DE10354874A1 - Rechargeable battery pack for cordless power tool, has battery charger that charges two lithium batteries having different nominal voltages - Google Patents

Abstract

The battery pack includes a battery charger that charges a pair of lithium batteries having different nominal voltages. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) method of charging battery; (2) lithium battery; (3) method of operating rechargeable battery pack; (4) battery charger.

Description

This application claims the priority of the previous submitted parallel preliminary U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 60 / 428,358 filed November 22 In 2002, the US patent application was filed with the serial number 60 / 428,450, filed November 22, 2002, of the United States patent application with serial number 60 / 400,629, which was filed on January 17, 2003 U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 60 / 440,693, which was submitted on January 17, 2003, of the previously submitted parallel provisional US patent application entitled "METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR BATTERY PROTECTION" filed November 19 2003 was filed (attorney document no. 066042-9536-00), and the previously filed parallel US provisional application the title "METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR BATTERY CHARGING ", which was filed on November 19, 2003 (attorney document no. 066042-9538-00), whereby their All content is hereby incorporated by reference. The entire content of the US patent application entitled "METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR BATTERY PROTECTION ", filed on November 20, 2003 (attorney document no. 066042-9536-01) is hereby incorporated by reference.

AREA OF INVENTION

The present invention relates generally refer to a method and system for loading a battery, and in particular a method and a system for the Charging the battery of a power tool.

BACKGROUND THE INVENTION

Cordless power tools will be typically powered by portable battery packs. These battery packs differ in the type of batteries and the nominal voltage and they can be used to many tools and electrical devices with performance to supply. Typically, there is a battery of a power tool either nickel cadmium ("NiCd") or nickel metal hydride ( "NiMH"). The nominal voltage of the battery pack is usually sufficient of about 2.4 V to approximately 24 V.

SUMMARY THE INVENTION

Some types of batteries (such as Lithium ("Li"), lithium ions ("Li-ion") and others Lithium-based chemical compositions) require precise charging schemes and charging operations with controlled discharge. Inadequate charging schemes and uncontrolled discharge schemes can generate excessive heat, overcharged conditions and / or excessively discharged conditions produce. These states and generations can cause irreversible damage to the batteries and they can battery capacity severely affect.

The present invention provides a system and procedure for charging a battery. In some constructions and some Aspects of the invention provides a battery charger that different battery packs fully charge with batteries of different chemical structures can. The invention provides in some constructions and in some aspects a battery charger that uses lithium-based batteries, such as lithium cobalt batteries, lithium manganese batteries and spinel batteries. In some constructions and In some aspects, the invention provides a battery charger the lithium-based battery packs with different nominal voltages or can charge in different nominal voltage ranges. In the invention provides some constructions and in some aspects a battery charging device which has various charging modules, which are implemented on the basis of different battery states. In the invention provides some constructions and in some aspects a method and system for charging a lithium-based battery by applying it of pulses of constant current. The time between the pulses and the Length of Pulse can be dependent certain battery properties by the battery charger elevated or be humiliated.

Independent features and independent advantages The invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon considering the following detailed Description of the claims and the drawings clearly.

1 is a perspective view of a battery.

2 is another perspective view of a battery, such as the battery shown in 1 is shown.

3 is a perspective view of a battery, such as the battery shown in 1 is shown the elek is physically and physically connected to a battery charger.

4 FIG. 12 is a schematic view of a battery electrically connected to a battery charger, such as the battery and battery charger shown in FIG 3 are shown.

5a and 5b FIG. 10 are flowcharts showing the operation of a battery charger embodying aspects of the invention, such as the battery charger shown in FIG 3 is shown.

6 FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a first module that can be implemented on a battery charger embodying aspects of the invention, such as the battery charger shown in FIG 3 is shown.

7 FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a second module installed on a battery charger embodying aspects of the present invention, such as the battery charger shown in FIG 3 is shown, can be implemented.

8th FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a third module installed on a battery charger embodying aspects of the present invention, such as the battery charger shown in FIG 3 is shown, can be implemented.

9 FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a fourth module installed on a battery charger embodying aspects of the present invention, such as the battery charger shown in FIG 3 is shown, can be implemented.

10 FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a fifth module that is embodied on a battery charger embodying aspects of the present invention, such as the battery charger shown in FIG 3 is shown, can be implemented.

11 FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a sixth module installed on a battery charger embodying aspects of the present invention, such as the battery charger shown in FIG 3 is shown, can be implemented.

12 FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a charging algorithm implemented on a battery charger embodying aspects of the invention, such as the battery charger shown in FIG 3 is shown, can be embodied.

13 FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of a battery electrically connected to a battery charger.

14A and 14B are views of other constructions of a battery.

15A and 15B are perspective views of a battery, such as one of the batteries used in the 1 . 2 and 14A and 14B are shown, which is electrically and physically connected to a power tool.

16 is a schematic view of the charging current for a battery.

17 is another schematic diagram of a battery.

Before any embodiments of the invention explained in detail should be understood that the invention in its application not on the details of the construction and the arrangement of the components, which are given in the following description or in the following drawings are shown is. The invention can take other embodiments and can can be put into practice or carried out in various ways. It should also be understandable be that the wording and terminology used here is only intended to serve as a description and not as a limitation. The use of "include", "include" or "have" and variations of which the objects, which are listed below, and equivalents thereof as well as additional ones objects include.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A battery pack or a battery 20 is in the 1 and 2 shown. The battery 20 is configured to provide power to one or more electrical devices, such as a power tool 25 (that in the 15A and 15B is shown) and / or a battery charger 30 (which in the 3 and 4 is shown) to deliver or to receive from there. In some constructions and in some aspects, the battery can 20 have a chemical structure such as lead acid, nickel cadmium ("NiCd"), nickel metal hydride ("NiMH"), lithium ("Li"), lithium ions ("L ions") and others lithium-based chemical compositions or other rechargeable batteries with a different chemical composition. In some constructions and in some aspects, the battery can 20 deliver a high discharge current to electrical devices, such as a power tool, having high current discharge rates. In the constructions shown, the battery 20 a chemical composition of Li, Li ions or another lithium-based chemical composition and delivers an average discharge current that is equal to or greater than approximately 20 A. For example, in the construction shown, the battery 20 have a chemical composition of lithium cobalt ("Li-Co"), lithium manganese ("Li-Mn") spinel or Li-Mn-nickel.

In some constructions and some aspects, the battery can 20 also a nominal voltage, such as a nominal voltage ranging from about 9.6 V to about 50 V. In a construction (see 1 to 3 ) shows the battery 20 for example, a nominal voltage of approximately 21 V. In another construction (see 14 ) shows the battery 20A a nominal voltage of approximately 28 volts. It should be understood that in other constructions the battery 20 can have a different nominal voltage in a different nominal voltage range.

The battery 20 includes a housing 35 , the connection carrier 40 supplies. The battery 20 further includes one or more battery connections made by the connection carriers 40 worn, and that with an electrical device, such as a power tool 25 and / or a battery charger 30 are connectable. In some constructions, such as the construction described in 4 is shown includes the battery 20 a positive battery connection 45 , a negative battery connector 50 and a measuring battery connection 55 , In some constructions, the battery includes 20 more or fewer connections than in the construction shown above.

The battery 20 comprises one or more battery cells 60 , each with a chemical structure and a nominal voltage. In some constructions, the battery shows 20 a chemical battery structure made of Li-ions, a nominal voltage of approximately 18 V or 21 V and five battery cells. In some designs, each battery cell shows 60 a chemical structure made up of Li ions, and every battery cell 60 has substantially the same rated voltage as, for example, about 3.6 V or about 4.2 V.

In some constructions and in some aspects, the battery includes 20 an identification circuit or a component that is electrically connected to one or more battery connections. In some constructions, an electrical device, such as a battery charger, would be used 30 (which in the 3 and 4 is shown) "read" the identification circuit or component or receive input based on the identification circuit or component to determine one or more battery characteristics. For example, in some constructions, the battery characteristics would be the nominal voltage of the battery 20 , the temperature of the battery 20 and / or the chemical structure of the battery 20 lock in.

In some constructions and in some aspects, the battery includes 20 a controller, microcontroller, microprocessor, or controller electrically connected to one or more battery terminals. The controller communicates with the electrical devices, such as the battery charger 30 and provides information to the devices regarding one or more battery characteristics or conditions, such as the nominal voltage of the battery 20 , the individual cell voltages, the temperature of the battery 20 and / or the chemical structure of the battery 20 , In some constructions, such as the construction described in 4 is shown includes the battery 20 an identification circuit 62 that have a microprocessor or a controller 64 having.

In some constructions and in some aspects, the battery includes 20 a temperature measuring device or a thermistor. The thermistor is inside the battery 20 configured and positioned to a temperature of one or more battery cells or a temperature of the battery 20 to measure as a whole. In some constructions, such as the construction described in 4 shown includes the battery 20 a thermistor 66 , In the construction shown is the thermistor 66 in the identification circuit 62 locked in.

As in the 3 and 4 is shown is the battery 20 also configured to connect to an electrical device, such as a battery charger 30 to manufacture. In some constructions, the battery charger includes 30 a housing 70 , The housing 70 provides a connecting part 75 with which the battery 20 connected is. The connecting part 75 includes one or more electrical device connectors to the battery 20 electrically with the battery charger 30 connect to. The connectors that are in the battery charger 30 are configured to connect to the connectors that are in the battery 20 are included to fit together and to get power and information from the battery 20 to transmit and receive.

