Battery pack charger with programmable power levels

Abstract

A battery pack charger including a housing, a battery pack receptacle supported by the housing and configured to receive a battery pack, a charging circuit configured to transfer power from a power input circuit to the battery pack receptacle, and a controller, the controller operable to receive a first input via a user interface, set a first power output level of the charging circuit based on the received first input, and provide the first power output level to a battery pack coupled to the battery pack receptacle.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Related Applications This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 180,252, filed April 27, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION The embodiments described herein relate to a battery pack charger. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] Battery pack chargers include increasingly higher power levels to charge battery packs connectable to the charger. For example, with fast charging technologies, battery pack chargers can overload circuit breakers when plugged into an outlet. Temporary power sites often have a limited number of available alternating current (“AC”) outlets, and multiple users may draw power from the same outlet. To reduce the likelihood of a circuit breaker being tripped by a battery pack charger, battery pack chargers may include the ability to select and control the power level (i.e., watts) that the battery pack charger draws. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] The battery pack chargers described herein provide a user with the ability to select the power consumption level of the battery pack charger, which can be selected, for example, from an interface on an external device (e.g., a smartphone).

[0005]

[0006] Embodiments described herein provide a battery pack charger for charging a power tool battery pack. The battery pack charger includes a housing, a battery pack receptacle supported by the housing and configured to receive a battery pack, a charging circuit configured to transfer power from a power input circuit to the battery pack receptacle, and a controller. The controller is operable to receive a first input via a user interface, set a first power output level of the charging circuit based on the received first input, and provide the first power output level to the battery pack coupled to the battery pack receptacle.

[0006] Embodiments described herein provide a method for controlling a power output level of a battery pack charger, the method including receiving a first input via a user interface, setting a first power output level of a charging circuit based on the received first input, and providing the first power output level via the charging circuit to a battery pack coupled to a battery pack receptacle.

[0007]

[0006] Embodiments described herein provide a battery charging system. The battery charging system includes a battery pack and a battery pack charger. The battery pack charger includes a housing, a battery pack receptacle supported by the housing and configured to receive the battery pack, a charging circuit configured to transfer power from a power input circuit to the battery pack receptacle, and a controller. The controller is operable to receive a first input via a user interface, set a first power output level of the charging circuit based on the received first input, and provide the first power output level to the battery pack coupled to the battery pack receptacle.

[0008] Before the embodiments are described in detail, it is understood that the embodiments are not limited in application to the details of construction and arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments can be practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for descriptive purposes and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including," "comprising," or "having" and variations thereof is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms "mounted," "connected," "supported," and "coupled" and variations thereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mounting, connecting, supporting, and coupling.

[0009] Furthermore, it should be understood that the embodiments may include hardware, software, and electronic components or modules that, for purposes of discussion, may be illustrated and described as if the majority of those components were implemented solely in hardware. However, those skilled in the art, and upon reading this detailed description, will recognize that in at least one embodiment, electronic-based aspects may be implemented in software (e.g., stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium) executable by one or more processing units, such as a microprocessor and / or application-specific integrated circuits ("ASICs"). As such, it should be noted that a number of hardware- and software-based devices and a number of different structural components may be utilized to implement the embodiments. For example, the "server" and "computing device" described herein may include one or more processing units, one or more computer-readable media modules, one or more input / output interfaces, and various connections (e.g., a system bus) connecting the components.

[0010] Other aspects of the embodiments will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates a battery pack charger including power level control according to embodiments described herein. [Figure 2A-2B] 2 illustrates a battery pack that can be charged by the charger of FIG. 1 according to embodiments described herein. [Figure 3] 1 illustrates a battery pack charger including power level control according to embodiments described herein. [Figure 4] 4 illustrates a battery pack that can be charged by the charger of FIG. 3 according to embodiments described herein. [Figure 5] 4 illustrates a control system for the charger of FIG. 1 or FIG. 3 according to embodiments described herein. [Figure 6] 4 illustrates a wireless communication controller for the charger of FIG. 1 or FIG. 3 according to embodiments described herein. [Figure 7] 4 illustrates a communication network for the charger of FIG. 1 or FIG. 3 according to embodiments described herein. [Figure 8] 4 illustrates an interface for controlling the power level of the charger of FIG. 1 or FIG. 3 according to embodiments described herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] FIG. 1 illustrates a battery pack charger 100. The battery pack charger 100 has a battery pack charger housing 118 including a top housing portion 118a and a bottom housing portion 118b. The battery pack charger 100 is configured to receive AC power from an AC power source (e.g., a wall outlet connected to a power grid or an AC generator) to charge a battery pack. The battery charger 100 includes a physical battery pack interface 116 configured to receive and hold a power tool battery pack (e.g., via rails that slidably engage corresponding rails on the battery pack) and an electrical battery pack interface 114 (e.g., terminals) configured to engage corresponding electrical contacts on the battery pack. In some embodiments, the battery charger 100 includes additional interfaces 114 and 116 such that it is configured to receive and charge multiple battery packs (e.g., receive and charge two battery packs simultaneously).

