Patent Publication Number: US-2022223966-A1

Title: Power tool battery pack receptacle

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/136,274, filed on Jan. 12, 2021, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     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. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a side view of a power tool and a battery pack coupled thereto. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the power tool of  FIG. 1  with the battery pack removed, illustrating an exemplary battery pack receptacle. 
         FIG. 3  is a side view of the battery pack of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is a schematic view of a battery pack receptacle according to one embodiment for the power tool of  FIG. 1  and for use with the battery pack of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5A  is a side view of the battery pack receptacle of  FIG. 4  with a portion of the battery pack receptacle removed. 
         FIG. 5B  is a perspective view of the battery pack receptacle of  FIG. 5  with a portion of the battery pack receptacle removed. 
         FIG. 6  shows the effect of the battery pack receptacle of  FIGS. 4-5B  on the movement of the battery pack relative to the battery pack receptacle. 
         FIG. 7  is a front view of a battery pack receptacle according to one embodiment for the power tool of  FIG. 1  and for use with the battery pack of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 8  is a schematic view of a portion of the battery pack of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 9  shows the effect of the battery pack receptacle of  FIG. 7  on the movement of the battery pack relative to the battery pack receptacle. 
         FIG. 10  is a side view of a battery pack receptacle according one embodiment for the power tool of  FIG. 1  and for use with the battery pack of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 11  is a side view of a schematic of a portion of the battery pack of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 12  shows a contact surface of the battery pack receptacle that contacts a contact surface of the battery pack of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack receptacle according to one embodiment for the power tool of  FIG. 1  and useable with the battery pack of  FIG. 1 , the cross-section being taken along the ling  13 - 13  of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 14  is a front view of the battery pack receptacle of  FIG. 13 . 
         FIG. 15  is a view of the battery pack receptacle of  FIG. 13  and the battery pack of  FIG. 1  taken along the line  15 - 15  of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 16  is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack receptacle according to one embodiment for the power tool of  FIG. 1  and useable with the battery pack of  FIG. 1 , the cross-section being taken along the ling  16 - 16  of  FIG. 1  and including a wedge. 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view of the wedge of  FIG. 16 . 
         FIG. 18  is a detailed view of the wedge of  FIG. 16 . 
         FIG. 19  is a detailed view of the receptacle of  FIG. 16 . 
         FIG. 20  is another detailed view of the battery pack receptacle of  FIG. 16 . 
         FIG. 21  is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack receptacle according to one embodiment for the power tool of  FIG. 1  and useable with the battery pack of  FIG. 1 , the cross-section being taken along the ling  13 - 13  of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 22  is a front view of the battery pack receptacle of  FIG. 21 . 
         FIG. 23  is a perspective view of a battery pack receptacle according to one embodiment for power tool of  FIG. 1  and useable with the battery pack of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 24  is another perspective view of the battery pack receptacle of  FIG. 23 . 
         FIG. 25  is a front view of a battery pack receptacle according to one embodiment for the power tool of  FIG. 1  and useable with the battery pack of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 26A  is a perspective view of a battery pack receptacle according to one embodiment for the power tool of  FIG. 1  and useable with the battery pack of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 26B  is a cross-sectional view of the battery pack receptacle of  FIG. 26A  along an insertion axis. 
         FIG. 27A  is a perspective view of a battery pack receptacle according to one embodiment for the power tool of  FIG. 1  and useable with the battery pack of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 27B  is a cross-sectional view of the battery pack receptacle of  FIG. 27A  along an insertion axis. 
         FIG. 27C  is a perspective view of an elastic member of the battery pack receptacle of  FIG. 27A . 
         FIG. 28  is a perspective view of a battery pack receptacle according to one embodiment for the power tool of  FIG. 1  and useable with the battery pack of  FIG. 1 . 
