Charging system, charging device, battery pack, corresponding unit, and power tool

Abstract

The present disclosure addresses the problem of improving convenience for users of a power tool. A charging system (1) comprises a battery pack (80), a charging device body (20), a holding part (40), and a position adjustment part (30). The charging device body (20) has a power supply terminal part and charges the battery pack (80). The power supply terminal part is connected to a charging circuit capable of receiving a supply of power from an external power source and supplying a charging current to the battery pack (80). The holding part (40) holds a head part (62) of a power tool (60). The head part (62) houses a motor. The position adjustment part (30) mechanically connects the holding part (40) and the charging device body (20), and is capable of adjusting at least one of the length (L1) between the charging device body (20) and the holding part (40) and the angle (θ1) of the charging device body (20) with respect to the holding part (40).

Description

Charging system, charging device, battery pack, corresponding unit, and power tool

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a charging system, a charging device, a battery pack, a corresponding unit, and a power tool. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a charging system for charging a battery pack that serves as a power source for a portable power tool, a charging device, a battery pack to be charged by the charging device, a corresponding unit, and a power tool to which the battery pack is attached.

[0002] The charging system described in Patent Document 1 includes a charger main body and a battery pack detachably attachable to the charger main body. In the power tool, an electric motor is rotated by electric power supplied from the battery pack charged by the charging system, so that a user can perform work such as screw tightening.

[0003] In the charging system described in Patent Document 1, a user attaches the battery pack removed from the power tool main body to the charger main body to charge the battery pack. Then, after the charging of the battery pack is completed, the battery pack removed from the charger main body is attached to the power tool main body for use. For this reason, there has been a problem that the attaching and detaching work of the battery pack is troublesome.

[0004] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2021-115691

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a charging system, a charging device, a battery pack, a corresponding unit, and a power tool that can improve convenience for a user of the power tool.

[0006] A charging system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a battery pack, a charging device main body, a holding portion, and a position adjusting portion. The battery pack can supply power to a drive circuit of a power tool that has a motor and the drive circuit for driving the motor. The charging device main body has a power supply terminal portion connected to a charging circuit that can receive power supply from an external power source and supply a charging current to the battery pack, and charges the battery pack. The holding portion holds a head portion that accommodates the motor in the power tool. The position adjusting portion mechanically connects the holding portion and the charging device main body, and is capable of adjusting at least one of a length between the charging device main body and the holding portion and an angle of the charging device main body relative to the holding portion.

[0007] A charging device according to another aspect of the present disclosure comprises the charging device body, the holding portion, and the position adjustment portion, which are part of the charging system.

[0008] A corresponding unit in yet another aspect of this disclosure is provided by the charging system.

[0009] A battery pack in yet another aspect of the present disclosure comprises the charging system.

[0010] In other embodiments of the present disclosure, the power tool has a detachable battery pack in the charging system.

[0011] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a power tool with a battery pack from Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure attached. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the power tool before it is held by the charging device of the same charging system. Figure 3 is a schematic block diagram of the same charging system. Figure 4 is a side view of the power tool held by the charging device of the same charging system. Figure 5 is a diagram showing the frame member and slide member of the position adjustment unit of the same system. Figure 6 is a side view of the position adjustment unit according to a first modified example. Figure 7 is a side view of the position adjustment unit according to a second modified example. Figure 8 is a perspective view of a power tool before the battery pack and corresponding unit from Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure are attached. Figure 9 is a perspective view of the tool body of the same power tool viewed from diagonally below. Figure 10 is a side view of the power tool before the battery pack and corresponding unit are attached. Figure 11 is a schematic block diagram of the same charging system. Figure 12 is a side view of the power tool held by the charging device body of the same charging system. Figure 13 is a perspective view of the charging device from Embodiment 3 of the present disclosure.

[0012] The charging system according to the embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, the figures described in the following embodiments are schematic diagrams, and the dimensional ratios of the sizes of each component do not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratios. Furthermore, the configurations described in the following embodiments are merely examples of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments, and various modifications are possible depending on the design, etc., as long as the effects of the present disclosure can be achieved.

[0013] (Embodiment 1) (1) Overview The charging system 1 of this embodiment is a system capable of charging a battery pack 80, which is the power source for a portable power tool 60, as shown in Figure 2. As shown in Figure 1, when the battery pack 80 is attached to the body of the power tool 60, power is supplied from the battery pack 80 to the power tool 60, and the power tool 60 operates. The user (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "worker") can perform predetermined tasks using the power tool 60 with the battery pack 80 attached to the body of the power tool 60.

[0014] As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the charging system 1 of this embodiment comprises a battery pack 80, a charging device body 20, a holding unit 40, and a position adjustment unit 30.

[0015] The battery pack 80 can supply power to the power tool 60. As shown in Figure 3, the power tool 60 includes a motor 71 and a drive circuit 72 that drives the motor 71. The battery pack 80 can supply power to the drive circuit 72 of the power tool 60 (see Figure 3).

[0016] As shown in Figure 2, the charging device body 20 has a power supply terminal TA1 and charges the battery pack 80. The power supply terminal TA1 is connected to a charging circuit 53 that receives power from an external power source PS1 and can supply charging current to the battery pack 80 (see Figure 3).

[0017] As shown in Figure 4, the holding part 40 holds the power tool 60. The power tool 60 further comprises a head part 62 that houses the motor 71. The holding part 40 holds the head part 62 of the power tool 60.

[0018] The position adjustment unit 30 mechanically connects the holding unit 40 and the charging device body 20 (see Figures 2 and 4). The position adjustment unit 30 can adjust at least one of the length L1 between the charging device body 20 and the holding unit 40, and the angle θ1 of the charging device body 20 relative to the holding unit 40 (see Figure 4).

[0019] Here, there are various types of power tools 60. Generally, from the standpoint of improving work efficiency, workers select a power tool 60 that is suitable for the task. Power tools 60 with high output may be used for tasks that require a large rotational force. On the other hand, power tools 60 with low output may be used for tasks that do not require a large rotational force. Power tools 60 with high output are equipped with a motor 71 that is proportional to the output, so the head section 62 that houses the motor 71 is also large. As a result, power tools 60 tend to be large overall. Conversely, power tools 60 with low output are equipped with a smaller motor compared to power tools 60 with high output, so the head section 62 that houses the motor 71 is also smaller. As a result, power tools 60 tend to be small overall.

[0020] The charging system 1 of this embodiment includes the position adjustment unit 30 described above, so that at least one of the length L1 between the holding unit 40 that holds the power tool 60 and the charging device body 20, and the angle θ1 of the charging device body 20 with respect to the holding unit 40 can be adjusted to match the size of the power tool 60. This allows the charging device body 20 to be used for power tools 60 of different sizes in the charging system 1. This increases the layout flexibility of the charging system 1 and allows for effective use of the workspace. It also improves the convenience for the user of the power tool 60.

[0021] Since the user can charge the battery pack 80 in the charging device body 20 while the battery pack 80 is attached to the power tool 60, the user does not need to attach or detach the battery pack 80 to the power tool 60. This improves the convenience for the user of the power tool 60.

[0022] Furthermore, the charging device 10 of this embodiment includes a charging device body 20, a holding part 40, and a position adjustment part 30, which are part of the charging system 1. In the charging device 10, at least one of the length L1 between the holding part 40 and the charging device body 20, and the angle θ1 of the charging device body 20 relative to the holding part 40, can be adjusted to accommodate power tools 60 of different sizes, so the charging device body 20 can be shared. This improves the convenience for the user of the power tool 60.

[0023] Furthermore, the battery pack 80 in this embodiment is the battery pack 80 provided in the charging system 1. Since the battery pack 80 is charged by the charging system 1, the convenience for the user of the power tool 60 can be improved.

[0024] Furthermore, the power tool 60 of this embodiment has a detachable battery pack 80 provided by the charging system 1. The charging system 1 can charge the battery pack 80 while it is attached to the power tool 60, eliminating the need to attach or detach the battery pack 80 to the power tool 60. This improves the convenience for the user of the power tool 60.

[0025] The battery pack 80 is detachable from the power tool 60, and the power tool system 2 is comprised of the power tool 60 and the battery pack 80, which is detachable from the power tool 60. In other words, the power tool system 2 includes the power tool 60 and the battery pack 80, which is detachable from the power tool 60.

[0026] (2) Details Below, the charging system 1, the charging device 10 provided in the charging system 1, and the power tool system 2 according to the embodiment will be described in detail with reference to Figures 1 to 5.

[0027] The charging system 1 of this embodiment is used to charge the battery pack 80 of a power tool 60. The power tool 60 is used, for example, by workers on a manufacturing line such as an automobile assembly plant. The charging device 10 is installed in a location where, for example, workers on the manufacturing line can charge the power tool 60 during breaks in their work. The charging device 10 is installed, for example, on a workbench or cart in the work area where the worker is working.

[0028] In the following explanation, with the power tool 60 as the reference point, the X-axis direction in Figures 1, 2, and 4 is defined as the left-right direction, the Y-axis direction as the front-back direction, and the Z-axis direction as the up-down direction. Furthermore, the positive direction of the X-axis is defined as the right side, the positive direction of the Y-axis as the front side, and the positive direction of the Z-axis as the top side. However, these directions are merely examples and are not intended to limit the direction in which the charging system 1 and the power tool system 2 are used. Also, the arrows indicating each direction in the drawings are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent actual movement.

[0029] (2.1) Power Tool System A power tool system 2 including a power tool 60 and a battery pack 80 will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 4.

[0030] As described above, the power tool 60 includes a motor 71 and a drive circuit 72 (see Figure 3). The power tool 60 further includes a control unit 70 and an operating unit 73.

[0031] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, the power tool 60 also comprises a tool body 61. The tool body 61 houses the control unit 70, motor 71, drive circuit 72, and operating unit 73, etc., as shown in Figure 3.

[0032] The power tool 60 is a portable tool that can be held in one hand by the user (worker), such as an impact driver.

[0033] The tool body 61 of the power tool 60 has a cylindrical head portion 62, a grip portion 63, and a battery mounting portion 64.

[0034] The head portion 62 houses at least the motor 71. The head portion 62 also houses a transmission mechanism that transmits the rotational torque of the motor 71 to the output shaft 711 (see Figure 1). The transmission mechanism includes an impact mechanism that generates striking force based on the power of the motor 71.

