Modular battery assemblies for battery-powered devices

Abstract

A battery assembly includes: a battery pack having a battery pack housing; an upper modular housing portion connected to the battery pack housing at a first end of the battery pack housing; a lower modular housing portion connected to the battery pack housing at a second end of the battery pack housing; and a handle formed as a part of the upper modular housing portion. The battery assembly further includes: a plurality of battery cells located within the battery pack housing; a mating component including a plurality of ports electrically connected to the plurality of battery cells and configured to supply power from the plurality of battery cells through the ports and configured to selectively connect the battery assembly to a receptacle of at least one of a power device and a charging station. The mating component is located on the first modular housing portion.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related patent applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Application No. 62 / 667,209, filed May 4, 2018, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Background Art

[0003] The present invention relates generally to the field of indoor and outdoor power equipment, and more particularly to the field of battery-powered indoor and outdoor power equipment. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] One embodiment of the present invention relates to a battery assembly. The battery assembly includes: a battery pack having a battery pack housing; an upper modular housing portion connected to the battery pack housing at a first end of the battery pack housing; and a lower modular housing portion connected to the battery pack housing at a second end of the battery pack housing. The battery assembly also includes: a handle formed as part of the upper modular housing portion; a plurality of battery cells located within the battery pack housing; and a mating component including a plurality of ports electrically connected to the plurality of battery cells and configured to supply power from the plurality of battery cells through the ports. The mating component is also configured to selectively connect the battery assembly to a receptacle of at least one of a power device and a charging station. The mating component is located on the first modular housing portion.

[0006] Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a battery charging system. The battery charging system includes a charging station having multiple sockets and multiple battery assemblies. Each of the multiple battery assemblies includes: a housing including a handle; multiple battery cells located within the housing; and a mating component that is integrally formed with the housing. The mating component is configured to selectively connect the battery assembly to the socket of the charging station, and includes multiple ports electrically connected to the multiple battery cells, and is configured to receive power from the charging station to charge the multiple battery cells. The handle includes a movable member configured to selectively disengage the battery assembly from the multiple sockets of the charging station.

[0007] Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a battery assembly. The battery assembly includes a housing including a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion connecting the first portion to the second portion, wherein the second portion is opposite the first portion. The battery assembly also includes: a handle located above the first portion; a plurality of battery cells located within the housing; a mating component including a plurality of ports electrically connected to the plurality of battery cells, and configured to supply power from the plurality of battery cells through the ports, and configured to selectively connect the battery assembly to a socket of at least one of a power device and a charging station. The mating component is located on the first portion of the housing. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The present disclosure will become more fully understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0009] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a lawn mower according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0010] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a battery assembly for various types of indoor and outdoor power equipment according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0011] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A perspective view of a portion of a battery assembly;

[0012] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A perspective view of a portion of a battery assembly;

[0013] Figure 5 It includes multiple Figure 2 A perspective view of an integrated battery system of a battery assembly;

[0014] Figure 6 It includes multiple Figure 2 A perspective view of a rack charging system for a battery assembly;

[0015] Figure 7 It includes multiple Figure 2 A perspective view of a benchtop charging system for a battery assembly;

[0016] Figure 8 Has a charging cable Figure 2 A perspective view of a battery assembly;

[0017] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a portion of a user interface of an outdoor power device;

[0018] Fig.10 yes Fig.10 A front view of a user interface of

[0019] Fig.11 According to an exemplary embodiment, a mobile device and Figure 2 A perspective view of a communication system between batteries;

[0020] Fig.12 is a front view of a lighthouse according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0021] Fig.13 is a perspective view of a backpack blower according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0022] Fig.14 is a perspective view of a generator according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0023] Fig.15 is a perspective view of the user interface of a mobile device;

[0024] Fig.16 is a perspective view of a user interface of a mobile device; and

[0025] Fig.17 is used Figure 2 A perspective view of batteries for various indoor and outdoor power equipment.

[0026] Detailed Description

[0027] Before turning to the drawings that describe exemplary embodiments in detail, it should be understood that the present application is not limited to the details or methods set forth in the specification or shown in the drawings. It should also be understood that the terminology is for descriptive purposes only and should not be considered as limiting.

