargers 2, 202 can be improved.

[0109] In one or more embodiments, the connecting mechanism 34 includes a first connecting member 36 (second connecting member 38) that is movable between a first connecting position (second connecting position) for connecting the main body case 4 and the lid 6 to each other and a first connecting release position (second connecting release position) for releasing the connection between the main body case 4 and the lid 6. The connected state is a state in which the first connecting member 36 (second connecting member 38) is in the first connecting position (second connecting position). The disconnected state is a state in which the first connecting member 36 (second connecting member 38) is in the first connecting release position (second connecting release position).

[0110] According to the above configuration, the user can switch the connecting mechanism 34 between the connected state and the disconnected state by changing the position of the first connecting member 36 (second connecting member 38) between the first connecting position (second connecting position) and the first connecting release position (second connecting release position). Thereby, the connecting mechanism 34 can have a simple configuration.

[0111] In one or more embodiments, the first connecting member 36 (second connecting member 38) is attached to the outer surface of the main body case 4 (an example of one of the main body case and the lid).

[0112] According to the above configuration, the first connecting member 36 (second connecting member 38) can be disposed at a location that is easy for the user to operate.

[0113] In one or more embodiments, the first connecting member 36 (second connecting member 38) includes an engaging rib 64 (engaging rib 78) (an example of an engaging portion) that engages with the main body case 4 (an example of one of the main body case and the lid) when the first connecting member 36 (second connecting member 38) is in the first connecting position (second connecting position).

[0114] According to the above configuration, before the user moves the first connecting member 36 (the second connecting member 38) from the first connecting position (the second connecting position) to the first connection release position (the second connection release position), it is necessary to release the engagement between the engaging rib 64 (the engaging rib 78) and the main body case 4. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the first connecting member 36 (the second connecting member 38) from moving from the first connecting position (the second connecting position) to the first connection release position (the second connection release position) against the user's intention (that is, the connection between the main body case 4 and the lid 6 is released against the user's intention).

[0115] In one or more embodiments, the lid 6 (an example of one of the main body case and the lid) is provided with an interference convex portion 94 (an example of an interference portion) that interferes with the movement of the first connecting member 36 (the second connecting member 38) from the first connecting position (the second connecting position) to the first connection release position (the second connection release position) when the lid 6 is in the closed position. When the lid 6 is in the open position, the interference convex portion 94 does not interfere with the movement of the first connecting member 36 (the second connecting member 38) from the first connecting position (the second connecting position) to the first connection release position (the second connection release position).

[0116] For example, from the viewpoint of safety, in a situation where the postures of the chargers 2 and 202 are unstable (for example, a situation where the chargers 2 and 202 are being carried by the user), it may be desired to prevent the connection between the main body case 4 and the lid 6 from being released. Usually, in a situation where the postures of the chargers 2 and 202 are unstable, the lid 6 is expected to be in the closed position. According to the above configuration, when the lid 6 is in the closed position, the interference convex portion 94 interferes with the movement of the first connecting member 36 (the second connecting member 38) from the first connecting position (the second connecting position) to the first connection release position (the second connection release position), so that the release of the connection between the main body case 4 and the lid 6 is suppressed. Thereby, in a situation where the postures of the chargers 2 and 202 are unstable, it is possible to suppress the release of the connection between the main body case 4 and the lid 6, so that the safety of the chargers 2 and 202 can be improved.

[0117] In one or more embodiments, the first connecting member 36 (second connecting member 38) includes a first connecting pin 40 (second connecting pin 46) that is inserted through a first case-side shaft cylinder portion 42 (second case-side shaft cylinder portion 48) (an example of a case-side insertion element) provided on the main body case 4 and a first lid-side shaft cylinder portion 44 (second lid-side shaft cylinder portion 50) (an example of a lid-side insertion element) provided on the lid 6, thereby rotatably connecting the main body case 4 and the lid 6 to each other, and a first operation portion 52 (second operation portion 66) that is fixed to the first connecting pin 40 (second connecting pin 46) and operable by a user. The first connection position (second connection position) is a position where the first connecting pin 40 (second connecting pin 46) is inserted through the first case-side shaft cylinder portion 42 (second case-side shaft cylinder portion 48) and the first lid-side shaft cylinder portion 44 (second lid-side shaft cylinder portion 50). The first connection release position (second connection release position) is a position where the first connecting pin 40 (second connecting pin 46) has come out of the first lid-side shaft cylinder portion 44 (second lid-side shaft cylinder portion 50).

[0118] According to the above configuration, the user can slide the first connecting member 36 (second connecting member 38) in the axial direction of the first connecting pin 40 (second connecting pin 46) to insert and remove the first connecting pin 40 (second connecting pin 46) into and from the first insertion element and the second insertion element, thereby switching the connection mechanism 34 between the connected state and the connection release state. Thereby, the connection mechanism 34 can have a simple configuration.

[0119] In one or more embodiments, the first operation portion 52 (second operation portion 66) includes a finger hook portion 60 (finger hook portion 74) for hooking a finger of the user. The finger hook portion 60 (finger hook portion 74) is offset in the radial direction of the first connecting pin 40 (second connecting pin 46) with respect to the first connecting pin 40 (second connecting pin 46).

