Patent Description:
According to its abstract, <CIT> describes a secure charging station that includes a front wall with a number of compartments for temporarily securely storing one or more portable battery-operated devices, such as mobile phones. There are charging components for charging the portable battery-operated devices in each one of the compartments, and a number of closure mechanisms for securely retaining the devices in the compartments. A user interface allows a user to open and close the closure mechanisms and to place or remove the devices into the compartments. The compartments may be drawers which have a front face so that when the compartments are closed they form part of the front wall of the station. A rear face of the compartment <NUM> incorporates part of the closure mechanism. When the closure mechanism is locked the compartment is immobilised and when the closure mechanism is unlocked the compartment is able to open. Alternatively, the station may have an aperture for inserting a device, and a mechanism for transporting the device to and from a remote charging position.

According to its abstract, <CIT> describes a portable charger unit that includes a tray defining a plurality of cavities for receiving removable batteries; a head attached to the tray; a power input port in the head; a power output port in the head; and charging circuitry within the head that interconnects the input port, the output port, and the cavities of the tray. In a first mode of operation the charging circuitry receives input voltage and current from the power input port and delivers internal battery voltage and current to the cavities of the tray, and in a second mode of operation the charging circuitry receives internal battery voltage and current from the cavities of the tray and delivers output voltage and current to the power output port.

In one independent aspect, a battery charger may generally include a housing defining an opening, a tray defining a receptacle operable to receive a battery pack, the tray being movable through the opening between an open position, in which the receptacle is accessible, and a closed position, in which the receptacle is closed, and a locking member movable (e.g., pivotable) relative to the housing between an unlocked position, in which the tray is movable between the open position and the closed position, and a locked position, in which the tray is retained in the closed position.

In some constructions, the locking member is supported on the tray, the tray being pivotable relative to the husing to move the locking member between the unlocked position and the locked position. The tray may be pivotable about <NUM> degrees between the unlocked position and the locked position.

In some constructions, a projection is supported on one of the housing and the locking member, and a recess is defined by the other of the housing and the locking member, the projection being engageable in the recess to lock the tray in the closed position. The recess may include an annular groove, the projection being engageable in the annular groove to lock the tray in the closed position. The recess may include an axial groove communicating with the annular groove, the projection being receivable through the axial groove and into the annular groove.

In another independent aspect, a battery charger may generally include a housing defining a cavity; a tray defining a receptacle and receivable within the cavity, the receptacle being operable to receive a battery pack, the tray being movable relative to the housing between a closed position, in which the receptacle is closed, and an open position, in which the receptacle is accessible; and a user interface coupled to the tray and operable to pivot the tray between a locked position, in which the tray is fixed relative to the housing, and an unlocked position, in which the tray is movable between the open position and the closed position.

In yet another independent aspect, a method of charging a battery pack may be provided. The method may generally include opening a receptacle defined by a tray; inserting a battery pack into the receptacle; moving the tray into a housing to close the receptacle; after moving, pivoting a locking member relative to the housing to lock the tray in a closed position; and charging the battery pack.

In a further independent aspect, a battery charger may generally include a housing defining a cavity and an opening communicating into the cavity, the housing including a first locking member; a tray defining a receptacle operable to receive a battery pack, the tray being slidable relative to the housing through the opening between a closed position, in which the tray is positioned within the cavity and the receptacle is closed, and an open position, in which the tray is disposed at least partially out of the cavity and is accessible to receive the battery pack, the tray including a second locking member; a user interface coupled to the tray and operable to pivot the tray between a locked position, in which the first locking member engages the second locking member to retain the tray in the closed position, and an unlocked position, in which the first locking member is disengaged from the second locking member such that the tray is slidable between the closed position and the open position.

In another independent aspect, a battery charger may generally include a housing defining a cavity and an opening communicating into the cavity; a tray defining a receptacle operable to receive a battery pack, the tray being movable relative to the housing through the opening between an open position, in which the receptacle is accessible, and a closed position, in which the receptacle is closed; and a stop coupled to the one of the tray and the housing and engageable with the other of the tray and the housing to limit movement of the tray from the cavity and through the opening.