[0028] Reference Figure 1 , an outdoor power device in the form of a lawn mower 10 according to an exemplary embodiment is shown. The lawn mower 10 includes a removable and replaceable battery assembly 100 that provides power to an electric motor (not shown) connected to a rotary tool (e.g., a blade, auger, saw, tine, drill, pump, or other rotary tool in the deck 14 of the lawn mower 10). As shown, the lawn mower 10 also includes wheels 16 and a rearwardly extending handle 18 that is designed to be pushed by an operator walking behind the lawn mower 10. The battery assembly 100 described herein also allows the electric power device to be used indoors. The battery assembly 100 can be used with various types of indoor and outdoor power devices and portable worksite field equipment. Outdoor power equipment includes lawn mowers, riding tractors, snow blowers, pressure washers, tillers, log splitters, zero-turn radius mowers, walk-behind mowers, riding mowers, stand-up mowers, road surface preparation equipment, industrial vehicles (e.g., forklifts), utility vehicles, commercial turf equipment (e.g., blowers), vacuum cleaners, chip loaders, overseeders, power rakes, aerators, sod cutters, brush mowers, portable generators, etc. Indoor power equipment includes floor sanders, floor buffers and polishers, vacuum cleaners, etc. Portable jobsite equipment includes portable light towers, mobile industrial heaters, and portable light stands.

[0029] Reference Figure 2, a battery assembly 100 according to an exemplary embodiment is shown. The battery assembly 100 is removable and rechargeable. The battery assembly 100 is configured to be inserted (e.g., dropped, lowered, placed) into a receiver integral with a piece of equipment and / or a charging station. The battery assembly 100 can be installed into the equipment vertically, horizontally, and at any angle. As described below, the battery assembly 100 includes a battery pack 105 and one or more optional modular parts. The battery pack 105 is a lithium-ion battery. However, other types of batteries, such as nickel-cadmium (NiCD), lead acid, nickel metal hydride (NiMH), lithium polymer, etc., can be considered. The battery assembly 100 generates a voltage of approximately 48 volts (V) and 1500 watt-hours (Wh) of energy. It is conceivable that other sizes of battery assemblies can also be used. The battery pack 105 includes one or more battery cells located therein. The battery assembly 100 is also hot-swappable, which means that a depleted battery assembly 100 can be replaced with a new battery assembly 100 without completely shutting down the power of the connected device. In this way, downtime between battery assembly 100 replacements is eliminated.

[0030] As further described herein, the operator can remove the battery assembly 100 from the equipment without the use of tools and charge it using a charging station. In this way, the operator can use a second rechargeable battery with sufficient power to power the equipment while allowing the first battery to recharge. In addition, the battery assembly 100 can be used on various types of equipment, including indoor, outdoor and portable construction site equipment. Due to its consistency between equipment, the battery assembly 100 can also be used as part of a rental system, and rental companies that traditionally rent equipment can also rent battery assemblies 100 to be used on such equipment. Operators can rent battery assemblies 100 for use on various types of equipment that they may own and / or rent, and then return the battery assembly 100 to other operators for use as needed.

[0031] Still reference Figure 2, the battery pack 105 includes an upper portion 150, a lower portion 155, a left side 160, and a right side 165. The battery assembly 100 also includes an upper modular portion 115 connected to the upper portion 150 of the battery pack 105, and lower modular portions 120, 125 connected to the lower portion 155 of the battery pack 105 on each of the left side 160 and the right side 165. The upper modular portion 115 and the lower modular portions 120, 125 are connected to the battery pack 105 using fasteners 180 (e.g., bolts, screws). In other embodiments, the modular portions 115, 120, 125 are connected to the battery pack 105 using a snap fit. The lower modular portions 120, 125 provide protection for the battery pack 105 and function to absorb or limit the forces to which the battery pack 105 is subjected when it is dropped, etc. In some embodiments, the battery assembly 100 may not include the upper modular portion 115 and / or the lower modular portions 120, 125 and may be permanently mounted to the device. The upper modular portion 115 and the lower modular portions 120, 125 are interchangeable and customizable, so that an operator can select different designs and / or colors based on the type or brand and model of equipment used with the battery assembly 100.