In some constructions, such as the construction described in 4 shown includes the battery charger 30 a positive connection 80 , a negative connection 85 and a measurement connection 90 , In some constructions there is a positive connection 80 the battery charger 30 configured to use the positive battery connector 45 to fit together. In some constructions the negative connection is 85 and the measurement connection 90 the battery charger 30 configured to use the negative battery connector 50 and the battery measurement connection 55 to fit together.

In some constructions and in some aspects, the battery charger includes 30 also a charging circuit 95 , In some constructions, the charging circuit includes 95 a control device, a microcontroller, a microprocessor or a controller 100 , The control 100 controls the transfer of power between the batteries 20 and the battery charger 30 , In some designs, the controller controls 100 the transfer of information between the battery 20 and the battery charger 30 , In some designs, the controller identifies 100 and / or determines one or more properties or states of the battery 20 based on signals from the battery 20 be received. The control 100 can also operate the charger 30 based on the identification properties of the battery 20 Taxes.

In some constructions and in some aspects, the control includes 100 different timers, backup timers and counters and / or can perform different timekeeping and counting functions. The timers, backup timers and counters are controlled by the controller 100 used and controlled during various loading steps and / or modules. The timers, backup timers, and controls are discussed below.

In some constructions and in some aspects, the battery charger includes 30 an ad or indicator 110 , The indicator 110 informs a user of the status of the battery charger 30 , In some constructions, the indicator 110 inform the user about different levels of charging, charging modes or charging modules, how they are started and / or ended during operation. In some constructions, the indicator includes 110 a first light emitting diode 115 ("LED") and a second LED 120 , In the construction shown, the first and second LEDs are 115 and 120 different colored LEDs. For example, the first LED is 115 one red LED, and the second LED 120 is a green LED. In some constructions, the controller activates 100 the indicator 110 , In some constructions the indicator is 110 on the case 70 or in the housing 70 arranged so that the indicator 110 is visible to the user. The display could also include an indicator that shows the percentage of charge, remaining time, etc. In some constructions, the indicator or the indicator 110 the charge indicator on the battery 20 is intended to include.

The battery charger 30 is adapted to input energy from a power source 130 to recieve. The power source exists in some constructions 130 from a signal of an alternating voltage of approximately 120 volts at 60 Hz. In other constructions, the power source is 130 for example a constant current source.

In some constructions and in some aspects, the battery charger can 30 charge various rechargeable batteries, which have different chemical battery structures and different nominal voltages, as described below. For example, the battery charger 30 In an exemplary implementation, charge a first battery that has a NiCd chemical battery structure and has a nominal voltage of approximately 14.4 volts, a second battery that has a Li-ion chemical battery structure and a nominal voltage of approximately 18 volts, and one third battery, which has a chemical battery structure of Li-ions and a nominal voltage of approximately 28 volts. In another exemplary implementation, the battery charger 30 charge a first Li-ion battery, which has a nominal voltage of approximately 21 V, and a second Li-ion battery, which has a nominal voltage of approximately 28 V. In this exemplary implementation, the battery charger 30 the nominal voltages of each battery 20 identify and either scale certain thresholds accordingly, as discussed below, or modify the voltage readings or measurements (taken during charging) according to the nominal voltage of the battery.

In some constructions, the battery charger 30 the nominal voltage of a battery 20 identify by having an identification component in the battery 20 includes "reads" or receives a signal from, for example, a battery microprocessor or controller. In some constructions, the battery charger 30 a range of acceptable voltages for different batteries 20 that the charger 30 can identify, include. In some designs, the range of acceptable voltages can range from about 8 volts to about 50 volts. In other constructions, the range of acceptable voltages can range from about 12 V to about 28 V. In other constructions, the battery charger 30 Identify nominal voltages that are approximately 12 V and higher. In other constructions, the battery charger 30 Identify nominal voltages of approximately 30 volts or lower.

In other constructions, the battery charger 30 identify a range of values that represent the nominal voltage of the battery 20 includes. Instead of identifying that a first battery 20 has a nominal voltage of approximately 18 V, the battery charger 30 for example carry out an identification that the nominal voltage of the first battery 20 falls in the range of, for example, about 18 volts to about 22 volts or about 16 volts to about 24 volts. In other constructions, the battery charger 30 also identify other battery properties, such as the number of battery cells, the chemical composition of the battery, and the like.

In other constructions, the loading device 30 any nominal voltage of the battery 20 identify. In these constructions, the loading device 30 the battery 20 charge at each nominal voltage by setting certain thresholds according to the nominal voltage of the battery 20 sets or scales. Any battery 20 can also receive approximately the same amplitude of the charging current for approximately the same amount of time in these constructions (if, for example, each battery 20 about fully charged). The battery charger 30 can according to the nominal voltage of the battery 20 that loaded will either set or scale the thresholds (as discussed below) or set or scale the measurements.

For example, the battery charger 30 identify a first battery that has a nominal voltage of approximately 21 volts and 5 battery cells. During charging, the battery charger modifies 30 every measurement that the charger 30 samples (e.g. battery voltage) to get one measurement per cell. That is, the charger 30 divides each measurement of the battery voltage by 5 (for example, five cells) to get approximately the average voltage of a cell. Thus, all thresholds that are in the battery charger 30 included correspond to one measurement per cell. The battery charger 30 can also identify a second battery that has a nominal voltage of approximately 28 volts and 7 battery cells. Similar to operation with the first battery, the battery charger modifies 30 each voltage measurement to get one measurement per cell. Again, all of the thresholds in the battery charger 30 are included, correspond to one measurement per cell. In this example, the battery charger 30 Use the same thresholds for monitoring and ending charging for the first and second batteries to make it the battery charger 30 to enable many batteries to be charged in a range of nominal voltages.

In some constructions and in some aspects, the battery charger establishes the charging scheme or method for charging the battery 20 on the temperature of the battery 20 , In one construction, the battery charger provides 30 a charging current to the battery 20 while periodically checking the battery temperature 20 detected or monitored. If the battery 20 does not include a microprocessor or controller, the battery charger measures 30 periodically the resistance of the thermistor 66 according to predefined periods of time. If the battery 20 a microprocessor or controller, such as the controller 64 , includes (1) asks the battery charger 30 either the controller 64 periodically to determine the battery temperature and / or whether the battery temperature is outside a suitable operating range, or (2) is waiting for a signal from the controller 64 receive, which indicates that the battery temperature is not within an appropriate operating range, as discussed below.

In some constructions and in some aspects, the battery charger is based 30 the charging scheme or procedure for charging the battery 20 to the current voltage of the battery 20 , In some constructions, the battery charger provides 30 a charging current to the battery 20 while periodically detecting or monitoring the battery voltage after predetermined periods of time when the current to the battery 20 is supplied and / or if the electricity is not supplied as discussed below. The battery charger is based in some constructions 30 the charging scheme or procedure for charging the battery 20 both on the temperature and the voltage of the battery 20 , The charging scheme can also be based on the voltages of individual cells.

If the battery temperature and / or the battery voltage exceeds a predefined threshold value or does not fall within a suitable operating range, the battery charging device interrupts 30 the charging current. The battery charger 30 continues to periodically detect or monitor the battery temperature / voltages or wait for a signal from the controller 64 receive, which indicates that the battery temperature / voltages are within a suitable operating range. If the battery temperature / voltages are within a suitable operating range, the battery charger can 30 the charging current that goes to the battery 20 delivered, resume. The battery charger 30 further monitors the battery temperature / voltages and interrupts and resumes the charging current based on the detected battery temperature / voltages. In some constructions, the battery charger terminates 30 charging after a predetermined period of time or when the battery capacity reaches a predefined threshold. In other designs, charging stops when the battery 20 from the battery charger 30 Will get removed.

In some constructions and in some aspects, the battery charger includes 30 a method of operation for charging various batteries, such as the battery 20 which have different chemical compositions and / or nominal voltages. An example of this charging operation 200 is in the 5a and 5b shown. In some constructions and in some aspects, the battery charger includes 30 a method of operation for charging Li-based batteries such as batteries having a Li-Co chemical composition, a Li-MN chemical composition, a Li-Mn-nickel chemical composition, and the like. In some constructions and in some aspects, the loading operation includes 200 Different modules for performing different functions in response to different battery conditions and / or battery properties.

In some constructions and in some aspects, the method includes operating 200 Modules for interrupting charging based on abnormal and / or normal battery conditions. In some constructions, the loading operation involves 200 a defect set module, such as the defect set module shown in the flowchart 205 the 6 and / or a temperature-out-of-range module, such as the temperature-out-of-range module, shown in the flowchart 210 the 7 is shown. Occurs in some constructions the battery charger 30 into the defect kit module 205 to end charging based on an abnormal battery voltage, an abnormal cell voltage, and / or an abnormal battery capacity. In some constructions, the battery charger occurs 30 into the temperature-out-of-range module 210 to stop charging based on an abnormal battery temperature and / or abnormal temperatures of the battery cells. In some constructions, the loading operation includes 200 more or fewer modules that stop charging based on more or less battery states than the modules and states discussed above and below.

