Embodiments of the present invention relate to modular devices. The modular device comprises an enclosure having a main body and an extending member. A battery positioned at least within the main body. The extending member includes a coupling element. The coupling element is designed to provide electrical communication with another extending member when the extending member and the other extending member are in communication with each other. The coupling element is designed to provide structural support when in communication with the other extending member. The coupling element is in electrical communication with the battery. The modular device is designed in a manner to couple with another modular device via the coupling element.

An electrical apparatus includes first and second battery interfaces disposed on a housing for electrically and mechanically connecting first and second battery packs in series. A controller is disposed within the housing and includes an apparatus microprocessor that receives first and second communication signals respectively outputted from respective microprocessors of the first and second battery packs. A first signal communication path communicates the first communication signal from the first battery pack microprocessor to the apparatus microprocessor by shifting a first voltage range of the first communication signal to a second voltage range that is suitable for inputting into the apparatus microprocessor. A second signal communication path communicates a third communication signal from the apparatus microprocessor to the first battery pack microprocessor by shifting the second voltage range of the third communication signal to a first voltage range that is suitable for inputting into the first battery pack microprocessor.

Provided is a battery module. The battery module includes: a plurality of battery cells each including an electrode terminal; and a bus bar connected to the electrode terminals of the battery cells neighboring each other to electrically connect the battery cells, the bus bar including a first bus bar and a second bus bar that are superposed on each other and include different metals, each of the first and second bus bars making conductive contact with the electrode terminals. Therefore, the thermal and electrical characteristics of the bus bar electrically connecting the neighboring battery cells to each other may be improved while improving weldability between the bus bar and electrode terminals.

An electrical device, such as a power tool, includes a first battery pack receptacle configured to receive a first battery pack and a second battery pack receptacle configured to receive a second battery pack. The second battery pack is electrically connected in a series-type configuration with the first battery pack. The electrical device also includes circuitry with an electronic processor. The circuitry is configured to alter a first signal output from the electronic processor to at least one selected from a group consisting of the first battery pack and the second battery pack, and to alter a second signal received by the electronic processor from at least one selected from the group consisting of the first battery pack and the second battery pack.

A plurality of required DC voltages are outputted. A power supply device includes: a first switch circuit corresponding to the plurality of battery devices, and that includes a switch for connecting a negative pole terminal, by which negative pole terminals of the battery devices are connected, and a first switch for connecting a positive pole terminal, by which positive pole terminals of the battery devices are connected, and a switch for bypassing, by which the battery devices are bypassed; and a second switch circuit corresponding to the plurality of battery devices, and that includes a second switch for connecting a positive pole terminal, by which positive pole terminals of the battery devices are connected, and a switch for connecting, by which the negative pole terminals of the battery devices are connected to a positive pole terminal of the other battery device.

A plurality of required DC voltages are outputted. A power supply device includes: a first switch circuit corresponding to the plurality of battery devices, and that includes a switch for connecting a negative pole terminal, by which negative pole terminals of the battery devices are connected, and a first switch for connecting a positive pole terminal, by which positive pole terminals of the battery devices are connected, and a switch for bypassing, by which the battery devices are bypassed; and a second switch circuit corresponding to the plurality of battery devices, and that includes a second switch for connecting a positive pole terminal, by which positive pole terminals of the battery devices are connected, and a switch for connecting, by which the negative pole terminals of the battery devices are connected to a positive pole terminal of the other battery device.

A method for conducting an operation including a power tool battery pack. The battery pack can include a housing, a first cell supported by the housing and having a voltage, and a second cell supported by the housing and having a voltage. The battery pack also can be connectable to a power tool and be operable to supply power to operate the power tool. The method can include discharging one of the first cell and the second cell until the voltage of the one of the first cell and the second cell is substantially equal to the voltage of the other of the first cell and the second cell.

Examples are disclosed herein that relate to curved batteries. One example provides a battery comprising an anode arranged on an anode substrate, a cathode arranged on a cathode substrate, the anode substrate being curved at a first curvature and the cathode substrate being curved at a second curvature, and a separator between the anode and the cathode. A thickness of the anode substrate and a thickness of the cathode substrate are determined based on the curvature of the respective substrate, such that the one of the anode substrate and the cathode substrate with a larger curvature has a larger thickness.

An electrical equipment cabinet includes a plurality of walls defining an interior of the electrical equipment cabinet, a battery carrier positionable within the interior of the electrical equipment cabinet, and a plurality of batteries attached to the battery carrier via adhesive to substantially prevent removal of the plurality of batteries from the battery carrier. Other example electrical equipment cabinets, battery carriers, etc. are also disclosed.

An energy storage module includes an energy storage cell group containing a plurality of energy storage cells stacked in a stacking direction, and a pair of end plates provided at both ends of the energy storage cell group in the stacking direction. A terminal frame is provided at the end plate in order to electrically connect an electrode terminal of the energy storage cell provided at an end in the stacking direction and an output line. The terminal frame is fixed to the end plate by fixing points.