System and method for charging a plurality of work machines

Abstract

A system (200, 400) for charging multiple work machines (102, 104, 106) with different charging protocols includes: a power supply unit (202); a first controller (216) disposed within the power supply unit (202); and a charging device (204, 404) for directing power supply from the power supply unit (202) to the work machines (102, 104, 106). The charging device (204, 404) includes a plurality of cable assemblies (206, 208, 210). At a given time, one of the work machines (102, 104, 106) is connected to the power supply unit (202) via a corresponding cable assembly (206, 208, 210) from the cable assembly (206, 208, 210) to direct power supply from the power supply unit (202) to one of the work machines (102, 104, 106). Alternatively, the charging device (204, 404) includes an adapter (408). The adapter (408) includes: a housing (409); an inlet; a plurality of outlet ports (412, 414, 416); and a second controller (418) configured to determine the charging protocol of one of the plurality of operating machines (102, 104, 106) currently connected to the adapter (408).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to systems and methods for charging multiple operating machines. Background Technology

[0002] Operating machines that use battery systems as their primary power source must be recharged periodically. These battery systems typically require a DC power source for recharging. Currently, different operating machine manufacturers use their own custom charging protocols or standards, along with custom connectors, to charge their machines. However, in the job field, customers may use operating machines from different manufacturers. In such cases, customers need to equip their machines with different types of charging systems to charge the corresponding operating machines. For example, one operating machine may use a different charging protocol and connector than another.

[0003] Currently, there is no dedicated charging protocol that can be implemented by all operating machines to charge the battery system. Equipping each manufacturer's operating machine with a dedicated charging system is expensive in terms of both procurement costs and disposal costs for individual charging systems. Furthermore, more space is required to store different charging systems. Additionally, customers may need to bear the additional cost of equipping each type of charging system with dedicated charging infrastructure.

[0004] CN111546926A describes a charging system supporting multiple charging protocols and its control method. The charging system includes a DC charging pile, a charging connector converter, and a charging connector library. The DC charging pile outputs DC power and performs adaptive communication for electric vehicle charging. The charging connector converter is used to switch the circuit between different charging connectors and the DC charging pile. Multiple charging heads with different interface standards are arranged in the charging connector library. This system is simple and feasible to apply and easy to control. It can support multiple charging protocols without changing the existing DC charging pile hardware. By changing the charging connector library and the charging connector converter, and updating the charging management protocol, the charging compatibility of various electric vehicles is improved, and the multi-charging protocol DC charging pile has significant practical production value. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In one aspect of this disclosure, a system for charging multiple work machines is provided. At least some of the work machines have different charging protocols. The system includes a power supply unit adapted to direct a power supply to the multiple work machines. The system also includes a first controller disposed within the power supply unit and configured to control the power supply unit to deliver a power supply to one of the work machines based on the charging protocol of one of the work machines. The system further includes a charging device adapted to direct the power supply from the power supply unit to the multiple work machines. The charging device includes a plurality of cable assemblies. At a given time, one of the work machines is adapted to connect to the power supply unit via corresponding cable assemblies from the plurality of cable assemblies to direct the power supply from the power supply unit to the work machine. Alternatively, the charging device includes an adapter. The adapter includes a housing. The adapter also includes an inlet port defined in the housing. The power supply unit is connected to the adapter via the inlet port. The adapter also includes a plurality of outlet ports defined in the housing. The adapter is adapted to connect to each of a plurality of operating machines via corresponding outlet ports from a plurality of outlet ports. The adapter includes a second controller disposed within a housing. The second controller is communicatively coupled to a first controller and the plurality of operating machines. The second controller is configured to determine the charging protocol of one of the operating machines currently connected to the adapter. The second controller is also configured to transmit information about the charging protocol of one of the operating machines to the first controller. Furthermore, the first controller is configured to control a power supply unit to deliver power to one of the operating machines according to the charging protocol of the one of the operating machines.

[0006] In another aspect of this disclosure, a method for charging multiple work machines is provided. At least some of the work machines have different charging protocols. The method includes providing a power unit adapted to direct a power supply to the multiple work machines. The method also includes connecting the power unit to one of the work machines via a charging device. The charging device includes a plurality of cable assemblies. At a given time, one of the work machines is adapted to connect to the power unit via corresponding cable assemblies from the plurality of cable assemblies to direct a power supply from the power unit to the work machine. Alternatively, the charging device includes an adapter. The adapter includes a housing, an inlet port defined in the housing, and a plurality of outlet ports defined in the housing. The power unit is connected to the adapter at the inlet port. The adapter is adapted to connect to each of the multiple work machines via corresponding outlet ports from the plurality of outlet ports. The method also includes determining the charging protocol of one of the work machines currently connected to the power unit via a first controller disposed within the power unit. The first controller is configured to determine the charging protocol of one of the work machines via the charging device. The method includes controlling a power supply unit via a first controller to deliver power to one of the multiple working machines, based on a charging protocol of one of the working machines. The method also includes directing the power supply from the power supply unit to one of the multiple working machines via a charging device.