In yet another independent aspect, a method of charging a battery pack may be provided. The method may generally include moving a tray defining a receptacle in a first direction relative to a housing to open the receptacle; inserting a battery pack into the receptacle; moving the tray in a second direction relative to the housing to close the receptacle, the second direction being opposite the first direction; moving the tray in a third direction relative to the housing to lock the tray to the housing; and charging the battery pack.

In a further independent aspect, an electrical combination may generally include a battery pack including a pack housing, and a battery cell supported by the pack housing; and a battery charger including a charger housing defining an opening, a tray defining a receptacle operable to receive the battery pack, the tray being movable through the opening relative to the charger housing between an open position, in which the receptacle is accessible, and a closed position, in which the receptacle is closed, and a locking member pivotable relative to the charger housing between an unlocked position, in which the tray is movable between the open position and the closed position, and an locked position, in which the tray is retained in the closed position.

In another independent aspect, battery charger may generally include a housing defining an opening; a tray defining a receptacle operable to receive a battery pack, the tray being movable through the opening between an open position, in which the receptacle is accessible, and a closed position, in which the receptacle is closed; a locking member movable between an unlocked position, in which the tray is movable between the open position and the closed position, and a locked position, in which the tray is retained in the closed position; and a detent arrangement engageable when the locking member is in one of the unlocked position and the locked position to retain the locking member in the one of the unlocked position and the locked position.

Other independent features and independent aspects of the invention may become apparent by consideration of the following detailed description, claims and accompanying drawings.

Before any independent embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention 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 invention is capable of other independent embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways.

In addition, it should be understood that embodiments of the invention may include hardware, software, and electronic components or modules that, for purposes of discussion, may be illustrated and described as if the majority of the components were implemented solely in hardware. However, based on a reading of the detailed description, it should be recognized that, in at least one embodiment, electronic-based aspects of the invention may be implemented in software (e.g., instructions stored on non-transitory computer-readable medium) executable by one or more processing units, such as a microprocessor and/or application specific integrated circuits ("ASICs"). As such, it should be noted that a plurality of hardware and software based devices, as well as a plurality of different structural components may be utilized to implement the invention. For example, "servers" and "computing devices" described in the specification can include one or more processing units, one or more computer-readable medium modules, one or more input/output interfaces, and various connections (e.g., a system bus) connecting the components.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate a battery charger <NUM> for receiving and charging a battery pack <NUM> (see <FIG>; e.g., a lithium ion power tool battery pack, a 4V single cell lithium ion battery pack, etc.). The charger <NUM> generally provides a movable and lockable receptacle for the battery pack <NUM>. In the illustrated construction, the battery pack receptacle is slidable between open and closed positions and a twisting or pivoting motion activates the locking arrangement.

The charger <NUM> includes a tray <NUM> movably (e.g., slidably) engaged with a housing <NUM>. In the illustrated construction, the tray <NUM> is movable between an open or battery receiving configuration, a closed, unlocked configuration, and a closed, locked configuration. As will be described in detail below, the battery pack <NUM> is received by the tray <NUM> in the open configuration, and the tray <NUM> is subsequently slid into the housing <NUM> to reach the closed, unlocked configuration. The charger <NUM> (e.g., the tray <NUM>) is then adjusted into the closed, locked configuration in which a battery charging operation may be conducted.

With reference to <FIG>, the housing <NUM> includes an upper housing <NUM> coupled to a lower housing <NUM> to define a cavity <NUM> (<FIG>) therein. The cavity <NUM> has a shape complementary to the battery pack <NUM> to be charged (e.g., generally cylindrical in the illustrated construction). The illustrated upper housing <NUM> has an outer surface <NUM> (<FIG>) and an inner surface <NUM> defining a generally arcuate shape. The lower housing <NUM> includes an inner surface <NUM> defining a complementary (e.g., arcuate) shape and a flat outer surface <NUM> flanked by chamfered edges <NUM> (<FIG>). The flat outer surface <NUM> is configured to support the charger <NUM> on a surface (not shown).

The tray <NUM> is slidably received within the cavity <NUM> and is operable to slide into and out of a first opening <NUM> at the end of the housing <NUM>. With reference to <FIG>, the tray <NUM> has a substantially cylindrical battery receiving cavity <NUM> defined by an arcuate sidewall <NUM> extending between opposite end walls <NUM>, <NUM>. A battery cavity opening <NUM> exposes the battery receiving cavity <NUM>. Support fingers <NUM> protrude from an edge of the sidewall <NUM> and may, for example, assist in retaining and aligning the battery pack <NUM> within the battery receiving cavity <NUM>.

