Battery pack, adapter, and electric device

Abstract

To provide a battery pack compatible with a plurality of electric devices having different communication specifications, an adapter to which the battery pack can be attached, and electric devices to which the battery pack can be attached via the adapter.SOLUTION: A V terminal, an LS terminal, and an LD terminal of a battery pack 100 configure a communication path between the battery pack 100 and a first adapter 200 when the battery pack 100 is attached to the first adapter 200, and do not configure a communication path between the battery pack 100 and a second adapter 300 when the battery pack 100 is attached to the second adapter 300. A T+ terminal and a D terminal of the battery pack 100 do not configure the communication path between the battery pack 100 and the first adapter 200 when the battery pack 100 is attached to the first adapter 200, and configure the communication path between the battery pack 100 and the second adapter 300 when the battery pack 100 is attached to the second adapter 300.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery pack, an adapter, and an electrical device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an adapter for connecting a battery pack with different interface specifications to an electrical device. Patent Document 2 discloses a battery pack capable of switching the output voltage and an extension adapter connected between the battery pack and an electrical device. Patent Document 3 discloses a battery pack equipped with a pair of power supply terminals (charge / discharge terminal 33) and communication terminals (temperature detection terminal 35, communication terminal 36). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2022 / 172776 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 7255252 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-143768 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide a battery pack that is compatible with a plurality of electrical devices with different communication specifications, an adapter to which the battery pack can be attached, and an electrical device to which the battery pack can be attached via the adapter. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] One aspect of the present invention is a cell unit having one or more battery cells; a battery interface selectively connectable to a first device interface of a first electrical device and a second device interface of a second electrical device; a control unit configured to be able to communicate with the first electrical device or the second electrical device; A battery pack comprising: The battery interface a power supply terminal connected to the cell unit; one or more first communication terminals that form a communication path between the battery pack and the first electrical device when the battery interface is connected to the first device interface, and that do not form a communication path between the battery pack and the second electrical device when the battery interface is connected to the second device interface; one or more second communication terminals that do not form a communication path between the battery pack and the first electrical device when the battery interface is connected to the first device interface, and that form a communication path between the battery pack and the second electrical device when the battery interface is connected to the second device interface; having The battery pack is characterized by the above.

[0006] Another aspect of the present invention is a method for producing a semiconductor device comprising: an adapter including the first device interface or the second device interface to which the battery interface of the battery pack can be connected, the adapter being attachable between the battery pack and a third or fourth electrical device that cannot be directly connected to the battery pack, a battery-side power supply terminal connected to a power supply terminal of the battery pack; a third device-side power supply terminal connected to a third device power supply terminal of the third electrical device, or a fourth device-side power supply terminal connected to a fourth device power supply terminal of the fourth electrical device; a first power supply connection circuit that connects the battery-side power supply terminal and the third device-side power supply terminal, or a second power supply connection circuit that connects the battery-side power supply terminal and the fourth device-side power supply terminal; a first battery-side communication terminal connected to the first communication terminal or a second battery-side communication terminal connected to the second communication terminal; a third device side communication terminal connected to a third device communication terminal of the third electric device, or a fourth device side communication terminal connected to a fourth device communication terminal of the fourth electric device; a first communication connection circuit that connects the first battery side communication terminal and the third device side communication terminal, or a second communication connection circuit that connects the second battery side communication terminal and the fourth device side communication terminal; Equipped with The adapter is characterized by the above.

[0007] Another aspect of the present invention is a method for producing a semiconductor device comprising: An electrical device to which the battery pack can be attached via the adapter, the third device power supply terminal or the fourth device power supply terminal; the third device communication terminal or the fourth device communication terminal; a device control unit configured to be able to communicate with the control unit of the battery pack via the third device communication terminal or the fourth device communication terminal; a load section connected to the third device power supply terminal or the fourth device power supply terminal; Equipped with The electrical device is characterized by the above. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a battery pack that is compatible with multiple electrical devices with different communication specifications, an adapter into which the battery pack can be attached, and an electrical device into which the battery pack can be attached via the adapter. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] 2 is a perspective view of the battery pack 100, the first adapter 200, and the second adapter 300 of FIG. 1 in a mutually separated state. [Figure 3]3A is a perspective view of the battery pack 100. FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the battery pack 100 without the battery case 106. FIG. 3C is a perspective view of the battery pack 100 without the battery case 106, viewed from a different direction than FIG. 3B. FIG. 3D is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the battery terminal 102 in FIG. 3B. [Figure 4] (A) is a perspective view of the first adapter 200 as seen from above. (B) is a perspective view of the first adapter 200 as seen from below. (C) is a rear view of the first adapter 200. (D) is a rear cross-sectional view of the first adapter 200, taken at the position of the first latch operating portion 216a of the first latch portion 216. (E) is a plan view of the first adapter 200 with the first adapter upper case 211a omitted. [Figure 5] 5(A) is a perspective view of the first adapter 200 without the first adapter upper case 211a. (B) is a perspective view of the first adapter lower case 211b. (C) is a perspective view of the first adapter board 220, battery-side terminals 206, and device-side terminals 210. (D) is a perspective view of FIG. 5(C) with the battery-side terminal support member 235 added. (E) is a perspective view showing the procedure for assembling the battery-side terminal support member 235. [Figure 6] 6A is a perspective view of the battery pack 100 and the first adapter 200 combined together, FIG. 6B is a plan view of the same, and FIG. 6C is a cross-sectional view taken along line GG of FIG. 6B. [Figure 7] (A) is a cross-sectional view taken along line HH in Fig. 6(C), and (B) is a cross-sectional view taken along line JJ in Fig. 6(C). [Figure 8] KK cross section of Figure 6(C). [Figure 9] 9(A) is a perspective view showing the connection between the terminals of the battery pack 100 and the first adapter 200. (B) is a right-side cross-sectional view of the state of FIG. 9(A), taken between the power terminal 103 and the communication terminal 105 on the right side of FIG. 9(A). (C) is a right-side cross-sectional view of the state of FIG. 9(A), taken between the power terminals 103 and 104 on the right side of FIG. 9(A). [Figure 10]8A is a side view showing the battery pack 100 and the third electric device 40 connected via the first adapter 200. FIG. 8B is a side cross-sectional view of the same. FIG. 8C is a front view of the same. FIG. 8D is a bottom perspective view of the lower part of the third electric device 40. FIG. 8E is a cross-sectional view taken along the line NN of FIG. 8B. [Figure 11] (A) is a perspective view of the second adapter 300 seen from above. (B) is a perspective view of the second adapter 300 seen from below. (C) is a perspective view of the second adapter 300 without the upper case. (D) is a perspective view of the main parts of the fourth electrical device 60 to which the second adapter 300 is connected. [Figure 12] 10 is a circuit block diagram showing a state in which the battery pack 100 and the third electric device 40 are connected via the first adapter 200. FIG. [Figure 13] 10 is a circuit block diagram showing a state in which the battery pack 100 and a fourth electric device 60 are connected via a second adapter 300. FIG. [Figure 14] 10 is a circuit block diagram showing a state in which the battery pack 100 and the third electric device 30 are connected via the first adapter 200. FIG. [Figure 15] 10 is a circuit block diagram showing a state in which the battery pack 100 and a fourth electric device 70 are connected via a second adapter 300. FIG. [Figure 16] 10 is a circuit block diagram showing a state in which a battery pack 100A and a third electric device 40 are connected via a first adapter 200. FIG. [Figure 17] 10 is a circuit block diagram showing a state in which a battery pack 100A and a fourth electric device 60 are connected via a second adapter 300. FIG. [Figure 18] 10 is a circuit block diagram showing a state in which a battery pack 100A and a third electric device 30 are connected via a first adapter 200. FIG. [Figure 19] 10 is a circuit block diagram showing a state in which a battery pack 100A and a fourth electric device 70 are connected via a second adapter 300. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] In this specification, the interface specifications specify the configuration of the interface related to the interconnection between the battery pack and the electrical device, such as the configuration of the guide section and the terminal configuration, etc. If the interfaces of the battery pack and the electrical device are configured according to common specifications, these battery packs and electrical devices can be directly connected to each other.

[0011] [System overall configuration] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a system according to an embodiment.

[0012] The battery pack 100 is a voltage-switchable battery pack having a first battery interface 101 of a first specification and configured to be able to switch the output voltage. The battery pack 100 may also be a fixed-voltage battery pack having a fixed output voltage.

[0013] The fifth electric device 80 has a first device interface 81 of a first specification. The first device interface 81 is configured to be connectable to the first battery interface 101 of the battery pack 100. The fifth electric device 80 is an electric tool with a rated voltage of 36 V, and has a terminal structure that outputs 36 V to the connected battery pack 100 (inputs 36 V from the battery pack 100).

[0014] The third electrical devices 30, 40, and 50 have third device interfaces 32, 42, and 52 of the second specification, respectively.

[0015] The third device interfaces 32, 42, 52 are configured so as not to be connectable to the first battery interface 101 of the battery pack 100. The third device interfaces 32, 42, 52 are configured so as to be connectable to the second battery interface 12 of a second specification different from the first specification of the second voltage switching battery pack 10 capable of switching the output voltage.

