WO2025259869A1

WO2025259869A1 - Multi-purpose charging port

Info

Publication number: WO2025259869A1
Application number: PCT/US2025/033335
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jeremy BRAKE; Matthew ALBINGER
Original assignee: Husqvarna AB
Current assignee: Husqvarna AB
Priority date: 2024-06-12
Filing date: 2025-06-12
Publication date: 2025-12-18
Anticipated expiration: 2026-12-12

Abstract

A charging port system for an electric mower, the charging port system may include a vehicle control module operably coupled to the electric mower, a battery control module in communication with the vehicle control module and a charging port, a battery operably coupled to the electric mower; and the charging port operably coupled to the electric mower and the battery. The charging port may include a set of terminals to operably couple to a connector of an electric mower attachment. The set of terminals may include a charge terminal for charging the battery of the electric mower, a discharge terminal for discharging the battery of the electric mower to power the electric mower attachment, a ground terminal, one or more communication terminals for facilitating communication between the electric mower, and one or more function detection terminals for classification of the electric mower attachment.

Description

MULTI-PURPOSE CHARGING PORT

TECHNICAL FIELD

Example embodiments generally relate to lawn care vehicles and, more particularly, to an electric mower equipped with a multi-purpose charging port.

BACKGROUND

Lawn care tasks are commonly performed using various tools and/or machines that are configured for the performance of corresponding specific tasks. Certain tasks, like grass cutting, are typically performed by lawn mowers. Electric mowers have become more and more popular in the last few years. Modern electric mowers now offer users the convenience of charging through a single port. However, this port currently lacks any additional functionalities. As electric mowers gain increased prominence, the integration of various power-requiring attachments for the electric mower becomes progressively more feasible.

Unlike the prior reliance on mechanical components such as belts and pulleys, these attachments can now directly draw power from the mower's batteries. As such, it would be desirable have the single charging port of the electric mower serve multiple purposes in addition to charging the electric mower batteries, such as discharging the electric mower batteries to power electric mower attachments and facilitating electric mower diagnostic testing.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF SOME EXAMPLES

In one example embodiment, a charging port system for an electric mower may be provided. The charging port system may include a vehicle control module operably coupled to the electric mower, a battery control module in communication with the vehicle control module and a charging port, a battery operably coupled to the electric mower; and the charging port operably coupled to the electric mower and the battery. The charging port may include a set of terminals to operably couple to a connector of an electric mower attachment. The set of terminals may include a charge terminal for charging the battery of the electric mower, a discharge terminal for discharging the battery of the electric mower to power the electric mower attachment, a ground terminal for grounding the charging port, one or more communication terminals for facilitating communication between the charging port, the vehicle control module, the battery control module, and the electric mower attachment, and one or more function detection terminals for classification of the electric mower attachment.

In another example embodiment, an electric mower for mowing a lawn may be provided. The electric mower may include a set of wheels operable coupled to a body of the electric mower, a driving system operably coupled to the set of wheels; and a charging port system operably coupled to the body of the electric mower. The charging port system may include a vehicle control module operably coupled to the electric mower, a battery control module in communication with the vehicle control module and a charging port, a battery operably coupled to the electric mower; and the charging port operably coupled to the electric mower and the battery. The charging port may include a set of terminals to operably couple to a connector of an electric mower attachment. The set of terminals may include a charge terminal for charging the battery of the electric mower, a discharge terminal for discharging the battery of the electric mower to power the electric mower attachment, a ground terminal for grounding the charging port, one or more communication terminals for facilitating communication between the charging port, the vehicle control module, the battery control module, and the electric mower attachment, and one or more function detection terminals for classification of the electric mower attachment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

Having thus described some embodiments of the present invention in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of the electric mower and charging port system according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 2 shows a top view of the charging port according to an example embodiment; and

FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of the charging port according to another example embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Some example embodiments now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all example embodiments are shown. Indeed, the examples described and pictured herein should not be construed as being limiting as to the scope, applicability, or configuration of the present disclosure. Rather, these example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. Furthermore, as used herein, the term “or” is to be interpreted as a logical operator that results in true whenever one or more of its operands are true. As used herein, the phrase “operable coupling” and variants thereof should be understood to relate to direct or indirect connection that, in either case, enables functional interconnection of components that are operably coupled to each other.

