TW538573B - An intelligent fast battery charger - Google Patents

Abstract

A micro-controller based intelligent battery charger in which the micro-controller is programmed to assess whether the battery being charged is a ""cold"" battery. The controller will determine whether a detected -DeltaV signal is true or false in order to decide whether a battery has been fully charged by comparing the battery temperature when a -DeltaV signal has been detected with a pre-set threshold.

Description

538573 A7 £ 7 V. Description of the Invention (i) Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a battery charger and a method for charging a rechargeable battery. More particularly, the present invention relates to a battery charger and a method for charging a rechargeable battery having an -AV feature on its charging voltage curve. More specifically, although not limited to this, the present invention relates to a fast battery charger for Nicd * NiMH rechargeable batteries. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Rechargeable batteries are widely used in many portable and mobile electrical and electronic devices and appliances, such as cellular or cordless phones, remote repeaters, remote control components, remote sensors, portable lighting devices, portable radios, Portable drilling machines and many other equipment. Rechargeable batteries are now more popular than disposable batteries because they are more environmentally friendly and save money in the long run. For use in remote locations, rechargeable batteries may be the only practical option. Rechargeable batteries need to be recharged in order to power the devices and appliances in which they are installed. Due to the widespread use of rechargeable batteries, the demand for fast battery chargers is also increasing. These fast battery chargers can fully charge empty batteries ("lc ,, chargers") in about an hour, eliminating the need for users Wait too long when the battery is fully charged for use. For example, for a 1,600mAH rechargeable battery, the rated current of the ic charger is approximately 1.6 A. To facilitate fast and effective battery charging Chargers generally use a high-frequency pulsed charging current with a relatively high rated current. Usually the charging current is pulse width modulated by a relatively high current amplitude to provide a higher average charging current for fast charging. When the charging current is necessary for fast charging, there will be a paper size applicable to the Chinese National Standard (CNS) A4 specification (210X297 mm) (Please read the precautions on the back before filling this page)

4 538573 A7 ___B7 V. Description of the invention (2) The limit on the maximum charging current that can be used without harming the battery, because charging the rechargeable battery with a very high charging current may cause overheating or even the explosion of the rechargeable battery. In short, charging at a rated current of 1C is more popular because this rated charging current is considered to break the balance between reducing the charging time and keeping the battery intact under the existing battery technology.

Although the heat generated when charging a rechargeable battery with a rated current of 1C is generally considered to be safe, the heat generated is still worth noting. Therefore, people hope to turn off the rechargeable battery once the battery is fully charged or no longer want to charge. Battery current supply. If a battery is overcharged, it will generate oxygen at the electrodes and its consumption of oxygen by the cathode will heat the battery. Therefore, it is highly hoped that once the rechargeable battery is fully charged, it can automatically bypass the powerful charging current to avoid damage to the battery due to overcharging and overheating.