[0016] The third electrical device 30 is a charger configured to be directly connected to the second-voltage switching battery pack 10 for charging. The third electrical device 40 is an electric power tool with a rated voltage of 36V and has a terminal structure that outputs 36V to the connected second-voltage switching battery pack 10 (inputs 36V from the second-voltage switching battery pack 10). The third electrical device 50 is an electric power tool with a rated voltage of 18V and has a terminal structure that outputs 18V to the connected second-voltage switching battery pack 10 (inputs 18V from the second-voltage switching battery pack 10). Each of the third electrical devices 40, 50 is configured to be directly connected to the second-voltage switching battery pack 10 and to operate using power from the second-voltage switching battery pack 10. The second-voltage switching battery pack 10 is configured to switch its output voltage between 36V and 18V depending on the terminal structure of the connected device. The third electrical devices 30, 40, 50 and the second-voltage switching battery pack 10 are all compatible with existing products.

[0017] The first adapter 200 serving as the first electrical device is configured to be connectable between the battery pack 100 and the third electrical devices 30, 40, and 50. The entire combination of the first adapter 200 and the third electrical devices 30, 40, and 50 is also an example of the first electrical device. The first adapter 200 has a first adapter interface 201 of a first specification connectable to the first battery interface 101 of the battery pack 100, and a third adapter interface 202 connectable to third device interfaces 32, 42, and 52 of a second specification different from the first specification of the third electrical devices 30, 40, and 50. The first adapter interface 201 is an example of the first device interface.

[0018] The fourth electrical devices 60, 70 have fourth device interfaces 63, 73 of a third specification. The fourth device interfaces 63, 73 are configured so as not to be connectable to the first battery interface 101 of the battery pack 100. The fourth device interfaces 63, 73 are configured so as to be connectable to the third battery interface 23 of a third specification, which is different from the first specification, of the third voltage fixed battery pack 20, whose output voltage is fixed.

[0019] The fourth electrical device 60 is an electric tool with a rated voltage of 18V, and is configured to be directly connected to the third fixed voltage battery pack 20 so that it can operate on the power of the third fixed voltage battery pack 20. The fourth electrical device 70 is a charger, and is configured to be directly connected to the third fixed voltage battery pack 20 so that it can be charged. The third fixed voltage battery pack 20 is configured to output 18V. The fourth electrical devices 60, 70 and the third fixed voltage battery pack 20 are all compatible with existing products.

[0020] The second adapter 300 serving as the second electrical device is configured to be connectable between the battery pack 100 and the fourth electrical devices 60 and 70. The entire combination of the second adapter 300 and the fourth electrical devices 60 and 70 is also an example of the second electrical device. The second adapter 300 has a second adapter interface 301 of a first specification connectable to the first battery interface 101 of the battery pack 100, and a fourth adapter interface 303 connectable to fourth device interfaces 63 and 73 of a third specification different from the first specification of the fourth electrical devices 60 and 70. The second adapter interface 301 is an example of the second device interface.

[0021] [Configuration of battery pack 100] 2 defines the front-rear, up-down, and left-right directions of the battery pack 100, the first adapter 200, and the second adapter 300. The battery pack 100 is a battery pack that can be attached to the battery pack attachment portions of the fifth electrical device 80, the first adapter 200, and the second adapter 300 facing forward.

[0022] As shown in Figures 2 and 3(A) to (D), the battery pack 100 has a battery terminal 102, a battery case 106, a pair of left and right battery guide portions 107 (first guide portions), a terminal accommodating portion 108, an engaged portion 110 (regulating recess), a remaining capacity display portion 111, a remaining capacity display button 112, a battery control board 113, a cell unit 115, a separator 116, a tab 135, and a bus bar 137.

[0023] The battery terminals 102 constitute a part of the first battery interface 101. The battery terminals 102 have a pair of power supply terminals 103, a pair of power supply terminals 104, and a communication terminal 105. The pair of power supply terminals 103, the pair of power supply terminals 104, and the communication terminals 105 are aligned in the left-right direction. There are six communication terminals 105, and the front end portions (connection portions with the communication terminals 205 of the first adapter 200) are divided into upper and lower three terminals. In FIGS. 9(B) and 9(C), the upper three communication terminals 105 are distinguishably referred to as upper communication terminals 105-U and the lower three communication terminals 105 are distinguishably referred to as lower communication terminals 105-L.

[0024] The battery case 106 is, for example, a resin molded body with a two-part structure, with a top and bottom section, and has a top section 106a, a bottom section 106b, and a side section 106c. The bottom section 106b is located below the top section 106a. The side section 106c connects the top section 106a and the bottom section 106b. The battery case 106 houses a battery control board 113, a cell unit 115, a separator 116, etc.

[0025] The pair of battery guides 107 are erected on both the left and right ends of the top surface 106a, extend in the front-to-rear direction, and are configured to guide the battery pack 100 forward relative to the device to be connected. The battery guides 107 form part of the first battery interface 101. Each battery guide 107 has four engaging portions 107a arranged in the front-to-rear direction. Each engaging portion 107a is a convex portion that protrudes outward in the left-to-right direction (on the side opposite the center of the top surface 106a in the left-to-right direction). The number of engaging portions 107a is optional.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 3(A), the battery guide 107 has a front end 107b located on the front side and a rear end 107c located on the rear side. A second rear protrusion 151 that protrudes upward from the top surface 106a is provided at the rear of the battery case 106. The upper end of the second rear protrusion 151 forms the upper end of the battery pack 100. The upper surface of the second rear protrusion 151 forms a second inclined surface that slopes gently rearward from the upper end. The second rear protrusion 151 is located outside the area where the battery guide 107 is provided in the front-to-rear direction.

[0027] The terminal accommodating portion 108 is provided on the top surface 106a of the battery case 106. Specifically, the terminal accommodating portion 108 stands upright in the center of the rear of the top surface 106a. In the front-rear direction, the terminal accommodating portion 108 extends to a position corresponding to the rear end 107c of the battery guide portion 107. The terminal accommodating portion 108 has multiple slots 109 that accommodate the battery terminals 102. Each of the multiple slots 109 opens on the front side, allowing the battery terminals 102 to face forward.

[0028] The battery terminals 102 housed in the terminal accommodating portion 108, i.e., the pair of power supply terminals 103, the pair of power supply terminals 104, and the communication terminal 105, are positioned to correspond to the multiple slots 109 in the left-right direction and to correspond to the rear end 107c of the battery guide portion 107 in the front-rear direction. This ensures a large space in front of the battery terminals 102, which can be used to arrange the first adapter 200. Therefore, even if a circuit or the like is provided inside the first adapter 200, it is possible to prevent the vertical dimension of the battery pack 100 and the first adapter 200 from becoming large when they are connected. In addition, the rear side of the terminal accommodating portion 108 is covered by the second rear protrusion 151, which prevents the terminal accommodating portion 108 from being subjected to impacts from behind.

[0029] When the battery pack 100 is attached to the fifth electric device 80, the first adapter 200, or the second adapter 300, the engaged portion 110 engages with the latch portion 80a (FIG. 1) of the fifth electric device 80, the second latch portion 217 (FIG. 4(B)) of the first adapter 200, or the second latch portion 317 (FIG. 11(B)) of the second adapter 300, thereby preventing the battery pack 100 from moving backward. The engaged portion 110 constitutes a part of the first battery interface 101. The engaged portion 110 is provided integrally with the upper surface portion 106a of the battery case 106.

[0030] 2, the remaining capacity display unit 111 and the remaining capacity display button 112 are provided on the upper rear part (second rear protrusion 151) of the battery case 106. The remaining capacity display unit 111 displays the remaining capacity of the battery pack 100 in four stages in response to operation of the remaining capacity display button 112. The number of stages for displaying the remaining capacity may be arbitrary.

[0031] As shown in Figures 3(B) and (C), the battery control board 113 has a first board 113a and a second board 113b. The first board 113a is located above the cell unit 115 and is fixed to the separator 116 with screws or the like in a vertically perpendicular position. The second board 113b is placed on top of the right front upper surface of the first board 113a. An insulating member is provided between the first board 113a and the second board 113b in the vertical direction. The first board 113a is equipped with a first control unit 123 and the like shown in Figure 12, etc. The second board 113b is equipped with a second control unit 124 and the like shown in Figure 12, etc. The rear of the first board 113a is equipped with battery terminals 102, four remaining battery capacity indicator LEDs 121, and a remaining battery capacity indicator switch 122. When the remaining capacity display switch 122 is turned on, the remaining capacity display LEDs 121 light up in a number corresponding to the remaining capacity of the battery pack 100. The number of remaining capacity display LEDs 121 is arbitrary. The light emitted by the remaining capacity display LEDs 121 passes through the remaining capacity display unit 111 and reaches the outside. The remaining capacity display switch 122 is turned on by operating the remaining capacity display button 112.

[0032] The cell unit 115 includes a first cell unit 118 having five battery cells electrically connected to each other, and a second cell unit 119 having five battery cells electrically connected to each other. The battery cells are, for example, lithium-ion secondary battery cells. The first cell unit 118 and the second cell unit 119 may include any number of battery cells. A pair of power supply terminals 103 are connected to the positive and negative electrodes of the first cell unit 118, respectively. A pair of power supply terminals 104 are connected to the positive and negative electrodes of the second cell unit 119, respectively.

