CN1655387A

CN1655387A - Method and system for battery charging

Info

Publication number: CN1655387A
Application number: CNA2003101180395A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 加里D·迈尔; 杰伊J·罗森贝克尔; 凯文L·格拉斯哥; 托德W·约翰逊; 卡尔F·施卡策
Original assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corp
Current assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corp
Priority date: 2002-11-22
Filing date: 2003-11-24
Publication date: 2005-08-17
Anticipated expiration: 2023-11-24
Also published as: GB0703089D0; GB0600649D0; GB2419243A; GB2419245A9; GB2434704A; GB0600645D0; GB0600647D0; GB2419244A; DE10354874B4; GB2434704B; GB2419245B; DE10354874A1; GB0600653D0; GB2419242A; DE10362316B4; GB2419242B; GB0703091D0; GB0327218D0; GB2434705A; GB2419243B

Abstract

A system and method for battery protection. In some aspects, a battery pack includes a housing, a cell supported by the housing, a circuit supported by the housing and operable to control a function of the battery pack, and a heat sink in heat transfer relationship with the circuit and operable to dissipate heat from the circuit.A system and method for battery protection. In some aspects, a method of conducting an operation including a battery pack, includes the acts of monitoring a first battery pack condition at a first monitoring rate, determining when a second battery pack condition reaches a threshold, after the second battery pack condition reaches the threshold, monitoring the first battery pack condition at a second monitoring rate, the second monitoring rate being different than the first monitoring rate. In some aspects, a method of conducting an operation including a battery, the battery including a cell having a voltage, power being transferable between the cell and the electrical device, a controller operable to control a function of the battery pack, the controller being operable with a voltage at least one of equal to and greater than an operating voltage threshold, the cell being operable to selectively supply voltage to the controller, includes the act of enabling the controller to operate when the voltage supplied by the cell is below the operating voltage threshold.

Description

The system and method that is used for battery charge

Invention field

The sequence number that present patent application requires on November 22nd, 2002 to submit to is 60/428; 358; the sequence number of submitting on November 22nd, 2002 is 60/428; 450; the sequence number of submitting on November 22nd, 2002 is 60/428; 452; the sequence number of submitting on January 17th, 2003 is 60/400; 692 and be 60/440 at the sequence number that on January 17th, 2003 submitted to; the unauthorized U.S. temporary patent application of 693 previous submission; and the exercise question of submitting on November 19th, 2003 is the unauthorized U.S. temporary patent application of the previous submission of " system and method that is used for battery protection " (attorney docket is .066042-9536-00); and be the rights and interests of claim of unauthorized U.S. temporary patent application of the previous submission of " system and method that is used for battery charge " (attorney docket is No.066042-9538-00) at the exercise question that on November 19th, 2003 submitted to, their full content here is incorporated herein by reference.The exercise question that proposes on November 20th, 2003 be that the U.S. patent application of " system and method that is used for battery protection " (act on behalf of case number be No.066042-9536-01) also here is incorporated herein by reference.

Technical field

The present invention relates generally to a kind of system and method that is used for battery charge, more special, relate to a kind of system and method that is used for to the battery charge of electric tool.

Background technology

Wireless electric tool is powered by portable battery pack usually.These battery pack have different battery chemistries and nominal voltage scope, and can be used for power supply to multiple instrument and electric equipment.Usually, the battery chemistries of power tool battery is not that NI-G (" NiCd ") is exactly ni-mh (" NiMH ").The nominal voltage of battery pack generally at about 2.4V in the scope between the 24V.

Summary of the invention

Some battery chemistries (such as, lithium (" Li "), lithium ion (" Li-ion ") and other chemical substance based on lithium) need the discharge of accurate charging scheme and charging operations and control.Inadequate charging scheme and uncontrolled discharge scheme may produce too much built-in heat, the situation about overcharging and/or the situation of over-discharge can.These situations and built-in factor can produce the also capacity of serious impact battery of irreversible damage to battery.

The invention provides the system and method that is used for battery charge.In aspect some structures and some, the invention provides the battery charger that can charge fully to multiple battery pack with different battery chemistries structures.In aspect some structures and some, the invention provides can be to the battery based on lithium, such as, the battery charger that lithium cobalt battery, lithium-manganese cell and spinelle battery etc. charge fully.In aspect some structures and some, the invention provides can be to different nominal voltages or the battery charger based on the batteries charging of lithiumation material in different nominal voltage scopes.In aspect some structures and some, the invention provides battery charger with multiple charging module of carrying out based on different battery situations.In aspect some structures and some, the invention provides and be used for coming system and method based on the battery charge of lithium by using constant current pulses.The time between the pulse and the length of pulse may be increased or reduce according to specific battery behavior by battery charger.

Independent feature of the present invention and independently advantage will be by to the following detailed description, the understanding that the explanation of claim and accompanying drawing be those skilled in the art know that.

Description of drawings:

Fig. 1 is the perspective view of a battery;

Fig. 2 is another perspective view of a battery, just as battery as shown in Figure 1;

Fig. 3 is the perspective view of a battery, just as battery as shown in Figure 1, and itself and battery charger physics and electric being connected;

Fig. 4 is the schematic diagram of an electric battery that is connected to battery charger, just as battery and battery charger as shown in Figure 3;

Fig. 5 a and 5b are flow charts, and showing is the operation of adopting the battery charger of aspect of the present invention, just as battery charger as shown in Figure 3;

Fig. 6 is a flow chart, shows first module that can realize on the battery charger just as shown in Figure 3 battery charger that adopts aspect of the present invention;

Fig. 7 is a flow chart, shows second module that can realize on the battery charger just as shown in Figure 3 battery charger that adopts aspect of the present invention;

Fig. 8 is a flow chart, shows the three module that can realize on the battery charger just as shown in Figure 3 battery charger that adopts aspect of the present invention;

Fig. 9 is a flow chart, shows the four module that can realize on the battery charger just as shown in Figure 3 battery charger that adopts aspect of the present invention;

Figure 10 is a flow chart, shows the 5th module that can realize on the battery charger just as shown in Figure 3 battery charger that adopts aspect of the present invention;

Figure 11 is a flow chart, shows the 6th module that can realize on the battery charger just as shown in Figure 3 battery charger that adopts aspect of the present invention;

Figure 12 is a flow chart, shows the charging algorithm that can realize on the battery charger just as shown in Figure 3 battery charger that adopts aspect of the present invention;

Figure 13 is the schematic diagram that is electrically connected to the battery of battery charger.

Figure 14 A-B is the view of other structure of battery.

Figure 15 A-B is electric and the perspective view that is connected to power tool battery physics, such as Fig. 1,2 and 14A-B shown in battery in one.

Figure 16 is the schematic diagram to the charging current of battery.

Figure 17 is another schematic diagram of battery.

Before any embodiment of the present invention is by detailed explanation, be to be understood that the invention be not limited among the accompanying drawing description and the application arranged of illustrated CONSTRUCTED SPECIFICATION and assembly below.The present invention can make other embodiment and carry out in many ways or realization.And also should understand employed wording and term here is not to be considered to restriction for the needs of describing.Employed here " comprising ", " comprising " or " having " and their variation all mean and are looped around the project listed below and its equivalent and addition item.

Embodiment

Battery or battery pack 20 are as illustrated in fig. 1 and 2.Battery 20 is set transmits energy to one or more electric equipments, and from one or more electric equipment received energies, for example, electric tool 25 (shown in Figure 15 A-B) and/or battery charger 30 (shown in Fig. 3 and 4).In aspect some structures and some, battery 20 can have battery chemistries arbitrarily, for example, lead-acid, NI-G (" NiCd "), ni-mh (" NiMH "), lithium (" Li "), lithium ion (" L-ion "), but other is based on the chemical substance of lithium and the battery chemistries of other recharge.In aspect some structures and some, battery 20 can provide high discharging current to electric equipment, for example, has the electric tool of high current discharge rate.In illustrated structure, battery 20 has lithium, lithium ion and other chemical substance based on lithium, and the average discharge current that is equal to or greater than about 20A is provided.For example, in illustrated structure, battery 20 can have the chemical substance of lithium cobalt (" Li-Co "), lithium manganese (" Li-Mn ") spinelle or Li-Mn nickel.

In aspect some structures and some, battery 20 can also have nominal voltage arbitrarily, for example, and at the about 9.6V nominal voltage in about 50V scope.In some structures (as Fig. 1-3), for example, battery 20 has the nominal voltage of about 21V.In another structure (as Figure 14), battery 20A has the nominal voltage of about 28V.Should recognize that in other structure, battery 20 may have other nominal voltage in other nominal voltage scope.

Battery 20 comprises provides terminal to support 40 shell 35.Battery 20 further comprises one or morely to be supported and can be connected to electric equipment by terminal support 40, such as the battery terminal of electric tool 25 and/or battery charger 30.In some structures, for example, structure as shown in Figure 4, battery 20 comprises positive battery terminal 45, negative battery terminal 50 and induced cell terminal 55.In some structures, battery 20 comprises such as the more or less terminal of the structure shown in the figure.

Battery 20 comprises one or more battery units 60, and each all has chemical substance and nominal voltage.In some structures, battery 20 has the battery chemistries of Li ion, and the nominal voltage of about 18V or 21V also comprises five battery units.In some structures, each battery unit 60 has the chemical substance of Li ion, and each battery unit 60 has identical in fact nominal voltage, for example, and approximately 3.6V or approximately 4.2V.

In aspect some structures and some, battery 20 comprises marker circuit or the assembly that is electrically connected to one or more battery terminal.In some structures, electric equipment (for example, battery charger 30 (shown in Fig. 3 and 4)) will " read " input based on marker circuit and assembly of status signal circuit and assembly or reception in order to determine one or more battery behaviors.In some structures, battery behavior will comprise, for example, and the nominal voltage of battery 20, the chemical substance of the temperature of battery 20 and/or battery 20.

