Battery pack and electric tool assembly
By designing variable voltage battery packs and differentiated power tool mounting bases, the system enables automatic switching between different voltages, solving the problem of users needing to prepare multiple battery packs and improving operational convenience and work efficiency.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- JIANGSU DONGCHENG M&E TOOLS CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-10-31
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-04
AI Technical Summary
Users need to purchase multiple battery packs from different platforms to cope with different power and operating conditions, which leads to increased costs and low work efficiency.
Design a battery pack that uses a transformer assembly to connect battery cells in series and in parallel, outputting high and low voltages of different values, and automatically switching the voltage via a differentiated power tool mounting bracket.
No need to prepare multiple battery packs, improving user convenience and work efficiency, simplifying the battery pack installation process, reducing costs and enhancing the user experience.
Smart Images

Figure CN2025131757_04062026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
Battery pack and power tool combination Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of power tool technology, and in particular to a battery pack and a power tool assembly having the battery pack. Background Technology
[0002] Power tools are instruments that use a motor to drive the working head to perform operations such as grinding, cutting, polishing, and fastening on workpieces. Traditional power tools are powered by 220V AC mains power, but with the rapid development of lithium batteries, lithium-ion power tools powered by battery packs are gradually replacing traditional AC-powered power tools.
[0003] Battery packs typically contain multiple cells to output voltage. To cope with different power and operating conditions, lithium-ion power tool battery packs have evolved to offer various voltage options, such as the common 20V and 40V platform battery packs. For users, this necessitates purchasing multiple battery packs of different platforms, increasing costs. Furthermore, during operation, users must carry multiple battery packs simultaneously and switch between them, impacting work efficiency and resulting in a poor user experience.
[0004] Therefore, it is indeed necessary to provide an improved battery pack and power tool combination to overcome the shortcomings of the existing technology. Summary of the Invention
[0005] In view of the shortcomings of the prior art, the purpose of this invention is to provide a battery pack and power tool combination capable of outputting different voltages.
[0006] The present invention can solve the problems of the prior art by adopting the following technical solution: a battery pack, including a housing, a cell assembly installed in the housing, a control assembly connected to the cell assembly, and a terminal assembly connected to the control assembly, wherein the terminal assembly includes a total positive output terminal and a total negative output terminal for outputting the power of the cell assembly to the outside;
[0007] The battery cell assembly includes a first battery cell group and a second battery cell group connected to each other. The first battery cell group has a first positive output terminal and a first negative output terminal, and the second battery cell group has a second positive output terminal and a second negative output terminal. The battery pack includes a transformer assembly for switching the output voltage of the battery cell assembly. The transformer assembly includes a switching element that is movably disposed and a plurality of connecting pieces respectively connected to the output terminals. The switching element is configured to change the electrical connection relationship between the plurality of connecting pieces so that the battery pack outputs high voltage and low voltage values.
[0008] When the battery pack outputs the high voltage, the first cell group and the second cell group are connected in series; when the battery pack outputs the low voltage, the first cell group and the second cell group are connected in parallel.
[0009] A further improvement is as follows: the connecting piece includes a first connecting piece connected to the total positive output terminal, a second connecting piece connected to the second positive output terminal, a third connecting piece connected to the first negative output terminal, a fourth connecting piece connected to the total negative output terminal, and an intermediate connecting piece. When the battery pack outputs the high voltage, the second connecting piece and the third connecting piece are electrically connected through the intermediate connecting piece; when the battery pack outputs the low voltage, the first connecting piece and the second connecting piece are electrically connected, while the third connecting piece and the fourth connecting piece are electrically connected.
[0010] A further improvement is as follows: the transformer assembly includes a housing and a movable element movably connected to the housing. Multiple connecting pieces are fixed to the housing. The switching element is connected to the movable element. The movement of the movable element drives the switching element to move, thereby switching between the high voltage and the low voltage.
[0011] A further improvement is as follows: the moving element includes a base for mounting the switching element, a rod connected to the base, and a head connected to the rod. The base and the head are located on both sides of the rod. The housing has a through opening, and the head is exposed to the outside of the battery pack through the opening.
[0012] A further improvement is as follows: the box body has a first box shell and a second box shell connected to each other. The first box shell has a guide groove for installing the rod and a channel passing through the guide groove, and the rod passes through the channel.
[0013] A further improvement is as follows: the transformer assembly includes a first elastic element that biases the moving element, the head has a first positioning part for mounting the first elastic element, the first housing has a second positioning part protruding from the end face, and the first elastic element is connected between the first positioning part and the second positioning part.
[0014] A further improvement is as follows: the rod body includes a guide post protruding toward the first elastic member and a relief groove recessed from the end face of the guide post, and the first elastic member passes through the relief groove.
[0015] A further improvement is as follows: the switching element includes a main body and a pair of contacts extending from the main body toward the connecting piece, wherein the pair of contacts is configured to connect any two of the plurality of connecting pieces.
[0016] A further improvement is as follows: the base includes a pair of clamping arms spaced apart and a movable groove located between the pair of clamping arms, and the main body is housed in the movable groove.
[0017] A further improvement is as follows: the base includes a positioning groove recessed from the end face of the clamping arm; the switching element includes a wing extending from the main body toward the base; the transformer assembly further includes a second elastic member that biases the switching element, one end of the second elastic member is received in the positioning groove, and the other end of the second elastic member is sleeved on the wing.
[0018] A further improvement is as follows: the switching element further includes a guide portion extending from the main body toward the base, the guide portion being located between a pair of wings and extending into the movable groove, the length of the guide portion extending toward the base being greater than the length of the wings extending toward the base.
[0019] A further improvement is as follows: any one of the first connecting piece, the second connecting piece, the third connecting piece, and the fourth connecting piece includes a first contact portion housed inside the housing, a second contact portion exposed outside the housing, and a connection port penetrating the second contact portion. The switching element is connected to the first contact portion, and the total positive output terminal, the second positive output terminal, the first negative output terminal, and the total negative output terminal are connected to their respective connecting pieces via the connection port.