[0033] The separator 116 is, for example, a resin molded body, and holds each battery cell that makes up the cell unit 115 in a predetermined position inside the battery case 106. The tabs 135 electrically connect the battery cells to each other and to the battery control board 113. The bus bars 137 form a current path that provides a low-resistance connection from the tabs 135 connected to the front of the battery control board 113 to the vicinity of the battery terminals 102.

[0034] [Configuration of First Adapter 200] The first adapter 200 is configured to connect a battery pack 100 having a first battery interface 101 of a first specification to a third electrical device 30, 40, 50 having a third device interface 32, 42, 52 of a second specification different from the first specification. The first adapter 200 is positioned between the battery pack 100 and any of the third electrical devices 30, 40, 50 in the vertical direction, and is configured to be attachable to the battery pack 100 and any of the third electrical devices 30, 40, 50 by sliding in a front-rear direction that intersects the vertical direction.

[0035] 1 , the first adapter 200 has a first adapter interface 201 of a first specification connectable to the first battery interface 101 of the battery pack 100, and a third adapter interface 202 of a second specification connectable to the third device interfaces 32, 42, 52 of the third electric devices 30, 40, 50. The first adapter interface 201 and a battery pack attachment section 213 (described later) include an area that faces the battery pack 100 (first battery interface 101) when the battery pack 100 is attached to the first adapter 200, and an area that faces the first battery interface 101 with almost no gap between them. The third adapter interface 202 and an electric device attachment section 214 (described later) include an area that faces the third electric devices 30, 40, 50 (third device interfaces 32, 42, 52) when the first adapter 200 is attached to the third electric devices 30, 40, 50.

[0036] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the first adapter 200 has a battery side terminal 206 as a first terminal portion, an equipment side terminal 210 as a second terminal portion, a first adapter case 211, a battery pack mounting portion 213, an electrical equipment mounting portion 214, a first latch portion 216, a second latch portion 217, a first adapter board 220 as a circuit board, a battery side terminal support member 235, and an equipment side terminal support member 236.

[0037] A first rear protrusion 230 is provided on the rear side of the first adapter 200, protruding above the lower end 214a of the electrical device mounting portion 214. A first latch portion 216 is provided on the first rear protrusion 230. A first inclined surface that gently slopes from the upper front to the lower rear is formed on the upper surface of the first rear protrusion 230. The first rear protrusion 230 is provided on the upper side of the first adapter 200, and is located rearward of the electrical device mounting portion 214 in the front-to-rear direction. The first rear protrusion 230 is located outside (rearward of) an area in which a third guide portion 215, described below, is provided.

[0038] The battery-side terminals 206 are provided at the rear of the first adapter board 220 and are connected to the battery terminals 102 of the battery pack 100. When the battery pack 100 is attached to the first adapter 200, as shown in FIG. 6C, the first adapter board 220 and the battery terminals 102 overlap in the vertical direction. The first adapter board 220 and the battery-side terminals 206 overlap in the vertical direction. As shown in FIGS. 4C and 5C, the battery-side terminals 206 have a pair of power supply terminals 203, a pair of power supply terminals 204, and a communication terminal 205. The pair of power supply terminals 203, the pair of power supply terminals 204, and the communication terminal 205 are aligned in the horizontal direction. There are six communication terminals 205, and the rear ends (connection portions with the communication terminals 105 of the battery pack 100) are divided into three on the top and bottom. The front ends (connection portions with the first adapter board 220) of the communication terminals 205 are divided into three on the front and back. In Figures 5(E) and 6(C), the upper three communication terminals 205 are distinguished by being referred to as upper communication terminals 205-U and the lower three communication terminals 205 as lower communication terminals 205-L.

[0039] 9(A), the pair of power supply terminals 203, the pair of power supply terminals 204, and the communication terminal 205 are configured to be connectable to the pair of power supply terminals 103, the pair of power supply terminals 104, and the communication terminal 105 of the battery pack 100, respectively. The battery side terminal 206 constitutes a part of the first adapter interface 201. The battery side terminal 206 is disposed at a position corresponding to the rear end 107c (FIG. 3(A)) of the battery guide portion 107 in the front-rear direction.

[0040] The pair of power supply terminals 203 and the pair of power supply terminals 204 have the same shape. As shown in FIG. 5(E), the power supply terminal 204 has a first end 204a, a first upward extending portion 204b extending from the first end 204a upwardly relative to the first adapter board 220, a first rearward extending portion 204c extending rearward from the first upward extending portion 204b, a first downward extending portion 204d extending downwardly from the first rearward extending portion 204c, a second rearward extending portion 204e extending rearward from the first downward extending portion 204d, and a second end 204f connected to the rear portion of the second rearward extending portion 204e. The first end 204a is connected to the first adapter board 220. The second end 204f is located rearward of the first end 204a and is connected to the battery terminal 102 (power supply terminal 104).

[0041] The second end 204f is located or extends below the first adapter substrate 220. The second end 204f is located rearward of the first adapter substrate 220. The first upward extending portion 204b, the first rear extending portion 204c, the first downward extending portion 204d, and the second rear extending portion 204e form a connecting portion that connects the first end 204a and the second end 204f. The range of existence of this connecting portion and the first adapter substrate 220 in the up-down direction overlap.

[0042] 6(C), the upper communication terminal 205-U and the lower communication terminal 205-L each have a first end 205a, a first upward extension 205b extending from the first end 205a upwardly of the first adapter board 220, a first rearward extension 205c extending rearward from the first upward extension 205b, a first downward extension 205d extending downwardly from the first rearward extension 205c, a second rearward extension 205e extending rearward from the first downward extension 205d, and a second end 205f connected to the rear of the second rearward extension 205e. The first end 205a is connected to the first adapter board 220. The second end 205f is located rearward of the first end 205a and is connected to the battery terminal 102 (communication terminal 105).

[0043] The second end 205f of the upper communication terminal 205-U is located or extends above the first adapter board 220. The second end 205f of the lower communication terminal 205-L is located or extends below the first adapter board 220. The second end 205f of the upper communication terminal 205-U and the lower communication terminal 205-L are lined up behind the first adapter board 220 and spaced apart in the vertical direction. The second end 205f is located behind the first adapter board 220. The upper communication terminal 205-U is connected to the upper communication terminal 105-U of the battery pack 100, and the lower communication terminal 205-L is connected to the lower communication terminal 105-L of the battery pack 100. The first upward extending portion 205b, the first rearward extending portion 205c, the first downward extending portion 205d, and the second rearward extending portion 205e constitute a connecting portion that connects the first end portion 205a and the second end portion 205f. The connecting portion and the first adapter board 220 overlap in their vertical ranges.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 5(C), the device-side terminal 210 has a pair of power supply terminals 207, a pair of power supply terminals 208, and a communication terminal 209. The device-side terminal 210 has a lower end (as a third end) connected to the first adapter board 220, extends upward and forward from the lower end, and a front end (as a fourth end) connected to the device terminals of the third electric device 30, 40, 50. As shown in FIGS. 5(C) and 10(D), the pair of power supply terminals 207, the pair of power supply terminals 208, and the communication terminal 209 are configured to be connectable to the pair of power supply terminals 43a, the pair of power supply terminals 43b, and the communication terminal 43c of the third electric device 40, respectively. The device-side terminal 210 constitutes a part of the third adapter interface 202. The pair of power supply terminals 43a, the pair of power supply terminals 43b, and the communication terminal 43c of the third electric device 40 constitute the device terminals 43 and constitute a part of the third device interface 42.

[0045] 5A, the battery-side terminal 206 and the device-side terminal 210 are spaced apart from each other in the front-rear direction. The battery-side terminal 206 is disposed rearward of the device-side terminal 210.

[0046] All terminals constituting the battery-side terminals 206 and the device-side terminals 210 are inserted into terminal insertion holes (insertion portions), which are through holes in the first adapter board 220, from the top surface (first surface) side of the first adapter board 220, and are soldered to the first adapter board 220 on the bottom surface (second surface) side of the first adapter board 220, thereby being mounted on the first adapter board 220 and extending upward from the first adapter board 220 (extending in a direction away from the first surface). The terminal insertion holes into which the battery-side terminals 206 are inserted are shown in Figure 5(E).

[0047] The first adapter case 211 is, for example, a resin molded body, has a second guide portion 212 and a third guide portion 215, and houses the first adapter board 220. As shown in FIG. 7(B), the first adapter case 211 has a housing portion 240 that houses the first adapter board 220 and at least a portion of the ends (ends connected to the first adapter board 220) of the battery-side terminals 206 and the device-side terminals 210. As shown in FIGS. 4(D) and 7(A), the first adapter case 211 is formed by fixing and integrating a first adapter upper case 211a and a first adapter lower case 211b by screws or the like. The housing portion 240 is provided in the first adapter lower case 211b.

