Modular battery assembly for battery powered devices

Abstract

A battery assembly includes: a battery pack having a battery pack case; an upper modular housing portion connected to the pack housing at a first end of the 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 part of the upper modular housing portion. The battery assembly further includes: a plurality of battery cells located within the pack case; and a mating member 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 socket of at least one of the power device and the charging station. The mating member is located on the first modular housing portion.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of a Chinese patent application with an application date of May 2, 2019, an application number of 201980043046.2, and a title of "Modular Battery Assembly for Battery-Powered Devices".

[0002] Cross-reference to Related Patent Applications

[0003] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Application No. 62 / 667,209, filed May 4, 2018, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Background of the Invention

[0004] This application generally relates to the field of indoor and outdoor power equipment, particularly battery-powered indoor and outdoor power equipment. Summary of the Invention

[0006] 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 further 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 power the plurality of battery cells through the ports. The mating component is further 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.

[0007] Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a battery charging system. The battery charging system includes a charging station having a plurality of receptacles and a plurality of battery assemblies. Each of the plurality of battery assemblies includes: a housing including a handle; a plurality of battery cells located within the housing; and a mating component integrally formed with the housing. The mating component is configured to selectively connect the battery assembly to a receptacle of the charging station and includes 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. The handle includes a movable member configured to selectively disengage the battery assembly from the plurality of receptacles of the charging station.

[0008] Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a battery assembly. The battery assembly includes a housing that includes a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion that connects the first portion to the second portion, wherein the second portion is opposite the first portion. The battery assembly further includes: a handle located above the first portion; a plurality of battery cells located within the housing; a mating component that includes a plurality of ports electrically connected to the plurality of battery cells and is configured to supply power from the plurality of battery cells through the ports and is 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

[0009] The present disclosure will become more fully understood from the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0010] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a lawn mower according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0011] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a battery assembly for various types of indoor and outdoor power devices according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0012] Figure 3 is Figure 2 a perspective view of a portion of the battery assembly of

[0013] Figure 4 is Figure 2 a perspective view of a portion of the battery assembly of

[0014] Figure 5 is an integrated battery system including a plurality of Figure 2 battery assemblies of

[0015] Figure 6 is Figure 2 a perspective view of a rack charging system including a plurality of battery assemblies of

[0016] Figure 7 is Figure 2 a perspective view of a tabletop charging system including a plurality of battery assemblies of

[0017] Figure 8 is Figure 2 a perspective view of a battery assembly having a charging cable of

[0018] Figure 9 is a perspective view of a portion of a user interface of an outdoor power device;

[0019] Figure 10 is Figure 10 a front view of the user interface of

[0020] Figure 11is a perspective view of a communication system between a mobile device and a Figure 2 battery;

[0021] Figure 12 is a front view of a beacon according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0022] Figure 13 is a perspective view of a backpack blower according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0023] Figure 14 is a perspective view of a generator according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0024] Figure 15 is a perspective view of a user interface of a mobile device;

[0025] Figure 16 is a perspective view of a user interface of a mobile device; and

[0026] Figure 17 is a perspective view of various indoor and outdoor power equipment using a Figure 2 battery. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Before turning to the drawings that detail the exemplary embodiments, 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 terms are for descriptive purposes only and should not be considered limiting.

[0029] Referring to Figure 1, shows outdoor power equipment in the form of a lawn mower 10 according to an exemplary embodiment. 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, such as a blade in the deck 14 of the lawn mower 10, a auger, a saw, a tine, a drill, a pump, or other rotary tool. 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 power equipment to be used indoors. The battery assembly 100 can be used with various types of indoor and outdoor power equipment and portable job site equipment. Outdoor power equipment includes lawn mowers, riding tractors, snow blowers, pressure washers, tillers, wood splitters, zero-turn radius mowers, walk-behind lawn mowers, riding lawn mowers, stand-on lawn mowers, surface preparation equipment, industrial vehicles (such as forklifts), utility vehicles, commercial turf equipment (such as blowers), vacuum cleaners, debris loaders, overseeders, power rakes, ventilation units, sod cutters, brush mowers, portable generators, etc. Indoor power equipment includes floor sanders, floor buffers and polishers, vacuum cleaners, etc. Portable job site equipment includes portable beacons, mobile industrial heaters, and portable light stands.