In some constructions and in some aspects, the loading operation includes 200 different operating modes or modules for charging the battery 20 based on different battery levels. In some constructions, the loading operation includes 200 a trickle charge module, like the trickle charge module shown in the flowchart 215 the 8th is shown a step loading module, such as the step loading module, which in the flow diagram 220 the 9 a quick charge module, such as the quick charge module shown in the flowchart 225 the 10 is shown, and / or a maintenance charging module, such as the maintenance charging module, which is in the flowchart 230 the 11 is shown.

In some constructions and in some aspects, each loading module 215 to 230 through the controller 100 during charging 200 selected based on certain ranges of battery temperature, certain ranges of battery voltage and / or certain ranges of battery capacities. In some constructions, each module 215 to 230 through the controller 100 selected based on the battery characteristics shown in Table 1. In some constructions, the "battery temperature" or "battery temperature" condition may include the temperature of the battery as a whole (that is, the battery cells, the battery components, etc.) and / or the temperature of the battery cells, taken individually or collectively. In some designs, any charging module can 215 to 230 based on the same basic charging scheme or charging algorithm, such as the full charge current, as discussed below.

Tabelle 1 Operation for charging Li-based batteries

Table 1

In some constructions and in some aspects, the charging current includes that to the battery 20 during the trickle charge module 215 is applied, the application of a full charging current (for example "I") to the battery 20 for a first period of time, such as 10 seconds, and then releasing the full charge current for a second period of time, for example fifty seconds. In some constructions, the full charge current is a pulse of the charge current with an approximately predefined amplitude. In some constructions, the battery charger occurs 30 only in the trickle charge module 215 on when the battery voltage is less than a first predefined voltage threshold value V ₁ .

In some constructions and in some aspects, the charging current includes that to the battery 20 during the quick charge module 225 is applied, the application of the full charging current to the battery 20 for a first period, such as one second, and then canceling the full charge current for a second period, such as 50 ms. In some constructions, the controller provides 100 a first backup timer to a first predetermined time limit, such as approximately two hours. In these constructions, the battery charger 30 the quick charge module 225 for the predetermined time limit, to avoid battery damage. In other constructions, the battery charger 30 turn off (i.e. stop charging) when the predetermined time limit expires.

In some constructions, the battery charger 30 only then in the quick charging module 225 occur when the battery voltage is in a range from the first voltage threshold value V ₁ to a second predefined voltage threshold value V ₂ , and when the battery temperature falls in a range from a second battery temperature threshold value T ₂ to a third temperature threshold value T ₃ . In some constructions, the second voltage threshold V _{2 is} greater than the first voltage threshold V ₁ , and the third temperature threshold T ₃ is greater than the second temperature threshold T ₂ .

In some constructions and in some aspects, the charging current includes that to the battery 20 during the step charging module 220 is applied, the application of the charging current of the quick charging module 225 to the battery 20 , but only a duty cycle of one minute of charging ("ON") and one minute of disabled charging ("OFF") occurs. In some constructions, the controller provides 100 a backup timer to a second preferred time limit, such as four hours. In these constructions, the battery charger 30 the step loading module 220 for the predetermined time limit, to avoid damaging the battery.

In some constructions, the battery charger 30 only in the step loading module 220 occur when the battery voltage is in a range from the first voltage threshold V ₁ to the second voltage threshold V ₂ , and when the battery temperature falls in a range from the first temperature threshold T ₁ to the second temperature threshold T ₂ . In some constructions, the second voltage threshold V _{2 is} greater than the first voltage threshold V ₁ , and the second temperature threshold T ₂ is greater than the first temperature threshold T ₁ .

In some constructions and in some aspects, the charging current includes that to the battery 20 during the maintenance module 230 is applied, applying a full charge current to the battery 20 only if the battery voltage drops to a certain predefined threshold. In some designs, the threshold is approximately 4.05 V / cell +/- 1% per cell. In some constructions, the battery charger occurs 30 only in the maintenance module 230 on when the battery voltage is in the range from the second voltage threshold value V ₂ to the third voltage threshold value V ₃ and when the battery temperature falls in a range from the first temperature threshold value T ₁ to the third temperature threshold value T ₃ .

The controller implements in some constructions and in some aspects 100 the different charging modules 220 to 230 based on different battery levels. In some designs, each charging module includes 220 to 230 the same charging algorithm (for example, an algorithm for applying the full charging current). Every charging module 220 to 230 implements, repeats, or includes the loading algorithm in different ways. An example of a charging algorithm is the charging current algorithm as shown in the flowchart 250 the 12 shown as discussed below.

As in the 5a and 5b is shown, the charging operation begins 200 if a battery like the battery 20 , into the battery charger 30 inserted in step 305 or electrically connected to it. Control determines in step 310 100 whether a stable input of power, such as the power source 130 , on the battery charger 30 applied or connected to it. As in 5a shown, the same operation (that is, step 305 that precedes step 310) is when the power is applied after the battery 20 electrically with the battery charger 30 was connected.

If the controller 100 determines that there is no stable input of an applied power, the control activates 100 the ad 110 not, and there is no charge on the battery in step 315 20 applied. In some constructions, the battery charger pulls 30 a small discharge current in step 315. In some designs, the discharge current is less than about 0.1 mA.

If the controller 100 determines that stable performance to the battery charger 30 is created in step 310, the operation goes 200 to step 320. Control determines in step 320 100 whether all connections between the battery connections 45 . 50 and 55 and the connections 80 . 85 and 90 the battery charger are stable. If the connections are not stable in step 320, control goes 100 to step 315.

If the connections are stable in step 320, control identifies 100 the chemical structure of the battery 20 via the measuring connection 55 the battery 20 in step 325. In some designs, a resistance wire shows from the battery 20 how he's through the controller 100 is measured that the battery 20 has a chemical structure made of NiCd or NiMH. In some designs, the control 100 measure the resistance of the resistance test lead to determine the chemical structure of the battery 20 to determine. For example, in some constructions, if the resistance of the measuring line falls within a first range, the chemical structure of the battery exists 20 made of NiCd. If the resistance of the measuring line falls into a second range, the chemical structure of the battery exists 20 made of NiMH.

In some constructions, NiCd batteries and NiMH batteries are powered by the battery charger 30 using a single charging algorithm that is different from a charging algorithm implemented for batteries that have a Li-based chemical structure. For example, in some constructions, the only charging algorithm for NiCd and NiMH batteries is an existing charging algorithm for NiCd / NiMH batteries. In some constructions, the battery charger is used 30 however, the only charging algorithm for charging NiCd batteries and NiMH batteries ends the charging process for NiCd batteries with a different termination scheme than the termination scheme used to finish charging for NiMH batteries. In some constructions, the battery charger terminates 30 charging for NiCd batteries when there is a negative change in battery voltage (e.g. -ΔV) by the controller 100 is detected. In some constructions, the battery charger terminates 30 charging for NiMH batteries when there is a change in battery temperature over time (for example, ΔT / dt) reaches or exceeds a predefined termination threshold.

In some designs, NiCd and / or NiMH batteries are charged using a constant current algorithm. For example, the battery charger 30 same charging circuit for charging different batteries, which have a different chemical structure of the battery, such as NiCd, NiMH, Li-ion and the like, include. In an exemplary construction, the loading device 30 use the charging circuit to apply the same full charge current to NiCd and NiMH batteries because Li-ion batteries use a constant current algorithm instead of pulse charging. In another exemplary construction, the battery charger 30 scale the full charging current through the charging circuit according to the chemical structure of the battery.

In other constructions, the control determines 100 not the exact chemical structure of the battery 20 , Instead, the controller implements 100 a charging module that can effectively charge both NiCd batteries and NiMH batteries.

In other designs, the resistance of the test lead could indicate that the battery 20 has a chemical structure based on Li. If, for example, the resistance of the measuring line falls into a third range, the chemical structure of the battery is based 20 on Li.

In some constructions shows a serial communication link between the battery charger 30 and the battery 20 by the measurement connections 55 and 90 that the battery is built 20 has a chemical structure based on Li. If a serial communication link is established in step 325, a microprocessor or controller such as the controller sends 64 in the battery 20 , Information related to the battery 20 to the controller 100 in the battery charger 30 , Such information between the battery 20 and the battery charger 30 transferred, the chemical structure of the battery, the battery voltage, the battery capacity, the battery temperature, individual cell voltages, the number of charging cycles, the number of discharge cycles, the status of a protective circuit or a network (e.g. activated, blocked, activated, etc.), etc. include.

Control determines in step 330 100 whether the chemical structure of the battery 20 based on Li or if it is not. If the controller 100 in step 330 determines that the battery 20 has a chemical structure of NiCd or NiMH, then the operation goes 200 to the NiCd / NiMH charging algorithm in step 335.

If the controller 100 in step 330 determines that the battery 20 has a chemical structure based on Li, then the operation goes 200 to step 340. Control sets in step 340 100 any battery protection circuit, such as a switch located in the battery 20 is included and determines the nominal voltage of the battery 20 over the communication link. In step 345, control sets 100 the analog-to-digital converter ("A / D") to the appropriate level based on the nominal voltage.