[0035] An output shaft 711 is provided at the front end of the cylindrical head portion 62 in the direction of its central axis, to which impact force is transmitted via an impact mechanism. The socket portion 92 of the tip tool 90 can be attached to the output shaft 711. The tip portion of the output shaft 711 is formed, for example, in a rectangular prism shape, and the socket portion 92 has a rectangular hole into which the tip portion of the output shaft 711 is fitted. By fitting the tip portion of the output shaft 711 into the socket portion 92, the tip tool 90 is attached to the output shaft 711. The tip tool 90 is provided, for example, with a box wrench socket 91 for tightening hexagonal bolts. When the output shaft 711 rotates in accordance with the rotation of the motor 71, the tip tool 90 attached to the output shaft 711 also rotates. For example, when a hexagonal bolt attached to the box wrench socket 91 is placed against a bolt hole in an object, and the motor 71 is rotated, the output shaft 711 rotates, and the hexagonal bolt attached to the box wrench socket 91 is tightened into the bolt hole in the object. When the hexagonal bolt is tightened, the tightening torque increases and exceeds a predetermined threshold. At this point, the impact mechanism generates a striking force, which is transmitted to the hexagonal bolt, tightening it into the bolt hole of the object to the desired torque value. The tip tool 90 is not limited to the box wrench socket 91 and can be changed as appropriate depending on the work to be done.

[0036] The grip portion 63 protrudes from a part of the outer circumferential surface of the head portion 62 in a direction that intersects diagonally with the central axis direction of the head portion 62. The grip portion 63 is the part that the user of the power tool 60 holds. The user of the power tool 60 holds the grip portion 63 and performs work using the power tool 60. The first end of the grip portion 63 in the longitudinal direction is connected to the head portion 62, and the second end of the grip portion 63 in the longitudinal direction is connected to the battery mounting portion 64.

[0037] The battery mounting section 64 is formed in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped. The battery mounting section 64 is connected to the second end of the grip section 63. In other words, the head section 62 and the battery mounting section 64 are connected via the grip section 63. In this embodiment, the battery mounting section 64 is provided integrally with the head section 62 and the grip section 63. A first connecting section is provided at the lower part of the battery mounting section 64, which allows the battery pack 80 to be attached and detached. When the battery pack 80 is attached to the battery mounting section 64, power is supplied from the battery pack 80 to the control section 70 and the drive circuit 72, etc.

[0038] The grip portion 63 is provided with an operating section 73 for adjusting the amount of rotation of the output shaft 711. The operating section 73 includes, for example, a trigger switch having an operating button located on the grip portion 63. When the user pulls in the operating button located on the grip portion 63, the trigger switch outputs an operating signal to the control unit 70 that is of a magnitude corresponding to the amount the operating button is pulled in.

[0039] The drive circuit 72 rotates the motor 71 at a rotational speed corresponding to a control command from the control unit 70, for example.

[0040] The control unit 70 includes, for example, a computer system having one or more processors and memory. At least some of the functions of the control unit 70 are realized when the processor of the computer system executes a program recorded in the memory of the computer system. The program may be recorded in memory, provided via a telecommunication line such as the Internet, or provided on a non-temporary recording medium such as a memory card.

[0041] The control unit 70 rotates the motor 71 at a desired rotational speed by controlling the drive circuit 72 in response to an operation signal input from the operation unit 73, and rotates the tip tool 90 at a rotational speed corresponding to the rotational speed of the motor 71. The power tool 60 may also be equipped with a torque sensor that detects the torque applied to the output shaft 711, and the control unit 70 may control the rotation of the motor 71 based on the detection result of the torque sensor.

[0042] The battery pack 80 includes a case 81 formed of synthetic resin in a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The battery pack 80 has an all-solid-state battery 88 (see FIG. 3). Inside the case 81, the all-solid-state battery 88 and a monitoring unit 89 that monitors the state of charge of the all-solid-state battery 88 are accommodated. The monitoring unit 89 monitors, for example, the state of charge or temperature of the all-solid-state battery 88. The monitoring unit 89 may monitor both the state of charge and the temperature of the all-solid-state battery 88, or may monitor other indicators indicating the state of charge of the all-solid-state battery 88.

[0043] On the upper part of the case 81, a second connecting portion that is detachable from a first connecting portion provided on the lower part of the battery mounting portion 64 is provided. In a state where the second connecting portion of the battery pack 80 is coupled to the first connecting portion of the battery mounting portion 64, power is supplied from the all-solid-state battery 88 to the control unit 70, the drive circuit 72, and the like of the power tool 60.

[0044] On the front surface of the case 81, two grooves 82 are provided on both left and right sides. The two grooves 82 extend upward from the lower end of the case 81. Each of the two grooves 82 is provided with one power receiving terminal 83 that protrudes forward from the bottom surface of the groove 82. One of the two power receiving terminals 83 is connected to the positive electrode of the all-solid-state battery 88, and the other of the two power receiving terminals 83 is connected to the negative electrode of the all-solid-state battery 88. Here, the two power receiving terminals 83 provided in the two grooves 82 constitute a power receiving terminal portion TB1. In other words, the power receiving terminal portion TB1 includes the two power receiving terminals 83 provided in the two grooves 82.

[0045] Further, on the front surface of the case 81, a plate member 84 made of a magnetic material (such as iron) is disposed between the two grooves 82.

[0046] Further, on the front surface of the case 81, a second communication terminal portion TB2 (see FIG. 3) connected to the monitoring unit 89 is disposed. Although the second communication terminal portion TB2 is omitted in FIG. 1, the second communication terminal portion TB2 may be disposed, for example, above the plate member 84.

[0047] The all-solid-state battery 88 included in the battery pack 80 is a secondary battery capable of high-speed charging compared to lead-acid batteries and the like, so the user can charge the all-solid-state battery 88 in a short time by holding the power tool 60 in the charging device 10 during work breaks. Therefore, the convenience for the user of the power tool 60 can be further improved. Moreover, compared to the case where the battery pack 80 is provided with a lead-acid battery, the battery capacity of the all-solid-state battery 88 can be reduced, and the battery pack 80 and the power tool system 2 can be downsized.

[0048] (2.2) Charging Device The charging device 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 5.

[0049] As described above, the charging device 10 includes a holding portion 40, a position adjusting portion 30, and a charging device main body 20 (see FIG. 2).

[0050] The holding portion 40 holds the head portion 62 of the power tool 60 (see FIG. 4). The holding portion 40 is, for example, a molded product of synthetic resin. Note that the material of the holding portion 40 is not limited to synthetic resin, and may include metal. In the present embodiment, the holding portion 40 has a cylindrical shape. In other words, the holding portion 40 is provided with a circular through-hole 41 (see FIG. 2). In the present embodiment, the holding portion 40 holds the power tool 60 by inserting a part of the head portion 62 of the power tool 60 (more specifically, the front end portion of the head portion 62 in the central axis direction) into the through-hole 41.

[0051] More specifically, the holding portion 40 includes a pair of left and right holding members 42, 42, and a pair of left and right mounting members 421, 421 (see FIG. 2). Each of the pair of holding members 42, 42 has a semi-cylindrical shape with the same diameter. Each of the pair of mounting members 421, 421 has a flat plate shape of the same size.

[0052] The pair of retaining members 42, 42 and the pair of mounting members 421, 421 shown in Figure 2 are provided with multiple through holes for inserting connecting screws SC1 (see Figure 4). The mounting member 421 is integrally formed at the circumferential end of the retaining member 42. With each of the pair of retaining members 42, 42 facing each other, and each of the pair of mounting members 421, 421 facing each other, the pair of retaining members 42, 42 and the pair of mounting members 421, 421 are connected by multiple screws SC1. This constitutes a cylindrical retaining portion 40.

[0053] Furthermore, the pair of mounting members 421, 421 are provided with multiple (two in Figure 4) through holes for inserting connecting bolts BT1. As shown in Figure 4, the mounting plate 314 is positioned so as to overlap a portion of the left mounting member 421.

[0054] The mounting plate 314 has a flat shape. The mounting plate 314 is provided with multiple (six in Figure 4) through holes for inserting connecting bolts BT1.

[0055] The mounting plate 314 includes a first portion 314a, a second portion 314b, and a third portion 314c.

[0056] The first portion 314a is the portion that connects to the holding portion 40 (more specifically, the mounting member 421). The first portion 314a is substantially rectangular in side view (side view from the X-axis direction in Figure 4), and two through holes are provided along the longitudinal direction of the first portion 314a. By inserting joining bolts BT1 through the two through holes, the first portion 314a and the pair of mounting members 421, 421 are joined. This allows the holding portion 40 to be attached to the mounting plate 314.

[0057] The second part 314b is the part connected to the position adjustment part 30. The second part 314b is substantially rectangular in side view (side view from the X-axis direction in Figure 4) and is connected to the first end in the longitudinal direction of the first part 314a. Two through holes are provided along the longitudinal direction of the second part 314b, and connecting bolts BT1 are inserted through the two through holes. In this way, the second part 314b and the first slide member 312, which will be described later, are attached. In this way, the position adjustment part 30 (first slide member 312) is attached to the holding part 40 via the mounting plate 314. In other words, the holding part 40 is attached to the position adjustment part 30 (first slide member 312) via the mounting plate 314. The holding part 40 is configured to be detachable from the mounting plate 314. The holding part 40 is configured to be detachable from the position adjustment part 30 via the mounting plate 314.

[0058] The third part 314c is the part that connects to the general-purpose pipe 21. The third part 314c is substantially rectangular in side view (side view from the X-axis direction in Figure 4) and is connected to the second end in the longitudinal direction of the first part 314a. Two through holes are provided along the longitudinal direction of the third part 314c, and connecting bolts BT1 are inserted through the two through holes. In this way, the third part 314c and the clip 315 are attached via the connecting member 316. The clip 315 is fixed by the bolts BT1 while clamping the general-purpose pipe 21. In this way, the charging device body 20 is attached to the general-purpose pipe 21 via the mounting plate 314. The angle of the clip 315 with respect to the general-purpose pipe 21 can be easily adjusted by loosening the bolts BT1. In this way, the mounting angle of the charging device 10 with respect to the general-purpose pipe 21 can be changed.

[0059] The general-purpose pipe 21 may be, for example, part of a workbench or cart placed in the work area. This allows the charging device 10 to be fixedly installed in the work area. The general-purpose pipe 21 is installed along the horizontal direction (the X-axis direction in Figures 2 and 4), but it may be installed along other directions.

[0060] As shown in Figure 4, the position adjustment unit 30 includes a frame member 311, a first slide member 312, and a second slide member 313.

[0061] The frame member 311 has a longitudinal shape extending in the first direction DR1. In this embodiment, the frame member 311 is a cylinder extending in the first direction DR1. In other words, the first direction DR1 is the longitudinal direction of the frame member 311. In this embodiment, the length of the frame member 311 in the longitudinal direction corresponds to the "length L1 between the holding portion 40 and the charging device body 20" as described above in this disclosure.

[0062] Figure 5 also shows the frame member 311 and the first slide member 312. The outer surface of the cylindrical frame member 311 is provided with protrusions 311a that project outward relative to the outer surface. The protrusions 311a are provided along the longitudinal direction of the frame member 311 (the direction perpendicular to the plane of the paper in Figure 5). In this embodiment, multiple (four in Figure 5) protrusions 311a are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction on the outer surface of the cylindrical frame member 311.