The battery receiving cavity <NUM> also includes a pair of projections <NUM> and a groove <NUM> extending in an axial direction along an inner surface <NUM> of the sidewall <NUM> (<FIG>). The projections <NUM> and the groove <NUM> are configured to engage corresponding structure on a battery pack to facilitate proper alignment of the battery pack within the battery receiving cavity <NUM>. In addition, the projections <NUM> may act as a "lock out" feature - that is, the projections <NUM> may prevent battery packs that are not suitable for use with the charger <NUM> from being fully inserted into the battery receiving cavity <NUM> and/or electrically connected with the charging circuit. The "lock out" arrangement may be similar to that described and illustrated in International Application No. <CIT>, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

With reference to <FIG>, the first end wall <NUM> of the tray <NUM> defines an outer surface <NUM> and an inner surface <NUM> delimiting one axial end of the battery receiving cavity <NUM>. The end wall <NUM> includes a user interface <NUM> with a grip or bumper <NUM> that circumscribes the end wall <NUM> and has a visual indicator <NUM> (e.g., an arrow, a line, a raised surface, a dot, etc.) (<FIG>). The indicator <NUM> (e.g., an arrow) is alignable with an indicator <NUM> (e.g., a lock symbol) on the housing <NUM> to provide an indication of a condition of the charger <NUM> (e.g., the tray <NUM> being in the locked condition).

The user interface <NUM> further includes a pair of channels <NUM> extending radially away from a central wall <NUM> (<FIG>). In the illustrated embodiment, the central wall <NUM> includes an aperture <NUM> extending therethrough, for example, to receive a lanyard, carbineer, etc., for holding the charger <NUM>. In other embodiments (not shown), the aperture <NUM> may be omitted. As shown in <FIG>, the bumper <NUM> has a pair of grooves <NUM> aligned with the channels <NUM> such that the channels <NUM> are open along a radial extent of the first end wall <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the visual indicator <NUM> is adjacent and aligned with one of the grooves <NUM>. The grooves <NUM> thus cooperate with the indicators <NUM>, <NUM> to provide an indication of the condition of the charger <NUM> (e.g., the tray <NUM> being in the locked condition).

In other embodiments (not shown), additional indicators <NUM>, <NUM> may be provided. For example, locked indicators (<NUM>, <NUM>) may be provided on the side of the housing <NUM> opposite to the illustrated indicators <NUM>, <NUM> (shown in <FIG>). In addition, one or more "unlocked" indicators (not shown) may be provided on the housing <NUM> (for example on the top and/or bottom) to align with the indicator(s) <NUM> when the charger <NUM> is in the unlocked configuration (see <FIG>). An indicator (not shown) to indicate a direction for pivoting movement from the locked condition toward the unlocked condition (or vice versa) may be provided.

In other embodiments (not shown), the visual indicator <NUM> may be disposed at any suitable location on the tray <NUM> (e.g., at another location along the circumference of the end wall <NUM> or the bumper <NUM>, on an axial surface of the end wall <NUM>, within a groove <NUM>, etc.).

The second end includes (see <FIG> and <FIG>) a charging circuit housing section <NUM> housing electrical components of the charger <NUM> (e.g., components of the charging circuit <NUM>). Terminal contacts <NUM> (see <FIG> and <FIG>) are located in the battery receiving cavity <NUM> and are electrically connected to the charging circuit <NUM>. The contacts <NUM> are configured to electrically engage terminals of the battery pack <NUM> (see <FIG>).