In step 350, control measures 100 the current voltage of the battery 20 , If a measurement has been made, the controller determines 100 in step 355 whether the voltage of the battery 20 is greater than 4.3 volts / cell. If the battery voltage is greater than 4.3 volts / cell in step 355, the operation goes 200 to the defect kit module 205 continue in step 360. The defect kit module 205 is discussed below.

If the battery voltage is not greater than 4.3 volts / cell in step 355, the controller measures 100 in step 365 the temperature of the battery and in step 370 determines whether the temperature of the battery falls below -20 ° C or exceeds 65 ° C. If in step 370 the temperature of the battery is below -20 ° C or above 65 ° C, then operation 200 goes to the temperature out of range module in step 375 210 further. The temperature-out-of-range module 210 is discussed below.

If in step 370 the temperature of the battery is not below -20 ° C and does not exceed 65 ° C, then controller 100 determines in step 380 (the one in FIG 5b is shown) whether the temperature of the battery falls in the range between -20 ° C and 0 ° C. If the temperature of the battery falls in the range between -20 ° C and 0 ° C in step 380, the operation goes off 200 to step 385. Control determines in step 385 100 whether the battery voltage is less than 3.5 volts / cell. If the battery voltage is less than 3.5 volts / cell, operation will cease 200 to the trickle charge module 215 in step 390. The trickle charge module 215 is discussed below.

If the voltage of the battery is not less than 3.5 volts / cell in step 385, control determines 100 in step 395 whether the voltage of the battery is in the voltage range from 3.5 volts / cell to 4.1 volts / cell. If the battery voltage is not in the voltage range of 3.5 volts / cell to 4.1 volts / cell in step 395, the operation goes 200 in step 400 to the maintenance module 230 , The maintenance module 230 is discussed below.

If the voltage of the battery is in the voltage range of 3.5 volts / cell to 4.1 volts / cell in step 395, the controller clears 100 in step 405 a counter, such as a load counter. If the load counter is cleared in step 405, the operation goes 200 in step 410 to the step loading module 220 further. The step loading module 220 and the load counter are discussed below.

Return to step 380 where if the temperature of the battery is not in the range of -20 ° C and 0 ° C, controller 100 determines in step 415 whether the battery voltage is less than 3.5 Volts / cell. If the voltage in step 415 is less than 3.5 volts / cell, the operation goes 200 in step 420 to the trickle charge module 215 ,

If the voltage of the battery is not less than 3.5 volts / cell in step 415, controller 100 determines in step 425 whether the voltage of the battery is in the voltage range from 3.5 volts / cell to 4.1 volts / cell is. If the voltage of the battery in step 425 is not within the voltage range of 3.5 volts / cell to 4.1 volts / cell, then operation 200 proceeds to the maintenance module in step 430 230 ,

If the voltage of the battery in step 425 is within the voltage range of 3.5 volts / cell to 4.1 volts / cell, control in step 435 clears a counter, such as the charge counter. If the load counter was cleared in step 435, the operation goes 200 in step 440 to the quick charge module 225 continue, the quick charging module 225 is discussed below.

6 Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the defect set module 205 represents. Operation of the module 205 starts when the main charging operation in step 460 200 into the defect kit module 205 entry. The control 100 interrupts the charging current in step 465 and activates the display 110 , like the first LED, in step 470. In the construction shown, the controller controls 100 the first LED to blink at a speed of approximately 4 Hz. If the ad 110 is activated in step 470, the module ends 205 in step 475, and the operation 200 can also end.

7 Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the temperature-out-of-range module 210 shows. Operation of the module 210 starts when the main charging operation 200 in step 490 into the temperature-out-of-range module 210 entry. The control 100 interrupts the charging current in step 495 and activates the display 110 , like the first LED, in step 500. In the construction shown, the controller controls 100 the first LED to flash at a rate of approximately 1 Hz to show a user that the battery charger is off 30 currently in the temperature-out-of-range module 210 located. If the ad 110 is activated in step 500, the operation leaves 200 the module 210 and returns to where the operation 200 had gone away.

8th is a flowchart showing the trickle charge module 215 shows. Operation of the module 215 starts when the main load operation 200 in step 520 into the trickle charge module 215 entry. The control 100 activates the display 110 like the first LED 115 in step 525 to indicate to a user that the battery charger 30 currently the battery 20 invites. In the construction shown, the control activates 100 the first LED 115 , so that it appears constantly switched on.

If the ad 110 If activated in step 525, the controller initializes 100 in step 530 a counter, such as a trickle charge counter. In the construction shown, the trickle charge counter has a count limit of twenty.

Control begins in step 540 100 two full current pulses each lasting one second (1 s) to the battery 20 and then stops charging for fifty seconds ("50 s"). In some designs there are 50 ms time intervals between the pulses of 1 second.

In step 545, control measures 100 the voltage of the battery when there is a charging current to the battery 20 (for example, during times of power on) is applied to determine whether the voltage of the battery 4 . 6 Volt / cell. When the battery voltage 4 . 6 Volts / cell during times of power on in step 545, the module goes 215 to defect set module 205 in step 550 and would end in step 552. When the battery voltage 4 . 6 Control does not exceed volts / cell during power on in step 545 100 in step 555 the temperature of the battery and the voltage of the battery if there is no charging current to the battery 20 is applied (for example, during times when the power is switched off).

Control determines in step 560 100 whether the temperature of the battery drops below –20 ° C or exceeds 65 ° C. If in step 560 the temperature of the battery is below -20 ° C or above 65 ° C, the module goes 215 to the temperature-out-of-range module 210 continue in step 565 and would end in step 570. If the temperature of the battery in step 560 is not below -20 ° C or if it is not above 65 ° C, control determines 100 in step 575 whether the battery voltage is in the range of 3.5 volts / cell to 4.1 volts / cell.

If the battery voltage is in the range of 3.5 volts / cell to 4.1 volts / cell in step 575, control determines 100 in step 580 whether the temperature is in the range of -20 ° C to 0 ° C. If the temperature of the battery is in the range of -20 ° C to 0 ° C in step 580, the module goes 215 in step 590 to the quick charge module 225 ,

If the voltage of the battery is not in the range of 3.5 volts / cell to 4.1 volts / cell in step 575, control increases 100 in step 595 the trickle charge counter. Control determines in step 600 100 whether the trickle charge counter has reached the counter limit, which is, for example, twenty. If the counter did not reach the counter limit in step 600, module 215 proceeds to step 540. If the counter has reached the counter limit in step 600, the module 215 goes to the defect set module 205 continue in step 605 and would end in step 610.

9 Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing the step loading module 220 shows. Operation of the module 220 starts when the main load operation 200 in step 630 into the step loading module 220 entry. The control 100 activates the display 110 like the first LED 115 , in step 635 to indicate to a user that the battery charger 30 currently the battery 20 invites. In the construction shown, the control activates 100 the first LED 115 so that it appears constantly on.

Control starts in step 640 100 a first timer or a charging timer. In the construction shown, the charge meter counts down from one minute. In step 645, the module goes 220 to the charging current algorithm 250 further. If the charging current algorithm 250 the controller determines 100 whether the load counter has reached the count limit, such as 7200, in step 650. If the load counter has reached the count limit in step 650, the module goes 220 to the defect kit module 205 continue in step 655, and the module 220 would end at step 660.

If the load counter has not reached the count limit in step 650, control determines 100 at step 665 whether the waiting time between current pulses (as will be described below) is greater than or equal to a first waiting time threshold, such as two seconds. If the waiting time is greater than or equal to the first waiting time threshold in step 665, control activates 100 in step 670 the display, for example the first LED 115 turns off and the second LED 120 activated so that it flashes at approximately 1 Hz. If the waiting time is not greater than or equal to the first waiting time threshold in step 665, the module goes 220 proceed to step 690, which is discussed below.

If the ad 110 If activated in step 670, control determines 100 in step 675 whether the waiting time between current pulses is greater than or equal to a second waiting time threshold, for example five seconds. If the wait time is greater than or equal to the second wait time threshold in step 675, control changes 100 the ad 110 in step 680, for example by pressing the second LED 120 activated so the second LED 120 seems to be constantly on. The module 220 then go to the maintenance module 230 at step 685.

If the wait time is not greater than or equal to the second wait time threshold in step 675, control determines 100 in step 690 whether the battery temperature is greater than 0 ° C. If the battery temperature is greater than 0 ° C in step 690, the module goes 220 to the quick charge module 225 continue at step 695. If the battery temperature is not greater than 0 ° C in step 690, control determines whether the charge timer has expired in step 700.

If the load timer has not expired in step 700, the module goes 220 in step 645 to the charging current algorithm 250 further. If the load timer has timed out in step 700, control activates 100 a second timer or a non-charging timer in step 705 and suspends loading. Control determines in step 710 100 whether the non-charging timer has expired. If the non-charge timer has not timed out in step 710, control waits 100 a predetermined time in step 715 and then returns to step 710. If the no-load timer expires in step 710, the module goes 220 back to step 640 to restart the load timer.

10 is a flowchart showing the quick charge module 225 shows. Operation of the module 225 starts when the main charging operation 200 enters the fast charge module in step 730. The control 100 activates the display 110 like the first LED 115 in step 735 to indicate to a user that the battery charger 30 currently the battery 20 invites. In the construction shown, the control activates 100 the first LED 115 so that it seems to be constantly on.