[0063] As shown in Figure 4, the first slide member 312 is provided at the first end of the frame member 311 and is configured to slide relative to the frame member 311 in a first direction DR1. In this embodiment, the first slide member 312 is substantially rectangular parallelepiped in shape.

[0064] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, a recess 312a is provided on one side of the first slide member 312 along its longitudinal direction, recessed inward relative to that side. The recess 312a is provided along the longitudinal direction of the first slide member 312 (the direction perpendicular to the plane of the paper in Figure 5). The width of the recess 312a is the same as the width of the protrusion 311a provided on the frame member 311. Moreover, each edge of the recess 312a is curved inward. By inserting the protrusion 311a of the frame member 311 into the recess 312a of the first slide member 312 along the first direction DR1 of the frame member 311, the first slide member 312 can be attached to the first end of the frame member 311, and the first slide member 312 can slide relative to the frame member 311 in the first direction DR1. Therefore, the first slide member 312 can be attached to and detached from the frame member 311. In other words, the frame member 311 is configured to be detachably attached to the first slide member 312.

[0065] As shown in Figure 4, two through holes are provided along the longitudinal direction of the first slide member 312, and connecting bolts BT1 are inserted through each of the two through holes. This attaches the first slide member 312 to the second portion 314b of the mounting plate 314. As a result, the first slide member 312 is attached to the holding portion 40 via the mounting plate 314.

[0066] The second slide member 313 is provided at the second end of the frame member 311 and is configured to slide relative to the frame member 311 in the first direction DR1. In this embodiment, the second slide member 313 is the same size and shape as the first slide member 312. That is, the second slide member 313 is substantially rectangular parallelepiped.

[0067] A recess similar to the recess 312a of the first slide member 312 is also provided on one side of the second slide member 313 along its longitudinal direction (not shown). Therefore, by inserting the protrusion 311a of the frame member 311 into the recess of the second slide member 313 along the first direction DR1 of the frame member 311, the first slide member 312 can be attached to the second end of the frame member 311, and the second slide member 313 can slide relative to the frame member 311 in the first direction DR1. Thus, the second slide member 313 can be attached to and detached from the frame member 311. In other words, the frame member 311 is configured to be detachable from the second slide member 313.

[0068] Two through holes are provided along the longitudinal direction of the second slide member 313, and the second slide member 313 and the two main body mounting parts 321, described later, are attached by inserting connecting bolts BT1 through the two through holes. In this way, the second slide member 313 is attached to the charging device body 20. In other words, the charging device body 20 is attached to the second slide member 313.

[0069] The frame member 311, the first slide member 312, and the second slide member 313 mechanically connect the holding part 40 and the charging device body 20. The frame member 311, the first slide member 312, and the second slide member 313 are positioned between the holding part 40 and the charging device body 20.

[0070] As shown in Figure 2, the charging device body 20 is equipped with a guide section 32. The guide section 32 has a power supply terminal section TA1. The battery pack 80 has a power receiving terminal section TB1 (see Figure 1) that can be connected to the power supply terminal section TA1. When the holding section 40 holds the head section 62, the guide section 32 guides the battery pack 80 to a position where the power receiving terminal section TB1 of the battery pack 80 is connected to the power supply terminal section TA1.

[0071] With the holding portion 40 holding the head portion 62 and the power receiving terminal portion TB1 of the battery pack 80 connected to the power supply terminal portion TA1, the charging circuit 53 supplies charging current to the battery pack 80 via the power supply terminal portion TA1 and the power receiving terminal portion TB1.

[0072] In this charging system 1, when charging the battery pack 80 of the power tool 60, when the head portion 62 of the power tool 60 is held in the holding portion 40, the battery pack 80 is guided by the guide portion 32, and the power receiving terminal portion TB1 of the battery pack 80 is connected to the power supply terminal portion TA1. In other words, when the head portion 62 of the power tool 60 is held in the holding portion 40 of the charging device body 20, the power receiving terminal portion TB1 of the battery pack 80 is connected to the power supply terminal portion TA1, and the battery pack 80 can be charged by the charging circuit 53. Therefore, the user only needs to place the power tool 60 in a position where the head portion 62 is held in the holding portion 40 and the battery pack 80 is guided by the guide portion 32, thus reducing the effort required when charging the power tool 60.

[0073] Furthermore, the charging device 10 of this embodiment includes a charging device body 20 and a holding part 40, which are part of the charging system 1. When charging the battery pack 80 with this charging device 10, the user only needs to place the power tool 60 in a position where the head part 62 is held by the holding part 40 and the battery pack 80 is guided by the guide part 32. Therefore, the effort required to charge the battery pack 80 of the power tool 60 can be reduced.

[0074] As shown in Figure 2, the guide portion 32 is provided with two main body mounting portions 321 that protrude upward. As shown in Figure 4, the main body mounting portions 321 are substantially rectangular in side view, and two through holes are provided along the longitudinal direction of the main body mounting portion 321 (see Figure 4). As described above, the second slide member 313 is provided with two through holes along its longitudinal direction. With the two main body mounting portions 321 sandwiching the second slide member 313, the two main body mounting portions 321 and the second slide member 313 are attached by inserting the joining bolt screws BT1 through the two through holes. In this way, the charging device body 20 is attached to the second slide member 313.

[0075] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, the guide section 32 is constructed by combining a pair of symmetrical members. As shown in Figure 4, each of the two members constituting the guide section 32 has multiple (four in Figure 4) screw holes on its side, and joining screws SC1 are inserted through each of these screw holes. In this way, the two members are joined together to form the guide section 32.

[0076] As shown in Figure 2, the guide section 32 is provided with a recess 33 into which a battery pack 80 attached to the power tool 60 is inserted. The guide section 32 is provided with two side walls 34 that protrude diagonally upward and backward from both the left and right sides of the recess 33. The opposing surfaces of the two side walls 34 are provided with inclined surfaces 35 such that the distance between them widens towards the tip.

[0077] Furthermore, a power supply terminal section TA1 is located at the bottom of the recess 33 of the guide section 32. The power supply terminal section TA1 includes two power supply terminals 36. A terminal holder 37 made of synthetic resin is located at the bottom of the recess 33. A rectangular window hole 331 is provided at the bottom of the recess 33, and the surface of the terminal holder 37 is exposed through the window hole 331. The terminal holder 37 is positioned such that the battery pack 80 attached to the power tool 60 can move along the direction normal to the surface of the terminal holder 37. Hereinafter, the surface of the terminal holder 37 on which the power supply terminal section TA1 is located will also be referred to as the connection surface with the power receiving terminal section TB1 of the battery pack 80. That is, the power supply terminal section TA1 is located on the connection surface with the power receiving terminal section TB1.

[0078] The terminal holder 37 receives an elastic force from the back to the front by an elastic member, such as a coil spring, positioned on the back side of the terminal holder 37. The back side of the terminal holder 37 refers to the front side of the terminal holder 37 (the positive side in the Y-axis direction in Figures 2 and 4). The front side of the terminal holder 37 refers to the rear side of the terminal holder 37 (the negative side in the Y-axis direction in Figures 2 and 4). In other words, the charging device body 20 is provided with an elastic member that presses the power supply terminal TA1 against the power receiving terminal TB1. The movement range of the terminal holder 37 is restricted so that it cannot move further to the front side by a part of the terminal holder 37 contacting the edge of the window hole 331 from the back side.

[0079] The two power supply terminals 36 are located on the left and right sides of the surface of the terminal holder 37. The surface of the terminal holder 37 is provided with two rectangular tube portions 371 that surround each of the two power supply terminals 36. In other words, the surface of the terminal holder 37 is provided with two rectangular tube portions 371, and one power supply terminal 36 is located inside each of the two rectangular tube portions 371. In addition, on the surface of the terminal holder 37 (the surface that connects to the battery pack 80), two magnets 38 are located between the two power supply terminals 36.

[0080] When the front surface of the battery pack 80 comes into contact with the bottom of the recess 33, the magnet 38 magnetically attracts the plate material 84 of the battery pack 80. As a result, the battery pack 80 attached to the power tool 60 is held in the charging device body 20 with the power receiving terminal TB1 connected to the power supply terminal TA1. Hereinafter, in the charging device body 20, the direction normal to the connection surface of the battery pack 80 with the power receiving terminal TB1 is also referred to as the second direction DR2 (see Figure 4). In this embodiment, the angle between the first direction DR1, which is the longitudinal direction of the frame member 311, and the second direction DR2, which is the normal direction to the connection surface of the battery pack 80 with the power receiving terminal TB1, corresponds to the "angle θ1 of the charging device body 20 with respect to the holding part 40" described above in this disclosure.

[0081] Furthermore, although not shown in Figure 2, the first communication terminal TA2 is positioned on the surface of the terminal holder 37, for example, above the magnet 38. Thus, in the charging system 1 of this embodiment, the charging device body 20 further holds the first communication terminal TA2 for communication, and the battery pack 80 is further provided with a second communication terminal TB2 connected to the first communication terminal TA2.

[0082] The power supply terminal TA1 provided on the guide section 32 is connected to the charging circuit 53 (see Figure 3). The charging circuit 53 is housed inside a synthetic resin case 50, and the charging circuit 53 housed in the case 50 and the power supply terminal TA1 are connected via an electric wire CB1. An electric wire CB2 extends from the case 50 to connect the charging circuit 53 to an external power source PS1, such as a commercial AC power source. When the plug 55 provided on the electric wire CB2 is connected to a power outlet (not shown), the charging circuit 53 receives power from the external power source PS1 and becomes capable of supplying charging current to the battery pack 80. The charging circuit 53 converts the AC voltage supplied from the external power source PS1, such as a commercial AC power source, into a DC voltage and outputs it to the power supply terminal TA1. When the power receiving terminal TB1 of the power tool 60 is connected to the power supply terminal TA1, a DC voltage is applied to the solid-state battery 88 from the charging circuit 53, and a charging current is supplied to the solid-state battery 88, thereby charging the solid-state battery 88.

[0083] The case 50 houses the communication unit 54 and the control unit 52 (see Figure 3).

[0084] The communication unit 54 communicates with the monitoring unit 89, which monitors the charge status of the solid-state battery 88. With the power tool 60 held in the charging device body 20, the communication unit 54 communicates with the monitoring unit 89 using an appropriate communication method via the first communication terminal TA2 held in the charging device body 20 and the second communication terminal TB2 of the battery pack 80. The communication unit 54 acquires measurement data (for example, measurement data such as charge rate and temperature) related to the charge status of the solid-state battery 88 from the monitoring unit 89.

[0085] The control unit 52 primarily consists of a computer system having one or more processors and memory. The functions of the control unit 52 are realized when the processor of the computer system executes a program recorded in the memory of the computer system. The program may be recorded in memory, provided via a telecommunication line such as the Internet, or provided on a non-temporary recording medium such as a memory card.

[0086] The control unit 52 controls, for example, the current value of the charging current supplied by the charging circuit 53 to the battery pack 80 based on measurement data acquired by the communication unit 54 from the monitoring unit 89. The control unit 52 may also control the charging circuit 53 to stop its output when the temperature of the solid-state battery 88 exceeds a predetermined upper limit temperature.