There are several common ways to stop battery charging to avoid overcharging and overheating. One of these methods is to set a certain charging time, and the other method is to stop the battery charging once the battery reaches or exceeds a predetermined threshold voltage. Charging the battery for a specific period of time is overly simplistic and unsatisfactory because it is very difficult to choose a period of 7 days that will provide the most appropriate battery charge. On the other hand, charging by setting a target threshold voltage is not reliable, because we know that the maximum terminal voltage that a rechargeable battery can reach depends on the battery conditions. Some rechargeable batteries, such as nickel-cadmium (NiCd) and nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries, have a negative △ voltage ("· Δν ,," characteristic on their voltage charging curve, so the battery will reach a peak voltage, where the peak value After the voltage, the terminal voltage will drop & Zhang Jiu Gu + Guan Xuzhun-538573 A7 B7 V. Description of the invention (3) Low. The appearance of negative △ voltage (“-△ V”) is generally considered to indicate that the battery is adequate Charging. Figure 1 shows the typical charging curve of a nickel-cadmium or nickel-metal hydride battery with a -Δν signal. This negative Δ voltage characteristic is widely recognized and widely used to determine the presence of -MH by detecting the appearance of -Δν The battery is fully charged. This can be achieved, for example, by detecting the occurrence of a peak charging voltage or a zero or negative charging voltage slope, that is, when the charging voltage decreases over time. Rechargeable with -Δν characteristics When the determination of the battery's charging status is more reliable and intelligent, but there are many cases where _ △ ν has been detected but the battery is not fully charged, simply stop the battery charging by detecting the -Δν signal Battery charger is therefore not reliable and will give an error display that the battery is fully charged but is not actually fully charged. Therefore, it is highly desirable to provide a way to determine whether the received Δν signal is correct or incorrect in order to determine whether to continue Or a smart battery charger or battery charging method that stops charging or takes other appropriate steps. People also very much want a device or method that determines or evaluates whether the received -Δν, number is correct or incorrect, so that it can be relatively easily estimated To the state of the -ΔV signal. Object of the invention An object of the present invention is therefore to solve problems or deficiencies associated with existing or known battery chargers, particularly fast battery chargers and series battery chargers. The invention An important purpose is to provide a smart battery charger or battery charger for rechargeable batteries with the _Δν feature. This feature is used to reliably and reliably show that the rechargeable battery has been fully charged while reducing the acceptance display. -ΔΥ signal that the battery is fully charged is please; read first; read back: · Of: write the meaning of this page 丨 things: items · _ again

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This paper is translated into Chinese Standard (CNS) Α4 size (21GX297 mm) 6 538573

The possibility of error. Another important object of the present invention is to provide a smart battery that can detect a correct -Δν signal to decide whether to stop charging the battery or not. An equally important purpose of this gg is to provide an improved device or method for estimating, evaluating or determining whether the ΔΔν signal showing the fully charged state of a rechargeable battery is correct or incorrect. The object of the present invention is at least to provide the public with a battery charger or a battery charging method which does not simply detect the -Δν signal as a decisive test to determine whether the battery is fully charged. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to the present invention, there is provided a battery charger including the following devices: 1) measuring the open circuit voltage ("ocv ,,) of the battery during charging, 2) measuring the voltage in the circuit of the battery during charging ("Ccv"), 3) at least intermittently monitor the ccv in 2) above to detect the occurrence of the CCV (the V signal), and 4) determine whether to continue when detecting the -ΔV signal Charge the battery or treat the battery as being fully charged. The basis for making the above decision is the above-mentioned OCV measured in the above 1), the initial CCV value measured near the start of the charging process, and by comparing the above value with a predetermined A set of parameter values. According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a battery charger having the following devices: 1) measuring the battery's in-circuit voltage ("CCV") during charging, 2) monitoring the CCV at least intermittently to Detect the occurrence of the zero or negative rate of change of the CCV (the "-ΔΥ signal"). This paper size applies the Chinese National Standard (CNS) Α4 specification (210X297 mm) (Please read the precautions on the back before filling this page ) • Equipment 丨

