Power tool battery pack receptacle

A battery pack receptacle includes a cavity that is defined by a first wall, a second wall, an intermediate wall coupled between the first wall and the second wall, an insertion end, and a closed end opposite the insertion end along an insertion axis of the battery pack. The receptacle includes a rail coupled to the first wall and extending between the insertion end and the closed end. The rail defines a guide surface. A groove is defined between the intermediate wall and the guide surface of the rail. The groove has a lateral wall coupled between the intermediate wall and the guide surface of the rail. A contact surface is defined adjacent the rail, along the lateral wall, or at the insertion end is configured to engage a mating contact surface of the battery pack to tighten the connection between the battery pack and the battery pack receptacle.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to a power tools, and more particularly to power tools including a battery pack receptacle for receiving a battery pack.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Various embodiments discussed herein improve the fit between a battery pack and a battery pack receptacle of a power tool.

In one embodiment, a power tool battery pack receptacle includes a cavity in which a portion of a battery pack is receivable. The cavity is defined in part by a first wall, a second wall, an intermediate wall coupled between the first wall and the second wall, an insertion end, and a closed end opposite the insertion end along an insertion axis of the battery pack. The receptacle further includes a rail coupled to the first wall and extending between the insertion end and the closed end. The rail defines a guide surface. A groove is defined between the intermediate wall and the guide surface of the rail. The groove has a lateral wall coupled between the intermediate wall and the guide surface of the rail. A contact surface defined adjacent the rail, along the lateral wall, or at the insertion end is configured to engage a mating contact surface of the battery pack to tighten the connection between the battery pack and the battery pack receptacle.

In another embodiment, a power tool battery pack receptacle includes a cavity in which a portion of a battery pack is receivable. The cavity is defined in part by a first wall, a second wall, an intermediate wall coupled between the first wall and the second wall, an insertion end, and a closed end opposite the insertion end along an insertion axis of the battery pack. The receptacle further includes a rail coupled to the first wall and extending between the insertion end and the closed end. The rail defines a guide surface. A groove is defined between the intermediate wall and the guide surface of the rail. The groove has a lateral wall coupled between the intermediate wall and the guide surface of the rail. The receptacle also includes means positioned with or adjacent the cavity for engaging and clamping one or more surfaces of the battery pack to tighten the connection between the battery pack and the battery pack receptacle.

In another embodiment, a power tool battery pack receptacle includes a cavity in which a portion of a battery pack is receivable. The cavity is defined in part by a first wall, a second wall, an intermediate wall coupled between the first wall and the second wall, an insertion end, and a closed end opposite the insertion end along an insertion axis of the battery pack. The receptacle further includes a rail coupled to the first wall and extending between the insertion end and the closed end. The rail defines a guide surface. A groove is defined between the intermediate wall and the guide surface of the rail. The groove has a lateral wall coupled between the intermediate wall and the guide surface of the rail. A lever is positioned adjacent the insertion end and pivotally coupled adjacent the first wall for engaging and clamping one or more surfaces of the battery pack to tighten a connection between the battery pack and the battery pack receptacle.

In another embodiment, a power tool battery pack receptacle includes a cavity in which a portion of a battery pack is receivable. The cavity is defined in part by a first wall, a second wall, an intermediate wall coupled between the first wall and the second wall, an insertion end, and a closed end opposite the insertion end along an insertion axis of the battery pack. The receptacle further includes a rail coupled to the first wall and extending between the insertion end and the closed end. The rail defines a guide surface. A groove is defined between the intermediate wall and the guide surface of the rail. The groove has a lateral wall coupled between the intermediate wall and the guide surface of the rail. A spring-biased insert is positioned adjacent the closed end.

In another embodiment, a power tool battery pack receptacle includes a cavity in which a portion of a battery pack is receivable. The cavity is defined in part by a first wall, a second wall, an intermediate wall coupled between the first wall and the second wall, an insertion end, and a closed end opposite the insertion end along an insertion axis of the battery pack. The receptacle further includes a rail coupled to the first wall and extending between the insertion end and the closed end. The rail defines a guide surface. A groove is defined between the intermediate wall and the guide surface of the rail. The groove has a lateral wall coupled between the intermediate wall and the guide surface of the rail. One or more deflectable beams are coupled to and extend from the first wall through an opening in the rail. Each of the one or more beams has a free end spaced apart from the first wall, a first tapered surface extending in the direction of the groove, and a second tapered surface extending in the direction of the groove and intersecting the first tapered surface.