In step 740, the module goes 225 to the charging current algorithm 250 further. If the charging current algorithm 250 is performed, the controller 100 determines in step 745 whether the load counter corresponds to the count limit (for example 7200). If the load counter has reached the count limit in step 650, the module goes 220 continue to the defect kit module 205 in step 750, and the module 220 would end at step 755.

If the load counter does not match the count limit in step 745, control determines 100 in step 760 whether the waiting time between current pulses is greater than or equal to the first waiting time threshold (for example two seconds). If the wait time is greater than or equal to the first wait time threshold in step 760, control activates 100 the ad 110 in step 765, for example the first LED 115 turns off and the second LED 120 activated so that it flashes at approximately 1 Hz. If the wait time is not greater than or equal to the first wait time threshold in step 760, the module exits 225 to step 785, discussed below.

If the display is activated in step 765, control determines 100 in step 770 whether the waiting time between current pulses is greater than or equal to a second waiting time threshold (for example fifteen seconds). If the wait time is greater than or equal to the second wait time threshold in step 770, control changes 100 the ad 110 in step 775, for example, activates the second LED 120 so the second LED 120 appears constantly switched on. The module 225 then proceeds to the maintenance module in step 780.

If the wait time is not greater than or equal to the second wait time threshold in step 770, control determines 100 whether the battery temperature is in the range of -20 ° C to 0 ° C in step 785. If the battery temperature is included in the range in step 785, the module exits 225 to the step loading module 220 continue in step 790. If the temperature of the battery is not included in this range in step 785, the module exits 225 back to charging current algorithm in step 740 250 ,

11 is a flowchart showing the maintenance module 230 shows. Operation of the module 230 starts when the main load operation 200 in step 800 into the maintenance module 230 entry. The control 100 determines in step 805 whether the voltage of the battery is in the range of 3.5 volts / cell to 4.05 volts / cell. If the battery voltage is not included in the range in step 805, control remains 100 continue in step 805 until the battery voltage is included in the range. If in step 805 the battery voltage is included in the range, control initializes 100 a maintenance timer in step 810. In some designs, the maintenance timer counts down from thirty minutes.

Control determines in step 815 100 whether the temperature of the battery drops below –20 ° C or exceeds 65 ° C. If the temperature of the battery drops below -20 ° C or exceeds 65 ° C in step 815, the module exits 230 in step 820 to the temperature-out-of-range module 210 continue, and the module would end in step 825. If the temperature of the battery does not drop below -20 ° C or does not exceed 65 ° C in step 815, module 230 proceeds to the charging current algorithm in step 830 250 further.

If the charging current algorithm 250 is performed in step 830, control determines in step 835 whether the maintenance timer has expired. If the maintenance timer has expired, the module goes 230 in step 840 to the defect set module 840 further, and the module 230 would end at step 845. If the maintenance timer has not expired in step 835, control determines 100 in step 850, whether the waiting time between the current pulses is greater than or equal to a first predefined maintenance waiting time, such as fifteen seconds.

If the waiting time in step 850 is greater than the first predetermined maintenance waiting time, the module goes 230 to step 805. If the waiting time in step 850 is not greater than or equal to the first predetermined maintenance waiting time, the module goes 230 to the charging current algorithm in step 830. In some constructions, the battery charger 30 in the maintenance module 230 stay until the battery pack 20 from the battery charger 30 Will get removed.

12 is a flowchart showing the basic charging scheme or the charging current algorithm 250 shows. Operation of the module 250 starts when the other modules 220 to 230 or the main loading mode 200 in step 870 into the charging current algorithm 250 entry. The control 100 applies a full current pulse for approximately one second in step 875. Control determines in step 880 100 whether the battery voltage 880 is greater than 4.6 volts / cell when the current is on the battery 20 is applied.

If the voltage of the battery is greater than 4.6 volts / cell in step 880, the algorithm goes 250 in step 885 to the defect set module 205 further, and the algorithm 250 would end at step 890. If the battery voltage is not greater than 4.6 volts / cell in step 880, control is interrupted 100 the charging current, increments a counter such as the charging current counter, and stores the count in step 895.

Control determines in step 900 100 whether the temperature of the battery drops below –20 ° C or exceeds 65 ° C. If the temperature of the battery drops below -20 ° C or exceeds 65 ° C in step 900, the algorithm goes 250 in step 905 to the temperature-out-of-range module 205 further, and the algorithm 250 will end in step 910. If the temperature of the battery does not drop below -20 ° C or exceed 65 ° C in step 900, the controller measures 100 in step 915 the battery voltage if the charging current is not supplied to the battery 20 is delivered.

Control determines in step 920 100 whether the voltage of the battery is less than 4.2 volts / cell. If the voltage of the battery is less than 4.2 volts / cell in step 920, the algorithm goes 250 to step 875. If the battery voltage is not less than 4.2 volts / cell in step 920, control waits 100 in step 925 until the battery voltage is approximately 4.2 volts / cell. Control stores in step 925 100 also the waiting time. The algorithm 250 ends at step 930.

In another construction, the full charge current or the full charge pulse generated by the battery charger 30 was applied according to the individual cell voltages in the battery 20 be scaled. This implementation is described with reference to the 4 and 16 described.

As in 4 is shown, the controller 100 in the battery charger 30 Microcontroller information 64 in the battery 20 send or receive from there. In some constructions, the microcontroller can 64 monitor, either automatically or in response to a command from the battery charger, various battery characteristics during charging, with the voltages or current states of charge of each of the battery cells 60 are included. The microcontroller 64 can monitor certain battery properties and process measurements or mean measurements during periods of the charging current (that is, in periods with "current on") T _on . In some designs, the amount of time the charging current is on may be approximately one second ("1-s"). In periods T _off in which no charging current flows (that is to say in periods with "current switched off"), information can be considered on certain battery properties (for example the voltages of the cells or the state of charge of the cells) from the battery 20 to the loading device 30 be transmitted. In some designs, the time period T _off with the power off is approximately 50 ms. The battery charger 30 can be the information provided by the battery 20 is sent, process and modify the time segments T _on accordingly with the power switched _on . For example, if one or more battery cells 60 a higher current state of charge than the remaining battery cells 60 can have, so the battery charger 30 reduce the subsequent time periods T _on with the current switched _{on in} order to prevent overcharging of the one or more battery cells with a higher charge.

In some constructions, the battery charger 30 compare each individual cell voltage to an average cell voltage, and if the difference between the individual cell voltage and the average cell voltage is equal to or exceeds a predefined threshold (for example, an imbalance threshold), the charger can 30 identify the cell as a cell that has a higher charge level. The battery charger 30 can modify the time period T _on with the power on. In other constructions, the battery charger can determine the state of charge for a particular battery cell (such as a battery cell identified as a higher voltage cell) during the power on period based on the information provided by the battery 20 received, appreciate. In these constructions, when the estimate of the current state of charge for the cell exceeds a threshold, the battery charger can 30 modify the duration of the period T _on with the power on.

For example, like that in 16 is shown, the battery charger 30 the battery 20 instruct to average the cell voltage measurements measured during the next period T _on1 with the power on. The command can be _sent with the power off during the first time period T _off1 . The microcontroller thus measures during the first time period T _on1 with the current switched on 64 the cell voltages as well as other battery parameters and averages them. During the next time period T _off2 with the power switched off, the battery can 30 the averaged measurements to the battery charger 30 transfer. In some constructions, the battery can 20 Eight averaged measurements, such as an average charge state of the charge measurement and an average individual cell state of the charge for each of the seven battery cells 60 send. For example, the battery 20 send the following information: cell 1 14%, cell 2 14%, cell 3 15%, cell 4 14%, cell 5 16%, cell 6 14%, cell 7 14% and voltage of the set (e.g. cells 1 to 7 ) 29.96 volts. In this example, the battery charger identifies 30 cell 5 as a higher battery cell. The charger 30 also records the battery voltage as used by both the microcontroller 64 the battery as well as the battery charger 30 was measured on. In this example, the battery charger measures 30 the voltage of the battery to about 30.07 volts. The battery charger 30 calculates the difference in battery voltage measurements (e.g., 110 mV) and determines the voltage drop across the terminals and conductors to be approximately 110 mV.

During the subsequent period T _on2 with the power on, the battery charger "estimates" 30 the voltage of the cell 5. For example, the battery charger is sensing 30 the measurements of the voltage of the battery 20 now and for each measurement of the voltage of the battery, she estimates the state of charge for cell 5 according to the following equation: (V _{battery / la} - V _connections ) × V _cell where V _{battery / la is} the voltage of the battery 20 as a measurement by the loading device 30 where V _{terminal is} the voltage drop across the terminals (e.g. 110 mV) and where V _{cell is} the voltage of the cell estimated as a percentage of the battery voltage. If the estimate of the voltage of the cell 5 exceeds a threshold, then the battery charger 30 _Modify the following time period T _on3 with the current switched on. As in 16 shown identifies the loading device 30 the cell 5 as a high battery cell and modifies the subsequent time period T _on3 with the current switched on so that it is approximately 800 ms. Thus, the length T _{2 of} the current in the period T _{on3 is} less than the length T _{1 of} the previous periods T _on1 and T _on2 with the current switched on.