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of the electric mower 110 and charging port system 100 according to an example embodiment. The electric mower 110 may be defined by a body. The body of the electric mower 110 may be a chassis or housing for other electric mower components. In some cases, a set of wheels 111 may be operably coupled to the body of the electric mower 110. In an example embodiment, the set of wheels 111 may include an individual wheel corresponding to each comer of the electric mower 110. In some cases, the electric mower 110 may include a driving system 112. The driving system 112 may include but is not limited to a steering apparatus, a throttle mechanism, a braking mechanism, a driver seat, and a display. In an example embodiment, the steering apparatus may be a steering wheel, a lever, or a set of levers. In some cases, the throttle mechanism and the braking mechanism may be tied to the steering apparatus.

In an example embodiment, the electric mower 110 may include a charging port system 100. The charging port system 100 may include but is not limited to a charging port 200, a vehicle control module 120, an electric mower battery 130, and a battery control module 140. The vehicle control module 120 may monitor and adjust numerous components of the electric mower 110. In some cases, the vehicle control module 120 may include a processor, memory, and that the monitoring may include applications stored in the memory and executed by the processor. In an example embodiment, based on the monitoring, various control functions may be performed relative to the components, and that this may also be application based or simple predefined responses to stimuli detected while monitoring.

In an example embodiment, the vehicle control module 120 may include processing circuitry that may include a processor and memory. The processing circuitry may be configured to provide electronic control inputs to one or more functional units of the electric mower 110 or charging port system 100 and to process data received at or generated by the one or more functional units of the electric mower 110 or charging port system 100 Thus, the processing circuitry may be configured to perform data processing, control function execution and/or other processing and management services according to an example embodiment. In some embodiments, the processing circuitry may be embodied as a chip or chip set. In other words, the processing circuitry may comprise one or more physical packages (e.g., chips) including materials, components and/or wires on a structural assembly (e.g., a baseboard). The structural assembly may provide physical strength, conservation of size, and/or limitation of electrical interaction for component circuitry included thereon. The processing circuitry may therefore, in some cases, be configured to implement an embodiment of the present invention on a single chip or as a single “system on a chip.” As such, in some cases, a chip or chipset may constitute means for performing one or more operations for providing the functionalities described herein. In an example embodiment, the battery control module 140 or other control modules may include similar processing circuitry.

In some cases, the vehicle control module 120 may monitor the set of wheels 111 and the driving system 112. The vehicle control module 120 may additionally communicate with various components the charging port system 100. In an example embodiment, the vehicle control module 120 may monitor electric mower safety. The vehicle control module 120 may include a plurality of safety switches to serve as a fail-safe for when certain systems of the electric mower 110 are determined to be atypical. The vehicle control module 120 may also be responsible for activation of various electric mower systems.

In an example embodiment, the electric mower battery 130 may be a single battery, multiple batteries operably coupled to one another, or a battery module that may include multiple batteries or power-holding cells. The electric mower battery 130 may be a 96-volt battery; however, the electric mower battery 130 may be any number of voltages or configurations that do not limit the operation the electric mower 110 or charging port system 100. The electric mower battery 130 may be operably coupled and in communication with the battery control module 140. In some cases, the battery control module 140 may monitor the charge level of the electric mower battery 130 (e.g., state of charge, which may be measured from 0% to 100% of the capacity of the electric mower battery 130) and may control the distribution of the charge level of the electric mower battery 130. In an example embodiment, the battery control module 140 may be formed integrally with the vehicle control module 120. In some cases, the battery control module 140 may merely be in communication (e.g., wired or wirelessly) with the vehicle control module 120. In an example embodiment, the battery control module 140 may be disposed in the charging port 200 or may be formed integrally with the electric mower battery 130. The charging port 200 of the charging port system 100 may be operably coupled and in communication with vehicle control module 120 and battery control module 140. In some instances, the charging port 200 may operably couple with an electric mower attachment 150. In some cases, the electric mower attachment 150 may be a charging device for charging the electric mower battery 130. In an example embodiment, the charging device may be an outlet-powered charger (e.g., a charger receiving AC mains power and converting such power into DC for charging the electric mower battery 130). In some cases, the charging device may be another battery. For example, the electric mower attachment 150 may be an emergency battery or a battery upgrade that operably couples to the electric mower 110. The emergency battery or the battery upgrade may connect to the charging port 200 and charge the electric mower battery 130 to extend the operation time of the electric mower 110.