[0013] 2A and 2B, charger 100 is capable of charging a variety of battery pack sizes. In some embodiments, charger 100 charges a 216 watt-hour ("Wh") battery pack. In other embodiments, the charger charges a 420 Wh battery pack. In yet other embodiments, the charger charges a 630 Wh battery pack or a 1000 Wh battery pack. In some embodiments, the battery pack is between approximately a 200 Wh battery pack and a 1000 Wh battery pack.

[0014] In some embodiments, charger 100 charges battery packs with a power rating of less than 200 Wh. For example, a 27 Wh battery pack (e.g., 18 V nominal voltage, 1.5 Ah capacity) can be charged by charger 100. In some embodiments, a 90 Wh battery pack (e.g., 18 V nominal voltage, 5 Ah capacity) can be charged by charger 100. In some embodiments, battery packs between 25 Wh and 270 Wh can be charged by charger 100.

[0015] 2A shows a battery pack 200 that is detachable from charger 100. Battery pack 200 may include one or more cell strings, each having a number (e.g., 10) of battery cells connected in series to provide a desired discharge output (e.g., a nominal voltage [e.g., 20V, 40V, 60V, 80V, 120V] and current capacity). Thus, battery pack 200 may include a "20S1P," "20S2P," etc. configuration. In other embodiments, other combinations of battery cells are possible.

[0016] Each battery cell may have a nominal voltage between 3V and 5V and a nominal capacity between 3 ampere-hours (Ah) and 5Ah. Each battery cell has a maximum diameter of approximately 21 mm and a maximum length of approximately 71 mm. The battery cells may be of any rechargeable battery cell chemistry type, such as, for example, lithium (Li), lithium-ion (Li-ion), other lithium-based chemistries, nickel-cadmium (NiCd), nickel-metal hydride (NiMH), etc.

[0017] The battery pack 200 includes a battery pack housing 210 having a support 215 and a battery terminal block 220. The battery pack housing 210 encloses the components of the battery pack 200, including the battery cells, the battery controller, etc. The support 215 provides a slide-on arrangement, with its protrusion / recess 225 cooperating with a mating complementary protrusion / recess 225.

[0018] 2B illustrates another embodiment of a battery pack 230 that can be attached to or detached from the charger 100. According to some embodiments, a battery pack 230 having a 20S2P configuration is shown. The battery pack 230 includes two cell strings of 20 series-connected cells, with the cell strings connected in parallel. The battery pack 230 includes a battery pack housing 210 having a support 215 and a battery terminal block 220. The battery pack housing 210 encloses the components of the battery pack 200, including the battery cells, the battery controller, etc. The support 215 provides a slide-on configuration, with its protrusion / recess 225 cooperating with a mating complementary protrusion / recess 225.

[0019] 3 shows a battery pack charger 300. The battery pack charger 300 includes a housing 305 and interface portions 310, 315 for connecting the battery pack charger 300 to one or more battery packs.

[0020] 4 shows a battery pack 400, including one that can be charged by the battery pack charger 300. The battery pack 400 includes a housing 405 and an interface portion 410 for connecting the battery pack 400 to the battery pack charger 300.

[0021] The battery pack charger can receive power from any of a variety of power sources (e.g., AC mains power). The power sources can include 15A, 20A, 30A, etc. AC power sources having voltages such as 120V AC, 240V AC, etc.