In aspect some structures and some, battery 20 comprises control appliance, microcontroller, microprocessor and the controller that is electrically connected to one or more battery terminal.This controller is communicated by letter with electric equipment (such as battery charger 30), and provides the information that relates to one or more battery behaviors or situation to equipment, for example, and the nominal voltage of battery 20, single element voltage, the chemical substance of the temperature of battery 20 and/or battery 20.In some structures, for example, in the structure as shown in Figure 4, battery 20 comprises the marker circuit 62 with microprocessor or controller 64.

In aspect some structures and some, battery 20 comprises temperature sense equipment or thermistor.Thermistor is set up and is placed on the temperature of responding to one or more battery units in the battery 20 or the temperature of entire cell 20.In some structures, for example, structure as shown in Figure 4, battery 20 comprises thermistor 66.In illustrated structure, thermistor 66 is included in 62 li of marker circuits.

Shown in Fig. 3 and 4, battery 20 also is set connects electric equipment, such as battery charger 30.In some structures, battery charger 30 comprises shell 70.Shell 70 provides the coupling part 75 that connects battery 20.Coupling part 75 comprise one or more electric equipment terminals with battery 20 electric be connected to battery charger 30.The terminal that comprises in battery charger 30 is set to be complementary with the terminal that comprises in battery 20, and transmits and receive energy and information from battery 20.

In some structures, for example, structure as shown in Figure 4, battery charger 30 comprises positive terminal 80, negative terminal 85 and inductive terminations 90.In some structures, the positive terminal 80 of battery charger 30 is set to mate positive battery terminal 45.In some structures, the negative terminal 85 of battery charger and inductive terminations 90 are set to mate respectively negative battery terminal 50 and induced cell terminal 55.

In aspect some structures and some, battery charger 30 also comprises charging circuit 95.In some structures, charging circuit 95 comprises control appliance, microcontroller, microprocessor or controller 100.This controller 100 is controlled at the power supply transmission between battery 20 and the battery charger 30.In some structures, controller 100 is controlled at the message transmission between battery 20 and the battery charger 30.In some structures, controller 100 is based on the signal identification that receives from battery 20 and/or the one or more characteristics and the situation of definite battery 20.And this controller 100 can be controlled the operation of charger 30 based on the identity characteristic of battery 20.

In aspect some structures and some, controller 100 comprises multiple timer, back up timer sum counter and/or can carry out multiple timing and tally function.This timer, back up timer sum counter are used in multiple charge step and/or module by controller 100 and control.This timer, the back up timer sum counter is discussed below.

Aspect some structures and some, battery charger 30 comprises display screen and indicating device 110.Indicating device 110 is notified the state of user's battery charger 30.In some structures, indicating device 110 can notify the user to begin in the charging operations process and/or different phase, charge mode or the charging module of the charging that finishes.In some structures, indicating device 110 comprises first light-emitting diode (" LED ") the 115 and the 2nd LED 120.In illustrated structure, first and

second LED

115 and 120 are LED of different colours.For example, a LED 115 is red LED, and the 2nd LED 120 is green LED.In some structures, controller 100 starts and control indicating device 110.In some structures, indicating device 110 is placed on the shell 70 or is included in 70 li on shell, thus make indicating device concerning the user as seen.Display screen also can comprise the demonstration charge percentage, the indicating device of remaining time etc.In some structures, display screen or indicating device 110 may be included in the fuel specification that battery 20 provides.

Battery charge 30 is applicable to the power supply input of reception from power supply 130.In some structures, power supply 130 is that about 120-V exchanges the signal of 60-Hz.In other structure, power supply 130 is (for example) constant current sources.

In aspect some structures and some, but battery charger 30 can be given and has the multiple recharge formula battery charge of different battery chemistries as described below and different nominal voltages.For example, in an exemplary enforcement, battery charger 30 can be given battery chemistries with NiCd and about first battery charge of the nominal voltage of 14.4V, also can give battery chemistries with Li ion and approximately the nominal voltage of 18V second battery and have the battery chemistries of Li ion and about the 3rd battery charge of the nominal voltage of 28V.In another exemplary execution, battery charger 30 can be given a Li ion battery of the nominal voltage with about 21V and have the 2nd Li ion battery charging of the nominal voltage of about 28V.In this exemplary execution, battery charger 30 can identify the nominal voltage of each battery 20, and therefore as described below, this battery charger 30 can be demarcated (scale) certain threshold level, perhaps reads in and measure (using) according to battery nominal voltage change voltage in charging process.

In some structures, battery charger 30 can by " reading " be included in the battery 20 marker elements or by receiving the nominal voltage that identifies battery 20 from the signal of, for example battery microprocessor or controller.In some structures, battery charger 30 may comprise the nominal voltage the accepted scope of the battery 20 that can identify multiple charger 30.In some structures, the scope that can accept nominal voltage can comprise the scope from about 8V to about 50V.In other structure, the scope that can accept nominal voltage can comprise the scope from about 12V to about 28V.In further structure, battery charger 30 can identify the nominal voltage that approximately is equal to or greater than 12V.Still in further structure, battery charger 30 can identify the nominal voltage that approximately is equal to or less than 30V.

In other structure, battery charger 30 can identify the scope of the value of the nominal voltage that comprises battery 20.For example, the nominal voltage that battery charger 30 can identify first battery 20 for example is in, and approximately 18V arrives within the scope of about 24V to 22V or about 16V, rather than discerns the nominal voltage that first battery has about 18V.In further structure, battery charger 30 can also be discerned other battery behavior, for example, and the number of battery unit, battery chemistries or the like.

In other structure, charger 30 can be discerned the nominal voltage of any battery 20.In these structures, battery 30 can charge to any nominal voltage battery 20 by nominal voltage adjustment and demarcation certain threshold level according to battery 20.Still in these structures, each battery 20 is no matter its nominal voltage may receive charging current amplitude about equally at the time quantum that approximately equates (for example, if the roughly discharge fully of each battery 20).Battery charger 30 can be according to nominal voltage or adjustment or demarcation threshold value (following discussion) or the adjustment or the demarcation tolerance of the battery 30 that is recharged.

For example, battery charger 30 may be discerned nominal voltage with about 21V and first battery of 5 battery units.In whole charging process, the tolerance (for example, cell voltage) of each charger 30 sampling of battery charger 30 changes obtains every unit tolerance.In other words, charger 30 obtains each cell voltage tolerance the approximate average voltage of each unit divided by five (for example, five unit).Therefore, all threshold values that comprise in battery charger 30 may be related with every unit tolerance.And battery charger 30 may be discerned nominal voltage with about 28V and second battery of 7 battery units.Be similar to the operation of first battery, battery charger 30 each voltage of change are measured the tolerance that obtains every unit.All are included in the threshold value of 30 li of battery chargers and measure related with every unit once more.In this example, battery charger 30 can use identical threshold value to monitor and forbid charging to first and second batteries, and starting battery charger 30 can be to many battery charge in broad nominal voltage scope.

In aspect some structures and some, the charging scheme of 30 pairs of batteries of battery charger, 20 chargings or method are based on the temperature of battery 20.In some structures, battery charger 30 provides charging current to arrive battery 20, periodically surveys simultaneously and the temperature of monitoring battery 20.If battery 20 does not comprise microprocessor and controller, battery charger 30 regularly resistance of measurement thermistor after the predetermined time cycle then.If battery 20 comprises microprocessor and controller, such as controller 64, then then battery charger or: 1) periodic interrogation control 64 determines that battery temperature and/or battery temperature are whether outside the opereating specification that suits; Or 2) wait receives the not signal within suitable opereating specification (being discussed below) of self-controller 64 expression battery temperatures.

In aspect some structures and some, the charging scheme of 30 pairs of batteries of battery charger, 20 chargings and method are based on the current voltage of battery 20.In some structures, the charging current that provides battery charger 30 arrives battery 20, after the predetermined time cycle, (as what will be described below) regularly surveyed and monitoring cell voltage when electric current is provided to battery 20 and/or when electric current is not provided simultaneously.In some structures, the charging scheme of 30 pairs of batteries of battery charger, 20 chargings and method are based on the temperature and the current voltage of battery 20.And charging scheme can be based on independent cell voltage.

In case battery temperature and/or cell voltage exceed predetermined threshold value or be not within the suitable opereating specification, battery charger 30 interrupts charging current.Battery charger 30 continues periodic detection or monitoring battery temperature/voltage or wait and receives the signal of self-controller 64 expression battery temperature/voltages within the opereating specification that adapts to.Within the opereating specification that battery temperature/voltage is adapting to, this battery charger 30 may recover to be provided to the charging current of battery 20.Battery charger 30 continues the monitoring battery temperature/voltage, and continues based on battery temperature/voltage interruption that detects and recovery charging current.In some structures, battery charger 30 stops charging when predetermined time cycle or battery capacity arrive predetermined threshold value.In other structure, when removing, battery 20 stops charging from battery charger 30.

In aspect some structures and some, battery charger 30 comprises and being used for multiple battery, such as the method for operation of battery 20 chargings with different chemical material and/or nominal voltage.An example of this operation 200 is shown in Fig. 5 a and 5b.In aspect some structures and some, battery charger 30 comprises to the battery based on lithium for example having the method for operation of battery, Li-Mn spinelle chemical substance, Li-Mn nickel chemical substance or other similar battery charge of Li-Co chemical substance.In aspect some structures and some, this charging operations 200 comprises the multiple module that is used to carry out corresponding to the difference in functionality of different battery situations and/or battery behavior.