[0030] Referring Figure 2 , shows the battery assembly 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. 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 mounted vertically, horizontally, and at any angle to the equipment. 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 can be considered, such as nickel-cadmium (NiCD), lead acid, nickel metal hydride (NiMH), lithium polymer, etc. The battery assembly 100 generates a voltage of approximately 48 volts (V) and an energy of 1500 watt-hours (Wh). It is contemplated that battery assemblies of other sizes 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 off the power of the connected equipment. In this way, the downtime between battery assembly 100 replacements is eliminated.

[0031] As further described herein, an operator can remove the battery assembly 100 from the device without using tools and charge it using a charging station. In this way, the operator can power the device using a second rechargeable battery with sufficient charge while allowing the first battery to recharge. Additionally, the battery assembly 100 can be used on various types of devices, including indoor, outdoor, and portable job site equipment. Due to its consistency between devices, the battery assembly 100 can also be used as part of a rental system, and rental companies that traditionally rent equipment can also rent the battery assembly 100 to be used on such equipment. An operator can rent the battery assembly 100 to use on various types of devices that they may own and / or rent and then return the battery assembly 100 to other operators as needed.

[0032] Still referring to 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 serve to absorb or limit the forces experienced by the battery pack 105, such as when it is dropped. 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 such that an operator can select different designs and / or colors based on the type or brand and model of the device with which the battery assembly 100 is used.

[0033] Referring to Figure 2-4 , the upper modular portion 115 includes a housing 117 and a handle 110 extending from the housing. The housing 117 encloses the upper portion 150 of the battery pack 105. The housing 117 includes a mating component 140 located near the 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 interface with a charging station (e.g., Figure 6-8cooperates with a charging connector (not shown) on the charging systems 200, 400). The port 175 is electrically connected to the battery cells within the battery pack 105. The mating member 140 is configured to supply power from the battery cells through the port 175 and selectively connect the battery assembly 100 to the socket of at least one of the power equipment and the charging station. The mating member 140 further includes a lock 143 (such as a latch, clip), which is configured to connect and disconnect (such as lock and unlock) the battery assembly 100 from the corresponding components on the charging station and / or the equipment.

[0034] 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, which is configured to be operable by an operator to unlock the battery assembly 100 from the charging station and / or the equipment. When pressed, the movable member 135 moves inwardly towards the inner surface 113 and disengages the lock 143 from the corresponding components on the charging station and / or the equipment. In this way, when the operator grasps the handle 110, the operator can easily press the movable member 135 simultaneously and with the same hand to disengage the battery assembly 100 from the equipment or the charging station.

[0035] Referring to Figure 3 , the battery pack 105 further includes a radiator 145, which is formed therein near the upper portion 150 of the battery pack 105. The radiator 145 regulates the temperature of the battery pack 105 by transferring the heat generated by the battery pack 105 to a fluid medium (such as air) and then dissipating the heat from the battery pack 105. As Figure 3 shown, the radiator 145 is a cold plate radiator, but other forms of radiators can also be used.

[0036] Referring to 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 can be provided by a single battery assembly 100. The integrated battery system 190 includes a plurality of battery sockets 191, each battery socket having an opening 193. The battery sockets 191 include partial walls 189 that include protrusions 187. The battery pack 105 includes one or more slots 185 (e.g., slits, fissures) formed near the lower portion 155. The slots 185 are configured to engage with the 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 socket 191. The battery assembly 100 slides into each battery socket 191 (e.g., each slot 185 receives a protrusion 187) and is connected to a central power line 197 through mating components 140 and ports 175 through an intermediate connector 195 formed in the battery socket 191. The central power line 197 can be connected to a charging station.

