Battery technology is driving innovation from the top tool companies as cordless becomes the new corded. There isn’t much drop off from power between AC and DC currents these days for premium power tools. Bosch Tool Corporation has just introduced a real game-changer with the introduction of the Bosch Power Ready Wireless Charging System – the world’s first for cordless power tools. Wireless charging technology meets absolute user convenience in a system that powers tools virtually anywhere: in a moving vehicle and between jobs or tasks – with the battery on the tool or off.
Hagen Dost, Bosch product manager says, “Our new 18V wireless charging system eliminates the need for a bin of batteries with a partial charge. Now pros can easily charge their hand-held power tools in between tasks or jobs and not worry about dead batteries. This means increased productivity and increased profits.”
HOW IT WORKS
This power tool advancement is based on the concept of contactless energy transfer, also known as inductive charging. When the charger is plugged in and the compatible battery is placed on it, the charger begins wirelessly transmitting an alternating magnetic field. The battery, featuring an internal copper coil, acts as a receiver. As the alternating magnetic field penetrates the coil, voltage is induced and a charging current flows to the cells until full. Similar to conventional charging, the battery and charger are in constant communication during the charge process to ensure proper charge and a long battery life.
“Wireless charging opens a whole new world of convenience,” said Dost. “And the new wireless batteries are compatible with today’s complete Bosch 18V power tool offering, so users can start benefitting immediately.”
Each charger also features Foreign Object Detection (FOD), which detects when any other object besides the compatible battery is on the charging pad. If sensed, the charger will not turn on until the object is removed. This prevents conductive materials, such as bolts, washers, nails or even metal shavings that might inadvertently fall on the pad from heating up. The process is similar to heating coils on an electric stove.
SOLVING FUNDAMENTAL CORDLESS PROBLEMS ON THE JOB
With Power Ready Wireless Charging, the entire process is nearly effortless. For example, when working in between tasks, simply set the entire drill/driver, battery and all, right on the charger pad to top off the charge and never worry about a dead battery. Need to drive to your next service call? Wall- or shelf-mount the charger within either the WC18H mobile tool holster or WC18F charger frame to not only store your tool and battery, but charge it at the same time. It takes up less space and makes the entire process more efficient. And for those on jobsites, job box charge stations, cart mounting or even traditional applications can serve to ensure tools and batteries are always power ready where you store them. The applications are nearly limitless as professionals now have the opportunity to be confident in their cordless power tool batteries.
FIRST COMPONENTS
The components of the Bosch Power Ready Wireless Charging System include:
WCBAT612 – The WCBAT612 is a SlimPack 18V 2.0 Ah battery that combines the advantages of wireless charging with renowned Bosch battery technology. This battery has a charge-level indicator and is equipped with industry-leading Bosch CoolPack technology, which improves heat dissipation and extends battery life twice as long over packs without it. High-efficiency cells help users maximize productivity on the job by delivering 65 percent more runtime versus 1.5 Ah packs. As part of the brand’s Flexible Power System, the battery is compatible with all Bosch 18V power tools and chargers for maximum flexibility. Users can expect the addition of the WCBAT620 4.0 Ah 18V Fat Pack in spring 2015.
WC18C – The WC18C Wireless Charger will charge the WCBAT612 80 percent in approximately 30 minutes and 100 percent in 50 minutes (from empty). It features charge status indicator lights for easy recognition.
WC18F – Available with all Bosch Power Ready Wireless Charging System kits, the WC18F frame is designed to mount the charger to workbenches, shelves, side walls or other work surfaces, and serves as a flexible and secure holder for the battery or tool and battery (on horizontal surface).
WC18H – The Bosch WC18H Mobile Holster offers users the industry’s first customized charging and storage system. Professionals can mount the durable holster to any shelf or side wall for quick and convenient tool charging and storage when they’re on the go or during downtime – no need to remove the battery from the tool. Users can customize how they mount the holster to best fit their work style – vertically or horizontally, on a stationary workbench or in a truck or van – for easy grab-and-go access. Since the tool is always charging when stored, pros are power ready for the entire work day. An enclosed top with three custom inserts secures tool and battery to charger (Bosch Compact Tough and Brute-Tough DD/HDD and Impact Drivers) during bumpy vehicle travel.
Bosch Power Ready Wireless Charging System components and cordless tool kit options will be available at authorized dealers in North America in October 2014. Additional wireless charging products will roll out in spring 2015.
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