[0022] 5 illustrates a control system for the battery pack charger 100, 300. The control system includes a controller 500. The controller 500 is electrically and / or communicatively connected to various modules or components of the battery pack charger 100, 300. For example, the illustrated controller 500 is electrically connected to a fan 505, a battery pack interface 510, one or more sensors or sensing circuits 515 (e.g., current sensors, temperature sensors, etc.), one or more indicators 520, a power input circuit 525, a wireless communication controller 530 (e.g., a wireless transceiver), and a fan control module or circuit 535. The controller 500 includes a combination of hardware and software operable to, among other things, control the operation of the battery pack charger 100, 300, determine the temperature of a heat sink, activate the indicators 520 (e.g., one or more LEDs), and so forth. In some embodiments, the battery pack charger 100, 300 includes a user interface 585 that includes one or more buttons or switches for selecting the power level of the battery pack charger 100, 300. In some embodiments, a high power mode (e.g., 1,000 W), a medium power mode (e.g., 750 W), and a low power mode (e.g., 500 W) can be selected in the user interface 585. In other embodiments, additional or configurable (e.g., changing the power level (watt level) of the mode) operating modes are available. In some embodiments, the power level of the battery pack charger 100, 300 can be set to any value between 0 watts and 2,000 watts. In some embodiments, the user can use the user interface 585 to select the charging mode. speedand / or a charging time (e.g., a time of day, a specific time of day, etc.) may also be selected. In some embodiments, the battery pack charger 100, 300 includes an adapter or power output 590 that allows other devices to be plugged into the battery pack charger 100, 300 via one or more power outputs (e.g., an AC outlet, a DC outlet, a USB port, etc.). In some embodiments, the battery pack charger 100, 300 includes a power interrupter 595, such as a circuit breaker. The power interrupter 595 is configured to, or is controlled by the controller 500 to, interrupt the output power to the battery pack interface 510 based, for example, on the total output power of the battery pack charger 100, 300.

[0023] The controller 500 includes multiple electrical and electronic components that provide power, operational control, and protection to the components and modules within the controller 500 and / or the battery pack charger 100, 300. For example, the controller 500 includes, among other things, a processing unit 540 (e.g., a microprocessor, microcontroller, electronic controller, electronic processor, or another suitable programmable device), a memory 545, an input unit 550, and an output unit 555. The processing unit 540 includes, among other things, a control unit 560, an ALU 565, and multiple registers 570 (shown as registers in FIG. 5 ) and is implemented using a known computer architecture (e.g., a modified Harvard architecture, a von Neumann architecture, etc.). The processing unit 540, the memory 545, the input unit 550, and the output unit 555, as well as the various modules or circuits connected to the controller 500, are connected by one or more control buses and / or data buses (e.g., a common bus 575). The control buses and / or data buses are shown schematically in FIG. 5 for illustrative purposes.

[0024] The memory 545 is a non-transitory computer-readable medium and includes, for example, a program storage area and a data storage area. The program storage area and the data storage area may include a combination of different types of memory, such as ROM, RAM (e.g., DRAM, SDRAM, etc.), EEPROM, flash memory, a hard disk, an SD card, or other suitable magnetic, optical, physical, or electronic memory devices. The processing unit 540 is coupled to the memory 545 and executes software instructions that may be stored in the RAM of the memory 545 (e.g., during execution), in the ROM of the memory 545 (e.g., generally permanently), or in another memory or another non-transitory computer-readable medium, such as a disk. Software included in the implementation of the battery pack charger 100, 300 may be stored in the memory 545 of the controller 500. The software includes, for example, firmware, one or more applications, program data, filters, rules, one or more program modules, and other executable instructions. The controller 500 is configured to retrieve and execute instructions related to, among other things, the control processes and methods described herein from the memory 545. In other configurations, the controller 500 includes additional, fewer, or different components.

[0025] The battery pack interface 510 includes a combination of mechanical components (e.g., rails, grooves, latches, etc.) and electrical components (e.g., one or more terminals) configured and operable to interface (e.g., mechanically, electrically, and communicatively connect) the battery pack charger 100, 300 with a battery pack (e.g., battery pack 200, 230, 400). For example, the battery pack interface 510 is configured to receive power from the charging circuit via a power input circuit. The battery pack interface 510 is also configured to communicatively connect to the controller 500 via communication lines 580.

[0026] In some embodiments, the controller 500 is configured to control the transfer of power to the charging circuit based on a selected power level. For example, the controller 500 may receive an input via the wireless communication controller 530 or a user interface of the battery pack charger 100, 300 that sets the power level / operating mode of the battery pack charger 100, 300 to output a set amount of power to a battery pack (e.g., battery pack 200, 230, 400) coupled to the battery pack charger 100, 300 via the battery pack interface. For example, the input may be one of a high power mode, a medium power mode, or a low power mode. Selectable power level control of the battery pack charger 100, 300 is described below with respect to FIG. 8.