     
    
    
     Before any independent embodiments of the present subject matter are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the present subject matter is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The present subject matter is capable of other independent embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIGS. 1 and 2  illustrate a power tool  10  including an electric motor  14  (shown schematically in broken lines) located within a housing  18 . The housing  18  includes a handle  22  that has an actuator  26  (e.g., a button or trigger) operable to activate the motor  14 . In the illustrated embodiment, the housing  22  includes a first housing portion  30  (e.g., a first clamshell half) that defines a first side  34  of the tool  10  and a second housing portion  38  (e.g., a second clamshell half) that defines a second side  42  of the tool  10 . The first housing portion  30  is coupled (e.g., by fasteners or the like) to the second housing portion  38  to enclose the motor  14 . In other embodiments, the housing  18  may have other suitable configurations. Each housing portion  30 ,  38  is formed of plastic; however, in some embodiments, the housing portions  30 ,  38  may be formed of other materials. The handle  22  includes at least one grip surface configured to be grasped by a user. In the illustrated embodiment, the power tool  10  is an impact wrench. When the trigger  26  is actuated, the motor  14  causes a drive mechanism (not shown) to move or rotate a working element  46 . The power tool  10  illustrated herein is merely exemplary. In other embodiments, the power tool  10  may be configured as any of number of different tools. 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the housing  18  supports and/or retains a battery pack  60 , which supplies electrical power to the motor  14 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , in the illustrated embodiment, the battery pack  60  is a slide-on-type battery pack  60  including a housing  70  having a longitudinal axis A and a rail and groove structure on opposite sides of the housing  70 . That is, a first rail  74  and a first groove  78  extend along at least a portion of a length of the housing  70  on a first side. Similarly, although not shown, a second rail  74  and a second groove  78  extend along at least a portion of the length of the housing  70  on a second side opposite the first side. Additionally, the battery pack  60  includes a latch mechanism having first and second latches  90  (only one of which is shown) and first and second latch actuators  94  (only one of which is shown). The first latch  90  and the first latch actuator  94  are the first side of the housing  70 . Similarly, the second latch  90  and the second latch actuator  94  are the second side of the housing  70 . The first and second latch actuators  90  are movable together in a direction toward the longitudinal axis A to move the respective first and second latch  90  between a locking position in which the respective latch  90  extends from the housing  70  and a release position in which the respective latch  90  is at least partially retracted within the housing  70 . The battery pack  60  further includes a terminal block (not shown) that is positioned within the housing  70 . The terminal block supports battery pack terminals (not shown), each of which is accessible through openings (not shown) in the housing  70 . The terminals are in electrical communication with a plurality of battery cells (not shown) and a battery controller (not shown). 
     The battery pack  60  may 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 tool  10  and may utilize any of a number of different chemistries (e.g., lithium-ion, nickel-cadmium, and/or the like). The battery pack  60  is also removable from the housing  18  for charging by a separate battery pack charger. The battery pack  60  may 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 in  FIG. 2 , the housing  18  includes a battery pack receptacle  110  that defines a cavity  116  for removably receiving a portion of the battery pack  60 . In the illustrated embodiment, the battery pack receptacle  110  is formed with or adjacent the handle  22 . The battery pack receptacle  110  includes first wall  120  and a second wall  124  extending from opposite sides of a third intermediate wall  128 . A fourth wall  132  is coupled to the third wall  128  and positioned between the first wall  120  and the second wall  124 . The fourth wall  124  defines a closed end of the battery pack receptacle  110 . A terminal block (not shown) is supported by the third wall  128  adjacent the fourth wall  132 . The terminal block includes electrical terminals (not shown) that are configured to mate with the terminals of the battery pack  60 . An insertion end of the battery pack receptacle  110  is positioned opposite the fourth wall  132 . The cavity  116  defines an insertion axis B between the first wall  120  and the second wall  124  ( FIG. 1 ). 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the first housing portion  30  defines a first side of the battery pack receptacle  110  and the second housing portion  38  defines a second side of the battery pack receptacle  110 . Accordingly, the first housing portion  30  includes a portion of each of the first wall  120 , the third wall  128 , and the fourth wall  132  and the second housing portion  38  includes a portion of each of the second wall  124 , the third wall  128 , and the fourth wall  132 . 