[0120] According to the above configuration, the user can move the first connecting member 36 (second connecting member 38) without using a special tool by hanging their finger on the finger hook portion 60 (finger hook portion 74) of the first connecting member 36 (second connecting member 38). However, if the finger hook portion 60 (finger hook portion 74) and the first connecting pin 40 (second connecting pin 46) are arranged side by side in the axial direction of the first connecting pin 40 (second connecting pin 46), the size of the first connecting member 36 (second connecting member 38) may increase in the axial direction of the first connecting pin 40 (second connecting pin 46). On the other hand, according to the above configuration, since the finger hook portion 60 (finger hook portion 74) is offset in the radial direction of the first connecting pin 40 (second connecting pin 46), the finger hook portion 60 (finger hook portion 74) and the first connecting pin 40 (second connecting pin 46) are not arranged side by side in the axial direction of the first connecting pin 40 (second connecting pin 46). As a result, the first connecting member 36 (second connecting member 38) can be miniaturized in the axial direction of the first connecting pin 40 (second connecting pin 46).

[0121] In one or more embodiments, the first operation portion 52 (second operation portion 66) extends in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the first connecting pin 40 (second connecting pin 46) and includes a wall portion 62 (wall portion 76) for abutting a plate-like element. The wall portion 62 (wall portion 76) is offset in the radial direction of the first connecting pin 40 (second connecting pin 46) with respect to the first connecting pin 40 (second connecting pin 46).

[0122] According to the above configuration, the user can apply a force in the axial direction of the first connecting pin 40 (second connecting pin 46) to the first connecting member 36 (second connecting member 38) via the plate-like element by bringing the plate-like element (for example, a coin, a minus driver) into contact with the wall portion 62 (wall portion 76) of the first connecting member 36 (second connecting member 38). However, if the wall portion 62 (wall portion 76) and the first connecting pin 40 (second connecting pin 46) are arranged side by side in the axial direction of the first connecting pin 40 (second connecting pin 46), the size of the first connecting member 36 (second connecting member 38) may increase in the axial direction of the first connecting pin 40 (second connecting pin 46). On the other hand, according to the above configuration, since the wall portion 62 (wall portion 76) is offset in the radial direction of the first connecting pin 40 (second connecting pin 46), the wall portion 62 (wall portion 76) and the first connecting pin 40 (second connecting pin 46) are not arranged side by side in the axial direction of the first connecting pin 40 (second connecting pin 46). Thereby, the first connecting member 36 (second connecting member 38) can be miniaturized in the axial direction of the first connecting pin 40 (second connecting pin 46).

[0123] In one or more embodiments, the battery attachment portions 18, 214 are disposed inside the accommodation space S1.

[0124] If the battery attachment portions 18, 214 are disposed outside the accommodation space S1 (for example, on the outer surface of the main body case 4), the battery pack B attached to the battery attachment portions 18, 214 is exposed outside the accommodation space S1. In this case, the battery pack B may hit another object (for example, a tool, the ground, a wall) and be damaged. According to the above configuration, since the battery attachment portions 18, 214 are disposed inside the accommodation space S1, the battery pack B attached to the battery attachment portions 18, 214 is suppressed from being exposed outside the accommodation space S1. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the battery pack B from hitting another object and being damaged.

[0125] In one or more embodiments, the battery pack B is attached to the battery attachment portions 18 and 214 by sliding it in a predetermined sliding direction (vertical direction) with respect to the battery attachment portions 18 and 214. The sliding direction (vertical direction) is a direction along the direction (upward direction) in which the accommodation space S1 is opened.

[0126] According to the above configuration, it becomes easier for the user to attach and detach the battery pack B to and from the battery attachment portions 18 and 214.

[0127] In one or more embodiments, the chargers 2 and 202 (examples of carrying cases) are carrying cases for the user to carry the battery pack B used for the power supply of the power tool. The chargers 2 and 202 include a main body case 4 that defines the accommodation space S1, a lid 6 that is movable between an open position where the accommodation space S1 is opened and a closed position where the accommodation space S1 is closed with respect to the main body case 4, and a connection mechanism 34 that can be switched between a connected state in which the main body case 4 and the lid 6 are connected to each other and a disconnected state in which the connection between the main body case 4 and the lid 6 is released.

[0128] According to the above configuration, the user can release the connection between the main body case 4 and the lid 6 by switching the connection mechanism 34 to the disconnected state. Therefore, when the user feels that the lid 6 is in the way, the user can remove the lid 6 from the main body case 4. Thus, according to the above configuration, it is possible to suppress making the user feel bothered.

[0129] In one or more embodiments, the chargers 2 and 202 are provided in the main body case 4 and further include battery attachment portions 18 and 214 to which the battery pack B is detachably attached.

[0130] According to the above configuration, by attaching the battery pack B to the battery attachment portions 18 and 214, the battery pack B can be positioned with respect to the chargers 2 and 202.

[0131] (Example 3: Charger 302) As shown in FIG. 22, the charger 302 differs from the charger 2 of the first embodiment in that it includes a connecting mechanism 304 instead of the connecting mechanism 34 (see FIG. 6). Other parts of the charger 302 are configured substantially the same as those of the charger 2 of the first embodiment. Hereinafter, the description will focus on the connecting mechanism 304.

[0132] The connecting mechanism 304 includes a shaft 306 provided on the lid 6 and a shaft holding portion 308 provided on the main body case 4. The shaft 306 extends in the front-rear direction. The shaft 306 has a shape in which a side portion of a cylinder is notched over the entire length. The shaft holding portion 308 includes a cylindrical portion 310 that rotatably receives the shaft 306, and a shaft insertion path 312 that radially communicates the inside and the outside of the cylindrical portion 310.

[0133] As shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, the lid 6 and the main body case 4 are rotatably connected to each other about a rotation axis A0 via the shaft 306 and the shaft holding portion 308.