[0027] In some embodiments, the controller 500 controls a switch coupled to the power input circuit 525 to output an appropriate or selected amount of power to the charging circuit based on a set power level. The power input circuit 525 receives power from an external power source (e.g., a conventional wall outlet, one or more batteries, etc.) or an internal power source (e.g., one or more battery cells). In some embodiments, the charging circuit receives power from the power input circuit 525 and controls the amount of power output to the battery pack interface 510 based on the set power level. The power input circuit 525 may include a rectifier circuit for converting input AC power (e.g., from a conventional wall outlet) to direct current ("DC") power used by the charging circuit to charge a battery pack coupled to the battery pack interface 510.

[0028] FIG. 6 shows a wireless communication controller 530 for the battery pack charger 100, 300. The wireless communication controller 530 includes a processor 600, a memory 605, an antenna and transceiver 610, and a real-time clock (RTC) 615. The wireless communication controller 530 enables the battery pack charger 100, 300 to communicate with an external device 700 (see, for example, FIG. 7 ). The wireless antenna and transceiver 610 cooperate to send and receive wireless messages between the external device 700 and the processor 600. The memory 605 may store instructions executed by the processor 600 and / or may store data related to communication between the battery pack charger 100, 300 and the external device 700, etc. The processor 600 for the wireless communication controller 530 controls wireless communication between the battery pack charger 100, 300 and the external device 700. For example, the processor 600 associated with the wireless communication controller 530 buffers incoming and / or outgoing data communications with the controller 500 and determines the communication protocols and / or settings to use in wireless communications. Communications via the wireless communication controller 530 may be encrypted to protect data exchanged between the battery pack charger 100, 300 and the external device 700 from third parties.

[0029] In the illustrated embodiment, the wireless communication controller 530 is a Bluetooth® controller. The Bluetooth® controller employs the Bluetooth® protocol to communicate with the external device 700. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, the external device 700 and the battery pack charger 100, 300 are within communication range of each other (i.e., in close proximity) while exchanging data. In other embodiments, the wireless communication controller 530 communicates using other protocols (e.g., Wi-Fi, ZigBee, proprietary protocols, etc.) over different types of wireless networks. For example, the wireless communication controller 530 may be configured to communicate via Wi-Fi over a wide area network such as the Internet or a local area network, or via a piconet (e.g., using infrared or NFC communication).

[0030] In some embodiments, the network is a cellular network such as, for example, a Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) network, a General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) network, a Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) network, an Evolution-Data Optimized (EV-DO) network, an Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE) network, a 3GSM network, a 4GSM network, a 4G LTE network, a 5G New Radio, a Digital AMPS ("IS-136 / TDMA") network, or an Integrated Digital Enhanced Network (iDEN) network.

[0031] The wireless communication controller 530 is configured to receive data from the controller 500 and relay the information to the external device 700 via the antenna and transceiver 610. Similarly, the wireless communication controller 530 is configured to receive information (e.g., configuration information and programming information) from the external device 700 via the antenna and transceiver 610 and relay that information to the controller 500.

[0032] The RTC 615 increments and maintains time independently of other components. Having the RTC 615 as an independently powered clock (e.g., by a coin cell battery) allows for time stamping of operational data (stored in memory 605 for later export).

[0033] 7 illustrates a communication system 705. The communication system 705 includes a battery pack charger 100, 300 and an external device 700. Each battery pack charger 100, 300 and external device 700 can communicate wirelessly while within communication range of each other. Each battery pack charger 100 can communicate status, operating statistics, identification, sensor data, usage information, maintenance data, etc.

[0034] Using the external device 700, a user can access the operating parameters of the battery pack charger 100, 300. The parameters (e.g., charger operating parameters) allow the user to select the operating power level (e.g., output power level, input power level, etc.) of the battery pack charger 100, 300. The external device 700 can also send data to the battery pack charger 100, 300 for charger configuration, firmware updates, or command transmission. The external device 700 also allows the user to set the operating parameters, safety parameters, select other operating modes, etc. of the battery pack charger 100, 300.