[0032] Reference Figure 2-4 , the upper modular portion 115 includes a housing 117 and a handle 110 extending from the housing. The housing 117 surrounds an upper portion 150 of the battery pack 105. The housing 117 includes a mating component 140 located near a right side 165 of the battery pack 105. The mating component 140 includes an opening 170 having one or more ports 175 located therein. The ports 175 are configured to connect to a charging station (e.g., Figure 6-8 The mating component 140 is configured to mate with a charging connector (not shown) on a charging system 200, 400 in the battery pack 105. The port 175 is electrically connected to the battery cells within the battery pack 105. The mating component 140 is configured to supply power from the battery cells through the port 175 and selectively connect the battery assembly 100 to a socket of at least one of the power device and the charging station. The mating component 140 also includes a lock 143 (e.g., a latch, a clip) configured to connect and disconnect (e.g., lock and unlock) the battery assembly 100 to the corresponding components on the charging station and / or device.

[0033] The handle 110 includes an outer surface 111 and an inner surface 113 positioned closer to the battery pack 105 than the outer surface 111. The inner surface 113 includes a movable member 135 that is configured to be operable by an operator to unlock the battery assembly 100 from the charging station and / or device. When pressed, the movable member 135 moves inwardly toward the inner surface 113 and moves the lock 143 out of engagement with the corresponding component on the charging station and / or device. In this way, when the operator grasps the handle 110, the operator can easily press the movable member 135 to disengage the battery assembly 100 from the device or charging station at the same time and with the same hand.

[0034] Reference Figure 3 The battery pack 105 further includes a heat sink 145 formed therein near an upper portion 150 of the battery pack 105. The heat sink 145 regulates the temperature of the battery pack 105 by transferring heat generated by the battery pack 105 to a fluid medium (e.g., air) and then dissipating the heat from the battery pack 105. Figure 3 As shown, the heat sink 145 is a cold plate heat sink, but other types of heat sinks may be used.

[0035] Reference Figure 5 , multiple battery assemblies 100 can be used in an integrated battery system 190. The integrated battery system 190 can be used in devices that require more battery power than one battery assembly 100 provides. The integrated battery system 190 includes a plurality of battery receptacles 191, each having an opening 193. The battery receptacle 191 includes a portion of a wall 189 that includes a protrusion 187. The battery pack 105 includes one or more slots 185 (e.g., slits, gaps) formed near the lower portion 155. The slots 185 are configured to engage with protrusions 187 (e.g., tabs) on the integrated battery system 190. The slots 185 and the protrusions 187 are configured to engage with each other and align the battery pack 105 into each receptacle 191. The battery assembly 100 slides into each battery receptacle 191 (e.g., each slot 185 accommodates a protrusion 187) and is connected to a central power line 197 through an intermediate connector 195 formed in the battery receptacle 191 through the mating component 140 and the port 175. A central power cord 197 may be connected to a charging station.

[0036] Reference Figure 6 , shows a rack charger system 200 according to one embodiment. The rack charger system 200 includes a rack 205 and one or more charging receivers 220 having battery receptacles 225. One or more battery assemblies 100 are inserted into the battery receptacles 225 for charging. When inserted, the battery assemblies 100 are electrically connected to the charging receivers 220 (e.g., via Figure 4175 ), the charging receiver is electrically connected to a common power source, such as a cord 210 plugged directly into a wall outlet 215 . In some embodiments, the charging receiver 220 can be configured to work with multiple types of common power as desired. For example, the charging receiver 220 can be connected to a 120VAC service, a 240VAC service, or even a 480VAC service, thereby allowing multiple batteries to be charged. The rack charging system 200 may include a power converter to convert the common power to the appropriate voltage and current levels required to charge one or more battery assemblies 100 . The rack charging system 200 may further include one or more controllers configured to ensure proper charging of all battery assemblies 100 received by the rack charger system 200 . When an operator and / or employee wishes to remove one of the battery assemblies 100 , they grasp the handle 110 of the battery assembly 100 , engage (e.g., squeeze, push in) the movable member 135 , and cause the lock 143 ( Figure 1 ) out of engagement with the battery receptacle 225, and then removing the battery assembly 100 by sliding the battery assembly 100 out of the receptacle 225. The battery assembly 100 may also include a visual indicator showing the battery charge level, etc. Using the rack charger system 200, the battery assembly 100 will be fully charged in approximately 1 hour.