In an example embodiment, the electric mower attachment 150 may be an attachment that requires the electric mower battery 130 to discharge power to the electric mower attachment 150 to provide power for operation of the electric mower attachment 150. For example, the electric mower attachment 150 may be a snow blower attachment for the electric mower 110 that operates using electric power (i.e., has an electric motor). Thus, for example, the snow blower attachment (and its electric motor) may be supplied with power from the electric mower battery 130 via the charging port 200 to receive power for its operation. More particularly, if the snow blower attachment has its own battery, the electric mower battery 130 may be used to charge the battery of the snow blower attachment while the snow blower attachment is connected to the charging port 200. The snow blower attachment may then be disconnected from the charging port 200 after receiving power for charging its battery from the electric mower battery 130. However, as an alternative, power may be provided directly from the electric mower battery 130 to the electric motor of the snow blower attachment to operate the snow blower attachment while it remains connected to the charging port 200. Further examples of electric mower attachment 150 that discharge the electric mower battery 130 via the charging port 200 may include but are not limited to handheld attachments, stationary attachments, and directly-affixed mower attachments.

In some cases, the electric mower attachment 150 may charge its own battery directly from the electric mower battery 130, and the electric mower attachment 150 may then be disconnected from the charging port 200 and operate independently from the electric mower 110. In such an example, the electric mower attachment 150 may be a device having an electric motor powered from its own battery, and which charges its own battery via the charging port 200 by drawing power from the electric mower battery 130. In some cases, the electric mower attachment 150 may be an isolated battery from an additional piece of equipment that may be charged from the electric mower battery 130 via the charging port 200. The isolated battery may then be disconnected from the charging port 200 and may be used to power the additional piece of equipment. In such a case, it is even possible that the isolated battery could be used to power more than one different type of electrically powered device. Thus, for example, the electric mower battery 130 may be used to power the electric mower 110 for cutting of grass on a parcel, and may also be used to charge a trimmer that is used to trim around edges of the parcel or objects thereon, and may also be used to power a blower that blows clippings or debris away from sidewalks or other areas. One high capacity battery (i.e., the electric mower battery 130) may therefore serve as the basis for powering multiple devices for the completion of a job at a job site (e.g., the parcel).

In still other cases, the electric mower attachment 150 may maintain a corded connection to the electric mower battery 130 during operation. In these cases, direct power from the electric mower battery 130 may be used to power the electric mower attachment 150.

In an example embodiment, the electric mower attachment 150 may be a diagnostic attachment. The diagnostic attachment may connect to the electric mower 110 via the charging port 200 and may monitor and test various systems and components of the electric mower 110. For example, the diagnostic attachment may test charging and discharging capabilities of the electric mower battery 130, communication between the various control modules of the electric mower 110 (vehicle control module 120, battery control module 140, etc.), and other various components. In some cases, the diagnostic attachment may be a service attachment from a service technician or service center. Thus, for example, the diagnostic attachment may read fault codes from the vehicle control module 120, and the fault codes may indicate specific faults or faulty components of the electric mower 110.