As shown in <FIG>, the charging circuit housing section <NUM> is defined by a portion of the sidewall <NUM>, an inner surface <NUM> (<FIG>) of the second end wall <NUM>, and a charging circuit housing member <NUM> coupled to the tray <NUM>. The housing member <NUM> includes an arcuate sidewall <NUM> and an axial outer end surface <NUM> delimiting another axial end of the battery receiving cavity <NUM>. The charging circuit housing member <NUM> is engageable with the tray <NUM> (e.g., via latches engaging catches (as illustrated), press fitting, welding, adhesive, etc.) to enclose the section <NUM> and the charging circuit <NUM> (<FIG>). As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the charging circuit housing member <NUM> also includes a latch <NUM> protruding away from an outer surface of the sidewall <NUM>. The latch <NUM> includes an engagement surface <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, an outer surface <NUM> of the second end wall <NUM> includes a power inlet <NUM>. The power inlet <NUM> is configured to receive electrical power from an external power source to supply the power to the battery <NUM> via a charging circuit <NUM> (see <FIG>) contained at least partially within the charging circuit housing section <NUM>. The power inlet <NUM> may include one or more power inlet ports <NUM> (e.g., a USB Micro-B port, a USB Type B port, USB Type C port, etc.) covered by a movable (e.g., pivoting, flexible, etc.) cover or door <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment (see <FIG>), the power inlet <NUM> includes two power inlet ports 204a, 204b of different types covered by the door <NUM>. The door <NUM> is supported on a post <NUM> and insert portions 209a, 209b are receivable in the ports 204a, 204b, respectively.

With particular reference to <FIG>, the tray <NUM> also includes a first protrusion <NUM> having a detent recess <NUM> and a second protrusion <NUM> having a detent recess <NUM>, with each protrusion <NUM>, <NUM> being defined on the sidewall <NUM> of the tray <NUM> proximate the first end wall <NUM>. The protrusions <NUM>, <NUM> are substantially the same size and shape and are disposed along a common axial plane. As shown in <FIG>, the protrusions <NUM>, <NUM> are circumferentially spaced along the sidewall <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the spacing defines an angle of approximately <NUM>°. In other constructions (not shown), the angle of the spacing may be different.

With continued reference to <FIG>, the tray <NUM> further includes a latch <NUM> including an engagement surface <NUM>. In the illustrated construction, the latch <NUM> is disposed on a portion of the sidewall <NUM> of the tray <NUM> defining the charging circuit housing section <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the latch <NUM> is generally aligned with one of the protrusions <NUM>, <NUM> in the axial direction of the tray <NUM>. However, in other embodiments (not shown), the latch <NUM> may be disposed at other locations on the sidewall <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, the upper housing <NUM> and the lower housing <NUM> are coupled to one another to define the cavity <NUM> that receives the tray <NUM>. As will be described in greater detail below, both the upper housing <NUM> and the lower housing <NUM> include features that engage, align, and retain the tray <NUM> within the cavity <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, the upper housing <NUM> includes a first bayonet coupling channel <NUM> and a second bayonet coupling channel <NUM>. Each channel <NUM>, <NUM> is defined on the inner surface <NUM> of the upper housing <NUM>. The first channel <NUM> includes an axial portion <NUM> extending from an open end <NUM> of the first channel <NUM> defined at the first opening <NUM> to a transition portion <NUM>. The transition portion <NUM> connects the axial portion <NUM> to a circumferential portion <NUM> of the first channel <NUM>. The circumferential portion <NUM> extends along the circumferential direction of the inner surface <NUM> along an arc (e.g., about <NUM>°). The circumferential portion <NUM> terminates at a first end wall <NUM>. A locking member <NUM> in the form of a round protrusion generally corresponding to the size and shape of the detent <NUM> is defined adjacent to the first end wall <NUM> (<FIG>).

The second channel <NUM> includes an axial portion <NUM> extending a length L1 from a first end wall <NUM> to a transition portion <NUM>. The transition portion <NUM> connects the axial portion <NUM> to a circumferential portion <NUM> of the second channel <NUM>. The circumferential portion <NUM> extends along the circumferential direction of the inner surface <NUM> along an arc having an angle corresponding to the circumferential portion <NUM> (e.g., about <NUM>°). The circumferential portion <NUM> terminates at a second end wall <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, the axial portion <NUM> of the first channel <NUM> and the axial portion <NUM> of the second channel <NUM> extend coaxially along an apex of the inner surface <NUM>. In addition, the circumferential portion <NUM> of the first channel <NUM> and the circumferential portion <NUM> of the second channel <NUM> are generally parallel to, but spaced from, one another.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the lower housing <NUM> includes a first bayonet coupling channel <NUM> and a second bayonet coupling channel <NUM>. Each channel <NUM>, <NUM> is defined on the inner surface <NUM> of the lower housing <NUM>. The first channel <NUM> includes an axial portion <NUM> extending from an open end <NUM> defined at the first opening <NUM> to a transition portion <NUM>. The transition portion <NUM> connects the axial portion <NUM> to a circumferential portion <NUM> of the first channel <NUM>. The circumferential portion <NUM> extends along the circumferential direction of the inner surface <NUM> along an arc (e.g., about <NUM>°). The circumferential portion <NUM> terminates at a first end wall <NUM>. A locking member <NUM> in the form of a round protrusion generally corresponding to the size and shape of the detent <NUM> is defined adjacent to the first end wall <NUM> (<FIG>).