[0037] Reference Figure 7 , shows a desktop charging system 400 according to an exemplary embodiment. The desktop charger system 400 includes a socket housing 405 having a plurality of battery sockets 425. One or more battery assemblies 100 are inserted into the battery sockets 425 for charging. When inserted, the battery assembly 100 is electrically connected to the battery socket 425 (e.g., via Figure 4 ), the battery receptacle is electrically connected to a common power source, such as a cord 410 directly plugged into a wall socket 415. When an operator and / or employee wishes to remove one of the battery assemblies 100, he or she grasps the handle 110 of the battery assembly 100, engages (e.g., presses, squeezes, pushes) the movable member 135 ( Figure 2 ), so that lock 143 ( Figure 2 ) out of engagement with the battery receptacle 425, and then removing the battery assembly 100 by sliding the battery assembly 100 out of the receptacle 425. Each battery assembly 100 includes a visual indicator or display 420 that displays the battery charge level and other battery health indicators. The visual indicator or display 420 can display different colors for different levels of battery charge. For example, the visual indicator or display 420 can use red to indicate that the battery is not fully charged and green to indicate that the battery is fully charged. Using the desktop charger system 400, the battery assembly 100 will be fully charged in approximately 1 hour.

[0038] In some embodiments, the rack charger system 200 and / or the desktop charger system 400 charges the plurality of battery assemblies 100 in sequence. Sequential charging includes charging different battery assemblies 100 at different times so that not all battery assemblies 100 are charged at the same time, thereby not causing an overload on the public service system. Sequential charging can determine which battery assemblies 100 need to be charged more than other battery assemblies by monitoring the charge levels of all connected battery assemblies 100, and charging those assemblies 100 while turning off the power to the battery assemblies 100 that may already be fully charged.

[0039] Reference Figure 8 , shows a portable charger 192 for use with the battery assembly 100 according to one embodiment. The portable charger 192 accesses the port 175 and a wall outlet to provide charging to the battery assembly 100. Using the portable charger 192, the battery assembly 100 will be fully charged in approximately 4 hours.

[0040] In addition to the charging system described above, the battery assembly 100 can also be charged while plugged into a device or tool that uses the battery assembly 100. The user can leave the battery assembly 100 plugged in and plug the device or tool into a socket to charge the battery assembly 100. In this embodiment, the charging system is included in the tool or device, so that an external charger is not required.

[0041] Reference Figure 9-11 , a lawn mower 500 and a user interface 520 of the lawn mower 500 are shown. The user interface 520 includes a switch 525 (e.g., a lever, a knob, a button, etc.). The switch 525 can be rotated between an off position in which the battery assembly 100 is not electrically connected to a component of the lawn mower 500 and an on position in which the battery assembly 100 is electrically connected to the component. Fig.11 As shown, the battery assembly 100 is communicatively connected to the mobile device 600. The battery assembly 100 transmits various battery data and device data to the mobile device 600 for display.

[0042] Reference Fig.11 In some embodiments, the battery assembly 100 is connected to the network 510. In some embodiments, the operator and / or employee communicates with the battery assembly 100 using the network 510 via a mobile device 600 (e.g., a smart phone, a laptop, a desktop computer, a tablet computer, etc.). Therefore, one or more mobile devices 600 are also connected to the network 510.