•, I: line · 538573 A7 _______B7 V. Description of the invention (5) 3) Measure the battery temperature near or when the above-ΔV signal appears, 4) compare the measured temperature with a predetermined value, and 5) Decide whether the battery has reached a predetermined value and decide whether to continue charging the battery or whether to repeat the above steps 1) to 3) if the measured temperature is lower than the predetermined value. According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a battery charger having the following means: 1) detecting the occurrence of a -ΔV signal, 2) measuring the battery temperature near or at the time when the -AV signal appears, and 3) at When a -ΔV signal is detected, the measured temperature is compared with a predetermined value. The battery charger preferably includes means for measuring the temperature of the battery near or at the occurrence of the above-AV signal and comparing the measured temperature with a predetermined value in order to take the above step 5). According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of charging a rechargeable battery, the method comprising the following steps: 1) measuring the open circuit voltage ("OCV") of the battery before charging, 2) measuring the battery during charging Battery's in-circuit voltage ("CCV"), 3) monitor the CCV in 2) above to detect the occurrence of zero or negative rate of change of the CCV (the "-Δν signal"), 4) during the detection of the- AV signal, when deciding whether to continue to charge the battery or consider the battery to be fully charged, the basis for making the above decision This paper size applies the Chinese National Standard (CNS) Α4 specification (210X297 mm) (please first Read the notes on the reverse side and fill in this page) '· Order — 538573 A7 B7 Electric V. Description of the Invention (6) The above OCV measured at 1) above, the initial CCV measured near the beginning of the charging process, and passed the above value and For comparison of a predetermined set of parameter values, 5) repeat the above steps 2) to 4) until the battery is considered to be fully charged or the battery has satisfied other preset parameters. According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for charging a rechargeable battery, the method comprising the following steps: 1) measuring the battery's in-circuit voltage ("ccv") during charging, 2) monitoring said CCV, To detect the occurrence of the zero or negative rate of change of the CCV (the "-△ V signal"), 3) measure the battery temperature near or when the-△ v signal appears, and compare the measured temperature with a predetermined 4) If the measured temperature is lower than a predetermined value, continue to charge the battery and repeat the above steps 丨) to 3), otherwise the battery will be considered fully charged. The above-mentioned charging method preferably further includes a step of measuring the battery temperature near or when the -ΔV signal appears and comparing the measured temperature with a predetermined value in order to make the decision of step 5) above. If the measured temperature exceeds a predetermined value, the battery is preferably considered to be fully charged. If the measured temperature is equal to or lower than a predetermined value, it is preferable that the battery is tolerated to require further charging. The above parameters preferably include the following groups: The first group 1) the initial 0cv less than 0.9 volts, and the size of this paper applies the Chinese National Standard (CNS) A4 specification (210 × 297), (please read the precautions on the back before filling (舄 Page) • Order —: Line 丨 9 538573 A7, ^ ------- B7___ V. Description of the invention (7) 2) Initial CCV greater than 1.7 volts, or second group 1) greater than or equal to 0.9 The initial 0 CV of volts, and 2) the initial CCV between 1.55 and 1.9 volts. Brief description of the drawings The different preferred embodiments of the present invention will be explained in further detail by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings. In these figures: Figure 1 shows a typical charging voltage-time curve of a rechargeable battery with -Δν characteristics, Figure 2 shows the typical charging curve of a type I cold battery. In this battery, the _ △ V signal appears at the beginning of the charging process and has a significant peak. Figure 3 shows the typical charging curve of a π-type cold battery. In this battery, the charge voltage slope is' zero after the battery has been charged for an extended period of time and for most of this time, and a false -Δν signal appears. Figure 4 shows the typical charging curve of type I cold battery in Figure 2, including a corresponding battery temperature curve, Figure 5 shows the typical charging curve of type II cold battery in Figure 3, including a corresponding battery temperature Curve, FIG. 6 is a simple flow chart, which shows a preferred embodiment of a process that determines and classifies cold batteries by referring to the 0CV and the initial CCV. FIG. 7 is a The paper size for charging the battery in the preferred embodiment is applicable to the Chinese National Standard (CNS) A4 specification (2 ^ X29 »^) 10 f (Please read the precautions on the back before filling this page) · Order · 538573 A7 B7 5 (8) Flow chart of the process. FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing the process of charging a standard rechargeable battery. This process can be used with the currently preferred embodiment. FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing the current preferred process. The flowchart of the operation process of the alkaline battery detected by the charging circuit of the embodiment is shown in FIG. 10. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the overall circuit connection of the preferred embodiment of the battery charger using the present invention. The preferred embodiment is described in detail. For rechargeable batteries with a Δν charging feature, such as NiCd and NiMH batteries, the detection of the occurrence of the -Δν signal has been widely used as a decisive indication to the controller of a battery charger that the battery is completely full. . However, it is noticed that many rechargeable batteries that are considered to have been fully charged by such a charger are not fully charged 'and such a "fully charged" display is easily misleading. This can be detrimental to users who rely on a surface that is fully charged in critical applications and who only discover afterwards that this is not the case. As a result, users can be confused because they can no longer rely on displays that may only be misleading by the battery charger. To reduce inconvenience, disappointment, or even embarrassment, many users simply throw away this battery when abnormal characteristics occur. Unfortunately, most consumers can only find such anomalies after they start using them and after such inconvenience, disappointment, or embarrassment appears. Based on a series of studies and experiments, the inventors found that the batteries showing such undesired signals are mainly those batteries that have been used for a long time and have not been used but have been stored for a long time. During this period, the batteries (Please read the precautions on the back before filling this page), install · •, OK 丨; line ·