[0037] Referring Figure 6 , a rack charger system 200 according to one embodiment is shown. The rack charger system 200 includes a rack 205 and one or more charging receivers 220 having battery sockets 225. One or more battery assemblies 100 are inserted into the battery sockets 225 for charging. When inserted, the battery assembly 100 is electrically connected to the charging receiver 220 (e.g., through Figure 4 the ports 175 shown therein), which is electrically connected to a common power source, such as a wire 210 directly plugged into a wall socket 215. In some embodiments, the charging receiver 220 can be configured to work with multiple types of common power as needed. For example, the charging receiver 220 can be connected to a 120VAC service, a 240VAC service, or even a 480VAC service, allowing multiple batteries to be charged. The rack charging system 200 can 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 can 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) the movable member 135, causing the lock 143 ( Figure 1 ) to move out of engagement with the battery socket 225, and then remove the battery assembly 100 by sliding the battery assembly 100 out of the socket 225. The battery assembly 100 can also include a visual indicator, etc., that displays the battery charge level. Using the rack charger system 200, the battery assembly 100 will be fully charged in approximately 1 hour.

[0038] 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., through the port 175 shown in Figure 4 ), and the battery socket is electrically connected to a common power source, such as a wall socket 415 directly accessed by a wire 410. 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 and engage (e.g., press, squeeze, push) the movable member 135( Figure 2 ), causing the lock 143( Figure 2 ) to move out of engagement with the battery socket 425, and then remove the battery assembly 100 by sliding the battery assembly 100 out of the socket 425. Each battery assembly 100 includes a visual indicator or display 420 that shows 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 about 1 hour.

[0039] In some embodiments, the rack charger system 200 and / or the desktop charger system 400 charge the plurality of battery assemblies 100 sequentially when charging. Sequential charging includes charging different battery assemblies 100 at different times so that not all of the battery assemblies 100 are charged simultaneously, thus preventing overloading of the public service system. Sequential charging can be determined by monitoring the charge levels of all connected battery assemblies 100 to identify which battery assemblies 100 need more charging than others and charging those assemblies 100 while turning off the power to battery assemblies 100 that may already be fully charged.

[0040] 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 socket to provide charging to the battery assembly 100. Using the portable charger 192, the battery assembly 100 will be fully charged in about 4 hours.

[0041] In addition to the above charging system, the battery assembly 100 can also be charged when inserted into a device or tool that uses the battery assembly 100. The user can keep the battery assembly 100 inserted and connect the device or tool to a socket to charge the battery assembly 100. In this embodiment, the charging system is included in the tool or device, such that no external charger is required.

[0042] Referring 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 (such as a lever, knob, button, etc.). The switch 525 can rotate between a disconnected position where the battery assembly 100 is not electrically connected to a component of the lawn mower 500 and a connected position where the battery assembly 100 is electrically connected to the component. As Figure 11 shown, the battery assembly 100 is communicatively connected to a mobile device 600. The battery assembly 100 transmits various battery data and device data to the mobile device 600 for display.

[0043] Referring Figure 11 , in some embodiments, the battery assembly 100 is connected to a network 510. In some embodiments, an operator and / or employee uses the network 510 to communicate with the battery assembly 100 via a mobile device 600 (such as a smart phone, laptop computer, desktop computer, tablet computer, etc.). Accordingly, one or more mobile devices 600 are also connected to the network 510.

[0044] In some embodiments, the battery assembly 100 includes a network interface. In some settings, the network interface includes the hardware and logic circuitry necessary to communicate over multiple data communication channels. For example, the network interface can 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 between the battery assembly 100 (and thus the device using the battery assembly 100, such as the lawn mower 500).