[0043] In some embodiments, the battery assembly 100 includes a network interface. In some arrangements, the network interface includes the hardware and logic necessary to communicate over multiple data communication channels. For example, the network interface may include a Wi-Fi interface, a cellular modem, a Bluetooth transceiver, a Bluetooth beacon, an RFID transceiver, an NFC transceiver, or a combination thereof. The network interface facilitates data communication with the battery assembly 100 (and therefore the device (e.g., lawn mower 500) using the battery assembly 100).

[0044] The network 510 can facilitate data communication between various combinations of battery assemblies 100 and mobile devices 600. In some settings, the network 510 includes a cellular transceiver. In another setting, the network 510 includes the Internet. In yet another setting, the network 510 includes a local area network or a wide area network. The network 510 can be assisted by short-range and / or long-range communication technologies, including Bluetooth transceivers, Bluetooth beacons, RFID transceivers, NFC transceivers, Wi-Fi transceivers, cellular transceivers, wired network connections, etc. As such, in one embodiment, communication between the mobile device 600 and the battery assembly 100 can be assisted and connected to a cloud-based system through RFID and Wi-Fi connections on the battery assembly 100. In another embodiment, communication is assisted and connected to a cloud-based system only through Wi-Fi. In another embodiment, communication is assisted and connected to a cloud-based system only through a cellular transceiver. In yet another embodiment, communication is assisted and connected to a cloud-based system through Bluetooth and cellular transceivers. In yet another embodiment, communications may be facilitated by and connected to a cloud-based system and may be used with a vending system with which a customer or operator may interact to rent a battery assembly 100. In all such embodiments, a third party (e.g., a consumer and / or a rental company) may access the cloud-based system.

[0045] The battery assembly 100 may include one or more circuits configured to monitor the status of the battery assembly 100 or other aspects of a device used with the battery assembly 100. The circuits may be further configured to monitor the status of the battery to predict the number of times the battery can be started. For example, the circuits may monitor the battery's state of charge, the average amount of power consumed to start and run the device, and / or other characteristics of the device (e.g., operating state, RPM, etc.). The average amount of power used to start the device and / or the characteristics of the device may be transmitted to the circuits by connecting the battery assembly 100 to one or more terminals of a receiver. The display may then be displayed on a display integrally formed with the battery (e.g., Figure 7The number of times the battery assembly 100 can be started can be shown on a display 420 shown in the figure or on a display provided elsewhere (e.g., on a control panel or user interface). The number of times the battery assembly 100 can be started can also be transmitted to the mobile device 600 and displayed on the user interface of the mobile device 600. The number of times the battery assembly 100 can be started can be calculated based on the characteristics of the device. For example, for one type of outdoor power equipment (e.g., a pressure washer), a battery with a certain charge may be able to perform more starts than another type of outdoor power equipment (e.g., a lawn mower).

[0046] The circuitry may be further configured to monitor other characteristics of the device by communicating with sensors and monitoring devices (e.g., level sensors, temperature sensors, pressure sensors, timers, etc.). The circuitry may output data related to information received from the sensors and monitoring devices to a display, such as display 420 ( Figure 7 ) or a display displayed on a user interface of the mobile device 600. Thus, the display can convey various operating data related to the device and the battery assembly 100 to the user of the device. For example, the circuit can output information such as operating time, battery charge, or battery temperature to the display. In addition, the circuit can monitor the temperature of the battery assembly 100 through input from a temperature sensor. If the battery temperature is too low for normal use of the battery, temperature monitoring can be used to warn the user (e.g., via the display 420, the user interface of the mobile device 600). Using the battery assembly 100 to power these circuits can provide information to the user (e.g., battery temperature, battery charge level) before the device is started, so that any problems can be resolved before attempting to start the device.

[0047] Reference Fig.12 , a mobile device 600 is shown displaying a user interface 610. The user interface 610 displays data received remotely from the battery assembly 100. Among other data, the user interface 610 displays information related to battery runtime, battery health, and battery location (e.g., using a global positioning system on the battery assembly 100). The user interface 610 may allow an employee and / or operator to remotely lock the battery assembly 100 so that the battery assembly 100 will not operate to provide power. In this way, if it is determined that theft may have occurred, the battery assembly 100 may be tracked and shut down. In addition, by using remote tracking and operation, an employee of a rental company may lock the battery assembly 100 when the rental period expires. The operator of the battery assembly 100 may then be prompted by an application on the operator's own mobile device whether to extend the rental period, and the rental may be performed remotely. By interacting with an application displayed on the operator's mobile device, the operator may also preemptively extend the rental period, sending a notification to the rental company and / or the rental company's employees.