[0134] As shown in FIG. 23, when the lid 6 is in the closed position, the width d1 of the shaft 306 in a direction parallel to the width direction of the shaft insertion path 312 is larger than the width dp of the shaft insertion path 312, and with the user's force, the shaft 306 cannot be pulled out from the cylindrical portion 310. Specifically, even if the user pulls the lid 6 with respect to the main body case 4, the cylindrical portion 310 cannot be deflected to the extent that the shaft 306 passes through the shaft insertion path 312 (i.e., to the extent that the width dp of the shaft insertion path 312 reaches the width d1 of the shaft 306). For this reason, when the lid 6 is in the closed position, the user cannot release the connection between the shaft 306 and the shaft holding portion 308, and the lid 6 cannot be removed from the main body case 4.

[0135] As shown in FIG. 24, when the lid 6 is opened, the width d2 of the shaft 306 in the direction parallel to the width direction of the shaft insertion path 312 becomes smaller than the width d1 of the shaft 306 (see FIG. 23) when the lid 6 is in the closed position. Therefore, when the lid 6 is open, the user can pull out the shaft 306 from the cylindrical portion 310 by the user's force. Specifically, when the user pulls the lid 6 with respect to the main body case 4, the shaft 306 bends the cylindrical portion 310 so as to widen the width of the shaft insertion path 312, and eventually passes through the shaft insertion path 312 and exits from the cylindrical portion 310. Therefore, when the lid 6 is open, the user can release the connection between the shaft 306 and the shaft holding portion 308 and remove the lid 6 from the main body case 4.

[0136] (Modification of Example 3) The shape of the shaft 306 may be a shape other than the shape shown in FIGS. 22-24 (for example, a prismatic shape) as long as the width of the shaft 306 in the direction parallel to the width direction of the shaft insertion path 312 changes with the opening and closing of the lid 6.

[0137] Instead of the shaft 306 being provided on the lid 6 and the shaft holding portion 308 being provided on the main body case 4, the shaft 306 may be provided on the main body case 4 and the shaft holding portion 308 may be provided on the lid 6.

[0138] (Features of Example 3) In this embodiment, when the lid 6 is in the closed position, it is prohibited to switch the connection mechanism 304 from the connected state to the disconnected state. When the lid 6 is in the open position, it is permitted to switch the connection mechanism 304 from the connected state to the disconnected state.

[0139] For example, from the perspective of safety, in a situation where the posture of the charger 302 is unstable (for example, a situation where the charger 302 is being carried by a user), it may be desired to suppress the disconnection between the main body case 4 and the lid 6. Normally, in a situation where the posture of the charger 302 is unstable, the lid 6 is expected to be in the closed position. According to the above configuration, when the lid 6 is in the closed position, it is prohibited to disconnect the connection between the main body case 4 and the lid 6. When the lid 6 is in the open position, it is permitted to disconnect the connection between the main body case 4 and the lid 6. Thereby, in a situation where the posture of the charger 302 is unstable, it is possible to suppress the disconnection between the main body case 4 and the lid 6, and thus the safety of the charger 302 can be improved.

[0140] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the charger 302 further includes a lid 6 (an example of an operation unit) that can be operated by the user's hand. The connection mechanism 304 can be switched between a connected state and a disconnected state when the lid 6 is operated.

[0141] According to the above configuration, the user can operate the lid 6 with their own hand without using tools (for example, a driver, a wrench) to switch the connection mechanism 304 between the connected state and the disconnected state. Thereby, it becomes easier for the user to switch the connection mechanism 304 between the connected state and the disconnected state.

[0142] (Embodiment 4: Charger 402) As shown in FIG. 25, the charger 402 is different from the charger 2 of Embodiment 1 in that it includes a connection mechanism 404L instead of the fastener 96 (see FIG. 2) and a connection mechanism 404R instead of the connection mechanism 34 (see FIG. 6). Other parts of the charger 402 are configured substantially the same as those of the charger 2 of Embodiment 1. Hereinafter, the connection mechanisms 404L and 404R will be described with attention.

[0143] As shown in FIG. 26, the connecting mechanism 404L connects the left part of the lid 6 and the left part of the main body case 4 to each other. The connecting mechanism 404L includes an operation plate 406L and a lock plate 408L provided on the lid 6, and a shaft 410L provided on the main body case 4. The operation plate 406L is slidable in the left-right direction with respect to the lid 6. The operation plate 406L is exposed on the upper surface of the lid 6 and can be operated by hand by the user. The lock plate 408L is supported by the lid 6 via a pin 412L extending in the front-rear direction. The lock plate 408L is rotatable about the pin 412L with respect to the lid 6. The lock plate 408L includes a pressing portion 414L located above as viewed from the pin 412L and a claw portion 416L located below as viewed from the pin 412L. The lock plate 408L is biased by a biasing member (for example, a spring) (not shown) to be in the posture shown in FIG. 26 (that is, the posture in which the pressing portion 414L is pressed against the left surface of the operation plate 406L and the claw portion 416L is engaged with the shaft 410L). When the claw portion 416L and the shaft 410L are engaged with each other, the lid 6 and the main body case 4 are connected to each other. As shown in FIG. 27, when the operation plate 406L is moved leftward against the biasing force of the biasing member, the lock plate 408L rotates about the pin 412L, and the engagement between the claw portion 416L and the shaft 410L is released. Therefore, the user can release the connection between the lid 6 and the main body case 4 by the connecting mechanism 404L by operating the operation plate 406L.