The second channel <NUM> includes an axial portion <NUM> that extends a length L1' from a first end wall <NUM> to a transition portion <NUM>. It should be noted that the length L1' is equal to the length L1. The transition portion <NUM> connects the axial portion <NUM> to a circumferential portion <NUM> of the second channel <NUM>. The circumferential portion <NUM> extends along the circumferential direction of the inner surface <NUM> along an arc corresponding to the circumferential portion (e.g., about <NUM>°). The circumferential portion <NUM> terminates at a second end wall <NUM>. A second locking member <NUM> in the form of a catch generally corresponding to the size and shape of the latch <NUM> is defined adjacent to the second end wall <NUM> (<FIG>).

With reference to <FIG>, the axial portion <NUM> of the first channel <NUM> and the axial portion <NUM> of the second channel <NUM> extend coaxially along the inner surface <NUM>. In addition, the circumferential portion <NUM> of the first channel <NUM> and the circumferential portion <NUM> of the second channel <NUM> are generally parallel to, but spaced from, one another.

When assembled, the tray <NUM> is received within the cavity <NUM> along an insertion axis A and is oriented such that the latch <NUM> of the charging circuit housing member <NUM> is received within the second channel <NUM> of the upper housing <NUM> and the latch <NUM> of the tray <NUM> is received within the second channel <NUM> of the lower housing <NUM> such that each latch <NUM>, <NUM> is slidable within the corresponding second channel <NUM>, <NUM>. In addition, the protrusions <NUM>, <NUM> of the tray <NUM> are receivable within the first channel <NUM> of the upper housing <NUM> and the first channel <NUM> of the lower housing <NUM>, respectively.

With reference to <FIG>, the tray <NUM> is adjustable between a closed, locked configuration (<FIG>), a closed, unlocked configuration (<FIG>), and an open configuration (<FIG>). In the closed, locked configuration, the tray <NUM> is fully received within cavity <NUM> of the housing <NUM> along the insertion axis A. The detent <NUM> of the first protrusion <NUM> and the detent <NUM> of the second protrusion <NUM> engage the locking members <NUM>, <NUM> in the circumferential portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the first channels <NUM>, <NUM> of the upper housing <NUM> and the lower housing <NUM>, respectively, to maintain the charger <NUM> in the closed, locked configuration. Additionally, the latch <NUM> of the charging circuit housing member <NUM> and the latch <NUM> of the tray <NUM> are disposed in the circumferential portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the second channels <NUM>, <NUM> of the upper housing <NUM> and the lower housing <NUM>, respectively, such that the latches <NUM>, <NUM> respectively engage the second end wall <NUM> and the second locking member <NUM>. In the closed, locked configuration, the visual indicator <NUM> (along with the grooves <NUM>) is aligned with a second visual indicator <NUM> on the housing <NUM> to indicate to a user that the charger <NUM> is in the closed, locked configuration.

To move the charger <NUM> into the unlocked, closed position, a user grasps the user interface <NUM> (e.g., via the bumper <NUM> or the channels) to pivot the tray <NUM> about the insertion axis A (e.g., counterclockwise from the position in <FIG> to the position in <FIG>). To pivot the tray <NUM>, the user must apply enough force to disengage the locking members <NUM>, <NUM> from the detents <NUM>, <NUM>, after which the protrusions <NUM>, <NUM> slide along the circumferential portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the first channels <NUM>, <NUM> toward the transition portions <NUM>, <NUM>. At the same time, the latches <NUM>, <NUM> slide along the circumferential portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the second channels <NUM>, <NUM> towards the transition portions <NUM>, <NUM>. Once the first protrusion <NUM> and the second protrusion <NUM>, as well as latches <NUM>, <NUM> are located with the respective transition portions <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, the charger <NUM> is considered to be in the unlocked, closed configuration (<FIG>).