[0007] Other features and aspects of this disclosure will become apparent from the following description and accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 Several operating machines associated with an exemplary fleet of machines are illustrated;

[0009] Figure 2 According to an embodiment of this disclosure, a first type of charging device is used for... Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a system for charging several working machines;

[0010] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A block diagram of the system;

[0011] Figure 4 It is according to another embodiment of this disclosure that a second type of charging device is used for... Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a system for charging several working machines;

[0012] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A block diagram of the system;

[0013] Figure 6 This is a flowchart of a method for charging multiple work machines according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0014] In all the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals will be used as much as possible to denote the same or similar parts.

[0015] Figure 1 A schematic diagram illustrating several operating machines 102, 104, 106 associated with an exemplary fleet of machines 100 is shown. Figure 1 In the illustrated examples, each of the work machines 102, 104, and 106 is represented as an excavator. Alternatively, work machines 102, 104, and 106 may include bulldozers, tractors, graders, trucks, or any other type of battery-powered machine. Work machines 102, 104, and 106 may be of the same type or may be of different types. Furthermore, work machines 102, 104, and 106 may be manufactured by different manufacturers.

[0016] Each of the work machines 102, 104, and 106 includes a corresponding battery system (not shown herein). When the charge level in the battery system decreases below a charging threshold, the battery system may require recharging. In one example, each battery system may require a 48-volt direct current (DC) power supply, a 72-volt DC power supply, or a 96-volt DC power supply to charge it. Furthermore, at least some of the work machines 102, 104, and 106 may use different charging protocols. For example, work machine 102 may use a first charging protocol, work machine 104 may use a second charging protocol different from the first charging protocol, and work machine 106 may use a third charging protocol different from the first and second charging protocols. The charging protocol for each work machine 102, 104, and 106 may vary depending on the manufacturer of the corresponding work machine 102, 104, and 106.

[0017] In addition, each of the several operating machines 102, 104, 106 includes machine controllers 108, 110, 112 (in Figure 3 (As shown in the diagram). Specifically, each work machine 102, 104, 106 includes a corresponding machine controller 108, 110, 112 located on the work machine 102, 104, 106. The machine controller 108, 110, 112 may include a memory that can store detailed information related to the charging requirements, charging standards, and / or charging protocols of the corresponding work machine 102, 104, 106. The machine controller 108, 110, 112 can communicate with other controllers / processors to provide detailed information on the charging requirements, charging standards, and / or charging protocols of the corresponding work machine 102, 104, 106.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a system 200 for charging a plurality of work machines 102, 104, 106 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The system 200 includes a power supply unit 202 that directs power supply to the plurality of work machines 102, 104, 106. Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, power supply unit 202 includes any one of a 48 V DC charger, a 72 V DC charger, and a 96 V DC charger. Therefore, power supply unit 202 can provide 48 V DC power, 72 V DC power, or 96 V DC power to the operating machines 102, 104, and 106.

[0019] System 200 also includes a charging device 204 that directs the power supply from power unit 202 to several operating machines 102, 104, and 106. Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the charging device 204 includes a plurality of cable assemblies 206, 208, and 210. At a given time, one of the plurality of working machines 102, 104, and 106 is connected to the power supply unit 202 via a corresponding cable assembly 206, 208, or 210 from the plurality of cable assemblies 206, 208, and 210 to direct power supply from the power supply unit 202 to one of the plurality of working machines 102, 104, and 106. Specifically, each cable assembly 206, 208, and 210 can be used to charge the corresponding working machine 102, 104, or 106 and is compatible with the charging protocol of the corresponding working machine 102, 104, or 106. Therefore, the cable assemblies 206, 208, and 210 can be interchangeably connected to the power supply unit 202.

[0020] The charging device 204 includes the three cable assemblies 206, 208, and 210 described herein. However, the total number of cable assemblies 206, 208, and 210 may vary based on the total number of operating machines 102, 104, and 106 and / or the different charging protocols used by the operating machines 102, 104, and 106. Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, cable assembly 206 is used to charge work machine 102, cable assembly 208 is used to charge work machine 104, and cable assembly 210 is used to charge work machine 106. As an example, Figure 2 An example is shown: a cable assembly 206 connected to a power supply unit 202.