[0020] A further improvement is as follows: the housing has an air hole corresponding to the installation area of the first contact portion, and the air hole connects the interior and exterior of the housing.
[0021] A further improvement is as follows: the first connecting piece is located between the second connecting piece and the intermediate connecting piece, the fourth connecting piece is located between the third connecting piece and the intermediate connecting piece, and the intermediate connecting piece spans across the first connecting piece and the fourth connecting piece.
[0022] A further improvement is that the main body has an extending axis, the projection of which on the connecting piece passes through the first connecting piece, the second connecting piece and the intermediate connecting piece simultaneously, or passes through the fourth connecting piece, the third connecting piece and the intermediate connecting piece simultaneously.
[0023] A further improvement is that a connecting strip is provided between the total positive output terminal and the first connecting piece, and between the total negative output terminal and the fourth connecting piece.
[0024] A further improvement is as follows: the switching element has multiple components, and the switching element includes a first set of switching elements that changes the connection relationship between the first connecting piece, the second connecting piece and the intermediate connecting piece, and a second set of switching elements that changes the connection relationship between the fourth connecting piece, the third connecting piece and the intermediate connecting piece. Both the first set of switching elements and the second set of switching elements have at least two switching elements.
[0025] A further improvement is as follows: both the first and second battery cell groups are formed by connecting several battery cells in series, and the voltage value of each battery cell in the first and second battery cell groups is the same.
[0026] A further improvement is as follows: the battery cell assembly includes a battery cell bracket for mounting the first battery cell group and the second battery cell group, and the transformer assembly is connected to the battery cell bracket; the battery cell bracket includes a first limiting part and a second limiting part supported at opposite ends of the housing of the transformer assembly and a pair of latches for fastening the housing, and the pair of latches are located between the first limiting part and the second limiting part.
[0027] A further improvement is as follows: the cell support of the cell assembly includes a partition protruding from the end face, at least a portion of the partition is located between the first connecting piece and the second connecting piece, and at least a portion of the partition is located between the fourth connecting piece and the third connecting piece.
[0028] The present invention can also solve the problems of the prior art by adopting the following technical solution: a power tool assembly, including a power tool and a battery pack connected to each other; the power tool includes a housing, a drive component installed in the housing and an output head connected to the drive component, the battery pack provides energy to the drive component, and the housing includes a battery pack mounting base for installing the battery pack;
[0029] The battery pack is any of the above-mentioned battery packs, and the battery pack mounting base has a first type of mounting base and a second type of mounting base with different structures. When the power tool is mounted on the first type of mounting base, the battery pack outputs the high voltage; when the power tool is mounted on the second type of mounting base, the battery pack outputs the low voltage.
[0030] A further improvement is as follows: The first type of mounting base has a recessed slot, the slot corresponding to the opening of the housing. When the battery pack is installed in the first type of mounting base, the moving element of the transformer assembly passes through the opening and extends into the slot. The second type of mounting base has an abutment at the position corresponding to the opening. When the battery pack is installed in the second type of mounting base, the abutment drives the moving element to move, so that the battery pack switches from the high voltage to the low voltage.
[0031] Compared with existing technologies, this invention has the following advantages: By designing a battery pack with variable output voltage, users no longer need to prepare multiple battery packs, which improves user convenience and work efficiency. Furthermore, the battery pack mounting base for power tools is designed differently, and the power tool can select high-voltage or low-voltage input according to the needs of the application, thus choosing either a first-type or second-type mounting base. The battery pack can be universally and unrestrictedly installed in either type of mounting base, effectively constructing a low-cost power tool combination with a good user experience. Additionally, the battery pack automatically switches its output voltage when installed in the power tool, making operation even simpler. Attached Figure Description
[0032] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the battery pack according to the first embodiment of the present invention, in which the battery pack outputs a high voltage;
[0033] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the entire unit showing the low voltage output of the battery pack in Figure 1;
[0034] Figure 3 is an exploded view of the battery pack shown in Figure 1;
[0035] Figure 4 is a structural schematic diagram of the cell assembly, control assembly, terminal assembly and transformer assembly in the battery pack shown in Figure 1 from the first angle.
[0036] Figure 5 is an exploded view of the cell assembly, control assembly, terminal assembly and transformer assembly shown in Figure 4;
[0037] Figure 6 is a structural schematic diagram of the cell assembly, control assembly, terminal assembly and transformer assembly shown in Figure 4 from a second angle.
[0038] Figure 7 is a structural schematic diagram of the cell assembly, control assembly, terminal assembly and transformer assembly shown in Figure 4 from the third angle;
[0039] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the control component shown in Figure 7;
[0040] Figure 9 is an exploded view of the transformer assembly in the battery pack shown in Figure 1;
[0041] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the connection between the transformer assembly, cell assembly, and terminal assembly in the battery pack shown in Figure 1. At this time, the battery pack outputs a high voltage.
[0042] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the connection between the transformer assembly, cell assembly, and terminal assembly in the battery pack shown in Figure 1. At this time, the battery pack outputs a low voltage.
[0043] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the transformer assembly shown in Figure 9;
[0044] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of the switching element in the transformer assembly shown in Figure 9;
[0045] Figure 14 is a structural schematic diagram of the power tool assembly of the present invention;
[0046] Figure 15 is a structural schematic diagram of the first type of mounting base in the power tool assembly shown in Figure 14;
[0047] Figure 16 is a structural schematic diagram of the second type of mounting base in the power tool assembly shown in Figure 14;
[0048] Figure 17 is a schematic diagram of the battery pack according to the second embodiment of the present invention, in which the battery pack outputs a high voltage;
[0049] Figure 18 is a schematic diagram of the whole machine with the battery pack shown in Figure 17 outputting low voltage;
[0050] Figure 19 is an exploded view of the battery pack shown in Figure 17;
[0051] Figure 20 is a structural schematic diagram of the cell assembly, control assembly, terminal assembly and transformer assembly in the battery pack shown in Figure 19 from the first angle.
