JP5389681B2 - Charging device and method using constant pressure power source for interference wave therapy device, etc. - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a charging device and a charging method for a rechargeable battery, and more particularly to a charging device and a charging method using a constant pressure power source for an interference wave therapy device and the like.

  For example, in a small interference wave treatment device as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-267325, it is intended to use a disposable dry battery as a power source. Such a disposable battery has a low energy density per volume, and requires about four AA batteries to be used in an interference wave therapy device, even if it is small.

  In contrast to such disposable dry batteries, rechargeable batteries (secondary batteries such as NiMH batteries) currently on the market have a high energy density per volume, and because of electrical and mechanical contact with the disposable dry batteries. Since the coil spring provided in the device main body is not required for those rechargeable batteries, there is less power loss as in the case of a disposable dry battery, and as a result, a smaller number than the disposable dry battery, for example, in the above example There is an advantage that about three AA batteries can provide the same power as four disposable batteries. In addition, as the number of batteries decreases, the size of the device body can be reduced, and the rechargeable battery can be used repeatedly, so it is environmentally friendly and very promising as a power source to replace disposable dry batteries. Has been.

JP 2004-267325 A

  However, as will be described below, the use of these rechargeable batteries requires a charging operation or the use of an IC chip.

  An example of the charging method used to charge these rechargeable batteries is shown in FIG. As is well known, a constant current method is generally adopted as a charging method for these rechargeable batteries. FIG. 5 shows an example of charging characteristics when a rechargeable battery is charged by the constant current method. In the figure, the horizontal axis represents time (t), and the vertical axis represents current (I) and voltage (V).

  When charging begins, the current remains constant and the battery voltage increases with time. In the charge completion period, a peak value (arrow “A” in the figure) is shown, and then the battery voltage drops. The end timing of charging can be known, for example, when a predetermined voltage drops from the peak value, that is, by detecting “−ΔV” in FIG. 5.

  The detection of “−ΔV” is generally performed by software control using an IC chip. In other words, the use of the rechargeable battery requires the interference wave treatment device to use a dedicated IC chip for charge control or a soft-controlled charging operation using such a dedicated IC chip. Furthermore, Joule heat is generated during this charging operation. However, if the Joule heat is too large, there is a risk of damaging the device and the battery.

  The present invention has been made to solve these problems in the prior art, and while suppressing the generation of Joule heat, it does not require the use of a dedicated IC chip for charging control, etc., and has a simpler configuration. It is an object of the present invention to provide a charging device and a charging method capable of charging a rechargeable battery.

  The present invention is a charging device for a rechargeable battery, comprising at least two charging paths including first and second charging paths for connecting the rechargeable battery connected to the charging device to a constant pressure power source. A path selection means for selecting one of the at least two charging paths, and setting a resistance value larger than a resistance value in the second charging path to the first charging path. The charging current supplied to the rechargeable battery through the first charging path is smaller than the second charging current supplied to the rechargeable battery through the second charging path, and Before the storage amount of the battery reaches the first predetermined value, the rechargeable battery is charged with the first charging current through the first charging path selected by the path selecting means, and the rechargeable battery Is the first Charging the rechargeable battery with the second charging current through the second charging path selected by the path selection means after reaching the predetermined value and until reaching the second predetermined value. It is a feature.

  The charging device further includes a third charging path for connecting the rechargeable battery connected to the charging apparatus to a constant pressure power source, and the path selection means includes the first, second, and third charging paths. One of at least three charging paths including the charging path is selected, and a resistance value larger than the resistance value in the second charging path but smaller than the resistance value in the first charging path is selected. Set to the third charging path, the third charging current supplied to the rechargeable battery through the third charging path is smaller than the first charging current but less than the second charging current. The rechargeable battery is charged with the first charging current through the first charging path selected by the path selection means before the charged amount of the rechargeable battery reaches a first predetermined value. And the rechargeable battery After the storage amount reaches the first predetermined value and before the second predetermined value, the third charging current passes through the third charging path selected by the path selection means. The rechargeable battery is charged, and after the amount of electricity stored in the rechargeable battery reaches the second predetermined value, until the third predetermined value is reached, the second selected by the route selection means The rechargeable battery may be charged with the second charging current through a charging path.

In the charging device, the resistance value in the second charging path may be obtained by combining a plurality of resistors.
Furthermore, in the charging device, battery voltage measuring means for measuring the voltage of the rechargeable battery connected to the charging device may be provided.