[0021] Furthermore, each of the cable assemblies 206, 208, 210 includes a cable 212 and an electrical connector 214. The cable 212 is connected via the electrical connector 214 to a corresponding operating machine 102, 104, 106. Specifically, the electrical connector 214 is connected to a mating electrical connector (not shown herein) disposed in the corresponding operating machine 102, 104, 106 to connect the cable assemblies 206, 208, 210 to the corresponding operating machine 102, 104, 106. The mating electrical connector may be disposed within the chassis of the corresponding operating machine 102, 104, 106. The type of electrical connector 214 for each of the cable assemblies 206, 208, 210 is selected according to the charging protocol of the corresponding operating machine 102, 104, 106. In other words, the cable 212 and electrical connector 214 of each cable assembly 206, 208, 210 can be compatible with the charging protocol of the corresponding operating machines 102, 104, 106. In one example, the cable 212 and electrical connector 214 can be the same for operating machines 102, 104, 106. In another example, the cable 212 and electrical connector 214 can be different for each operating machine 102, 104, 106.

[0022] Now for reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 The system 200 also includes a first controller 216 disposed within the power supply unit 202. The first controller 216 controls the power supply unit 202 to deliver power to one of the working machines 102, 104, 106 based on the charging protocol of one of the working machines 102, 104, 106.

[0023] Furthermore, the first controller 216 of the power supply unit 202 communicates with the machine controllers 108, 110, and 112 of each of the working machines 102, 104, and 106 via corresponding cable assemblies 206, 208, and 210. For example, the first controller 216 communicates with the machine controller 108 of the working machine 102 via cable assembly 206, with the machine controller 110 of the working machine 104 via cable assembly 208, and with the machine controller 112 of the working machine 106 via cable assembly 210. It should be noted that each cable 212 of the corresponding cable assemblies 206, 208, and 210 may include one or more cables that guide the power supply from the power supply unit 202 to the battery system of the corresponding working machine 102, 104, and 106. Furthermore, each cable 212 corresponding to cable assemblies 206, 208, and 210 may include one or more communication cables that communicatively connect the first controller 216 to machine controllers 108, 110, and 112 to facilitate information exchange between the first controller 216 and the machine controllers 108, 110, and 112. The connection between the first controller 216 and the machine controllers 108 and 110 is... Figure 3 The example is represented by a dashed line.

[0024] Furthermore, when the charging device 204 includes a plurality of cable assemblies 206, 208, 210, the first controller 216 determines that one of the plurality of working machines 102, 104, 106 is connected to the power supply unit 202 via a corresponding cable assembly 206, 208, 210 from the plurality of cable assemblies 206, 208, 210. In addition, the first controller 216 determines the charging protocol of the working machines 102, 104, 106 currently connected to the power supply unit 202. Specifically, the first controller 216 receives information about the charging protocol of the working machines 102, 104, 106 from the machine controllers 108, 110, 112 to determine the charging protocol of the working machines 102, 104, 106. Furthermore, the first controller 216 configures the power supply to the working machines 102, 104, 106 currently connected to the power supply unit 202 based on the charging protocol of the working machines 102, 104, 106. In other words, the first controller 216 adapts to the charging protocols or charging standards of the operating machines 102, 104, and 106 to meet the charging requirements of the operating machines 102, 104, and 106.

[0025] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a system 400 for charging a plurality of working machines 102, 104, 106 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. System 400 includes a power supply unit 202, which is connected to... Figure 2 and Figure 3The power supply unit described herein is the same. System 400 also includes a first controller 216 (see [link]). Figure 5 The first controller and Figure 2 and Figure 3 The first controller described herein is the same. System 400 also includes a charging device 404 that directs the power supply from power unit 202 to several operating machines 102, 104, 106. Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, the charging device 404 includes an adapter 408. The adapter 408 allows multiple work machines 102, 104, and 106 to be connected to the power unit 202. Furthermore, at any given time, any one of the work machines 102, 104, and 106 can be connected to the power unit 202 via the adapter 208 to direct power supply from the power unit 202 to any one of the work machines 102, 104, and 106.