[0035] The external device 700 may be, for example, a smartphone (as shown), a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), or other electronic device capable of wirelessly communicating with the battery pack charger 100, 300 and providing a user interface. The external device 700 provides a user interface that allows a user to access and interact with the battery pack charger 100, 300. The external device 700 may receive user input, such as to determine operating parameters, enable or disable features, etc. The user interface of the external device 700 provides an easy-to-use interface for the user to control and customize the operation of the battery pack charger 100, 300. Thus, the external device 700 provides a user interface that gives the user access to operational data of the battery pack charger 100, 300 and allows the user to interact with the controller 500 of the battery pack charger 100, 300.

[0036] Additionally, as shown in FIG. 7 , the external device 700 can share operational data obtained from the battery pack charger 100, 300 with a remote server 710 connected via a network 715. The remote server 710 can be used to store operational data obtained from the external device 700, to provide additional functionality and services to the user, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, storing information on the remote server 710 allows users to access the information from multiple different locations. In some embodiments, the remote server 710 collects information about its devices from various users and provides statistics or statistical measures to the users based on the information obtained from the different devices. The network 715 can include various network elements (e.g., routers 720, hubs, switches, cellular towers 725, wired connections, wireless connections, etc.) for connecting to, for example, the Internet, a cellular data network, a local network, or a combination thereof, as previously described. In some embodiments, the battery pack charger 100, 300 is configured to communicate directly with the server 710 via an additional wireless interface or using the same wireless interface that the battery pack charger 100, 300 uses to communicate with the external device 700.

[0037] 8 shows an interface 800 of the external device 700 or battery pack charger 100, 300 for selecting the power level of the battery pack charger 100, 300. In the embodiment shown, a high power mode 805 (e.g., 1,000 W), a medium power mode 810 (e.g., 750 W), and a low power mode 815 (e.g., 500 W) can be selected. In other embodiments, additional or configurable (e.g., changing the power level (watt level) of the mode) operating modes are available. In some embodiments, the power level of the battery pack charger 100, 300 can be set to any value between 0 watts and 2,000 watts. In some embodiments, the user can select a power level for the battery pack charger 100, 300. speedand / or a charging time (e.g., a time of day, a specific time of day, etc.) may be selected. In some embodiments, the battery pack charger 100, 300 is configured to automatically control its power level. For example, the controller 500 of the battery pack charger 100, 300 is configured to reduce the power level supplied to the battery pack interface 510 based on detected use of other devices that draw power from the same outlet or source that supplies power to the power input circuitry 525.

[0038] In some embodiments, the battery pack charger 100, 300 includes an adapter 590 that allows other devices to be plugged into the receptacle of the battery pack charger 100, 300. In this manner, the battery pack charger 100, 300 can monitor total power consumption and adjust its power level accordingly to avoid tripping a circuit breaker (e.g., power interrupter 595). For example, the battery pack charger 100, 300 may output power to a battery pack coupled to the battery pack interface 510 in a high power mode 805 and output power to a device electrically connected to the adapter in a low power mode 815. Based on the monitored total power consumption exceeding a threshold (e.g., 1400 W), the controller 500 of the battery pack charger 100, 300 may reduce the output power to at least one of the battery pack and the device. For example, the controller 500 may reduce the output power to the battery pack to a medium power mode to ensure that the total power consumption is below a threshold, thus avoiding the possibility of tripping a circuit breaker (e.g., power interrupter 595).

[0039] In some embodiments, the battery pack charger 100, 300 must be plugged into a power source to change its operating power level. In some embodiments, if the power level changes while the battery pack charger 100, 300 is charging a battery pack, the charging cycle of the battery pack charger 100, 300 is repeated again.

[0040] In some embodiments, the battery pack charger 100, 300 includes an internal battery core that is used to charge the battery pack 200, 230, 400. In such embodiments, the battery pack charger may include a pass-through circuit to provide input power to the charging interface without providing additional power to the internal battery core (e.g., to reduce power consumption).

[0041] Accordingly, the embodiments described herein provide, among other things, systems and methods for controlling a battery pack charger by selecting a power consumption level for the battery pack charger. The power consumption level can be selected, for example, from an interface of an external device (e.g., a smartphone). Various features and advantages of the invention are set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. Housing and a battery pack receiving portion supported by the housing, the battery pack receiving portion configured to receive a battery pack; a charging circuit configured to transfer power from a power input circuit to the battery pack receiving portion; a controller, receiving a first input via a user interface; receiving a second input via the user interface; setting a first power output level of the charging circuit based on the received first input; setting a first charge rate of the charging circuit based on the received second input; providing the first power output level at the first charge rate to the battery pack coupled to the battery pack receiving portion; and a controller operable to: Battery pack charger.

