Battery holder

Abstract

To allow a strap to be connected to a battery pack that does not have a special site for strap connection by solving a problem in which a hanging strap is attached to a power tool, and in order for a battery pack which is detachably attached to the power tool to be connected to the power tool with a separate strap, a special part for connecting the strap to the battery pack needs to be provided.SOLUTION: A battery holder 30 is wrapped around a battery pack 20. The battery holder 30 includes a belt-like member 31 that is detachably over the whole circumference of the battery pack 20 and a strap connecting portion to which the battery strap 40 is connected. The battery pack 20 is attached to a battery mounting portion with the battery holder 30 attached thereto and connected to a power tool 1 by the battery strap 40.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a battery holder for attaching a hanging strap to a battery pack used as a power source for, for example, a rechargeable power tool. [Background technology]

[0002] A battery pack, for example, of a slide-mount type, is detachably attached to a battery attachment portion of a rechargeable power tool. A strap, such as a tether strap for preventing the power tool from falling, is attached to the power tool or the battery pack. As disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2, the battery pack is provided with a dedicated portion, such as a strap hole, for attaching the strap. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0227695 [Patent Document 2] US Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0194747 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] For this reason, it is necessary to prepare a battery pack that has a dedicated portion such as a strap hole to attach a strap. However, it has been difficult to attach a hanging strap to a battery pack that does not have a dedicated portion such as a strap hole. This disclosure makes it possible to attach a strap to a battery pack that does not have a dedicated portion such as a strap hole. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a battery holder connects a strap to a battery pack that is detachably attached to, for example, a tool body of a power tool. The battery holder includes, for example, a belt-shaped member that is detachably wrapped around the entire circumference of the battery pack, and a strap connecting portion that is provided on the belt-shaped member and to which the strap is detachably connected.

[0006] Therefore, the strap can be connected to a battery pack that does not have a special part for connecting the strap. The battery holder can be retrofitted to a battery pack that does not have a special part for connecting the strap. This expands the range of battery packs to which the strap can be connected. The battery holder can be removed from the battery pack. This allows the battery holder to be reused for other battery packs. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is an overall perspective view of the power tool, as seen from the rear left side, i.e., the operator's side. [Figure 2] This is an overall perspective view of the power tool, which differs from FIG. 1 in that the battery pack is removed. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the battery pack alone. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a battery holder according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the battery pack with the battery holder attached. [Figure 7] 7 is a view taken along the arrow VII in FIG. 6, and is a right side view of the battery pack with the battery holder attached. [Figure 8] 8 is a view taken along the arrow VIII in FIG. 6, and is a top view of the battery pack with the battery holder attached. [Figure 9] 9 is a view taken along the arrow IX in FIG. 6, and is a front view of the battery pack with the battery holder attached. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a side release buckle. [Figure 11] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a state in which the power tool and the battery pack are suspended. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a battery holder according to a second embodiment. [Figure 13] 10 is a perspective view of a battery holder according to Example 3. In this drawing, a belt connection portion of a belt-shaped member, which is a part of the battery holder, is shown enlarged. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] In one or more embodiments, for example, the belt-shaped member is formed of a flexible and tensile-strength belt material, which allows the belt-shaped member to be tightly wrapped around the battery pack while conforming to its shape. The belt material of the belt-shaped member is made of a strong fabric, synthetic fiber, leather, or soft resin material that is flexible enough to wrap around the battery pack and can withstand the tensile force during wrapping. The belt-shaped member may also be formed from a combination of multiple types of materials.

[0009] In one or more embodiments, for example, the band-shaped member has a first belt made of a belt material, a second belt made of a belt material, and a belt seam that sews the first belt and the second belt together. As a result, the first belt and the second belt, each having flexibility and tensile strength, are firmly connected by the belt seam. By including the first belt and the second belt on the band-shaped member, the battery holder is more firmly attached to the battery pack. For example, the first belt can be configured to be wrapped around the battery pack in the horizontal direction, and the second belt can be wrapped around the battery pack in the vertical direction. In this case, the first belt and the second belt are sewn together with their longitudinal directions crossing at approximately right angles.

[0010] In one or more embodiments, for example, the strap connection portion can be connected by sewing both longitudinal ends to the belt-shaped member and inserting the strap inside. The stitching at both ends of the strap connection portion is, for example, sewn in at least two rows in the longitudinal direction. This increases the impact resistance of the stitching at the strap connection portion (strap connection stitching). Even if the inner stitching of the at least two rows of stitching on one side in the longitudinal direction is cut due to, for example, an impact, the outer stitching maintains the connection state of the strap connection portion to the belt-shaped member. Cutting the inner stitching expands the inside of the strap connection portion. The expansion of the strap connection portion is visible to an operator, thereby notifying the operator that the inner stitching has been cut due to an impact.

[0011] In one or more embodiments, for example, the belt-shaped member includes a first belt made of a belt material, a second belt made of a belt material, and a metal rivet that connects the first belt and the second belt, whereby the first belt and the second belt, each having flexibility and tensile strength, are firmly connected by the metal rivet.

[0012] In one or more embodiments, the battery holder has, for example, a first connecting member provided on a first longitudinal portion of the belt-shaped member and a second connecting member provided on a second longitudinal portion of the belt-shaped member and detachably connected to the first connecting member. The first connecting member and the second connecting member are connected to form a loop portion of the belt-shaped member that is wrapped around the battery pack. As a result, the loop portion formed by connecting the first connecting member and the second connecting member to each other is wrapped around the battery pack, and the battery holder is attached to the battery pack.

[0013] In one or more embodiments, for example, the belt-shaped member is provided with a length adjustment mechanism. The length adjustment mechanism makes it possible to adjust the length of the loop portion of the belt-shaped member that is wrapped around the entire circumference of the battery pack. This allows the belt-shaped member to be wrapped around the battery pack more securely.