[0026] Adapter 408 includes a housing 409. Adapter 408 also includes an inlet port 410 defined in the housing 409. Power supply unit 202 is connected to adapter 408 via inlet port 410. Adapter 408 also includes a plurality of outlet ports 412, 414, 416 defined in the housing 409. Adapter 408 is connected to each of a plurality of working machines 102, 104, 106 via corresponding outlet ports 412, 414, 416. The total number of outlet ports 412, 414, 416 can vary depending on the number of charging protocols associated with working machines 102, 104, 106. In one example, adapter 408 may include three outlet ports 412, 414, 416 to connect to three different working machines 102, 104, 106 having three different charging protocols. Adapter 408 also includes a second controller 418 disposed within the housing 409. Figure 5 (As shown in the diagram). The second controller 418 is communicatively coupled to the first controller 216 and several working machines 102, 104, 106. Specifically, at any given time, the second controller 418 can be coupled to the machine controllers 108, 110, 112 of any one of the working machines 102, 104, 106 (see Figure 108). Figure 5 The second controller 418 can be communicatively coupled within the housing 409.

[0027] When the charging device 404 includes an adapter 408, the charging device 404 also includes a first cable assembly 442 connected to the power supply unit 202. In one example, the first cable assembly 442 may be part of the power supply unit 202. The first cable assembly 442 includes a cable 444 and an electrical connector 446. Furthermore, the adapter 408 includes a second cable assembly 420 that connects the input port 410 of the adapter 408 to the first cable assembly 442. In other words, the first cable assembly 442 is connected to the second cable assembly 420 to connect the power supply unit 202 to the input port 410. The second cable assembly 420 includes a cable 422 and an electrical connector 424. The electrical connector 446 is connected to the electrical connector 424 to connect the first cable assembly 442 to the second cable assembly 420.

[0028] Furthermore, the first controller 216 of the power supply unit 202 communicates with the second controller 418 of the adapter 408 via a first cable assembly 442 and a second cable assembly 420. It should be noted that the cables 444, 422 of each cable assembly in the first cable assembly 442 and the second cable assembly 420 may include one or more cables that direct the power supply from the power supply unit 202 to the electrical contacts 436 of the adapter 408. Additionally, the cables 444, 422 of each cable assembly in the first cable assembly 442 and the second cable assembly 420 may include one or more communication cables that communicatively connect the first controller 216 and the second controller 418 to facilitate the exchange of information between them. The connection between the first controller 216 and the second controller 418 is... Figure 5 The example is represented by a dashed line.

[0029] like Figure 4As shown, adapter 408 also includes a plurality of third cable assemblies 426, 428, 430. One or more of the plurality of working machines 102, 104, 106 are connected to corresponding outlet ports 412, 414, 416 of adapter 408 via corresponding third cable assemblies 426, 428, 430. Each of the plurality of third cable assemblies 426, 428, 430 includes a cable 432 and an electrical connector 434. The electrical connector 434 is connected to a mating electrical connector disposed in the corresponding working machine 102, 104, 106. The type of electrical connector 434 of each of the plurality of third cable assemblies 426, 428, 430 is selected according to the charging protocol of the corresponding working machines 102, 104, 106. In other words, the cable 432 and electrical connector 434 of each third cable assembly 426, 428, 430 can be compatible with the charging protocols of the various operating machines 102, 104, 106. In one example, the cable 432 and electrical connector 434 can be the same on the third cable assemblies 426, 428, 430. In another example, the cable 432 and electrical connector 434 can be different for each third cable assembly 426, 428, 430.

[0030] Now for reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 The adapter 408 also includes an electrical contact 436. The electrical contact 436 receives power from the power supply unit 202. The electrical contact 436 is connected to the second cable assembly 420 via an inlet port 410. Furthermore, the electrical contact 436 directs the power supply to the battery systems of the operating machines 102, 104, and 106 via corresponding third cable assemblies 426, 428, and 430. The electrical contact 436 is connected to the corresponding third cable assemblies 426, 428, and 430 via corresponding outlet ports 412, 414, and 416.

[0031] Adapter 408 also includes a battery 438 that directs operating power to the second controller 418 for its operation. Battery 438 is embodied herein as a rechargeable battery. When power unit 202 is connected to adapter 408, battery 438 is recharged based on power received from power unit 202. Therefore, when adapter 408 is connected to power unit 202 via first cable assembly 442 and second cable assembly 420, power from power unit 202 charges battery 438. Thus, when power unit 202 is connected to adapter 408, battery 438 is recharged by power from power unit 202, and when power unit 202 is not connected to adapter 408, battery 438 provides operating power to the second controller 418.

[0032] It should be noted that the power supply includes a portion of the power supply received from the power supply unit 202 by the electrical contact 436. The adapter 408 also includes a converter 440 disposed between the electrical contact 436 and the battery 438. The converter 440 converts the power received from the electrical contact 436 into a suitable form for recharging the battery 438. The electrical contact 436, battery 438, and converter 440 may be housed within the housing 409.