[0144] As shown in FIG. 28, the connecting mechanism 404R connects the right part of the lid 6 and the right part of the main body case 4 to each other. The connecting mechanism 404R includes an operation plate 406R and a lock plate 408R provided on the lid 6, and a shaft 410R provided on the main body case 4. The operation plate 406R is slidable in the left - right direction with respect to the lid 6. The operation plate 406R is exposed on the upper surface of the lid 6 and can be operated by hand by the user. The lock plate 408R is supported by the lid 6 via a pin 412R extending in the front - rear direction. The lock plate 408R is rotatable about the pin 412R with respect to the lid 6. The lock plate 408R includes a pressing portion 414R located above when viewed from the pin 412R and a claw portion 416R located below when viewed from the pin 412R. The lock plate 408R is biased by a biasing member (for example, a spring) (not shown) to be in the posture shown in FIG. 28 (that is, the posture in which the pressing portion 414R is pressed against the right surface of the operation plate 406R and the claw portion 416R engages with the shaft 410R). When the claw portion 416R and the shaft 410R engage with each other, the lid 6 and the main body case 4 are connected to each other. As shown in FIG. 29, when the operation plate 406R is moved to the right against the biasing force of the biasing member, the lock plate 408R rotates about the pin 412R, and the engagement between the claw portion 416R and the shaft 410R is released. Therefore, the user can release the connection between the lid 6 and the main body case 4 by the connecting mechanism 404R by operating the operation plate 406R.

[0145] As shown in FIG. 30, in a state where the connection by the connecting mechanism 404R is released and the lid 6 and the main body case 4 are connected only by the connecting mechanism 404L, the lid 6 can rotate about the shaft 410L with respect to the main body case 4. Although not shown, in a state where the connection by the connecting mechanism 404L is released and the lid 6 and the main body case 4 are connected only by the connecting mechanism 404R, the lid 6 can rotate about the shaft 410R with respect to the main body case 4.

[0146] As shown in FIG. 25, when both the connection by the connection mechanism 404L and the connection by the connection mechanism 404R are released, the lid 6 can be removed from the main body case 4.

[0147] (Modification of Example 4) Instead of being respectively arranged on the side surfaces (i.e., the left surface and the right surface) orthogonal to the short side direction of the charger 402, the connection mechanisms 404L and 404R may be arranged on the side surfaces (i.e., the front surface and the rear surface) orthogonal to the long side direction of the charger 402.

[0148] (Features of Example 4) In this embodiment, the charger 402 further includes operation plates 406L and 406R (examples of operation portions) that can be operated by the user's hand. The connection mechanisms 404L and 404R are switched between a connected state and a disconnected state when the operation plates 406L and 406R are operated.

[0149] According to the above configuration, the user can operate the operation plates 406L and 406R with their own hands without using tools (for example, a driver, a wrench) to switch the connection mechanisms 404L and 404R between a connected state and a disconnected state. This makes it easier for the user to switch the connection mechanisms 404L and 404R between a connected state and a disconnected state.

[0150] (Example 5: Charger 502) As shown in FIG. 31, the charger 502 is different from the charger 2 of Example 1 in that it includes a connection mechanism 504 instead of the connection mechanism 34 (see FIG. 6). The other parts of the charger 502 are configured substantially the same as those of the charger 2 of Example 1. Hereinafter, the description will focus on the connection mechanism 504.

[0151] The connecting mechanism 504 includes a front shaft 506 and a rear shaft 508 provided on the lid 6, and a front shaft holding portion 510 and a rear shaft holding portion 512 provided on the main body case 4. The front shaft 506 is fixed to a front protrusion 526 provided on the right surface of the lid 6. The front shaft 506 extends rearward from the rear surface of the front protrusion 526. The rear shaft 508 is fixed to a rear protrusion 528 provided on the right surface of the lid 6. The rear shaft 508 extends forward from the front surface of the rear protrusion 528. The front shaft holding portion 510 includes a front cylindrical member 514 that rotatably receives the front shaft 506, and a front slide rail 516 that slidably supports the front cylindrical member 514 in the front-rear direction. The front cylindrical member 514 can be operated by hand by the user. The rear shaft holding portion 512 includes a rear cylindrical member 518 that rotatably receives the rear shaft 508, and a rear slide rail 520 that slidably supports the rear cylindrical member 518 in the front-rear direction. The rear cylindrical member 518 can be operated by hand by the user.

[0152] As shown in FIG. 32, the front cylindrical member 514 is normally snap-fitted to the front slide rail 516 at a position where the front shaft 506 (see FIG. 31) is inserted. In this state, the lid 6 and the main body case 4 are rotatably connected to each other via the front shaft 506 and the front cylindrical member 514. Also, the rear cylindrical member 518 is normally snap-fitted to the rear slide rail 520 at a position where the rear shaft 508 (see FIG. 31) is inserted. In this state, the lid 6 and the main body case 4 are rotatably connected to each other via the rear shaft 508 and the rear cylindrical member 518.

[0153] As shown in FIG. 33, when the front cylindrical member 514 is moved rearward, the front shaft 506 comes out of the front cylindrical member 514. Also, when the rear cylindrical member 518 is moved forward, the rear shaft 508 comes out of the rear cylindrical member 518. In this case, since the connection between the lid 6 and the main body case 4 by the connecting mechanism 504 is released, the lid 6 can be removed from the main body case 4.

[0154] (Modification of Example 5) Instead of the front shaft 506 and the rear shaft 508 being provided on the lid 6 and the front shaft holding portion 510 and the rear shaft holding portion 512 being provided on the main body case 4, the front shaft 506 and the rear shaft 508 may be provided on the main body case 4, and the front shaft holding portion 510 and the rear shaft holding portion 512 may be provided on the lid 6.

[0155] The connection mechanism 504 may be provided not only on the right side surface but also on the left side surface of the charger 502. In this case, the user can select the direction in which the lid 6 opens with respect to the main body case 4 from a plurality of directions. Specifically, the user can release the connection by the connection mechanism 504 provided on the right side surface of the charger 502 and open the lid 6 to the left side with respect to the main body case 4. Alternatively, the user can release the connection by the connection mechanism 504 provided on the left side surface of the charger 502 and open the lid 6 to the right side with respect to the main body case 4. Further, instead of being disposed on the side surfaces (i.e., the left side surface and the right side surface) orthogonal to the short side direction of the charger 502, these connection mechanisms 504 may be disposed on the side surfaces (i.e., the front side surface and the rear side surface) orthogonal to the long side direction of the charger 502.

