초록 ▼

A method and apparatus for charging a battery which is operable to normally charge the battery at a first state of charge setting, to determine when the battery has been undercharged a predetermined number of times, and to charge the battery at a second state of charge setting after the battery is u

A method and apparatus for charging a battery which is operable to normally charge the battery at a first state of charge setting, to determine when the battery has been undercharged a predetermined number of times, and to charge the battery at a second state of charge setting after the battery is undercharged the predetermined number of times. The second state of charge setting is greater than the first state of charge setting. The method includes determining when the state of charge of the battery is below a predetermined level, charging the battery at the first state of charge setting, calculating a number of charging times when the battery was charged below the predetermined level after the last time the battery was charged at the predetermined level, and charging the battery with a second state of second charge setting when the calculated number of charging times equals a predetermined number. The apparatus includes a sensor for sensing the state of charge of the battery, a counter for counting the number of charging times that the battery was charged below a predetermined level after the last time the battery was charged to the predetermined level, and a charger for applying the second state of charge setting when the number of charging times counted by the counter equals the predetermined number.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [14.] A method for charging a battery with at least one of a first state of charge setting and a second state of charge setting, said second state of charge setting being greater than said first state of charge setting, said method comprising the steps of:a) determining when t

[ What is claimed is:] [14.] A method for charging a battery with at least one of a first state of charge setting and a second state of charge setting, said second state of charge setting being greater than said first state of charge setting, said method comprising the steps of:a) determining when the state of charge of said battery is below a predetermined level;b) calculating a number of charging times when said battery was charged below said predetermined level after the last time said battery was charged at said predetermined level;c) charging said battery at said first state of charge setting if said calculated number of charging times is below a predetermined number;d) charging said battery at said second state of charge setting when said calculated number of charging times is equal to said predetermined number;e) determining if said battery is in a high-temperature condition; and,f) charging said battery at said first state of charge setting if it is determined that said battery is in said high temperature condition;g) charging said battery at said first or second state of charge setting determined in steps (c) and (d) if said battery is not in said high-temperature condition.