[0033] Furthermore, the second controller 418 of adapter 408 communicates with the machine controllers 108, 110, and 112 of several working machines 102, 104, and 106 via corresponding third cable assemblies 426, 428, and 430. For example, the second controller 418 of adapter 408 communicates with the machine controller 108 of working machine 102 via the third cable assembly 426, with the machine controller 110 of working machine 104 via the third cable assembly 428, and with the machine controller 112 of working machine 106 via the third cable assembly 430. It should be noted that the cable 432 of each third cable assembly 426, 428, and 430 may include one or more cables that guide the power supply from adapter 408 to the battery system of the corresponding working machine 102, 104, and 106. Furthermore, the cable 432 of each third cable assembly 426, 428, 430 may include one or more communication cables that communicatively connect the second controller 418 to the machine controllers 108, 110, 112 to facilitate information exchange between the second controller 418 and the machine controllers 108, 110, 112. The connection between the second controller 418 and the machine controllers 108, 110, 112 is... Figure 5 The example is represented by a dashed line.

[0034] The second controller 418 determines the charging protocol of one of the plurality of working machines 102, 104, and 106 currently connected to the adapter 408. Specifically, the second controller 418 receives information about the charging protocol of one of the plurality of working machines 102, 104, and 106 from the machine controllers 108, 110, and 112 to determine the charging protocol of one of the plurality of working machines 102, 104, and 106. Furthermore, the second controller 418 transmits the information about the charging protocol of one of the plurality of working machines 102, 104, and 106 to the first controller 216. Moreover, the first controller 216 controls the power supply unit 202 to deliver power to one of the plurality of working machines 102, 104, and 106 based on the charging protocol of one of the plurality of working machines 102, 104, and 106.

[0035] Each of the first controller 216, the second controller 418, and the machine controllers 108, 110, and 112 may include one or more memories and one or more processors. The one or more memories may include any means of storing information, including hard disks, optical disks, floppy disks, ROM (read-only memory), RAM (random access memory), PROM (programmable ROM), EEPROM (electrically erasable PROM), or other computer-readable storage media.

[0036] It should be noted that one or more processors may be embodied as a single microprocessor or multiple microprocessors for receiving various input signals and generating output signals. Many commercially available microprocessors can perform the functions of the one or more processors. Each processor may further include a general-purpose processor, a central processing unit, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), digital circuitry, analog circuitry, a microcontroller, any other type of processor, or any combination thereof. Each processor may include one or more components that are operable to execute computer-executable instructions or computer code, which may be stored in and retrieved from one or more memories.

[0037] It should be understood that a single feature shown or described for one embodiment may be combined with a single feature shown or described for another embodiment. The embodiments described above do not limit the scope of this disclosure in any way. Therefore, it should be understood that although some features are shown or described to illustrate the use of this disclosure in the context of a functional section, such features may be omitted from the scope of this disclosure without departing from the spirit of this disclosure as defined in the appended claims.

[0038] Industrial applicability

[0039] This disclosure relates to systems 200 and 400 for charging a plurality of work machines 102, 104, and 106. In one embodiment, system 200 includes a charging device 204. The charging device 204 includes a plurality of cable assemblies 206, 208, and 210 that allow connection of a power supply unit 202 to a corresponding work machine 102, 104, or 106. Furthermore, a first controller 216 can be programmed to accommodate different charging protocols, enabling the power supply unit 202 to be used to charge work machines manufactured by different manufacturers. Additionally, the charging device 204 allows charging of any one of the work machines 102, 104, or 106 at a given time.

[0040] Charging unit 204 allows the same power unit 202 to charge different types of work machines 102, 104, and 106 by connecting appropriate cable assemblies 206, 208, and 210. Therefore, a customer using work machines 102, 104, and 106 from different manufacturers in a machine fleet 100 can use the same power unit 202 to charge work machines 102, 104, and 106 manufactured by different manufacturers and potentially with different charging protocols. Thus, the customer may only need to purchase one power unit 202. Furthermore, the charging unit 204 described herein eliminates the need for a dedicated charging system for each manufacturer's work machines, thereby reducing the costs associated with equipping each type of charging system with a dedicated charging system and dedicated charging infrastructure.

[0041] In another embodiment, system 400 includes a charging device 404. Charging device 404 includes a first cable assembly 442 connected to power unit 202 and adapter 408. Adapter 408 includes a second cable assembly 420 connecting the first cable assembly 442 to an inlet port 410; and several third cable assemblies 426, 428, and 430 connecting outlet ports 412, 414, and 416 to different operating machines 102, 104, and 106.