538573 A7 B7 V. Description of the invention ((Please read the notes on the back before filling this page) Chemical substances may be adversely changed. In general, we notice that the chemical substances in the battery will become like after long-term storage Crystal-like things, for the sake of convenience, such batteries are hereinafter collectively referred to as `` cold, '' batteries. It has been found that such cold batteries are not all defective, and they have been removed by using high-frequency charging current until they are basically removed. When the crystalline substance or the chemical in the battery returns to the desired state, such a cold battery can be restored or repaired. This process is also commonly called "wake up, cold battery. We notice the frequency range A charging current between 20-40KHz will bring reasonable results to wake up the cold battery. On the basis of further research and experiments, 'we noticed that there are generally two types of cold batteries, namely, type I and type Η. This The charging voltage characteristics of both types of cold batteries are shown in Figures 2-5. Referring to Figures 2 and 4, they show NiCd or NiMH type I cold batteries, where the horizontal axis represents Electric time, the vertical axis represents the charging voltage, that is, the voltage measured at the battery terminal when a rechargeable battery is inserted into the charger and charged. Throughout this description, this voltage is referred to as the in-circuit voltage ("CCV ”). In general, it is preferable to measure the voltage in this circuit when there is no transient charging current, so that the measured battery voltage is the most accurate. Of course, other voltage measurement methods with appropriate adjustments or corrections can also be used. After observation This type of I-type battery has the following outstanding features: (1) the initial cut-off voltage ("OCV") is less than the threshold voltage of 0.9 volts, (2) the voltage in the starting circuit ("ccv"), that is, in the short-term The voltage in the initial circuit measured within the time, that is, less than 3 minutes after the start of charging, is greater than i 7 volts. When charging this type I cold battery, we noticed that the paper size at the start of charging is subject to Chinese national standards (⑽) A4 specification (210X297 public love) 12 538573 A7 B7 V. Description of the invention (10 (Please read the precautions on the back before filling this page) Instantly and during the initial stage of the charging process, especially during charging Within 3 or 4 minutes after the start of the process, the initial Ccv rises sharply. Of course, this is completely before the rechargeable battery is actually fully charged. Therefore, if such a j-type cold battery can be used by the battery It will be useful for the charger to recognize and approve such that an incorrect -Δν signal is not considered as a display of a fully charged battery. Once an incorrect -Δν signal has been identified, the battery charger will recognize it as It is a cold battery and preferably follows the "wake-up," or repair, for example, by supplying the rechargeable battery with a preferred high-frequency pulse charging current of 20-40KHz until a correct -ΔV signal is detected. We note that Type I cold batteries can be determined by using any two of the following parameters: (1) an initial OCV less than 0.9 volts, (2) an initial CCV greater than 1.7 volts, and (3) in one Within a short period of time, especially within 3 minutes after the start of the charging process, the error -Δν signal appears. In particular, the third parameter can be identified in the first few minutes of charging by detecting the appearance of peaks, the appearance of negative or zero charging curves, and the drastic initial change rate of charging voltage, namely, dv / dt. The value of 0 · 9 volts was selected for standard 1 because, for a rechargeable battery in good condition, even if it can be discharged below 0.9 volts, its OCV will recover to more than 1 volt after a short rest. The initial 0CV of 0.9V is a good indication of some abnormal battery conditions. Similarly, as shown in the table below Figure 6, the maximum fully charged peak voltages of NiMH and NiCd batteries are 1.55 volts and 65 volts, respectively. An initial CCV exceeding 1.7 volts also showed abnormality. The value of 1.7 volts as standard 2 is for easy use of both types of batteries. When this paper size applies the Chinese National Standard (CNS) A4 specification (210X297 mm) 13 538573 A7 B7 V. Description of the invention (11 Of course, you can choose a smaller threshold for a specific type of battery. See Figure 3, which shows that The charging voltage and time curve of the n-type cold battery are also characterized. The charging