[0087] (2.3) Operation Description (2.3.1) Charging Operation The charging operation of the battery pack 80 attached to the power tool 60 by the charging system 1 of this embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 1, 2 and 4. As shown in Figure 1, a tip tool 90 such as a box wrench socket 91 is connected to the output shaft 711 of the power tool 60.

[0088] In the charging system 1 of this embodiment, the user places the power tool 60 on the charging device body 20 and charges the battery pack 80 during a break between tasks using the power tool 60, as shown in Figure 4.

[0089] When the power tool 60 is placed on the charging unit body 20, the user aligns the power tool 60 and the holding unit 40 so that the socket portion 92 of the tip tool 90 is inserted from the rear into the through hole 41 (see Figure 2) of the holding unit 40, and a portion of the head portion 62 is inserted through the through hole 41. The user then brings the power tool 60 closer to the holding unit 40 and inserts the box wrench socket 91 into the through hole 41 from the rear, causing the socket portion 92 and a portion of the head portion 62 to be inserted into the through hole 41. At this time, with the socket portion 92 inserted into the through hole 41 and a portion of the head portion 62 inserted into the through hole 41, the position of the power tool 60 is guided so that the center position of the power tool 60 in the vertical and horizontal directions coincides with the center position of the holding unit 40 in the vertical and horizontal directions. Here, the position of the power tool 60 is guided so that its vertical and horizontal center positions coincide with the vertical and horizontal center positions of the holding portion 40, thereby moving the battery pack 80 to a position where it can contact the guide portion 32. In other words, the holding portion 40 guides and holds the head portion 62 so that the battery pack 80 moves to a position where it can contact the guide portion 32.

[0090] In this manner, with the head portion 62 guided by the holding portion 40, when the power tool 60 is brought further closer to the holding portion 40, the battery pack 80 attached to the power tool 60 is inserted between the two side walls 34 (see Figure 2) of the guide portion 32. If the center position of the battery pack 80 in the left-right direction is offset from the center position of the two side walls 34, the battery pack 80 moves while contacting the inclined surface 35 provided on the side walls 34, thereby guiding the battery pack 80 to a position where it can be inserted into the recess 33.

[0091] Then, the battery pack 80 is inserted into the recess 33 of the charging device body 20 shown in Figure 2. When the front surface of the battery pack 80 contacts the bottom of the recess 33, the two rectangular tube portions 371 (see Figure 2) provided on the guide portion 32 are inserted into the two grooves 82 of the battery pack 80. At this time, the two power supply terminals 36 are connected to the two power receiving terminals 83 (see Figure 1), and the first communication terminal portion TA2 provided on the guide portion 32 is connected to the second communication terminal portion TB2 provided on the battery pack 80. The insertion of the rectangular tube portions 371 into the grooves 82 positions the battery pack 80 in the left-right direction relative to the guide portion 32, and the upper part of the rectangular tube portion 371 contacts the upper end of the grooves 82, positioning the battery pack 80 in the up-down direction relative to the guide portion 32. Therefore, the power supply terminal TA1 and the first communication terminal TA2 provided on the guide section 32 can be reliably connected to the power receiving terminal TB1 and the second communication terminal TB2 provided on the battery pack 80.

[0092] Furthermore, when the front surface of the battery pack 80 contacts the bottom of the recess 33 of the charging device body 20, the magnet 38 provided on the guide portion 32 magnetically attracts the plate material 84 of the battery pack 80. Therefore, even if an external force is applied to the power tool 60, such as when a person or object comes into contact with the power tool 60 while it is being held by the charging device body 20, the power supply terminal TA1 and the first communication terminal TA2 are less likely to detach from the power receiving terminal TB1 and the second communication terminal TB2. Here, the magnet 38 provided on the guide portion 32 and the plate material 84 provided on the battery pack 80 constitute the magnetic coupling portion MC1. In other words, the charging device body 20 and the battery pack 80 are equipped with a magnetic coupling portion MC1 that magnetically maintains the state in which the power supply terminal TA1 is in contact with the power receiving terminal TB1, thereby reducing the possibility of the power supply terminal TA1 detaching from the power receiving terminal TB1.

[0093] (2.3.2) Position Adjustment Operation Next, the position adjustment operation of the charging system 1 of this embodiment will be described. For example, the position adjustment operation is performed after the user has changed to a power tool 60 of a different size, and prior to the charging operation of the changed power tool 60.

[0094] In this case, the user slides at least one of the first slide member 312 and the second slide member 313 relative to the frame member 311 in the first direction DR1 to match the size of the modified power tool 60. This allows the length L1 between the holding part 40 and the charging device body 20 to be adjusted. According to the charging system 1 of this embodiment, the charging device body 20 can be used for power tools 60 of different sizes, thereby improving the convenience for the user of the power tool 60.

[0095] Furthermore, in the charging system 1 of this embodiment, the power tool 60 is held by inserting the socket portion 92 and a portion of the head portion 62 of the power tool 60 through a through hole 41 provided in the holding portion 40 shown in Figure 2. Compared to the case in which the power tool 60 is held by inserting the socket portion 92 of the power tool 60 into a U-shaped recess, for example, in this embodiment, the upward movement of the head portion 62 of the power tool 60 is restricted. As a result, the head portion 62 is less likely to come off the holding portion 40, and the power tool 60 is less likely to fall. The power tool 60 can be held stably. In addition, the user can finely adjust the angle of the power tool 60 between the upper inner wall and the lower inner wall of the through hole 41 while the battery pack 80 attached to the power tool 60 is connected to the charging device body 20. In this embodiment, the convenience for the user when charging the power tool 60 is further improved.

[0096] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the holding portion 40 is configured to be detachably attached to the mounting plate 314. The diameter of the through hole 41 in the holding portion 40 can be changed to one with a larger diameter to match the size of the power tool 60. This makes it easier to share the charging device body 20 with power tools 60 of different sizes.

[0097] (3) Modifications The above embodiments are merely one of many embodiments of the present disclosure. The above embodiments can be modified in various ways depending on the design, etc., as long as the objectives of the present disclosure are achieved.

[0098] The following lists modifications of the above embodiment. The modifications described below can be combined and applied as appropriate. In the following, the above embodiment may also be referred to as the basic configuration.

[0099] (3.1) Modification 1 In the above embodiment, the length L1 between the holding portion 40 and the charging device body 20 is adjusted by sliding at least one of the first slide member 312 and the second slide member 313. Since the frame member 311 is configured to be detachable, the frame member 311 may be replaced with one of a different length to match the power tools 60 of different sizes.

[0100] Figure 6 is a side view of the position adjustment unit 30A according to the first modified example. As shown in Figure 6, in the position adjustment unit 30A according to the first modified example, the angle θ1 between the second direction DR2 and the first direction DR1 is the same as the angle θ1 of the basic configuration (see Figure 4), but the length L2 of the frame member 311A ​​is longer than the length L1 of the frame member 311, which is different from the basic configuration. In other words, in the position adjustment unit 30A according to the first modified example, a frame member 311A ​​that is longer than the length L1 of the frame member 311 (see Figure 4) of the basic configuration is used to match the size of the power tool 60. According to the first modified example, the length L1 between the holding unit 40 and the charging device body 20 can be changed, so the charging device body 20 can be used for power tools 60 of different sizes.

[0101] (3.2) Modification 2 In addition, to accommodate power tools 60 of different sizes, the frame member 311 may be replaced with one that has a different angle of the charging device body 20 relative to the holding part 40. Figure 7 is a side view of the position adjustment unit 30B according to the second modification. As shown in Figure 7, in the position adjustment unit 30B according to the second modification, the length L1 of the frame member 311B is the same as in the basic configuration (see Figure 4), but the angle θ2 between the second direction DR2 and the first direction DR1 is different from the angle θ1 of the basic configuration. The frame member 311B is inclined (curved) near the center in the longitudinal direction. That is, in the position adjustment unit 30B according to the second modification, a frame member 311B with an angle θ2 smaller than the angle θ1 of the charging device body 20 relative to the holding part 40 in the basic configuration is used to accommodate the size of the power tool 60. According to the second modification, the angle θ1 of the charging device body 20 relative to the holding part 40 can be changed, so the charging device body 20 can be used for power tools 60 of different sizes.

[0102] (3.3) Other Modifications In the above embodiment, as shown in Figure 4, the main body mounting portion 321 of the guide portion 32 is attached to the position adjustment portion 30 (second slide member 313) by a plurality of bolt screws BT1 in the charging device body 20. The charging device body 20 may also be attached to the position adjustment portion 30 (second slide member 313) by a hinge mechanism. This makes it easier to adjust the angle θ1 of the charging device body 20 with respect to the holding portion 40.

[0103] Alternatively, the charging device body 20 may be provided with screw holes at positions that allow the angle θ1 of the charging device body 20 relative to the holding portion 40 to be changed, and the charging device body 20 may be attached to the position adjustment portion 30 with a bolt screw BT1 while the angle θ1 of the charging device body 20 relative to the holding portion 40 has been changed.

[0104] In the above embodiment, the holding portion 40 is provided with a circular through-hole 41 (see Figure 2), but the shape of the through-hole 41 may be elliptical, rectangular, triangular, or polygonal. In short, the holding portion 40 only needs to be shaped in such a way that it can hold the power tool 60 so that its movement in the vertical and horizontal directions is restricted.

[0105] In the above embodiment, the holding portion 40 is attached to the first slide member 312 via the mounting plate 314 (see Figure 4), but the holding portion 40 may be directly attached to the first slide member 312.

[0106] In the basic configuration of the charging system 1, the power supply terminal TA1 may also serve as the first communication terminal TA2, and the power receiving terminal TB1 may also serve as the second communication terminal TB2. For example, if the communication unit 54 has a communication module that communicates with the monitoring unit 89 using a PLC communication method, the communication unit 54 can communicate with the monitoring unit 89 via the power supply terminal TA1 and the power receiving terminal TB1. In this case, the first communication terminal TA2 and the second communication terminal TB2 are unnecessary, thus reducing the number of terminals.

[0107] In the basic configuration of the charging system 1, the battery pack 80, which is charged, was detachable from the power tool 60, but the battery pack 80 case 81 may be integrated with the tool body 61.

[0108] In the basic configuration, the case 50 housing the charging circuit 53, etc., was separate from the main body 20 of the charging device, but the case 50 housing the charging circuit 53, etc., may be integrated with the main body 20 of the charging device.

[0109] The battery pack 80 includes an all-solid-state battery 88, but the battery pack 80 may also include a secondary battery other than the all-solid-state battery 88 (for example, a nickel-metal hydride battery or a lithium-ion battery).

[0110] The power tool 60 is not limited to an impact driver; a drill driver or similar tool may also be used.