[0042] Adapter 408 can be designed to allow charging of multiple work machines 102, 104, 106. For example, any one of the three third cable assemblies 426, 428, 430 can be coupled to the output ports 412, 414, 416 of adapter 408 to charge different work machines 102, 104, 106. Furthermore, charging device 404 allows charging of any one of work machines 102, 104, 106 at a given time. Second controller 418 receives charging protocols for work machines 102, 104, 106 from machine controllers 108, 110, 112. Furthermore, second controller 418 transmits charging protocol information to first controller 216. Moreover, first controller 216 can be programmed to accommodate different charging protocols, allowing power supply unit 202 to be used to charge work machines manufactured by different manufacturers.

[0043] Charging unit 404 allows charging of different types of work machines 102, 104, 106 using the same power unit 202 by connecting appropriate third cable assemblies 426, 428, 430 to adapter 408. Therefore, a customer using work machines 102, 104, 106 from different manufacturers in a machine fleet 100 can use the same power unit 202 to charge work machines 102, 104, 106 manufactured by different manufacturers and potentially with different charging protocols. Thus, the customer may only need to purchase one power unit 202. Furthermore, the charging unit 404 described herein eliminates the need for a dedicated charging system for each manufacturer's work machines, thereby reducing the costs associated with equipping each type of charging system with a dedicated charging system and dedicated charging infrastructure.

[0044] Systems 200 and 400 provide a simple and cost-effective solution for charging multiple operating machines 102, 104, and 106 with different charging protocols. Furthermore, systems 200 and 400 can be easily implemented on existing charging systems with minimal modifications.

[0045] Figure 6 This is a flowchart of a method 500 for charging several working machines 102, 104, and 106. At least some of the working machines 102, 104, and 106 have different charging protocols. (See reference) Figures 1 to 5 At step 502, a power supply unit 202 is provided to direct power supply to several operating machines 102, 104, 106.

[0046] At step 504, the power supply unit 202 is connected to one of the plurality of working machines 102, 104, 106 via charging devices 204, 404.

[0047] In one embodiment, the charging device 204 includes a plurality of cable assemblies 206, 208, 210. At a given time, one of the plurality of working machines 102, 104, 106 is connected to the power supply unit 202 via corresponding cable assemblies 206, 208, 210 to direct power supply from the power supply unit 202 to one of the plurality of working machines 102, 104, 106.

[0048] In another embodiment, the charging device 404 includes an adapter 408. The adapter 408 includes a housing 409, an inlet port 410 defined in the housing 409, and a plurality of outlet ports 412, 414, 416 defined in the housing 409. The power supply unit 202 is connected to the adapter 408 at the inlet port 410. The adapter 408 is connected to each of the plurality of operating machines 102, 104, 106 via corresponding outlet ports 412, 414, 416.

[0049] When the charging device 204 includes a plurality of cable assemblies 206, 208, 210, each of the plurality of cable assemblies 206, 208, 210 includes a cable 212 and an electrical connector 214. Step 504 also includes connecting the cable 212 to one of the plurality of working machines 102, 104, 106 via the electrical connector 214.

[0050] When the charging device 404 includes an adapter 408, the charging device 404 also includes a first cable assembly 442 connected to the power supply unit 202. The first cable assembly 442 includes a cable 444 and an electrical connector 446. The adapter 408 also includes a second cable assembly 420 that connects the input port 410 of the adapter 408 to the first cable assembly 442. The second cable assembly 420 includes a cable 422 and an electrical connector 424. Step 504 further includes connecting the first cable assembly 442 to the second cable assembly 420.

[0051] The adapter 408 also includes a plurality of third cable assemblies 426, 428, and 430. One or more operating machines 102, 104, and 106 are connected to corresponding outlet ports 412, 414, and 416 of the adapter 408 via corresponding third cable assemblies 426, 428, and 430. A second controller 418 of the adapter 408 communicates with machine controllers 108, 110, and 112 of the operating machines 102, 104, and 106 via corresponding third cable assemblies 426, 428, and 430. Each of the third cable assemblies 426, 428, and 430 includes a cable 432 and an electrical connector 434. Step 504 also includes connecting the third cable assemblies 426, 428, 430 to one of the plurality of working machines 102, 104, 106 and the corresponding output ports 412, 414, 416 of the adapter 408.

[0052] At step 506, a first controller 216 disposed within the power supply unit 202 determines the charging protocol of one of the plurality of working machines 102, 104, 106 currently connected to the power supply unit 202. The first controller 216 determines the charging protocol of one of the plurality of working machines 102, 104, 106 via charging devices 204, 404.