2. 2. The battery pack charger of claim 1, wherein the first input is one of a low power mode, a medium power mode, a high power mode, and a set power output value.

3. The controller: receiving a third input via the user interface; setting a second power output level of the charging circuit different from the first power output level based on the received third input; providing the second power output level to the battery pack coupled to the battery pack receiving portion; is further operable to 10. The battery pack charger of claim 1.

4. 4. The battery pack charger of claim 3, wherein the third input is one of a low power mode, a medium power mode, a high power mode, and a set power output value.

5. 2. The battery pack charger of claim 1, wherein the user interface is provided on the housing of the battery pack charger.

6. 10. The battery pack charger of claim 1, further comprising a wireless transceiver.

7. 7. The battery pack charger of claim 6, wherein the user interface is provided on an external device that communicates with the battery pack charger via the wireless transceiver.

8. 2. The battery pack charger of claim 1, wherein the power input circuit is configured to receive alternating current ("AC") power from a conventional wall outlet, convert the AC power to direct current ("DC") power, and output the DC power to the charging circuit.

9. The controller: Detecting that the conventional wall outlet is supplying power to a second device; reducing the first power output level in response to detecting that the conventional wall outlet is supplying power to the second device. is further operable to 9. The battery pack charger of claim 8.

10. and further comprising an adapter configured to provide a second power output level to a device electrically coupled to the adapter, the controller configured to: determining a total power consumption by the charging circuit and the adapter; adjusting the first power output level and the second power output level to ensure that a power circuit breaker in the battery pack charger is not tripped; further configured as follows:

10. The battery pack charger of claim 1.

11. 1. A method for controlling a power output level of a battery pack charger, comprising: Receiving a first input via a user interface; receiving a second input via the user interface; setting a first power output level of a charging circuit based on the received first input; setting a first charge rate of the charging circuit based on the received second input; providing the first power output level at the first charging rate via the charging circuit to a battery pack coupled to a battery pack receiving portion. method.

12. The method of claim 11 , wherein the first input is one of a low power mode, a medium power mode, a high power mode, and a set power output value.

13. receiving a third input via the user interface; setting a second power output level of the charging circuit different from the first power output level based on the received third input; providing the second power output level to the battery pack coupled to the battery pack receiving portion. The method of claim 11.

14. The method of claim 13 , wherein the third input is one of a low power mode, a medium power mode, a high power mode, and a set power output value.

15. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein a power input circuit coupled to the charging circuit receives alternating current ("AC") power from a conventional wall outlet, converts the AC power to direct current ("DC") power, and outputs the DC power to the charging circuit.

16. Detecting that the conventional wall outlet is supplying power to a second device; reducing the first power output level in response to detecting that the conventional wall outlet is supplying power to the second device.

16. The method of claim 15.

17. A battery pack; 1. A battery pack charger comprising: housing, a battery pack receiving portion supported by the housing, the battery pack receiving portion configured to receive the battery pack; a charging circuit configured to transfer power from a power input circuit to the battery pack receiving portion; and 1. A battery pack charger controller, comprising: receiving a first input via a user interface; receiving a second input via the user interface; setting a first power output level of the charging circuit based on the received first input; setting a first charge rate of the charging circuit based on the received second input; providing the first power output level at the first charge rate to the battery pack coupled to the battery pack receiving portion; a battery pack charger controller operable to and a battery pack charger including: Battery pack charging system.

18. 18. The battery pack charging system of claim 17, wherein the power input circuit is configured to receive alternating current ("AC") power from a conventional wall outlet, convert the AC power to direct current ("DC") power, and output the DC power to the charging circuit.

19. the battery pack charger controller: Detecting that the conventional wall outlet is supplying power to a second device; reducing the first power output level in response to detecting that the conventional wall outlet is supplying power to the second device. further configured as follows:

20. The battery pack charging system of claim 18.

20. and a battery pack charger controller configured to: determining a total power consumption by the charging circuit and the adapter; adjusting the first power output level and the second power output level to ensure that a power circuit breaker in the battery pack charger is not tripped; further configured as follows:

18. The battery pack charging system of claim 17.

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