[0111] Furthermore, the charging device 10 may include a detection unit for detecting whether or not the power receiving terminal TB1 is connected to the power supply terminal TA1. The detection unit is, for example, a momentary push-button switch whose contact is turned on only while the power receiving terminal TB1 is connected to the power supply terminal TA1. The push button of the push-button switch is, for example, located on the surface of the recess 33, and when the battery pack 80 is inserted into the recess 33, the battery pack 80 presses the push button of the push-button switch, turning the push-button switch on. The charging circuit 53 may output a DC voltage to the power supply terminal TA1 only while the contact of the push-button switch is turned on, and the output of the charging circuit 53 can be stopped when the power receiving terminal TB1 is not connected to the power supply terminal TA1.

[0112] In the basic configuration described above, the external power supply PS1 may be a portable power supply that outputs a DC voltage. In this case, the charging circuit 53 only needs to be equipped with a DC-DC converter that converts the DC voltage supplied from the portable power supply into a DC voltage of a predetermined voltage value and outputs it to the power supply terminal TA1. The charging circuit 53 should convert the DC voltage supplied from the portable power supply into a DC voltage of a predetermined voltage value and output it to the power supply terminal TA1.

[0113] (Embodiment 2) Hereinafter, a charging system 1A of Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 8 to 12. Components similar to those in Embodiment 1 described above will be denoted by the same reference numerals and their description will be omitted.

[0114] The charging system 1A of this embodiment differs from the charging system 1 of Embodiment 1 (see Figure 3) in that it further includes a corresponding unit 100, as shown in Figure 11.

[0115] The battery pack 80 in the above embodiment 1 is a dedicated product for the charging system 1, and as shown in Figure 1, a power receiving terminal TB1 is provided on the front of the case 81 of the battery pack 80. In contrast, the battery pack 80A in this embodiment is a general-purpose product, and as shown in Figure 8, a power receiving terminal TB1 is not provided on the front of the battery pack 80A.

[0116] Instead, in this embodiment, the corresponding unit 100 has a power receiving terminal TB1, as shown in Figure 8. The power receiving terminal TB1 is configured to be connectable to the power supply terminal TA1 of the charging device 10 (more specifically, the charging device body 20 in Figure 12).

[0117] In the charging system 1A of this embodiment, the charging device body 20 charges the battery pack 80A via the corresponding unit 100. That is, as shown in Figure 12, the charging device body 20 can charge the battery pack 80A with the corresponding unit 100 installed between the power tool 60 and the battery pack 80A.

[0118] Furthermore, in this embodiment, with the corresponding unit 100 installed between the power tool 60 and the battery pack 80A, power can be supplied from the battery pack 80A to the power tool 60 via the corresponding unit 100. In other words, the worker can perform a predetermined task using the power tool 60 with the corresponding unit 100 installed between the power tool 60 and the battery pack 80A.

[0119] In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 8 and 10, the power tool system 2A is composed of a power tool 60, a corresponding unit 100, and a battery pack 80A. In other words, the power tool system 2A of this embodiment includes a power tool 60, a corresponding unit 100, and a battery pack 80A.

[0120] (4.1) Corresponding Unit The corresponding unit 100 is a molded product of a synthetic resin having electrical insulating properties and is formed in a box shape. More specifically, as shown in Figure 8, the corresponding unit 100 has a rectangular parallelepiped-shaped unit body 110. The rectangular parallelepiped shape is not limited to a shape that perfectly follows a rectangular parallelepiped, but is sufficient as long as the overall shape follows a rectangular parallelepiped.

[0121] Specifically, as shown in Figure 8, the unit body 110 has an upper surface 111, a lower surface 112, a pair of first side surfaces 113, 113, and a pair of second side surfaces 114, 114. The upper surface 111 and the lower surface 112 face each other in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction in the figure). The pair of first side surfaces 113, 113 face each other in the front-rear direction between the upper surface 111 and the lower surface 112. Similarly, the pair of second side surfaces 114, 114 face each other in the left-right direction (X-axis direction in the figure) between the upper surface 111 and the lower surface 112. Hereafter, the front first side surface 113 of the unit body 110 will be referred to as the "front surface 113a of the unit body 110". The rear first side surface 113 of the unit body 110 will be referred to as the "rear surface 113b of the unit body 110". Furthermore, the second side surface 114 on the left side of the unit body 110 is referred to as "the left side 114a of the unit body 110." The second side surface 114 on the right side of the unit body 110 is referred to as "the right side 114b of the unit body 110." The unit body 110 is longer in the front-to-back direction than in the left-to-right direction.

[0122] (4.1.1) Top surface of the corresponding unit As described above, the unit body 110 has an upper surface 111, a lower surface 112, and a front surface 113a (see Figure 8). The upper surface 111 of the unit body 110 is the surface connected to the power tool 60. That is, the upper surface 111 of the unit body 110 corresponds to the "second surface of the corresponding unit" in this disclosure.

[0123] The compatible unit 100 is configured to be detachably attached to the power tool 60. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 8, the upper surface 111 of the unit body 110 has a structure similar to the upper part of the battery pack 80A. Specifically, the upper surface 111 of the unit body 110 is provided with a platform-shaped fitting portion 130 that is raised one step higher than the upper surface 111.

[0124] A second power terminal TP2 is located on the rear side of the mating portion 130. The second power terminal TP2 is electrically connected to the fourth power terminal TP4 (see Figure 9) of the tool body 61 of the power tool 60. The second power terminal TP2 includes three connection terminals 131. Three slits are provided on the rear side of the mating portion 130, spaced apart in the left-right direction (X-axis direction in the figure), and the connection terminals 131 are provided inside each slit. The three connection terminals 131 correspond one-to-one with the three slits. Thus, in this embodiment, the second power terminal TP2 is provided on the upper surface 111 of the unit body 110.

[0125] Furthermore, a second signal terminal TS2 is located on the upper surface of the mating portion 130. The second signal terminal TS2 is electrically connected to the fourth signal terminal TS4 (see Figure 9) of the tool body 61.

[0126] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8, multiple insertion grooves 133 are provided on the left and right sides of the fitting portion 130. Multiple hook pieces 643 (see Figure 9), which are provided in recesses of the battery mounting portion 64 of the tool body 61, are inserted into each of the multiple insertion grooves 133. The upper surface 111 of the unit body 110 is configured to be detachably attached to the battery mounting portion 64 of the tool body 61.

[0127] Figure 9 is a perspective view of the tool body 61 of the power tool 60, viewed from diagonally below. As shown in Figure 9, the lower surface of the battery mounting portion 64 of the tool body 61 is provided with a recess into which the upper part of the corresponding unit 100 is inserted. Multiple (six in the figure) hook pieces 643 are provided within the recess. The multiple hook pieces 643 are the parts that are inserted into the insertion groove 133 of the corresponding unit 100 shown in Figure 8. The hook pieces 643 are formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape and protrude vertically from the inner surfaces on both the left and right sides of the recess.

[0128] Furthermore, the bottom surface of the recess is provided with a fourth power terminal TP4 for power supply and a fourth signal terminal TS4 for signaling.

[0129] The fourth power terminal section TP4 is the part that is electrically connected to the second power terminal section TP2 (more specifically, the connection terminal 131) of the corresponding unit 100 shown in Figure 8. The fourth power terminal section TP4 includes, for example, two connection terminals 642 (a connection terminal on the positive side and a connection terminal on the negative side). The connection terminals 642 are arranged to protrude forward from the rear part of the bottom surface of the battery mounting section 64 and are spaced apart in the left-right direction (in the X-axis direction in the figure).

[0130] The fourth signal terminal TS4 is electrically connected to the second signal terminal TS2 of the corresponding unit 100 shown in Figure 8. The fourth signal terminal TS4 is located in the central part in the front-to-back direction on the bottom surface of the battery mounting section 64.

[0131] The battery mounting section 64 of the tool body 61 can be attached to and detached from the upper surface 111 of the compatible unit 100, but the battery mounting section 64 of the tool body 61 can also be attached to and detached from a general-purpose battery pack 80A.

[0132] (4.1.2) The lower surface 112 of the unit body 110 is the surface connected to the battery pack 80A. That is, the lower surface 112 of the unit body 110 corresponds to the "first surface of the unit" in this disclosure. In this embodiment, the structure of the lower surface 112 of the unit body 110 is not shown in Figure 8, but has a structure similar to the battery mounting portion 64 of the tool body 61 shown in Figure 9. That is, the lower surface 112 of the unit body 110 is configured to be detachably attached to the battery pack 80A. A detailed explanation of the structure of the lower surface 112 of the unit body 110 is omitted here, but as shown in Figure 10, a first power terminal portion TP1 is provided on the lower surface 112 of the unit body 110. The first power terminal portion TP1 is the part that is electrically connected to the third power terminal portion TP3 of the battery pack 80A. In addition, a first signal terminal portion TS1 is provided on the lower surface 112 of the unit body 110. The first signal terminal TS1 is the part that is electrically connected to the third signal terminal TS3 of the battery pack 80A.

[0133] In this embodiment, the upper part of the battery pack 80A has a structure similar to the upper surface 111 of the corresponding unit 100 described above, as shown in Figure 8. That is, the upper part of the battery pack 80A can be attached to and detached from the lower surface 112 of the unit body 110, but the upper part of the general-purpose battery pack 80A can also be attached to and detached from the battery mounting portion 64 of the tool body 61.

[0134] The battery pack 80A is a molded product of a synthetic resin having electrical insulating properties and includes a box-shaped case 81A. A platform-shaped fitting portion 810 is provided on the upper part of the case 81A of the battery pack 80A.

[0135] As shown in Figure 8, a third power terminal TP3 is located on the rear side of the mating portion 810. The third power terminal TP3 is electrically connected to the first power terminal TP1 of the corresponding unit 100 (see Figure 11). The third power terminal TP3 includes three connection terminals 811. Three slits are provided on the rear side of the mating portion 810, spaced apart in the left-right direction (X-axis direction in the figure), and the connection terminals 811 are located inside each slit. The three connection terminals 811 correspond one-to-one with the three slits. Thus, in this embodiment, the third power terminal TP3 is located on the upper part of the battery pack 80A. In addition, a third signal terminal TS3 is located on the upper surface of the mating portion 810. The third signal terminal TS3 is electrically connected to the first signal terminal TS1 of the corresponding unit 100 (see Figure 11). Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8, multiple insertion grooves 813 are provided on the left and right sides of the fitting portion 810. Multiple hook pieces (not shown) provided on the lower surface 112 of the corresponding unit 100 are inserted into each of the multiple insertion grooves 813.

[0136] As shown in Figure 11, the battery pack 80A contains a secondary battery 88A inside. In this embodiment, the secondary battery 88A is a secondary battery using a liquid electrolyte. However, the secondary battery 88A may also be a solid-state battery using a solid electrolyte, as in Embodiment 1 above.