     Further with respect to  FIGS. 7, 23, and 24 , a first rail  160  is coupled to the first wall  120  and extends along at least a portion of a length between the insertion end and the closed end, and a second rail  160  is coupled to the second wall  124  and extends along at least a portion of a length between the insertion end and the closed end. A first groove  170  is defined between the first rail  160  and the third wall  128 , and a second groove  170  is defined between the second rail  170  and the third wall  128 . The first rail  160  of the power tool  10  is configured to be received within the first groove  78  of the battery pack  60 , while the first groove  170  of the power tool is configured to receive the first rail  74  of the battery pack  60 . The second rail  160  of the power tool  10  is configured to be received within the second groove  78  of the battery pack  60 , while the second groove  170  of the power tool  10  is configured to receive a second rail  74  of the battery pack  60 . Each of the first and second rails  160  defines a guide surface  184  ( FIG. 7 ) for the respective rails  74  of the battery pack  60 . With respect to  FIG. 7  in particular, a first lateral wall  190  of the first groove  170  is positioned between the third wall  128  and the guide surface  184  of the first rail  160 , and similarly, the second lateral wall  190  of the second groove is positioned between the third wall  128  and the guide surface  184  of the second rail  160 . In the illustrated embodiment, each of the first and second lateral walls  190  are positioned at substantially perpendicular angles with respect to the third wall  128  and the guide surfaces  184  of the respective rails  160 . The first wall  120  includes a first latch-receiving groove  180  (shown in  FIGS. 4 and 23 ) configured to receive the first latch  90  and the second wall  124  includes a second latch-receiving groove  180  (shown in  FIG. 4 ) configured to receive the second latch  90 . In the illustrated embodiments, the first and second latch-receiving grooves  180  are positioned between the insertion end and the respective first and second rails  74 . 
     Because power tools, such as that shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , are becoming more powerful and being used in harsher conditions, the connection between the power tool  10  and the battery pack  60  may deteriorate over time. In particular, vibration, shocks, and tool drops contribute to increased clearance between the battery pack  60  and the battery pack receptacle  110 .  FIGS. 4-25  illustrate battery pack receptacles  110  that improve the connection between the power tool and the battery pack  60  and increase the life of the power tool  10 . 
       FIGS. 4-12  illustrate embodiments in which the contact surfaces between the battery pack receptacle  110  and the battery pack  60  help to reduce movement between the battery pack  60  and the battery pack receptacle  110 . 
     In the embodiment of  FIGS. 4-6 , the battery pack receptacle  110  includes a first angled or tapered surface  200  and a second angled or tapered surface  200 . The first angled surface  200  extends between the first wall  120  and the third wall  128 , and the second angled surface  200  extends between the second wall  124  and the third wall  128 . In the illustrated embodiment, each of the first and second angled surfaces  200  are positioned adjacent the respective first and second latch-receiving grooves  180 . With respect to  FIG. 4 , each of the angled surfaces  200  defines a plane P 1  that is oriented at a non-perpendicular and non-parallel (i.e., oblique) angle  204  relative to a plane P 2  defined by the third wall  128 . As shown, the first and second angled surfaces  200  are each positioned adjacent the insertion end such that they are configured to engage with the respective first and second latches  90  when the battery pack  60  is coupled to the battery pack receptacle  110 . As the latches  90  move outward (e.g., away from the longitudinal axis A), each of the first and second angled surfaces  200  push the respective first and second latches  90  and the battery pack  60  itself in a first direction  208  (e.g., downwards), which increases friction between the battery pack  60  and tool rails  74 , and thus reduces relative movement between the battery pack  60  and the power tool  10  during use. Specifically, and with respect to  FIG. 6 , the angled surfaces  200  of the battery pack receptacle  110  control the pitch (e.g., rotational movement about a horizontal axis) of the battery pack  60  relative to the battery pack receptacle  110 . 
     In the embodiments of  FIGS. 7-9 , the first and second grooves  170  of a battery pack receptacle  110  according to another embodiment are shown in greater detail. In particular, the first lateral wall  190  defines a first contact surface and the second lateral wall  190  defines a second contact surface. Each of the first and second lateral walls  190  of the groove  170  extend substantially the length of the respective groove  170 . When the battery pack  60  is coupled to the power tool  10 , the first contact surface of the first lateral wall  190  is configured to engage a first lateral wall  220  of the first rail  74  of the battery pack  60  and the second contact surface of the second lateral wall  190  is configured to engage a second lateral wall (not shown) of the second rail  74  of the battery pack  60 . Each of the first and second lateral walls  190  of the groove  170  extend substantially the length of the respective first and second lateral walls  220  of the rails  74  of the battery pack  60 . The first and second contact surfaces contrast conventional contact surfaces between the battery pack receptacle  110  and the battery pack  60 . That is, as shown in  FIGS. 7-8 , traditionally, the lateral walls  224  of each of the first rails  160  of the battery pack receptacle  110  contact the lateral walls  228  of the first and second grooves  78  of the battery pack  60 . However, by making the contact surfaces between the lateral walls  190  of the grooves  170  of the battery pack receptacle  110  and the lateral walls  220  of the rails  74  of the battery pack  60 , the yaw movement (e.g., rotational movement about a vertical axis) of the battery pack  60  relative to the battery pack receptacle  110  can be reduced ( FIG. 9 ). This is because the length of engagement between lateral walls  190  of the grooves  170  of the battery pack receptacle  110  and the lateral walls  220  of the battery pack rails  74  is increased as compared to the length of engagement between the lateral walls  224  of the rails  160  of the battery pack receptacle  110  and the lateral walls  228  of the battery pack grooves  78 . 
