Patent Application
20220123571
The subject matter described herein relates to battery-operated power tools and associated adapters. More particularly, the subject matter described herein relates to a device for adapting an external control device to a battery-operated power tool.
A battery-operated power tool typically constitutes a cordless hand-held device that is designed to draw electrical energy from a battery unit power source to power the device's motor. Actuation of a battery-operated power tool is usually conducted by depressing a power tool's integrated activation trigger via the operator's finger(s) or hand. Likewise, ceasing actuation of a battery-operated power tool is typically achieved by releasing the power tool's activation trigger. Notably, most handheld cordless power tool devices requires one or two hands to be properly operated by a user. As such, certain work applications that need an operator's manual attention (e.g., pulling cable in conduit) can prove to be problematic and difficult to accomplish when the work task also requires the simultaneous operation of the battery-operated power tool.
Accordingly, there exists a need for a device for adapting an external control device to a battery-operated power tool.
In some embodiments, the disclosed subject matter includes an adapter device that comprises an adapter housing that includes a primary side for interfacing a battery unit and a secondary side for interfacing with a power tool device. The adapter device further includes an external control device that is coupled to the adapter housing via a wired connection, wherein activation of the external control device permits the adapter housing to control the supply of electrical power from the battery unit to the power tool device.
According to another aspect of the subject matter described herein, an adapter device wherein the external control device includes a foot pedal switch. According to another aspect of the subject matter described herein, an adapter device wherein the adapter housing supplies the electrical power from the battery unit to the power tool when the external control device is activated.
According to another aspect of the subject matter described herein, an adapter device wherein the secondary side of the adapter housing includes rail elements for interfacing slot channels of the battery unit.
According to another aspect of the subject matter described herein, an adapter device wherein the secondary side of the adapter housing includes slot channels for interfacing rail elements of the battery unit.
According to another aspect of the subject matter described herein, an adapter device wherein the primary side of the adapter housing includes rail elements for interfacing slot channels positioned on a terminal end of the power tool device.
According to another aspect of the subject matter described herein, an adapter device wherein the primary side of the adapter housing includes rail elements for interfacing slot channels positioned on a terminal end of the power tool device.
According to another aspect of the subject matter described herein, an adapter device wherein the adapter housing includes internal electrical connections that connect electrode terminals of the battery unit to terminal connections of the power tool device.
According to another aspect of the subject matter described herein, an adapter device wherein the power tool device is associated with a first manufacturer tool platform and the battery unit is associated with a second manufacturer tool platform.
According to another aspect of the subject matter described herein, an adapter device wherein the adapter housing includes internal electrical connections that directly connects a negative electrode of the battery unit to a negative terminal contact of the power tool device.
According to another aspect of the subject matter described herein, an adapter device wherein the adapter housing includes internal electrical connections that directly connects a positive electrode of the battery unit to a positive terminal contact of the power tool device
According to another aspect of the subject matter described herein, an adapter device wherein the adapter housing includes internal electrical connections that connects a positive electrode of the battery unit to a first conductive wire connected to the external control device and connects a positive terminal contact of the power tool device to second conductive wire connected to the external control device, wherein the first conductive wire and the second conductive wire are electrically coupled by a switch mechanism that is engaged when the external control device is actuated.
According to another aspect of the subject matter described herein, an adapter device wherein an activation switch of the power tool device is configured to remain in an activated position.
According to another aspect of the subject matter described herein, an adapter device wherein the activation switch is retained in a depressed position via a restraining device.
The subject matter described herein will now be explained with reference to the accompanying drawings of which:
The subject matter described herein relates to an adapter device for coupling an external control device to a battery-operated power tool. In some embodiments, the disclosed subject matter relates to an adapter device that can be attached to a battery-operated power tool (e.g., a hand-held drill) such that a user is permitted to operate the tool using an external switch or control device. For example, the adapter device may be designed to be positioned in between a “bare” battery-operated power tool and its corresponding battery unit for the purpose of attaching the external control device (e.g., foot pedal switch) to the battery-operated power tool unit. The premise of this configuration is to allow the assembled battery-operated power tool to be actuated by an operator via the use of this external control device in certain use cases. For example, there are several different scenarios where utilizing the battery-operated power tool's activator switch (e.g., finger trigger) may not be ideal, such as pulling lengths of cable through conduit. Moreover, the disclosed adapter device can be configured to function with any brand of battery-operated power tool provided that the adapter device is configured to receive both the battery unit and power tool body, thereby establishing a connection.