In some constructions, the loading device 30 the subsequent periods with current switched on (for example tone _4-5 ) to approximately the length T _{2 of} the previous period T _on3 with current switched on (for example 800 ms). If the cell 5 (or another cell) is further identified as a tall cell, then the charger can 30 _modify the length of the subsequent time segment with the current switched on (for example T _on6 ), for example from the length T ₂ (for example approximately 800 ms) to the length T ₃ (for example approximately 600 ms).

Another schematic diagram of the battery 20 ' is schematically in 13 shown. The battery 20 ' is similar to the battery 20 , and common elements are denoted by the same reference numerals "'".

In some constructions, the circuit includes 62 ' an electrical component, such as an identification resistor 950 , and the identification resistance 950 can have a set resistance. In other constructions, the electrical component can be a capacitor, a coil, a transistor, a semiconductor element, an electrical circuit or another component that has a resistor or that can send electrical signals such as a microprocessor, a digital logic component and the like. In the construction shown, the resistance value of the identification resistor can 950 based on the properties of the battery 20 ' , such as the nominal voltage and the chemical structure of the battery cell (s) 60 ' to get voted. A measurement connection 55 ' can be electrical with the identification resistor 950 be connected.

The battery 20 ' that are shown schematically in 13 is shown electrically with an electrical device, such as a battery charger 960 (also shown schematically). The battery charger 960 can make a positive connection 964 , a negative connection 968 and a measurement connection 972 lock in. Any connection 964 . 968 . 972 the battery charger 960 can (each) electrically with the appropriate connector 45 ' . 50 ' . 55 ' the battery 20 ' get connected. The battery charger 960 may also include a circuit that includes electrical components, such as a first resistor 976 , a second resistance 980 , an electronic semiconductor component or a semiconductor 984 , a comparison device 988 and a processor, microcontroller, or controller (not shown). In some constructions, the semiconductor 984 include a transistor that can operate in saturation or an "ON" state and that can operate in an off or "OFF" state. In some constructions, the comparison device 988 an assigned voltage monitoring device, a microprocessor or a processing unit. In other constructions, the comparison device 988 be included in the controller (not shown).

In some constructions, the controller (not shown) can be programmed to measure the resistance of the electrical component in the battery 20 ' how the identification resistance 958 , to identify. The controller can also be programmed to have one or more properties of the battery 20 ' to determine how, for example, the chemical structure of the battery and the nominal voltage of the battery 20 ' , As previously mentioned, the resistance value of the identification resistor 958 correspond to an assigned value associated with one or more certain battery properties. For example, the resistance value of the identification resistor 958 be included in a range of resistance values that correspond to the chemical structure and the nominal voltage of the battery 20 ' correspond.

In some constructions, the controller can be programmed to cover a variety of resistance ranges of the identification resistor 958 to recognize. In these constructions, each area corresponds to a chemical structure of a battery, such as NiCd, NiMH, Li-ion and the like. In some constructions, the controller can detect additional resistance ranges, each corresponding to a different chemical structure of the battery or different battery properties.

In some designs, the controller can be programmed to recognize a variety of voltage ranges. The voltages included in the voltage ranges can be the resistance value of the identification resistor 958 correspond or depend on this, so that the control the value of the resistance 958 can determine based on the measured voltage.

In some constructions, the resistance value of the identification resistor 958 continue to be chosen so that it is unique for every possible nominal voltage value of the battery 20 ' is. For example, in a range of resistance values, a first assigned resistance value may correspond to a nominal voltage of 21 volts, a second assigned resistance value may correspond to a nominal voltage of 16.8 volts, and a third assigned resistance value may correspond to a nominal voltage of 12.6 volts. In some designs there may be more or less assigned resistance values, each with a different possible nominal voltage for the battery 20 ' in connection with the resistance range.

In the exemplary implementation is the battery 20 ' electrically with the battery charger 960 connected. In order to identify a first battery characteristic, the semiconductor switches 984 in the "ON" state under the control of an additional circuit (not shown). If the semiconductor 984 is in the "ON" state, so create the identification resistance 958 and the resistors 976 and 980 a voltage divider network. The network establishes a voltage V _A at a first reference point 992 , If the resistance value of the resistor 980 significantly lower than the resistance value of the resistor 976 then the voltage V _A becomes from the resistance values of the identification resistor 958 and resistance 980 depend. In this implementation, the voltage V _{A is} in a range determined by the resistance value of the identification resistor 958 is determined. The controller (not shown) measures the voltage V _A at the first reference point 992 and determines the resistance value of the identification resistor 958 based on the voltage V _A. In some designs, the controller compares the voltage V _A to a variety of voltage ranges to determine the battery characteristics.

In some constructions, the first battery characteristic to be identified may include the chemical structure of the battery. For example, any resistance value below 150 kOhm can indicate that the battery 20 ' has a chemical composition of NiCd or NiMH, and any resistance value of approximately 150 kOhm or above can indicate that the battery 20 ' a chemical structure from Li or Has Li ions. If the control the chemical structure of the battery 20 ' has determined and identified, a suitable loading algorithm or a loading method can be selected. In other constructions there are more resistance ranges than in the example above, each corresponding to a different chemical structure of the battery.

If one continues with the exemplary implementation, the semiconductor switches 984 to identify a second battery characteristic under the control of the additional circuit in the "OFF" state. If the semiconductor 984 switches to the "OFF" state, creating the identification resistance 958 and the resistance 976 a voltage divider network. The voltage V _A at the first reference point 992 is now determined by the resistance values of the identification resistor 958 and resistance 976 certainly. The resistance value of the identification resistor 958 is chosen so that when the voltage V _{BATT is} at a second reference point 880 essentially equal to the nominal voltage of the battery 20 ' is the voltage V _A at the first reference point 992 substantially equal to a voltage V _REF at a third reference point 996 is. When the voltage V _A at the first reference point 992 the fixed voltage V _REF at the third reference point 996 exceeds an output V _{OUT of} the comparison _device 988 its condition. In some constructions, the V _OUT output can be used to stop charging or to serve as an indicator to begin additional functions such as a maintenance routine, a matching routine, an unloading function, additional charging schemes and the like. In some constructions, the voltage V _{REF can be} a fixed reference voltage.

In some constructions, the second battery characteristic to be identified may be a nominal voltage of the battery 20 ' lock in. For example, a general equation can be used to calculate the resistance value for the identification resistor 958 look like this: R 100 = (V REF · R 135 ) / (V BATT - V REF ) where R _{100 is} the resistance value of the identification resistor 958 where R _{135 is} the resistance value of the resistor 976 where V _{BATT is} the nominal voltage of the battery 20 ' and where V _{REF is} a fixed voltage such as about 2.5 volts. For example, in the range of the resistance values for the (above) chemical structure in the form of Li-ions, a resistance value of approximately 150 kOhm for the identification resistor can be used 958 correspond to a nominal voltage of approximately 21 volts, a resistance value of approximately 194 kOhm can correspond to a nominal voltage of approximately 16.8 volt, and a resistance value of approximately 274.7 kOhm can correspond to a nominal voltage of approximately 12.6 volt. In other constructions, more or less assigned resistance values may correspond to additional or different nominal voltage values of the battery pack.

In the construction shown, both the identification resistance 958 as well as the third reference point 996 on the "high" side of a current measuring resistor 1000 be arranged. Positioning the identification resistor 958 and the third reference point 996 in this way, any relative voltage fluctuation between V _A and V _REF can reduce if there is a charging current. The voltage fluctuations can appear in the voltage V _A when the identification resistor 958 and the third reference point 996 yourself on earth 1004 relate, and a charging current to the battery 20 ' was created.

In some constructions, the battery charger 960 also include a charger control function. As previously discussed, when the voltage V _A is substantially equal to the voltage V _REF (which indicates that the voltage V _{BATT is} the nominal voltage of the battery 20 ' corresponds), the output V _{OUT of} the comparison _device 988 the condition. In some designs, the charging current is no longer supplied to the battery 20 ' delivered when the output V _{OUT of} the comparator 988 changes the state. If the charging current is interrupted, the battery _voltage V _{BATT begins to} decrease. When the voltage V _{BATT reaches} a lower threshold, the output V _{OUT of} the comparison _device changes 988 the condition. If the charging current is interrupted, the battery _voltage V _{BATT begins to} decrease. When the voltage V _{BATT reaches} a lower threshold, the output V _{OUT of} the comparison _device changes 988 the state again. In some constructions, the lower threshold voltage V _{BATT is} determined by a resistance value of a hysteresis resistor 1008 certainly. The charging current is resumed when the output V _{OUT of} the comparison _device 988 changes the state again. In some constructions, this cycle repeats for a predetermined time as determined by the controller, or it repeats for a certain number of state changes by the comparator 988 be performed. In some designs, this cycle repeats itself until the battery 20 ' from the battery charger 960 Will get removed.

In some constructions and in some aspects, a battery can be like the battery 20 , in the 17 is shown to be discharged so that the battery cells 60 may not have enough voltage to use a battery charger 30 to communicate. As in 17 is shown, the battery 20 one or more battery cells 60 , a positive connection 1105 , a negative connection 1110 and one or more measuring connections 1120a and 1120b include (as in 17 shown, the second Mes connection or the activation connection 120b in the battery 20 may or may not be included). The battery 20 can also be a circuit 1130 which include a microcontroller 1140 includes.