     In the embodiments of  FIGS. 10-12 , a battery pack receptacle  110  according to another embodiment is shown in greater detail. In particular, as shown in  FIG. 10 , the insertion end of the battery pack receptacle  110  defines a contact surface or face  240 . That is, the contact surface  240  is defined by a portion of each of the first wall  120 , the second wall  124 , and the third wall  128  that make up the insertion end. When the battery pack  60  is coupled to the power tool  10 , the contact surface  244  of the insertion end is configured to engage a contact surface  244  of the battery pack  60  that is adjacent a front end of the battery pack  60 . In particular, the contact surface  244  of the battery pack  60  is adjacent the latch  90 , the latch actuators  94 , or both. Defining the contact surface  240  at the insertion end of the power tool  10  contrasts conventional contact between the battery pack receptacle  110  and the battery pack  60 . That is, as shown in  FIG. 11 , traditionally, the contact surface (not shown) of the battery pack receptacle  110  is adjacent the fourth wall  132  of the battery pack receptacle  110  (e.g., at the closed end of the battery pack receptacle  110 ) such that the rear of the battery pack  60  defines the mating contact surface  248 . However, by making the contact surface  240 ,  244  between the insertion end of the battery pack receptacle  110  and the battery pack  60 , the fore-aft movement along arrow  316  (e.g., movement parallel to the insertion axis B) of the battery pack  60  relative to the battery pack receptacle  110  can 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. 13-25  illustrate embodiments in which the battery pack receptacles  110  each include an auxiliary mechanism positioned within or adjacent the battery pack receptacle  110  that reduces movement between the battery pack  60  and the battery pack receptacle  110 . 
     In the embodiments of  FIGS. 13-20 , the battery pack receptacle  110  includes one or more movable (e.g., pivotable) levers  250 ,  280 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 13-15 , the one or more levers  250  are adjacent the insertion end and configured to engage the latches  90 . As shown, a first lever  250  is movably (e.g., pivotably) coupled adjacent the first wall  120  and a second lever  250  is movably (e.g., pivotably) coupled adjacent the second wall  124 . The first lever  250  is positioned in or adjacent the first latch-receiving groove  180  and the second lever  250  is positioned in or adjacent the second latch-receiving groove  180 . Each of the first and second levers  250  has a body that has a first leg  254  and a second leg  258  that intersects the first leg  254 . The first leg  254  and the second leg  258  of each of the first and second levers  250  intersect at a non-parallel angle, which in the illustrated embodiment is a perpendicular angle or an acute angle. The first lever  250  is pivotably coupled to either the first wall  120  or the third wall  128  by a first pin  262 , and the second lever  250  is pivotable coupled to either the second wall  124  or the third wall  128  by a second pin  262 . The first pin  262  and the second pin  262  each extend through an area adjacent the intersection between the respective first and second legs  254 ,  258 , and define an axis C about which the respective lever  250  is pivotable. Although not shown, each of the first and second levers  250  may include a biasing mechanism (e.g., a spring). 
     Each of the levers  250  is movable between a first position in which the respective first leg  254  is spaced apart from the respective first and second wall  120 ,  124  by a first distance and a second position in which the first leg  254  is spaced apart from the respective first and second wall  120 ,  124  by a second distance that is less than the first distance. In some embodiments, the first leg  254  may in fact be in contact with the respective first and second wall  120 ,  124  in the second position. Regardless, the first leg  254  is closer to the respective first and second wall  120 ,  124  in the second position than in the first position. Moreover, as shown, the levers  250  pivot 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 receptacle  110 , the first lever  250  moves counterclockwise about the axis C and the second lever  250  moves clockwise about the axis C. 