In another embodiment, a power tool battery pack receptacle includes a cavity in which a portion of a battery pack is receivable. The cavity is defined in part by a first wall, a second wall, an intermediate wall coupled between the first wall and the second wall, an insertion end, and a closed end opposite the insertion end along an insertion axis of the battery pack. The receptacle further includes a rail coupled to the first wall and extending between the insertion end and the closed end. The rail defines a guide surface. A groove is defined between the intermediate wall and the guide surface of the rail. The groove has a lateral wall coupled between the intermediate wall and the guide surface of the rail. A slug is coupled to and extends from the first wall, the slug being positioned adjacent the closed end.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS.1and2illustrate a power tool10including an electric motor14(shown schematically in broken lines) located within a housing18. The housing18includes a handle22that has an actuator26(e.g., a button or trigger) operable to activate the motor14. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing22includes a first housing portion30(e.g., a first clamshell half) that defines a first side34of the tool10and a second housing portion38(e.g., a second clamshell half) that defines a second side42of the tool10. The first housing portion30is coupled (e.g., by fasteners or the like) to the second housing portion38to enclose the motor14. In other embodiments, the housing18may have other suitable configurations. Each housing portion30,38is formed of plastic; however, in some embodiments, the housing portions30,38may be formed of other materials. The handle22includes at least one grip surface configured to be grasped by a user. In the illustrated embodiment, the power tool10is an impact wrench. When the trigger26is actuated, the motor14causes a drive mechanism (not shown) to move or rotate a working element46. The power tool10illustrated herein is merely exemplary. In other embodiments, the power tool10may be configured as any of number of different tools.

With continued reference toFIGS.1and2, the housing18supports and/or retains a battery pack60, which supplies electrical power to the motor14. As shown inFIG.3, in the illustrated embodiment, the battery pack60is a slide-on-type battery pack60including a housing70having a longitudinal axis A and a rail and groove structure on opposite sides of the housing70. That is, a first rail74and a first groove78extend along at least a portion of a length of the housing70on a first side. Similarly, although not shown, a second rail74and a second groove78extend along at least a portion of the length of the housing70on a second side opposite the first side. Additionally, the battery pack60includes a latch mechanism having first and second latches90(only one of which is shown) and first and second latch actuators94(only one of which is shown). The first latch90and the first latch actuator94are the first side of the housing70. Similarly, the second latch90and the second latch actuator94are the second side of the housing70. The first and second latch actuators90are movable together in a direction toward the longitudinal axis A to move the respective first and second latch90between a locking position in which the respective latch90extends from the housing70and a release position in which the respective latch90is at least partially retracted within the housing70. The battery pack60further includes a terminal block (not shown) that is positioned within the housing70. The terminal block supports battery pack terminals (not shown), each of which is accessible through openings (not shown) in the housing70. The terminals are in electrical communication with a plurality of battery cells (not shown) and a battery controller (not shown).

The battery pack60may be configured having any of a number of different voltages (e.g., 4 volts, 12 volts, 18 volts, and/or the like) depending upon the range of applications of the power tool10and may utilize any of a number of different chemistries (e.g., lithium-ion, nickel-cadmium, and/or the like). The battery pack60is also removable from the housing18for charging by a separate battery pack charger. The battery pack60may also be interchangeable with a variety of other power tools (e.g., saws, flashlights, drivers, and/or the like) to supply power to the power tools.