[0052] Figure 21 is a structural schematic diagram of the cell assembly, control assembly, terminal assembly and transformer assembly in the battery pack shown in Figure 19 from a second angle.
[0053] Figure 22 is a structural schematic diagram of the cell assembly, control assembly, terminal assembly and transformer assembly in the battery pack shown in Figure 19 from the third angle;
[0054] Figure 23 is a structural schematic diagram of the cell assembly, control assembly, terminal assembly and transformer assembly in the battery pack shown in Figure 19 from the fourth angle.
[0055] Figure 24 is an exploded view of the transformer assembly in the battery pack shown in Figure 19. Detailed Implementation
[0056] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0057] The terminology used in this invention is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the invention. For example, terms such as "upper," "lower," "front," and "rear" that indicate orientation or positional relationship are based solely on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings and are used only for the convenience of describing the invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device / element referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the invention.
[0058] Please refer to Figures 1, 2 and 14 to 16. A first embodiment of the present invention relates to a power tool assembly 300, including a power tool 200 and a battery pack 100 connected to each other, wherein the battery pack 100 is coupled to the power tool 200 and configured to supply power to the power tool 200. Furthermore, the power tool 200 can be a traditional power tool such as an electric drill, electric wrench, electric hammer, angle grinder, cutter, and sander, or a garden power tool such as a hair dryer, chainsaw, lawn mower, lawn mower, and hedge trimmer. In this embodiment, the power tool 200 is an electric wrench and includes a housing 210, a drive assembly (not shown) installed in the housing 210, an output head 230 connected to the drive assembly, and a battery pack 100 that provides power to the drive assembly. The housing 210 includes a battery pack mounting base 220 for mounting the battery pack 100. Tool terminals 2281 and 2291 corresponding to the battery pack 100 are provided on the battery pack mounting base 220, and the power of the battery pack 100 is transmitted to the drive assembly through the tool terminals 2281 and 2291, thereby driving the output head 230 to perform operations.
[0059] Please refer to Figure 3. The battery pack 100 includes a housing 1, a cell assembly 2 installed in the housing 1, a control assembly 3 connected to the upper side of the cell assembly 2, a terminal assembly 4 connected to the control assembly 3, and a transformer assembly 5 for switching the output voltage of the cell assembly 2. Tool terminals 2281 and 2291 are electrically connected to the terminal assembly 4, which is used to output the power of the cell assembly 2 to the power tool 200. The housing 1 includes an upper housing 11 and a lower housing 12 connected to each other. Screws 14 pass through the upper housing 11 and the lower housing 12 to fix the upper housing 11 and the lower housing 12. Furthermore, the upper housing 11 and the lower housing 12 cover each other to form a closed space, in which the cell assembly 2, the control assembly 3, the terminal assembly 4, and the transformer assembly 5 are all housed.
[0060] Please refer to Figures 4 and 5. The aforementioned battery cell assembly 2 includes a first battery cell group 21 and a second battery cell group 22 connected to each other, and a battery cell support 24 for mounting the first battery cell group 21 and the second battery cell group 22. Both the first battery cell group 21 and the second battery cell group 22 are formed by connecting several cylindrical battery cells in series, and each battery cell in both battery cell groups has the same voltage value. In this embodiment, both the first battery cell group 21 and the second battery cell group 22 are formed by connecting five battery cells in series, and adjacent battery cells are electrically connected via conductive sheets 25. The nominal voltage of each battery cell is 4V, therefore both the first battery cell group 21 and the second battery cell group 22 have an output voltage of 20V.
[0061] In this embodiment, the first battery cell group 21 has a first positive output terminal 211 and a first negative output terminal 212, and the second battery cell group 22 has a second positive output terminal 221 and a second negative output terminal 222.
[0062] In this embodiment, the terminal assembly 4 includes a total positive output terminal 41 and a total negative output terminal 42 that output power from the battery cell assembly 2. The total positive output terminal 41 and the total negative output terminal 42 are connected to the tool terminals of the power tool 200 and transmit power from the battery cell assembly 2 to the power tool 200. Furthermore, the terminal assembly 4 is mounted on the top surface of the control assembly 3, and the upper housing 11 has an opening 111 corresponding to the total positive output terminal 41 and the total negative output terminal 42, with the total positive output terminal 41 and the total negative output terminal 42 extending into the opening 111.
[0063] Please refer to Figures 7 and 8. The control component 3 is installed on the top surface of the cell assembly 2. The control component 3 includes a plate-shaped controller body 31, a conductive port 32 penetrating the controller body 31, and a conductive strip 33 disposed on the controller body 31. The conductive strip 33 connects the cell assembly 2 and the terminal assembly 4 and is configured to realize the conductive connection between the cell assembly 2 and the terminal assembly 4.
[0064] In this embodiment, the conductive port 32 includes a first conductive port 321 connected to the first positive output terminal 211, a second conductive port 322 connected to the first negative output terminal 212, a third conductive port 323 connected to the second positive output terminal 221, and a fourth conductive port 324 connected to the second negative output terminal 222. The conductive strip 33 includes a first conductive strip 331 connecting the first conductive port 321 and the third conductive port 323, and a second conductive strip 332 connecting the second conductive port 322 and the fourth conductive port 324. The total positive output terminal 41 is connected to the first conductive strip 331 and is located between the first conductive port 321 and the third conductive port 323. The total negative output terminal 42 is connected to the second conductive strip 332 and is located between the second conductive port 322 and the fourth conductive port 324.