In aspect some structures and some, the method for operation 200 comprises and being used for based on module unusual and/or that the normal battery situation is interrupted charging.In some structures, charging operations 200 comprises bad pack module, such as the bad pack module shown in the flow process 205 of Fig. 6, and/or the temperature module that goes beyond the scope, such as the module that goes beyond the scope of the temperature shown in the flow process 210 of Fig. 7.In some structures, battery charger 30 is for based on the abnormal electrical cell voltage, and anomaly unit voltage and/or abnormal electrical tankage stop charging and enter bad pack module.In some structures, battery charger 30 enters the temperature module 210 that goes beyond the scope in order to stop charging based on unusual battery temperature and/or one or more unusual battery cell temperature.In some structures, charging operations 200 comprises more or less based on than the module that stops charging with the more or less battery situation of the following module of discussing in the above.

In aspect some structures and some, charging operations 200 comprises multiple being used for based on pattern or the module of multiple battery situation to battery 20 chargings.In some structures, charging operations 200 comprises: the trickle charge module, such as the trickle charge module shown in the flow process 215 of Fig. 8; The staged charging module is such as the staged charging module shown in flow process among Fig. 9 220; The quick charge module is such as the quick charge module shown in flow process among Figure 10 225; And/or the maintenance charging module, such as the maintenance charging module shown in flow process among Figure 11 230.

In aspect some structures and some, each charging module 215-230 by controller 100 in the process of charging operations 200 based on specific battery temperature scope, specific battery voltage range and/or specific battery capacity scope are selected.In some structures, each module 215-230 is selected based on the battery behavior shown in the chart 1 by controller 100.In some structures, situation " battery temperature " or " temperature of battery " can comprise as a whole the battery of considering temperature (in other words, battery unit, battery component, etc.) and/or the temperature of the battery unit of single or common consideration.In some structures, each charging module 215-230 can be based on identical charging scheme or charging algorithm, for example, and the complete charging current that is discussed below.

Be used for operation based on the battery charge of lithium

Cell voltage (V/ unit)	Battery temperature (degree centigrade)
Cell voltage (V/ unit)	Battery temperature (degree centigrade)					＜T ₁	T ₁To T ₂	T ₂To T ₃	＞T ₃
＜V ₁	Do not have charging, a LED glimmers slowly.	Trickle charge, a LED is stable.	Trickle charge, a LED is stable.	Do not have charging, a LED glimmers slowly.		＜T ₁	T ₁To T ₂	T ₂To T ₃	＞T ₃
＜V ₁	Do not have charging, a LED glimmers slowly.	Trickle charge, a LED is stable.	Trickle charge, a LED is stable.	Do not have charging, a LED glimmers slowly.	V ₁To V ₂	Do not have charging, a LED glimmers slowly.	The staged charging, the one LED is stable up to approaching charging fully, close the 2nd LED flicker when charging fully afterwards.	Quick charge, the one LED is stable up to approaching charging fully, close the 2nd LED flicker when charging fully afterwards.	Do not have charging, a LED glimmers slowly.
V ₂To V ₃	Do not have charging, a LED glimmers slowly.	Keep charging, the 2nd LED is stable.	Keep charging, the 2nd LED is stable.	Do not have charging, a LED glimmers slowly.	V ₁To V ₂	Do not have charging, a LED glimmers slowly.			Do not have charging, a LED glimmers slowly.
V ₂To V ₃	Do not have charging, a LED glimmers slowly.	Keep charging, the 2nd LED is stable.	Keep charging, the 2nd LED is stable.	Do not have charging, a LED glimmers slowly.	＞V ₃	Do not have charging, a LED glimmers soon.	Do not have charging, a LED glimmers soon.	Do not have charging, a LED glimmers soon.	Do not have charging, a LED glimmers soon.

Table 1

In aspect certain situation and some, the charging current that is applied to battery 20 in the process of trickle charge module 215 (for example is included in the cycle very first time, ten seconds) (for example use complete charging current, " I ") to battery 20, and suspend complete charging current in second time cycle (for example, 50 seconds) afterwards.In some structures, fully charging current is greatly about the pulse of the charging current of predetermined amplitude.In some structures, if battery charger 30 only enters trickle charge module 215 under the situation of cell voltage less than the first predetermined voltage threshold V1.

In aspect certain situation and some, the charging current that is applied to battery 20 in the process of quick charge module 225 (for example is included in the cycle very first time, 1 second) use complete charging current to battery 20, and suspend complete charging current in second time cycle (for example, 50 milliseconds) afterwards.In some structures, controller 100 is provided with the predetermined event horizon of back up timer to the first, for example, and about two hours.In these structures, battery charger 30 damages and will predetermined event horizon do not carried out quick charge module 225 for fear of battery.In other structure, when predetermined event horizon expires, battery charger will cut out (for example, stopping charging).

In some structures, if battery charger 30 only cell voltage be included in one in the scope of the predetermined voltage threshold V2 of the first voltage threshold V1 to the second and battery temperature be under the situation in the scope of the second battery temperature threshold value T2 to the, three battery temperature threshold value T3 and enter fast charge mode.In some structures, the second voltage threshold V2 is greater than the first voltage threshold V1, and the 3rd temperature threshold T3 is greater than the second temperature threshold T2.

In aspect some structures and some, the charging current that is applied to battery 20 in the process of staged charging module 220 comprises that the charging current of using fast charge mode 225 is to battery 20, but have charging (" ON ") in a minute, suspended the duty cycle of charging (" OFF ") in one minute.In some structures, controller 100 is provided with the predetermined event horizon of back up timer to the second, for example about four hours.In these structures, battery charger 30 damages for fear of battery will not carry out staged charging module 220 to predetermined event horizon.

In some structures, if battery charger 30 only is included in from the first voltage threshold V1 in the scope of the second voltage threshold V2 at cell voltage, and enter the staged charging module under the situation of battery temperature in being in from the first temperature threshold T1 to the scope of the second temperature threshold T2.In some structures, the second voltage threshold V2 is greater than the first voltage threshold V1, and the second temperature threshold T2 is greater than the first temperature threshold T1.

In aspect some structures and some, the charging current that is applied to battery 20 in the process that keeps module 230 only comprises that using complete charging current when cell voltage is in the scope of specific predetermined threshold value arrives battery 20.In some structures, threshold value approximately is 4.05-V/ unit+/-1% every unit.In some structures, if battery charger 30 only is included in the second voltage threshold V2 in the scope of tertiary voltage threshold value V3 at cell voltage, and battery temperature is in to enter under the situation within the scope of the first temperature threshold T1 to the, three temperature threshold T3 and keeps module 230.

In aspect some structures and some, controller 100 is carried out multiple charging module 220-230 based on different battery situations.In some structures, each charging module 220-230 comprises identical charging algorithm (for example, being used to use the algorithm of complete charging current).But each charging module 220-230 carries out repetition or combined charge algorithm by different way.An example of charging algorithm is the charging current algorithm shown in flow process among Figure 12 250, is discussed below.

Shown in Fig. 5 a and 5b, charging operations 200 begins to carry out when battery (such as battery 20) is inserted in step 305 or is electrically connected to battery charger 30.In step 310, controller 100 has determined whether power supply, is employed or is connected to battery charger 30 such as the stable input of power supply 130.Shown in Fig. 5 a, if after battery 20 is electrically connected to battery charger 30, still provide power supply just to use identical operations (in other words, next step 305 is step 310).

If controller 100 is determined the stabilized power supplys input that do not apply, controller 100 does not start indicating device 110 in step 315 then, and does not use and be charged to battery 20.In some structures, battery charger 30 causes little discharging current in step 315.In some structures, discharging current is approximately less than 0.1 milliampere.

Be applied to battery charger 30 if define the stable power input, operate 200 then and proceed to step 320 at step 310 controller 100.In step 320, controller 100 determine whether all

battery terminal

45,50 and 55 and

battery charger terminal

80,85 and 90 between terminal connect stable.If connect instability in step 320, then controller 100 proceeds to step 315.

If in this connection of step 320 is stable, in the chemical substance of step 325 controller 100 by the inductive terminations 55 identification batteries 20 of battery 20.In some structures, from the resistive induction lead-in wire of battery 20, as what responded to by controller 100, it is the chemical substance of NiCd or NiMH that expression battery 20 has.In some structures, the resistance that controller 100 will be measured resistive induction lead-in wire is determined the chemical substance of battery 20.For example, in some structures, if the resistance of resistive induction lead-in wire is within first scope, the chemical substance of battery 20 is exactly NiCd.If the resistance of resistive induction lead-in wire is within second scope, the chemical substance of battery 20 is exactly NiMH.

In some structures, NiCd battery and NiMH battery are used by battery charger and are different from having the single charging algorithm charging of the charging algorithm of carrying out based on the battery of the chemical substance of lithium.In some structures, to the single charging algorithm of NiCd and NiMH battery be, for example, to the charging algorithm of the existence of NiCd/NiMH battery.In some structures, single charging algorithm is used in the charging of 30 pairs of NiCd batteries of battery charger and NiMH battery, but stops the charging process use of NiCd battery is different from the termination scheme of termination to the charging of NiMH battery.In some structures, battery charger 30 stops the charging to the NiCd battery when the negative variation in cell voltage (for example ,-э V) when being detected by controller 100.In some structures, battery charger 30 stops charging to the NiMH battery reach and exceed predetermined termination threshold value the time when the battery temperature in a period of time (for example, э T/dt) changes.

In some structures, NiCd and/or NiMH battery use the charging of constant current algorithm, and for example, battery charger 30 can comprise and being used for to having the different chemical material, such as the identical charging circuit of NiCd, NiMH, Li ion and similar different battery charge.In an exemplary structure, charger 30 can use charging circuit to use identical full charging current to NiCd and NiMH battery, and the Li ion battery uses the constant current algorithm to replace pulse current charge.In another exemplary configurations, battery charger 30 can be measured (scaling) full charging current by charging circuit according to battery chemistries.

In other structure, the exact chemical material of controller 100 uncertain batteries 20.But, controller 100 carry out can be effectively to the charging module of NiCd battery and NiMH battery charge.