[0045] Network 510 can facilitate data communication between various combinations of battery assemblies 100 and mobile devices 600. In some settings, network 510 includes a cellular transceiver. In another setting, network 510 includes the Internet. In yet another setting, network 510 includes a local area network or a wide area network. 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, and the like. Accordingly, in one embodiment, communication between mobile device 600 and battery assembly 100 can be assisted by RFID and Wi-Fi connections on battery assembly 100 and connected to a cloud-based system. In another embodiment, communication is assisted only by Wi-Fi and connected to a cloud-based system. In another embodiment, communication is assisted only by a cellular transceiver and connected to a cloud-based system. In yet another embodiment, communication is assisted by Bluetooth and a cellular transceiver and connected to a cloud-based system. In yet another embodiment, communication can be assisted by a cloud-based system and connected to a cloud-based system, and can be used with a vending system with which a customer or operator can interact to rent battery assembly 100. In all such embodiments, a third party (such as a consumer and / or a rental company) can access the cloud-based system.

[0046] Battery assembly 100 can include one or more circuits configured to monitor the status of battery assembly 100 or other aspects of a device used with battery assembly 100. The circuit can be further configured to monitor the status of the battery to predict the number of times the battery can start. For example, the circuit can monitor the charge state of the battery, the average amount of power consumed to start and run the device, and / or other characteristics of the device (such as the operating state, RPM, etc.). The average amount of power used to start the device and / or the characteristics of the device can be transmitted to the circuit by connecting battery assembly 100 to one or more terminals of a receiver. Then, the number of times battery assembly 100 can start can be shown on a display integrally formed with the battery (such as the display 420 shown in Figure 7 or on a display provided elsewhere (such as on a control panel or a user interface). The number of times battery assembly 100 can start can also be transmitted to mobile device 600 and shown on the user interface of mobile device 600. The number of times battery assembly 100 can start can be calculated based on the characteristics of the device. For example, for one type of outdoor power equipment (such as a pressure washer), a battery with a specific power level may be able to perform more starts than another type of outdoor power equipment (such as a lawn mower).

[0047] The circuit can be further configured to monitor other characteristics of the device by communicating with sensors and monitoring devices (such as a level sensor, a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, a timer, etc.). The circuit can output data related to the information received from the sensors and monitoring devices to a display, such as the display 420 integrally formed with the battery assembly 100( Figure 7 ) or the display shown on the user interface of the mobile device 600. Thus, the display can transmit various operation 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 the runtime, battery charge level, or battery temperature to the display. Additionally, the circuit can monitor the temperature of the battery assembly 100 through an input from the temperature sensor. If the battery temperature is too low for normal use of the battery, temperature monitoring can be used to warn the user (such as through the display 420, the user interface of the mobile device 600). Powering these circuits using the battery assembly 100 can provide information (such as battery temperature, battery charge level) to the user before the device is started, so that any problems can be resolved before attempting to start the device.

[0048] Referring to Figure 12 , a mobile device 600 showing the user interface 610 is illustrated. The user interface 610 displays data remotely received from the battery assembly 100. Among other data, the user interface 610 displays information related to the battery runtime, battery health, and battery location (such as using the global positioning system on the battery assembly 100). The user interface 610 can allow an employee and / or an 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 can be tracked and shut down. Additionally, through the use of remote tracking and operation, an employee of a rental company can lock the battery assembly 100 at the end of the rental period. Then, the operator of the battery assembly 100 can be prompted via an application on the operator's own mobile device as to whether to extend the rental period, and the rental can be carried out remotely. By interacting with the application shown on the operator's mobile device, the operator can also preemptively extend the rental period and send a notification to the rental company and / or the employees of the rental company.

[0049] Referring to Figure 13, shows a mobile device 600 displaying another user interface 620. The user interface 620 displays charging and health data of a 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 assemblies 100 can be fully charged and thus ready for use and / or rental. Additionally, battery assemblies 100 can be selected for certain devices based on various parameters associated with the battery assemblies 100 (such as state of health (SoH), state of charge (SoC), amount of charge on the battery, etc.). For example, a device that requires less battery power can use a battery assembly 100 with less power compared to a device that actually requires a fully charged battery. A rental company can track the charge levels of the battery assemblies 100 to determine whether to rent a particular battery assembly 100 to a customer based on which device the operator wishes 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 able to charge correctly.