curve of the type II cold battery is also characterized by a sharp rise in the initial charging voltage slope at the beginning of the charging process. This charging process is followed by an extended gentle Charging voltage zone or a plateau level near zero charging slope 'This period of time lasts approximately 25-30 minutes before the false -Δν signal appears. The circuit is measured at the beginning of CCV, which is shortly after the start of the charging process, such as 丨 minutes When the internal voltage is greater than 1.55 volts, the initial OCV of such a π-type cold battery is usually greater than 0.9 volts. In general, the smooth level of the charging curve is prolonged by about 25-3 before the false -Δν signal appears. Min. This π-type cold battery can have any two of the following parameters: (1) The initial OCV is within the normal range of a good condition rechargeable battery, that is, both NiMH and NiCd batteries are up 0.9 volts, (2) The initial CCV, which is the voltage measured in the circuit shortly after the start of charging, is greater than the maximum voltage expected for a good condition rechargeable battery. This maximum voltage is ι for NiMH and NiCd batteries, respectively 55 volts and 65 volts. If a battery meets the OCV of the above condition (1) but the CCV is less than the CCV of the condition, the battery can be classified as a good battery. (3) Similarly, this type II cold battery can be It is identified by a combination of the normal starting ocv and the onset of a sharp rise in the charging voltage. Different numbers or combinations of cold battery classifications have been identified, and such parameters have been used to determine these After the battery can be classified as a cold battery, it is determined whether the _Δν signal received later is correct or incorrect-the Δν signal is further necessary. The Chinese National Standard (CNS) Α4 specification applies to the paper size of the rechargeable cold battery. (210X297mm) 14 (Please read the notes on the back before filling out this page) "Order 丨 538573 V. Description of Invention (l2) During further research, we noticed the errors of j-type and π-type cold batteries I ........ installation-(Please read the precautions on the back before filling out this page) △ v # are relatively It occurs at a low time, at which time the battery is far from being fully charged. See Figures 4 and 5 for a graph of the charging voltage and the battery temperature-time curve. This charging voltage and temperature characteristics have been determined by the present invention. The inventors have identified and used to distinguish between true and false _ΔV signals. In this improved battery charging method, the battery's charging voltage and temperature are measured and tracked so that when the _Δν signal is detected, it will be at or about At that instant, the measured temperature is compared to a pre-defined temperature threshold. If the measured temperature is lower than the threshold temperature, the · Δν signal is considered to be an incorrect -ΔV signal and the battery charger will continue to charge until a correct -Δν signal is detected or the charging time has elapsed. At or about the time when a _Δν signal is detected ’If the temperature of the battery reaches a predetermined threshold, then it is considered that a correct _Δν signal has been detected. As a queen measure, also set a maximum safe battery temperature limit line, so that if the battery has not been detected even if the maximum allowable temperature has been reached. △ V signal, the battery charger will be turned off until the temperature returns to an acceptable level . In short, the detection of the initial charging slope of the sharp rise and fall will be very positive, and the appearance of the I5L or II type cold battery. Therefore, if it is less than 0.9 volts and the initial CCV is greater than L7 volts, then the battery is either a ^ -type cold battery or a good battery. On the other hand, if the initial 0CV is within the normal range, that is, between 0.5 volts and 155 volts for NiMH batteries, and 538,573 A7 and B7 for Nicd batteries. 