[0156] (Features of Example 5) In this embodiment, the connection mechanism 504 includes cylindrical members 514, 518 (examples of connection members) that are movable between a connection position (i.e., the position shown in FIG. 32) where the main body case 4 and the lid 6 are connected to each other and a connection release position (i.e., the position shown in FIG. 33) where the connection between the main body case 4 and the lid 6 is released.

[0157] According to the above configuration, the user can switch the connection mechanism 504 between the connected state and the connection released state by changing the positions of the cylindrical members 514, 518 between the connection position and the connection release position. Thereby, the connection mechanism 504 can have a simple configuration.

[0158] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the charger 502 further includes cylindrical members 514 and 518 (examples of operating portions) that can be manually operated by the user. The coupling mechanism 504 can be switched between a coupled state and a decoupled state by operating the cylindrical members 514 and 518.

[0159] According to the above configuration, the user can operate the cylindrical members 514 and 518 by hand without using tools (e.g., a driver, a wrench) to switch the coupling mechanism 504 between the coupled state and the decoupled state. This makes it easier for the user to switch the coupling mechanism 504 between the coupled state and the decoupled state.

[0160] (Embodiment 6: Charger 602) As shown in FIG. 34, the charger 602 is different from the charger 2 of Embodiment 1 in that it includes a coupling mechanism 604 instead of the coupling mechanism 34 (see FIG. 6). Other parts of the charger 602 are configured substantially the same as those of the charger 2 of Embodiment 1. Hereinafter, the coupling mechanism 604 will be described in detail.

[0161] The coupling mechanism 604 includes a fastener 606 provided on the main body case 4 and a groove 608 provided on the lid 6. The lid 6 and the main body case 4 are coupled to each other by hanging the fastener 606 across the groove 608. Similarly, the fastener 96 disposed on the left surface of the main body case 4 couples the lid 6 and the main body case 4 to each other by being hung across the groove 98. Therefore, the lid 6 and the main body case 4 are coupled to each other via the two fasteners 96 and 606. The user can remove the lid 6 from the main body case 4 by detaching each of the fasteners 96 and 606 from the grooves 98 and 608 to release the connection between the lid 6 and the main body case 4. Note that the structure of the fastener 606 is the same as that of the fastener 96, and the structure of the groove 608 is the same as that of the groove 98.

[0162] (Modification of Embodiment 6) Instead of being disposed on the side surfaces (i.e., the left side surface and the right side surface) orthogonal to the short side direction of the charger 602, the fasteners 96, 606 and the grooves 98, 608 may be disposed on the side surfaces (i.e., the front side surface and the rear side surface) orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the charger 602. Alternatively, one fastener 606 and one groove 608 may be provided on each of the four side surfaces (i.e., the front side surface, the rear side surface, the left side surface, and the right side surface) of the charger 602.

[0163] (Features of Example 6) In this embodiment, the charger 602 further includes a fastener 606 (an example of an operation portion) that can be operated by the user's hand. The coupling mechanism 604 is switched between a coupled state and a decoupled state when the fastener 606 is operated.

[0164] According to the above configuration, the user can switch the coupling mechanism 604 between the coupled state and the decoupled state by operating the fastener 606 with his or her own hand without using tools (e.g., a driver, a wrench). This makes it easier for the user to switch the coupling mechanism 604 between the coupled state and the decoupled state.

[0165] (Example 7: Charger 702) As shown in FIG. 35, the charger 702 is different from the charger 2 of Example 1 in that it includes a coupling mechanism 704 instead of the coupling mechanism 34 (see FIG. 6). Other parts of the charger 702 are configured substantially the same as those of the charger 2 of Example 1. Hereinafter, the description will focus on the coupling mechanism 704.

[0166] The coupling mechanism 704 includes a shaft 706 provided on the lid 6 and a shaft holding portion 708 provided on the main body case 4. The shaft 706 is fixed to each of a front protrusion 720 and a rear protrusion 722 provided on the right side surface of the lid 6. The shaft 706 extends in the front-rear direction through each of the front protrusion 720 and the rear protrusion 722.

[0167] As shown in FIG. 36, the shaft holding portion 708 includes a holding portion main body 712 that defines a recess 710 for accommodating the shaft 706, and a lock member 714 built into the holding portion main body 712. The lock member 714 includes a rotary knob 716 and a lock piece 718. The rotary knob 716 is exposed on the rear wall of the holding portion main body 712 and can be operated by hand by the user. The lock member 714 is movable between a locked position (see FIG. 36) where the lock piece 718 straddles above the recess 710 with respect to the holding portion main body 712 and an unlocked position (see FIG. 37) where the lock piece 718 does not straddle above the recess 710. The user can move the lock member 714 between the locked position and the unlocked position by rotating the rotary knob 716 of the lock member 714.

[0168] As shown in FIG. 36, when the lock member 714 is in the locked position, the lock piece 718 prohibits the shaft 706 from coming out of the recess 710. In this state, the lid 6 and the main body case 4 are rotatably connected to each other about the shaft 706.

[0169] As shown in FIG. 37, when the lock member 714 is in the unlocked position, the shaft 706 is allowed to come out of the recess 710. In this case, the user can move the lid 6 upward with respect to the main body case 4 to extract the shaft 706 from the recess 710 and remove the lid 6 from the main body case 4.