[0065] Please refer to Figures 3 and 9. The transformer assembly 5 includes a housing 50 connected to the cell assembly 2, a plurality of connecting pieces 51 respectively connected to the output terminals, a moving element 55 movably connected to the housing 50, and a switching element 52 connected to the moving element 55. The plurality of connecting pieces 51 are electrically connected to the cell assembly 2, and the switching element 52 of the transformer assembly 5 is connected to the connecting pieces 51. The switching element 52 is configured to change the electrical connection relationship between the plurality of connecting pieces 51, thereby changing the electrical connection relationship between the first cell group 21 and the second cell group 22, and causing the battery pack 100 to output high voltage and low voltage with different voltage values.
[0066] By designing a battery pack 100 with variable output voltage, users no longer need to prepare multiple battery packs, which improves user convenience and work efficiency.
[0067] Furthermore, when the battery pack 100 outputs a high voltage, the first cell group 21 and the second cell group 22 are connected in series; when the battery pack 100 outputs a low voltage, the first cell group 21 and the second cell group 22 are connected in parallel.
[0068] Furthermore, multiple connecting pieces 51 are fixed to the housing 50, and the movement of the moving element 55 drives the switching element 52 to move, so as to switch between high voltage and low voltage.
[0069] In this embodiment, the connecting piece 51 includes a first connecting piece 511 connected to the main positive output terminal 41, a second connecting piece 512 connected to the second positive output terminal 221, a third connecting piece 513 connected to the first negative output terminal 212, a fourth connecting piece 514 connected to the main negative output terminal 42, and an intermediate connecting piece 510. Correspondingly, the switching element 52 has multiple components, and the switching element 52 includes a first set of switching elements 528 that changes the connection relationship between the first connecting piece 511, the second connecting piece 512, and the intermediate connecting piece 510, and a second set of switching elements 529 that changes the connection relationship between the fourth connecting piece 514, the third connecting piece 513, and the intermediate connecting piece 510.
[0070] The working principle of this battery pack 100 is as follows:
[0071] Please refer to Figure 10. When the battery pack 100 outputs a high voltage, the first set of switching elements 528 is electrically connected between the second connecting piece 512 and the intermediate connecting piece 510, and the second set of switching elements 529 is electrically connected between the third connecting piece 513 and the intermediate connecting piece 510. Therefore, the second connecting piece 512 and the third connecting piece 513 are electrically connected through the common intermediate connecting piece 510 to connect the first negative output terminal 212 of the first cell group 21 to the second positive output terminal 221 of the second cell group 22, thereby realizing the series connection of the first cell group 21 and the second cell group 22. The first positive output terminal 211 is connected to the total positive output terminal 41, and the second negative output terminal 222 is connected to the total negative output terminal 42. At this time, the battery pack 100 outputs a high voltage of 40V.
[0072] Furthermore, when the battery pack 100 outputs a high voltage, there is no electrical conductivity between the first connecting piece 511 and the total positive output terminal 41, and there is no electrical conductivity between the fourth connecting piece 514 and the total negative output terminal 42.
[0073] Please refer to Figure 11. When the battery pack 100 outputs a low voltage, the first set of switching elements 528 is electrically connected between the first connecting piece 511 and the second connecting piece 512, the second set of switching elements 529 is electrically connected between the third connecting piece 513 and the fourth connecting piece 514, and the intermediate connecting piece 510 does not have a conductive function. The first positive output terminal 211 and the second positive output terminal 221 are simultaneously connected to the total positive output terminal 41, and the first negative output terminal 212 and the second negative output terminal 222 are simultaneously connected to the total negative output terminal 42, thereby realizing the parallel connection of the first cell group 21 and the second cell group 22. At this time, the battery pack 100 outputs a low voltage of 20V.
[0074] In this embodiment, both the first set of switching elements 528 and the second set of switching elements 529 have at least two switching elements 52 to achieve better conductivity.
[0075] In this embodiment, the first connecting piece 511 is located between the second connecting piece 512 and the intermediate connecting piece 510, and the fourth connecting piece 514 is located between the third connecting piece 513 and the intermediate connecting piece 510; while the intermediate connecting piece 510 spans the first connecting piece 511 and the fourth connecting piece 514, so that when the battery pack 100 outputs a high voltage, the first set of switching elements 528 and the second set of switching elements 529 can be simultaneously connected to the intermediate connecting piece 510.
[0076] Referring to Figure 9, the aforementioned housing 50 at least partially houses the connecting piece 51 and the switching element 52, while the movable element 55 extends outside the housing 50. Furthermore, the housing 50 has a first housing shell 53 and a second housing shell 54 connected to each other, and the first housing shell 53 and the second housing shell 54 are interlocked and fixed together to form an accommodating space, which houses the switching element 52 and the connecting piece 51. Further, the switching element 52 and the connecting piece 51 are respectively disposed within different housing shells; in this embodiment, the switching element 52 is movably disposed in the first housing shell 53, while the connecting piece 51 is fixedly disposed in the second housing shell 54.
[0077] In this embodiment, any one of the first connecting piece 511, the second connecting piece 512, the third connecting piece 513, and the fourth connecting piece 514 includes a first contact portion 515 housed within the housing 50, a second contact portion 516 exposed outside the housing 50, and a connection port 517 penetrating the second contact portion 516, while the intermediate connecting piece 510 is completely housed within the housing 50. The switching element 52 is connected to the first contact portion 515, and the total positive output terminal 41, the second positive output terminal 221, the first negative output terminal 212, and the total negative output terminal 42 are connected to their respective connecting pieces via the connection port 517.
[0078] Furthermore, the first contact portion 515 is located within the accommodating space, while the second contact portion 516 is exposed outside the accommodating space.
[0079] Furthermore, the aforementioned housing 50 has vents 541 in both the mounting area corresponding to the first contact portion 515 and the contact portion corresponding to the intermediate connecting piece 510. The vents 541 connect the interior and exterior of the housing 50. Since the first contact portion 515 is mounted on the second housing 54, and the first contact portion 515 generates heat during electrical conduction, the vents 541 are located in the second housing 54 to effectively dissipate heat from the first contact portion 515.