     When the battery pack  60  is inserted into the battery pack receptacle  110  and the latches  90  move outward (e.g., away from the insertion axis) into the respective first and second latch-receiving grooves  180 , the latches  90  move the respective first and second levers  250  from the first to the second position. Additionally, as the latches  90  move outward and the levers  250  move from the first position to the second position, the second leg  258  of each of the levers  250  presses down onto a top wall or surface  266  of the battery pack  60  to secure the power tool to the battery pack  60 . Specifically, as the first latch  90  moves outward, the first lever  250  moves (e.g., pivots) counterclockwise about the axis C such that the leg  258  of the first lever  250  presses down onto a top wall or surface  266 . Similarly, as the second latch  90  moves outward, the second lever  250  moves (e.g., pivots) clockwise about the axis C such that the second leg  258  of the second lever  250  presses in the first direction  208  (e.g., downwards) onto the top wall or surface  266 . 
     In the embodiment of  FIGS. 16-20 , the battery pack receptacle  110  has one or more levers  280  that are adjacent the closed end and configured to engage opposite sides of the battery pack  60 . As shown, a first lever  280  is movably (e.g., pivotably) coupled adjacent the first wall  120  and a second lever  280  is movably (e.g., pivotably) coupled adjacent the second wall  124 . In the illustrated embodiment, at least a portion of each of the levers  280  may be positioned in and supported by an opening  278  that extends along the length of each of the rails  160  of the battery pack receptacle  110 . Each of the first and second levers  280  includes a body that has a first end  284  (e.g., coupling end), a second end  288  (e.g., clamping end) that is opposite the first end  284 , and longitudinal axis D extends between the first end  284  and the second end  288 . As shown, for each of the levers  280 , the first end  284  is positioned adjacent the closed end (e.g., the fourth wall  132 ) and the second end  288  is positioned between the closed end and the insertion end. An aperture  292  extends through each of the first ends  284  of the first and second levers  280  and receives a pin  296 . The pin  296  movably or pivotably couples the respective lever  280  to the battery pack receptacle  110  and defines a pivot axis E (which is into the page in  FIG. 16  and shown relative to the aperture  292  in  FIG. 17 ) such that second end  288  is movable or pivotable relative to the first end  284  about the pivot axis E. A projection  300  extends from each of the first ends  284  towards the insertion axis B. The projection  300  is positioned at a non-parallel angle (e.g., a perpendicular or acute angle) relative to the longitudinal axis D of the body. A wedge  304  is positioned adjacent the second end  288 . The wedge  288  projects away from the body in at least two directions—towards the insertion axis B and towards the third wall  128 . Although not shown, each of the first and second levers  280  may include a biasing mechanism (e.g., a spring). 
     Each of the levers  280  is movable between a first position and a second position. For each lever  280 , in the first position, the projection  296  is positioned relative to the fourth wall  132  by a first distance and the respective second end  288  is positioned relative to the respective first and second wall  120 ,  124  by a second distance. For each of the levers  280 , in the second position, the projection  296  is positioned relative to the fourth wall  132  by a third distance that is less than the first distance and the respective second end  288  is positioned relative to the respective first and second wall  120 ,  124  by a fourth distance that is greater than the third distance. In other words, the projections  296  move toward the fourth wall  132  as the levers  280  move from the first position and the second position and the projections  296  move away from the fourth wall  132  as the levers  280  return to the first position from the second position. Similarly, the second ends  288  of the levers  288  move away the respective first and second walls  120 ,  124  as the levers  132  move from the first position and the second position and the second ends  288  of the levers  280  move toward the respective first and second walls  120 ,  124  as the levers  280  return to the first position from the second position. Moreover, as shown, the levers  280  pivot in opposite directions as they move between the first position and the second position. That is, when viewed from above the battery pack receptacle  110 , the first lever  280  moves clockwise about the axis E and the second lever  250  moves counterclockwise about the axis E. 
     As the battery pack  60  is inserted into the battery pack receptacle  110 , the rear of the battery pack  60  engages the projections  300  on the first ends  284  of the levers  280 , which causes the levers  280  to move from the first position to the second position. When the levers  280  are in the second position, the wedges  304  at the second ends  288  of the levers  280  exert forces in a first direction  208  (e.g., a downward direction), a second direction  308  (e.g., an upward direction), and a third direction  312  (e.g., towards the insertion axis B). The forces in the first, second, and third directions  208 ,  308 ,  312  assist in engaging the rails  74  and grooves  78  of the battery pack  60 . Moreover, the levers  280  generally exert a force in a fore-aft direction  316  (e.g., a fourth direction of the battery pack receptacle  110 ), which assists in positively engaging the levers with the respective latches  90 . Accordingly, when the battery pack  60  is secured to the battery pack receptacle  110  the levers  280  exert a clamping force on the battery pack  60  in four directions such that the connection between the battery pack  60  and the battery pack receptacle  110  is tighter thereby eliminating movement therebetween. 