[0014] In one or more embodiments, the length adjustment mechanism is, for example, a side release buckle. The length adjustment mechanism includes, for example, a first connecting member provided on a first longitudinal portion of the belt-shaped member and a second connecting member provided on a second longitudinal portion of the belt-shaped member and removably connected to the first connecting member. The first connecting member and the second connecting member are interconnected to form a loop.

[0015] Therefore, the first and second connecting members of the side release buckle are interconnected to wrap the belt-shaped member around the battery pack. In the case of a side release buckle, the length of the loop portion is adjusted by changing the positions of the first connecting member of the first section and the second connecting member of the second section. This allows the belt-shaped member to be tightly wrapped around the battery pack.

[0016] In one or more embodiments, the battery holder has, for example, a first connecting member provided on a first longitudinal portion of the belt-shaped member, and a second connecting member provided on a second longitudinal portion of the belt-shaped member and removably connected to the first connecting member by overlapping the first connecting member in the thickness direction. The first connecting member and the second connecting member are connected to each other to form a loop portion of the belt-shaped member that is wrapped around the battery pack.

[0017] As a result, the first connecting member and the second connecting member are stacked in the thickness direction and connected to each other. The first connecting member and the second connecting member are connected to each other to form a loop portion of the belt-shaped member. The loop portion is wrapped around the battery pack, and the battery holder is attached to the battery pack.

[0018] In one or more embodiments, for example, the length adjustment mechanism is a hook-and-loop fastener. The length adjustment mechanism includes a first connecting member provided at a first portion of the belt-shaped member in the longitudinal direction, and a second connecting member provided at the longitudinal direction of the belt-shaped member and selectively and detachably connected to the first connecting member at a predetermined position. Therefore, in the case of a hook-and-loop fastener, the length of the loop portion is adjusted by selectively changing the connecting position of the second connecting member to the first connecting member, which is the position of the overlapping portion in the thickness direction. This allows the belt-shaped member to be tightly wrapped around the battery pack.

[0019] In one or more embodiments, the belt-shaped member is provided with a marking that is used when adjusting the length of the looped portion of the belt-shaped member using a length adjustment mechanism to accommodate a variety of different sized battery packs. This allows the belt-shaped member to be quickly wrapped around battery packs of various sizes with an appropriate strength. This improves the reproducibility of the wrapping state of the belt-shaped member around the battery pack.

[0020] In one or more embodiments, the battery holder has, for example, a plurality of strap connection portions, so that the strap connection portion can be selected according to, for example, the type of work to be performed, thereby improving workability.

[0021] In one or more embodiments, for example, the belt-shaped member has a light-transmitting member that allows the display unit to be visible from the outside or an exposed portion that exposes the display unit at a position that covers the display unit of the battery pack, so that the display unit of the battery pack can be seen even when the battery holder is attached.

[0022] In one or more embodiments, for example, the band-shaped member is wrapped around the battery pack in a state in which at least one-fourth or more of the unlock button of the battery pack, which is operated when removing the battery pack from the tool body, is exposed. Therefore, the battery pack can be removed from the tool body by operating the unlock button while the battery holder is attached.

[0023] In one or more embodiments, an elastomer friction member is provided on the inner surface of the strip, preventing the strip from sliding against the battery pack and thus preventing the strip from shifting out of position relative to the battery pack.

[0024] In one or more embodiments, for example, the battery holder includes a strap. The strap has a first end connected to the strap connector and a second end connected to the tool body. The strap has a strap length that allows the battery pack to be attached to and detached from the tool body while the first end is connected to the strap connector and the second end is connected to the tool body. This allows the battery pack to be removed from the tool body while the strap remains connected, with the first end of the strap connected to the battery pack and the second end connected to the tool body.

[0025] In one or more embodiments, for example, the battery holder includes a strap. The strap has a first end that connects to the strap connector and a second end that can be selectively connected to the tool body or an external member. Thus, the battery pack can be selectively connected to either the tool body or the external member via the strap. The external member corresponds to an external strap connection part such as a scaffold, a handle, or a fence located near the work site.

[0026] In one or more embodiments, for example, the battery holder includes a strap. The strap has a first end that connects to a strap connector and a second end that can be selectively connected to the tool body or an external member. The strap has an adjuster that adjusts the distance between the first end and the second end. The adjuster adjusts the strap to an appropriate length. By shortening the strap length with the adjuster, it is possible to make it less likely for the battery pack to fall off the tool body. Also, by shortening the strap length with the adjuster, the strap can be connected so that it does not get in the way of work. By lengthening the strap with the adjuster, the range of the strap connector on the tool body or the external member to which the second end can be connected is expanded. [Example]

[0027] [First Example] 1 and 2 show a portable circular saw, which is a type of portable cutting machine, as an example of a power tool 1. This power tool 1 comprises a rectangular base 2 that is brought into contact with the workpiece to be cut (not shown in the figures), and a tool body 3 supported on the upper surface of the base 2. The tool body 3 has an electric motor 5 on the left side of a main body case 4. The electric motor 5 is housed in a cylindrical motor case 5a.

[0028] A chip saw (not visible in the figure), which is a type of disc-shaped cutting tool, is supported on the right side of the main body case 4. The upper side of the cutting tool is covered by a fixed cover 6 that is integral with the main body case 4. The lower side of the cutting tool protrudes from the underside of the base 2. The part that protrudes from the underside of the base 2 cuts into the material to be cut. The part of the cutting tool that protrudes from the underside of the base 2 is covered by a movable cover 7. A metal hook 16 is provided on the front of the tool main body 3 for hanging the power tool 1 on another location, such as scaffolding, when not in use.

[0029] A loop-shaped handle 8 is provided on the top of the main body case 4. An operator positioned behind the power tool 1 grasps the handle 8 and moves it forward, causing the cutting tool to cut the material. With respect to the power tool 1, the direction in which cutting progresses is defined as the front, and the operator's side is defined as the rear. The operator is used as the reference for the up-down and left-right directions. The directions of the removed battery pack 20 alone, as shown in Figure 3, will be determined separately.