[0137] The battery pack 80A further includes a monitoring unit 89 (see Figure 11). The monitoring unit 89 monitors the charge state of the secondary battery 88A. The monitoring unit 89 monitors, for example, the charge rate or temperature of the secondary battery 88A. In this embodiment, the monitoring unit 89 acquires battery information indicating information about the battery pack 80A (for example, the voltage value and temperature of the secondary battery 88A) and outputs it to the control unit 101 located in the corresponding unit 100 via the third signal terminal TS3 and the first signal terminal TS1. The monitoring unit 89 may monitor both the charge rate and temperature of the secondary battery 88A, or it may monitor other indicators indicating the charge state of the secondary battery 88A.

[0138] (4.1.3) Front of the compatible unit The front surface 113a of the unit body 110 is the surface that is connected to the charging device body 20. That is, the front surface 113a of the unit body 110 corresponds to the "third surface of the compatible unit" in this disclosure.

[0139] Specifically, as shown in Figure 8, the front surface 113a of the unit body 110 has two grooves 120 on both the left and right sides. The two grooves 120 extend upward from the lower end of the unit body 110. Each of the two grooves 120 is provided with one power receiving terminal 121 that protrudes forward from the bottom surface of the groove 120. One of the two power receiving terminals 121 is connected to the positive terminal of the secondary battery 88A, and the other power receiving terminal 121 is connected to the negative terminal of the secondary battery 88A. Here, the two power receiving terminals 121 provided in the two grooves 120 constitute the power receiving terminal section TB1. In other words, the power receiving terminal section TB1 includes the two power receiving terminals 121 provided in the two grooves 120. As described above, in this embodiment, the power receiving terminal TB1 is provided on the front surface 113a of the unit body 110. When charging the battery pack 80A, the power receiving terminal TB1 is connected to the power supply terminal TA1 of the charging device 10 (more specifically, the charging device body 20). Furthermore, the power receiving terminal TB1 is electrically connected to the secondary battery 88A via the first power terminal TP1 and the third power terminal TP3 (see Figure 11).

[0140] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8, a plate material 122 made of a magnetic material (for example, iron) is positioned between two grooves 120 on the front surface 113a of the unit body 110. In this embodiment, the magnetic coupling portion MC1 is formed by the plate material 122 provided on the unit body 110 and the magnet 38 (see Figure 2) provided on the terminal holding base 37 of the charging device body 20. In other words, in this embodiment, the charging device body 20 and the corresponding unit 100 are equipped with a magnetic coupling portion MC1 that uses magnetic force to maintain the state in which the power supply terminal portion TA1 is in contact with the power receiving terminal portion TB1, thereby reducing the possibility of the power supply terminal portion TA1 becoming detached from the power receiving terminal portion TB1.

[0141] Although not shown in Figure 8, a second communication terminal TB2 (see Figure 11) is located on the front surface 113a of the unit body 110. The second communication terminal TB2 is located, for example, on the upper side of the plate material 122. As shown in Figure 11, the second communication terminal TB2 is connected to the first communication terminal TA2 of the charging device 10 (more specifically, the charging device body 20). In the charging system 1A of this embodiment, the first communication terminal TA2 is provided on the charging device body 20.

[0142] Figure 12 is a side view of the power tool 60 being held by the charging device body 20. As shown in Figure 12, the corresponding unit 100 attached to the power tool 60 is held by the charging device body 20 with the power receiving terminal TB1 provided on the front surface 113a of the unit body 110 connected to the power supply terminal TA1. At this time, the plate material 122 positioned on the front surface 113a of the unit body 110 is in contact with the magnet 38 provided on the surface of the terminal holding base 37 and is attracted by magnetic force. The second communication terminal TB2 positioned on the front surface 113a of the unit body 110 is connected to the first communication terminal TA2 of the charging device body 20.

[0143] In this embodiment, the surface of the terminal holder 37 on which the power supply terminal TA1 is located is the connection surface between the power supply terminal TA1 of the charging device body 20 and the power receiving terminal TB1 of the corresponding unit 100. That is, the power supply terminal TA1 is provided on the connection surface with the power receiving terminal TB1.

[0144] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 12, the angle between the first direction DR1, which is the longitudinal direction of the frame member 311, and the second direction DR2, which is the normal direction to the connection surface of the power receiving terminal portion TB1 of the corresponding unit 100, corresponds to the "angle θ1 of the charging device body 20 relative to the holding portion 40" in this disclosure, as described above.

[0145] (4.1.4) Internal configuration of the compatible unit The compatible unit 100 further comprises a control unit 101 and a switch 102, as shown in Figure 11.

[0146] In this embodiment, the control unit 101 and the switch 102 are located inside the unit body 110.

[0147] The control unit 101 primarily consists of a computer system having one or more processors and memory. The functions of the control unit 101 are realized when the processor of the computer system executes a program recorded in the memory of the computer system. The program may be recorded in memory, provided via a telecommunication line such as the Internet, or provided on a non-temporary recording medium such as a memory card.

[0148] The control unit 101 has the functions of a detection unit 101a and a switch control unit 101b. Note that the detection unit 101a and the switch control unit 101b merely indicate the functions realized by the control unit 101 and do not necessarily represent an actual physical configuration.

[0149] The detection unit 101a detects that the battery pack 80A is in a rechargeable state. The rechargeable state is a state in which the power receiving terminal TB1 and the power supply terminal TA1 are electrically connected and the battery pack 80A is rechargeable, as shown in Figure 11. In other words, the rechargeable state is a connected state in which the corresponding unit 100 is connected to the main body 20 of the charging device 10. In this embodiment, the detection unit 101a of the control unit 101 detects whether or not the battery pack is in a rechargeable state by communicating between the charging device 10 and the corresponding unit 100 via the first communication terminal TA2 and the second communication terminal TB2. Thus, in this embodiment, the control unit 101 has a function to detect whether or not the battery pack is in a rechargeable state. The operation of the detection unit 101a will be explained in more detail in "(4.2) Operation Description".

[0150] The switch control unit 101b controls the switch 102. In this embodiment, the switch control unit 101b switches the connection state of the switch 102 according to the detection result of the detection unit 101a.

[0151] As shown in Figure 11, switch 102 electrically connects the first power terminal TP1 to either the power receiving terminal TB1 or the second power terminal TP2. Switch 102 is, for example, a double-throw switch. In other words, switch 102 switches between either a charging connection state or a discharging connection state. The charging connection state is a connection state in which the first power terminal TP1 and the power receiving terminal TB1 are electrically connected. Hereinafter, the circuit electrically connecting the first power terminal TP1 and the power receiving terminal TB1 will be referred to as the "charging circuit". The discharging connection state is a connection state in which the first power terminal TP1 and the second power terminal TP2 are electrically connected. Hereinafter, the circuit electrically connecting the first power terminal TP1 and the second power terminal TP2 will be referred to as the "discharging circuit".

[0152] (4.2) Operation Description The operation of the charging system 1A of this embodiment will be described below with reference to Figure 11.

[0153] While the operator is performing a predetermined task using the power tool system 2A, the charging system 1A is in an unused state, and therefore the control unit 52 of the charging device 10 is in a standby state. On the other hand, in this state, the first communication terminal TA2 of the charging device body 20 is not connected to the second communication terminal TB2 of the unit body 110, and a communication path is not established between the charging device 10 and the corresponding unit 100. For this reason, the detection unit 101a of the control unit 101 in the corresponding unit 100 does not detect that it is in a charging-ready state. If the detection unit 101a does not detect that it is in a charging-ready state, the switch control unit 101b controls the switch 102 to switch from the charging connection state to the discharge connection state. In the discharge connection state, a discharge circuit is formed that electrically connects the first power terminal TP1 and the second power terminal TP2. The corresponding unit 100 supplies power from the battery pack 80A to the drive circuit 72 of the power tool 60 via the discharge circuit that electrically connects the first power terminal TP1 and the second power terminal TP2.

[0154] Next, in order to charge the battery pack 80A, the operator sets the corresponding unit 100 of the power tool system 2A onto the charging device body 20A of the charging device 10, as shown in Figure 12. As a result, as shown in Figure 11, the first communication terminal TA2 of the charging device body 20 is connected to the second communication terminal TB2 of the unit body 110. This establishes a communication path between the charging device 10 and the unit body 110. The control unit 52 receives a connection status signal from the second communication terminal TB2 via the first communication terminal TA2. The connection status signal is a status signal indicating that the first communication terminal TA2 of the charging device 10 and the second communication terminal TB2 of the unit body 110 are connected. The connection status signal is, for example, a binary signal and has a high-level or low-level signal. More specifically, the first communication terminal TA2 is composed of multiple terminals. Two of the multiple terminals of the first communication terminal section TA2 are configured to be in an open (disconnected) state, and when the first communication terminal section TA2 and the second communication terminal section TB2 are mated together, the two terminals are configured to be in a short-circuit (connected) state. In this embodiment, the control unit 52 receives a connection status signal by detecting that the two terminals of the first communication terminal section TA2 are in a short-circuit state. As a result, the control unit 52 detects that the corresponding unit 100 has been set in the charging device body 20A of the charging device 10.

[0155] Next, when the control unit 52 of the charging device 10 receives the connection status signal, it transmits a charging start signal to the control unit 101 of the corresponding unit 100 via the first communication terminal TA2 and the second communication terminal TB2. The charging start signal is a status signal indicating that charging should begin. The charging start signal is, for example, a binary signal and has a high-level or low-level signal.

[0156] When the control unit 101 of the corresponding unit 100 receives a charging start signal, the detection unit 101a detects that the battery pack 80A is in a state where it can be charged. When the detection unit 101a detects that the battery is in a state where it can be charged, the switch control unit 101b controls the switch 102 to switch from the discharge connection state to the charging connection state. In the charging connection state, a charging circuit is formed that electrically connects the first power terminal TP1 and the power receiving terminal TB1. For example, after the switch control unit 101b switches from the discharge connection state to the charging connection state, the control unit 101 transmits a response signal to the charging start signal to the control unit 52.

[0157] Subsequently, when the control unit 52 of the charging device 10 receives a response signal from the control unit 101, the charging circuit 53 converts the AC voltage supplied from the external power supply PS1 into a DC voltage and outputs a charging current to the power supply terminal TA1. While the charging circuit 53 is outputting the charging current, the control unit 52 transmits a charging status signal to the corresponding unit 100 via the first communication terminal TA2 and the second communication terminal TB2. The charging status signal is a status signal indicating that charging is in progress. The charging status signal is, for example, a binary signal and has a high-level or low-level signal.

[0158] The charging current is supplied to the corresponding unit 100 via the power supply terminal TA1 and the power receiving terminal TB1. The corresponding unit 100 supplies the charging current to the battery pack 80A via a charging circuit that electrically connects the first power terminal TP1 and the power receiving terminal TB1. When the charging status signal output from the control unit 52 to the control unit 101 is at a high level, it indicates that the charging circuit 53 is outputting a charging current. The switch control unit 101b maintains the connection state of the switch 102 in a charging connection state only while the corresponding unit 100 is receiving the charging status signal (e.g., at a high level). As a result, the charging current is supplied to the battery pack 80A through the third power terminal TP3 of the battery pack 80A, and the battery pack 80A is charged.