[0080] Please refer to Figure 5. A connecting strip 23 is provided between the above-mentioned positive output terminal 41 and the first connecting piece 511, and between the negative output terminal 42 and the fourth connecting piece 514, and conductive connections are made through the connecting strip 23.
[0081] In this embodiment, the movable element 55 includes a base 551 for mounting the switching element 52, a rod 552 connected to the base 551, and a head 553 connected to the rod 552. The base 551 and the head 553 are located on both sides of the rod 552. Furthermore, the first housing 53 has a guide groove 531 for mounting the rod 552 and a channel 532 penetrating the guide groove 531. The rod 552 passes through the channel 532, and the base 551 is at least partially housed within the first housing 53.
[0082] Referring to Figures 12 and 13, the switching element 52 includes a main body 521, a pair of contacts 522 extending from the main body 521 toward the connecting piece 51, and a guide portion 523 and a pair of wings 524 extending from the main body 521 toward the base 551. The pair of contacts 522 are configured to connect any two of the plurality of connecting pieces 51. Correspondingly, the base 551 includes a pair of spaced-apart clamping arms 5511, a movable groove 5512 located between the pair of clamping arms 5511, and a positioning groove 5513 recessed from the end face of the clamping arms 5511. The main body 521 is received within the movable groove 5512.
[0083] Furthermore, the transformer assembly 5 includes a second elastic element 56 for the bias switching element 52. One end of the second elastic element 56 is received in the positioning groove 5513, and the other end of the second elastic element 56 is sleeved on the wing 524. The second elastic element 56 enables flexible contact between the switching element 52 and the connecting piece 51, which is beneficial to improving conductivity and extending the service life of the transformer assembly.
[0084] In this embodiment, the guide portion 523 is located between a pair of wings 524 and extends into the movable groove 5512. The length of the guide portion 523 extending toward the base 551 is greater than the length of the wings 524 extending toward the base 551, and the thickness of the guide portion 523 is slightly less than the width of the movable groove 5512. While the switching element 52 moves freely, the guide portion 523 has a guiding and limiting function.
[0085] Please refer to Figure 10. The main body 521 has an extending axis X. The projection of the extending axis X onto the connecting piece 51 passes through the first connecting piece 511, the second connecting piece 512, and the intermediate connecting piece 510 simultaneously, or through the fourth connecting piece 514, the third connecting piece 513, and the intermediate connecting piece 510 simultaneously. Furthermore, the first set of switching elements 528 and the second set of switching elements 529 both move along the direction of the extending axis X, and the first set of switching elements 528 and the second set of switching elements 529 are arranged parallel to each other. The movement of the moving element 55 simultaneously drives the first set of switching elements 528 and the second set of switching elements 529 to move.
[0086] Please refer to Figures 9 and 12. The aforementioned transformer assembly 5 includes a first elastic member 58 of a bias moving element 55, a head 553 having a first positioning portion 5531 for mounting the first elastic member 58, and a first housing 53 having a second positioning portion 533 protruding from its end face. The first elastic member 58 is connected between the first positioning portion 5531 and the second positioning portion 533. Further, the first elastic member 58 is configured to abut against the moving element 55, so that the battery pack 100 outputs a high voltage when not subjected to external force; when the head 553 of the moving element 55 is subjected to external force and moves, the moving element 55 overcomes the elastic force of the first elastic member 58, causing the battery pack 100 to switch from a high voltage to a low voltage.
[0087] In this embodiment, the rod 552 includes a guide post 5522 protruding toward the first elastic member 58 and a relief groove 5523 recessed from the end face of the guide post 5522. The first elastic member 58 passes through the relief groove 5523, and the guide post 5522 plays a guiding and limiting role for the first elastic member 58.
[0088] In this embodiment, the rod 552 includes a mounting post 5521 protruding toward the head 553, and the head 553 is fitted onto the mounting post 5521. The head 553 and the rod 552 are detachably connected, and the head 553 is made of a material that is more wear-resistant than the rod 552. Optionally, the head 553 is made of a metal material. Optionally, the head 553 is made of an alloy material.
[0089] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the aforementioned housing 1 has a through opening 13, which is located on the upper housing 11. The moving element 55 is configured to contact an external force through the opening 13, and the external force drives the moving element 55 to move, thereby switching the battery pack 100 between high and low voltage. Furthermore, the position of the head 553 of the moving element 55 corresponds to the position of the opening 13, and the head 553 extends through the opening 13 and is exposed to the outside of the housing 1 of the battery pack 100 through the opening 13, so that the head 553 can move under the action of an external force.
[0090] In this embodiment, when the battery pack 100 outputs a low voltage, at least part of the head 553 of the moving element 55 retracts into the opening 13.
[0091] Please refer to Figure 3. The opening 13 is adjacent to the terminal assembly 4, and the transformer assembly 5 is installed at the end of the cell assembly 2 near the terminal assembly 4.
[0092] Please refer to Figures 4 to 7. The transformer assembly 5 is connected to the cell support 24 of the cell assembly 2. The cell support 24 includes a first limiting part 241 and a second limiting part 242 supported at the upper and lower opposite ends of the housing 50, and a pair of claws 243 for fastening the housing 50. The pair of claws 243 are located between the first limiting part 241 and the second limiting part 242. The first limiting part 241 and the second limiting part 242 are used to position the housing 50, while the pair of claws 243 are used to hold the housing 50. In actual assembly, simply align the two ends of the housing 50 of the transformer assembly 5 with the first limiting part 241 and the second limiting part 242, and press them firmly against the cell support 24. When the hooks 2431 of the pair of claws 243 hook onto the housing 50, the installation is complete.
[0093] Furthermore, the aforementioned first limiting part 241 is supported at the corner of the housing 50, and the shape of the first limiting part 241 matches the shape of the corner of the housing 50. In this embodiment, the corner shape of the housing 50 and the shape of the first limiting part 241 are arranged in an L-shape.