[0048] As shown in Fig. 4(B), the battery pack attachment section 213 is provided at the bottom of the first adapter case 211. The battery pack attachment section 213 constitutes the first adapter interface 201. The battery pack 100 is attached and detached by sliding it in the front-rear direction relative to the battery pack attachment section 213. The battery pack attachment section 213 has a battery-side terminal 206 and a pair of second guide sections 212 on the left and right.

[0049] The second guide portions 212 protrude downward from both the left and right ends of the battery pack mounting portion 213 and are configured to guide the sliding movement of the battery pack 100. Each second guide portion 212 has four engagement portions 212a arranged in the front-rear direction. Each engagement portion 212a is a convex portion that protrudes inward in the left-right direction (toward the center of the battery pack mounting portion 213 in the left-right direction). The number of engagement portions 212a is optional. The engagement portions 212a engage with engagement portions 107a of the battery guide portion 107.

[0050] The second guide portion 212 has an opposing surface 212b that faces the pair of battery guide portions 107 of the battery pack 100 in the up-down direction. The storage portion 240 is located between the pair of second guide portions 212 in the left-right direction. The storage portion 240 and the pair of second guide portions 212 overlap in their up-down ranges. The storage portion 240 protrudes downward from the opposing surface 212b. The second guide portion 212 has insertion grooves 212c into which the pair of battery guide portions 107 are inserted. The storage portion 240 protrudes downward from the upper ends of the insertion grooves 212c. When the battery pack 100 is attached to the first adapter 200, the storage portion 240 and the pair of battery guide portions 107 overlap in their up-down ranges. Furthermore, when battery pack 100 is attached to first adapter 200, housing portion 240 is located in a recess formed by top surface portion 106a, pair of battery guide portions 107, and terminal housing portion .

[0051] 6(A), when battery pack 100 is attached to first adapter 200, the first inclined surface at the rear of first rear protrusion 230 of first adapter 200 is configured to extend continuously with the second inclined surface at the rear of second rear protrusion 151 of battery pack 100. In other words, the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface are formed to be smoothly connected without any steps (no bumps or irregularities). This eliminates the feeling that first adapter 200 protrudes (feels separate), creates a sense of unity with battery pack 100, and improves the aesthetic appearance.

[0052] 4(A), the electrical device mounting portion 214 is provided on the upper part of the first adapter case 211. The electrical device mounting portion 214 constitutes the third adapter interface 202. The third electrical devices 30, 40, 50 are attached and detached by sliding in the front-rear direction relative to the electrical device mounting portion 214. The electrical device mounting portion 214 has a device-side terminal 210 and a third guide portion 215.

[0053] The pair of third guide portions 215 are spaced apart in the left-right direction and are configured to guide the sliding movement of the third electric devices 30, 40, 50. The third guide portions 215 allow the sliding movement of the third electric devices 30, 40, 50 relative to the first adapter 200 in a transverse direction (front-rear direction) that intersects with the up-down direction. The third guide portions 215 restrict the up-down movement of the third electric devices 30, 40, 50 relative to the first adapter 200. The battery-side terminal 206 and the device-side terminal 210 are located or extend in the region where the pair of second guide portions 212 and the pair of third guide portions 215 are provided in the up-down direction. As shown in FIG. 10(D) , the third electric device 40 has a pair of device guide portions 42a that serve as fourth guide portions and engage with the third guide portions 215.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 4A, the pair of first latch portions 216 are spaced apart in the left-right direction. Each of the pair of first latch portions 216 is made of, for example, a resin molded body and includes a first latch operating portion 216a and a first latch engaging portion 216b. The first latch portion 216 is biased outward in the left-right direction by a coil spring 216c. The first latch engaging portion 216b engages with a recess (not shown) in the third electrical device 40, 50 to lock the first adapter 200 to the third electrical device 40, 50. The first latch operating portion 216a is operated by an operator to release the locking by the first latch engaging portion 216b. The first latch portion 216 forms part of the electrical device mounting portion 214. As shown in FIG. 4D, the pair of first latch portions 216 are provided on the first adapter upper case 211a. The lower side of the first latch portion 216 is supported by a cover member 221. The cover member 221 is fixed to the first adapter upper case 211a by screws 222. This prevents the first latch portions 216 from coming off the first adapter upper case 211a. The communication terminal 205 overlaps with the pair of first latch portions 216 in the front-rear and up-down directions, and is located in the center between the pair of first latch portions 216 in the left-right direction. As shown in FIG. 4(C) and other figures, six communication terminals 205, which are some of the multiple terminals that make up the battery-side terminal 206, are lined up in the left-right direction, three apart from each other in the up-down direction. In the left-right direction, the communication terminals 205 are located between two screws 222 that fix the cover member 221. In the up-down direction, the communication terminals 205 overlap with the screws 222 in the range of their presence.

[0055] The first adapter board 220 is fixed to the first adapter lower case 211b by screws, etc. The first adapter board 220 has the battery side terminals 206 and the main body side terminals 210 mounted thereon.

[0056] The battery-side terminal support member 235 is, for example, a resin molded body, and prevents short circuits between the battery-side terminals 206 and supports the battery-side terminals 206 to prevent deformation of the battery-side terminals 206. The battery-side terminal support member 235 has grooves 235a into which the battery-side terminals 206 are inserted. As shown in FIG. 6(C), the battery-side terminal support member 235 is sandwiched in the front-rear direction between the first downward extending portion 205d of the upper communication terminal 205-U and the first downward extending portion 205d of the lower communication terminal 205-L, and is also sandwiched in the top-bottom direction between the second rear extending portion 205e of the upper communication terminal 205-U and the second rear extending portion 205e of the lower communication terminal 205-L, so that it is held so as not to come off the battery-side terminals 206.

[0057] 5(E), when assembling the battery-side terminals 206 and the battery-side terminal support member 235, the lower communication terminals 205-L are first mounted on the first adapter board 220, the battery-side terminal support member 235 is then attached to the lower communication terminals 205-L from behind, and the upper communication terminals 205-U, the pair of power supply terminals 203, and the pair of power supply terminals 204 are attached to the battery-side terminal support member 235 from above while being mounted on the first adapter board 220. The battery-side terminal support member 235 is provided so as to cover the through-holes 238 of the first adapter lower case 211b, through which the battery-side terminals 206 are disposed.

[0058] The device-side terminal support member 236 is, for example, a resin molded body, and prevents short circuits between the device-side terminals 210 and supports the battery-side terminals 206 so as to prevent deformation of the device-side terminals 210. Similar to the device-side terminal support member 235, the device-side terminal support member 236 is provided so as to cover the through-hole of the first adapter lower case 211b for arranging the device-side terminals 210.

[0059] [Configuration of second adapter 300] The second adapter 300 is configured to connect the battery pack 100 having the first battery interface 101 of the first specification to the fourth electrical device 60, 70 having the fourth device interface 63, 73 of the third specification different from the first specification. The second adapter 300 is positioned between the battery pack 100 and either of the fourth electrical devices 60, 70 in the vertical direction, and is configured to be attachable to the battery pack 100 and either of the fourth electrical devices 60, 70 by sliding in the front-rear direction that intersects the vertical direction.

[0060] 1 , the second adapter 300 has a second adapter interface 301 of a first specification that can be connected to the first battery interface 101 of the battery pack 100, and a fourth adapter interface 303 of a third specification that can be connected to the fourth device interfaces 63, 73 of the fourth electrical devices 60, 70. The second adapter interface 301 has the same mechanical configuration as the first adapter interface 201 of the first adapter 200. That is, the second adapter 300 shares the same connection configuration with the battery pack 100 as the first adapter 200. The fourth adapter interface 303 includes an area that faces the fourth electrical devices 60, 70 (fourth device interfaces 63, 73) when the second adapter 300 is attached to the fourth electrical devices 60, 70.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 11, the second adapter 300 includes a battery-side terminal 306, a device-side terminal 310, a second adapter case 311, a second latch portion 317, and a second adapter board 320.

[0062] 11(B), the battery-side terminal 306 has a pair of power supply terminals 304, a pair of power supply terminals 305, and a communication terminal 307. The battery-side terminal 306 is connected to the battery terminal 102 of the battery pack 100. The pair of power supply terminals 304, the pair of power supply terminals 305, and the communication terminal 307 are configured to be connectable to the pair of power supply terminals 103, the pair of power supply terminals 104, and the communication terminal 105 of the battery pack 100, respectively. The battery-side terminal 306 constitutes a part of the second adapter interface 301. The battery-side terminal 306 has a structure similar to that of the battery-side terminal 206 of the first adapter 200.

[0063] 11(C), the device-side terminal 310 has a pair of power supply terminal 308 and communication terminal 309. The device-side terminal 310 is connected to device terminals of the fourth electric devices 60 and 70. As shown in FIG. 11(D), the pair of power supply terminal 308 and communication terminal 309 are configured to be connectable to a pair of power supply terminal 64a and communication terminal 64b, which are device terminals 64 of the fourth electric device 60, respectively. The device-side terminal 310 constitutes a part of the fourth adapter interface 303.