[0170] The locking piece 718 includes a first locking piece 718a located behind the rear protrusion 722 in the vicinity of the rear protrusion 722, and a second locking piece 718b located in front of the rear protrusion 722 in the vicinity of the rear protrusion 722. Although not shown, the locking piece 718 further includes a third locking piece located in front of the front protrusion 720 in the vicinity of the front protrusion 720 (see FIG. 35), and a fourth locking piece located behind the front protrusion 720 in the vicinity of the front protrusion 720. Therefore, the locking member 714 can lock the shaft 706 at a plurality of positions in the front-rear direction. Thereby, compared with a configuration in which the shaft 706 is locked at one position in the front-rear direction, the translational movement of the shaft 706 with respect to the shaft holding portion 708, that is, the rattling of the lid 6 with respect to the main body case 4 can be suppressed.

[0171] (Modification of Example 7) Although not shown, the locking member 714 may include a cylinder formed with a keyhole instead of the rotary knob 716. In this case, the user may move the locking member 714 between the locked position and the unlocked position by rotating the cylinder together with the key with the key inserted into the keyhole. Further, this keyhole may have the same shape as the keyhole of a padlock (not shown) for locking the locking portion 100 (see FIG. 2). Therefore, the key for locking the locking portion 100 and the key for moving the locking member 714 may be shared.

[0172] As shown in FIGS. 38 and 39, the shaft holding portion 708 may include a locking member 730 instead of the locking member 714. The locking member 730 includes a slide knob 732 and a locking piece 734. The slide knob 732 is exposed on the rear wall of the holding portion main body 712 and can be operated by hand by the user. The slide knob 732 is slidable in the left-right direction with respect to the holding portion main body 712. Further, the locking member 730 is movable between a locked position (see FIG. 38) where the locking piece 734 straddles above the recess 710 and an unlocked position (see FIG. 39) where the locking piece 734 does not straddle above the recess 710 with respect to the holding portion main body 712.

[0173] As shown in FIG. 38, when the slide knob 732 is slid to the left, the lock member 730 moves to the locked position. When the lock member 714 is in the locked position, the lock piece 718 prohibits the shaft 706 from coming out of the recess 710. In this state, the lid 6 and the main body case 4 are connected to be rotatable relative to each other about the shaft 706.

[0174] As shown in FIG. 39, when the slide knob 732 is slid to the right, the lock member 730 moves to the unlocked position. When the lock member 714 is in the unlocked position, the shaft 706 is allowed to come out of the recess 710. In this case, the user can remove the lid 6 from the main body case 4 by moving the lid 6 upward with respect to the main body case 4 to extract the shaft 706 from the recess 710.

[0175] The lock piece 734 includes a first lock piece 734a located behind the rear projection 722 in the vicinity of the rear projection 722 and a second lock piece 734b located in front of the rear projection 722 in the vicinity of the rear projection 722. Although not shown, the lock piece 734 further includes a third lock piece located in front of the front projection 720 (see FIG. 35) in the vicinity of the front projection 720 and a fourth lock piece located behind the front projection 720 in the vicinity of the front projection 720. Therefore, the lock member 730 can lock the shaft 706 at a plurality of positions in the front-rear direction. Thereby, compared with a configuration in which the shaft 706 is locked at one position in the front-rear direction, the translational movement of the shaft 706 with respect to the shaft holding portion 708, that is, the rattling of the lid 6 with respect to the main body case 4 can be suppressed.

[0176] Although not shown, the direction in which the recess 710 opens may be a direction other than the upward direction. For example, the recess 710 may open to the right. In this case, the lock member 730 may slide in the vertical direction to move between the locked position and the unlocked position.

[0177] The connection mechanism 704 may be provided not only on the right side but also on the left side of the charger 702. In this case, the user can select the direction in which the lid 6 opens with respect to the main body case 4 from a plurality of directions. Specifically, the user can release the connection by the connection mechanism 704 provided on the right side of the charger 702 and open the lid 6 to the left with respect to the main body case 4. Alternatively, the user can release the connection by the connection mechanism 704 provided on the left side of the charger 702 and open the lid 6 to the right with respect to the main body case 4. Further, instead of being disposed on the side surfaces (i.e., the left side surface and the right side surface) orthogonal to the short side direction of the charger 702, these connection mechanisms 704 may be disposed on the side surfaces (i.e., the front side surface and the rear side surface) orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the charger 702.

[0178] (Features of Embodiment 7) In this embodiment, the connection mechanism 704 includes a lock member 714 (or a lock member 730) (an example of a connection member) that is movable between a lock position (an example of a connection position) that connects the main body case 4 and the lid 6 to each other and an unlock position (an example of a connection release position) that releases the connection between the main body case 4 and the lid 6.

[0179] According to the above configuration, the user can switch the connection mechanism 704 between the connected state and the connection released state by changing the position of the lock member 714 (or the lock member 730) between the lock position and the unlock position. Thereby, the connection mechanism 704 can have a simple configuration.

[0180] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the charger 702 further includes a rotary knob 716 (or a slide knob 732) (an example of an operation unit) that can be operated by the user's hand. The connection mechanism 704 is switched between the connected state and the connection released state when the rotary knob 716 (or the slide knob 732) is operated.

[0181] According to the above configuration, the user can operate the rotary knob 716 (or the slide knob 732) by hand without using tools (such as a driver or a wrench), and switch the coupling mechanism 704 between the coupled state and the decoupled state. This makes it easier for the user to switch the coupling mechanism 704 between the coupled state and the decoupled state.

[0182] (Embodiment 8: Charger 802) As shown in FIGS. 40 and 41, the charger 802 is different from the charger 2 of Embodiment 1 in that the coupling mechanism 34 (see FIG. 6) can be replaced between the right side and the rear side of the charger 802, and the fastener 96 (see FIG. 2) can be replaced between the left side and the front side of the charger 802. Other parts of the charger 802 are configured substantially the same as those of the charger 2 of Embodiment 1.