[0159] On the other hand, if the charging status signal received by the control unit 101 becomes low level, the switch control unit 101b switches the connection state of the switch 102 from a charging connection state to a discharge connection state. When the charging status signal is low level, it indicates that charging of the battery pack 80A is complete, or that the corresponding unit 100 has been disconnected from the charging device body 20A of the charging device 10. Once charging of the battery pack 80A is complete, the worker can continue working using the power tool system 2A.

[0160] According to the charging system 1A of this embodiment, the battery pack 80A can be charged with the corresponding unit 100 installed between the power tool 60 and the battery pack 80A. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, a general-purpose battery pack 80A can be used, which further improves user convenience.

[0161] Furthermore, according to the charging system 1A of this embodiment, when the corresponding unit 100 is connected to the main body 20 of the charging device 10, the corresponding unit 100 switches its internal circuit from a discharge circuit to a charging circuit. This has the advantage that the user does not need to manually operate a switch when charging the battery pack 80A. This further improves user convenience.

[0162] In this embodiment, the corresponding unit 100 has a function (detection unit 101a) that detects whether the control unit 101 is in a rechargeable state. However, the detection unit 101a may be a sensor separately provided on the corresponding unit 100. The sensor may be, for example, a push switch provided on the front surface 113a of the corresponding unit 100 that turns on and off depending on whether the corresponding unit 100 is connected or disconnected from the charging device body 20A. The sensor may be a sensor other than a push switch, as long as it is capable of detecting whether the corresponding unit 100 is connected or disconnected from the charging device body 20A.

[0163] (Embodiment 3) Hereinafter, a charging system according to Embodiment 3 of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figure 13. Components similar to those in Embodiment 1 described above will be denoted by the same reference numerals and their description will be omitted.

[0164] Figure 13 is a perspective view of the charging device 10A included in the charging system of Embodiment 3 of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 13, the charging device 10A further includes an external charger 300, and the charging device body 20A further includes a connector portion 200, which is different from Embodiment 1 (see Figure 2).

[0165] In this embodiment, the external charger 300 outputs a charging current to the power supply terminal TA1 of the charging device body 20A via the connector 200. The external charger 300 indirectly charges the battery pack 80A via the corresponding unit 100 (see Figure 8) which is equipped with a power receiving terminal TB1. Alternatively, the external charger 300 can directly charge the battery pack 80A by directly connecting it to the connection terminal 351.

[0166] (5.1) External Charger The charging device 10A of this embodiment further comprises an external charger 300, as shown in Figure 13.

[0167] The external charger 300 is a resin molded product. As shown in Figure 13, the external charger 300 includes a rectangular parallelepiped body 301. The body 301 is elongated in the front-to-back direction and flattened in the up-to-down direction.

[0168] The upper surface of the main body 301 is provided with a connection terminal 351 configured to allow connection of the battery pack 80A.

[0169] A circuit board 320 is housed inside the main body 301. Electronic components having the same functions as the control unit 52, charging circuit 53, and communication unit 54 (see Figure 3) of Embodiment 1 are mounted on the circuit board 320. In other words, the external charger 300 of this embodiment has a charging circuit 53.

[0170] A wire CB2 extends from the side of the main body 301 for connecting the charging circuit 53 to an external power source PS1, such as a commercial AC power source. When the plug 55 on the wire CB2 is connected to the power outlet 400, the charging circuit 53 converts the AC voltage supplied from the external power source PS1 into a DC voltage and becomes ready to output to the connection terminal 351. The charging current output from the connection terminal 351 is supplied to the power supply terminal TA1 of the charging device main body 20A via the connector 200.

[0171] (5.2) Connector section The charging device body 20A of this embodiment further comprises a connector section 200, as shown in Figure 13. The connector section 200 is configured to be connectable to an external charger 300.

[0172] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 13, the connection terminal 351 of the external charger 300 is connected to the connector portion 200, and the charging circuit 53 of the external charger 300 outputs a charging current to the power supply terminal portion TA1 of the charging device body 20A via the connector portion 200. In the charging system of this embodiment, a charging current is supplied to the battery pack 80A via the power receiving terminal portion TB1 of the corresponding unit 100 (see Figure 11).

[0173] In this embodiment, the connector portion 200 is a resin molded product. As shown in Figure 13, the connector portion 200 has a rectangular parallelepiped-shaped main body portion 201 that is elongated in the vertical direction and flattened in the front-rear direction.

[0174] The connector section 200 has a structure similar to the upper part of the battery pack 80A shown in Figure 8. Specifically, as shown in Figure 13, a mating section 210 is provided on the side of the main body section 201 that connects to the external charger 300. From the side of the main body section 201 opposite to the side that connects to the external charger 300, a wire CB1 for connecting to the charging device body 20A is drawn out.

[0175] A fifth power terminal TP5 is located in the mating portion 210. The fifth power terminal TP5 is electrically connected to the connection terminal 351 of the external charger 300. The fifth power terminal TP5 includes three connection terminals 211. Three slits are provided in the rear portion of the mating portion 210, spaced apart in the left-right direction, and the connection terminals 211 are located inside each slit. The three connection terminals 211 correspond one-to-one with the three slits. Thus, in this embodiment, the fifth power terminal TP5 is provided in the main body portion 201 of the connector portion 200.

[0176] Furthermore, a fifth signal terminal TS5 is located in the mating portion 210. The fifth signal terminal TS5 is electrically connected to a connection terminal (not shown) of the external charger 300.

[0177] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 13, multiple insertion grooves 213 are provided on the left and right sides of the mating portion 210. Multiple hook pieces (not shown) provided in recesses on the upper surface of the external charger 300 are inserted into each of the multiple insertion grooves 213. The front surface of the connector portion 200 is configured to be detachable from the external charger 300.

[0178] In this embodiment, the external charger 300 outputs a charging current to the power supply terminal TA1 of the charging device body 20A via the connector 200, and charges the battery pack 80A via the corresponding unit 100 (see Figure 8) equipped with a power receiving terminal TB1. According to the charging system of this embodiment, the battery pack 80A can be charged using a general-purpose battery pack 80A and the external charger 300, thereby further improving user convenience.

[0179] In this embodiment, the connector 200 is a dedicated component as shown in Figure 13, but the connector 200 is a USB terminal, and the external charger 300 may be a USB charger to which a USB terminal can be connected. The charging circuit 53 built into the USB charger converts the AC voltage supplied from the external power supply PS1 into a DC voltage and outputs a charging current to the power supply terminal TA1 of the charging device body 20A via the USB cable. The battery pack 80A is charged via the corresponding unit 100 (see Figure 8) equipped with a power receiving terminal TB1.

[0180] In this embodiment, the external charger 300 outputs a charging current to the power supply terminal TA1 of the charging device body 20A via the connector 200, and charges the battery pack 80A via the corresponding unit 100 (see Figure 8) which is equipped with a power receiving terminal TB1. Alternatively, the charging circuit 53 of the external charger 300 may output a charging current to the power supply terminal TA1 of the charging device body 20A via the connector 200, and charge the battery pack 80 (see Figure 1) which is equipped with a power receiving terminal TB1.

[0181] (Summary) Based on the embodiments described above, the following embodiments are disclosed.

[0182] The charging system (1) of the first embodiment comprises a battery pack (80), a charging device body (20), a holding part (40), and a position adjustment part (30). The battery pack (80) is capable of supplying power to the drive circuit (72) of the power tool (60). The power tool (60) has a motor (71) and a drive circuit (72) that drives the motor (71). The charging device body (20) has a power supply terminal part (TA1) that is connected to a charging circuit (53) that receives power from an external power source (PS1) and supplies a charging current to the battery pack (80), and charges the battery pack (80). The holding part (40) holds the head part (62) that houses the motor (71) in the power tool (60). The position adjustment part (30) mechanically connects the holding part (40) and the charging device body (20). The position adjustment unit (30) can adjust at least one of the length (L1) between the charging device body (20) and the holding unit (40) and the angle (θ1) of the charging device body (20) with respect to the holding unit (40).

[0183] According to this embodiment, at least one of the length (L1) between the holding part (40) that holds the power tool (60) and the charging device body (20), and the angle (θ1) of the charging device body (20) with respect to the holding part (40), can be adjusted to match the size of the power tool (60). This allows the charging device body (20) to be shared among power tools (60) of different sizes in the charging system (1). This increases the layout flexibility of the charging system (1) and allows for effective use of the workspace. It also improves the convenience for the user of the power tool (60). Furthermore, since the battery pack (80) can be charged in the charging device body (20) with the battery pack (80) attached to the power tool (60), the work of attaching and detaching the battery pack (80) to the power tool (60) becomes unnecessary. This further improves the convenience for the user of the power tool (60).

[0184] The second aspect of the charging system (1) is, in the first aspect, a position adjustment unit (30) comprising a frame member (311), a first slide member (312), and a second slide member (313). The frame member (311) has a longitudinal shape extending in one direction (DR1). The first slide member (312) is attached to the first end of the frame member (311) and is configured to slide in one direction (DR1) relative to the frame member (311). The second slide member (313) is attached to the second end of the frame member (311) and is configured to slide in one direction (DR1) relative to the frame member (311). The holding unit (40) is attached to the first slide member (312). The charging device body (20) is attached to the second slide member (313). The length (L1) between the charging device body (20) and the holding part (40) is the length (DR1) in the longitudinal direction of the frame member (311).

[0185] According to this embodiment, the length (L1) between the holding part (40) and the charging device body (20) can be adjusted by sliding at least one of the first sliding member (312) and the second sliding member (313) to accommodate power tools (60) of different sizes. The charging device body (20) can be shared among power tools (60) of different sizes. This makes it easier to improve the convenience for the user of the power tool (60).

[0186] In the third embodiment of the charging system (1), the battery pack (80) has a power receiving terminal (TB1) that can be connected to a power supply terminal (TA1). The power supply terminal (TA1) is provided on the connection surface with the power receiving terminal (TB1). The angle (θ1) of the charging device body (20) with respect to the holding portion (40) is the angle between the longitudinal direction (DR1) of the frame member (311) and the direction normal to the connection surface (DR2).

[0187] According to this embodiment, the convenience of the user of the power tool (60) can be improved.

[0188] The fourth embodiment of the charging system (1A) further comprises a corresponding unit (100) in the second embodiment, which has a power receiving terminal (TB1) connectable to a power supply terminal (TA1). The charging device body (20) charges the battery pack (80A) via the corresponding unit (100). The power supply terminal (TA1) is provided on the connection surface with the power receiving terminal (TB1). The angle (θ1) of the charging device body (20) with respect to the holding portion (40) is the angle between the longitudinal direction (DR1) of the frame member (311) and the direction normal to the connection surface (DR2).

