A self-aligning terminal block in a tool terminal assembly having
electrical contacts for connecting to a removable battery pack to be used
in conjunction with hand-held power tools having a rechargeable battery.
The electrical contacts of the terminal block are preferably female
terminals with two resilient guideways that taper away from each other at
distal ends, preferably forming an enlarged entry area to help receive
and align the battery terminals as they are inserted into narrow sections
of the female terminals. The guideways can be aligned with battery
terminal blades functioning as electrical contacts of the battery pack.
The self-aligning terminal block has clearance on at least one side to
allow lateral movement within the tool body to keep constant contact with
mating electrical contacts of the terminal block and the battery pack.