[0183] In this embodiment, the components for attaching and detaching the coupling mechanism 34 (that is, the first case-side shaft cylinder portion 42, the first lid-side shaft cylinder portion 44, the second case-side shaft cylinder portion 48, the second lid-side shaft cylinder portion 50, the guide portion 80, the engaging piece 86, and the engaging piece 90) (see FIG. 6) are provided not only on the right side of the charger 802 but also on the rear side of the charger 802. This enables the coupling mechanism 34 to be replaced between the right side and the rear side of the charger 802.

[0184] As shown in Fig. 42, the fastener 96 includes an operation plate 804 operated by the user, a pin 806 fixed to the operation plate 804, and a latch 808 rotatably supported by the operation plate 804. As shown in Fig. 43, the pin 806 is rotatably received in a groove 810 provided in the main body case 4. Thereby, the operation plate 804 can rotate about the pin 806 with respect to the main body case 4. Further, the latch 808 is hung on a groove 98 provided in the lid 6. By pulling the lower part of the operation plate 804 in a direction away from the main body case 4 from the state shown in Fig. 43, the latch 808 can be removed from the groove 98. Thereafter, by moving the operation plate 804 downward with respect to the main body case 4, the pin 806 can be removed from the groove 810, and the fastener 96 can be removed from the main body case 4. In this embodiment, the components (i.e., the groove 98 and the groove 810) for attaching and detaching the fastener 96 are provided not only on the left side surface of the charger 802 but also on the front surface of the charger 802. Therefore, it is possible to replace the fastener 96 between the left side surface and the front surface of the charger 802.

[0185] Fig. 40 shows the charger 802 with the connection mechanism 34 attached to the right side surface of the charger 802 and the fastener 96 attached to the left side surface of the charger 802. In the charger 802 in this state, the connection mechanism 34 rotatably connects the lid 6 and the main body case 4 about a first rotation axis A1 along the front-rear direction. The user can open and close the lid 6 by releasing the connection between the lid 6 and the main body case 4 by the fastener 96 and then rotating the lid 6 about the first rotation axis A1 with respect to the main body case 4.

[0186] Fig. 41 shows the charger 802 with the connection mechanism 34 attached to the rear surface of the charger 802 and the fastener 96 attached to the front surface of the charger 802. In the charger 802 in this state, the connection mechanism 34 rotatably connects the lid 6 and the main body case 4 about a second rotation axis A2 along the left-right direction. The user can open and close the lid 6 by releasing the connection between the lid 6 and the main body case 4 by the fastener 96 and then rotating the lid 6 about the second rotation axis A2 with respect to the main body case 4.

[0187] (Features of Example 8) In this embodiment, the connected state includes a first connected state in which the main body case 4 and the lid 6 are rotatably connected to each other about a first rotation axis A1, and a second connected state in which the main body case 4 and the lid 6 are rotatably connected to each other about a second rotation axis A2 different from the first rotation axis A1. The connection mechanism 34 is switchable between the first connected state, the second connected state, and the disconnected state.

[0188] According to the above configuration, by switching the connection mechanism 34 between the first connected state and the second connected state, the opening direction of the lid 6 with respect to the main body case 4 can be changed. Thereby, the opening direction of the lid 6 with respect to the main body case 4 can be changed to be more user-friendly.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0189] 2: Charger, 4: Main body case, 6: Lid, 8: External terminal, 10: Tray member, 12: Front wall portion, 14: Rear wall portion, 16: Bottom wall portion, 18: Battery mounting portion, 20: Guide rail, 22: Latch receiver, 24: Latch, 26: Connection terminal, 28: Charging status display portion, 29: Flat portion, 30: Protrusion, 32: Control board, 34: Linking mechanism, 36: First linking member, 38: Second linking member, 40: First linking pin, 42: First case-side shaft cylinder portion, 44: First lid-side shaft cylinder portion, 46: Second linking pin, 48: Second case-side shaft cylinder portion, 50: Second lid-side shaft cylinder portion, 52: First operation portion, 54: Holding portion, 56: Protrusion, 58: Extending portion, 60: Finger-hooking portion, 62: Wall portion, 64: Engaging rib, 66: Second operation portion, 68: Holding portion, 70: Protrusion, 72: Extending portion, 74: Finger-hooking portion, 76: Wall portion, 78: Engaging rib, 80: Guide portion, 82: Guide surface, 84: Guide wall, 86: Engaging piece, 88: Engaging groove, 90: Engaging piece, 92: Engaging groove, 94: Interference convex portion, 96: Fastener, 98: Groove, 100: Locking portion, 102: Case-side locking hole, 104: Lid-side locking hole, 106: Open end, 108: Aligning groove, 110: Sealing member, 112: Clear surface, 114: Patterned surface, 116: Top surface, 118: First concave surface, 120: Second concave surface, 122: Third concave surface, 124: Left handle, 126: Front arm portion, 128: Rear arm portion, 130: Gripping portion, 130s: Lower end, 130u: Upper end, 132: Handle receiving recess, 134: Stopper surface, 136: Right handle, 138: Front arm portion, 140: Rear arm portion, 142: Gripping portion, 142s: Lower end, 142u: Upper end, 144: Handle receiving recess, 146: Stopper surface, 148: Gap, 150: Gap, 154: Lower side leg portion, 156: Front side leg portion, 156c: Front side contact portion, 158: Rear side leg portion, 158c: Rear side contact portion, 160: Left side leg portion, 160c: Left side contact portion, 162: Engaging member, 164: Engaging receiving portion, 166: Operation portion, 168a: Hollow portion, 168b: Hollow portion, 168c: Hollow portion, 168d: Hollow portion, 170a: Snap portion, 170b: Snap portion, 172a: Shaft portion, 172b: Shaft portion, 174a: Groove, 174b: Groove, 176a: Lid-side protrusion, 176b: Lid-side protrusion, 178a: Case-side protrusion, 178b: Case-side protrusion, 180: Hollow portion, 182: Display board, 184: Light-emitting element, 186: Label member, 202: Charger, 204: Tray member, 206: First standing wall portion, 208: Second standing wall portion210: Third vertical wall portion, 212: Bottom wall portion, 214: Battery mounting portion, 216: Connection terminal, 218: Charge status display portion, 302: Charger, 304: Connecting mechanism, 306: Shaft, 308: Shaft holding portion, 310: Cylindrical portion, 312: Shaft insertion path, 402: Charger, 404L, 404R: Connecting mechanism, 406L, 406R: Operation plate, 408L, 408R: Lock plate, 410L, 410R: Shaft, 412L, 412R: Pin, 414L, 414R: Pressing portion, 416L, 416R: Claw portion, 502: Charger, 504: Connecting mechanism, 506: Front shaft, 508: Rear shaft, 510: Front shaft holding portion, 512: Rear shaft holding portion, 514: Front cylindrical member, 516: Front slide rail, 518: Rear cylindrical member, 520: Rear slide rail, 526: Front protrusion, 528: Rear protrusion 602: Charger, 604: Connecting mechanism, 606: Fastener, 608: Groove, 702: Charger, 704: Connecting mechanism, 706: Shaft, 708: Shaft holding portion, 710: Recess, 712: Holding portion body, 714: Locking member, 716: Rotating knob, 718, 718a, 718b: Locking piece, 720: Front protrusion, 722: Rear protrusion, 730: Locking member, 732: Slide knob, 734, 734a, 734b: Locking piece, 802: Charger, 804: Operation plate, 806: Pin, 808: Hook, 810: Groove, AL: Handle rotation axis, AR: Handle rotation axis, B: Battery pack, P: Placing surface, S1: Accommodation space, S2: Substrate arrangement space, T: Power tool,

