Integrated trailer hitch and jump start system
First Claim
1. A jump start system comprising:
- battery charging circuitry electrically connected to a first battery and a second battery mounted in a vehicle, wherein the first battery is configured to drive a motor for propelling the vehicle and the second battery is configured to drive a contactor electrically connected between the first battery and a drive train of the vehicle; and
a trailer wiring connector located within or adjacent to a tow hitch and in electrical communication with the battery charging circuitry, the trailer wiring connector forming a charge port configured to receive an electrical current and transmit the electrical current to the battery charging circuitry to charge the second battery.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The present disclosure relates to devices, systems, and methods for jump starting an electric vehicle. In some embodiments, an electric vehicle includes battery charging circuitry electrically connected to a high voltage storage system and a low voltage storage system mounted in the vehicle. The high voltage storage system may be configured to drive a motor for propelling the vehicle. The low voltage storage system may be configured to drive a contactor electrically connected between the high voltage storage system and a drive train of the vehicle. In some implementations, the vehicle may include an electrical connection that is easily accessible and configured to supply power from an external power source to the low voltage system. The electrical connection may be integrated into a standard trailer wiring system.
10 Citations
21 Claims
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1. A jump start system comprising:
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battery charging circuitry electrically connected to a first battery and a second battery mounted in a vehicle, wherein the first battery is configured to drive a motor for propelling the vehicle and the second battery is configured to drive a contactor electrically connected between the first battery and a drive train of the vehicle; and a trailer wiring connector located within or adjacent to a tow hitch and in electrical communication with the battery charging circuitry, the trailer wiring connector forming a charge port configured to receive an electrical current and transmit the electrical current to the battery charging circuitry to charge the second battery. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A system for jump starting an electric vehicle, the system comprising:
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battery charging circuitry electrically connected to a high voltage storage system and a low voltage storage system mounted in a vehicle, wherein the high voltage storage system is configured to drive a motor for propelling the vehicle and the low voltage storage system is configured to drive a contactor electrically connected between the high voltage storage system and a drive train of the vehicle; and an external trailer wiring connector located within or adjacent to a tow hitch electrically connected to the low voltage storage system and configured to receive a current input from an external power source. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A method of jump starting an electric vehicle, the method comprising:
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receiving, at a wiring connector located within or adjacent to a tow hitch of the electric vehicle, a current from an external power source; transmitting the received electric current from the wiring connector to a positive terminal of a low voltage battery of the electric vehicle to at least partially charge the low voltage battery; and engaging a high voltage battery of the electric vehicle after the low voltage battery is at least partially charged. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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Specification