In other structure, the resistance of induction lead-in wire can pilot cell 20 has the chemical substance based on lithium.For example, if the resistance of sensor wire is within the 3rd scope, the chemical substance of battery 20 is based on lithium so.

In some structures, the serial communication link pilot cells of setting up by

inductive terminations

55 and 90 between battery charger 30 and battery 20 20 have the chemical substance based on lithium.If set up serial communication link in step 320, microprocessor in battery 20 and controller (such as controller 64) send and relate to the information of battery 20 to the controller in battery charger 30 100 so.These information transmitted between battery 20 and battery charger 30 can comprise: battery chemistries; nominal battery voltage, battery capacity and battery temperature, single cell voltage; the quantity of charge cycle; the quantity of discharge cycle, the state of protective circuit and network (for example, activates; forbid; start, etc.), or the like.

In step 330, controller 100 determines whether the chemical substance of batteries 20 is based on lithium.If determine that at step 330 controller 100 battery 20 has the chemical substance of NiCd or NiMH, proceed the NiCd/NiMH charging algorithm in step 335 operation 200 so.

If determine that at step 330 controller 100 chemical substance that batteries 20 have is based on lithium, then operates 200 and proceeds to step 340.In step 340, controller 100 is reset any battery protecting circuit, for example, is included in battery 20 and the switch of the nominal voltage of the battery 20 determined by communication link.In step 345, controller 100 is provided with the analog-digital converter (" A/D ") of charger to suitable level based on nominal voltage.

In step 350, controller 100 is measured the current voltage of battery 20.In case make measurement, then controller 100 determines that in step 355 whether the voltage of battery 20 is greater than the 4.3V/ unit.If the cell voltage of measuring in step 355 is then operated the 200 bad pack modules of proceeding in step 360 206 greater than the 4.3V/ unit.Bad pack module 205 is discussed below.

If be not more than the 4.3V/ unit at step 355 cell voltage, then controller 100 is measured battery temperature in step 365 then, and determines in step 370 whether battery temperature is lower than-10 degrees centigrade or be higher than 65 degrees centigrade.If be lower than-10 degrees centigrade or be higher than 65 degrees centigrade, then operate 200 temperature that proceed to step 375 module 210 that goes beyond the scope then at step 370 battery temperature.The temperature module 210 that goes beyond the scope is discussed below.

If cell voltage is not lower than-10 degrees centigrade or be higher than 65 degrees centigrade in step 370 temperature, then controller 100 determines that in step 380 (shown in Fig. 5 b) battery temperature is whether between-10 degrees centigrade and 0 degree centigrade then.If at step 380 battery temperature between-10 degrees centigrade and 0 degree centigrade.Then operate 200 and proceed to step 385, in step 385, controller 100 determines that whether cell voltage is less than the 3.5V/ unit.If cell voltage, is then operated the 200 trickle charge modules of proceeding in step 390 215 less than the 3.5V/ unit.Trickle charge module 215 is discussed below.

If cell voltage is not less than the 3.5V/ unit in step 385, controller 100 determines in step 395 whether cell voltage is included in the voltage range from the 3.5V/ unit to the 4.1V/ unit.If step 395 cell voltage is not included in voltage range from the 3.5V/ unit to the 4.1V/ unit, then operate the 200 maintenance modules of proceeding in step 400 230 then.Keep module 230 to be discussed below.

If cell voltage is step 395 is included in voltage range from the 3.5V/ unit to the 4.1V/ unit, then controller 100 empties counter in step 405, such as charging counter.In case removed charging counter in step 405, then will operate the 200 staged charging modules 220 that proceed to step 410.This staged charging module 220 and charging counter are discussed below.

Get back to step 380, if battery temperature is not included in the scope of-10 degrees centigrade and 0 degree centigrade, then controller 100 determines that in step 415 whether cell voltage is less than the 3.5V/ unit.If less than the 3.5V/ unit, then will operate the 200 trickle charge modules 215 that proceed to step 420 at step 415 cell voltage.

If be not less than the 3.5V/ unit at this cell voltage of step 415, then controller 100 determines in step 425 whether cell voltage is included in the voltage range from the 3.5V/ unit to the 4.1V/ unit.If cell voltage is not included in the voltage range from the 3.5V/ unit to the 4.1V/ unit, then will operate the 200 maintenance modules 230 that proceed to step 430 then.

If step 425 cell voltage is included in voltage range from the 3.5V/ unit to the 4.1V/ unit, then controller 100 empties counter in step 435, such as charging counter.In case emptied counter in step 435, then will operate the 200 quick charge modules 225 that proceed to step 440.Quick charge module 225 is discussed below.

Fig. 6 is a flow chart, shows the operation of bad pack module 205, and the operation of module 205 begins when step 460 enters bad pack module 205 when main charging operations 200.Controller 100 interrupts charging current in step 465, and starts indicating device 110 in step 470, such as a LED.Shown in structure in, controller 100 control the one LED is with the frequency scintillation of about 4Hz.In case indicating device 110 starts in step 470, then module 205 stops in step 475, and operates 200 and may also stop.

Fig. 7 is a flow chart, shows the go beyond the scope operation of module 210 of temperature.The operation of module 210 begins when temperature exceeds module 210 when main charging operations 200 enters in step 490.Controller 100 interrupts charging current in step 495, and starts indicating device 110 in step 500, such as a LED.Shown in structure in, controller 100 control the one LED indicates this battery charger of user 30 current in the temperature module 210 that goes beyond the scope with the frequency scintillation of about 1Hz.In case indicating device 110 starts in step 500, then operate 200 and withdraw from this module 210 and proceed to operate 200 to remaining operation.

Fig. 8 is a flow chart, shows trickle charge module 215.The step 520 that operates in of module 215 begins when main charging operations 200 enters trickle charge module 215.Controller 100 starts indicating device 110 in step 525, indicates this battery charger 30 of user current to battery 20 chargings such as a LED 115.Shown in structure in, controller 100 starts a LED 115 makes it be shown as the constant state of opening.

In case be activated at step 525 indicating device 110, then controller 110 is at step 520 count initialized device, such as trickle charge counting counter.Shown in structure in, trickle charge counting counter has 20 count restrictions.

In step 540, controller 100 begins to use the full current impulse of ten one second (" 1-s ") (ten one) to battery 20, and suspends 50 seconds (" 50-s ") of charging then.In some structures, there is the 50-ms time interval between the 1-s pulse.

In step 545, when charging current was applied to battery 20 (for example, making current) and determines whether cell voltage exceeds the 4.6V/ unit, controller 100 began to measure cell voltage.If exceed the 4.6V/ unit at step 545 cell voltage in turn-on time at electric current, then module 215 proceeds to the bad pack module 205 of step 550, and will stop in step 552.If do not exceed the 4.6V/ unit in turn-on time at electric current at step 545 cell voltage, when charging current when step 555 is not applied to battery 20 (for example, electric current turn-on time), current controller 100 is measured battery temperature and cell voltages.

In step 560, controller 100 is determined whether battery temperatures are in and is lower than 10 degrees centigrade or be higher than in 65 degrees centigrade the scope.If be lower than 10 degrees centigrade or be higher than 65 degrees centigrade at step 560 battery temperature, the temperature that then then module 215 is proceeded to step 565 module 210 that goes beyond the scope, and will stop in step 570.If in step 560, battery temperature is not lower than-10 degrees centigrade or be higher than 65 degrees centigrade, and controller 100 determines in step 575 whether cell voltage is included in the 3.5V/ unit within the scope of 4.1V/ unit then.

If be included in the 3.5V/ unit within the scope of 4.1V/ unit at step 575 cell voltage, then controller 100 determines in step 580 whether battery temperature is included in-10 degrees centigrade within 0 degree centigrade the scope then.If be included in-10 degrees centigrade within 0 degree centigrade the scope at step 580 battery temperature, then module 215 proceeds to the staged charging module 220 of step 585 then.If be not included in-10 degrees centigrade within 0 degree centigrade the scope, then then module 215 is proceeded to the quick charge module 225 of step 590 at step 585 battery temperature.

Do not arrive within the scope of 4.1V/ unit if be included in the 3.5V/ unit at step 575 cell voltage, controller increases trickle charge counting counter in step 595 afterwards.In step 600, controller 100 determines whether trickle charges counting counters equal counter limit, such as in this example 20.If be not equal to counter limit at step 600 counter, then module 215 proceeds to step 540.If counter equals counter limit really in step 600, then module 215 proceeds to the bad pack module 205 of step 605, and will stop in step 610.

Fig. 9 is a flow chart, shows staged charging module 220.The step 630 that operates in of module 220 begins when main charging operations 200 enters staged charging module 220.Controller 100 starts indicating device 110 in step 635, indicates this battery charger 30 of user current to battery 20 chargings such as a LED 115.Shown in the structure, controller 100 starts a LED 115 makes it show as the constant state of opening.

In step 640, controller 100 starts first timer or the charging device that picks up counting.Shown in the structure, charging picks up counting device since countdown in a minute.In step 645, module 220 proceeds to charging current algorithm 250.In case carry out charging current algorithm 250, then controller 100 determines in step 650 whether the charging counting equals count limit, for example 7200.If equal count limit at this charging counting of step 650, then module 220 proceeds to bad pack module 205 in step 655, and module 220 will stop in step 660.

If be not equal to count limit at step 650 charging counting, then whether controller 100 determines stand-by period between current impulse (being discussed below) more than or equal to the first stand-by period threshold value in step 665, for example, and two seconds.If step 665 stand-by period more than or equal to the first stand-by period threshold value, then controller 100 starts indicating device 110 in step 670, for example, closes a LED 115 and activates the frequency scintillation of the 2nd LED 120 with about 1Hz.If the stand-by period is not greater than or equal to the first stand-by period threshold value in step 665, then module 220 proceeds to step 690, and it is discussed below.