[0064] The second adapter case 311 is, for example, a resin molded body, and has a first guide portion 312 and a second guide portion 315, and houses the second adapter board 320 therein.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 11(A), the electrical device mounting portion 314 is provided on the upper part of the second adapter case 311. The electrical device mounting portion 314 constitutes the fourth adapter interface 303. The fourth electrical devices 60, 70 are attached and detached by sliding in the front-rear direction relative to the electrical device mounting portion 314. The electrical device mounting portion 314 has an electrical device terminal 310 and a second guide portion 315. The second guide portion 315 is configured to guide the sliding movement of the fourth electrical devices 60, 70. The second guide portion 315 allows the sliding movement of the fourth electrical devices 60, 70 in a direction intersecting the up-down direction (front-rear direction) relative to the second adapter 300. The second guide portion 315 restricts the up-down movement of the fourth electrical devices 60, 70 relative to the second adapter 300. The fourth electrical device 60 has a pair of device guide portions 62a that engage with the third guide portion 215.

[0066] [Circuit configuration] Fig. 12 is a circuit block diagram showing a state in which the battery pack 100 and the third electric device 40 are connected via the first adapter 200. Fig. 13 is a circuit block diagram showing a state in which the battery pack 100 and the fourth electric device 60 are connected via the second adapter 300.

[0067] The B1+ terminal and B1- terminal of the battery pack 100 constitute a pair of power supply terminals 103 and are connected to the positive and negative electrodes of the first cell unit 118, respectively.

[0068] The B2+ and B2- terminals of the battery pack 100 constitute a pair of power supply terminals 104 and are connected to the positive and negative electrodes of the second cell unit 119, respectively.

[0069] The T+ terminal, D terminal, T / T− terminal, V terminal, LS terminal, and LD terminal of the battery pack 100 constitute a communication terminal 105 .

[0070] The V terminal, the LS terminal, and the LD terminal of the battery pack 100 constitute first communication terminals and are connected to the first control unit 123.

[0071] When the battery pack 100 is attached to the first adapter 200 as shown in FIG. 12, that is, when the first battery interface 101 shown in FIG. 1 is connected to the first adapter interface 201, the V terminal, the LS terminal, and the LD terminal of the battery pack 100 form a communication path between the battery pack 100 and the first adapter 200.

[0072] When the battery pack 100 is attached to the second adapter 300 as shown in FIG. 13, i.e., when the first battery interface 101 shown in FIG. 1 is connected to the second adapter interface 301, the V terminal, LS terminal, and LD terminal of the battery pack 100 do not form a communication path between the battery pack 100 and the second adapter 300.

[0073] The T+ terminal and the D terminal of the battery pack 100 constitute second communication terminals and are connected to the second control unit 124 .

[0074] When battery pack 100 is attached to first adapter 200 as shown in FIG. 12, the T+ terminal and D terminal of battery pack 100 do not form a communication path between battery pack 100 and first adapter 200.

[0075] When battery pack 100 is attached to second adapter 300 as shown in FIG. 13, the T+ terminal and D terminal of battery pack 100 form a communication path between battery pack 100 and second adapter 300.

[0076] The T / T-terminal of battery pack 100 is connected to first control unit 123 and second control unit 124. The T / T-terminal of battery pack 100 is for connection to the T-terminal of first adapter 200 and also for connection to the T-terminal of second adapter 300.

[0077] When battery pack 100 is attached to first adapter 200 as shown in FIG. 12, the T / T-terminal of battery pack 100 forms a communication path between battery pack 100 and first adapter 200.

[0078] The T / T- terminal of battery pack 100 functions as a ground for communication between battery pack 100 and first adapter 200 when battery pack 100 is attached to second adapter 300 as shown in FIG.

[0079] The first control unit 123 includes a microcontroller (microcomputer) and is configured to be able to communicate with the first adapter 200 via the V terminal, the LS terminal, and the LD terminal when the battery pack 100 is attached to the first adapter 200 as shown in Fig. 12, i.e., to be able to communicate with the control unit 45 of the third electrical device 40 connected via the first adapter 200. The first control unit 123 is configured to be unable to communicate directly with the second adapter 300 even when the battery pack 100 is attached to the second adapter 300 as shown in Fig. 13, i.e., unable to communicate directly with the control unit 65 of the fourth electrical device 60 connected via the second adapter 300.

[0080] 12, first control unit 123 stores a first control program corresponding to the case where battery pack 100 is attached to first adapter 200, and is capable of executing the first control program. First control unit 123 is configured to execute the first control program regardless of whether battery pack 100 is connected to first adapter 200 or second adapter 300, and to output a communication signal from at least one of the V terminal, the LS terminal, and the LD terminal.

[0081] The first control unit 123 can communicate directly with the second control unit 124, and can communicate indirectly with the second adapter 300 (control unit 65) via the second control unit 124.

[0082] The first control unit 123 is configured to directly monitor the states of the first cell unit 118 and the second cell unit 119. The first control unit 123 is activated, for example, when the trigger switch 47 of the third electrical device 40 is operated in the state shown in Fig. 12. If an abnormality such as high temperature or over-discharge occurs in the first cell unit 118, the first control unit 123 notifies the second control unit 124 of the occurrence of the abnormality.

[0083] Second control unit 124 includes a microcomputer and the like, and is configured to be able to communicate with second adapter 300 via the T+ terminal and the D terminal when battery pack 100 is attached to second adapter 300 as shown in Fig. 13, i.e., to be able to communicate with control unit 65 of fourth electrical device 60 connected via second adapter 300. Second control unit 124 is configured to be unable to communicate directly with first adapter 200 even when battery pack 100 is attached to first adapter 200 as shown in Fig. 12.

[0084] 13, second control unit 124 stores a second control program corresponding to the case where battery pack 100 is attached to second adapter 300, and is capable of executing the second control program. Second control unit 124 is configured to execute the second control program regardless of whether battery pack 100 is connected to first adapter 200 or second adapter 300, and to output a communication signal from at least one of the T+ terminal and the D terminal.

[0085] The second control unit 124 is configured to directly monitor the state of the second cell unit 119. The second control unit 124 is configured not to directly monitor the state of the first cell unit 118. The second control unit 124 is configured to receive information regarding the state of the first cell unit 118 from the first control unit 123. The second control unit 124 is activated, for example, when the trigger switch 67 of the fourth electrical device 60 is operated in the state shown in FIG. 13 . When activated, the second control unit 124 sends an activation signal to the first control unit 123.

[0086] The B1+ terminal and B1- terminal of first adapter 200 on the battery pack 100 side constitute a pair of power supply terminals 203, and are connected to the B1+ terminal and B1- terminal of battery pack 100, respectively.

[0087] The B2+ terminal and B2- terminal of first adapter 200 on the battery pack 100 side constitute a pair of power supply terminals 204, and are connected to the B2+ terminal and B2- terminal of battery pack 100, respectively.

[0088] The two N terminals, the T terminal, the V terminal, the LS terminal, and the LD terminal of the first adapter 200 constitute a communication terminal 205 .

[0089] The two N terminals of first adapter 200 are dummy terminals that are electrically open within first adapter 200, and are connected to the T+ terminal and D terminal of battery pack 100, respectively.

[0090] The T terminal, V terminal, LS terminal, and LD terminal of first adapter 200 on the battery pack 100 side are connected to the T / T- terminal, V terminal, LS terminal, and LD terminal of battery pack 100, respectively.

[0091] The B1+ terminal and B1- terminal of the first adapter 200 on the third electric device 40 side constitute a pair of power supply terminals 207, and are connected to the B1+ terminal and B1- terminal of the third electric device 40, respectively.

[0092] The B2+ terminal and B2- terminal of the first adapter 200 on the third electric device 40 side constitute a pair of power supply terminals 208, and are connected to the B2+ terminal and B2- terminal of the third electric device 40, respectively.

[0093] The T terminal, V terminal, LS terminal, and LD terminal of the first adapter 200 on the third electric device 40 side constitute a communication terminal 209, and are connected to the T terminal, V terminal, LS terminal, and LD terminal of the third electric device 40, respectively.

[0094] The pair of power supply terminals 203 and the pair of power supply terminals 204 constitute battery-side power supply terminals. The pair of power supply terminals 207 and the pair of power supply terminals 208 constitute third-device-side power supply terminals. Wiring that electrically connects the B1+ terminal, B1- terminal, B2+ terminal, and B2- terminal on the battery pack 100 side of the first adapter 200 to the B1+ terminal, B1- terminal, B2+ terminal, and B2- terminal on the third electrical device 40 side of the first adapter 200 constitutes a first power supply connection circuit.

[0095] The T terminal, V terminal, LS terminal, and LD terminal on the battery pack 100 side of the first adapter 200 constitute first battery-side communication terminals. The T terminal, V terminal, LS terminal, and LD terminal on the third electric device 40 side of the first adapter 200 constitute third-device-side communication terminals. Wiring electrically connecting the T terminal, V terminal, LS terminal, and LD terminal on the battery pack 100 side of the first adapter 200 to the T terminal, V terminal, LS terminal, and LD terminal on the third electric device 40 side of the first adapter 200 constitutes a first communication connection circuit.