[0048] Reference Fig.13 , a mobile device 600 is shown displaying another user interface 620. The user interface 620 displays the charge and health data of the battery assembly. An operator or employee of a rental service can use the user interface 620 to track the battery charge levels on multiple battery assemblies 100 to determine which battery assembly 100 can be fully charged and thus ready for use and / or rental. In addition, the battery assembly 100 can be selected for certain devices based on various parameters related to the battery assembly 100, such as the state of health (SoH), the state of charge (SoC), the amount of power on the battery, etc. For example, a device that requires less battery power can use a battery assembly 100 with less power than a device that actually uses a battery that requires a full charge. The rental company can track the charge of the battery assembly 100 to determine whether to rent a specific battery assembly 100 to a customer based on which device the operator wants to use the battery assembly 100 for. The user interface 620 can also display other health characteristics, such as which battery assemblies 100 may not be charged properly.

[0049] In some embodiments, the user can use their mobile device to reserve a battery assembly 100 before arriving at the rental company. Upon arriving at the rental company, the user is directed to the appropriate battery assembly 100 (e.g., a specific battery assembly 100) through a display on their mobile device. For example, the mobile device can display a map of the rental company store and indicate the location of the battery assembly 100 within the store. The mobile device may additionally or alternatively display text indicating which part of the store the battery assembly 100 is located in. Once the appropriate battery assembly 100 is found, the user can use their mobile device (e.g., via NFC, Bluetooth, etc.) to communicate with the battery assembly 100 to register for the loan procedure. By using a mobile device to register for loaning a battery assembly 100, mobile device information (e.g., a unique code sent by a mobile device, etc.) is transmitted to the battery assembly 100, and the user is authenticated through their mobile device. The battery assembly 100 remains locked until the user's identity is verified and the battery assembly 100 is registered for loan.

[0050] Reference Fig.14 , showing the battery assembly 100 being used on a lighthouse 700. The battery assembly 100 can be positioned in a base of the lighthouse 700. Thus, the lighthouse 700 can be easily transported for use at a construction site or the like. Fig.15 , shows the battery assembly 100 being used on a backpack blower 800. The battery assembly 100 is positioned within the backpack portion of the backpack blower 800 so that the operator carries the battery assembly 100 on his or her back when using the blower 800. Thus, the blower 800 is easily transported. Fig.16, three battery assemblies 100 are shown for use with a generator 900. In this way, the battery assemblies 100 can be used to power the generator 900, and an operator can plug equipment and / or other electrical equipment into the generator 900 to power such equipment away from the power grid.

[0051] refer to Fig.17 , various types of equipment in which one or more battery assemblies 100 may be used are shown. As shown, the battery assembly 100 may be used with various types of indoor and outdoor power equipment and portable jobsite equipment. Examples of such equipment are floor sanders, floor buffers and polishers, cement rollers, power washers, vacuum cleaners, overseeders, sweepers, sod cutters, brush mowers, portable generators, heaters, and the like.

[0052] Although this specification contains many specific implementation details, these details should not be interpreted as limitations on the scope of the claimed protection, but should be regarded as descriptions of specific features of specific implementations. In the context of separate implementations, certain features described in this specification may also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single implementation may also be implemented in multiple implementations or in any suitable sub-combination. In addition, although the features may be described above as working in certain combinations, or even initially stated as such, in some cases, one or more features of the claimed combination may be separated from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a sub-combination or a variant of the sub-combination.

[0053] It should be understood that although words such as "suitable" or "appropriate" are used in the above description to indicate that the functions described in this way may be more suitable, they may not be necessary, and embodiments lacking them are expected to be within the scope of the present invention, which is defined by the appended claims. In reading the claims, it is intended that when words such as "a", "an" or "at least one" are used, it is not intended to limit the claim to only one, unless there is an explicit statement to the contrary in the claims.