In case be activated at step 670 indicating device 110, then whether controller 100 determines stand-by period between current impulse more than or equal to the second stand-by period threshold value in step 675, for example, and 15 seconds.If the stand-by period, more than or equal to the second stand-by period threshold value, then controller 100 changed indicating device 110 in step 680, for example activates the 2nd LED 120 and makes the 2nd LED 120 be shown as the state of normal open in step 675.Then, module 220 is proceeded to the maintenance module 230 of step 685.

In step 675, if the stand-by period is not greater than or equal to the second stand-by period threshold value, controller 100 determines that in step 690 whether battery temperature is greater than 0 degree centigrade.If greater than 0 degree centigrade, module 220 is proceeded to the quick charge module 225 of step 695 at this battery temperature of step 695.If battery temperature is not more than 0 degree centigrade in step 690, controller 100 determines in step 700 whether the charging device that picks up counting expires.

Device then proceeds to module 220 the charging current algorithm of step 645 in not expiration of step 700 if charging picks up counting.Device is in step 700 expiration if charging picks up counting, and controller 100 cuts out timer and suspends charging at step 705 activation second timer or charging.In step 710, whether these controller 100 definite these chargings are closed timer and are expired.If charging is closed timer in not expiration of step 710, then controller 100 is waited for predetermined time quantum and is turned back to step 710 afterwards in step 715.If charging is closed timer in step 710 expiration, then module 220 is returned and is carried out step 640 and start the charging device that picks up counting once more.

Figure 10 is a flow chart, shows quick charge module 225.The operation of module 225 begins when step 730 enters quick charge module 220 when main charging operations 200.Controller 100 activates indicating device 110 in step 735, and it is current to battery 20 chargings that for example a LED 115 indicates this battery charger 30 of user.Shown in structure in, controller 100 activates a LED 115 makes it be shown as the state of normal open.

In step 740, module 225 proceeds to charging current algorithm 250.In case carry out charging current algorithm 250, then controller 100 determines in step 745 whether the charging counting equals count limit (for example, 7200).If equal count limit at step 650 charging counting, then module 220 proceeds to the bad pack module 205 of step 750, and this module 220 will stop in step 755.

If be not equal to count limit at step 745 charging counting, then controller 100 determines that in step 760 whether stand-by period between current impulse is more than or equal to the first stand-by period threshold value (for example, two seconds).If step 760 stand-by period more than or equal to the first stand-by period threshold value, controller activates indicating device 110 in step 765, for example, closes a LED 115 and activates the frequency scintillation of the 2nd LED 120 with about 1Hz.If be not more than and equal the first stand-by period threshold value in step 765 stand-by period, module 225 proceeds to step 785, and it is discussed below.

In case indicating device 110 starts in step 765, then controller 100 determines that in step 770 whether stand-by period between current impulse is more than or equal to the second stand-by period threshold value (for example, 15 seconds).If step 770 stand-by period more than or equal to the second stand-by period threshold value, controller 100 changes indicating device 110 in step 775, for example, activates the 2nd LED 120, makes the 2nd LED 120 be shown as the state of normal open.Then, module 225 proceeds to the maintenance module of step 780.

If be not more than and equal the second stand-by period threshold value in step 770 stand-by period, controller 100 determines in step 785 whether battery temperature is included in-20 degrees centigrade within 0 degree centigrade the scope.If be included within this scope at step 785 battery temperature, then module 225 is proceeded the staged charging module 220 in step 790.If be not included within this scope at this battery temperature of step 785, then module 225 will be returned the charging current algorithm 250 that proceeds to step 740.

Figure 11 is a flow chart, shows to keep module 230.The operation of module 230 begins when keeping module 230 when main charging operations 200 enters in step 800.Controller 100 determines in step 805 whether cell voltage is included in the 3.5V/ unit in the scope of 4.05V/ unit.In step 805, if cell voltage is not included in the scope, controller 100 stays on and is included within the scope up to cell voltage in step 805.In case cell voltage is included within this scope in step 805, then controller 100 keeps timer in step 810 initialization.In some structures, keep timer since downward timing in 30 minutes.

In step 815, controller 100 is determined whether battery temperatures are in and is lower than-20 degrees centigrade or be higher than in 65 degrees centigrade the scope.If battery temperature is lower than-20 degrees centigrade or be higher than 65 degrees centigrade, then go beyond the scope module 210 and module of module 230 temperature that proceeds to step 820 will stop in step 825.If be not lower than-20 degrees centigrade or be higher than 65 degrees centigrade at step 815 battery temperature, then module 230 proceeds to the charging current algorithm 250 of module 830.

In case carry out charging current algorithm 250 in step 830, whether controller 100 determines to keep timer to stop in step 835.If keep timer to stop, then module 230 proceeds to the bad pack module of step 840, and module 230 will stop in step 845.If keep timer not stop in step 835, whether controller 100 determines stand-by period between current impulse more than or equal to the first predetermined maintenance latency time period in step 850, for example, and 15 seconds.

If step 850 stand-by period greater than the first predetermined maintenance latency time period, module 230 is proceeded step 805.If be not greater than or equal to the first predetermined maintenance latency time period in step 850 stand-by period, module 230 proceeds to the charging current algorithm 250 of step 830.In some structures, current charges device 30 will rest on and keep module 230 to remove from battery charger 30 up to battery pack 20.

Figure 12 is a flow chart, shows basic charging scheme or charging current algorithm 250.The operation of module 250 begins when step 870 enters the charging current algorithm when other module 220-230 or main charging operations 200.Controller 100 applies full current impulse in step 875 and continues about 1 second.In step 880, controller 100 determines that whether cell voltage 880 is greater than the 4.6V/ unit when electric current is applied to battery 20.

If greater than the 4.6V/ unit, then algorithm 250 is proceeded to the bad pack module 205 of step 885, and algorithm 250 will stop in step 890 at this cell voltage of step 880.If not greater than the 4.6V/ unit, then controller 100 interrupts charging current, increases counter (such as the charging current counter) at step 880 cell voltage, and at step 895 stored count value.

In step 900, controller 100 is determined whether battery temperatures are in and is lower than-20 degrees centigrade or be higher than in 65 degrees centigrade the scope.If be lower than-20 degrees centigrade or be higher than 65 degrees centigrade at step 900 battery temperature, algorithm 250 temperature that proceeds to step 905 module 205 that goes beyond the scope then, and algorithm 250 will stop in step 910.If be not lower than-20 degrees centigrade or be higher than 65 degrees centigrade at step 900 battery temperature, then in step 915 when charging current is not applied to battery 20, controller 100 will be measured cell voltage.

In step 920, controller 100 determines that whether cell voltage is less than the 4.2V/ unit.If less than the 4.2V/ unit, algorithm 250 is proceeded step 875 at step 920 cell voltage.If be not less than the 4.2V/ unit at step 920 cell voltage, then controller 100 is waited in step 925 and is substantially equal to the 4.2V/ unit up to cell voltage.And in step 925, then controller 100 is stored waiting time.This algorithm 250 stops in step 930.

In another structure, may be demarcated according to the independent cell voltage in battery 20 by full charging current or full charging pulse that battery charger 30 applies.This device will be described with reference to figure 4 and 16.

As shown in Figure 4, the controller in battery charger 30 100 can receive from the information of the microcontroller in the battery 20 64 and with information and be transmitted into the there.In some structures, microcontroller 64 can be monitored the multiple battery characteristic in charging process or automatically or in response to the instruction of battery charger 30, comprise the voltage of each battery unit 60 or current charged state.This microprocessor 64 can be monitored specific battery behavior, and in the period T of charging current _OnIn (" electric current connection " time cycle in other words) handle and average this measurement.In some structures, the time cycle of this current lead-through roughly is one second (" 1-s ").At the cycle that does not have charging current (" electric current is closed " time cycle just) T _OffIn, the information that relates to particular battery feature (for example, cell voltage and unit charged state) can send to charger 30 from battery 20.In some structures, electric current shut-in time period T _OffIt approximately is 50 milliseconds.Therefore battery charger 30 can handle the information that sends from battery 20, and change current lead-through period of time T _OnFor example, if one or more battery unit 60 has higher current charged state than remaining battery unit 60, then battery charger 30 may be for fear of one or more higher battery units being overcharged and reducing in period of time T gradually then _OnOn electric current.

In some structures, battery charger 30 may compare each independent cell voltage and average cell voltage, if and the difference between independent cell voltage and average cell voltage equals or (for example exceeds predetermined threshold value, non-equilibrium threshold value), then charger 30 may be discerned the unit that this unit is higher charged state.Battery charger 30 may be in period of time T _OnThe change electric current.In other structure, battery charger 30 may be estimated charged state based on the information that receives from battery 20 to special battery unit (such as the battery unit that is identified as the high voltage unit) in the current lead-through time cycle.In these structures, if the estimation of the current charged state in unit has been exceeded threshold value, then battery charger 30 may be changed the current lead-through period of time T then _OnDuration.

For example, as shown in figure 16, battery charger 30 can order battery 20 on average in next current lead-through time T _On1The cell voltage of making is measured.This order can be in the first electric current shut-in time period T _Off1Send during this time.Therefore, at the first electric current shut-in time T _On1In, microcontroller 64 is measured and averaging unit voltage and other battery parameter.At next electric current shut-in time T _Off2In, battery 20 can be launched the average battery charger 30 that measures.In some structures, battery 20 can send eight average measurements, and for example, average bag charged state is measured and to each average independent unit charged state of seven battery units 60.For example, battery 20 may send following information: unit 1,14%, unit 2,14%, unit 3,15%, unit 4,14%, unit 5,16%, unit 6,14%, unit 7,14%, and bag voltage (for example, unit 1-7) voltage 29.96V.In this example, battery charger 30 recognition units 5 are higher battery unit.It is to be measured by battery microprocessor 64 and battery charger 30 that charger 30 also writes down cell voltage.In this example, it is about 30.07V that battery charger 30 is measured cell voltage.The difference that battery charger 30 calculates in battery voltage measurement (for example, 110mV), and is determined to reduce to about 110mV by the voltage of terminal and lead-in wire.