In an example embodiment, the electric mower attachment 150 may be operably coupled and/or connected to the charging port 200 via a charging port interface 160. The charging port interface 160 may include a connector 162 and an electric mower attachment charging cable 161. The connector 162 may operably couple to the charging port 200 and the electric mower attachment charging cable 161, and the electric mower attachment charging cable 161 may further operably couple to the electric mower attachment 150. In some cases, the charging port interface 160 may be part of the electric mower attachment 150. FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 show top views of the charging port 200 in accordance with example embodiments. In order to operably couple and facilitate the coupling of the electric mower 110 and the electric mower attachment 150, the charging port 200 may include a set of terminals that operably couple the connector 162 of the charging port interface 160 and the charging port 200. The set of terminals may include but are not limited to a charge terminal 210, a discharge terminal 220, a ground terminal 230, one or more communication terminals 240, and one or more function detection terminals 250. In some cases, the charge terminal 210 and the discharge terminal 220 may be a single terminal (charge discharge terminal 260) capable of both charging and discharging the electric mower battery 130. For example, depending on the electric mower attachment 150, the battery control module 140 may determine if the charge discharge terminal 260 should be providing power or receiving power. In some cases, the vehicle control module 120 may determine if the charge discharge terminal 260 should be providing power or receiving power by itself or via communication with the battery control module 140.

The charge terminal 210 may be known as a positive voltage input terminal, as the charge terminal 210 may receive the power from the electric mower attachment 150 to charge the electric mower battery 130. The discharge terminal 220 may be known as a positive voltage output terminal or power terminal, as the discharge terminal 220 may provide power to the electric mower attachment 150 from the electric mower battery 130. The ground terminal 230 may act as a safety path for power to travel in the case of a short circuit involving the charging port system 100 and may be known as a negative voltage terminal.

In an example embodiment, the one or more communication terminals 240 may include a variety of different types of communication terminals. The one or more communication terminals 240 may include one of more controller area network (CAN) terminals associated with a CAN bus. A CAN terminal may be a multi-wire terminal that may be reserved or delegated for essential communications between the vehicle control module 120, the battery control module 140, any remaining ones of the one or more communication terminals 240, and any control module of the electric mower attachment 150 via the CAN bus. In some cases, the essential communications may be time-sensitive communications or safety related communications. In an example embodiment, the essential communications may include activation communications for charging or discharging the electric mower battery 130. The essential communications may include communications with the set of wheels 111 or the driving system 112 as to control the wheel power. In some cases, the one or more CAN terminals may include a CAN HIGH terminal 241 and a CAN LOW terminal 242. In an example embodiment, the CAN HIGH terminal

241 may interpret voltages between a 2.5 volts and 3.75 volts and the CAN LOW terminal

242 may interpret voltages between 1.25 volts and 2.5 volts.

In some cases, the one or more communication terminals 240 may include a serial data-bus terminal 243. The serial data-bus terminal 243 may be a single wire terminal which may be reserved for non-essential communication between the vehicle control module 120, the battery control module 140, any remaining ones of the one or more communication terminals 240, and any control module of the electric mower attachment 150. In an example embodiment, the non-essential communication may be non-time sensitive communications or infrequently used data or communications. For example, display communication may be transmitted by the serial data-bus terminal 243.

In some cases, the one or more communication terminals 240 may include a wake-up terminal 244. In an example embodiment, the wake-up terminal 244 may be a separate one of the one or more communication terminals 240. In some cases, the wake-up terminal 244 may be the one or more CAN terminals or the serial data-bus terminal 243. The wake-up terminal may be a low-voltage terminal. In an example embodiment, upon receiving a wakeup terminal input from the electric mower attachment 150, the vehicle control module 120, or the battery control module 140 via the wake-up terminal 244, the charging port system 100 may determine if a desired state of the electric mower 110 is a powered-on state. For example, if the desired state of the electric mower 110 is a powered-on state when certain the electric mower attachment 150 requires certain power discharge amounts, the electric mower attachment 150 may send an input through the wake-up terminal 244 to power-on the electric mower 110. In an example embodiment, if the electric mower attachment 150 is a charger, an input may be transmitted via the wake-up terminal to maintain electric mower 110 in a powered-on state until charging of the electric mower battery 130 may be completed. In some cases, the vehicle control module 120, the battery control module 140, or a control module of the electric mower attachment 150 may determine that the electric mower battery 130 needs charging (e.g., based on a current state of charge of the electric mower battery 130 being below a threshold value) and send an input via the wake-up terminal 244 to initiate the charging process.