[0096] The B1+ terminal and B1- terminal of the third electric device 40 form a pair of power supply terminals 43a. The B2+ terminal and B2- terminal of the third electric device 40 form a pair of power supply terminals 43b. The pair of power supply terminals 43a and the pair of power supply terminals 43b form the third device power supply terminals. The B1+ terminal and B2- terminal of the third electric device 40 are connected to the control unit 45 and the inverter circuit 48. The B2+ terminal and B1- terminal of the third electric device 40 are short-circuited, so that a series combined voltage of the first cell unit 118 and the second cell unit 119 appears between the B1+ terminal and B2- terminal of the third electric device 40.

[0097] The T terminal, V terminal, LS terminal, and LD terminal of the third electric device 40 constitute communication terminals 43c (third device communication terminals) and are connected to the control unit 45. The control unit 45 is configured to be able to communicate with the first control unit 123 of the battery pack 100 via the T terminal, V terminal, LS terminal, and LD terminal.

[0098] The inverter circuit 48 converts the DC voltage between the B1+ terminal and the B2- terminal of the third electric device 40 into an AC voltage for driving the motor 49 serving as a load, and supplies the AC voltage to the motor 49. The control unit 45 controls the inverter circuit 48 in response to the operation of the trigger switch 47 to drive the motor 49.

[0099] The B1+ terminal and B1- terminal of the second adapter 300 constitute a pair of power supply terminals 304, and are connected to the B1+ terminal and B1- terminal of the battery pack 100, respectively.

[0100] The B2+ terminal and B2- terminal of the second adapter 300 constitute a pair of power supply terminals 305, and are connected to the B2+ terminal and B2- terminal of the battery pack 100, respectively.

[0101] The T+ terminal, D terminal, T− terminal, and three N terminals of the second adapter 300 form a communication terminal 307 .

[0102] The T+ terminal, D terminal, and T- terminal of the second adapter 300 on the battery pack 100 side are connected to the T+ terminal, D terminal, and T / T- terminal of the battery pack 100, respectively.

[0103] The three N terminals of the second adapter 300 are dummy terminals that are electrically open inside the second adapter 300, and are connected to the V terminal, the LS terminal, and the LD terminal of the battery pack 100, respectively.

[0104] The B+ terminal and B- terminal of the second adapter 300 constitute a pair of power supply terminals 308, which are connected to the B+ terminal and B- terminal of the fourth electrical device 60, respectively.

[0105] The T+ terminal, D terminal, and T- terminal of the second adapter 300 on the side of the fourth electric device 60 constitute a communication terminal 309, and are connected to the T+ terminal, D terminal, and T- terminal of the fourth electric device 60, respectively.

[0106] The pair of power supply terminals 304 and the pair of power supply terminals 305 constitute battery-side power supply terminals. The pair of power supply terminals 308 constitute fourth-device-side power supply terminals. The wiring electrically connecting the B1+ terminal and B2+ terminal to the B+ terminal of second adapter 300, and the wiring electrically connecting the B1- terminal and B2- terminal to the B- terminal of second adapter 300 constitute a second power supply connection circuit.

[0107] The T+ terminal, D terminal, and T- terminal on the battery pack 100 side of the second adapter 300 constitute second battery-side communication terminals. The T+ terminal, D terminal, and T- terminal on the fourth electrical device 60 side of the second adapter 300 constitute fourth-device-side communication terminals. Wiring electrically connecting the T+ terminal, D terminal, and T- terminal on the battery pack 100 side of the second adapter 300 to the T+ terminal, D terminal, and T- terminal on the fourth electrical device 60 side of the second adapter 300 constitutes a second communication connection circuit.

[0108] The B+ terminal and B- terminal of the fourth electrical device 60 form a pair of power supply terminals 64a (fourth device power supply terminals) and are connected to the control unit 65 and the inverter circuit 68. Since the B1+ terminal and the B2+ terminal are short-circuited and the B1- terminal and the B2- terminal are short-circuited in the second adapter 300, a parallel combined voltage of the first cell unit 118 and the second cell unit 119 appears between the B+ terminal and the B- terminal of the fourth electrical device 60.

[0109] The T+ terminal, D terminal, and T- terminal of the fourth electrical device 60 constitute communication terminals 64b (fourth device communication terminals) and are connected to the control unit 65. The control unit 65 is configured to be able to communicate with the second control unit 124 of the battery pack 100 via the T+ terminal, D terminal, and T- terminal.

[0110] The inverter circuit 68 converts the DC voltage between the B+ terminal and the B- terminal of the fourth electrical device 60 into an AC voltage for driving a motor 69 serving as a load, and supplies the AC voltage to the motor 69. The control unit 65 controls the inverter circuit 68 in response to the operation of the trigger switch 67 to drive the motor 69.

[0111] 14 is a circuit block diagram showing a state in which the battery pack 100 and the third electric device 30 are connected via the first adapter 200. In FIG. 14, the third electric device 40 in FIG. 12 is replaced with the third electric device 30.

[0112] The B1+ terminal and B1- terminal of the third electric device 30 constitute a pair of power supply terminals 33a. The B2+ terminal and B2- terminal of the third electric device 30 constitute a pair of power supply terminals 33b. The pair of power supply terminals 33a and the pair of power supply terminals 33b constitute third device power supply terminals. The B1+ terminal and B2- terminal of the third electric device 30 are connected to a charging circuit 38. The charging circuit 38 is connected to a control unit 35. The B2+ terminal and B1- terminal of the third electric device 30 are short-circuited, thereby connecting the first cell unit 118 and the second cell unit 119 in series. As another example, the third electric device 30 may be configured so that the B1+ terminal and B2+ terminal are short-circuited and the B1- terminal and B2- terminal are short-circuited. In this case, the first cell unit 118 and the second cell unit 119 are connected in parallel.

[0113] The T terminal, V terminal, LS terminal, and LD terminal of the third electric device 30 constitute communication terminals 33c (third device communication terminals) and are connected to the control unit 35. The control unit 35 is configured to be able to communicate with the first control unit 123 of the battery pack 100 via the T terminal, V terminal, LS terminal, and LD terminal.

[0114] Under the control of the control unit 35, the charging circuit 38 converts the AC voltage supplied from the external AC power supply 400 into a DC voltage for charging the battery pack 100, and outputs it between the B1+ terminal and the B2- terminal.

[0115] 15 is a circuit block diagram showing a state in which the battery pack 100 and the fourth electric device 70 are connected via the second adapter 300. In FIG. 15, the fourth electric device 60 in FIG. 13 is replaced with the fourth electric device 70.

[0116] The B+ terminal and B- terminal of the fourth electrical device 70 constitute a pair of power supply terminals 74a (fourth device power supply terminals) and are connected to a charging circuit 78. The charging circuit 78 is connected to a control unit 75.

[0117] The T+ terminal, D terminal, and T- terminal of the fourth electrical device 70 constitute communication terminals 74b (fourth device communication terminals) and are connected to the control unit 75. The control unit 75 is configured to be able to communicate with the second control unit 124 of the battery pack 100 via the T+ terminal, D terminal, and T- terminal.

[0118] Under the control of the control unit 75, the charging circuit 78 converts the AC voltage supplied from the external AC power supply 400 into a DC voltage for charging the battery pack 100, and outputs it between the B+ terminal and the B- terminal.

[0119] This embodiment has the following advantages.

[0120] (1) The battery pack 100 has a T+ terminal, a D terminal, a T / T- terminal, a V terminal, an LS terminal, and an LD terminal as communication terminals 105. The V terminal, the LS terminal, and the LD terminal of the battery pack 100 form a communication path between the battery pack 100 and the first adapter 200 (control unit 45) when the battery pack 100 is attached to the first adapter 200 (when the first battery interface 101 shown in FIG. 1 is connected to the first adapter interface 201) as shown in FIG. 12, but do not form a communication path between the battery pack 100 and the second adapter 300 (control unit 65) when the battery pack 100 is attached to the second adapter 300 (when the first battery interface 101 shown in FIG. 1 is connected to the second adapter interface 301) as shown in FIG. The T+ terminal and D terminal of the battery pack 100 do not form a communication path between the battery pack 100 and the first adapter 200 (control unit 45) when the battery pack 100 is attached to the first adapter 200 (when the first battery interface 101 shown in FIG. 1 is connected to the first adapter interface 201) as shown in Fig. 12, but form a communication path between the battery pack 100 and the second adapter 300 (control unit 65) when the battery pack 100 is attached to the second adapter 300 (when the first battery interface 101 shown in Fig. 1 is connected to the second adapter interface 301) as shown in Fig. 13. This makes the battery pack 100 compatible with the first adapter 200 and the second adapter 300, which have different communication terminal specifications, and therefore compatible with the third electric devices 30, 40, 50 and the fourth electric devices 60, 70 that can be connected via the first adapter 200 and the second adapter 300. Furthermore, in battery pack 100, the V terminal, LS terminal, and LD terminal are for use by first adapter 200, and the T+ terminal and D terminal are for use by second adapter 300. This eliminates the need for conversion of communication signals within first adapter 200 and second adapter 300, eliminating the need for complex signal conversion circuits, etc., thereby simplifying the configuration of first adapter 200 and second adapter 300 and reducing development costs and time.