In follow-up ON time period T _On2Process in, the voltage of battery charger 30 " estimation " unit 5.For example, the measurement of the voltage of battery charger 30 sampling batteries 20, and to each battery voltage measurement, according to following equation the charged state of unit 5 is estimated:

(V _Battery/ch-V _Terminal) * V _{The unit}

Wherein said V _Battery/chBe the voltage that battery 20 is measured by charger 30, V _TerminalBe by terminal voltage drop (for example, 110mV), and V _{The unit}It is the cell voltage that is estimated as the percentage of cell voltage.If the estimation of the voltage of unit 5 has exceeded threshold value, then battery charger 30 may be changed current lead-through period of time T afterwards _On3As shown in figure 16, charger 30 recognition units 5 are for being high battery unit, and change follow-up current lead-through period of time T _On3Be about 800mS.Therefore, current lead-through period of time T _On3Length T 2 less than previous current lead-through period of time T _On1And T _On2Length T 1.

In some structures, charger 30 continues to incite somebody to action current lead-through time cycle (for example, T afterwards _On4-5) to be set to approximately be previous current lead-through period of time T _On3Length T 2 (for example, 800ms).If unit 5 (or another unit) continues to be identified as high unit, afterwards charger 30 can, (for example, approximately 600ms) change current lead-through time cycle (for example, T afterwards for example from T2 (for example, approximately 800ms) to T3 _On6).

Figure 13 schematically shows the further schematic diagram of battery 20 '.Battery 20 ' and battery 20 are similar, and common element is with identical reference number " ' " discern.

In some structures, circuit 62 ' comprises electric component, for example, identification resistor 950, and this identification resistor 950 can have the resistance of setting.In other structure, electric component may be a capacitor, inductor, and transistor, semiconductor element, electric circuit or another have the assembly that maybe can send the signal of telecommunication, for example microprocessor, digital logic module etc. of resistance.Shown in structure in, the resistance value of identification resistor 950 can be based on the characteristic of battery 20 ', select such as the chemical substance of nominal voltage and battery unit 60 '.Inductive terminations 55 ' can be electrically connected to identification resistor 950.

Schematically illustrate as Figure 13, battery 20 ' can be electrically connected to electric equipment, such as battery charger 960 (also for schematically illustrating).Battery charger 960 can comprise positive terminal 964, negative terminal 968 and inductive terminations 972.Each terminal 964,968,972 of battery charger 960 can be electrically connected to the terminal 45 ', 50 ', 55 ' (dividing other) of battery correspondence.Battery charger 960 also comprises the circuit with electric component, for example, and first resistor, 976, the second resistors 980, solid-state electronic devices or semiconductor 984, comparator 988 and processor, microcontroller or controller (not shown).In some structures, semiconductor 984 can comprise and can operate under the state of saturated or " conducting ", and can by or the transistor operated down of " closing " state.In some structures, comparator 988 can be specialized voltages supervising device, microprocessor or processing unit.In other structure, comparator 988 can be included in (not shown) in the controller.

In some structures, can programme to the controller (not shown) and be identified in the resistance value of the electric component in the battery 20 ', such as identification resistor 958.Can also determine one or more characteristics of battery 20 ' to controller programming, for example, the battery chemistries of battery 20 ' and nominal voltage.As previously described, the resistance value of identification resistor 958 may be corresponding to the specific value that interrelates with one or more particular battery characteristics.For example, the resistance value of identification resistor 958 can be included in the scope corresponding to the resistance value of the chemical substance of battery 20 ' and nominal voltage.

In some structures, can discern the resistance range of a plurality of identification resistors 958 to controller programming.In these structures, each scope is corresponding to a battery chemistries, for example, and NiCd, NiMH, lithium ion etc.In some structures, controller can be discerned additional resistance range, and each is corresponding to another battery chemistries or another battery behavior.

In some structures, can discern a plurality of voltage ranges to controller programming.The voltage that is included in this voltage range may be to be fixed against or corresponding to the resistance value of identification resistor 958, like this, controller can be determined the value of resistance 958 based on the voltage of measuring.

In some structures, the possible nominal voltage value that the resistance value of identification resistor 958 can further be chosen as each battery 20 ' all is unique.For example, in the scope of a resistance value, the first special resistors value can be corresponding to nominal voltage 21V, and the second special resistors value is corresponding to nominal voltage 16.8V, and the 3rd special resistors value is corresponding to nominal voltage 12.6V.In some structures, more or less special resistors value can be arranged, interrelate corresponding to each and resistance range of the possible nominal voltage of another battery 20 '.

In exemplary enforcement, battery 20 ' is electrically connected to battery charger 960.For discerning first battery behavior, semiconductor 984 is transformed into " conducting " state under the control of additional circuitry (not shown).When semiconductor 984 was in " conducting " state, identification resistor 958 and

resistor

976 and 980 were created voltage divider network.This network is set up voltage V in first reference point 992 _AIf the resistance value of resistance 980 is far smaller than the resistance value of resistance 976, voltage VA will be by the resistance value decision of identification resistor 958 and resistance 980 so.In this is implemented, voltage V _ABe to be in the scope of determining by the resistance value of identification resistor 958.This controller (not shown) is at first reference point, 992 measuring voltage V _A, and based on voltage V _ADetermine the resistance value of identification resistor 958.In some structures, controller comparative voltage V _ADetermine battery behavior with a plurality of voltage ranges.

In some structures, first battery behavior that is identified can be comprised battery chemistries.For example, the resistance value that is lower than 150k ohm arbitrarily may represent that battery 20 ' has the chemical substance of NiCd or NiMH, and approximately 150k ohm or above resistance value may represent that battery 20 ' has the chemical substance of Li or Li ion arbitrarily.In case the chemical substance of battery 20 ' is determined and discerned to controller, suitable charging algorithm or method will be selected.In other structure, more each all corresponding resistance range that is different from another battery chemistries of above-mentioned example is arranged.

Continue this exemplary enforcement, for discerning second battery behavior, semiconductor 984 is transformed into " closing " state under the control of additional circuitry (not shown).When semiconductor 984 was transformed into " closing " state, this identification resistor 958 and resistor 976 were created voltage divider network.The voltage V of first reference point 992 _ADetermine by the resistance value of identification resistor 958 and resistance 976 now.Select the resistance value of identification resistor 958 to make, as voltage V in second reference point 880 _BATTWhen equaling the nominal voltage of battery 20 ' in fact, at the voltage V of first reference point 992 _AEqual voltage V in fact in the 3rd reference point 996 _REFIf voltage V in first reference point 992 _AExceeded fixed voltage V in the 3rd reference point 996 _OUT, the output V of comparator 988 _OUTThe change state.In some structures, output V _OUTCan be used to the termination charging or as the indicating device that begins additional function, such as, maintenance program, equalization program, discharging function, recharge scheme etc.In some structures, voltage V _REFIt can be the reference voltage of fixing.

In some structures, second battery behavior of identification can comprise the nominal voltage of battery 20 '.For example, common being used for to the equation of identification resistor 958 calculated resistance values can be:

R_{100} = \frac{V_{REF} \cdot R_{135}}{V_{BATT} - V_{REF}}

Wherein said R ₁₀₀Be the resistance value of identification resistor 958, R ₁₃₅Be the resistance value of resistance 976, V _BATTBe the nominal voltage of battery 20 ', and V _REFBe fixed voltage, for example, be approximately 2.5V.For example, in the resistance value scope of Li ion chemistry material (mentioning in the past), resistance value to identification resistor 958 about 150k ohms can be corresponding to the nominal voltage of about 21V, approximately the resistance value of 194k ohm can be corresponding to the about nominal voltage of 16.8V, and approximately the resistance value of 274.7k ohm can be corresponding to the about nominal voltage of 12.6V.In other structure, more or less special resistors value may be corresponding to the nominal voltage value of additional or different battery pack.

Shown in structure in, identification resistor 958 and the 3rd reference point 996 may be positioned at " height " side of induction by current resistance 1000.Placing identification resistor 958 and the 3rd reference point 996 by this way can reduce at V _AAnd V _REFBetween any relative voltage fluctuation of when having charging current, producing.If identification resistor 958 and the 3rd reference point 996 are positioned at ground 1004 and charging current when being applied to battery 20 ', voltage fluctuation may occur in voltage V _A

In some structures, battery charger 960 can also comprise the charger controlled function.As discussed previously, as voltage V _AEqual voltage V in fact _REFThe time (expression voltage V _BATTEqual the nominal voltage of battery 20 '), the output V of comparator 988 _OUTThe change state.In some structures, as the output V of comparator 988 _OUTDuring the change state, charging current no longer is applied to battery 20 '.In case charging current is interrupted, cell voltage V then _BATTBegin to reduce.As voltage V _BATTWhen reaching low threshold value, the output V of comparator 988 _OUTChange state once more.In some structures, voltage V _BATTLow threshold value determine by the resistance value of hysteretic, resistive 1008.In case the output V of comparator 988 _OUTChange state once more, charging current is rebulid.In some structures, this circulation repeats the predetermined time quantum of being determined by controller or the specified quantitative of the state variation that repeats to be made by comparator 988.In some structures, this circulation repeats to be shifted out from battery charger 30 up to battery 20 '.

In aspect some structures and some, battery (such as battery 20 as shown in figure 17) may discharge and excessively make battery unit 60 may not have enough voltage to communicate by letter with battery charger 30.As shown in figure 17, battery 20 may comprise one or more battery units 60, positive terminal 1105, negative terminal 1110 and one or more inductive terminations 1120a and 1120b (as shown in figure 17, second inductive terminations or activated terminals 120b may comprise or be not included in the battery 20).Battery 20 can also comprise the circuit 1130 that includes microcontroller 1140.