As shown inFIG.2, the housing18includes a battery pack receptacle110that defines a cavity116for removably receiving a portion of the battery pack60. In the illustrated embodiment, the battery pack receptacle110is formed with or adjacent the handle22. The battery pack receptacle110includes first wall120and a second wall124extending from opposite sides of a third intermediate wall128. A fourth wall132is coupled to the third wall128and positioned between the first wall120and the second wall124. The fourth wall124defines a closed end of the battery pack receptacle110. A terminal block (not shown) is supported by the third wall128adjacent the fourth wall132. The terminal block includes electrical terminals (not shown) that are configured to mate with the terminals of the battery pack60. An insertion end of the battery pack receptacle110is positioned opposite the fourth wall132. The cavity116defines an insertion axis B between the first wall120and the second wall124(FIG.1).

As shown inFIG.2, the first housing portion30defines a first side of the battery pack receptacle110and the second housing portion38defines a second side of the battery pack receptacle110. Accordingly, the first housing portion30includes a portion of each of the first wall120, the third wall128, and the fourth wall132and the second housing portion38includes a portion of each of the second wall124, the third wall128, and the fourth wall132.

Further with respect toFIGS.7,23, and24, a first rail160is coupled to the first wall120and extends along at least a portion of a length between the insertion end and the closed end, and a second rail160is coupled to the second wall124and extends along at least a portion of a length between the insertion end and the closed end. A first groove170is defined between the first rail160and the third wall128, and a second groove170is defined between the second rail170and the third wall128. The first rail160of the power tool10is configured to be received within the first groove78of the battery pack60, while the first groove170of the power tool is configured to receive the first rail74of the battery pack60. The second rail160of the power tool10is configured to be received within the second groove78of the battery pack60, while the second groove170of the power tool10is configured to receive a second rail74of the battery pack60. Each of the first and second rails160defines a guide surface184(FIG.7) for the respective rails74of the battery pack60. With respect toFIG.7in particular, a first lateral wall190of the first groove170is positioned between the third wall128and the guide surface184of the first rail160, and similarly, the second lateral wall190of the second groove is positioned between the third wall128and the guide surface184of the second rail160. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the first and second lateral walls190are positioned at substantially perpendicular angles with respect to the third wall128and the guide surfaces184of the respective rails160. The first wall120includes a first latch-receiving groove180(shown inFIGS.4and23) configured to receive the first latch90and the second wall124includes a second latch-receiving groove180(shown inFIG.4) configured to receive the second latch90. In the illustrated embodiments, the first and second latch-receiving grooves180are positioned between the insertion end and the respective first and second rails74.

Because power tools, such as that shown inFIGS.1and2, are becoming more powerful and being used in harsher conditions, the connection between the power tool10and the battery pack60may deteriorate over time. In particular, vibration, shocks, and tool drops contribute to increased clearance between the battery pack60and the battery pack receptacle110.FIGS.4-25illustrate battery pack receptacles110that improve the connection between the power tool and the battery pack60and increase the life of the power tool10.

FIGS.4-12illustrate embodiments in which the contact surfaces between the battery pack receptacle110and the battery pack60help to reduce movement between the battery pack60and the battery pack receptacle110.

In the embodiment ofFIGS.4-6, the battery pack receptacle110includes a first angled or tapered surface200and a second angled or tapered surface200. The first angled surface200extends between the first wall120and the third wall128, and the second angled surface200extends between the second wall124and the third wall128. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the first and second angled surfaces200are positioned adjacent the respective first and second latch-receiving grooves180. With respect toFIG.4, each of the angled surfaces200defines a plane P1that is oriented at a non-perpendicular and non-parallel (i.e., oblique) angle204relative to a plane P2defined by the third wall128. As shown, the first and second angled surfaces200are each positioned adjacent the insertion end such that they are configured to engage with the respective first and second latches90when the battery pack60is coupled to the battery pack receptacle110. As the latches90move outward (e.g., away from the longitudinal axis A), each of the first and second angled surfaces200push the respective first and second latches90and the battery pack60itself in a first direction208(e.g., downwards), which increases friction between the battery pack60and tool rails74, and thus reduces relative movement between the battery pack60and the power tool10during use. Specifically, and with respect toFIG.6, the angled surfaces200of the battery pack receptacle110control the pitch (e.g., rotational movement about a horizontal axis) of the battery pack60relative to the battery pack receptacle110.

