NZ280310A

NZ280310A - Rechargeable battery pack with flexible covering and overcharge protection

Info

Publication number: NZ280310A
Application number: NZ280310A
Authority: NZ
Inventors: Christopher John Simpson
Original assignee: Christopher John Simpson
Priority date: 1995-10-20
Filing date: 1995-10-20
Publication date: 1997-03-24

Description

Patents Form No. 5 280310 THE PATENTS ACT 1953 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION No: 280310 Date: 20 October 1995 MOBILE OFFICE RECHARGEABLE BATTERY PACK I, CHRISTOPHER JOHN SIMPSON, a New Zealand citizen of 10 Sunnyhill Crescent, Pakuranga, Auckland, New Zealand, hereby declare this invention, for which I pray that a patent may be granted to me, and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement: -l- N.Z. PATENT 5ff\ce1 - 6 DEC 1995 This invention relates to a battery pack. 28 0 3 1 0 A problem experienced by many users of portable computer or telecommunications equipment is that it is often difficult to access a suitable power supply. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide means which goes at least some way towards overcoming this problem.

According to one form of the invention there is provided a battery pack, comprising rechargeable cell means, power input means suitable for receiving power to recharge the cell means when that is necessary, power output means suitable for connection to an item to be powered by the cell means when the battery pack is in use, safety means which can automatically activate when the cell means is being recharged to substantially prevent overcharging of the cell means, and a flexible covering which can be fitted closely around the cell means and opened when necessary to provide access to the cell means.

Preferably the cell means comprises a plurality of cells.

Preferably the safety means comprises a thermal switch.

Preferably the battery pack comprises a diode which is arranged to prevent back feeding of power.

Preferably the power input means comprises a socket.

Preferably the power output means comprises a plug.

Preferably the safety means comprises a thermal fuse which automatically activates at a predetermined temperature to prevent overcharging of the cell means.

Preferably the cell means is covered with a flexible tight-fitting sleeve distinct from the flexible covering.

Some preferred aspects of the invention will now be described by way of example and with fSzTSSNfomcEj P 22 JAN 1997 \ 28 0 3 1 0 reference to the accompanying drawings, of which: FIGURE 1 is a side elevation view of a battery pack suitable for use in powering portable computer or telecommunications equipment, and FIGURE 2 is a plan view of part of the battery pack, showing detail of a thermal switch.

The battery pack comprises six rechargeable nickel metal hydride cells 1 in combination with a DC power input socket 2 and a DC power output plug 3. The input socket 2 can receive electrical power to recharge the cells 1 when that is needed. The output plug 3 serves to connect the battery pack with an item which is to be powered by the cells 1.

The battery pack comprises a thermal switch 4 which is arranged to automatically activate when the battery pack reaches a predetermined temperature. This serves to prevent over-charging of the cells 1. There is also a thermal fuse 5 which acts as a safeguard against overcharging should the thermal switch fail. In at least one form of the invention the cells 1 are each of 1.2 volt capacity, the thermal switch 4 is set to activate at approximately 43 degrees Celsius, and the fuse 5 is set to activate at approximately 98 degrees Celsius. With reference to figure 1. the battery pack also has a diode 6 which is arranged to prevent back feeding of power. The diode 6 also serves to prevent short circuiting of the input socket 2 and the output plug 3. As shown in figure 1, the fuse 5 and the diode 6 are held in place by glass tape 7.

As shown in the drawings, the cells 1 are arranged end on end in two sets of three. Additionally, they are collectively covered by a suitable heat shrink sleeve. To enhance portability the battery pack comprises a flexible covering or case (not shown). Preferably the covering or case is formed from leather or vinyl, although other materials may be substituted if desired. The battery pack is formed such that it has a very high power capacity in relation to its size. This enables it to function for long periods of time before recharging becomes necessary. 280310 While some preferred aspects of the invention have been described by way of example, it should be appreciated that modifications and improvements can occur without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

WHAT I CLAIM IS; -5- 28 0 3 1 1I

1. A battery pack, comprising rechargeable cell means, power input means suitable for receiving power to recharge the cell means when that is necessary, power output means suitable for connection to an item to be powered by the cell means when the battery pack is in use, safety means which can automatically activate when the cell means is being recharged to substantially prevent overcharging of the cell means, and a flexible covering which can be fitted closely around the cell means and opened when necessary to provide access to the cell means.

2. A batteiy pack according to claim 1, wherein the cell means comprises a plurality of cells.

3. A battery pack according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the safety means comprises a thermal switch.

4. A battery pack according to claim 1, 2 or 3, comprising a diode which is arranged to prevent back feeding of power.

5. A battery pack according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the power input means comprises a socket.

6. A batteiy pack according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the power output means comprises a plug.

7. A battery pack according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the safety means comprises a thermal fuse which automatically activates at a predetermined temperature to prevent overcharging of the cell means.

8. A battery pack according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cell means is covered with a flexible tight-fitting sleeve distinct from the flexible covering. 28 0 3 1 0

9. A battery pack substantially as herein described, with reference to the accompanying drawings. CHRISTOPHER JOHN SIMPSON By His Authorised Attorney A.J. Pietias & Associates