As shown in figure 17, circuit 130 can comprise that working as circuit 1130 (for example, microprocessor 1140) determines or respond to the semiconductor switch 1180 that interrupts discharging current when being higher or lower than predetermined threshold value (just, " unusual battery situation ").In some structures, switch 1180 is included in wherein from and to the interruption situation of the current interruptions of battery 20, and allows therein from and to the permission situation of the electric current of battery 20.In some structures, may comprise unusual battery situation, for example, high or low battery cell temperature, high or low battery charging state, high or low battery unit charged state, high or low discharging current, high or low charging current or the like.Shown in structure in, switch 1180 comprises power fet or metal-oxide semiconductor (MOS) FET (" MOSFET ").In other structure, circuit 1130 can comprise two switches 1180.In these structures, switch 1180 can be arranged in parallel.Parallel switch 1180 can be included in the battery pack of using high average discharge current and (for example, supply power to annular saw, the battery 20 of driving electric drill etc.).

In some structures, in case that switch 1180 becomes is non-conductive, even then switch 1180 may be reset under the situation that abnormal conditions no longer are detected.In some structures, circuit 1130 (for example, microprocessor 1140) is if may be only at electric device, and for example, battery charger 30 is indicated microprocessor 1140 to do under the situation of this action and reset switch 180.As mentioned previously, battery 20 may discharge and excessively make battery unit 60 may not have enough voltage to power and communicate by letter with battery charger 30 to microprocessor 1140.

In some structures, if battery 20 can not be communicated by letter with charger 30, then battery charger 30 provides the little charging current body diode 1210 by switch 1180 to come slowly to battery unit 60 chargings.In case unit 60 has received enough charging currents and powered to microprocessor 1140, then microprocessor 1140 can change the state of switch 1180.That is to say, even can be to battery 50 chargings under the situation that is in non-conductive state when switch 1180.As shown in figure 17, switch 180 can comprise body diode 1210, and they are in some structures, and itself and MOSFET constitute whole with other transistor.In other structure, the electrical connection that diode 1210 can be parallel with switch 1180.

In some structures, if battery 20 can not be communicated by letter with charger 30, then battery charger 30 can pass through sensor wire, and for example, sensor wire 120a and the special-purpose terminal 120b that starts apply little average current.This electric current may be to capacitor 1150 chargings, and wherein capacitor 1150 can provide enough voltage to come start-up operation to microprocessor 1140 successively.

The top description with illustrated structure presents in an exemplary fashion, is not to be intended to limit notion of the present invention and principle.Same, for this area ordinary person, clearly under the situation that does not break away from the spirit and scope of the present invention, can make multiple change to element and their setting and arrangement.

Claims

1. electric combination comprises:

First battery, it has the chemical substance based on lithium, and first battery has first nominal voltage in the nominal voltage scope;

Second battery, it has the chemical substance based on lithium, and second battery has second nominal voltage, and this second nominal voltage is different from first nominal voltage, and outside the nominal voltage scope; And

Battery charger, it can be operated with to first battery and second battery charge.

2. the marker elements of the value that has in expression first nominal voltage and the nominal voltage scope one is drawn together in electric combination as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first battery pack, and wherein said charger can be operated the value of discerning this marker elements.

3. electric combination as claimed in claim 2, wherein said first battery pack is drawn together battery controller, comprises the marker elements of battery controller.

4. the chemical substance marker elements based on the value of the chemical substance of lithium with expression first battery is drawn together in electric combination as claimed in claim 2, wherein said first battery pack.

5. electric combination as claimed in claim 4, wherein said first battery pack is drawn together battery controller, comprises the marker elements of the chemical substance of battery controller.

6. electric combination as claimed in claim 4, wherein said charger comprises the controller that can operate the value of discerning the chemical substance marker elements.

7. electric combination as claimed in claim 2, wherein said charger comprises the controller of the value that can operate the identification marking element.

8. electric combination as claimed in claim 7, wherein said controller can be operated providing of charging current is provided, with to battery charge.

9. electric combination as claimed in claim 7, wherein said controller can operate the monitoring battery characteristic.

10. electric combination as claimed in claim 9, wherein said battery behavior comprises cell voltage.

11. electric combination as claimed in claim 9, wherein said controller can be operated and control charge function.

12. electric combination as claimed in claim 11, wherein said charge function comprise first battery charging termination and to one in the termination of the charge mode of first battery charge.

13. electric combination as claimed in claim 11, wherein said charge function comprise first battery charging initialization and to one in the initialization of the charge mode of first battery charge.

14. being charge function, electric combination as claimed in claim 11, wherein said controller select a battery behavior threshold value when controller is discerned the value of this marker elements.

15. electric combination as claimed in claim 14, wherein said battery behavior threshold value comprises first battery voltage threshold.

16. electric combination as claimed in claim 15, wherein said first battery voltage threshold relates in first nominal voltage and the nominal voltage scope.

17. electric combination as claimed in claim 14, wherein said second nominal voltage are in the second nominal voltage scope, this second nominal voltage scope is different from the described first nominal voltage scope.

18. electric combination as claimed in claim 17, wherein said second battery pack is drawn together second marker elements with second value of one in expression second nominal voltage and the second nominal voltage scope, wherein said charger can be operated second value of discerning second marker elements, when controller is discerned second value of second marker elements, this controller is that charge function is selected the second battery behavior threshold value, and the second battery behavior threshold value is different from the first battery behavior threshold value.

19. electric combination as claimed in claim 18, wherein said charge function comprise second battery charging termination and to one in the termination of the charge mode of second battery charge.

20. electric combination as claimed in claim 18, wherein said charge function comprise second battery charging initialization and to one in the initialization of the charge mode of second battery charge.

21. electric combination as claimed in claim 18, wherein said battery behavior threshold value comprises first battery voltage threshold, and the wherein said second battery behavior threshold value comprises second battery voltage threshold, and described second battery voltage threshold is different from described first battery voltage threshold.

22. in the electric combination as claimed in claim 21, wherein said second battery voltage threshold and second nominal voltage and the second nominal voltage scope is relevant.

23. electric combination as claimed in claim 1, wherein said second nominal voltage are to be in the second nominal voltage scope, the described second nominal voltage scope is different from the described first nominal voltage scope.

24. the marker elements with value of one in expression second nominal voltage and the second nominal voltage scope is drawn together in electric combination as claimed in claim 23, wherein said second battery pack, and wherein said charger can be operated the value of discerning this marker elements.

25. electric combination as claimed in claim 24, wherein said second battery pack is drawn together battery controller, comprises the marker elements of battery controller.

26. the chemical substance marker elements based on the value of the chemical substance of lithium with expression first battery is drawn together in electric combination as claimed in claim 24, wherein said second battery pack.

27. electric combination as claimed in claim 26, wherein said second battery pack is drawn together battery controller, comprises the chemical substance marker elements of battery controller.

28. electric combination as claimed in claim 26, wherein said charger comprises the controller that can operate the value of discerning the chemical substance marker elements.

29. method to battery charge, first battery has the chemical substance based on lithium, described first battery has first nominal voltage in the first nominal voltage scope, second battery has the chemical substance based on lithium, described second battery has second nominal voltage in the second nominal voltage scope, described second nominal voltage is different from described first nominal voltage, the described second nominal voltage scope is different from the described first nominal voltage scope, battery charger can be operated to first battery and second battery charge, and described method comprises following action:

Be electrically connected the battery charger and first battery;

To first battery charge;

Be electrically connected the battery charger and second battery; And

To second battery charge.

30. the method shown in claim 29, and further comprise one nominal voltage in sign first battery and second battery and one action in the nominal voltage scope.

31. the method shown in claim 29, and further comprising from the action of battery received signal, in one nominal voltage in this signal indication first battery and second battery and the nominal voltage scope one.

32. the method shown in claim 29, and further comprise the action that identifies one chemical substance in first battery and second battery.

33. the method shown in claim 29, and further comprise from the action of battery received signal one chemical substance in described signal indication first battery and second battery.

34. the method shown in claim 29, and further comprise the action of monitoring battery characteristic.

35. the method shown in claim 34, wherein said supervisory control action comprises the action of monitoring cell voltage.

36. the method shown in claim 34, and further comprise based on a nominal voltage of one in first battery and second battery and an action of controlling charge function in the nominal voltage scope.

37. the method shown in claim 36, wherein said control action comprise that control stops the action of one charging in first battery and second battery and stops one in the action of the charge mode of a charging in first battery and second battery.

38. the method shown in claim 36, wherein said control action comprise that the action of one charging in control initialization first battery and second battery and initialization are to one in the action of the charge mode of a charging in first battery and second battery.

39. the method shown in claim 36, and further comprise the action of selecting the battery behavior threshold value for charge function based on one in one nominal voltage in first battery and second battery and the nominal voltage scope.

40. the method shown in claim 36, and further comprise based on first nominal voltage of first battery and an action of selecting the first battery behavior threshold value for charge function in the first nominal voltage scope.

41. the method shown in claim 36, and further comprise based on one in second nominal voltage of second battery and the second nominal voltage scope and select the action of the second battery behavior threshold value for charge function, the described second battery behavior threshold value is different from the described first battery behavior threshold value.

42. a battery that has based on the chemical substance of lithium, this battery has the nominal voltage in the nominal voltage scope, and described battery pack is drawn together:

The chemical substance marker elements, the chemical substance of its expression battery; And

Marker elements, in its expression nominal voltage of battery and the nominal voltage scope one;

Wherein this described battery can be operated with electric device, can be between battery and electric device electric energy transmitting, an energy in the chemical substance of this battery and the nominal voltage of battery and the nominal voltage scope is identified by electric device.

43. battery as claimed in claim 42, wherein said battery pack is drawn together controller, comprises the chemical substance indicating package of controller.