     In the embodiment of  FIGS. 21-22 , an insert  330  is position within and movable relative to the battery pack receptacle  110 . In particular, a substantially U-shaped insert  330  is positioned adjacent the closed end (e.g., the fourth wall  132 ) of the battery pack receptacle  110 . The U-shaped insert  330  includes a first member  334  and a second member  338  coupled by an intermediate member  342 . The first member  334  is positioned adjacent the first wall  120  and the second member  338  is positioned adjacent the second wall  124 . A tapered surface or pocket  346  is defined between the first member  334  and the intermediate member  342  and between the second member  338  and the intermediate member  342 . One or more biasing mechanisms  350  (e.g., springs) are coupled between insert  330  and the battery pack receptacle  110 , and specifically, between the intermediate member  342  and the fourth wall  132 . In the illustrated embodiment, two springs  350  are used to couple the intermediate member  342  to the fourth wall  132 . In other embodiments, there may be a single spring  350  or more than two springs  350 . The springs  350  bias the insert  330  away from the fourth wall  132  and into the cavity  116 . When the battery pack  60  is inserted into the battery pack receptacle  110 , the rear end of the battery pack  60  engages the insert  330  and the springs  350  are compressed. In particular, the rear end of the battery pack  60  engages the intermediate member  342  while the opposite sides of the rear end of the battery pack  60  engage the respective first and second members  334 ,  338 . The insert  330  and springs  350  eliminate fore-aft (e.g., forward and rearward movement) of the battery pack  60  relative to the battery pack receptacle  110 . In particular, the springs  350  exert a force on the insert  330 , which in turn exerts a force on the battery pack  60 , such that the latches  90  are forced in the fourth or fore-aft direction  316  (e.g., towards the insertion end) and against a surface of the respective latch-receiving grooves  180 . The tapered surfaces  346  of the insert  330  increase retention as the battery pack  60  is inserted into the battery pack receptacle  110 . That is, the fit gets tighter as the battery pack  60  is pushed further into the cavity  116 . The continuous body of the insert  330  ensures proper point of contact on the battery pack  60  and conceals the springs  350  from the cavity  116 . 
     In the embodiment of  FIGS. 23 and 24 , the battery pack receptacle  110  includes one or more deflectable or elastic beams or tabs  360 . In the illustrated embodiment, each beam  360  is coupled to (e.g., integrally formed with or otherwise coupled to) and extends from the respective first and second wall  120 ,  124  of the battery pack receptacle  110  inwardly (e.g., towards the insertion axis B) such that a free end of each of the beams  360  is spaced apart from the respective first and second wall  120 ,  124 . Additionally, each of the beams  360  is positioned in and extends through openings  364  in the respective first and second rails  160 . The beams  360  also each include a first tapered surface  368  and a second tapered surface  372  that intersects the first tapered surface  368 . Each of the first and second tapered surfaces  368 ,  372  extend into the respective groove  170  of the battery pack receptacle  110  such that a portion of each of the beams  360  is raised with respect to the guide surface  184  of the respective rail  160 . In the illustrated embodiment, there are two beams  360  on each side of the battery pack receptacle  110 , which are spaced apart from one another along the length of the rail  160 . The beams  360  may be formed from any suitable elastic or deflectable material, such as plastic or metal. As the battery pack  60  is inserted into the battery pack receptacle  110 , contact surfaces of the rails  74  of the battery pack  60  engage the beams  360 . The first tapered surface  368  allows the battery pack rail  74  to slide over the beam  360  and depress or deflect it in a first direction  208  (e.g., downwardly or away from the third wall  128 ) when the battery pack  60  is inserted into the battery pack receptacle  110 . Similarly, the second tapered surface  372  allows the battery pack rail  74  to slide over the beam  360  and depress or deflect it in a first direction  208  (e.g., downwardly or away from the third wall  128 ) when the battery pack  60  is removed from the battery pack receptacle  110 . When the battery pack  60  is coupled to the battery pack receptacle  110 , the beam  360  exerts force in a second direction opposite the first direction  208  (e.g., upwardly or towards the third wall  128 ) to create an interference fit and eliminate clearance between the battery pack  60  and the battery pack receptacle  110  thereby improving the fit therebetween. 