[0030] A strap hole 9 is provided at the rear of the handle 8 for connecting a strap (tool strap 10) for hanging a tool. Figure 1 shows the highly elastic tool strap 10. As shown in Figure 2, a battery attachment part 11 is provided below the strap hole 9 and behind the electric motor 5. One slide-mounted battery pack 20 is attached to the battery attachment part 11. The electric motor 5 is started by the power of the attached battery pack 20.

[0031] The battery mounting section 11 is provided with a pair of upper and lower rail receiving sections 12. The upper and lower rail receiving sections 12 are parallel to each other and extend in the front-to-rear direction. A positive terminal 13 and a negative terminal 14 are provided between the upper and lower rail receiving sections 12. A control terminal 15 is provided between the positive terminal 13 and the negative terminal 14.

[0032] FIG. 3 shows the battery pack 20 removed from the battery mounting portion 11. The battery pack 20 uses a lithium-ion battery that houses multiple battery cells in a roughly rectangular parallelepiped (hexahedral) case. Hereinafter, the battery pack 20 will be referred to as a top surface 20U, a bottom surface (lower surface) 20B, a front surface 20F, a rear surface 20R, a left side surface 20L, and a right side surface 20M. In the battery pack 20 according to this embodiment, the distance between the front surface 20F and the rear surface 20R (front-to-rear length L) is the longest. The distance between the left side surface 20L and the right side surface 20M (left-to-right width W) is shorter than the length L. The distance between the top surface 20U and the bottom surface 20B (height H) is the shortest. Therefore, the length L, width W, and height H of the battery pack 20 have the relationship length L > width W > height H.

[0033] The battery pack 20 is attached to the battery attachment portion 11 in a horizontal position with the top surface 20U facing the left side of the power tool 1. As shown in Figure 3, the orientation of the removed battery pack 20 alone is based on the position in which the top surface 20U faces upward and the bottom surface 20B is on the ground. Therefore, the direction perpendicular to the top surface 20U is the up-down direction, the attachment direction to the battery attachment portion 11 is the front, and the removal direction is the rear. The left-right direction is based on the operator positioned at the rear.

[0034] A pair of left and right rail portions 21 are provided on the upper surface 20U of the battery pack 20. The left and right rail portions 21 are parallel to each other and extend in the front-rear direction. A positive terminal receiving portion 22, a negative terminal receiving portion 23, and a control terminal receiving portion 24 are provided between the left and right rail portions 21.

[0035] A locking claw 25 that maintains the battery pack 20 attached to the battery attachment portion 11 is provided in front of the control terminal receiving portion 24 and is movable up and down. A rectangular, flat unlocking button 26 is located in front of the locking claw 25. When the unlocking button 26 is pressed down toward the bottom surface 20B with a fingertip, the locking claw 25 retracts downward. By pressing down the unlocking button 26 and sliding the battery pack 20 forward (toward the rear of the power tool 1), the battery pack 20 can be removed from the battery attachment portion 11.

[0036] By sliding the battery pack 20 rearward (toward the front of the power tool 1) in a sideways position (with the upper surface 20U facing the left side of the power tool 1), the rail portion 21 engages with the rail receiving portion 12 of the battery mounting portion 11, and the battery pack 20 is mechanically coupled to the battery mounting portion 11. When the battery pack 20 is mechanically coupled to the battery mounting portion 11, the positive terminal 13 and the negative terminal 14 and the control terminal 15 of the battery mounting portion 11 enter the positive terminal receiving portion 22, the negative terminal receiving portion 23 and the control terminal receiving portion 24 of the battery pack 20, respectively. This electrically couples the battery pack 20 to the battery mounting portion 11.

[0037] A display unit 27 that displays the remaining capacity and the like is provided on the front surface 20F of the battery pack 20. When a push button 27a on the display unit 27 is pressed, a number of LED light-emitting units 27b corresponding to the remaining capacity lights up. The remaining capacity of the battery pack 20 is indicated by the number of lit LED light-emitting units 27b.

[0038] The battery pack 20 does not have a special portion for connecting a hanging strap. A battery holder 30, which is an example of the present disclosure, can be attached to the battery pack 20. No special modifications to the battery pack 20 are required. As shown in FIG. 1 , the battery pack 20 equipped with the battery holder 30 according to this embodiment can be attached to the battery attachment portion 11 of the power tool 1. A hanging strap (battery strap 40) can be connected to the battery pack 20 via the battery holder 30.

[0039] The battery holder 30 is removably attached to the battery pack 20. The removed battery holder 30 is shown in FIG. 4. The battery holder 30 includes a belt-shaped member 31 that is wrapped around the battery pack 20 and a strap connecting portion 32 for connecting the battery strap 40. The belt-shaped member 31 includes a first belt 33 and a second belt 34. The first belt 33 and the second belt 34 are each made of a material (belt material) that has appropriate flexibility for wrapping and sufficient tensile strength to withstand the tensile load applied during wrapping. In this embodiment, a strong fabric is used as the belt material. The first belt 33 and the second belt 34 are sewn together at seams 35 and 36 at two longitudinal intersections. An elastomer friction member 31a is provided on the inner surface of the belt-shaped member 31. The friction member 31a prevents the belt-shaped member 31 from slipping against the outer surface of the battery pack 20.

[0040] 6 to 9 show the state in which the battery holder 30 is attached to the battery pack 20 and the state in which the belt-shaped member 31 is wound. The first belt 33 is wound in the front-to-back direction (horizontal direction) along the front surface 20F, left side surface 20L, rear surface 20R, and right side surface 20M of the battery pack 20. The second belt 34 is wound in the up-down direction (vertical direction) along the top surface 20U, left side surface 20L, bottom surface 20B, and right side surface 20M of the battery pack 20. Therefore, the first belt 33 is longer than the second belt 34.

[0041] The first belt 33 and the second belt 34 are wound in a circular shape (circular portion) by side release buckles 37 and 38, respectively. In this embodiment, the belt-shaped member 31 is wound so that the side release buckles 37 and 38 are located on the right side surface 20M and the bottom surface 20B of the battery pack 20.