Claims

1. A main body case defining an accommodation space, a battery attachment portion provided on the main body case and to which a battery pack used as a power source for a power tool is detachably attached, external terminals provided on the main body case and electrically connected to the battery pack via the battery attachment portion, a lid movable between an open position for opening the accommodation space and a closed position for closing the accommodation space with respect to the main body case, an electric device comprising a connection mechanism capable of switching between a connected state in which the main body case and the lid are connected to each other and a connection release state in which the connection between the main body case and the lid is released.

2. When the lid is in the closed position, switching the connection mechanism from the connected state to the connection release state is prohibited, The electric device according to claim 1, wherein when the lid is in the open position, switching the connection mechanism from the connected state to the connection release state is allowed.

3. The connection mechanism includes a connection member movable between a connection position for connecting the main body case and the lid to each other and a connection release position for releasing the connection between the main body case and the lid, The connected state is a state in which the connection member is in the connection position, The electric device according to claim 1, wherein the connection release state is a state in which the connection member is in the connection release position.

4. The electric device according to claim 3, wherein the connection member is attached to an outer surface of one of the main body case and the lid.

5. The electric device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the connection member includes an engaging portion that engages with one of the main body case and the lid when the connection member is in the connection position.

6. One of the main body case and the lid is provided with an interference portion that interferes with the movement of the connection member from the connection position to the connection release position when the lid is in the closed position, The electric device according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the interference portion does not interfere with the movement of the connection member from the connection position to the connection release position when the lid is in the open position.

7. The connection member is, a connection pin that rotatably connects the main body case and the lid to each other by being inserted into each of a case-side insertion element provided on the main body case and a lid-side insertion element provided on the lid, and an operation portion fixed to the connection pin and operable by a user. The connection position is the position where the connection pin is inserted into each of the case-side insertion element and the lid-side insertion element. The connection release position is the position where the connection pin has come out of one of the case-side insertion element and the lid-side insertion element. The electric device according to any one of claims 3 to 6.

8. The operation part includes a finger hook part for hooking the finger of the user. The finger hook part is offset in the radial direction of the connection pin with respect to the connection pin. The electric device according to claim 7.

9. The operation part extends in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the connection pin and includes a wall part for abutting a plate-like element. The wall part is offset in the radial direction of the connection pin with respect to the connection pin. The electric device according to claim 7 or 8.

10. The battery mounting part is disposed inside the accommodation space. The electric device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The battery pack is attached to the battery mounting part by sliding the battery pack in a predetermined sliding direction with respect to the battery mounting part. The sliding direction is a direction along the direction in which the accommodation space is opened. The electric device according to claim 10.

12. It further includes an operation part that can be operated by hand by the user. The connection mechanism is switched between the connected state and the connection release state when the operation part is operated. The electric device according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. The connected state includes a first connected state in which the main body case and the lid are rotatably connected to each other about a first rotation axis, and a second connected state in which the main body case and the lid are rotatably connected to each other about a second rotation axis different from the first rotation axis. The connection mechanism is switchable between the first connected state, the second connected state, and the connection release state. The electric device according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. A carrying case for a user to carry a battery pack used as a power source for a power tool, A main body case that defines an accommodation space, A lid that opens and closes the accommodation space, And a connection mechanism that is switchable between a connected state in which the main body case and the lid are connected to each other and a connection release state in which the connection between the main body case and the lid is released. A carrying case.

15. The carrying case according to claim 14, further comprising a battery attachment portion provided in the main body case, to which the battery pack is detachably attached.

Images