As shown in
More specifically,
At present, most battery-operated power tools are configured in such a manner that the battery unit is easily removable from the bare power tool for charging and replacing. In many cases, battery-operated power tools are configured and/or equipped with an interlock mechanism that facilitates the ease of removal and interchangeability of the battery unit. For example, one implementation of this interlock mechanism includes a slide design where the battery unit is inserted into the bare power tool via a slot channel that is formed on the terminal end of the bare power tool. Notably, the battery unit can be configured with a notched or rail element that can be received by the slot channel (e.g., rail-like slide) of the bare power tool. Once the battery unit is interfaced and engaged with the bare power tool using the rail like slide (i.e., interlocking the rail element with the matching slot channel), the battery unit can be retained and secured to the bare power tool using a latch mechanism included on the battery unit (e.g., latch mechanism 116 in
In other embodiments, a cylindrical shaped battery unit can be inserted into a hollow cylindrical receiver tube located on the bare power tool (e.g., terminal end 118 or bottom end of the power tool). Once inserted and positioned securely in the hollow cylindrical receiver tube, the battery unit can be securely retained using a latch mechanism on either the battery unit or the terminal end 118 of the bare power tool.
Notably, the latching mechanisms described above can be used to engage and subsequently release the battery unit from the bare power tool via a mechanical push button that is attached to either the bare power tool or the battery unit itself. Regardless of the implementation, the interlock mechanism serves two functions. First, the interlock mechanism is configured to align the electrical contacts of the battery unit with the electrical contacts of the bare power tool. As such, this alignment of electrical contacts ensures a smooth and proper connection. The interlock mechanism also serves to retain this proper electrical connection between the battery unit and the bare tool device once attained. Similarly, the interlock mechanism secures the battery unit to the bare power tool to ensure proper retention of the battery unit during the normal use and operation of the battery-operated power tool. With regard to the subject matter disclosed herein, the described adapter device includes a primary side (e.g., a tool facing side) and a secondary side (e.g., a battery facing side) that are configured to utilize the interlock mechanism of the battery unit and the bare power tool. In particular, the adapter device disclosed herein is configured to leverage the existing interlocking mechanisms positioned in between the battery unit and the bare power tool.
In some embodiments, bare power tool 102 usually connects to battery unit 104 via a slide and latch mechanism, wherein the latch release (e.g., latching mechanism 116) is implemented into the battery unit housing. Adapter device 106 is therefore appropriately formed and configured to receive battery unit 104 on the secondary side 140 (shown in
In some embodiments, battery unit 104 of a battery-operated power tool needs a minimum of two electrical terminal contacts between bare power tool 102 and battery unit 104 (e.g., a positive terminal and negative terminal). Many functioning power tools will create an electrical connection between these two contacts of the battery unit and bare power tool and utilize a simple switch (e.g., a finger trigger on a power hand drill, such as activation switch 112 in
Similarly,
Returning to
Likewise, the positive terminals associated with the primary side 130 and secondary side 140 of adapter device 106 can be electrically connected within the adapter housing in such a manner that external control device 108 (e.g., a foot operated switch) can be introduced and incorporated into the electrical circuit connection. Specifically, the electrical connection is configured in such a way that bare power tool 102 can be controlled by the external control device 108. For example, positive terminal 136 of the primary side 130 of adapter device 106 can be connected via wired connection 110 to a first terminal contact of external control device 108 (e.g., foot control switch) while the second terminal contact of external control device 108 is connected via wired connection 110 to positive terminal 146 on the secondary side 140 of adapter device 106. Consequently, the insertion of adapter device 106 in between bare power tool 102 and battery unit 104 results in external control device 108 being introduced and integrated into the electrical circuit of the entire assembled battery-operated power tool 100 via the positive terminals.
In particular, the positive electrode of battery unit 104 establishes contact with positive terminal 146 on the secondary side 140 to complete the aforementioned electrical circuit. In some embodiments, positive terminal 146 on the adapter housing is electronically connected to a first conductive wire (e.g., copper wiring) sheathed in connection 110, which runs to connection terminals of external control device 108. Likewise, a second conductive wire sheathed in connection 110 exits external control device 108 and connects to positive terminal 136 of adapter device 106, which can be used to establish contact directly to a positive terminal contact of bare power tool 102. As such, external control device 108 can be inserted into the assembled power tool's electrical circuit via the wiring included in connection 110 and the aforementioned positive terminals.
In some embodiments, an external restraining device, which may be configured to constantly depress the activation switch 112 (e.g., finger trigger) of the assembled battery-operated power tool 100, can be utilized in conjunction with the disclosed subject matter. Namely, by using a restraining device to constantly depress activation switch 112, actuation of external control device 108 (e.g., stepping on a foot pedal switch to close the electrical circuit of assembled battery-operated power tool 100) becomes the sole means by which activation and operation of assembled battery-operated power tool 100 is accomplished.
In some embodiments, more complex battery unit platforms can include more terminal contacts than the disclosed positive terminal and negative terminal. For example, these additional contact terminals can be included to facilitate additional functions pertaining to the operation and maintenance of the battery unit, such as charge monitoring, temperature monitoring, data transfer, and the like. In many cases, it is important for any adapter device to facilitate these additional functions in order for the battery-operated power tool to function properly. For example, the example battery unit 104 shown in
In some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, an external foot pedal switch (e.g., as an example of external control device 108), adapter device 106 can be configured in several different ways. For example, the charging contact may be omitted from adapter device 106 since this contact is not utilized during the operation of assembled battery-operated power tool 100. Moreover, similar to negative terminals 138 and 148 (as described above), the battery health contacts of adapter device 106 can be wired directly together from the primary side 130 of adapter device 106 to the secondary side 140 via electrical connections that are internal to the adapter housing.