44. battery as claimed in claim 42, wherein said battery pack is drawn together controller, comprises the marker elements of controller.

45. battery as claimed in claim 42, wherein said electric device comprises operating provides charging current to arrive battery with the battery charger to battery charge, and an energy in the chemical substance of this battery and the nominal voltage of battery and the nominal voltage scope is discerned by battery charger.

46. an electric combination, it comprises:

Battery charger, it can be operated and be used to provide charging current to arrive battery with to this battery charge; And

Battery, it comprises the switch with interrupt condition, and wherein this switch can be operated the discharging current that is used to interrupt from battery, and this battery can be electrically connected with battery charger, with when switch is in interrupt condition, can start the charging current from the battery charger to the battery.

47. electric combination as claimed in claim 46, wherein said opening the light comprises FET, this FET has interrupt condition, wherein this FET can operate the discharging current that is used to interrupt from battery, this FET comprises body diode, when FET is in interrupt condition, start providing by the charging current of body diode from the battery charger to the battery.

48. electric combination as claimed in claim 47, wherein said battery pack is drawn together the controller that can operate control switch.

49. can operating, electric combination as claimed in claim 48, wherein said controller be used at interrupt condition and control switch between electric current second situation that can provide therein by switch.

50. electric combination as claimed in claim 49, wherein said battery pack is drawn together to operate and is used to provide the unit of voltage to controller, and wherein said controller has the operating voltage threshold value, when this unit provides the voltage that is equal to or greater than the operating voltage threshold value can operation control during to controller.

51. electric combination as claimed in claim 50, wherein said controller can be operated and be used for when battery is electrically connected to battery charger, and when the voltage that is equal to or greater than the operating voltage threshold value is provided to controller, change switch from the interruption situation to second situation.

52. electric combination as claimed in claim 51, wherein under second condition, charging current can be provided to the unit so that this unit is charged by switch.

53. electric combination as claimed in claim 51, wherein when battery is electrically connected to battery charger, and when the voltage that is lower than the operating voltage threshold value is provided for controller, this controller can not be operated to change switch from the interruption situation to second situation.

54. electric combination as claimed in claim 53, the wherein said charging current that from the battery charger to the battery, provides, increase is provided to the voltage of controller to being equal to or greater than the operating voltage threshold value when switch is in the interruption situation.

55. electric combination as claimed in claim 54, wherein, after this this controller can be operated and be used for changing switch from the interruption situation to second situation.

56. electric combination as claimed in claim 55, wherein, after this in second situation, charging current can be provided to the unit by switch and come the unit is charged.

57. the method for the electric combination of operation, this electric combination comprises, and the battery charger that provides charging current to arrive battery can be provided, and comprise that having switch therein can operate the battery that interrupts from the switch of the interruption situation of the discharging current of battery, this battery and battery charger are electrically connected, described method comprise when switch during in the situation of interruption startup the action of charging current is provided from the battery charger to the battery.

58. method as claimed in claim 57, wherein said switch comprises FET, this FET has therein, and FET can operate the interruption situation of interrupting from the discharging current of battery, this FET comprises body diode, and wherein said method further comprises when FET is in the interruption situation, starts the action that charging current is provided from the battery charger to the battery by body diode.

59. interruption situation and the action of control switch between electric current second situation that can provide by switch therein further are provided method as claimed in claim 57.

60. method as claimed in claim 57, wherein said battery pack draws together to operate provides the unit of voltage to controller and the controller with operating voltage threshold value, and wherein said method further comprises the action of operation control when the voltage that is equal to or greater than the operating voltage threshold value is provided to controller.

61. method as claimed in claim 60, and further comprise with controller when battery and battery charger are electrically connected, and when the voltage that is equal to or greater than the operating voltage threshold value is provided to controller, can change the action of switch from the interruption situation to electric current therein by second situation that switch provides.

62. method as claimed in claim 61, and further comprising, when switch during in second situation, by switch provide charging current to the unit with the action that the unit is charged.

63. method as claimed in claim 60, wherein when battery and battery charger electrical connection, and when the voltage less than the operating voltage threshold value is provided to controller, this controller inoperation comes the change switch from the interruption situation to second situation, and wherein said method comprises that further increase is provided to the voltage of controller to the action that is equal to or greater than the operating voltage threshold value by the unit.

64. as the described method of claim 63, and further comprise, after increasing action, change the action of switch from the interruption situation to second situation with controller.

65. further comprise as the described method of claim 64, after changing action, by switch provide charging current to the unit with action to this unit charging.

66. a battery comprises:

Can operate the unit that is used to provide discharging current; And

Switch with interruption situation and second situation, in the interruption situation, this switch can be operated the discharging current that interrupts from the unit, and in second situation, this electric current can provide by switch;

Wherein said battery is electrically connected to battery charger, when switch is in the interruption situation, starts providing of charging current from the battery charger to the battery, and when switch during in second situation, this charging current can provide by switch.

67. as the described battery of claim 66, wherein said switch comprises FET, this FET has therein, and FET can operate the interruption situation of interrupting from the discharging current of battery, and electric current second situation that can provide by FET therein, this FET comprises body diode, when FET is in the interruption situation, starts from battery charger by body diode providing to the charging current of battery, when FET was in second situation, charging current can provide by this FET.

68. an electric combination comprises:

First battery, it has the chemical substance based on lithium;

Second battery, it has in NI-G and the ni-mh chemical substance one; And

Battery charger can operate being used for to first battery and second battery charge.

69. as the described electric combination of claim 68, further comprise the 3rd battery, it has other chemical substance except that NI-G and ni-mh, and wherein said battery charger can be operated and is used for to the 3rd battery charge.

70. as the described electric combination of claim 68, wherein said battery charger can be operated the chemical substance based on lithium of discerning first battery.

71. as the described electric combination of claim 70, wherein said first battery pack is drawn together the marker elements based on the chemical substance of lithium of expression first battery, and wherein said battery charger receives the signal based on the chemical substance of lithium of expression first battery.

72. as the described electric combination of claim 70, wherein said battery charger comprises can operate the controller based on the chemical substance of lithium that is used for discerning first battery.

73. as the described electric combination of claim 68, wherein said battery charger comprises being connected with power supply and can operating and is used to provide the charging circuit of charging current to first battery and second battery.

74. as the described electric combination of claim 73, wherein said battery charger comprises operating to control charging circuit and control provides the controller of charging current to first battery and second battery by charging circuit.

75. as the described electric combination of claim 74, wherein said controller can be operated the chemical substance based on lithium that is used for discerning first battery, and the control charging circuit is controlled the charging current that is provided to first battery by charging circuit.

76. as the described electric combination of claim 74, wherein said controller can be operated and be used for controlling charging circuit and come to provide charging current to first battery by first charging algorithm, and provide charging current to second battery by second charging algorithm, this first charging algorithm is different from second charging algorithm.

77. as the described electric combination of claim 68, wherein said first battery has first nominal voltage in the first nominal voltage scope, wherein said electric combination further comprises the 3rd battery that has at the nominal voltage of nominal voltage scope, the nominal voltage of the 3rd battery is different from first nominal voltage, the nominal voltage scope of the 3rd battery is different from the first nominal voltage scope, and wherein said battery charger can be operated and is used for to the 3rd battery charge.

78. as the described electric combination of claim 77, wherein said battery charger can be operated in the nominal voltage of discerning first battery and the 3rd battery and the nominal voltage scope.

79. a battery charger comprises:

At least one terminal, it is electrically connected to the battery pack based on the chemical substance of lithium, and this battery pack has nominal voltage; And

Controller, it can be operated and be used for providing charging current to battery pack by at least one terminal, and this controller can be operated and be used for selecting according to the nominal voltage of battery pack the threshold value of charge function.

80. as the described battery charger of claim 79, the nominal voltage of wherein said battery pack is included in about 9.6V in the voltage range of about 30V.

81. as the described battery charger of claim 79, wherein said controller comprises first charging module and second charging module, described first charging module can be operated and be used to provide first charging current to battery pack, and described second charging module can be operated and is used to provide second charging current to battery pack.

82. it is, different in average current amplitude and duty factor one of wherein said first charging current and second charging current as the described battery charger of claim 81.

83. as the described battery charger of claim 82, wherein said first charging module comprises the quick charge module.

84. as the described battery charger of claim 83, wherein said first charging current comprises fast charging current.

85. as the described battery charger of claim 81, wherein said controller further comprises the 3rd charging module and the 4th charging module, described the 3rd charging module can be operated and be used to provide the 3rd charging current to battery pack, and described the 4th charging module can be operated and is used to provide the 4th charging current.

86. as the described battery charger of claim 85, wherein said first charging module is the quick charge module, described second charging module is the staged charging module, and described the 3rd charging module is the trickle charge module, and described the 4th charging module is to keep charging module.

87. as the described battery charger of claim 86, wherein said first charging current is a fast charging current, described second charging current is the staged charging current, and described the 3rd charging current is the trickle charge electric current, and described the 4th charging current is to keep charging current.

88. as the described battery charger of claim 81, wherein said controller comprises charging algorithm.

89. as the described battery charger of claim 88, wherein said controller is carried out charging algorithm at first charging module and second charging module.

90. as the described battery charger of claim 89, wherein said controller first charging module with first mode with carry out charging algorithm at second charging module in the second different modes.

91. as the described battery charger of claim 89, wherein said controller further comprises the 3rd charging module and the 4th charging module, described the 3rd charging module can be operated provides the 3rd charging current to battery pack, and the 4th charging module can be operated and be used to provide the 4th charging current, and this controller is carried out charging algorithm in the 3rd charging module and the 4th charging module.

92. as the described battery charger of claim 91, wherein said first charging module is the quick charge module, described second charging module is the staged charging module, and described the 3rd charging module is the trickle charge module, and described the 4th charging module is to keep charging module.