In an example embodiment, the one or more function detection terminals 250 may help determine the classification of the electric mower attachment 150. In some cases, the one or more function detection terminals 250 may include a first function detection terminal 251, a second function detection terminal 252, and a third function detection terminal 253. In some cases, the one or more function detection terminals 250 may be more or less than three function detection terminals. Identification of the electric mower attachment 150 by the electric mower 110 and the charging port system 100 may be a hierarchical classification process. In some cases, classification may be performed by the vehicle control module 120, battery control module 140, or another control module within the charging port system 100.

For example, the initial classification of the electric mower attachment 150 may utilize the one or more function detection terminals 250 by determining which of the one or more function detection terminals 250 requires power transfer and a category of the power transfer by the one or more function detection terminals 250. In some cases, not every one of the one or more function detection terminals 250 may be used and require some form of power transfer by the electric mower attachment 150. The ones of the one or more function detection terminals 250 that require power transfer may then be classified based on the category of the power transfer required. In an example embodiment, the category of the power transfer required by the one or more function detection terminals 250 may be one of receiving power, providing power, or grounding the charging port. Depending on the category of the required power transfer through the function detection pins, the electric mower attachment 150 may be initially classified. In some cases, this initial classification may be the highest, broadest classification within the hierarchal classification process of the electric mower attachment 150.

Responsive to the initial classification, a charging port system 100 may perform a detailed classification of the electric mower attachment 150. In an example embodiment, the detailed classification may be performed using communication via the one or more communication terminals 240. In some cases, the detailed classification may determine the specific type of the electric mower attachment 150. For example, the specific type of the electric mower attachment 150 may be the model number or serial number of the electric mower attachment 150.

Responsive to determining the specific type of electric mower attachment 150, the electric mower 110 may operate according to a configuration that corresponds to the specific type of electric mower attachment 150. In an example embodiment, the configuration corresponding the electric mower attachment 150 may include the amount of power required, the transfer rate of power, the remapping of controls of the electric mower 110, or any number of commands that may be executed by the electric mower 110. For example, if the electric mower attachment 150 is determined to be a sprayer attachment, the configuration tied to the sprayer may remap the headlight switch of the electric mower 110 to activate the sprayer when turned into the on-state.

In some cases, the detailed classification of the specific type of the electric mower attachment 150 may be the lowest, most specific classification within the hierarchal classification process of the electric mower attachment 150. However, in an example embodiment, the hierarchal classification process may not be limited to two classifications. Further steps of classification may be added within the hierarchal classification process. These further classification steps may include but are not limited to classification of mobility (handheld, ground supported, electric mower-mounted, etc.) or classification of amount of power needed (high power draw, low power draw, etc.).

In a further example embodiment, when the connector 162 of a first electric mower attachment operably couples to the charging port 200, the first function detection terminal 251 may be providing power. As such, the charging port system 100 may determine that the first electric mower attachment is a providing power attachment. Responsive to the determination that the first electric mower attachment is a providing power attachment, the charging port system 100 may perform a detailed classification where the first electric mower attachment transmits data via the one or more CAN terminals of the charging port 200. The data transmitted from the first electric mower attachment may identify the first electric mower attachment as a specific model of wall-outlet charger for the electric mower 110. Responsive to determining the detailed classification of the first electric mower attachment, electric mower 110 and charging port system 100 may operate according the desired configuration of the first electric mower attachment, such as but not limited to a specific charging rate, charging time frame, and desired operation state of the electric mower 110 while charging (powered-on, powered-off, sleep mode, etc.).