[0053] At step 508, the first controller 216 controls the power supply unit 202 to deliver power to one of the several working machines 102, 104, 106 based on the charging protocol of one of the working machines 102, 104, 106.

[0054] At step 510, the power supply from power unit 202 is directed to one of the plurality of working machines 102, 104, 106 via charging devices 204, 404.

[0055] The adapter 408 also includes a second controller 418 disposed in the housing 409. The second controller 418 is communicatively coupled to the first controller 216 and the plurality of working machines 102, 104, 106. The method 500 further includes a step in which the second controller 418 determines, from the plurality of working machines 102, 104, 106, the charging protocol of one of the working machines 102, 104, 106 currently connected to the adapter 408. Furthermore, the method 500 includes a step in which the second controller 418 transmits information about the charging protocol of the one of the working machines 102, 104, 106 currently connected to the adapter 408 to the first controller 216. The first controller 216 determines the charging protocol of one of the working machines 102, 104, 106 based on the charging protocol information transmitted by the second controller 418.

[0056] Furthermore, the working machines 102, 104, and 106 include machine controllers 108, 110, and 112. A second controller 418 of the adapter 408 communicates with the machine controllers 108, 110, and 112 of the working machines 102, 104, and 106. Method 500 further includes a step in which the second controller 418 receives charging protocol information of one of the working machines 102, 104, and 106 from the machine controllers 108, 110, and 112 to determine the charging protocol of one of the working machines 102, 104, and 106.

[0057] Method 500 further includes a step in which, when the power supply unit 202 is connected to the adapter 408, the battery 438 of the adapter 408 receives power from the power supply unit 202 to recharge the battery 438. Method 500 also includes a step in which the battery 438 directs operating power to the second controller 418 for its operation.

[0058] Furthermore, when the charging device 204 includes a plurality of cable assemblies 206, 208, 210, method 500 includes a step in which the first controller 216 determines that one of the plurality of working machines 102, 104, 106 is connected to the power supply unit 202 via a corresponding cable assembly 206, 208, 210 from the plurality of cable assemblies 206, 208, 210. Method 500 also includes a step in which the first controller 216 determines the charging protocol of the working machines 102, 104, 106 currently connected to the power supply unit 202. Method 500 further includes a step in which the first controller 216 configures the power supply to the working machines 102, 104, 106 currently connected to the power supply unit 202 according to the charging protocol of the working machines 102, 104, 106.

[0059] Furthermore, the operating machines 102, 104, and 106 include machine controllers 108, 110, and 112. When the charging device 204 includes a plurality of cable assemblies 206, 208, and 210, the first controller 216 of the power supply unit 202 communicates with the machine controllers 108, 110, and 112 of each operating machine 102, 104, and 106 via the corresponding cable assemblies 206, 208, and 210. Method 500 further includes a step in which the first controller 216 receives charging protocol information of one of the operating machines 102, 104, and 106 from the machine controllers 108, 110, and 112 to determine the charging protocol of the operating machines 102, 104, and 106 currently connected to the power supply unit 202.

[0060] While various aspects of this disclosure have been specifically shown and described with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various additional embodiments can be conceived through modifications to the disclosed machines, systems, and methods without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. These embodiments should be understood to fall within the scope of this disclosure as defined by the claims and any equivalents.

Claims

1. A system (200, 400) for charging multiple work machines (102, 104, 106), wherein at least some of the multiple work machines (102, 104, 106) have different charging protocols, the system (200, 400) comprising: A power supply unit (202) is adapted to direct power supply to the plurality of operating machines (102, 104, 106). A first controller (216) is disposed within the power supply unit (202) and configured to control the power supply unit (202) to deliver the power supply to one of the plurality of working machines (102, 104, 106) based on the charging protocol of one of the working machines (102, 104, 106). and A charging device (204, 404) adapted to direct the power supply from the power unit (202) to the plurality of operating machines (102, 104, 106), wherein the charging device (204, 404) comprises any one of the following: Multiple cable assemblies (206, 208, 210), wherein, at a given time, one of the multiple working machines (102, 104, 106) is adapted to connect to the power supply unit (202) via a corresponding cable assembly (206, 208, 210) from the multiple cable assemblies (206, 208, 210) to direct the power supply from the power supply unit (202) to one of the multiple working machines (102, 104, 106); and Adapter (408), the adapter comprising: Casing (409); An inlet port (410) is defined in the housing (409), wherein the power supply unit (202) is connected to the adapter (408) via the inlet port (410); Multiple outlet ports (412, 414, 416) are defined in the housing (409), wherein the adapter (408) is adapted to connect to each of the multiple operating machines (102, 104, 106) via a corresponding outlet port (412, 414, 416) from the multiple outlet ports (412, 414, 416); A second controller (418) is disposed in the housing (409), wherein the second controller (418) is communicatively coupled to the first controller (216) and the plurality of working machines (102, 104, 106), and wherein the second controller (418) is configured to: Determine the charging protocol of the one of the plurality of working machines (102, 104, 106) currently connected to the adapter (408); The charging protocol information of one of the plurality of working machines (102, 104, 106) is transmitted to the first controller (216), wherein the first controller (216) is configured to control the power supply unit (202) to deliver the power supply to one of the plurality of working machines (102, 104, 106) according to the charging protocol of one of the plurality of working machines (102, 104, 106).