[0042] 4, a first connecting member 37a is attached to one longitudinal end (first portion) of the first belt 33. A second connecting member 37b is attached to the other longitudinal end (second portion) of the first belt 33. By connecting the second connecting member 37b to the first connecting member 37a, the first belt 33 is formed into a loop that follows the periphery of the battery pack 20 in the lateral direction.

[0043] A third connecting member 38a is attached to one longitudinal end side (first portion) of the second belt 34. A fourth connecting member 38b is attached to the other longitudinal end side (second portion) of the second belt 34. By connecting the fourth connecting member 38b to the third connecting member 38a, the second belt 34 is formed into a loop portion that follows the periphery of the battery pack 20 in the vertical direction.

[0044] A pair of side release buckles 37 are formed by the first connecting member 37a and the second connecting member 37b of the first belt 33. A pair of side release buckles 38 are formed by the third connecting member 38a and the fourth connecting member 38b of the second belt 34. The lengths of the first belt 33 and the second belt 34 in this embodiment can be adjusted by the side release buckles 37, 38, respectively.

[0045] As shown in Fig. 10, first belt 33 has folded-back portions 33a and 33b on the first connecting member 37a side and the second connecting member 37b side, respectively, as length adjustment allowances. By adjusting the folding amount of folded-back portion 33a or 33b, the position of first connecting member 37a or second connecting member 37b relative to first belt 33 can be adjusted. This makes it possible to adjust the length of first belt 33 (length of the annular portion). Fold-back portions 33a and 33b relative to first connecting member 37a and second connecting member 37b function as a length adjustment mechanism that adjusts the length of the annular portion.

[0046] Fold-back portions 34a, 34b are provided on the third connecting member 38a side and the fourth connecting member 38b side of the second belt 34 as length adjustment allowances. By adjusting the folding amount of the folded-back portion 34a or the folded-back portion 34b, the position of the third connecting member 38a or the fourth connecting member 38b relative to the second belt 34 can be adjusted. This makes it possible to adjust the length of the second belt 34 (length of the annular portion). The folded-back portions 34a, 34b relative to the third connecting member 38a and the fourth connecting member 38b function as a length adjustment mechanism that adjusts the length of the annular portion.

[0047] By adjusting the lengths of the looped portions of the first belt 33 and the second belt 34, the belt-shaped member 31 can be tightly and securely wound around the outer surface of the battery pack 20. Marks 33c and 33d indicating the folding positions of the folded-back portions 33a and 33b are marked on the outer surface near both ends of the first belt 33. Marks 34c and 34d indicating the folding positions of the folded-back portions 34a and 34b are marked on the outer surface near both ends of the second belt 34. The marks 33c, 33d, 34c, and 34d allow the positions of the side release buckles 37 and 38 to be adjusted appropriately and quickly, and ensure high repeatability of the position adjustment.

[0048] 6, the second belt 34 is wound around the upper surface 20U of the battery pack 20, particularly around the front side. The second belt 34 is wound around the battery pack 20 so as to cover a portion of the unlock button 26. In this embodiment, the second belt 34 is wound around the battery pack 20 so as to expose at least one-quarter of the unlock button 26. This prevents the second belt 34 from getting in the way when the unlock button 26 is pressed down, ensuring ease of operation of the unlock button 26.

[0049] The strap connecting portion 32 is provided on the outer surface of the second belt 34, at a portion covering the unlock button 26, approximately in the center in the longitudinal direction (the surface opposite the inner surface that abuts against the battery pack 20). As shown in FIG. 5 , the strap connecting portion 32 has one connecting member 39. The connecting member 39 has a strip shape with approximately the same width as the second belt 34 and is attached along the longitudinal direction of the second belt 34. The connecting member 39 is made of the same sheet material as the second belt 34. Both ends of the connecting member 39 are sewn to the second belt 34. Each end of the connecting member 39 is firmly sewn by two rows of stitching 39a, 39b. In this embodiment, the outer stitching 39b at both ends is sewn with greater strength than the inner stitching 39a.

[0050] Both ends of the connecting member 39 are sewn together at an interval shorter than the length of the connecting member 39. As a result, the connecting member 39 is attached to the second belt 34 in a loop shape. As shown in the figure, a battery strap 40 is inserted between the connecting member 39 and the second belt 34 to connect them. As shown in Figures 6 to 9, the belt-shaped member 31 is wrapped around the battery pack 20 so that the strap connecting portion 32 is located near the front of the top surface of the battery pack 20. As a result, the battery strap 40 is connected to the battery pack 20 at a position near the front of the top surface of the battery pack 20.

[0051] An exposed portion 33e is provided in a portion of the first belt 33 that covers the front surface 20F of the battery pack 20. The exposed portion 33e has a generally rectangular shape that is long in the longitudinal direction of the first belt 33, corresponding to the display unit 27 of the battery pack 20. A light-transmitting member (a transparent sheet material made of synthetic resin) that has light transmittance and allows the display unit 27 to be visible from the outside is attached to the exposed portion 33e. Instead of the transparent sheet material, a window that penetrates the exposed portion in the thickness direction may be used. The exposed portion 33e ensures visibility of the display unit 27 when the battery holder 30 is attached to the battery pack 20.

[0052] The battery strap 40 is connected to the strap connecting portion 32 of the battery holder 30, which is attached so as to wrap around the battery pack 20. This allows the battery strap 40 to be connected to the battery pack 20. With the battery holder 30 attached, the second belt 34 is wrapped around a portion of the upper surface 20U of the battery pack 20 near the front and not covering the rail portion 21, the positive terminal receiving portion 22, the negative terminal receiving portion 23, the control terminal receiving portion 24, and the locking claw 25. This allows the battery pack 20 to be attached to the battery attachment portion 11 of the power tool 1 with the battery holder 30 attached, as shown in FIG. 1 .