In a further example embodiment, when the connector 162 of a second electric mower attachment is operably coupled to the charging port 200, the second function detection terminal 252 may be receiving power. As such, the charging port system 100 may determine that the second electric mower attachment is a receiving power attachment. Responsive to the determination that the second electric mower attachment is a receiving power attachment, the charging port system 100 may perform a detailed classification where the second electric mower attachment transmits data via the one or more CAN terminals of the charging port 200. The data transmitted from the second electric mower attachment may identify the second electric mower attachment as a specific model of snow-blower attachment for the front of the electric mower 110. Responsive to determining the detailed classification of the second electric mower attachment, electric mower 110 and charging port system 100 may operate according the desired configuration of the second electric mower attachment, such as but not limited to remapping electric mower controls to snow-blower attachment controls, controlling the amount of power drawn by the snow-blower attachment, and adding safety switches for the snow-blower attachment.

In an example embodiment, multiple of the one or more function detection terminals 250 may be used simultaneously and help classify the electric mower attachment 150. For example, if electric mower attachment 150 is a diagnostic device, the first function detection terminal 251 may be grounded, the second function detection terminal 252 may be receiving power, and the third function detection terminal 253 may be providing power. The diagnostic device may test each one of the set of terminals, as well as other systems within the electric mower 110 and charging port system 100.

In some cases, the one or more function detection terminals 250 may classify the electric mower attachment 150 by which of the one or more function detection terminals 250 acts as a ground connection. For example, a first function detection terminal 251 may be a ground connection, and the second function detection terminal 252 may be a providing power connection for a specific electric mower attachment 150, thus helping to initially classify the electric mower attachment 150. In a further example, the electric mower attachment 150 may be a charger if the first function detection terminal 251 is a ground connection, a sprayer if the second function detection terminal 252 is a ground connection, and a bagger fan if the third function detection terminal 253 is a ground connection.

In some cases, classification of the electric mower attachment 150 may be softwarebased or non-software based. For example, classification of some electric mower attachment 150 may only need simple identification of which of the one or more function detection terminals 250 is in use, whereas other electric mower attachment 150 may need to use communication via the one or more communication terminals 240 to assist in the classification.

In an example embodiment, the set of terminals may be represented by individual pins in the charging port 200. The individual pins may operably couple to individual ports within the connector 162. In some cases, the individual pins may be disposed on the connector 162, and the ports may be disposed on the charging port 200.

In an example embodiment, the classification utilizing the one or more function detection terminals 250 may assign categories to classify the electric mower attachment 150 such as charging electric mower attachments, discharging electric mower attachment, and diagnostic electric mower attachments, depending on the power requirements or power preferences of each one of the one or more function detection terminals 250.