  In the charging device, a power supply voltage measuring means for measuring a voltage of the constant pressure power source connected to the charging device is provided. When the measured voltage is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, supply of current from the constant pressure power source is stopped. May be.

  Further, in the charging device, a power connection determination unit that determines whether or not the constant pressure power source is connected to the charging device may be provided.

In the charging device, battery temperature measuring means for measuring the temperature of the rechargeable battery may be provided, and supply of current from the constant pressure power source may be stopped when the measured temperature is equal to or higher than a predetermined value.
Furthermore, an interference wave treatment device using the charging device can be provided.

  The present invention is also a charging method for a rechargeable battery, comprising at least two first and second charging paths for connecting the rechargeable battery connected to the charging device to a constant pressure power source. One of the charging paths is selected by path selection means, a resistance value larger than the resistance value in the second charging path is set in the first charging path, and the charging is performed through the first charging path. A first charging current supplied to the rechargeable battery is smaller than a second charging current supplied to the rechargeable battery through the second charging path, and a charge amount of the rechargeable battery is a first predetermined amount. Before reaching the value, the rechargeable battery is charged with the first charging current through the first charging path selected by the path selection means, and the charged amount of the rechargeable battery is the first predetermined value. After reaching the second Until a value is to charge the rechargeable battery by the second charging current through the second charging path selected by the path selection unit is characterized in that.

  In the above charging method, a third charging path for connecting the rechargeable battery connected to the charging device to a constant pressure power supply is further provided, and the rechargeable battery connected to the charging device is connected to the constant pressure power supply. One of at least three charging paths including the first, second, and third charging paths is selected by path selection means, and the first charging path is larger than the resistance value in the second charging path, A resistance value smaller than a resistance value in the charging path is set in the third charging path, and a third charging current supplied to the rechargeable battery through the third charging path is set as the first charging current. Is smaller than the second charging current, and before the amount of charge of the rechargeable battery reaches a first predetermined value, the first charging path selected by the path selection means is used for the first charging path. One charging current Therefore, after charging the rechargeable battery and before the storage amount of the rechargeable battery reaches the first predetermined value and before the second predetermined value, the first selected by the route selection means Charging the rechargeable battery with the third charging current through a third charging path, and after the amount of power stored in the rechargeable battery reaches the second predetermined value until the third predetermined value is reached. The rechargeable battery may be charged with the second charging current through the second charging path selected by the path selection means.

  Provided is a charging device capable of charging a rechargeable battery with a simple configuration while suppressing generation of Joule heat.

It is a block diagram of the circuit structure of a charging device. It is a figure which shows an example of the more detailed circuit diagram corresponding to the block diagram of FIG. It is a figure which shows the modification of the Example shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the charge characteristic at the time of charging with a two-stage constant voltage system. It is a figure which shows an example of the charge characteristic at the time of charging by a constant current system.

  A charging device 10 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. In addition, although this apparatus 10 can be used for an interference wave treatment device, EMS (diet equipment), a treatment device for muscle training, etc., it is not restricted to this, A charging device is required. It can be used for various devices.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a circuit configuration of the charging apparatus 10. At the time of charging, both the rechargeable battery 11 and the power source 12 are connected to the charging device 10.

  The rechargeable battery 11 may be a commercially available one. Such a rechargeable battery needs to consider safety more than a disposable dry battery. For example, the safety of the rechargeable battery can be controlled by software control using a microcomputer (CPU) that controls an interference wave therapy device. It can be secured sufficiently.

  The power supply system of the power supply 12 uses a constant voltage system, not a constant current system as in the conventional quick charger. By using the constant voltage system, damage to the battery can be reduced (the charging current decreases as the battery is charged), and a charging circuit can be realized with general-purpose and inexpensive components. Furthermore, by adopting the constant voltage method, it can be realized by limiting to the minimum necessary specifications, so there are no extra parts, and both cost reduction and size reduction can be realized.

  The main part of the charging device 10 includes a plurality of charging paths 15 and 16 and a path selection means 18 for selecting one of the plurality of charging paths 15 and 16. The rechargeable battery 11 connected to the charging device 10 is connected to the constant pressure power supply 12 through the charging paths 15 and 16.

  There may be at least two charging paths, and there may be three or more charging paths. The rechargeable battery 11 connected to the charging device 10 is connected to the constant pressure power source 12 through any one of the charging paths selected by the path selection unit 18, for example, the first charging path 15 or the second charging path 16. Is done.