[0053] By attaching the battery pack 20 with the battery holder 30 attached to the battery attachment portion 11 of the power tool 1, the battery pack 20 is connected to the power tool 1 via the battery strap 40. This allows the power tool 1 to be used with the battery pack 20 connected via the battery strap 40. Because the battery pack 20 is connected to the power tool 1 via the battery strap 40 in this manner, there is no need to handle the battery pack 20 with excessive care, for example, when removing the battery pack 20, as shown in FIG. 11 .

[0054] As shown in Figure 11, the power tool 1 can be used by connecting the tool strap 10, which is separately connected to the strap hole 9, to a scaffolding fence 50 or a handrail 51 on a wall. This eliminates the need to handle the power tool 1 and battery pack 20 with excessive care.

[0055] The battery strap 40 is detachably connected to both the strap connection portion 32 of the battery holder 30 and the strap hole 9 of the power tool 1. As shown by the two-dot chain line in Fig. 11 , the battery strap 40 can be removed from the strap hole 9 of the power tool 1 and connected to an external member (a strap connection portion other than the power tool 1), such as a scaffolding fence 50 or a handrail 51 on a wall. The battery pack 20 can be hung from an external member via the battery strap 40 whether it is attached to the power tool 1 or detached from the power tool 1.

[0056] The battery strap 40 has a first end 41 at one end for detachably connecting to the strap connecting portion 32 of the battery holder 30. The battery strap 40 has a second end 42 at the other end for detachably connecting to the strap hole 9 of the power tool 1. The first end 41 and the second end 42 each use a so-called carabiner.

[0057] The battery strap 40 may be provided with an adjuster 43 for adjusting its length. The battery strap 40 desirably has a length that allows for sliding movement over the distance required for attachment and detachment to and from the battery attachment portion 11. This allows the battery pack 20 to be attached to and detached from the battery attachment portion 11 while the battery strap 40 remains connected to the strap hole 9 of the power tool 1. The battery strap 40 may be made of a stretchable material, such as a rubber cord.

[0058] The battery holder 30 configured as described above makes it possible to connect the battery strap 40 to a battery pack 20 that does not have a special portion for connecting the battery strap 40. Therefore, the battery strap 40 can now be used with battery packs 20 that previously could not be used with the battery strap 40.

[0059] The battery holder 30 can be retrofitted, which expands the range of battery packs 20 to which the battery strap 40 can be connected. The battery holder 30 can be detached from the battery pack 20, which allows the battery holder 30 to be reused for other battery packs.

[0060] In the illustrated embodiment, the belt-shaped member 31 is formed of a sheet material that is flexible and has tensile strength, so that the belt-shaped member 31 has appropriate flexibility and sufficient tensile strength, allowing it to be tightly wrapped around the battery pack 20 while following the shape of the periphery.

[0061] In the illustrated embodiment, the belt-shaped member 31 has a first belt 33 in the horizontal direction and a second belt 34 in the vertical direction, so that the battery holder 30 can be attached more firmly to the rectangular parallelepiped battery pack 20.

[0062] In the illustrated embodiment, both ends of the connecting member 39 of the strap connecting portion 32 are firmly sewn together by two rows of stitching 39a, 39b. The outer stitching 39b at both ends is sewn with greater strength than the inner stitching 39a. This increases the durability of the strap connecting portion against impact. Even if the inner stitching 39a of the two rows of stitching 39a, 39b is cut due to an impact, the outer stitching 39b maintains the connection of the strap connecting portion 32 to the belt-shaped member 31. When the inner stitching 39a is cut, the connecting member 39 is displaced, expanding the insertion space between the connecting member 39 and the belt-shaped member 31. The expansion of the inner insertion space is visible to the worker, thereby notifying the worker that the inner stitching 39a has been cut due to an impact.

[0063] According to the illustrated embodiment, the first belt 33 and the second belt 34 are wound around the battery pack 20 with loops formed by the side release buckles 37 and 38, respectively. This allows the belt-shaped member 31 to be tightly wound around the battery pack 20 with a simple configuration. The length of the loops is adjusted by adjusting the positions of the first to fourth connecting members 37a, 37b, 38a, and 38b of the side release buckles 37 and 38. This allows the belt-shaped member 31 to be reliably wound around the battery pack 20 in accordance with the size (length L, width W, height H) of the battery pack 20.

[0064] According to the illustrated embodiment, the first belt 33 has a mark 33c on one end and a mark 33d on the other end. The marks 33c and 33d can be used to adjust the length of the loop portion of the belt-shaped member 31 using the length adjustment mechanism (side release buckles 37 and 38) to accommodate battery packs of different sizes, for example. This allows the belt-shaped member 31 to be quickly wrapped around battery packs of different sizes with an appropriate tightness. Furthermore, using the marks 33c and 33d improves the reproducibility of the state in which the belt-shaped member 31 is wrapped around the battery pack. The same applies to the marks 34c and 34d of the second belt 34.

[0065] In the illustrated embodiment, the belt-shaped member 31 has an exposed portion 33e at a position that covers the display unit 27 of the battery pack 20. This allows the display unit 27 to be visible from the outside even when the battery holder 30 is attached.

[0066] In the illustrated embodiment, the belt-shaped member 31 is wound around the battery pack 20 in a state where at least one-quarter of the unlock button 26 is exposed. Therefore, the battery pack 20 can be removed from the battery attachment portion 11 of the tool body 3 by operating the unlock button 26 while the battery holder 30 is still attached.

[0067] In the illustrated embodiment, an elastomer friction member 31a is provided on the inner surface of the belt-shaped member 31. This prevents the belt-shaped member 31 from slipping against the battery pack 20, thereby preventing misalignment of the wound portion. The friction member 31a may be laminated (applied) in layers on the inner surface of the belt-shaped member 31, or may be configured as scattered elastomer protrusions or ridges.

[0068] In the illustrated embodiment, the battery holder 30 includes a battery strap 40. The battery strap 40 has a strap length that allows the battery pack 20 to be attached to and detached from the tool body 3 while the first end 41 is connected to the strap connection portion 32 and the second end 42 is connected to the tool body 3. This allows the battery pack 20 to be removed from the tool body 3 while the strap connection state is maintained, with the first end 41 of the battery strap 40 connected to the battery pack 20 and the second end 42 connected to the tool body 3.

