Battery Pack Terminal Arrangement for Compact Power Tool Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing battery packs for power tools have a large spacing between positive and negative terminals due to the inclusion of signal connectors, making it difficult to create a compact battery-mounting part on the power tool, as these connectors are unnecessary when connected to the power tool but essential for charging.
Innovation Solution
The battery pack design positions the electric-power terminals and signal terminals in a parallel, orthogonal configuration, minimizing their length and spacing to prevent short circuits while allowing for compactness, and includes charging-dedicated signal terminals on the outer side when connected to a charger, optimizing terminal placement and reducing manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If signal connectors are provided between the positive terminal and the negative terminal in the battery pack, then charging communication function is improved, but the spacing between terminals increases making the battery-mounting part non-compact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the signal connector from a lateral arrangement between terminals to a longitudinal arrangement along the sliding direction. The connector is placed at the rear end of the battery pack, extending in the sliding direction, which allows charging communication functionality while maintaining compact terminal spacing in the width direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery pack's terminal and connector arrangement is segmented into functional zones: power terminals (positive and negative) are positioned at the front for power tool connection, while the signal connector is positioned at the rear for charging communication. This spatial segmentation allows each component to perform its function without interfering with the compactness requirements of the other.
2Area of stationary object
If the spacing between positive terminal and negative terminal is reduced for compactness, then the battery-mounting part becomes more compact, but the risk of short circuit increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an insulating structure that acts as an intermediary between the positive and negative terminals. This insulating structure includes insulating ribs that extend between the terminals, providing physical separation and electrical insulation. The insulating ribs maintain adequate spacing between the terminals, preventing short circuits while allowing the battery-mounting part to remain compact.
3Adaptability or versatility
If signal connectors are positioned between the terminals, then charging function is maintained, but wiring complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rear portion of the battery pack serves multiple functions: it houses the signal connector for charging communication, provides structural support for the terminal arrangement, and maintains the insulating barrier between power terminals. This multi-functional design simplifies the overall wiring architecture by consolidating functions in the rear region rather than requiring separate wiring paths throughout the battery pack.
Data Source
AI summary
A battery pack (30) is configured to couple to a power tool (10) by sliding in a sliding direction and it contains a plurality of cells (31). A pair of battery-side, electric-power terminals (312a, 312b, 314a, 314b) and a battery-side signal terminal (313) can be electrically connected to a pair of tool-side, power-supply terminals (212, 214) and a tool-side signal terminal (213), respectively, which are provided on the power tool (10). The pair of battery-side, electric-power terminals (312a, 312b, 314a, 314b) and the battery-side signal terminal (313) are disposed in parallel adjacently in a direction that intersects the sliding direction.