  It should be noted that the resistance value (R2 + R3) in the second charging path 16 is set smaller than the resistance value (R1) in the first charging path 15. As a result, under the constant voltage method, the second charging current supplied through the second charging path 16 is larger than the first charging current supplied to the rechargeable battery 11 through the first charging path 15. ing.

As can be seen, the magnitude of the charging current supplied to the rechargeable battery 11 can be easily changed by simply selecting either the first charging path 15 or the second charging path 16. it can. This selection takes into account the Joule heat that can be generated in each charging path, in particular their resistance, ie J = I ² × R (I is current and R is resistance), as will be explained in detail below. To be determined.

  As is clear from the above equation, even if the resistance is small, the Joule heat that can be generated by the resistance increases as the current increases. Conversely, even if the resistance increases, the Joule heat decreases as the current decreases. Become. When the Joule heat is large, there is a high risk that the resistance, and further, the device itself is destroyed, and the battery is likely to be deteriorated. In the interference wave therapy device and the like, the problem of Joule heat is particularly serious because a large voltage is used. Therefore, it is desirable to charge the battery in such a way that this problem can be solved.

  In order to perform rapid charging, it is generally desirable to set the current as large as possible in the initial stage of charging when the charged amount is insufficient, and to reduce the current at the end of charging when the charged amount is almost full. However, since a larger current generates larger Joule heat, it is not preferable to use such a charging method in an interference wave therapy device or the like.

  Therefore, in the present apparatus 10, at the initial stage of charging at which the rate of increase of the charged amount is high, more specifically, before the charged amount of the rechargeable battery 11 reaches the first predetermined value, the first selected by the route selection means 18. Through the one charging path 15, the first charging current, in other words, a relatively small current is used to suppress Joule heat. Is the second charge path 16 selected by the path selection means 18 after the storage amount of the rechargeable battery 11 reaches the first predetermined value and until the second predetermined value is reached. The charging time is shortened by using a charging current, in other words, a relatively large current.

  In addition to the main parts described above, the charging device 10 further includes a battery connection unit 14 for connecting the rechargeable battery 11, and the rechargeable battery 11 connected to the battery connection unit 14 and connected to the charging device 10. The battery voltage measuring means 20 for measuring the voltage of the battery, the power supply connection part 13 for connecting the constant pressure power supply 12, and the voltage of the constant pressure power supply 12 connected to the power supply connection part 13 and connected to the charging device 10 are measured. The power supply voltage measuring means 23, the power supply connection determining means 25 which is connected to the power supply connection portion 13 in the same manner and determines whether or not the constant pressure power supply 12 is connected to the charging device 10, and the rechargeable battery 11. And battery temperature measuring means 30 that is installed and measures the temperature of the rechargeable battery 11.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a more detailed circuit diagram corresponding to the block diagram of FIG.

  As the rechargeable battery 11, three NiMH batteries bundled together are used. Since one battery can store a voltage of 1.2 V, three batteries have a storage amount of 3.6 V. These batteries 11 can be connected to the main part through a battery connection part 14 having a connector CN2.

  An AC adapter power supply is used as the constant pressure power supply 12. The AC adapter power supply can be connected to the main part through the power supply connection part 13. In order to connect the constant pressure power supply 12 and the power supply connection portion 13, CN3 is provided on the constant pressure power supply 12 side, and a connector CN1 is provided on the power supply connection portion 13 side correspondingly. In consideration of the load on the charging device 10, the connection to the charging device 10 is performed after the constant pressure power source 12 after the rechargeable battery 11. If the constant pressure power supply 12 is connected first, charging is not performed. This control is performed by software processing using an IC chip or CPU.