[0189] According to this embodiment, the battery pack (80A) can be charged via the corresponding unit (100). Furthermore, since a general-purpose battery pack (80A) can be used, user convenience can be further improved.

[0190] The fifth aspect of the charging system (1A) is, in the fourth aspect, the corresponding unit (100) having a first surface (111), a second surface (112), a third surface (113), a first power terminal section (TP1), and a second power terminal section (TP2). The first surface (111) is the surface connected to the battery pack (80A). The second surface (112) is the surface connected to the power tool (60). The third surface (113) is the surface connected to the charging device body (20). The first power terminal section (TP1) is provided on the first surface (111). The second power terminal section (TP2) is provided on the second surface (112). A power receiving terminal section (TB1) is provided on the third surface (113). The compatible unit (100) supplies power from the battery pack (80A) to the drive circuit (72) of the power tool (60) via a discharge circuit that electrically connects the first power terminal (TP1) and the second power terminal (TP2). The compatible unit (100) supplies a charging current to the battery pack (80A) via a charging circuit that electrically connects the first power terminal (TP1) and the power receiving terminal (TB1).

[0191] According to this embodiment, the battery pack (80A) can be charged with the corresponding unit (100) installed between the power tool (60) and the battery pack (80A). Furthermore, since a general-purpose battery pack (80A) can be used, user convenience can be further improved.

[0192] The sixth aspect of the charging system (1A), in the fifth aspect, further comprises a detection unit (101a), a switch (102), and a control unit (101b). The detection unit (101a) detects that the power receiving terminal (TB1) and the power supply terminal (TA1) are electrically connected and in a rechargeable state. The switch (102) switches between a rechargeable connection state in which the first power terminal (TP1) is electrically connected to the power receiving terminal (TB1), and a discharge connection state in which the first power terminal (TP1) is electrically connected to the second power terminal (TP2). The control unit (101b) controls the switch (102). When the detection unit (101a) detects that the system is rechargeable, the control unit (101b) controls the switch (102) to switch from the discharge connection state to the rechargeable connection state. If the control unit (101b) does not detect that the detection unit (101a) is in a rechargeable state, the control unit (101b) controls the switch (102) to switch from the rechargeable state to the rechargeable state.

[0193] In this embodiment, when the corresponding unit (100) is connected to the main body (20) of the charging device (10), the corresponding unit (100) switches its internal circuit from a discharge circuit to a charging circuit. This has the advantage that the user does not need to perform complicated switch operations. This further improves user convenience.

[0194] The charging system (1A) of the seventh embodiment further comprises an external charger (300) in any one of the first to sixth embodiments. The external charger (300) has a charging circuit (53). The charging device body (20A) further has a connector portion (200). The connector portion (200) is configured to be connectable to the external charger (300). The charging circuit (53) outputs a charging current to the power supply terminal portion (TA1) via the connector portion (200) connected to the external charger (300).

[0195] According to this embodiment, the battery pack (80A) can be charged using a general-purpose battery pack (80A) and an external charger (300), thereby further improving user convenience.

[0196] In the eighth aspect of the charging system (1), in any one of the second to seventh aspects, the frame member (311) is configured to be detachably attached to the first slide member (312) and to be detachably attached to the second slide member (313).

[0197] According to this embodiment, since the frame member (311) is configured to be detachable, the frame member (311) can be replaced to match power tools (60) of different sizes. This makes it possible to adjust at least one of the length (L1) between the holding part (40) that holds the power tool (60) and the charging device body (20), and the angle (θ1) of the charging device body (20) with respect to the holding part (40). This makes it easier to share the charging device body (20) with power tools (60) of different sizes.

[0198] The charging system (1) of the ninth embodiment is provided with a through hole (41) in the holding portion (40) in any one of the first to eighth embodiments. The holding portion (40) holds the power tool (60) by inserting at least a portion of the head portion (62) through the through hole (41).

[0199] In this embodiment, the power tool (60) is held by inserting a part of the head portion (62) into a through hole (41) provided in the holding portion (40). Compared to the case where the power tool (60) is held by placing it in a recess provided in the holding portion (40), it becomes easier to restrict the upward movement of the power tool (60). As a result, the power tool (60) can be held stably in the charging system (1), which improves user convenience.

[0200] In the tenth embodiment of the charging system (1), in any one of the first to ninth embodiments, the holding portion (40) is configured to be detachably attached to the position adjustment portion (30).

[0201] According to this embodiment, since the holding part (40) is configured to be detachable, the holding part (40) can be replaced to match power tools (60) of different sizes. This makes it easier to share the charging device body (20) with power tools (60) of different sizes.

[0202] The charging system (1) of the eleventh embodiment, in any one of the first to tenth embodiments, has a battery pack (80) which is a solid-state battery (88).

[0203] According to this embodiment, charging can be completed in a shorter time compared to battery packs equipped with lead-acid batteries or the like. This further improves the convenience for users of the power tool (60).

[0204] The configurations relating to the second to eleventh aspects are not essential to the charging system (1, 1A) and can be omitted as appropriate.

[0205] The charging device (10) of the twelfth embodiment comprises a charging device body (20) that is part of any one of the charging systems (1) of the first to eleventh embodiments, a holding part (40), and a position adjustment part (30).

[0206] According to this embodiment, in the charging device (10), at least one of the length (L1) between the holding part (40) that holds the head portion (62) of the power tool (60) and the charging device body (20), and the angle (θ1) of the charging device body (20) with respect to the holding part (40) can be adjusted to accommodate power tools (60) of different sizes. This allows the charging device body (20) to be shared. This improves the convenience for the user of the power tool (60).

[0207] The corresponding unit (100) of the 13th embodiment is provided in any one of the charging systems (1A) of the 4th to 7th embodiments.

[0208] A battery pack (80) of the 14th embodiment is provided by any one of the charging systems (1) of the first to 11th embodiments.

[0209] According to this embodiment, the battery pack (80) is charged by the charging system (1), thereby improving the convenience of the user of the power tool (60).

[0210] The power tool (60) of the 15th embodiment has a battery pack (80) that is attached to any one of the charging systems (1) of the first to 11th embodiments.

[0211] According to this embodiment, the battery pack (80) can be charged while it is attached to the power tool (60). This improves the convenience of the user of the power tool (60).

[0212] 1. 1A charging system 10. 10A charging device 20. 20A charging device body 30 Position adjustment part 311 Frame member 312 First slide member 313 Second slide member 40 Holding part 41 Through hole 42, 42 Holding member 421, 421 Mounting member 53 Charging circuit 60 Power tool 62 Head part 71 Motor 72 Drive circuit 80, 80A Battery pack 88 Solid-state battery 100 Compatible unit 101 Control unit 101a Detection unit 101b Switch control unit 102 Switch 111 Top surface (first surface) 112 Bottom surface (second surface) 113 First side surface 113a Front surface (third surface) 200 Connector part 300 External charger 400 Power outlet CB1, CB2 Wire PS1 External power supply TA1 Power supply terminal TA2 First communication terminal TB1 Power receiving terminal TB2 Second communication terminal TP1 First power terminal TP2 Second power terminal TP3 Third power terminal TP4 Fourth power terminal DR1 First direction DR2 Second direction L1, L2 Length of frame members θ1, θ2 Angle between the first direction and the second direction

Claims

1. A charging system comprising: a battery pack capable of supplying power to the drive circuit of an electric tool having a motor and a drive circuit for driving the motor; a charging device body having a power supply terminal portion connected to a charging circuit capable of receiving power from an external power source and supplying a charging current to the battery pack, and charging the battery pack; a holding portion for holding the head portion that houses the motor in the electric tool; and a position adjustment portion that mechanically connects the holding portion and the charging device body, and is capable of adjusting at least one of the length between the charging device body and the holding portion and the angle of the charging device body with respect to the holding portion.

2. The charging system according to claim 1, wherein the position adjustment unit comprises a frame member having a longitudinal shape extending in one direction, a first slide member attached to the first end of the frame member and configured to slide relative to the frame member in the one direction, and a second slide member attached to the second end of the frame member and configured to slide relative to the frame member in the one direction, the holding unit being attached to the first slide member, the charging device body being attached to the second slide member, and the length between the charging device body and the holding unit being the longitudinal length of the frame member.

3. The charging system according to claim 2, wherein the battery pack has a power receiving terminal portion that can be connected to the power supply terminal portion, the power supply terminal portion is provided on the connection surface with the power receiving terminal portion, and the angle of the charging device body with respect to the holding portion is the angle between the longitudinal direction of the frame member and the direction normal to the connection surface.

4. The charging system according to claim 2, further comprising a corresponding unit having a power receiving terminal that can be connected to the power supply terminal, wherein the charging device body charges the battery pack via the corresponding unit, the power supply terminal is provided on the connection surface with the power receiving terminal, and the angle of the charging device body with respect to the holding portion is the angle between the longitudinal direction of the frame member and the direction normal to the connection surface.

5. The charging system according to claim 4, wherein the corresponding unit has a first surface which is connected to the battery pack, a second surface which is connected to the power tool, a third surface which is connected to the charging device body, a first power terminal portion provided on the first surface, and a second power terminal portion provided on the second surface, and the third surface is provided with the power receiving terminal portion, and the power of the battery pack is supplied to the drive circuit of the power tool via a discharge circuit which electrically connects the first power terminal portion and the second power terminal portion, and the charging current is supplied to the battery pack via a charging circuit which electrically connects the first power terminal portion and the power receiving terminal portion.

6. The charging system according to claim 5, wherein the corresponding unit further comprises: a detection unit that detects that the power receiving terminal and the power supply terminal are electrically connected and in a rechargeable state; a switch that switches between a rechargeable connection state in which the first power terminal is electrically connected to the power receiving terminal and a discharge connection state in which the first power terminal is electrically connected to the second power terminal; and a control unit that controls the switch, wherein the control unit controls the switch to switch from the discharge connection state to the rechargeable state when the detection unit detects that the device is in a rechargeable state, and the control unit controls the switch to switch from the rechargeable connection state to the discharge connection state when the detection unit does not detect that the device is in a rechargeable state.

7. The charging system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising an external charger having the charging circuit, wherein the charging device body further has a connector portion configured to be connectable to the external charger, and the charging circuit outputs the charging current to the power supply terminal portion via the connector portion connected to the external charger.

8. The charging system according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the frame member is configured to be detachable from the first slide member and detachable from the second slide member.

9. The charging system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the holding portion is provided with a through hole, and the holding portion holds the power tool by inserting at least a part of the head portion into the through hole.

10. The charging system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the holding portion is configured to be detachably attached to the position adjustment portion.

11. The charging system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the battery pack comprises an all-solid-state battery.

12. A charging device comprising the charging device body, the holding part, and the position adjustment part, which are part of the charging system according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. A corresponding unit comprising the charging system according to any one of claims 4 to 7.

14. A battery pack comprising the charging system according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

15. A power tool comprising a battery pack that is detachable from the charging system according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

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