[0094] Referring to Figure 10, the cell support 24 of the aforementioned cell assembly 2 further includes two partitions 244 protruding from its end face. These two partitions 244 are located vertically between two adjacent connecting pieces. Specifically, one partition 244 is located between the first connecting piece 511 and the second connecting piece 512, and between the first connecting piece 511 and the second positive output terminal 221. The other partition 244 is located between the fourth connecting piece 514 and the third connecting piece 513, and between the fourth connecting piece 514 and the first negative output terminal 212. The partitions 244 serve to separate the first connecting piece 511 from the second positive output terminal 221 and the second connecting piece 512, and to separate the fourth connecting piece 514 from the third connecting piece 513 and the first negative output terminal 212, thus providing insulation.
[0095] Please refer to Figures 14 to 16. The battery pack mounting base 220 has a first type of mounting base 228 and a second type of mounting base 229 with different structures. When the power tool 200 is equipped with the first type of mounting base 228, the battery pack 100 outputs a high voltage; when the power tool 200 is equipped with the second type of mounting base 229, the battery pack 100 outputs a low voltage. Furthermore, the power tool 200 equipped with the first type of mounting base 228 is a high-voltage powered tool, while the power tool 200 equipped with the second type of mounting base 229 is a low-voltage powered tool.
[0096] Specifically, the battery pack 100 is installed in the battery pack mounting base 220 along the front-to-back direction. The first type of mounting base 228 has a recessed slot 2280, which corresponds to the position of the opening 13 of the housing 1. When the battery pack 100 is installed in the first type of mounting base 228, the head 553 of the moving element 55 of the transformer assembly 5 passes through the opening 13 and extends into the slot 2280. At this time, the transformer assembly 5 does not cause the voltage of the battery pack 100 to switch, and the battery pack 100 outputs a high voltage. The second type of mounting base 229 has an abutment part 2290 at the position corresponding to the opening 13. When the battery pack 100 is installed in the second type of mounting base 229, the abutment part 2290 drives the head 553 of the moving element 55 to move, and drives the switching element 52 to move, so that the battery pack 100 automatically switches from high voltage to low voltage during the process of being plugged into the power tool 200.
[0097] It should be noted that the present invention does not limit the shape or structure of the abutment portion 2290, as long as the abutment portion 2290 can contact the moving element 55 of the transformer assembly 5 and drive the moving element 55 to move when the battery pack 100 is installed on the power tool 200 equipped with the second type of mounting base 229, thereby causing the voltage of the battery pack 100 to switch.
[0098] Please refer to Figure 16. In this embodiment, the abutment portion 2290 is a flat structure on the second type of mounting base 229 corresponding to the position of the opening 13.
[0099] By differentiating the design of the battery pack mounting bracket 220 of the power tool 200, and by allowing the power tool 200 to select either high-voltage or low-voltage input according to the needs of the application, and thus selecting either the first type mounting bracket 228 or the second type mounting bracket 229, the battery pack 100 can be installed in either the first type mounting bracket 228 or the second type mounting bracket 229 without restriction. This effectively constructs a low-cost power tool combination 300 with a good user experience. In addition, when the battery pack 100 is installed in the power tool 200, the output voltage of the battery pack 100 is automatically switched, requiring no additional action from the user, making operation simpler.
[0100] Please refer to Figures 4, 6, and 9. The terminal assembly 4 extends along the front-rear direction and is located in the area near the front. The battery pack 100 is also inserted into the power tool 200 along the front-rear direction. The housing 50 is mounted on the front end of the cell support 24 near the terminal assembly 4. The moving element 55 moves along the vertical direction, so the direction of movement of the moving element 55 is perpendicular to the insertion direction of the battery pack 100. Furthermore, the insertion direction of the second type of mounting base 229 is also perpendicular to the direction of movement of the head 553.
[0101] Referring to Figure 9, the head 553 has a guide portion 5531 that is inclined relative to the front-back direction. When an external force is applied to the head 553 in the front-back direction, the guide portion 5531 drives the moving element 55 to move in the up-down direction. Furthermore, when the battery pack 100 is installed in the front-back direction onto the power tool 200 equipped with the second type of mounting base 229, the abutment portion 2290 drives the head 553 to move in the up-down direction along the guide portion 5531, thereby causing the battery pack 100 to switch from high voltage to low voltage.
[0102] In this embodiment, when the battery pack 100 is installed on the power tool 200, the transformer assembly 5 prioritizes switching the output voltage of the cell assembly 2 before the battery pack 100 and the power tool 200 are electrically connected, and the battery pack 100 then supplies power to the power tool 200. This is because, especially when the battery pack 100 is plugged into the power tool 200 equipped with the second type mounting base 229, the battery pack 100 defaults to outputting a high voltage. If the battery pack 100 and the power tool 200 were electrically connected first, the high voltage output of the battery pack 100 would inevitably damage the electronic components of the power tool 200, posing a significant safety hazard. This invention, by prioritizing the voltage switching of the transformer assembly 5 before establishing electrical connection between the battery pack 100 and the power tool 200, helps to extend the lifespan of the power tool 200 and improve the safety of the battery pack 100.
[0103] Therefore, when the battery pack 100 is not installed on the power tool 200 equipped with the second type of mounting base 229, the battery pack 100 outputs a high voltage; when the battery pack 100 is installed on the power tool 200 equipped with the second type of mounting base 229, the battery pack 100 outputs a low voltage. Furthermore, the abutment portion 2290 first contacts the moving element 55 and drives the moving element 55 to move, thereby achieving voltage switching of the battery pack 100; subsequently, the tool terminal 2291 contacts the terminal assembly 4 and achieves electrical conduction with the terminal assembly 4, thereby achieving electrical conduction between the battery pack 100 and the power tool 200, which helps to extend the service life of the power tool 200.