[0050] In some embodiments, a user can reserve a battery assembly 100 using their mobile device before arriving at a rental company. After arriving at the rental company, the user is directed to the appropriate battery assembly 100 (e.g., a particular battery assembly 100) via the 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 can alternatively or additionally 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 initiate the check-out procedure. By using the mobile device to check out the battery assembly 100, mobile device information (such as a unique code sent by the mobile device, etc.) is transmitted to the battery assembly 100, and the user is authenticated via their mobile device. The battery assembly 100 remains in a locked state until the user's identity is verified and the battery assembly 100 is checked out.

[0051] Referring to Figure 14 , shows a battery assembly 100 being used on a lighthouse 700. The battery assembly 100 can be positioned within the base of the lighthouse 700. Thus, the lighthouse 700 can be easily transported for use at a construction site, etc. Referring to Figure 15 , shows a 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 such that the operator carries the battery assembly 100 on his or her back when using the blower 800. Thus, the blower 800 is easy to transport. Referring to Figure 16, shows three battery assemblies 100 being used with a generator 900. In this way, the battery assemblies 100 can be used to power the generator 900, and an operator can connect the device and / or other electrical equipment to the generator 900 to power such equipment away from the power grid.

[0052] Reference Figure 17 , shows various types of devices that can use one or more battery assemblies 100. As shown, the battery assemblies 100 can be used with various types of indoor and outdoor power equipment and portable construction site equipment. Examples of such equipment are floor sanders, floor buffers and polishers, cement rollers, power washers, vacuum cleaners, overseeders, sweepers, sod cutters, bush trimmers, portable generators, heaters, etc.

[0053] Although this specification contains many specific implementation details, these details should not be construed as limitations on the scope of what is claimed, but rather as descriptions of specific features of the specific implementations. In the context of separate implementations, certain features described in this specification can also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, the various features described in the context of a single implementation can also be implemented separately in multiple implementations or in any suitable sub-combination. Additionally, although the features may be described above as acting in certain combinations, and even initially so claimed, in some cases, one or more features of the claimed combination can be separated from the combination, and the claimed combination can be directed to a sub-combination or a variant of the sub-combination.

[0054] It should be understood that although words such as "suitable" or "appropriate" are used in the above description to indicate that the functions so described may be more suitable, they may not be necessary, and it is contemplated that embodiments lacking them are within the scope of the present invention, which is defined by the appended claims. When reading the claims, the intention is that when words such as "a", "an" or "at least one" are used, the claim is not intended to be limited to only one, unless there is a clear contrary indication in the claim.

[0055] It should be noted that certain paragraphs of this disclosure may refer to terms such as "first" and "second" related to, for example, sides and ends, etc., for identifying or differentiating one from another or others. These terms are not intended to only relate entities in a temporal or sequential manner (e.g., a first side and a second side), 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.

[0056] As used herein, terms such as "coupled" and "connected" refer to two components being joined to each other directly or indirectly. Such joining can be fixed (e.g., permanent) or movable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining can be achieved by the two components or the two components and any additional intermediate components being integrally formed as a single unit with each other or the two components or the two components and any additional intermediate components being connected to each other.

[0057] As used herein, the term "circuit" can include hardware configured to perform the functions described herein. In some embodiments, each respective "circuit" can include machine-readable media for configuring the hardware to perform the functions described herein. The circuit can be embodied as one or more circuit components, including but not limited to processing circuitry, network interfaces, peripherals, input devices, output devices, sensors, etc. In some embodiments, the circuit can take the form of one or more analog circuits, electronic circuits (e.g., integrated circuits (ICs), discrete circuits, system-on-chip (SOC) circuits, etc.), telecommunication circuits, hybrid circuits, and any other type of "circuit". In this regard, a "circuit" can include any type of component for implementing or facilitating the operations described herein. For example, the circuits described herein can 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.).