Some example embodiments may provide for a charging port system for an electric mower may be provided. The charging port system may include a vehicle control module operably coupled to the electric mower, a battery control module in communication with the vehicle control module and a charging port, a battery operably coupled to the electric mower; and the charging port operably coupled to the electric mower and the battery. The charging port may include a set of terminals to operably couple to a connector of an electric mower attachment. The set of terminals may include a charge terminal for charging the battery of the electric mower, a discharge terminal for discharging the battery of the electric mower to power the electric mower attachment, a ground terminal for grounding the charging port, one or more communication terminals for facilitating communication between the charging port, the vehicle control module, the battery control module, and the electric mower attachment, and one or more function detection terminals for classification of the electric mower attachment. The charging port system of some embodiments may include additional, optional features, and/or the features described above may be modified or augmented. Some examples of modifications, optional features and augmentations are described below. It should be appreciated that the modifications, optional features and augmentations listed below may each be added alone, or they may be added cumulatively in any desirable combination. For example, in some embodiments, the one or more communication terminals may include one or more controller area network terminals, a serial data-bus terminal, or a wake-up terminal. In some cases, the wake-up terminal may be a low voltage terminal and a wake-up terminal input determines if a desired state of the electric mower is a powered-on state, and wherein responsive to determining the desired state of the electric mower is a powered-on state, the wake-up terminal may communicate with the battery to provide power to the electric mower. In an example embodiment, the serial data-bus terminal may be a single wire, low noise terminal utilized for non-essential communication, and the one or more controller area network terminals may be a multiple wire terminal utilized for essential communication. In some cases, the battery control module may be configured to determine the classification of the electric mower attachment utilizing the one or more function detection terminals, and the battery control module may determine the classification by detecting which of the one or more function detection terminals requires power transfer and a category of the power transfer required by the one or more function detection terminals. In some cases, the category of the power transfer required by the one or more function detection terminals may be one of receiving power, providing power, or grounding the charging port. In an example embodiment, responsive to the classification of the electric mower attachment by the battery control module, the electric mower is configured to determine a detailed classification of the electric mower attachment by communication via the one or more communication terminals, the detailed classification may determine a specific type of the electric mower attachment, and responsive to determining the detailed classification, the electric mower may operate according to a configuration corresponding to the specific type of the electric mower attachment. In some cases, the charge terminal and the discharge terminal may be a single terminal. In an example embodiment, the charge terminal, the discharge terminal, the ground terminal, each individual communication terminal of the one or more communication terminals, and each individual function detection terminal of the one or more function detection terminals may have corresponding, individual pins in the charging port. In some cases, the classification of the electric mower attachment may differentiate the electric mower attachment between charging electric mower attachments, discharging electric mower attachment, and diagnostic electric mower attachments.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these inventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the inventions are not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, although the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings describe exemplary embodiments in the context of certain exemplary combinations of elements and/or functions, it should be appreciated that different combinations of elements and/or functions may be provided by alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In this regard, for example, different combinations of elements and/or functions than those explicitly described above are also contemplated as may be set forth in some of the appended claims. In cases where advantages, benefits, or solutions to problems are described herein, it should be appreciated that such advantages, benefits, and/or solutions may be applicable to some example embodiments, but not necessarily all example embodiments. Thus, any advantages, benefits, or solutions described herein should not be thought of as being critical, required, or essential to all embodiments or to that which is claimed herein. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED:

1. A charging port system for an electric mower, the charging port system comprising: a vehicle control module operably coupled to the electric mower; a battery control module in communication with the vehicle control module and a charging port; a battery operably coupled to the electric mower; and the charging port operably coupled to the electric mower and the battery, wherein the charging port further comprises a set of terminals to operably couple to a connector of an electric mower attachment, the set of terminals further comprising: a charge terminal for charging the battery of the electric mower, a discharge terminal for discharging the battery of the electric mower to power the electric mower attachment, a ground terminal for grounding the charging port, one or more communication terminals for facilitating communication between the charging port, the vehicle control module, the battery control module, and the electric mower attachment, and one or more function detection terminals for classification of the electric mower attachment.

2. The charging port system of claim 1, wherein the one or more communication terminals include one or more controller area network terminals, a serial data-bus terminal, or a wake-up terminal.

3. The charging port system of claim 2, wherein the wake-up terminal is a low voltage terminal and a wake-up terminal input determines if a desired state of the electric mower is a powered-on state, and wherein responsive to determining the desired state of the electric mower is the powered-on state, the wake-up terminal communicates with the battery to provide power to the electric mower.

4. The charging port system of claim 2, wherein the serial data-bus terminal is a single wire, low noise terminal utilized for non-essential communication, and wherein the one or more controller area network terminals is a multiple wire terminal utilized for essential communication.

5. The charging port system of claim 1, wherein the battery control module or the vehicle control module is configured to determine the classification of the electric mower attachment utilizing the one or more function detection terminals, and wherein the battery control module or the vehicle control module determines the classification by detecting which of the one or more function detection terminals requires power transfer and a category of the power transfer required by the one or more function detection terminals.