     In the embodiment of  FIG. 25-28 , the battery pack receptacle  110  includes one or more elastic members or slugs  380 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 25-27C , a first slug  380  is coupled to and extends from the first wall  120  of the battery pack receptacle  110  inwardly (e.g., towards the insertion axis B) such that a free end of first slug  380  is spaced apart from the first wall  120 , and a second slug  380  is coupled to and extends from the second wall  124  of the battery pack receptacle  110  inwardly (e.g., towards the insertion axis B) such that a free end of second slug  380  is spaced apart from the second wall  124 . in the illustrated embodiment, the first and second slugs  380  are positioned adjacent the closed end of the battery pack receptacle  110  (e.g., adjacent the fourth wall  132 ). The slugs  380  are made of rubber in the illustrated embodiment but may be made from other elastic and/or deformable materials in other embodiments. When the battery pack  60  is coupled to the battery pack receptacle  110 , each of the first and second slugs  380  may compress laterally and take up any gap between the rear of the battery pack  60  and the closed end of the battery pack receptacle  110 . Accordingly, the first and second slugs  380  create an interference fit (e.g., force) and eliminate clearance between the battery pack  60  and the battery pack receptacle  110  thereby improving the fit therebetween. Specifically, the first and second slugs  380  may eliminate fore-aft movement (e.g., forward and rearward movement) of the battery pack  60  relative to the battery pack receptacle  110 . 
     In some embodiments, such as that of  FIGS. 26A and 26B , the battery pack receptacle  110  may further include an elastic member  400  extending from the third wall  128  adjacent the insertion end of the cavity  116  and an elastic member  404  (e.g., an insert or ramp) extending from the third wall  128  at or adjacent the closed end of the cavity  116 . The elastic member  404  is positioned adjacent the fourth wall  132  in the illustrated embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, the elastic member  400  is substantially stationary while the elastic member  404  is movable. That is, the elastic member  404  is movable relative to the receptacle  110  via a spring  408  ( FIG. 26B ), which is oriented along an axis F that is perpendicular to the insertion axis B. The spring  408  biases the elastic member  404  downward toward the battery pack  60 , when attached. Additionally, the elastic member  404  defines an angled or tapered surface  412 . The angled surface  412  defines a plane P 3  that is oriented at a non-parallel and non-perpendicular angle (e.g., an oblique angle) relative to a plane P 4  defined by the third wall  128 . The elastic members  400 ,  404  both engage top surfaces of the battery pack  60  to provide a downward force thereon and further reduce movement of the battery pack  60  relative to the receptacle  110 . In the illustrated embodiment, the elastic members  400 ,  404  are constructed from rubber but may be constructed from other materials in other embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment, the elastic member  404  is positioned between the slugs  380  when viewed from the front of the tool  10  but is closer to the closed end of the receptacle  110  than the slugs  380 . That is, the slugs  380  are positioned between the elastic members  400 ,  404 . 
     In the embodiment of  FIGS. 27A-27C , the first and second slugs  380  include a projection  450  extending therefrom. The projection  450  extends parallel to the insertion axis from the respective slug  380  towards the insertion end. The projections  450  of the first and second slugs  380 , like the spring-biased elastic member  404 , engage top surfaces of the battery pack  60  to provide a downward force thereon and further reduce movement of the battery pack  60  relative to the receptacle  110 . The slugs  380  having the projections  450  are used with the elastic members  400 ,  404  in  FIGS. 27A-27C , although in other embodiments one or both of the elastic members  400 ,  404  may be omitted. 
     While the slugs  380  and elastic member  400  are coupled to the receptacle  100  in the embodiments of  FIGS. 25-27A , the slugs  380  and the elastic member  400  are coupled to the receptacle in other suitable ways. For example, the slugs  380  and the elastic member  400  may be molded (e.g., injection molded) with the housing  18  of the tool  10  in other embodiments. That is, the material of the slugs  380  and elastic member  400  may be introduced into and positioned relative to the housing  18  via channels  500 . 
     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.