[0069] In the illustrated embodiment, the second end 42 of the battery strap 40 can be selectively connected to the tool body 3 or an external member. Therefore, it is possible to arbitrarily select whether the battery pack 20 is connected to the tool body 3 via the battery strap 40 or to an external member such as a fence 50 or handrail 51 located around the work area. The second end 42 can also be connected to an external member such as scaffolding or a handle.

[0070] In the illustrated embodiment, the battery strap 40 has an adjuster 43 that adjusts the distance between the first end 41 and the second end 42. The adjuster 43 adjusts the battery strap 40 to an appropriate length. By shortening the length of the battery strap 40 with the adjuster 43, the battery pack 20 is less likely to fall off the tool body 3. Also, by shortening the length of the battery strap 40 with the adjuster 43, the battery strap 40 is connected so as not to interfere with work. By lengthening the battery strap 40 with the adjuster 43, the range of strap connection locations (locations other than the strap hole 9) on the tool body 3 to which the second end 42 can be connected is expanded. Alternatively, by lengthening the battery strap 40, the battery strap 40 can be connected to a location farther away from the operator, thereby expanding the range of external components.

[0071] Various modifications can be made to the embodiment described above. For example, although the battery holder 30 has a single strap connection 32, the battery holder 30 may have multiple strap connection locations. For example, the ability to select the appropriate strap connection location depending on the type of work being performed can improve workability.

[0072] [Second Example] FIG. 12 illustrates a battery holder 60 according to a second embodiment. Components or configurations similar to those of the battery holder 30 according to the first embodiment that do not require modification are assigned the same reference numerals and will not be described again. The battery holder 60 according to the second embodiment includes a belt-shaped member 63 to which a first belt 61 and a second belt 62 are connected, and a strap connecting portion 68 for connecting the battery strap 40. The first belt 61 and the second belt 62 are each formed of a material (belt material) that has appropriate flexibility for winding and sufficient tensile strength to withstand the tensile load applied during winding. In the second embodiment, a strong fabric is also used as the belt material. As in the first embodiment, the strap connecting portion 68 is provided on the second belt 62 and positioned near the front of the upper surface of the battery pack 20. As in the first embodiment, the first belt 61 has an exposed portion 69 to ensure visibility of the display unit 27 of the battery pack 20.

[0073] A belt-shaped member 63 according to the second embodiment includes hook-and-loop fasteners 64, 65 instead of the side release buckles 37, 38 according to the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 12, a first connecting member 64a is attached to one end side (first portion) of the first belt 61 in the longitudinal direction. A second connecting member 64b is attached to the other end side (second portion) of the first belt 61 in the longitudinal direction. The first connecting member 64a and the second connecting member 64b are overlapped with each other in the thickness direction, thereby connecting the hook-and-loop fasteners 64. This forms a loop portion (a wound portion along the lateral direction of the battery pack 20) ​​in the first belt 61.

[0074] A third connecting member 65a is attached to one longitudinal end side (first portion) of the second belt 62. A fourth connecting member 65b is attached to the other longitudinal end side (second portion) of the second belt 62. The third connecting member 65a and the fourth connecting member 65b are overlapped with each other in the thickness direction to join the hook-and-loop fastener 65. This forms a loop portion (a wound portion along the longitudinal direction of the battery pack 20) ​​in the second belt 62.

[0075] The length of the looped portion of the first belt 61 is adjusted by selectively changing the overlapping range in the longitudinal direction between the first connecting member 64a and the second connecting member 64b of the hook-and-loop fastener 64 (length adjustment mechanism). The length of the looped portion of the second belt 62 is adjusted by changing the overlapping range in the longitudinal direction between the third connecting member 65a and the fourth connecting member 65b of the hook-and-loop fastener 65 (length adjustment mechanism). By adjusting the lengths of the looped portions of the first belt 61 and the second belt 62 with the hook-and-loop fasteners 64 and 65, the belt-shaped member 63 is tightly wound to fit the size (length L, width W, height H) of the battery pack 20.

[0076] In the second embodiment, metal rivets 66, 67 are used instead of the seams 35, 36 of the first embodiment. The first belt 61 and the second belt 62 are joined to each other by the metal rivets 66, 67 at two intersections in the longitudinal direction. As shown in the figure, two metal rivets 66, 67 are provided at each of the two intersections. This allows the first belt 61 and the second belt 62 to be firmly joined together, just like the first embodiment.

[0077] The battery holder 60 according to the second embodiment also allows the battery strap 40 to be connected to a battery pack 20 that does not have a special portion for connecting the strap. The hook-and-loop fasteners 64, 65 according to the second embodiment also allow the lengths of the first belt 61 and the second belt 62 to be appropriately adjusted, and the belt-shaped member 63 to be tightly wrapped around the battery pack 20.

[0078] [Third Example] FIG. 13 shows the belt connectors (first connector 74, second connector 75) of a battery holder 70 according to the third embodiment. The battery holder 70 of the third embodiment has a first belt 71 and a second belt 72 made of a belt material, similar to the first and second embodiments. The first belt 71 and the second belt 72 are sewn together with their longitudinal directions crossing at a substantially right angle to form a belt-shaped member 73. Although not shown, similar to the first and second embodiments, the second belt 72 is provided with a strap connector for connecting the battery strap 40. The strap connector of the third embodiment has the same configuration as the strap connector 32 of the first embodiment or the strap connector 68 of the second embodiment. Below, explanations of the same points as the first and second embodiments will be omitted.

[0079] Both ends of the first belt 71 are connected to each other via a first connector 74, thereby forming a circular portion of the first belt 71. The circular portion of the first belt 71 is wound around the battery pack 20 in the horizontal direction. Both ends of the second belt 72 are connected to each other via a second connector 75, thereby forming a circular portion of the second belt 72. The circular portion of the second belt 72 is wound around the battery pack 20 in the vertical direction.