2. The system (200, 400) of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of cable assemblies (206, 208, 210) includes a cable (212) and an electrical connector (214), and wherein the cable (212) is adapted to be connected via the electrical connector (214) to a corresponding operating machine (102, 104, 106) of the plurality of operating machines (102, 104, 106).

3. The system (200, 400) according to claim 2, wherein the type of the electrical connector (214) of each of the plurality of cable assemblies (206, 208, 210) is selected according to the charging protocol of the corresponding working machine (102, 104, 106).

4. The system (200, 400) of claim 1, wherein, When the charging device (204, 404) includes the plurality of cable assemblies (206, 208, 210), the first controller (216) is configured to: One of the plurality of working machines (102, 104, 106) is connected to the power unit (202) via a corresponding cable assembly (206, 208, 210) from the plurality of cable assemblies (206, 208, 210); Determine the charging protocol of the working machines (102, 104, 106) currently connected to the power unit (202); Configure the power supply to the working machines (102, 104, 106) currently connected to the power unit (202) according to the charging protocol of the working machines (102, 104, 106).

5. The system (200, 400) of claim 4, wherein each of the plurality of working machines (102, 104, 106) includes a machine controller (108, 110, 112), wherein the first controller (216) of the power supply unit (202) is configured to communicate with the machine controller (108, 110, 112) of each working machine (102, 104, 106) via the corresponding cable assembly (206, 208, 210), and wherein the first controller (216) is configured to receive information of the charging protocol of each working machine (102, 104, 106) from the machine controller (108, 110, 112) to determine the charging protocol of each working machine (102, 104, 106).

6. The system (200, 400) of claim 1, wherein, When the charging device (204, 404) includes the adapter (408), the charging device (204, 404) further includes a first cable assembly (442) connected to the power unit (202), wherein the first cable assembly (442) includes a cable (444) and an electrical connector (446), wherein the adapter (408) further includes a second cable assembly (420) connecting the inlet port (410) of the adapter (408) to the first cable assembly (442), and wherein the second cable assembly (420) includes a cable (422) and an electrical connector (424).

7. The system (200, 400) of claim 1, wherein the adapter (408) further comprises a plurality of third cable assemblies (426, 428, 430), wherein at least one of the plurality of operating machines (102, 104, 106) is connected to the corresponding outlet port (412, 414, 416) of the adapter (408) via a corresponding third cable assembly (426, 428, 430) from the plurality of third cable assemblies (426, 428, 430), and wherein each of the plurality of third cable assemblies (426, 428, 430) comprises a cable (432) and an electrical connector (434).

8. The system (200, 400) of claim 7, wherein the type of the electrical connector (434) of each of the plurality of third cable assemblies (426, 428, 430) is selected according to the charging protocol of the corresponding working machine (102, 104, 106) from the plurality of working machines (102, 104, 106).

9. The system (200, 400) of claim 7, wherein each of the plurality of working machines (102, 104, 106) includes a machine controller (108, 110, 112), wherein the second controller (418) of the adapter (408) is configured to communicate with the machine controller (108, 110, 112) of the plurality of working machines (102, 104, 106) via the corresponding third cable assembly (426, 428, 430), and wherein the second controller (418) is configured to receive from the machine controller (108, 110, 112) information of the charging protocol of one of the plurality of working machines (102, 104, 106) to determine the charging protocol of one of the plurality of working machines (102, 104, 106).

10. The system (200, 400) of claim 1, wherein the adapter (408) further comprises a battery (438) configured to direct operating power to the second controller (418) for operation of the second controller, and wherein the battery (438) is recharged based on power received from the power unit (202) when the power unit (202) is connected to the adapter (408).

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