[0121] (2) In the battery pack 100, a first control unit 123 that stores and executes a first control program for the first adapter 200 (for the third electrical devices 30, 40, 50) and a second control unit 124 that stores and executes a second control program for the second adapter 300 (for the fourth electrical devices 60, 70) are separately provided. The first control unit 123 can essentially use the control unit (microcomputer) of the second voltage switchable battery pack 10, which corresponds to an existing product, including its program, thereby reducing development costs and time. Furthermore, the second control unit 124 can essentially use the control unit (microcomputer) of the third fixed voltage battery pack 20, which corresponds to an existing product, including its program, thereby reducing development costs and time.

[0122] (3) The first control unit 123 is configured to execute a first control program and output a communication signal from at least one of the V terminal, the LS terminal, and the LD terminal regardless of whether the battery pack 100 is connected to the first adapter 200 or the second adapter 300. The second control unit 124 is configured to execute a second control program and output a communication signal from at least one of the T+ terminal and the D terminal regardless of whether the battery pack 100 is connected to the first adapter 200 or the second adapter 300. This eliminates the need to distinguish whether the battery pack 100 is connected to the first adapter 200 or the second adapter 300, and makes it easy to reuse the program for the control unit of the second voltage switchable battery pack 10 and the program for the control unit of the third fixed voltage battery pack 20 as the first control program and the second control program, respectively.

[0123] (4) The second control unit 124 is configured to receive information about the state of the first cell unit 118, which cannot be monitored directly, from the first control unit 123. Therefore, even if a second control program that does not support monitoring multiple cell units is used as the program for the second control unit 124, the second control unit 124 can suitably monitor multiple cell units.

[0124] (5) In battery pack 100, second board 113b mounting second control unit 124 is disposed on first board 113a mounting first control unit 123. Compared to a case in which first board 113a and second board 113b are disposed at a distance from each other, electrical connection between first board 113a and second board 113b is facilitated, and an increase in the space substantially occupied by first board 113a and second board 113b is suppressed.

[0125] (6) First adapter 200 and second adapter 300 each have N terminals (dummy terminals) as shown in Figures 12 and 13, etc., and first adapter 200 has the same number of communication terminals 205 as second adapter 300 has the same number of communication terminals 307. This allows battery-side terminals 206 of first adapter 200 and battery-side terminals 306 of second adapter 300 to be common to each other. As another example, the N terminals may be omitted.

[0126] (7) When battery pack 100 is attached to first adapter 200, the vertical extents of first adapter board 220 and battery terminals 102 overlap, as shown in Fig. 6(C). Therefore, the vertical dimension when battery pack 100 is attached to first adapter 200 can be reduced compared to when the vertical extents of first adapter board 220 and battery terminals 102 do not overlap.

[0127] (8) Of the battery-side terminals 206 of the first adapter 200, the pair of power supply terminals 203, the pair of power supply terminals 204, and the rear end (second end) of the lower communication terminal 205-L are located or extend below the first adapter board 220. Therefore, compared to a case where the battery-side terminals 206 are located only at the same level as or above the first adapter board 220, the vertical dimension of the first adapter 200 can be reduced.

[0128] (9) The second ends 205f of the upper communication terminals 205-U and the lower communication terminals 205-L are arranged rearward of the first adapter board 220 and spaced apart in the vertical direction. This allows the length of the range in which the communication terminals 205 are located in the left-right direction to be reduced while increasing the number of communication terminals 205. Here, the range in which the upper communication terminals 205-U are located overlaps the range in which the first latch portion 216 is located in a different position from the first latch portion 216 in the vertical direction. Therefore, even if the communication terminals 205 are separated into upper and lower parts, the vertical dimension of the first adapter 200 can be reduced. In the horizontal direction, the communication terminals 205 are located between two screws 222 that secure the cover member 221 that supports the lower side of the first latch portion 216. Therefore, the range in which the communication terminals 205 are located overlaps the range in which the screws 222 are located in the vertical direction. This allows the vertical dimension of the first adapter 200 to be reduced even if the communication terminals 205 are separated into upper and lower parts.

[0129] (10) The battery-side terminal support member 235 is sandwiched in the front-to-rear direction between the first downward extending portion 205d of the upper communication terminal 205-U and the first downward extending portion 205d of the lower communication terminal 205-L, and is sandwiched in the top-to-bottom direction between the second rear extending portion 205e of the upper communication terminal 205-U and the second rear extending portion 205e of the lower communication terminal 205-L, and is held so as not to come off the battery-side terminal 206. Therefore, there is no need to directly attach the battery-side terminal support member 235 to the first adapter board 220, simplifying the configuration and assembly.

[0130] (11) All of the terminals constituting the battery-side terminals 206 and the device-side terminals 210 are inserted into terminal insertion holes (insertion portions), which are through-holes in the first adapter board 220, from the top surface (first surface) of the first adapter board 220, and are soldered to the first adapter board 220 on the bottom surface (second surface) of the first adapter board 220, thereby being mounted on the first adapter board 220 and extending upward from the first adapter board 220 (extending in a direction away from the first surface). Therefore, compared to a case where terminals inserted from the top surface of the first adapter board 220 and terminals inserted from the bottom surface coexist, terminal mounting on the first adapter board 220 is easier and assembly is easier.

[0131] (12) The housing 240, which houses at least a portion of the first adapter board 220 and the ends (ends connected to the first adapter board 220) of the battery-side terminals 206 and the device-side terminals 210, overlaps in the vertical range with the second guide 212. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the housing 240 is limited to a position above the second guide 212, the vertical dimension of the first adapter 200 can be reduced.

[0132] (13) Second guide portion 212 has opposing surfaces 212b that face a pair of battery guide portions 107 of battery pack 100 in the vertical direction, and accommodating portion 240 protrudes downward from opposing surfaces 212b. Therefore, the vertical dimension of first adapter 200 can be reduced compared to a configuration in which accommodating portion 240 does not protrude downward from opposing surfaces 212b.

[0133] (14) When battery pack 100 is attached to first adapter 200, the vertical extent of housing portion 240 overlaps with that of paired battery guide portions 107. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which housing portion 240 is limited to the area above battery guide portions 107, the vertical dimension when battery pack 100 is attached to first adapter 200 can be reduced.

[0134] (15) When battery pack 100 is attached to first adapter 200, accommodating portion 240 is located in a recess formed by top surface 106a, pair of battery guide portions 107, and terminal accommodating portion 108. Therefore, compared to a configuration without such a recess, for example, a configuration in which top surface 106a and the top of battery guide portion 107 are flush with each other, the vertical dimension when battery pack 100 is attached to first adapter 200 can be reduced.

[0135] (Other embodiments) Fig. 16 is a circuit block diagram showing a state in which the battery pack 100A and the third electric device 40 are connected via the first adapter 200. Fig. 17 is a circuit block diagram showing a state in which the battery pack 100A and the fourth electric device 60 are connected via the second adapter 300. Fig. 18 is a circuit block diagram showing a state in which the battery pack 100A and the third electric device 30 are connected via the first adapter 200. Fig. 19 is a circuit block diagram showing a state in which the battery pack 100A and the fourth electric device 70 are connected via the second adapter 300. Figs. 16 to 19 respectively show the battery packs 100 in Figs. 12 to 15 replaced with the battery pack 100A.

[0136] The battery pack 100A is obtained by replacing the first control unit 123 and the second control unit 124 of the battery pack 100 with a single control unit 123A (microcomputer). Correspondingly, the battery pack 100 has two separate control boards, the first board 113a and the second board 113b, but the battery pack 100A has one control board (not shown).

[0137] The control unit 123A is configured to be able to communicate with the first adapter 200 via the V terminal, the LS terminal, and the LD terminal when the battery pack 100A is attached to the first adapter 200 as shown in FIG. 16, i.e., to be able to communicate with the control unit 45 of the third electrical device 40 connected via the first adapter 200.

[0138] The control unit 123A is configured to be able to communicate with the second adapter 300 via the T+ terminal and the D terminal when the battery pack 100A is attached to the second adapter 300 as shown in FIG. 17, i.e., to be able to communicate with the control unit 65 of the fourth electrical device 60 connected via the second adapter 300.

[0139] The control unit 123A is capable of storing and executing a first control program corresponding to when the battery pack 100A is attached to the first adapter 200, and is also capable of storing and executing a second control program corresponding to when the battery pack 100A is attached to the second adapter 300.

[0140] Control unit 123A outputs communication signals from the T+ terminal, D terminal, T / T- terminal, V terminal, LS terminal, and LD terminal regardless of whether battery pack 100 is attached to first adapter 200 or second adapter 300 (it outputs both communication signals for first adapter 200 and communication signals for second adapter 300). Alternatively, when battery pack 100A is attached to first adapter 200, control unit 123A is configured to output communication signals from the V terminal, LS terminal, and LD terminal but not output communication signals from the T+ terminal and D terminal, and when battery pack 100A is attached to second adapter 300, it is configured to output communication signals from the T+ terminal and D terminal but not output communication signals from the V terminal, LS terminal, and LD terminal.

[0141] The control unit 123A is configured to directly monitor the states of the first cell unit 118 and the second cell unit 119. The control unit 123A is activated, for example, when the trigger switch 47 of the third electrical device 40 is operated in the state shown in Fig. 16, or when the trigger switch 67 of the fourth electrical device 60 is operated in the state shown in Fig. 17. If the output of the communication signal is switched depending on the type of adapter attached to the battery pack 100A, the control unit 123A can be configured to receive information about the electrical device from the control unit 45 or 65 via one of the communication terminals after activation, thereby making it possible to determine the type of attached electrical device, i.e., the adapter.