[0080] The first connector 74 and the second connector 75 have the same shape. The first connector 74 will be illustrated and explained. The first connector 74 has a frame shape with a first frame portion 74a, a second frame portion 74b, and a third frame portion 74c that are parallel to one another. One end 71a of the first belt 71 is wound around and connected to the first frame portion 74a. The one end 71a is sewn to the first frame portion 74a while being wound around it.

[0081] The other end 71b of the first belt 71 is wound around the second frame portion 74b. The other end 71b is folded back from the second frame portion 74b and sandwiched between the first belt 71 and the third frame portion 74c. The other end 71b is connected to the first connector 74 by sandwiching the folded back portion with the third frame portion 74c.

[0082] The amount of folding back of the other end 71b can be changed by loosening the clamping of the other end 71b. By changing the amount of folding back of the other end 71b relative to the first connector 74, the length of the loop portion of the first belt 71 can be adjusted (length adjustment mechanism). This allows the first belt 71 to be tightly wound around battery packs of different sizes. By loosening the clamping by the third frame portion 74c and removing the other end 71b from the second frame portion 74b, one end 71a and the other end 71b of the first belt 71 are separated.

[0083] Similarly, the length of the looped portion of the second belt 72 is adjusted by changing the amount that the other end 72b is folded back relative to the second connector 75 (length adjustment mechanism). This allows the second belt 72 to be tightly wound around battery packs of different sizes. By loosening and releasing the clamping of the second connector 75, the one end 72a and the other end 72b of the second belt 72 are separated.

[0084] By providing the first and second connectors 74, 75 with length adjustment mechanisms, the belt-shaped member 73 can be tightly wrapped around the battery pack 20. This firmly connects the battery strap 40 to the battery pack 20. In the third embodiment, the loops of the first belt 71 and the second belt 72 are formed more firmly by the simpler configuration of the first and second connectors 74, 75. This improves the impact resistance and weather resistance of the battery holder 70.

[0085] Further modifications can be made to the first, second, and third embodiments. For example, as shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 3 , a belt positioning portion 28 can be provided on the outer surface of the battery pack 20. The illustrated belt positioning portion 28 is provided on the left and right side surfaces 20L and 20M of the battery pack 20. The illustrated belt positioning portion 28 has two protrusions 28a that are parallel to each other and extend in the front-rear direction. By winding the first belt 33, 61, 71 between the two protrusions 28a, the positional deviation of the first belt 33, 61, 71 is restricted. This more reliably maintains the wound state of the first belt 33, 61, 71 and the belt-shaped member 31, 63, 73. Similar belt positioning portions may be additionally or selectively provided on the front and rear surfaces 20F and 20R and the top and bottom surfaces 20U and 20B of the battery pack 20.

[0086] Although not shown in the figure, a strap detection unit for detecting the presence of the battery strap 40 can be provided in the strap hole 9 of the tool body 3. Operation can be controlled so that the tool body 3 is started on the condition that the battery strap 40 is detected by the strap detection unit. As a result, the tool body 3 is started and work can be performed only when the battery pack 20 is connected to the tool body 3 by the battery strap 40.

[0087] Although the configuration in which the first belt 33, 61, 71 and the second belt 34, 62, 72 are joined together at two points in the longitudinal direction to form the belt-shaped members 31, 63, 73 has been exemplified, three or more belts may be joined together at one or more points to form the belt-shaped member. Alternatively, a single belt body having a connecting member that connects the first end and the second end to each other may be used as the belt-shaped member.

[0088] Instead of using the stitching portions 35, 36 or the metal rivets 66, 67, the two belt bodies may be joined to each other by adhesive or welding.

[0089] The belt-shaped member may be formed using synthetic fiber or leather as a material (sheet material). Alternatively, the belt-shaped member may be formed by combining a plurality of types of material. Instead of a sheet material, the belt-shaped member may be formed as a frame body made of rigid resin or metal that does not have flexibility and that can be opened and closed via a hinge. A so-called snap lock (draw latch) can be used as a connecting member that connects both ends of the frame body to each other.

[0090] The power tool 1 is not limited to the portable circular saw shown as an example, but may also be a reciprocating cutting machine such as a jigsaw or a reciprocating saw, or other power tools such as a drilling tool or a screwdriver. The battery pack is not limited to a slide-mounted type, but may also be a plug-in stick type battery pack.

[0091] The power tool 1 of the first, second, and third embodiments is an example of a power tool of the present disclosure. The battery pack 20 of the first, second, and third embodiments is an example of a battery pack of the present disclosure. The battery strap 40 of the first, second, and third embodiments is an example of a strap of the present disclosure. The battery holder 30 of the first embodiment, the battery holder 60 of the second embodiment, and the battery holder 70 of the third embodiment are each an example of a battery holder of the present disclosure. The belt-shaped member 31 of the first embodiment, the belt-shaped member 63 of the second embodiment, and the belt-shaped member 73 of the third embodiment are each an example of a belt-shaped member of the present disclosure. The strap connection portion 32 of the first embodiment, the strap connection portion 68 of the second embodiment, and the strap connection portion of the third embodiment are each an example of a strap connection portion of the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0092] 1...Power tools 2...Bass 3…Tool body 4...Main unit case 5...Electric motor 5a...Motor case 6...Fixed cover 7... Movable cover 8...Handle 9...Strap hole 10...Tool strap 11...Battery mounting section 12...Rail support 13...Positive terminal 14...Negative terminal 15...Control terminal 16...Hook 20...Battery pack 20U...Top, 20B...Bottom, 20F...Front, 20R...Rear, 20L...Left, 20M...Right L... length of the battery pack 20, W... width of the battery pack 20, H... height of the battery pack 20 21...Rail section 22...Positive terminal holder 23...Negative terminal receiving portion 24...Control terminal receiving part 25...Lock claw 26...Unlock button 27…Display section 27a...Push button, 27b...LED light-emitting part 28...Belt positioning part 28a...Protrusion part 30...Battery holder (first embodiment) 31...Belt-shaped member 31a...Friction member (elastomer layer) 32...Strap connection part 33...1st Belt 33a, 33b... folded portion, 33c, 33d... mark, 33e... exposed portion 34...Second belt 34a, 34b...folded portions, 34c, 34d...marks 35,36...suture part 37,38...Side release buckle 37a...first connecting member, 37b...second connecting member 38a...third connecting member, 38b...fourth connecting member 39...Connecting member 39a, 39b...suture part 40...Battery strap 41...1st end 42…Second end 43...Adjuster 50...Scaffolding fence 51...Wall railing 60...Battery holder (second embodiment) 61...1st Belt 62...Second Belt 63...Belt-shaped member 64,65…Velcro 64a...first connecting member, 64b...second connecting member 65a...third connecting member, 65b...fourth connecting member 66,67...Metal rivets 68...Strap connection part 69...Exposed part 70...Battery holder (third embodiment) 71...1st Belt 71a...one end, 71b...other end 72...Second Belt 72a...one end, 72b...other end 73...Belt-shaped member 74...1st connector 74a...first frame part, 74b...second frame part, 74c...third frame part 75…Second connector