  A first charging path 15 and a second charging path 16 are provided between the power supply connection portion 13 and the battery connection portion 14. The constant pressure power supply 12 connected to the power supply connection unit 13 and the rechargeable battery 11 connected to the battery connection unit 14 are electrically connected to each other through the first charging path 15 and the second charging path 16. During actual use, only one of the charging paths 15 and 16 is selected by the path selection means 18. Both are not selected at the same time. The first charging path 15 includes a resistor R1 (33Ω, 1W), and the second charging path 16 includes resistors R2 (1.5Ω, 1W) and R3 (1.8Ω, 1W). Here, the resistance value of the resistor R1 in the first charging path 15, that is, 33Ω, is obtained from the resistance values of the resistors R2 and R3 in the second charging path 16, that is, R2 + R3 = 1.5Ω + 1.8Ω = 3.3Ω. Note that the value is also set to a large value. As a result, the first charging current supplied to the rechargeable battery 11 through the first charging path 15 is set to be smaller than the second charging current supplied through the second charging path 16. In addition, in the 2nd charge path | route 16, since resistance R2 and resistance R3 each have 1W electric power, they have 2W electric power as a whole. Thus, the reason why the resistance is divided into two in the second charging path 16 is to avoid an increase in the size of the apparatus. For example, since the resistance (3.3Ω, 2W) corresponding to R2 + R3 is large, the device can be miniaturized by dividing the resistance into two.

  The path selection means 18 for selecting the first charging path 15 includes a PNP transistor Q1 and a resistor R11. On the other hand, the path selection means 18 for selecting the second charging path 16 includes a PNP transistor Q2 and a resistor R12. The emitters of the transistors Q1 and Q2 are connected to the power supply connection unit 13, and the collectors are connected to the battery connection unit 14. On the other hand, the base is connected to resistors R11 and R12, respectively, which are further connected to the CPU port. Any one of the charging paths 15 and 16 can be easily selected by triggering any one of the bases connected to the CPU port by the action of software.

  The selection by the route selection means 18 can be performed based on the amount of power stored in the rechargeable battery 11, for example. The voltage in the rechargeable battery 11 is measured by the power supply voltage measuring means 23 described above. When the storage amount is before reaching a first predetermined value (for example, 3.3 V for the rechargeable battery 11 when three batteries having a nominal value of 1.2V are used), the storage amount is In the case of an initial charge of 0.0 to 3.3 V, the first charging path 15 is selected, while the second predetermined value described above (for example, a nominal value of 1.2 V) is reached after reaching the nominal value. In other words, in the case of the end of charging of 3.3V to 4.5V, the voltage is about 4.5V which is actually required when using three batteries. The second charging path 16 is selected. Assuming that the voltage of the constant pressure power supply 12 is set to 5.5 V at this time, the first charging current supplied through the first charging path 15 is the voltage of the constant pressure power supply 12, the potential difference between the charged amounts, and the resistance R1. The resistance value (33Ω) is about 0.17 to 0.07 A. On the other hand, the second charging current supplied through the second charging path 16 is the same as the voltage of the constant-voltage power supply 12 and the charged amount. Is approximately 0.67 to 0.30 A in relation to the potential difference between the resistor R2 and the resistor R3.

  The power supply voltage measuring means 23 is provided on a line 40 connected to CN1 of the power supply connection unit 13. The power supply voltage measuring means 23 includes a resistor R6 and a resistor R7, and can transmit the current taken out between these resistors to the CPU port (AD converter) to measure the voltage of the constant voltage power supply 12. If the power supply voltage measuring means 23 is used, for example, when the voltage of the constant pressure power supply 12 is 6.0 V or more, the supply of current from the constant pressure power supply 12 can be stopped and an abnormal display can be displayed on the output display section. The user can be prompted to turn off the apparatus power. In addition, for example, when the measured voltage is 5.0 V or less, there is no danger prevention, and it is not erroneously determined whether the 100 V side of the AC adapter is disconnected or the battery is connected, so the charging operation is automatically stopped, etc. It is also possible to perform the operation.

  In order to determine whether or not the constant pressure power supply 12 (AC adapter power supply) is normally connected to the apparatus 10, a power connection determination means 25 is provided. For example, the AC adapter may continue to be connected to the power supply connection unit 13 even though no current can be obtained (this connection accelerates battery consumption), and an AC adapter that does not meet the specifications is used. This is because the AC adapter is normally connected but not connected to a commercial power source. Power connection determination means 25 includes an NPN transistor Q3 and resistors R8 and R9. When CN3 and CN1 are connected, a current flows through the line 41 by the action of the switch 13A of CN1. Since this line 41 is connected to the base of the NPN transistor Q3 constituting the power connection determination unit 25, the base of the transistor Q3 is triggered by the action of the resistor R9 and the resistor R8 constituting the power connection determination unit 25. The As a result, a current flows through the collector, and this current can be transmitted to the CPU port to determine whether or not the constant pressure power supply 12 is connected.