5. Description of the invention (l3) 0.9 volts and 1.65 Between volts, but if the initial CCV is greater than 1.55 volts for NiMH batteries and 1.65 volts for NiCd batteries, then the cold battery is of type II. In any case, if the initial CCV exceeds 1.9 volts, this is not a rechargeable alkaline battery and the battery will be removed or bypassed from the charging circuit. Figures 6-9 show a flowchart of a preferred process for charging a rechargeable battery. This process includes the battery recovery process if Type I and Type II cold batteries have been tested. Referring to Figure 6, at the beginning of the charging process (100), the battery charger first measures the open circuit voltage ("OCV") (step 200), and then measures the internal circuit voltage ("CCV") (300, 400). The CCV is measured within a short time of the start of the charging process, for example, 1-3 minutes. Both OCV and CCV can be measured using a microprocessor-controlled voltage measurement circuit as shown in Figure 10. If the initial OCV is less than 0.9 volts and the initial CCV is 1.7 volts or more, the battery will be classified as a cold battery and the battery charging process will begin. On the other hand, if the initial OCV is equal to or greater than 0.9 volts, then the initial CCV is measured. In step 400, if the initial CCV is equal to or greater than 1.9 volts, this is an alkaline battery that should not be charged and the alkaline battery operation process will begin. If the initial OCV measured in step 200 is equal to or greater than 0.9 volts and the initial CCV measured in steps 400 and 500 is between 1.55 volts and 1.9 volts, the battery is classified as a cold battery and explained below The cold battery charging process will apply. Finally, if the initial OCV measured in step 200 exceeds 0.9 volts and the initial CCV is less than 1.55 volts, the battery will be classified as good 16 (Please read the precautions on the back before filling this page) This paper size applies China National Standard (CNS) A4 specification (210X297 mm) 538573 A7 B7 V. Description of the invention (14 normal battery, and the battery will be charged in accordance with the normal battery charging process which will also be explained below. Now let ’s look at the 7th The figure shows an example of a preferred cold battery charging process, in which the battery is classified as a cold battery. Regardless of the! Or π type, the battery charger charges the normal battery. Considering the availability of truly defective batteries The charging process will be limited by the dead time, ie, 60 minutes, to stop charging, because a truly useless or defective battery will not send the correct -Δν signal. During the charging process, the battery charger will Track the charging voltage curve from beginning to end and look for the △ V signal. When a-△ V signal is detected, whether through the detection of the peak value or the detection of a zero in the charging curve Or negative slope, the battery temperature at that moment will be measured. If the measured battery temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold, ie 35 ° C for NiMH and NiCd batteries, a true -AV signal has been detected and The normal charging process is complete. Of course, the choice of 35 ° C is only the result of a balanced application, and other temperature thresholds can also be used. After detecting a correct -ΔΥ signal, the charger then either stops charging or switches In the de-charging mode, in this de-charging mode, a smaller charging current is provided to compensate for the small leakage that often occurs. On the other hand, if the correct -Δν signal is not detected in steps 630 and 650, the The battery charger will continue to charge the battery until a correct -Δν signal is detected or the timer has cut off the charging current. During the charging process, the battery temperature is also monitored to prevent it from exceeding the maximum set at 55t in this embodiment. Safe temperature. Of course, other safe temperature limits can also be set. Once a high battery temperature is detected, the battery charger may shut down or the paper Dimensions are applicable to China National Standard (CNS) A4 specifications (210X297 mm) 17 ............. install ---------- -------- 、 may -............... line · (Please read the precautions on the back before filling in this page) 538573 A7 B7 V. Description of the invention ( 15) The battery being charged will be bypassed. When the battery temperature returns to an acceptable level, charging will continue. Now let's look at Figure 8 which shows the normal battery charging process. When the battery being charged is classified When it is a good or normal battery, then it will be charged quickly from the battery charger until the time set by the timer runs out or a · △ V signal is detected. The timer of the 1 c charger is preferably set to expire in about one hour, as this is normal time, during which time a good battery should be fully charged. After detecting a _Δν signal, the battery charger will terminate the charging process and switch to the de-current charging mode or terminate the charging. During the charging process and before the _ △ V signal appears, the battery temperature will be monitored to avoid overheating and similarly, the battery may be bypassed from charging until the battery temperature returns to normal. Figure 9 shows the flow chart when a battery has been detected. When an alkaline battery with an