6. The charging port system of claim 5, wherein the category of the power transfer required by the one or more function detection terminals is one of receiving power, providing power, or grounding the charging port.

7. The charging port system of claim 5, wherein responsive to the classification of the electric mower attachment by the battery control module, the electric mower is configured to determine a detailed classification of the electric mower attachment by communication via the one or more communication terminals, wherein the detailed classification determines a specific type of the electric mower attachment, and wherein responsive to determining the detailed classification, the electric mower operates according to a configuration corresponding to the specific type of the electric mower attachment.

8. The charging port system of claim 1, wherein the charge terminal and the discharge terminal are a single terminal.

9. The charging port system of claim 1, wherein the charge terminal, the discharge terminal, the ground terminal, each individual communication terminal of the one or more communication terminals, and each individual function detection terminal of the one or more function detection terminals have corresponding, individual pins in the charging port.

10. The charging port system of claim 1, wherein the classification of the electric mower attachment differentiates the electric mower attachment between charging electric mower attachments, discharging electric mower attachment, and diagnostic electric mower attachments.

11. An electric mower for mowing a lawn, the electric mower comprising: a set of wheels operable coupled to a body of the electric mower; a driving system operably coupled to the set of wheels; and a charging port system operably coupled to the body of the electric mower, the charging port system comprising: a vehicle control module operably coupled to the electric mower; a battery control module in communication with the vehicle control module and a charging port; a battery operably coupled to the electric mower; and the charging port operably coupled to the electric mower and the battery, wherein the charging port further comprises a set of terminals to operably couple to a connector of an electric mower attachment, the set of terminals further comprising: a charge terminal for charging the battery of the electric mower, a discharge terminal for discharging the battery of the electric mower to power the electric mower attachment, a ground terminal for grounding the charging port, one or more communication terminals for facilitating communication between the charging port, the vehicle control module, the battery control module, and the electric mower attachment, and one or more function detection terminals for classification of the electric mower attachment.

12. The electric mower of claim 11, wherein the one or more communication terminals include one or more controller area network terminals, a serial data-bus terminal, or a wake-up terminal.

13. The electric mower of claim 12, wherein the wake-up terminal is a low voltage terminal and a wake-up terminal input determines if a desired state of the electric mower is a powered-on state, and wherein responsive to determining the desired state of the electric mower is the powered-on state, the wake-up terminal communicates with the battery to provide power to the electric mower.

14. The electric mower of claim 12, wherein the serial data-bus terminal is a single wire, low noise terminal utilized for non-essential communication, and wherein the one or more controller area network terminals is a multiple wire terminal utilized for essential communication.

15. The electric mower of claim 11, wherein the battery control module or the vehicle control module is configured to determine the classification of the electric mower attachment utilizing the one or more function detection terminals, and wherein the battery control module or the vehicle control module determines the classification by detecting which of the one or more function detection terminals requires power transfer and a category of the power transfer required by the one or more function detection terminals.

16. The electric mower of claim 15, wherein the category of the power transfer required by the one or more function detection terminals is one of receiving power, providing power, or grounding the charging port.

17. The electric mower of claim 15, wherein responsive to the classification of the electric mower attachment by the battery control module, the electric mower is configured to determine a detailed classification of the electric mower attachment by communication via the one or more communication terminals, wherein the detailed classification determines a specific type of the electric mower attachment, and wherein responsive to determining the detailed classification, the electric mower operates according to a configuration corresponding to the specific type of the electric mower attachment.

18. The electric mower of claim 11, wherein the charge terminal and the discharge terminal are a single terminal.

19. The electric mower of claim 11, wherein the charge terminal, the discharge terminal, the ground terminal, each individual communication terminal of the one or more communication terminals, and each individual function detection terminal of the one or more function detection terminals have corresponding, individual pins in the charging port.

20. The electric mower of claim 11, wherein the classification of the electric mower attachment differentiates the electric mower attachment between charging electric mower attachments, discharging electric mower attachment, and diagnostic electric mower attachments.