In the embodiments ofFIGS.7-9, the first and second grooves170of a battery pack receptacle110according to another embodiment are shown in greater detail. In particular, the first lateral wall190defines a first contact surface and the second lateral wall190defines a second contact surface. Each of the first and second lateral walls190of the groove170extend substantially the length of the respective groove170. When the battery pack60is coupled to the power tool10, the first contact surface of the first lateral wall190is configured to engage a first lateral wall220of the first rail74of the battery pack60and the second contact surface of the second lateral wall190is configured to engage a second lateral wall (not shown) of the second rail74of the battery pack60. Each of the first and second lateral walls190of the groove170extend substantially the length of the respective first and second lateral walls220of the rails74of the battery pack60. The first and second contact surfaces contrast conventional contact surfaces between the battery pack receptacle110and the battery pack60. That is, as shown inFIGS.7-8, traditionally, the lateral walls224of each of the first rails160of the battery pack receptacle110contact the lateral walls228of the first and second grooves78of the battery pack60. However, by making the contact surfaces between the lateral walls190of the grooves170of the battery pack receptacle110and the lateral walls220of the rails74of the battery pack60, the yaw movement (e.g., rotational movement about a vertical axis) of the battery pack60relative to the battery pack receptacle110can be reduced (FIG.9). This is because the length of engagement between lateral walls190of the grooves170of the battery pack receptacle110and the lateral walls220of the battery pack rails74is increased as compared to the length of engagement between the lateral walls224of the rails160of the battery pack receptacle110and the lateral walls228of the battery pack grooves78.

In the embodiments ofFIGS.10-12, a battery pack receptacle110according to another embodiment is shown in greater detail. In particular, as shown inFIG.10, the insertion end of the battery pack receptacle110defines a contact surface or face240. That is, the contact surface240is defined by a portion of each of the first wall120, the second wall124, and the third wall128that make up the insertion end. When the battery pack60is coupled to the power tool10, the contact surface244of the insertion end is configured to engage a contact surface244of the battery pack60that is adjacent a front end of the battery pack60. In particular, the contact surface244of the battery pack60is adjacent the latch90, the latch actuators94, or both. Defining the contact surface240at the insertion end of the power tool10contrasts conventional contact between the battery pack receptacle110and the battery pack60. That is, as shown inFIG.11, traditionally, the contact surface (not shown) of the battery pack receptacle110is adjacent the fourth wall132of the battery pack receptacle110(e.g., at the closed end of the battery pack receptacle110) such that the rear of the battery pack60defines the mating contact surface248. However, by making the contact surface240,244between the insertion end of the battery pack receptacle110and the battery pack60, the fore-aft movement along arrow316(e.g., movement parallel to the insertion axis B) of the battery pack60relative to the battery pack receptacle110can be reduced. This is because a larger radius is defined from an axis of rotation but the same linear distance is maintained thereby decreasing the potential angle of rotation.

FIGS.13-25illustrate embodiments in which the battery pack receptacles110each include an auxiliary mechanism positioned within or adjacent the battery pack receptacle110that reduces movement between the battery pack60and the battery pack receptacle110.

In the embodiments ofFIGS.13-20, the battery pack receptacle110includes one or more movable (e.g., pivotable) levers250,280. In the embodiment illustrated inFIGS.13-15, the one or more levers250are adjacent the insertion end and configured to engage the latches90. As shown, a first lever250is movably (e.g., pivotably) coupled adjacent the first wall120and a second lever250is movably (e.g., pivotably) coupled adjacent the second wall124. The first lever250is positioned in or adjacent the first latch-receiving groove180and the second lever250is positioned in or adjacent the second latch-receiving groove180. Each of the first and second levers250has a body that has a first leg254and a second leg258that intersects the first leg254. The first leg254and the second leg258of each of the first and second levers250intersect at a non-parallel angle, which in the illustrated embodiment is a perpendicular angle or an acute angle. The first lever250is pivotably coupled to either the first wall120or the third wall128by a first pin262, and the second lever250is pivotable coupled to either the second wall124or the third wall128by a second pin262. The first pin262and the second pin262each extend through an area adjacent the intersection between the respective first and second legs254,258, and define an axis C about which the respective lever250is pivotable. Although not shown, each of the first and second levers250may include a biasing mechanism (e.g., a spring).