From the unlocked, closed configuration, a user slides the tray <NUM> out of the housing <NUM> along the insertion axis A to adjust the charger <NUM> into the open configuration in which the battery receiving cavity <NUM> is accessible. To slide the tray <NUM>, the user grasps the user interface <NUM> and applies a force along the insertion axis A (i.e., pulls the tray <NUM> out of the housing <NUM>) to cause the tray <NUM> to slide axially relative to the housing <NUM>. During sliding, the protrusions <NUM>, <NUM> slide along the axial portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the first channels <NUM>, <NUM> of the upper housing <NUM> and the lower housing <NUM>, respectively, toward and eventually through the open ends <NUM>, <NUM>. At the same time, the latches <NUM>, <NUM> slide along the axial portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the second channels <NUM>, <NUM> of the upper housing <NUM> and the lower housing <NUM>, respectively.

Once the tray <NUM> has traveled the entire length L1, L1' away from the housing <NUM>, the engagement surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> of the latches <NUM>, <NUM> engage the end walls <NUM>, <NUM> of the second channels <NUM>, <NUM> such that the charger <NUM> is in the open configuration (<FIG>). The engagement between the surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> and the end walls <NUM>, <NUM> limits the distance the tray <NUM> extends from the housing <NUM> and prevents the tray <NUM> from being removed entirely from the housing <NUM>, while still exposing the battery receiving cavity <NUM> so the user may insert a battery pack <NUM>.

An indicator <NUM> (e.g., an arrow) is provided proximate the battery receiving cavity <NUM> (e.g., on the charging circuit housing member <NUM>) to assist with alignment of the battery pack <NUM> for insertion. The battery pack <NUM> includes a complementary indicator (not shown) alignable with the indicator <NUM>.

To move return the charger <NUM> into the closed, locked configuration from the open configuration, the process described above is reversed. In short, a user slides the tray <NUM> axially into the housing <NUM> along the insertion axis A and subsequently pivots the tray <NUM> about the insertion axis A (e.g., clockwise from the position shown in <FIG> to the position shown in <FIG>) until the locking members <NUM>, <NUM> engage the detents <NUM>, <NUM> of the protrusions <NUM>, <NUM>.

In other constructions (not shown), only a portion of the tray <NUM> may be movable to lock the tray <NUM> in the closed position. For example, the end wall <NUM> and/or the user interface <NUM> may support the protrusions <NUM>, <NUM> and be pivotable relative to the remainder of the tray <NUM> to engage the circumferential portions <NUM>, <NUM> and lock the tray <NUM> in the closed position.

In other constructions (not shown), a different arrangement to hold the tray <NUM> in the locked position. For example, instead of or in addition to the detents <NUM>, <NUM> and locking members <NUM>, <NUM>, the first channels <NUM>, <NUM> and the second channels <NUM>, <NUM> may include a non-circumferential portion (e.g., an axial notch (not shown)) from the interior end of each circumferential portion <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> into which the associated detent <NUM>, <NUM> or locking member <NUM>, <NUM> is received. Engagement in the notches may inhibit movement of the detents <NUM>, <NUM> and locking member <NUM>, <NUM> into and through the circumferential portions <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. A biasing assembly (not shown) may apply a force to bias the detents <NUM>, <NUM> and locking member <NUM>, <NUM> into the notches.

<FIG> illustrates an exemplary battery pack <NUM> configured to be received within the battery receiving cavity <NUM> of the charger <NUM> for charging. The battery pack <NUM> is configured to be removably received by and power an electronic device (e.g., a light, a drill, a driver, etc.). The battery pack <NUM> may be similar to the battery pack described and illustrated in International Application No. <CIT>, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

As shown in <FIG>, the battery pack <NUM> includes a cylindrical body <NUM> having sidewall <NUM> extending between a first end <NUM> and a second end <NUM> and defining an interior cavity (not shown) configured to support at least one battery cell (not shown; e.g., a single battery in the illustrated construction). The battery cell is a lithium-ion battery cell having a nominal voltage of approximately <NUM> V to <NUM> V and, in one specific embodiment, <NUM> V. In other constructions (not shown), the pack <NUM> may include more than one battery cell connected in series, parallel or combination series-parallel. The nominal voltage of the pack <NUM> may be varied to meet the requirement of specific applications. In other constructions (not shown), the battery cell(s) may have a different chemistry, nominal voltage, etc..

