Method and apparatus for providing AC or DC power for battery powered tools

• US 5,715,156 A
• Filed: 06/24/1996
• Issued: 02/03/1998
• Est. Priority Date: 06/24/1996
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Simon R. Sainsbury, Yilmaz G. George
• Original Assignee: Simon R. Sainsbury, Yilmaz G. George
• Inventors: Sainsbury, Simon R., Yilmaz, G. George
• Primary Examiner(s): Wong, Peter S.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Riley, Shawn
• Application Number:
  US08/669,226
• Time in Patent Office: 589 Days
• Field of Search: 320/56, 307/22, 307/26, 307/43, 307/72, 307/75, 307/80, 439/500, 439/956, 439/218, 439/221, 439/502, 439/144, 363/142, 363/84
• US Class Current: 363/142
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 2207/20 Charging or discharging characterised by the power electronics converter
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 2207/40 adapted for charging from various sources, e.g. AC, DC or multivoltage
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/0063 with circuits adapted for supplying loads from the battery
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/00712 the cycle being controlled or terminated in response to electric parameters
• CPC Class Codes: H02M 1/10 Arrangements incorporating converting means for enabling loads to be operated at will from different kinds of power supplies, e.g. from ac or dc
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 439/956 with means to allow selection of diverse voltage or polarity

Abstract

Method and apparatus for providing either AC mains or DC power for an electrically powered tool having a motor designed to be powered by a removable battery pack which fits into a recess in the tool. The apparatus includes a power block capable of being powered either by AC mains or DC power. The power block includes an AC to DC convertor, a voltage input selector, a DC to DC convertor, an auto voltage selector, and a solid state current monitor which automatically sets the voltage and current to be delivered to the tool motor at the voltage and current required to produce the tool motor'"'"'s full rated driving torque. The apparatus also includes an AC mains plug and a first flexible line running from the AC mains plug to the power block, a DC plug and a second flexible line running from the DC plug to the power block, a multi-pin male DC plug and a third flexible line running from the male DC plug to the power block and a DC power connector designed to receive the male DC plug and fit into the recess in the tool which receives the battery pack.

Claims

1. A method of providing either AC or DC power for an electrically powered tool having a motor designed to be powered by an insertable battery which fits into a recess in the tool comprising

providing a power block capable of being powered either by AC mains or DC power,

the power block including an AC to DC convertor and a solid state current monitor which detects current drawn by the tool motor so that the power block can automatically set the voltage and current to be delivered to the tool'"'"'s motor at the voltage and current required to produce the tool motor'"'"'s full rated driving torque,

providing an AC mains plug and a flexible line running from the AC mains plug to the power block,

providing a first DC plug and a flexible line running from the first DC plug to the power block,

providing a flexible line running from the power block to a second male DC plug, and

providing a DC power connector designed to receive the second male DC plug and to fit into the empty recess in the electrically powered tool which recess normally receives the batteries which power the tool.

2. A method as set forth in claim 1 in which the power pack also includes a voltage input selector, a DC to DC convertor and an auto voltage selector in addition to the solid state current monitor.

3. Apparatus for use with tools powered by insertable batteries comprising

a battery eliminator module identical in shape to the insertable battery of a tool which is insertable into the empty recess in the tool normally occupied by the insertable battery,

a universal male plug connected to said battery eliminator module,

an AC-DC power block designed to deliver power to the tool'"'"'s motor at its rated current and voltage by connection to the universal male plug, and

a power source connected to the AC-DC power block.