[0054] It should be noted that certain paragraphs of the present disclosure may refer to terms such as "first" and "second" in relation to sides and ends, etc., for identifying or distinguishing one from another or the like. These terms are not intended to relate entities (e.g., first side and second side) only in time or according to sequence, although in some cases, these entities may include such a relationship. These terms also do not limit the number of possible entities (e.g., sides or ends) that can operate in a system or environment.

[0055] As used herein, the terms "coupled," "connected," and the like refer to the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be fixed (e.g., permanent) or movable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved by the two members, or the two members and any additional intermediate members, being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or by the two members, or the two members and any additional intermediate members, being connected to one another.

[0056] As used herein, the term "circuit" may include hardware configured to perform the functions described herein. In some embodiments, each respective "circuit" may include a machine-readable medium for configuring hardware to perform the functions described herein. The circuit may be embodied as one or more circuit components, including but not limited to processing circuits, network interfaces, peripherals, input devices, output devices, sensors, etc. In some embodiments, the circuit may take the form of one or more analog circuits, electronic circuits (e.g., integrated circuits (ICs), discrete circuits, system-on-chip (SOC) circuits, etc.), telecommunications circuits, hybrid circuits, and any other type of "circuit". In this regard, a "circuit" may include any type of component for implementing or facilitating the implementation of the operations described herein. For example, the circuit described herein may include one or more transistors, logic gates (e.g., NAND, AND, NOR, OR, XOR, NOT, XNOR, etc.), resistors, multiplexers, registers, capacitors, inductors, diodes, wiring, etc.).

[0057] "Circuit" may also include one or more processors that are communicatively connected to one or more memories or storage devices. In this regard, one or more processors may execute instructions stored in a memory, or may execute instructions accessible to another one or more processors. In some embodiments, one or more processors may be implemented in various ways. One or more processors may be constructed in a manner sufficient to perform at least the operations described herein. In some embodiments, one or more processors may be shared by multiple circuits (e.g., circuit A and circuit B may contain or share the same processor, which may execute instructions stored or otherwise accessed through different regions of the memory in some example embodiments). Alternatively or additionally, one or more processors may be constructed to perform or otherwise perform certain operations independently of one or more coprocessors. In other example embodiments, two or more processors may be connected via a bus to implement independent, parallel, pipelined or multi-threaded instruction execution. Each processor may be implemented as one or more general-purpose processors, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), digital signal processors (DSPs), or other suitable electronic data processing components, which are constructed to execute instructions provided by a memory. One or more processors may take the form of a single-core processor, a multi-core processor (e.g., a dual-core processor, a triple-core processor, a quad-core processor, etc.), a microprocessor, etc. In some embodiments, one or more processors may be external to the device, for example, one or more processors may be a remote processor (e.g., a cloud-based processor). Alternatively or additionally, one or more processors may be internal and / or local to the device. In this regard, a given circuit or its components may be provided locally (e.g., as part of a local server, a local computing system, etc.) or remotely (e.g., as part of a remote server (e.g., a cloud-based server). To this end, the "circuit" described herein may include components distributed in one or more locations.

Claims

1. A battery assembly comprising: A battery pack having a battery pack housing; an upper modular portion connected to the battery housing at a first end of the battery housing; a lower protective portion connected to the battery pack housing at a second end of the battery pack housing; a handle formed as part of the upper modular portion; a plurality of battery cells located within the battery pack housing; a mating component including a plurality of ports electrically connected to the plurality of battery cells and configured to supply power from the plurality of battery cells through the ports, the mating component configured to selectively connect the battery assembly with a receptacle of at least one of a power device and a charging station; The matching component is located on one side of the battery pack housing.

2. The battery assembly of claim 1, further comprising one or more slots located on the battery pack housing and configured to receive one of the plurality of protrusions of the socket of at least one of the power device and the charging station.

3. The battery assembly of claim 1, wherein the handle includes a movable member configured to releasably connect the battery assembly to at least one of the power device and the charging station when the movable member is depressed.