The sidewall <NUM> includes axially-extending grooves <NUM> separated by a protrusion <NUM>. In the illustrated construction, the grooves <NUM> are configured to receive the projections <NUM> disposed on the inner surface <NUM> of the tray <NUM>, while the protrusion <NUM> is configured to be received within the groove <NUM> of the tray <NUM> to facilitate proper alignment of the battery pack <NUM> within the tray <NUM>.

The battery pack <NUM> includes a number (e.g. three) electrical contacts <NUM> configured to electrically engage the terminal contacts <NUM> of the charger <NUM> for transfer of power (and/or signals) between the charger <NUM> to the battery pack <NUM>. In one example, the pack contacts <NUM> include a positive charge terminal, a positive discharge terminal, and a ground terminal. In one embodiment, the battery pack <NUM> includes a thermistor coupled to the ground terminal.

<FIG> schematically illustrates an exemplary circuit <NUM> of the charger <NUM> coupled to the battery pack <NUM> (<FIG>) via engagement between the charger contacts <NUM> and the pack contacts <NUM>. As illustrated, external power is provided to the charging circuit <NUM> through the power inlet <NUM> (e.g., a USB-B micro connector) to provide charging current to the battery pack <NUM> to charge the battery pack <NUM> via a charging control <NUM>.

The charger <NUM> also includes a microcontroller <NUM> including at least a memory <NUM> configured to store software-based instructions and an electronic processor <NUM> configured to execute the software. The microcontroller <NUM> may, for example, be configured to control charging and discharging protocols for the battery pack <NUM>, identify when the charger <NUM> is connected to an external power source, and apply protection protocols for the battery pack <NUM>/charger <NUM> in addition to monitoring characteristics of the battery pack <NUM> (e.g., battery pack temperature (via electrical coupling with a thermistor), current, cell voltage, state of charge, etc.), of the external power source (e.g., input voltage, current, etc.).

The protection protocols may include terminating charging or discharging of the battery pack <NUM> based on the monitored characteristics (e.g., pack temperature reaches a threshold value, cell voltage reaches a threshold value, etc.). In addition, the microcontroller <NUM> may be configured to activate one or more indicators <NUM> (e.g., LEDs, etc.) to indicate an operational state of the battery pack <NUM> (e.g., a charge level) or of the charger <NUM> (e.g., whether charging is occurring). In some embodiments, the charger <NUM> may include a discharging control <NUM> operated by the microcontroller <NUM> to discharge the battery pack <NUM> to a predetermined level prior to executing a charging protocol.

The battery pack <NUM> may include, for example, a microcontroller including at least a memory configured to store software-based instructions and an electronic processor configured to execute the software, that is configured to accomplish one or more of the functions described above (e.g., charging/discharging control, microcontroller, charging connector, etc.) in cooperation with or independently of the microcontroller <NUM> of the charger <NUM>.

The charger <NUM> described above may allow a battery pack (such as the battery pack <NUM>) to be securely retained within a cavity of the charger <NUM> to ensure the battery and charger contacts remain engaged when the battery pack is received by/locked into the charger <NUM>. The design may also provide enhanced durability for both the charger <NUM> and the associated battery packs as the enclosed locking design of the charger <NUM> protects both the charger contacts and the battery when the charger is in the closed, locked configuration during storage and/or transport.

Claim 1:
A battery charger (<NUM>) comprising:
a housing (<NUM>) defining cavity (<NUM>);
a tray (<NUM>) defining a receptacle and receivable within the cavity, the receptacle being operable to receive a battery pack (<NUM>), the tray being movable relative to the housing between a closed position, in which the receptacle is closed, and an open position, in which the receptacle is accessible; and
a user interface (<NUM>) coupled to the tray and operable to pivot the tray between a locked position, in which the tray is fixed relative to the housing, and an unlocked position, in which the tray is movable between the open position and the closed position.