Claims

1. A battery holder for connecting a strap to a battery pack that is detachably attached to a tool body of an electric power tool, a belt-shaped member that is detachably wrapped around the entire periphery of the battery pack; a strap connection portion to which the strap is detachably connected; The belt-shaped member has a first belt and a second belt each formed of a belt material having flexibility and tensile strength, The battery holder is configured such that the first belt and the second belt are wound around the battery pack in a crosswise direction and a crosswise direction.

2. 2. The battery holder according to claim 1, The belt-shaped member has a belt stitching portion that stitches the first belt and the second belt together.

3. 3. The battery holder according to claim 1, The strap connecting portion is provided so that both ends in the longitudinal direction are sewn to the belt-shaped member and the strap is inserted inside the connecting portion to be connectable, The battery holder has at least two rows of stitching at each of the two end portions in the longitudinal direction.

4. 2. The battery holder according to claim 1, The belt-shaped member is a battery holder having a metal rivet that connects the first belt and the second belt.

5. The battery holder according to any one of claims 1 to 4, a first connecting member provided on a first portion of the belt-shaped member in the longitudinal direction; a second connecting member provided at a second portion of the belt-shaped member in the longitudinal direction and removably connected to the first connecting member; a battery holder in which the first connecting member and the second connecting member are connected to form a loop portion of the belt-shaped member that is wound around the battery pack;

6. The battery holder according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The battery holder has a length adjustment mechanism provided on the belt-shaped member, and the length of the annular portion of the belt-shaped member that is wrapped around the entire circumference of the battery pack can be adjusted by the length adjustment mechanism.

7. 7. The battery holder according to claim 6, The length adjustment mechanism is a side release buckle, a first connecting member provided on a first portion of the belt-shaped member in the longitudinal direction; a second connecting member provided at a second portion of the belt-shaped member in the longitudinal direction and removably connected to the first connecting member; The battery holder has the first connecting member and the second connecting member connected to each other to form the annular portion.

8. The battery holder according to any one of claims 1 to 4, a first connecting member provided on a first portion of the belt-shaped member in the longitudinal direction; a second connecting member provided at a second portion of the belt-shaped member in the longitudinal direction and overlapping the first connecting member in the thickness direction to be detachably connected to the first connecting member; The battery holder includes a loop portion of the belt-shaped member wound around the battery pack, the loop portion being formed by connecting the first connecting member and the second connecting member to each other.

9. 7. The battery holder according to claim 6, The length adjustment mechanism is a hook-and-loop fastener, a first connecting member provided on a first portion of the belt-shaped member in the longitudinal direction; The battery holder has a second connecting member provided in the longitudinal direction of the belt-shaped member and selectively and detachably connected to the first connecting member at a predetermined position.

10. The battery holder according to any one of claims 6, 7 and 9, A battery holder in which a mark is provided on the belt-shaped member to be used when adjusting the length of the annular portion of the belt-shaped member using the length adjustment mechanism to accommodate multiple types of battery packs of different sizes.

11. The battery holder according to any one of claims 1 to 10, A battery holder having the strap connection portions at a plurality of locations.

12. The battery holder according to any one of claims 1 to 11, The belt-shaped member is a battery holder having a light-transmitting member that is light-transmitting and allows the display unit to be visible from the outside, or an exposed portion that exposes the display unit, at a position that covers the display unit of the battery pack.

13. The battery holder according to any one of claims 1 to 12, The belt-shaped member is a battery holder that is wrapped around the battery pack in a state where at least 1 / 4 or more of an unlock button of the battery pack that is operated when removing the battery pack from the tool body is exposed.

14. The battery holder according to any one of claims 1 to 13, A battery holder in which an elastomer friction member is provided on the inner surface of the belt-shaped member.

15. The battery holder according to any one of claims 1 to 14, The strap is provided, The strap has a first end connected to the strap connection portion, a second end connected to the tool body, and a strap length that allows the battery pack to be attached and detached to the tool body while the first end is connected to the strap connection portion and the second end is connected to the tool body.

16. The battery holder according to any one of claims 1 to 15, The strap is provided, The strap has a first end connected to the strap connector and a second end that can be selectively connected to the tool body or an external member.

17. The battery holder according to any one of claims 1 to 16, The strap is provided, The strap has a first end connected to the strap connecting portion, a second end that can be selectively connected to the tool body or an external member, and an adjuster that adjusts the distance between the first end and the second end.

18. A battery holder for connecting a strap to a battery pack that is detachably attached to a tool body of an electric power tool, a belt-shaped member that is detachably wrapped around the entire periphery of the battery pack; a strap connection portion to which the strap is detachably connected; The strap connecting portion is connected to the belt-shaped member, and the strap is inserted inside the strap connecting portion to allow connection to the battery holder.

Images