Each of the levers250is movable between a first position in which the respective first leg254is spaced apart from the respective first and second wall120,124by a first distance and a second position in which the first leg254is spaced apart from the respective first and second wall120,124by a second distance that is less than the first distance. In some embodiments, the first leg254may in fact be in contact with the respective first and second wall120,124in the second position. Regardless, the first leg254is closer to the respective first and second wall120,124in the second position than in the first position. Moreover, as shown, the levers250pivot in opposite directions as they move between the first position and the second position. That is, when viewed from the insertion end of the battery pack receptacle110, the first lever250moves counterclockwise about the axis C and the second lever250moves clockwise about the axis C.

When the battery pack60is inserted into the battery pack receptacle110and the latches90move outward (e.g., away from the insertion axis) into the respective first and second latch-receiving grooves180, the latches90move the respective first and second levers250from the first to the second position. Additionally, as the latches90move outward and the levers250move from the first position to the second position, the second leg258of each of the levers250presses down onto a top wall or surface266of the battery pack60to secure the power tool to the battery pack60. Specifically, as the first latch90moves outward, the first lever250moves (e.g., pivots) counterclockwise about the axis C such that the leg258of the first lever250presses down onto a top wall or surface266. Similarly, as the second latch90moves outward, the second lever250moves (e.g., pivots) clockwise about the axis C such that the second leg258of the second lever250presses in the first direction208(e.g., downwards) onto the top wall or surface266.

In the embodiment ofFIGS.16-20, the battery pack receptacle110has one or more levers280that are adjacent the closed end and configured to engage opposite sides of the battery pack60. As shown, a first lever280is movably (e.g., pivotably) coupled adjacent the first wall120and a second lever280is movably (e.g., pivotably) coupled adjacent the second wall124. In the illustrated embodiment, at least a portion of each of the levers280may be positioned in and supported by an opening278that extends along the length of each of the rails160of the battery pack receptacle110. Each of the first and second levers280includes a body that has a first end284(e.g., coupling end), a second end288(e.g., clamping end) that is opposite the first end284, and longitudinal axis D extends between the first end284and the second end288. As shown, for each of the levers280, the first end284is positioned adjacent the closed end (e.g., the fourth wall132) and the second end288is positioned between the closed end and the insertion end. An aperture292extends through each of the first ends284of the first and second levers280and receives a pin296. The pin296movably or pivotably couples the respective lever280to the battery pack receptacle110and defines a pivot axis E (which is into the page inFIG.16and shown relative to the aperture292inFIG.17) such that second end288is movable or pivotable relative to the first end284about the pivot axis E. A projection300extends from each of the first ends284towards the insertion axis B. The projection300is positioned at a non-parallel angle (e.g., a perpendicular or acute angle) relative to the longitudinal axis D of the body. A wedge304is positioned adjacent the second end288. The wedge288projects away from the body in at least two directions—towards the insertion axis B and towards the third wall128. Although not shown, each of the first and second levers280may include a biasing mechanism (e.g., a spring).

Each of the levers280is movable between a first position and a second position. For each lever280, in the first position, the projection296is positioned relative to the fourth wall132by a first distance and the respective second end288is positioned relative to the respective first and second wall120,124by a second distance. For each of the levers280, in the second position, the projection296is positioned relative to the fourth wall132by a third distance that is less than the first distance and the respective second end288is positioned relative to the respective first and second wall120,124by a fourth distance that is greater than the third distance. In other words, the projections296move toward the fourth wall132as the levers280move from the first position and the second position and the projections296move away from the fourth wall132as the levers280return to the first position from the second position. Similarly, the second ends288of the levers288move away the respective first and second walls120,124as the levers132move from the first position and the second position and the second ends288of the levers280move toward the respective first and second walls120,124as the levers280return to the first position from the second position. Moreover, as shown, the levers280pivot in opposite directions as they move between the first position and the second position. That is, when viewed from above the battery pack receptacle110, the first lever280moves clockwise about the axis E and the second lever250moves counterclockwise about the axis E.