As in 17 is shown, the circuit 1130 a semiconductor switch 1180 include that interrupts the discharge current when the circuit 1130 (e.g. the microprocessor 1140 ) determines or measures a condition above or below a predetermined threshold (this is an "abnormal battery condition"). In some designs, the switch includes 1180 an interruption condition where the current from or to the battery 20 is interrupted, and a permit condition in which the current from or to the battery 20 is allowed. In some constructions, an abnormal battery condition may include, for example, high or low battery cell temperatures, high or low battery charge levels, high or low battery cell charge levels, high or low discharge current, high or low charge current, and the like. In the designs shown, the switch includes 1180 a power FET or a metal oxide semiconductor FET ("MOSFET"). In other constructions, the switches 1180 be arranged in parallel. Parallel switches 1180 may be included in battery packs that deliver a high average discharge current (such as the battery 20 which supplies power to a circular saw, a drill and the like).

In some constructions it may be that when the switch 1180 the switch does not become conductive 1180 does not reset, even if the abnormal condition is no longer detected. In some constructions, the circuit can 1130 (e.g. the microprocessor 1140 ) the switch 180 reset only when an electrical device, such as a battery charger 30 the microprocessor 1140 instructs to do so. As mentioned earlier, the battery can 20 be discharged so that the battery cells 60 not have enough voltage to power the microprocessor 1140 to power to with a battery charger 30 to communicate.

In some constructions, when the battery 20 not with the charger 30 can communicate, the battery charger 30 a small charge current through the body diode 1210 of the switch 1180 deliver to the battery cells 60 load slowly. If the cells 60 received enough charging current to the microprocessor 1140 to supply with power, so the microprocessor 1140 the state of the switch 1180 to change. That is, the battery 50 can be charged even when the switch 1180 is in the non-conductive state. As in 17 is shown, the switch 180 the body diode 1210 include, which in some constructions is integral with a MOSFET and other transistors. In other constructions, the diode 1210 electrically in parallel with the switch 1180 be connected.

In some constructions, when the battery 20 not with the charger 30 can communicate, the battery charger 30 a small average current through a test lead, such as the test lead 120a or the assigned activation port 120b , invest. The current can be a capacitor 1150 load, which in turn has enough voltage to the microprocessor 1140 can deliver to enable operation.

The constructions described above are, and which are shown in the figures, are only exemplary presents and are not meant to be a limitation on the concepts and principles serve the present invention. Thus, an average specialist recognize that various changes are possible in the elements and their configuration and arrangement, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims (92)