4. The battery assembly of claim 3, wherein the movable member is located on an inner surface of the handle.

5. The battery assembly of claim 1, wherein the battery assembly includes a heat sink located at least partially within the battery pack housing and configured to dissipate heat from the battery assembly.

6. The battery assembly of claim 1, wherein the mating feature comprises a slot configured to engage a protrusion on the charging station to releasably connect the battery assembly to the charging station.

7. The battery assembly according to claim 1 further comprises one or more circuits configured to monitor the status of the battery assembly and output data related to the status of the battery to at least one of a display and a mobile device integrated with the battery assembly.

8. The battery assembly according to claim 1 further comprises one or more circuits configured to monitor characteristics of a device to which the battery assembly is connected and output data related to the status of the device to at least one of a display and a mobile device integrated with the battery assembly.

9. A battery charging system comprising: - a charging station, which contains a number of sockets; - a plurality of battery assemblies, wherein each of the plurality of battery assemblies comprises: --Battery pack housing; handle; a first lower protection portion and a second lower protection portion, both of which are connected to the exterior of the battery pack housing, wherein the second lower protection portion is opposite to the first lower protection portion; --a plurality of battery cells located within the battery pack housing; a mating component configured to selectively connect the battery assembly to the receptacle of the charging station, and comprising a plurality of ports electrically connected to the plurality of battery cells, and configured to receive power from the charging station to charge the plurality of battery cells.

10. The battery charging system of claim 9, wherein each of the plurality of battery assemblies further comprises: A slot is formed on the battery pack housing and is configured to receive one of the plurality of protrusions of the socket.

11. The battery charging system of claim 9, wherein the handle includes a movable member configured to selectively disengage the battery assembly from a plurality of receptacles of the charging station and the movable member is located on an inner surface of the handle.

12. The battery charging system according to claim 9, wherein the charging station is configured to charge the plurality of battery assemblies sequentially, and is configured to determine that one or more of the plurality of battery assemblies has less power than other battery assemblies, and to charge one or more of the plurality of battery assemblies, and to cut off power supply for charging the other battery assemblies.

13. The battery charging system of claim 9, wherein each of the plurality of battery assemblies further comprises one or more circuits configured to monitor a status of the battery assembly and output data related to the status of the battery to a display integrated with the battery assembly.

14. The battery charging system of claim 9, further comprising a plurality of indicator lights configured to indicate a status of each of the plurality of battery assemblies when the plurality of battery assemblies are electrically connected to the plurality of sockets.

15. A battery assembly comprising: Battery pack housing, a first lower protective portion, a second lower protective portion, and an upper modular portion, each of the first lower protective portion, the second lower protective portion, and the upper modular portion being connected to the battery pack housing, wherein the second lower protective portion is opposite the first lower protective portion; a handle located above the upper modular portion; a plurality of battery cells located within the battery pack housing; a mating component including a plurality of ports electrically connected to the plurality of battery cells and configured to supply power from the plurality of battery cells through the ports and configured to selectively connect the battery assembly with a receptacle of at least one of a power device and a charging station; The matching component is located on one side of the battery pack housing.

16. The battery assembly according to claim 15 further comprises one or more circuits configured to monitor the status of the battery assembly and output data related to the status of the battery assembly to at least one of a display and a mobile device integrated with the battery assembly.

17. The battery assembly according to claim 15 further comprises one or more circuits configured to monitor characteristics of a device to which the battery assembly is connected and output data related to the status of the device to at least one of a display and a mobile device integrated with the battery assembly.

18. The battery assembly of claim 15, further comprising a movable member located on an inner surface of the handle and configured to releasably connect the battery assembly to one of a device and a charging station.

19. The battery assembly of claim 15, wherein the battery assembly comprises a heat sink located at least partially within the battery pack housing and configured to dissipate heat from the battery assembly.

20. The battery assembly of claim 15, wherein the mating component includes a slot configured to engage a protrusion on the charging station to releasably connect the charging station and the mating component of the battery assembly.

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