As the battery pack60is inserted into the battery pack receptacle110, the rear of the battery pack60engages the projections300on the first ends284of the levers280, which causes the levers280to move from the first position to the second position. When the levers280are in the second position, the wedges304at the second ends288of the levers280exert forces in a first direction208(e.g., a downward direction), a second direction308(e.g., an upward direction), and a third direction312(e.g., towards the insertion axis B). The forces in the first, second, and third directions208,308,312assist in engaging the rails74and grooves78of the battery pack60. Moreover, the levers280generally exert a force in a fore-aft direction316(e.g., a fourth direction of the battery pack receptacle110), which assists in positively engaging the levers with the respective latches90. Accordingly, when the battery pack60is secured to the battery pack receptacle110the levers280exert a clamping force on the battery pack60in four directions such that the connection between the battery pack60and the battery pack receptacle110is tighter thereby eliminating movement therebetween.

In the embodiment ofFIGS.21-22, an insert330is position within and movable relative to the battery pack receptacle110. In particular, a substantially U-shaped insert330is positioned adjacent the closed end (e.g., the fourth wall132) of the battery pack receptacle110. The U-shaped insert330includes a first member334and a second member338coupled by an intermediate member342. The first member334is positioned adjacent the first wall120and the second member338is positioned adjacent the second wall124. A tapered surface or pocket346is defined between the first member334and the intermediate member342and between the second member338and the intermediate member342. One or more biasing mechanisms350(e.g., springs) are coupled between insert330and the battery pack receptacle110, and specifically, between the intermediate member342and the fourth wall132. In the illustrated embodiment, two springs350are used to couple the intermediate member342to the fourth wall132. In other embodiments, there may be a single spring350or more than two springs350. The springs350bias the insert330away from the fourth wall132and into the cavity116. When the battery pack60is inserted into the battery pack receptacle110, the rear end of the battery pack60engages the insert330and the springs350are compressed. In particular, the rear end of the battery pack60engages the intermediate member342while the opposite sides of the rear end of the battery pack60engage the respective first and second members334,338. The insert330and springs350eliminate fore-aft (e.g., forward and rearward movement) of the battery pack60relative to the battery pack receptacle110. In particular, the springs350exert a force on the insert330, which in turn exerts a force on the battery pack60, such that the latches90are forced in the fourth or fore-aft direction316(e.g., towards the insertion end) and against a surface of the respective latch-receiving grooves180. The tapered surfaces346of the insert330increase retention as the battery pack60is inserted into the battery pack receptacle110. That is, the fit gets tighter as the battery pack60is pushed further into the cavity116. The continuous body of the insert330ensures proper point of contact on the battery pack60and conceals the springs350from the cavity116.

In the embodiment ofFIGS.23and24, the battery pack receptacle110includes one or more deflectable or elastic beams or tabs360. In the illustrated embodiment, each beam360is coupled to (e.g., integrally formed with or otherwise coupled to) and extends from the respective first and second wall120,124of the battery pack receptacle110inwardly (e.g., towards the insertion axis B) such that a free end of each of the beams360is spaced apart from the respective first and second wall120,124. Additionally, each of the beams360is positioned in and extends through openings364in the respective first and second rails160. The beams360also each include a first tapered surface368and a second tapered surface372that intersects the first tapered surface368. Each of the first and second tapered surfaces368,372extend into the respective groove170of the battery pack receptacle110such that a portion of each of the beams360is raised with respect to the guide surface184of the respective rail160. In the illustrated embodiment, there are two beams360on each side of the battery pack receptacle110, which are spaced apart from one another along the length of the rail160. The beams360may be formed from any suitable elastic or deflectable material, such as plastic or metal. As the battery pack60is inserted into the battery pack receptacle110, contact surfaces of the rails74of the battery pack60engage the beams360. The first tapered surface368allows the battery pack rail74to slide over the beam360and depress or deflect it in a first direction208(e.g., downwardly or away from the third wall128) when the battery pack60is inserted into the battery pack receptacle110. Similarly, the second tapered surface372allows the battery pack rail74to slide over the beam360and depress or deflect it in a first direction208(e.g., downwardly or away from the third wall128) when the battery pack60is removed from the battery pack receptacle110. When the battery pack60is coupled to the battery pack receptacle110, the beam360exerts force in a second direction opposite the first direction208(e.g., upwardly or towards the third wall128) to create an interference fit and eliminate clearance between the battery pack60and the battery pack receptacle110thereby improving the fit therebetween.