[0104] Please refer to Figures 17 to 24. In the second embodiment of the present invention, the overall structure of the battery pack 100' is substantially the same as that of the battery pack 100 in the first embodiment.
[0105] Furthermore, the battery pack 100' also includes a housing 1', a cell assembly 2' installed within the housing 1', a control assembly 3' connected to the cell assembly 2', a terminal assembly 4' connected to the control assembly 3', and a transformer assembly 5' for switching the output voltage of the cell assembly 2'. The terminal assembly 4' extends in the front-rear direction and is located on the upper side of the cell assembly 2', while the transformer assembly 5' is also located on the upper side of the cell assembly 2'. Furthermore, the control assembly 3' is installed on the upper side of the cell assembly 2', and both the terminal assembly 4' and the transformer assembly 5' are installed on the upper side of the control assembly 3'.
[0106] Please refer to Figure 20. The transformer assembly 5' includes a housing 50' disposed on the upper side of the cell assembly 2' and a moving element 55' movably connected to the housing 50'. The housing 1' has an opening 13', through which the moving element 55' extends and is exposed to the outside of the housing 1'. In this embodiment, the moving direction of the moving element 55' is parallel to the insertion direction of the battery pack 100', that is, the moving element 55' moves along the front-back direction. This is advantageous for triggering the transformer assembly 5', because when the battery pack 100' is inserted into the power tool along the front-back direction, the abutment portion of the battery pack 100' moves along the front-back direction, and the force exerted by the abutment portion along the front-back direction directly drives the moving element 55' to move along the front-back direction, making the structure more stable and reliable.
[0107] Referring to Figures 21 and 22, the housing 50' is located behind the terminal assembly 4', and the moving element 55' extends through the terminal assembly 4' in the front-rear direction and extends to the front of the terminal assembly 4'. Furthermore, the length of the battery pack 100' in the front-rear direction depends on the length of the cell assembly 2' in the front-rear direction, while the height of the battery pack 100' in the vertical direction depends on the height of the terminal assembly 4' in the vertical direction, especially the top height of the terminal assembly 4'. Therefore, by configuring the transformer assembly 5' in the front-rear direction between the front and rear ends of the cell assembly 2', and configuring the upper side of the transformer assembly 5' to be no higher than the upper side of the terminal assembly 4', it is beneficial to the miniaturization and compactness of the battery pack 100'.
[0108] In this embodiment, the upper side of the housing 50' and the moving element 55' is not higher than the upper side of the terminal assembly 4', the housing 50' is located between the rear end of the cell assembly 2' and the rear end of the terminal assembly 4' in the front-rear direction, and the front side of the moving element 55' does not exceed the front side of the cell assembly 2'.
[0109] Please refer to Figure 23. The projections of the housing 50' and the terminal assembly 4' onto the control assembly 3' are within the projection range of the control assembly 3', so as to further achieve miniaturization and compactness of the battery pack 100'.
[0110] Referring to Figures 21 and 24, the terminal assembly 4' includes a terminal base 40', several output terminals housed in the terminal base 40', and a channel 43' extending through the terminal base 40' in the front-to-back direction. A movable element 55' passes through the channel 43', thereby facilitating the normal movement of the movable element 55'. Furthermore, the channel 43' is formed by removing material from the terminal base 40'.
[0111] In this embodiment, the moving element 55' includes a base 551' connected to the housing 50', a first rod 554' connected to the base 551', a second rod 555' connected to the first rod 554', and a contact surface 556' formed at the joint position of the first rod 554' and the second rod 555'. The second rod 555' passes through the channel 43', and the first rod 554' and the contact surface 556' are located on the rear side of the terminal block 40'.
[0112] In this embodiment, several output terminals include a total positive output terminal 41' and a total negative output terminal 42' that output the power of the battery cell assembly 2' to the outside. The second rod body 555' is made of insulating material. The total positive output terminal 41' and the total negative output terminal 42' are located on both sides of the second rod body 555', thereby enabling the battery pack 100' to have good insulation performance.
[0113] Referring to Figures 23 and 24, the housing 50' has a first housing shell 53' and a second housing shell 54' that are connected to each other. The first housing shell 53' includes a connector 535' for mounting to the control component 3' and a mounting hole 536' that passes through the connector 535'. A screw 59' passes through the mounting hole 536', the control component 3' and the battery cell assembly 2' in sequence, thereby better securing the housing 50'.
[0114] Finally, it should be noted that the above-described embodiments are merely specific implementations of the present invention, used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit it. The scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that any person skilled in the art can still modify or easily conceive of changes to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments within the technical scope disclosed in the present invention, or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features; and these modifications, changes, or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, and should all be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the scope of protection of the claims.
Claims
1. A battery pack, comprising a housing, a cell assembly mounted within the housing, a control assembly connected to the cell assembly, and a terminal assembly connected to the control assembly, wherein the terminal assembly includes a total positive output terminal and a total negative output terminal for outputting power from the cell assembly; characterized in that: The battery cell assembly includes a first battery cell group and a second battery cell group connected to each other. The first battery cell group has a first positive output terminal and a first negative output terminal, and the second battery cell group has a second positive output terminal and a second negative output terminal. The battery pack includes a transformer assembly for switching the output voltage of the battery cell assembly. The transformer assembly includes a switching element that is movably disposed and a plurality of connecting pieces respectively connected to the output terminals. The switching element is configured to change the electrical connection relationship between the plurality of connecting pieces so that the battery pack outputs high voltage and low voltage values. When the battery pack outputs the high voltage, the first cell group and the second cell group are connected in series; when the battery pack outputs the low voltage, the first cell group and the second cell group are connected in parallel.
2. The battery pack of claim 1, wherein: The connecting piece includes a first connecting piece connected to the main positive output terminal, a second connecting piece connected to the second positive output terminal, a third connecting piece connected to the first negative output terminal, a fourth connecting piece connected to the main negative output terminal, and an intermediate connecting piece. When the battery pack outputs the high voltage, the second connecting piece and the third connecting piece are electrically connected through the intermediate connecting piece; when the battery pack outputs the low voltage, the first connecting piece and the second connecting piece are electrically connected, while the third connecting piece and the fourth connecting piece are electrically connected.