  In order to measure the battery voltage of the rechargeable battery 11, battery voltage measuring means 20 can be provided. Battery voltage measuring means 20 includes resistors R4 and R5. These resistors R4 and R5 are connected to the rechargeable battery 11 via the line 43, and the current taken out between the resistors R4 and R5 is transmitted to the CPU port (AD converter) to recharge the battery 11. Can be measured. By providing the battery voltage measuring means 20, for example, when the measured battery voltage is 4.9V or more, it is considered that the battery is not connected, or the battery voltage reaches 4.5V or more. In such a case, it can be considered that the charging is completed.

  In order to measure the temperature of the rechargeable battery 11, battery temperature measuring means 30 is provided near the arrangement of the rechargeable battery 11. The battery temperature measuring means 30 includes a resistor R10 and a thermistor TH1. For example, a rechargeable battery such as a NiMH battery has a very high energy density. Therefore, if an accident occurs due to overcharge or battery failure, a very serious phenomenon occurs. Therefore, in consideration of safety, it is preferable to provide means for measuring the battery temperature. The voltage extracted from between the resistor R10 and the thermistor TH1 is transmitted to the CPU port (AD converter), and the temperature of the rechargeable battery 11 is measured by the CPU. When the measured value is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, a signal can be sent from the CPU port to the path selecting means 18 to stop the supply of current from the constant pressure power supply 12. For example, if the voltage of the rechargeable battery 11 is less than 3.3V, but the temperature of the rechargeable battery 11 is about 80 ° C. or more, it is considered as a battery failure, and the operation is stopped and an abnormal display is displayed on the output display unit. The user can be prompted to disconnect the switch. Further, for example, when the voltage of the rechargeable battery 11 is 3.3 V or higher and the temperature of the rechargeable battery 11 is about 80 ° C. or higher, the charging may be regarded as being completed.

  Further, although not specifically shown, timer control by the CPU may be performed together. By using timer control together, more efficient control can be performed. For example, if the battery voltage does not reach 1.0V or more after 2 minutes from the start of charging, or if the battery voltage does not reach 3.3V or more after 10 minutes, it is considered as a battery failure. The operation can be stopped and an abnormality can be displayed. In addition, when the battery voltage is 3.3 V or more and less than 3.9 V on the output display section after the start of charging and the battery voltage does not increase by 0.03 V or more even after one hour has passed, or 3.9 V or more When the battery voltage is less than 4.2 V and the battery voltage does not increase by 0.03 V or more even after 3 hours or more, or when the battery voltage is 4.2 V or more and 4 hours have elapsed, the battery voltage does not increase. If the voltage does not increase by 0.03 V or more, it can be considered that the charging is completed. Furthermore, even when the battery voltage does not reach 4.5V or higher, charging may be regarded as being completed when 3.3 hours or higher and 7 hours have elapsed from the start of charging.

  Other control can also be performed using software control by the CPU. For example, during charging, the battery mark for the output display is always blinked. When charging is completed, the battery mark is changed to lighting. When the power to the CPU and peripheral circuits is off, all LCD displays are turned off. You may do it. When the battery is not connected, the battery mark is turned off.

  Further, after charging is completed, recharging may not be performed even if the AC adapter is connected or disconnected. In this case, even if the battery voltage drops, such as when the battery is self-discharged or left with the AC adapter removed, or when the battery is replaced with the AC adapter connected, the AC adapter can be removed and inserted. Recharging in response to is not performed. However, when the battery voltage decreases by 0.4 V or more since the completion of charging, charging may be started by turning on the power once. In addition, when charging is completed with the power turned on, charging will not resume unless 3.3V or less as long as the AC adapter is connected and the power is on even if the battery voltage drops due to battery replacement. It can also be. Furthermore, when charging is completed with the power turned on, charging is not performed if the battery voltage has not decreased by 0.4 V or more from the completion of charging even if charging is performed by connecting / disconnecting the AC adapter. You can also Furthermore, the battery voltage is measured only when the battery is connected and charging is stopped. For example, when it is 3.8 V or higher, 3.6 V or higher, 3.0 or higher, or less than 3.0 V These four levels may be displayed on the output display unit.

  A modification of the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 3, the same members as those in FIG. 2 are given the same numbers, and “′” is added after the numbers.

  The main difference between the modification of FIG. 3 and the embodiment of FIG. 2 is that, in the modification of FIG. 3, a third charging path 17 ′ is provided in addition to the first and second charging paths 15 ′ and 16 ′. Correspondingly, a circuit for selecting the third charging path 17 ′ is added to the path selecting means 18 ′.