In the embodiment ofFIG.25-28, the battery pack receptacle110includes one or more elastic members or slugs380. In the embodiment illustrated inFIGS.25-27C, a first slug380is coupled to and extends from the first wall120of the battery pack receptacle110inwardly (e.g., towards the insertion axis B) such that a free end of first slug380is spaced apart from the first wall120, and a second slug380is coupled to and extends from the second wall124of the battery pack receptacle110inwardly (e.g., towards the insertion axis B) such that a free end of second slug380is spaced apart from the second wall124. in the illustrated embodiment, the first and second slugs380are positioned adjacent the closed end of the battery pack receptacle110(e.g., adjacent the fourth wall132). The slugs380are made of rubber in the illustrated embodiment but may be made from other elastic and/or deformable materials in other embodiments. When the battery pack60is coupled to the battery pack receptacle110, each of the first and second slugs380may compress laterally and take up any gap between the rear of the battery pack60and the closed end of the battery pack receptacle110. Accordingly, the first and second slugs380create an interference fit (e.g., force) and eliminate clearance between the battery pack60and the battery pack receptacle110thereby improving the fit therebetween. Specifically, the first and second slugs380may eliminate fore-aft movement (e.g., forward and rearward movement) of the battery pack60relative to the battery pack receptacle110.

In some embodiments, such as that ofFIGS.26A and26B, the battery pack receptacle110may further include an elastic member400extending from the third wall128adjacent the insertion end of the cavity116and an elastic member404(e.g., an insert or ramp) extending from the third wall128at or adjacent the closed end of the cavity116. The elastic member404is positioned adjacent the fourth wall132in the illustrated embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, the elastic member400is substantially stationary while the elastic member404is movable. That is, the elastic member404is movable relative to the receptacle110via a spring408(FIG.26B), which is oriented along an axis F that is perpendicular to the insertion axis B. The spring408biases the elastic member404downward toward the battery pack60, when attached. Additionally, the elastic member404defines an angled or tapered surface412. The angled surface412defines a plane P3that is oriented at a non-parallel and non-perpendicular angle (e.g., an oblique angle) relative to a plane P4defined by the third wall128. The elastic members400,404both engage top surfaces of the battery pack60to provide a downward force thereon and further reduce movement of the battery pack60relative to the receptacle110. In the illustrated embodiment, the elastic members400,404are constructed from rubber but may be constructed from other materials in other embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment, the elastic member404is positioned between the slugs380when viewed from the front of the tool10but is closer to the closed end of the receptacle110than the slugs380. That is, the slugs380are positioned between the elastic members400,404.

In the embodiment ofFIGS.27A-27C, the first and second slugs380include a projection450extending therefrom. The projection450extends parallel to the insertion axis from the respective slug380towards the insertion end. The projections450of the first and second slugs380, like the spring-biased elastic member404, engage top surfaces of the battery pack60to provide a downward force thereon and further reduce movement of the battery pack60relative to the receptacle110. The slugs380having the projections450are used with the elastic members400,404inFIGS.27A-27C, although in other embodiments one or both of the elastic members400,404may be omitted.

While the slugs380and elastic member400are coupled to the receptacle100in the embodiments ofFIGS.25-27A, the slugs380and the elastic member400are coupled to the receptacle in other suitable ways. For example, the slugs380and the elastic member400may be molded (e.g., injection molded) with the housing18of the tool10in other embodiments. That is, the material of the slugs380and elastic member400may be introduced into and positioned relative to the housing18via channels500.

Although the present subject matter has been described in detail with reference to certain embodiments, variations and modifications exist within the scope of one or more independent aspects of the present subject matter, as described. Various features are set forth in the following claims.