3. The battery pack of claim 2, wherein: The transformer assembly includes a housing and a movable element movably connected to the housing. Multiple connecting pieces are fixed to the housing. The switching element is connected to the movable element. The movement of the movable element drives the switching element to move, thereby switching between the high voltage and the low voltage.
4. The battery pack according to claim 3, characterized in that: The movable element includes a base for mounting the switching element, a rod connected to the base, and a head connected to the rod. The base and the head are located on opposite sides of the rod. The housing has a through opening, through which the head is exposed to the outside of the battery pack.
5. The battery pack of claim 4, wherein: The box body has a first box shell and a second box shell connected to each other. The first box shell has a guide groove for installing the rod and a channel through the guide groove, and the rod passes through the channel.
6. The battery pack according to claim 5, characterized in that: The transformer assembly includes a first elastic element that biases the moving element, the head has a first positioning portion for mounting the first elastic element, the first housing has a second positioning portion protruding from its end face, and the first elastic element is connected between the first positioning portion and the second positioning portion.
7. The battery pack of claim 6, wherein: The rod includes a guide post protruding toward the first elastic member and a relief groove recessed from the end face of the guide post, with the first elastic member passing through the relief groove.
8. The battery pack of claim 4, wherein: The switching element includes a main body and a pair of contacts extending from the main body toward the connecting piece, the pair of contacts being configured to connect any two of the plurality of connecting pieces.
9. The battery pack according to claim 8, characterized in that: The base includes a pair of clamping arms spaced apart and a movable groove located between the pair of clamping arms, with the main body portion housed in the movable groove.
10. The battery pack of claim 9, wherein: The base includes a positioning groove recessed from the end face of the clamping arm, and the switching element includes a wing extending from the main body toward the base; the transformer assembly further includes a second elastic member that biases the switching element, one end of the second elastic member being received in the positioning groove, and the other end of the second elastic member being sleeved on the wing.
11. The battery pack of claim 10, wherein: The switching element further includes a guide portion extending from the main body toward the base, the guide portion being located between a pair of wings and extending into the movable groove, the length of the guide portion extending toward the base being greater than the length of the wings extending toward the base.
12. The battery pack according to claim 3, characterized in that: Any one of the first connecting piece, the second connecting piece, the third connecting piece, and the fourth connecting piece includes a first contact portion housed within the housing, a second contact portion exposed outside the housing, and a connection port penetrating the second contact portion. The switching element is connected to the first contact portion, and the total positive output terminal, the second positive output terminal, the first negative output terminal, and the total negative output terminal are connected to their respective connecting pieces via the connection port.
13. The battery pack according to claim 12, characterized in that: The housing has an air hole corresponding to the installation area of the first contact portion, and the air hole connects the inside and outside of the housing.
14. The battery pack according to claim 12, characterized in that: The first connecting piece is located between the second connecting piece and the intermediate connecting piece, the fourth connecting piece is located between the third connecting piece and the intermediate connecting piece, and the intermediate connecting piece spans across the first connecting piece and the fourth connecting piece.
15. The battery pack according to claim 14, characterized in that: The main body has an extending axis, the projection of which on the connecting piece passes through the first connecting piece, the second connecting piece and the intermediate connecting piece simultaneously, or passes through the fourth connecting piece, the third connecting piece and the intermediate connecting piece simultaneously.
16. The battery pack according to claim 12, characterized in that: A connecting strip is provided between the total positive output terminal and the first connecting piece, and between the total negative output terminal and the fourth connecting piece.
17. The battery pack according to claim 8, characterized in that: The switching elements are multiple, and the switching elements include a first set of switching elements that change the connection relationship between the first connecting piece, the second connecting piece and the intermediate connecting piece, and a second set of switching elements that change the connection relationship between the fourth connecting piece, the third connecting piece and the intermediate connecting piece. Both the first set of switching elements and the second set of switching elements have at least two switching elements.
18. The battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that: Both the first and second battery cell groups are formed by connecting several battery cells in series, and the voltage value of each battery cell in the first and second battery cell groups is the same.
19. The battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that: The battery cell assembly includes a battery cell bracket for mounting the first battery cell group and the second battery cell group, and the transformer assembly is connected to the battery cell bracket; the battery cell bracket includes a first limiting part and a second limiting part supported at opposite ends of the housing of the transformer assembly and a pair of latches for fastening the housing, the pair of latches being located between the first limiting part and the second limiting part.
20. The battery pack according to claim 2, characterized in that: The cell support of the cell assembly includes a partition protruding from its end face, at least a portion of which is located between the first connecting piece and the second connecting piece, and at least a portion of which is located between the fourth connecting piece and the third connecting piece.
21. A power tool assembly comprising a power tool and a battery pack interconnected; the power tool including a housing, a drive assembly mounted within the housing, and an output head connected to the drive assembly, the battery pack providing power to the drive assembly, and the housing including a battery pack mounting base for mounting the battery pack; characterized in that: The battery pack is the battery pack as described in any one of claims 1-20 above. The battery pack mounting base has a first type of mounting base and a second type of mounting base with different structures. When the power tool is mounted on the first type of mounting base, the battery pack outputs the high voltage; when the power tool is mounted on the second type of mounting base, the battery pack outputs the low voltage.
22. The power tool assembly according to claim 21, characterized in that: The first type of mounting base has a recessed slot, the slot corresponding to the opening of the housing. When the battery pack is installed in the first type of mounting base, the moving element of the transformer assembly passes through the opening and extends into the slot. The second type of mounting base has an abutment at the position corresponding to the opening. When the battery pack is installed in the second type of mounting base, the abutment drives the moving element to move, so that the battery pack switches from the high voltage to the low voltage.