  Similar to the first and second charging paths 15 ′ and 16 ′, the third charging path 17 ′ includes a resistor R <b> 14 (15Ω, 0.5 W). The path selection means 18 'for selecting the third charging path 17' includes a PNP transistor Q4 and a resistor R13. The connection method of these resistors and transistors is the same as that in the first and second charging paths 15 'and 16'. Here, the resistance value of the resistor R14 in the third charging path 17 ′, that is, 15Ω, is the resistance value of the resistor R2 + R3 in the second charging path 16 ′, that is, R2 + R3 = 1.5Ω + 1.8Ω = 3.3Ω. Is set to a large value, but is set to a resistance value of the resistor R1 in the first charging path 15 ′, that is, a value smaller than 68Ω. As a result, the third charging current supplied to the rechargeable battery 11 ′ through the third charging path 17 ′ is larger than the first charging current supplied through the first charging path 15 ′. Is smaller than the second charging current supplied through the charging path 16 '.

  The selection by the route selection means 18 'can be performed based on, for example, the amount of power stored in the rechargeable battery 11'. When the storage amount is before reaching the first predetermined value (for example, 3.0 V if the rechargeable battery 11 ′ when using the three batteries having the nominal value of 1.2 V described above) is used. When the charged amount is 0.0 to 3.0 V, the first charging path 15 ′ is selected, and after reaching the first predetermined value, the second predetermined value (for example, the above-mentioned In other words, when the charged amount is 3.0V to 4.0V, the third charging path 17 'is selected until the second predetermined value is reached (4.0V). After reaching a predetermined value of 2 and until reaching a third predetermined value (for example, the above-mentioned second predetermined value 4.5V), more specifically, in the case of 4.0 to 4.5V, The second charging path 16 ′ is selected. At this time, the first charging current supplied through the first charging path 15 ′ is about 0.08 to 0.04 A in relation to the resistance value of the resistor R1 (68Ω), and the third charging path 17 The third charging current supplied through 'is approximately 0.17 to 0.10 A in relation to the resistance value of the resistor R14 (15Ω), and the second charging current supplied through the second charging path 16'. The current is about 0.45 to 0.30 A in relation to the resistance values of the resistors R2 and R3.

  In addition, although not specifically described, the Joule heat problem can be solved by providing four or more charging paths and finely setting the current.

Finally, with reference to FIG. 4, the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, that is, an example of charging characteristics when charging is performed in a two-stage constant voltage method will be described. In the figure, the horizontal axis represents time (t), and the vertical axis represents the magnitude (V) of the voltage stored in the storage battery. When the current supply is started, the amount of stored electricity rapidly increases until it reaches the first predetermined value (3.3 V) (indicated by the arrow “I” in the figure, for example, about 5 minutes). To do. During this time, the path selection means 18 selects the first charging path 15 (see FIG. 2) including the resistor R1 (33Ω), thereby effectively suppressing the generation of Joule heat.
On the other hand, while passing the first predetermined value and moving toward the second predetermined value (4.5V) (arrows “c” and “d” shown in the figure, for example, about 10 hours), more specifically, the storage amount While the rate of increase is decreasing and a moderate increasing trend continues (indicated by the arrow “U” in the figure) and during the period of rapid increase immediately before reaching the second predetermined value (indicated by the arrow “D” in the figure) The path selection means 18 selects the second charging path 16 (see FIG. 2) including the resistors R2 and R3 (3.3Ω), thereby enabling rapid charging. When the second predetermined value is reached, the supply of current is stopped. Even when the supply of current is stopped, the amount of power storage is slightly reduced from when it reaches the second predetermined value, but thereafter remains substantially constant (indicated by the arrow “o” in the figure). Thus, according to the present invention, it is possible to perform optimum charging according to the charging characteristics.