[0058] The "circuit" may also include one or more processors communicatively coupled to one or more memories or storage devices. In this regard, the one or more processors may execute instructions stored in the memory or may execute instructions accessible to another one or more processors. In some embodiments, the one or more processors may be implemented in various ways. The one or more processors may be constructed in a manner sufficient to perform at least the operations described herein. In some embodiments, the one or more processors may be shared by multiple circuits (e.g., circuit A and circuit B may include or share the same processor, which in some example embodiments may execute instructions stored or otherwise accessed through different regions of the memory). Alternatively or additionally, the one or more processors may be constructed to perform or otherwise execute certain operations independently of one or more coprocessors. In other example embodiments, two or more processors may be connected via a bus to enable independent, parallel, pipelined, or multithreaded 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 configured to execute instructions provided by the memory. The 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, the one or more processors may be external to the device, e.g., the one or more processors may be remote processors (e.g., cloud-based processors). Alternatively or additionally, the one or more processors may be internal and / or local to the device. In this regard, a given circuit or its components may be located 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., cloud-based server)). To this end, the "circuit" described herein may include components distributed across one or more locations.

Claims

1. A battery pack, comprising: A housing having an upper part and a lower part; A first protection part connected to a first corner of the housing; A second protection part connected to a second corner of the housing, the first corner and the second corner being located on the lower part of the housing and arranged opposite to each other; A plurality of battery cells located within the housing; A mating part 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 plurality of ports.

2. The battery pack according to claim 1, further comprising an upper protection part connected to the upper part of the housing.

3. The battery pack according to claim 1, further comprising a handle extending along the upper part of the housing.

4. The battery pack according to claim 3, wherein, The handle includes a movable member configured to releasably connect the mating part to a socket of a power device or a charging station when the movable member is pressed; And, the movable member is located on an inner surface of the handle.

5. The battery pack according to claim 1, further comprising a radiator formed within the housing and configured to dissipate heat from the housing.

6. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein, The mating part includes a slot configured to engage with a protrusion on a socket of a power device or a charging station.

7. The battery pack according to claim 1, further comprising one or more circuits configured to monitor the states of the plurality of battery cells and output data related to the plurality of battery cells to a display integrated with the housing or a mobile device.

8. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein, The mating part is arranged on a side surface of the housing located between the upper part and the lower part of the housing.

9. A battery pack, comprising: A housing having an upper part and a lower part; A first protection part connected to an outer surface of the housing at a first corner of the housing; A second protection part connected to an outer surface of the housing at a second corner of the housing, the first corner and the second corner being located on the lower part of the housing and arranged opposite to each other; A plurality of battery cells located within the housing; A mating part 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 plurality of ports.

10. The battery pack according to claim 9, further comprising an upper protection part connected to the upper part of the housing.

11. The battery pack according to claim 9, further comprising a handle extending along the upper part of the housing.

12. The battery pack according to claim 11, further comprising a movable member configured to releasably connect the mating part to a socket of a power device or a charging station when the movable member is pressed.

13. The battery pack according to claim 9, further comprising a radiator located within the housing and configured to dissipate heat from the housing.

14. The battery pack according to claim 9, wherein, The mating part includes a slot configured to engage with a protrusion on a socket of a power device or a charging station.

15. The battery pack according to claim 9 further includes one or more circuits configured to monitor the states of the plurality of battery cells and output data related to the plurality of battery cells to a display integrated with the housing or the mobile device.

16. The battery pack according to claim 9, wherein The mating part is arranged on a side surface of the housing located between the upper part and the lower part of the housing.

17. A battery pack comprising: A housing including an outer surface and having an upper part and a lower part; A first protection part connected to the outer surface; A second protection part connected to the outer surface; A third protection part connected to the outer surface, wherein at least two of the first protection part, the second protection part and the third protection part are arranged at opposite corners of the housing; A plurality of battery cells located within the housing; A mating part 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 plurality of ports.

18. The battery pack according to claim 17 further includes a handle extending along an upper portion of the housing.

19. The battery pack according to claim 18 further includes a movable member configured to releasably connect the mating member to a socket of a power device or a charging station when the movable member is pressed.

20. The battery pack according to claim 17, wherein The mating part is arranged on a side surface of the housing located between the upper part and the lower part of the housing.

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