[0142] In the battery pack 100A, the first control unit 123 and the second control unit 124 of the battery pack 100 are replaced with a single control unit 123A, which reduces the cost of hardware such as a microcontroller.

[0143] Although the present invention has been described above using the embodiments as examples, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Various modifications are possible to each of the items specifically described in the embodiments within the scope of the claims. The number of terminals and voltages of each interface, which are exemplified as specific numerical values ​​in the embodiments, do not limit the scope of the invention in any way and can be changed as desired to suit the required specifications. [Explanation of symbols]

[0144] 10...second voltage switching battery pack, 12...second battery interface, 20...third voltage fixed battery pack, 23...third battery interface, 30...third electrical device (charger), 32...third device interface, 35...control unit, 38...charging circuit, 40...third electrical device (36V device), 42...third device interface, 42a...device guide unit (fourth guide unit), 43...device terminal, 43a...power supply terminal, 43b...power supply terminal, 43c...communication terminal, 45...control unit, 48...inverter circuit, 49...motor, 50...third electrical device (18V device), 52...third device interface, 6 0...fourth electrical device, 62a...device guide section (fourth guide section), 63...fourth device interface, 64...device terminal, 64a...power supply terminal, 64b...communication terminal, 65...control section, 68...inverter circuit, 69...motor, 70...fourth electrical device (charger), 73...fourth device interface, 75...control section, 78...charging circuit, 80...fifth electrical device (36V device), 80a...latch section, 81...first device interface, 83...device terminal, 83a...power supply terminal, 83b...power supply terminal, 83c...communication terminal, 100...first voltage switching battery pack, 101...first battery interface, 10 2...battery terminal, 103...power terminal, 104...power terminal, 105...communication terminal, 106...battery case, 106a...upper surface portion, 106b...bottom surface portion, 106c...side surface portion, 107...battery guide portion (first guide portion), 107a...engaging portion, 107b...front end portion, 107c...rear end portion, 108...terminal accommodating portion, 109...slot portion, 110...engaged portion (restriction recess), 110a...first inclined surface, 111...remaining battery charge display portion, 112...remaining battery charge display button, 113...battery control board, 115...battery cell unit, 116...separator, 118...first cell unit, 119...second cell unit, 121... Remaining amount display LED, 122... remaining amount display switch, 123... first control unit, 123A... control unit, 124... second control unit, 135... tab, 137... bus bar, 200... first adapter, 201... first adapter interface, 202... second adapter interface, 203... power terminal, 204... power terminal, 204a... first end, 204b... first upward extension, 204c... first rearward extension, 204d... first downward extension, 204e... second rearward extension, 204f... second end, 205... communication terminal, 205-U... upper communication terminal, 205-L... lower communication terminal, 205a... first end,205b...first upward extending portion, 205c...first rearward extending portion, 205d...first downward extending portion, 205e...second rearward extending portion, 205f...second end portion, 206...battery side terminal, 207...power supply terminal, 208...power supply terminal, 209...communication terminal, 210...device side terminal, 211...first adapter case, 211a...first adapter upper case, 211b...first adapter lower case, 212...second guide portion, 212a...engagement portion, 212b...opposing surface, 213...battery pack mounting portion, 214...electrical device mounting portion, 215...third guide portion, 216...first latch portion, 216a...first latch operating portion, 216b...first latch engaging portion, 216c...coil spring, 21 7...second latch portion, 220...first adapter board, 221...cover member, 222...screw, 235...battery side terminal support member, 236...device side terminal support member, 238...through hole, 240...accommodation portion, 300...second adapter, 301...first adapter interface, 303...third adapter interface, 304...power supply terminal, 305...power supply terminal, 306...battery side terminal, 307...communication terminal, 308...power supply terminal, 309...communication terminal, 310...device side terminal, 311...second adapter case, 312...first guide portion, 314...electrical device mounting portion, 315...third guide portion, 317...second latch portion, 320...second adapter board, 400...AC power supply.

Claims

1. a cell unit having one or more battery cells; a battery interface selectively connectable to a first device interface of a first electrical device and a second device interface of a second electrical device; a control unit configured to be able to communicate with the first electrical device or the second electrical device; A battery pack comprising: The battery interface a power supply terminal connected to the cell unit; one or more first communication terminals that form a communication path between the battery pack and the first electrical device when the battery interface is connected to the first device interface, and that do not form a communication path between the battery pack and the second electrical device when the battery interface is connected to the second device interface; one or more second communication terminals that do not form a communication path between the battery pack and the first electrical device when the battery interface is connected to the first device interface, and that form a communication path between the battery pack and the second electrical device when the battery interface is connected to the second device interface; having A battery pack characterized by:

2. 2. The battery pack according to claim 1, The control unit a first control unit configured to be able to communicate with the first electrical device via the first communication terminal when the first device interface is connected to the battery interface, and to be unable to directly communicate with the second electrical device when the second device interface is connected to the battery interface; a second control unit configured to be able to communicate with the second electrical device via the second communication terminal when the second device interface is connected to the battery interface, and unable to directly communicate with the first electrical device when the first device interface is connected to the battery interface; having A battery pack characterized by:

3. 3. The battery pack according to claim 2, the first control unit has a first control program corresponding to a case where the battery interface is connected to the first device interface; the second control unit has a second control program corresponding to a case where the battery interface is connected to the second device interface; A battery pack characterized by:

4. The battery pack according to claim 3, the first control unit and the second control unit are configured to execute the first control program and the second control program, respectively, regardless of whether the first device interface or the second device interface is connected to the battery interface, and to output communication signals from the first communication terminal and the second communication terminal. A battery pack characterized by:

5. 3. The battery pack according to claim 2, The first control unit is capable of directly communicating with the second control unit and is capable of indirectly communicating with the second electrical device via the second control unit. A battery pack characterized by:

6. 3. The battery pack according to claim 2, A plurality of the cell units are provided, the first control unit is configured to directly monitor the states of the plurality of cell units; The second control unit is configured to directly monitor a state of one of the plurality of cell units. A battery pack characterized by:

7. 7. The battery pack according to claim 6, The first control unit is capable of directly communicating with the second control unit, The second control unit is configured to receive information regarding the status of cell units other than the one cell unit from the first control unit. A battery pack characterized by:

8. 3. The battery pack according to claim 2, a first substrate on which the first control unit is mounted; a second substrate on which the second control unit is mounted and which is disposed so as to overlap the first substrate; Equipped with A battery pack characterized by:

9. 2. The battery pack according to claim 1, the control unit is configured to be able to communicate with the first electrical device via the first communication terminal when the first device interface is connected to the battery interface, and to be able to communicate with the second electrical device via the second communication terminal when the second device interface is connected to the battery interface. A battery pack characterized by:

10. 10. The battery pack according to claim 9, a first control program corresponding to a case where the battery interface is connected to the first device interface; a second control program corresponding to a case where the battery interface is connected to the second device interface; A battery pack characterized by:

11. 10. The battery pack according to claim 9, the control unit outputs a communication signal from the first communication terminal and the second communication terminal regardless of whether the first device interface or the second device interface is connected to the battery interface. A battery pack characterized by:

12. 10. The battery pack according to claim 9, The control unit When the first device interface is connected to the battery interface, a communication signal is output from the first communication terminal, but a communication signal is not output from the second communication terminal; When the second device interface is connected to the battery interface, the communication terminal outputs a communication signal, but the first communication terminal does not output a communication signal. A battery pack characterized by:

13. An adapter comprising the first device interface or the second device interface to which the battery interface of the battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 12 can be connected, and which can be attached between the battery pack and a third electrical device or a fourth electrical device that cannot be directly connected to the battery pack, a battery-side power supply terminal connected to a power supply terminal of the battery pack; a third device-side power supply terminal connected to a third device power supply terminal of the third electric device, or a fourth device-side power supply terminal connected to a fourth device power supply terminal of the fourth electric device; a first power supply connection circuit that connects the battery-side power supply terminal and the third device-side power supply terminal, or a second power supply connection circuit that connects the battery-side power supply terminal and the fourth device-side power supply terminal; a first battery-side communication terminal connected to the first communication terminal or a second battery-side communication terminal connected to the second communication terminal; a third device side communication terminal connected to a third device communication terminal of the third electric device, or a fourth device side communication terminal connected to a fourth device communication terminal of the fourth electric device; a first communication connection circuit connecting the first battery side communication terminal and the third device side communication terminal, or a second communication connection circuit connecting the second battery side communication terminal and the fourth device side communication terminal; Equipped with An adapter characterized by:

14. An electrical device to which the battery pack can be attached via the adapter according to claim 13, the third device power supply terminal or the fourth device power supply terminal; the third device communication terminal or the fourth device communication terminal; a device control unit configured to be able to communicate with the control unit of the battery pack via the third device communication terminal or the fourth device communication terminal; a load section connected to the third device power supply terminal or the fourth device power supply terminal; Equipped with An electrical device characterized by:

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