  It can be widely used for rechargeable batteries.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Charger 11 Rechargeable battery 12 Constant pressure power supply 13 Power supply connection part 14 Battery connection part 15 1st charge path 16 2nd charge path 17 '3rd charge path 18 Path selection means 20 Battery voltage measurement means 23 Power supply voltage measurement Means 25 Power connection determination means 30 Battery temperature measurement means

Claims (10)

A constant voltage charging device for a rechargeable battery,
At least two charging paths including first and second charging paths for connecting the rechargeable battery connected to the charging device to a constant pressure power source;
Path selection means for selecting one of the at least two charging paths;
With
A resistance value larger than a resistance value in the second charging path is set in the first charging path, and a first charging current supplied to the rechargeable battery through the first charging path is set to the first charging path. Less than a second charging current supplied to the rechargeable battery through a second charging path;
Before the charged amount of the rechargeable battery reaches a first predetermined value, the rechargeable battery is charged with the first charging current through the first charging path selected by the path selecting means,
After the amount of electricity stored in the rechargeable battery reaches the first predetermined value and until the second predetermined value is reached, the second charging path selected by the path selection unit is used to select the second charging path. A charging device for charging the rechargeable battery with a charging current. Further providing a third charging path for connecting the rechargeable battery connected to the charging device to a constant pressure power source;
The path selection means selects one of at least three charging paths including the first, second, and third charging paths;
A resistance value larger than a resistance value in the second charging path but smaller than a resistance value in the first charging path is set in the third charging path, and the rechargeable battery is passed through the third charging path. A third charging current supplied to the second charging current is smaller than the first charging current but larger than the second charging current;
Before the charged amount of the rechargeable battery reaches a first predetermined value, the rechargeable battery is charged with the first charging current through the first charging path selected by the path selecting means,
After the amount of electricity stored in the rechargeable battery reaches the first predetermined value and before the second predetermined value, the third charging path selected by the path selecting means passes through the third charging path. Charging the rechargeable battery with a charging current;
After the amount of electricity stored in the rechargeable battery reaches the second predetermined value and until the third predetermined value is reached, the second charging path selected by the path selection means is used for the second charging path. The charging device according to claim 1, wherein the rechargeable battery is charged with a charging current.   The charging device according to claim 1, wherein the resistance value in the second charging path is obtained by combining a plurality of resistors.   The charging device according to claim 1, further comprising a battery voltage measuring unit that measures a voltage of the rechargeable battery connected to the charging device.   5. The supply of current from the constant pressure power supply is stopped when the measured voltage is provided with power supply voltage measuring means for measuring the voltage of the constant pressure power supply connected to the charging device. The charging apparatus in any one of.   The charging device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising power connection determination means for determining whether or not the constant-voltage power source is connected to the charging device.   7. The charging according to claim 1, further comprising a battery temperature measuring unit configured to measure a temperature of the rechargeable battery, and stopping supply of current from the constant pressure power source when the measured temperature is equal to or higher than a predetermined value. apparatus.   A low frequency treatment device, an interference wave treatment device, or other electronic treatment device using the charging device according to claim 1. A constant voltage charging method for a rechargeable battery,
Selecting one of at least two charging paths including a first charging path and a second charging path for connecting the rechargeable battery connected to the charging device to a constant pressure power source by path selection means;
A resistance value larger than a resistance value in the second charging path is set in the first charging path, and a first charging current supplied to the rechargeable battery through the first charging path is set to the first charging path. Less than a second charging current supplied to the rechargeable battery through a second charging path;
Before the charged amount of the rechargeable battery reaches a first predetermined value, the rechargeable battery is charged with the first charging current through the first charging path selected by the path selecting means,
After the amount of electricity stored in the rechargeable battery reaches the first predetermined value and until the second predetermined value is reached, the second charging path selected by the path selection unit is used to select the second charging path. Charging the rechargeable battery with a charging current;
A charging method characterized by that. Further providing a third charging path for connecting the rechargeable battery connected to the charging device to a constant pressure power source;
The path selection means selects one of at least three charging paths including the first, second, and third charging paths for connecting the rechargeable battery connected to the charging device to a constant pressure power source,
A resistance value larger than a resistance value in the second charging path but smaller than a resistance value in the first charging path is set in the third charging path, and the rechargeable battery is passed through the third charging path. A third charging current supplied to the second charging current is smaller than the first charging current but larger than the second charging current;
Before the charged amount of the rechargeable battery reaches a first predetermined value, the rechargeable battery is charged with the first charging current through the first charging path selected by the path selecting means,
After the amount of electricity stored in the rechargeable battery reaches the first predetermined value and before the second predetermined value, the third charging path selected by the path selecting means passes through the third charging path. Charging the rechargeable battery with a charging current;
After the amount of electricity stored in the rechargeable battery reaches the second predetermined value and until the third predetermined value is reached, the second charging path selected by the path selection means is used for the second charging path. Charging the rechargeable battery with a charging current;
The charging method according to claim 9.

Images