초록 ▼

A battery charging method in an environment of variable temperatures provides for a temperature correction to determine an onset of an overcharge phase which is detected by a discernible thermal energy output of a charging battery. The method comprises a precursory operation of determining time peri

A battery charging method in an environment of variable temperatures provides for a temperature correction to determine an onset of an overcharge phase which is detected by a discernible thermal energy output of a charging battery. The method comprises a precursory operation of determining time period required for effecting a temperature change in the battery in response to a temperature change of an ambient space about the battery. The temperature of the battery is then monitored throughout the charging process by measuring the temperature of the battery at timed, predetermined intervals. Over the same timed intervals the temperature of the ambience is measured. A measured difference in the temperature of the ambience with respect to a prior temperature of the ambience is applied to a measured temperature of the battery as modified by a predetermined time delay factor. The temperature is thereby corrected to reflect a change which would have occurred as a result of a temperature change of the ambient space about the battery. The corrected temperature, consequently, represents a temperature of the battery which is the result of the charging process. An apparatus for determining the onset of an overcharge phase of a battery charging cycle includes a control temperature sensor, a battery temperature sensor and a provision for determining when the battery temperature deviates from an anticipated temperature in response to a temperature change of the environment of the battery.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method of charging a battery, the method comprising the steps of:determining a temperature change characteristic at the battery in response to a temperature change of the environment of the battery;monitoring the temperature of the environment of the battery as the batt

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method of charging a battery, the method comprising the steps of:determining a temperature change characteristic at the battery in response to a temperature change of the environment of the battery;monitoring the temperature of the environment of the battery as the battery is being charged;determining an anticipated temperature change at the battery in response to the monitored temperature of the environment of the battery as the battery is being charged;measuring the actual temperature change at the battery as the battery is being charged;comparing the anticipated temperature change at the battery with the actual temperature change at the battery; anddiscontinuing charging of the battery as the actual temperature change at the battery exceeds the anticipated temperature change at the battery by a predetermined number of degrees.