초록 ▼

A current limited rechargeable battery charging apparatus is utilized to charge batteries comprising lithium type electrochemical cells. The charging apparatus of the present invention may be specifically utilized with rechargeable batteries comprising lithium type electrochemical cells utilized in

A current limited rechargeable battery charging apparatus is utilized to charge batteries comprising lithium type electrochemical cells. The charging apparatus of the present invention may be specifically utilized with rechargeable batteries comprising lithium type electrochemical cells utilized in a multiple cell series configuration. The lithium battery may be charge limited float charged such that the charging current does not exceed a predetermined current value. The charge current limiting may be provided without utilizing complex or expensive current control circuitry. The current limited rechargeable battery charging apparatus my be utilized as a part of a battery charging and utilization system implemented with portable electronic devices such that the electronic device may be utilized and the battery may be charged while simultaneously providing operational power and being overcharged protected. An external charging unit may be controlled from a battery pack containing the rechargeable battery and charge control circuitry.

대표청구항 ▼

[ I claim:] [1.] A battery charging and utilization system comprising:an electronic device;a power unit, external to the electronic device, that delivers power to the electronic device when the power unit is coupled to the electronic device;a battery pack, removably insertible into the electronic de

[ I claim:] [1.] A battery charging and utilization system comprising:an electronic device;a power unit, external to the electronic device, that delivers power to the electronic device when the power unit is coupled to the electronic device;a battery pack, removably insertible into the electronic device, comprising charging circuitry and at least two electrochemical cells arranged in a series configuration to deliver power to the electronic device when the electronic device is not coupled to the power unit;the charging circuitry including a current regulator coupled in series with the at least two electrical cells; andthe charging circuitry independently controlling charging of each of the at least two electrochemical cells from power provided by the power unit when the electronic device is coupled to the power unit.