Further, as indicated above, positive terminal 136 from the primary side 130 may be connected to a first end or terminal of external control device 108 via a first wire of connection 110. Similarly, the second end or terminal of external control device 108 can be connected to the positive terminal 146 of the secondary side 140 of the adapter device 106 via a second wire of connection 110. Therefore, insertion of the adapter device 106 between bare power tool 102 and battery unit 104 results in a direct connection of the negative terminals and the battery health contacts (e.g., via internal connections in the adapter housing), while the wiring of the external foot pedal switch is inserted into the electrical circuit of the assembled battery-operated power tool 100 via positive terminals 136 and 146 and wired connection 110. With the aid of an external restraining device that is configured to depress the power tool's integrated actuation switch (e.g., activation switch 112), assembled battery-operated power tool 100 can be actuated by a foot pedal switch (e.g., external control device 108).
While the examples provided herein demonstrate the manner in which the disclosed adapter device 106 may allow an assembled battery-operated power tool 100 to be controlled by a remote means (i.e., not utilizing the power tool's activation finger trigger to turn the power tool on and off), the described applications are not limited solely to remote actuation. Further possible applications of adapter device 106 may include the incorporation of external sensors to the battery-operated power tool for purposes of monitoring and controlling the supply of electrical power to the power tool (or prevent power being supplied to the power tool) when certain conditions are met (or failed to be met). Namely, the adapter can be adapted to control the supply of electrical power by either being configured to providing power or denying/ceasing power to the power tool upon activation.
In some instances, one possible application may include an external accelerometer that can be utilized to kill or stop the electrical power supplied by battery unit 104 if adapter device 106 experiences a sudden change in orientation (e.g. a “kick”). Likewise, adapter device 106 can be configured with an external timer mechanism to establish and control the duration of certain processes. The external timer mechanism can also be used to predefine a time period that may limit an operator to exposure of harmful vibrations that are generated by the use of the battery-operated power tool. In some embodiments, adapter device 106 can be further configured to include the incorporation of an operator-presence control mechanism that ensures the assembled battery-operated power tool 100 is not unintentionally actuated.
The battery-operated power tool market has seen a significant increase in popularity in recent years, with many power tool manufacturers striving for market share. In an attempt to accomplish this goal, these power tool companies have designed their power tools around a common battery “platform”. Namely, a manufacturer's battery platform affords each of the manufacturer's bare power tools on the platform the ability to freely interchange batteries with other bare power tools designed on the same platform. These platforms are often designed such that the manufacturer's power tools and batteries are not easily interchangeable with the power tools and batteries adhering to the competing manufacturers' platforms. This is often accomplished by designing and configuring the interlock mechanism to simply not fit or be compatible with a competitor's interlock mechanism, battery unit, and/or the bare power tool's terminal end.
In some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, the adapter device is configured to allow an operator user to control a battery-operated power tool by means of an external control device and an equivalent battery from a platform that is different from a platform of the bare power tool. Similar to the example given above, a first side (e.g., primary side) of the adapter device can be appropriately adapted to be accepted by the power tool of a first power tool platform. Likewise, the second side (e.g., secondary side) of the adapter device is then appropriately configured to receive a battery unit of a different platform (e.g., a second power tool platform), with the appropriate electrical connection for the battery unit and external control device. Upon being received by the terminal end of the power tool, the adapter device is configured to establish the appropriate electrical connections for the bare power tool to interface with the external control device and the battery unit of the different/second power tool platform.
With the aid of an external restraining device that is configured to depress the power tool's integrated actuation switch (e.g., trigger or activation switch 112) and thereby electrically close switch 112, assembled battery-operated power tool 100 can be actuated by a foot pedal switch (e.g., external control device 108). Notably, external control device 108 can be configured to open (or close) electrical switch 153 upon being depressed, thereby controlling the supply of electrical power from battery unit 104 to a tool motor controller 158 in power tool 102. For example, external control device 108 can be configured in such a manner that the act of depressing (e.g., stepping on) external control device 108 can electrically close switch 153, thereby completing the electrical circuit that is collectively enabled by the assembly of power tool 102, adapter device 106, and battery unit 104. Such a configuration would provide or enable the supply of electrical power to power tool 102 when the external control device 108 is depressed. Alternatively, external control device 108 can be configured in such a manner that the act of depressing (e.g., stepping on) external control device 108 can electrically open switch 153, thereby opening or “breaking” the electrical circuit that is collectively enabled by the assembly of power tool 102, adapter device 106, and battery unit 104. Such a configuration would deny the supply of electrical power to power tool 102 when the external control device 108 is depressed.
It will be understood that various details of the presently disclosed subject matter may be changed without departing from the scope of the presently disclosed subject matter. Furthermore, the foregoing description is for the purpose of illustration only, and not for the purpose of limitation.