Electrical combination comprising: a first battery that has a lithium-based chemical structure The first battery has a first rated voltage in one Has nominal voltage range; a second battery that one has a lithium-based chemical structure, the second Battery has a second nominal voltage, the second nominal voltage differs from the first nominal voltage and differs outside the rated voltage range; and a battery charger, which is operable to the first battery and the second battery to load. Electrical combination according to claim 1, wherein the first battery includes an identification component that has a value that is the first rated voltage or the first Represented nominal voltage range, and wherein the charging device is operable is to identify the value of the identification component. Electrical combination according to claim 2, wherein the first battery includes battery control, the identification component includes battery control. Electrical combination according to claim 2, wherein the first battery an identification component of the chemical structure includes, which has a value which is the lithium-based chemical Structure of the first battery represents. Electrical combination according to claim 4, wherein the first battery includes battery control, the component for Identification of the chemical structure that includes battery control. Electrical combination according to claim 4, wherein the Charger includes a controller that is operable to the value of the component to identify the chemical structure to identify. Electrical combination according to claim 2 ,. being the Charger includes a controller that is operable to identify the value of the identification component. Electrical combination according to claim 7, wherein the Control is operable to deliver the charging current to a Battery to charge, control. Electrical combination according to claim 7, wherein the Control is operable to monitor a battery property. Electrical combination according to claim 9, wherein the Battery feature includes a battery voltage. Electrical combination according to claim 9, wherein the Control is operable to control a charging function. The electrical combination of claim 11, wherein the charging function terminates the charging of the first battery or an end of the charging mode of charging the first battery includes. The electrical combination of claim 11, wherein the charging function initiating the charging of the first battery or initiating a charging mode of charging the first battery includes. The electrical combination of claim 11, wherein the controller sets a battery property threshold for the charging function selects when the controller identifies the value of the identification component. The electrical combination of claim 14, wherein the threshold of the battery characteristic a first battery voltage threshold includes. The electrical combination of claim 15, wherein the first battery voltage threshold is related to the first Rated voltage or the first rated voltage range. The electrical combination of claim 14, wherein the second nominal voltage is in a second nominal voltage range is, with the second rated voltage range from the first Nominal voltage range differs. The electrical combination of claim 17, wherein the second battery includes a second identification component that has a second value that is the second rated voltage or represents the second nominal voltage range, the charging device is operable to the second value of the second identification component to identify, wherein the controller a second battery property threshold for the charging function selects if the controller identifies the second value of the second identification component, wherein the second battery property threshold is different from the first Can distinguish battery property threshold. The electrical combination of claim 18, wherein the charging function the completion of charging the second battery or the termination of a charging mode for charging the second battery includes. The electrical combination of claim 18, wherein the charging function initiates the charging of the second battery or the initiation of a charging mode for charging the second battery includes. 19. The electrical combination of claim 18, wherein the battery characteristic threshold includes a first battery voltage threshold, and wherein the second battery characteristic threshold includes a two includes th battery voltage threshold, wherein the second battery voltage threshold differs from the first battery voltage threshold. The electrical combination of claim 21, wherein the second battery voltage threshold converts to the second nominal voltage or relates to the second nominal voltage range. Electrical combination according to claim 1, wherein the second nominal voltage is in a second nominal voltage range, where the second nominal voltage range is different from the first nominal voltage range different. The electrical combination of claim 23, wherein the second battery includes an identification component that has a value that is the second rated voltage or the second Represented nominal voltage range, and wherein the charging device is operable is to identify the value of the identification component. The electrical combination of claim 24, wherein the second battery includes a battery control device, wherein the identification component includes the battery control device. The electrical combination of claim 24, wherein the second battery includes a chemical identification component that has a value that is the lithium-based chemical Structure of the first battery represents. The electrical combination of claim 26, wherein the second battery includes a battery control device, wherein the component for identifying the chemical structure includes the battery control device. The electrical combination of claim 26, wherein the loading device includes a controller that is operable to the value of the component to identify the chemical structure to identify. Method of charging a battery, a first one Battery that has a lithium-based chemical structure, wherein the first battery has a first rated voltage in a first Nominal voltage range, a second battery, the one has a lithium-based chemical structure, the second Battery a second nominal voltage in a second nominal voltage range has, wherein the second nominal voltage differs from the first nominal voltage differs, whereby the second nominal voltage range differs from the first Nominal voltage range differs, being a battery charger is operable to charge the first and second batteries, wherein the process comprises the following steps: electrical connection the battery charger and the first battery; load the first battery; electrical connection of the battery charger and the second battery; and Charging the second battery. The method of claim 29, further comprising the Step of identifying a nominal voltage or a nominal voltage range of the first battery or the second battery. The method of claim 29, further comprising the Step of receiving a signal from the battery, wherein the signal has a nominal voltage or a nominal voltage range first battery or the second battery. The method of claim 29, further comprising the Step of identifying the chemical structure of the first battery or the second battery. The method of claim 29, further comprising the Step of receiving a signal from the battery, wherein the signal the chemical structure of the first battery or the second Battery indicates. The method of claim 29, further comprising the Step of monitoring a battery feature. 35. The method of claim 34, wherein the step of monitoring the step of monitoring battery voltage. 35. The method of claim 34, further comprising the Step of controlling a charging function based on the nominal voltage or the nominal voltage range of the first battery or the second Battery includes. The method of claim 36, wherein the step of Control the control of the termination of the charge of the first battery or the second battery or the termination of a charging mode charging the first battery or the second battery. The method of claim 36, wherein the step of Control controlling the step of initiating the charge of the first battery or the second battery or the step of Initiation of the charging mode of charging the first battery or of the second battery. The method of claim 36, further comprising the Step of selecting a battery property threshold for the charging function based on a nominal voltage or a nominal voltage range of the first battery or the second battery. The method of claim 39, further comprising the Step of selecting a first battery characteristic threshold for the Charging function based on the first nominal voltage or the first Rated voltage range of the first battery includes. 41. The method of claim 40, further comprising the Step of selecting a second battery property threshold for the Charging function based on the second nominal voltage or the second Includes the voltage range of the second battery, where the second battery property threshold differs from the first battery property threshold different. Battery, which is a lithium-based chemical Has structure, the battery having a nominal voltage in a nominal voltage range and includes: a component of identification the chemical structure, which denotes the chemical structure of the battery; and an identification component that the nominal voltage or denotes the nominal voltage range of the battery; being the Battery can be operated with an electrical device, the Power can be transferred between the battery and the electrical device, where the chemical structure of the battery and the nominal voltage or the Nominal voltage range of the battery can be identified by the electrical device is. The battery of claim 42, wherein the battery is a Control, the component for identifying the chemical structure Control includes. The battery of claim 42, wherein the battery is a Control includes the identification component including the controller. The battery of claim 42, wherein the electrical Device one Battery charger includes a charging current to the Deliver battery to charge the battery, the chemical Structure of the battery and the nominal voltage or the nominal voltage range the battery remains identifiable by the battery charger. Electrical combination, including: a battery charger, which is operable to deliver a charging current to a battery, to charge the battery; and a battery that has a switch includes, which has an open state in which the switch is operable to interrupt a discharge current from the battery, the battery being electrically connectable to the battery charger is, the delivery of the charging current from the battery charger light to the battery when the switch is in the open state. 46. The electrical combination of claim 46, wherein the switch includes an FET, the FET being in an open state has, in which the FET is operable to a discharge current to interrupt from the battery, the FET being a body diode includes, wherein the delivery of the charging current from the battery charger to the battery through the body diode allows when the FET is in the open state. The electrical combination of claim 47, wherein the battery includes a controller that is operable to to control the switch. 49. The electrical combination of claim 48, wherein the controller is operable to toggle the switch between the open state and a second state in which a current through the switch can be delivered to control. The electrical combination of claim 49, wherein the battery includes a cell that is operable to to supply a voltage to the controller, and being the controller has an operating voltage threshold, wherein the controller is operable when the cell supplies a voltage to the controller, which are equal to or larger than is the operating voltage threshold. 49. The electrical combination of claim 50, wherein the controller is operable to toggle the switch from the open state to switch to the second state when the battery is electric connected to the battery charger, and when a voltage equal to or greater than the operating voltage threshold is supplied to the controller. The electrical combination of claim 51, wherein in the second state the charging current through the switch to the cell is available to load the cell. The electrical combination of claim 51, wherein when the battery is electrically connected to the battery charger and if a voltage is less than the operating voltage threshold is delivered to the controller, the controller cannot be operated to toggle the switch from the open state to the second state switch. 54. The electrical combination of claim 53, wherein the delivery of the charging current from the battery charger the battery when the switch is in the open state, the voltage supplied to the controller to a voltage, which are equal to or larger than the operating voltage threshold is increased. 54. The electrical combination of claim 54, wherein the controller is then operable to toggle the switch from the open state to switch to the second state. 56. The electrical combination of claim 55, wherein then in the second state the charging current through the switch to the Cell can be delivered to load the cell. Method for operating an electrical combination, the electrical combination being a battery charger, which is operable to deliver a charging current to a battery, and includes a battery which includes a switch which has an open state in which the switch is operable to interrupt a discharge current from the battery, wherein the battery can be electrically connected to the battery charger the method being the step of enabling delivery of the charging current from the battery charger to the battery when the switch is in the open state. The method of claim 57, wherein the switch is one FET includes the FET having an open state in which the FET is operable to interrupt a discharge current from the battery the FET being a body diode includes, and wherein the method further includes the enabling step the delivery of the charging current from the battery charger the battery through the body diode includes when the FET is in the open state. The method of claim 57, further comprising the Step of controlling the switch between the open state and a second state in which current can be supplied through the switch is included. The method of claim 57, wherein the battery is a Cell includes which is operable to supply voltage to the controller, and a controller that has an operating voltage threshold, and the method further comprising the step of operating the controller includes when a voltage is equal to or greater than the operating voltage threshold is delivered to the controller. The method of claim 60, further comprising the step of switching the switch with the controller tion from the interrupted state to a second state in which current can be supplied through the switch when the battery is electrically connected to the battery charger and when a voltage equal to or greater than the operating voltage threshold is supplied to the controller. 62. The method of claim 61, wherein if the switch is in the second state, continue the step of Delivering charging current through the switch to the cell to the cell to load includes. 61. The method of claim 60, wherein when the battery is electrically connected to the battery charger, and if a voltage that is less than the operating voltage threshold is delivered to the controller, the controller cannot be operated to toggle the switch from the open state to the second state toggle, and wherein the method continues the step of increasing the Voltage supplied by the cell to the controller a value that is equal to or greater than the operating voltage threshold is included. The method of claim 63, wherein after the step the increase continue the step of switching the switch with the controller from the interrupted state to the second state. The method of claim 64, wherein it further comprises the step of switching the step of supplying the charging current covered by the switch to the cell to charge the cell. Battery comprising: a cell that is operable is to deliver a discharge current; and a switch, the one interrupted state in which the switch is operable is to interrupt the discharge current from the cell, and one second state, in which the current can be supplied by the switch is; the battery being electrically powered by a battery charger is connectable, wherein the supply of the charging current from the battery charger to the cell when the switch is in the open state, whereby the charging current can be supplied through the switch if the switch is in the second state. The battery of claim 66, wherein the switch is one FET includes the FET having an open state in which the FET is operable to interrupt a discharge current from the battery and a second state in which current is deliverable through the FET where the FET is a body diode includes, wherein the delivery of the charging current from the battery charger to the cell through the body diode allows when the FET is in an open state, the charging current being deliverable by the FET when the FET is in the second state. Electrical combination, including: a first Battery that has a lithium-based chemical structure; a second battery, one on nickel-cadmium or on nickel-metal hydride based chemical structure; and a battery charger, which is operable to the first battery and the second battery to load. 69. The electrical combination of claim 68, wherein it further includes a third battery, each the other based on nickel-cadmium or on nickel-metal hydride chemical Has structure, wherein the battery charger is operable, to charge the third battery. 69. The electrical combination of claim 68, wherein the battery charger is operable to the lithium-based identify the chemical structure of the first battery. 70. The electrical combination of claim 70, wherein the first battery includes an identification component that the lithium-based chemical structure of the first battery indicates, and wherein the battery charger receives a signal that the lithium-based chemical structure of the first battery displays. 70. The electrical combination of claim 70, wherein the battery charger includes a controller that is operable to the lithium-based chemical structure to identify the first battery. 69. The electrical combination of claim 68, wherein the battery charger includes a charging circuit closes, which is connectable to a power source and which is operable to supply a charging current to the first battery and the second battery. The electrical combination of claim 73, wherein the battery charger includes a controller that is operable to control the charging circuit and the charging current, that through the charging circuit to the first battery and to the second Battery is supplied to control. 74. The electrical combination of claim 74, wherein the controller is operable to the lithium based chemical Structure of the first battery to be identified and the charging circuit to control the charging current through the charging circuit to the first battery is supplied to control. 74. The electrical combination of claim 74, wherein the controller is operable to control the charging circuit Charging current through a first charging algorithm to the first battery and to the second battery by a second charging algorithm deliver, the first loading algorithm being different from the second loading algorithm different. 69. The electrical combination of claim 68, wherein the first battery has a first nominal voltage in a first nominal voltage range has, the electrical combination further a third battery comprises a nominal voltage in a nominal voltage range, where the nominal voltage of the third battery is different from the first Nominal voltage differs, with the nominal voltage range the third battery differs from the first nominal voltage range, and wherein the battery charger is operable to the third Battery to charge. 77. The electrical combination of claim 77, wherein the battery charger is operable to the nominal voltage or the nominal voltage range of the first battery and the third Identify battery. A battery charger comprising: at least a connector to make an electrical connection to a battery pack with a lithium-based chemical structure, wherein the battery pack has a nominal voltage; and a Control that is operable to deliver a charging current to the battery pack to deliver through the at least one connector, being the controller is operable to a threshold value for a charging function according to a nominal voltage battery pack. The battery charger of claim 79, wherein the nominal voltage of the battery pack in the voltage range of approximately 9.6 volts until about 30 volts is included. The battery charger of claim 79, wherein the controller includes a first charging module and a second charging module, wherein the first charging module is operable to apply a first charging current to deliver the battery pack, and wherein the second charging module is operable is to deliver a second charge current to the battery pack. The battery charger of claim 81, wherein the first charging current and the second charging current are in the middle Distinguish current amplitude and the duty cycle. The battery charger of claim 82, wherein the first charging module includes a quick charging module. The battery charger of claim 83, wherein the first charging current includes a quick charging current. The battery charger of claim 81, wherein the controller also has a third charging module and a fourth charging module includes, wherein the third charging module is operable to a third charging current to deliver to the battery pack, and wherein the fourth charging module is operable is to deliver a fourth charge current. The battery charger of claim 85, wherein the first charging module is a quick charging module, the second charging module is a step charging module, the third charging module being a trickle charging module , and wherein the fourth charging module is a maintenance charging module. 89. The battery charger of claim 86, wherein the first charge current is a quick charge current, the second charge current is a step charge current, the third charge current is a trickle charge current, and where where the fourth charging current is a maintenance charging current. The battery charger of claim 81, wherein the controller includes a loading algorithm. The battery charger of claim 88, wherein the controller uses the charging algorithm in the first charging module and in the second Charging module implemented. The battery charger of claim 89, wherein the control the loading algorithm in a first way in the first Charging module and in a different way in the second Charging module implemented. The battery charger of claim 89, wherein the controller also has a third charging module and a fourth charging module includes, wherein the third charging module is operable to a third charging current to deliver to the battery pack, and wherein the fourth charging module is operable to deliver a fourth charge current, the controller the charging algorithm in the third charging module and in the fourth charging module implemented. The battery charger of claim 91, wherein the first charging module is a quick charging module, the second charging module is a step charging module, the third charging module being a trickle charging module , and wherein the fourth charging module is a maintenance charging module.