initial CCV greater than 1.9 volts is detected, the battery is immediately bypassed to avoid overheating or even explosion. A warning signal will be generated to warn the user to remove the battery from the charger. Referring to Fig. 10, there is shown an example of a block diagram of a fast series battery charger circuit, which is suitable for operating with the above charging method. The battery charger includes a DC power supply, an uninterruptible power supply, a microcontroller (or microprocessor) unit, and some battery charging sections in series. At the same time, a data memory for storing the measured data is also provided. Whether it is a separate memory device, such as a RAM, or the memory already in the microcontroller. There is also a thermal sensor that measures the temperature of the battery during charging. 18 (Please read the precautions on the back before filling this page) This paper size is applicable to the Chinese National Standard (CNS) A4 specification (210X297 mm) 538573 A7 B7 V. Connection of the series battery charging section described in the description of the invention (l6) To the positive and negative poles of the DC power supply (100) in order to obtain DC with the correct polarity. The battery charger includes four charging sections connected in series, each charging section having a positive terminal and a negative terminal for connection to a battery terminal to be charged. Each charging section is designed for different types of rechargeable batteries, such as AAA or AA, and they can be selected by SW1-1 to SW1-4 switches. The positive and negative terminals of the charging section are connected to the analog / digital conversion interface of the microcontroller for voltage measurement. Each charging section is equipped with a bypass switch, so that the battery being charged is substantially bypassed, and current can pass through the series of charging sections without passing through the battery. In addition, the battery charger includes an uninterruptible power supply, a voltage regulator, and a microprocessor. The microprocessor controls the bypass switch in the charging section and uses information obtained from the thermal sensor to determine if the battery is overheating. When the above flow diagram shows an example of a preferred process for charging a variety of cold and good batteries, it should be understood that many different variations of the charging process based on the useful parameters identified and described herein can be used to give Rechargeable batteries that are considered cold batteries for long-term storage or use. In this embodiment, different parameters, i.e., OC V, CCV, and temperature of each charging section battery can be monitored and tracked separately, so that parameters useful for determining battery performance can be obtained. When the present invention has been explained by referring to the different specific embodiments described above, it should be understood that these embodiments are provided only to assist in understanding, and in no case should they rely on these embodiments to limit or reduce Paper size is applicable to China National Standard (CNS) A4 specification (210X297). 19 ...........: installed ---------- -------- 、 Yes ------------------ line · (Please read the precautions on the back before filling this page) 538573 A7 B7 V. Description of the invention (17) The scope of the present invention. In addition, it should also be understood that the scope of the present invention should be interpreted according to the spirit of the above-mentioned invention and naturally encompasses modifications or changes that are obvious or ordinary to those skilled in the art. In particular, the present invention determines a variety of unique parameters that determine whether a battery is a "cold" battery, as well as a wide variety of which can be used individually and together and can be quickly charged in any order without affecting the invention The range is also without loss of universality. 20 (Please read the notes on the back before filling out this page) This paper size is applicable to China National Standard (CNS) A4 (210X297 mm)

Claims (1)

538573 Printed clothing by the Consumer Cooperative of the Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs _ ^ _ VI. Patent application scope 1. A battery charger including the following devices: i) measuring the open circuit voltage ("OCV") of the battery before charging begins, ii) measuring the battery's internal voltage ("CCV") during charging, iii) following the CCV in 2) above to detect the occurrence of the above-mentioned cc rate (the "· △ ▽ signal"), iv) After detecting the Δν money, decide whether to continue to charge the battery or treat the battery as being fully charged. The basis of the above decision is the above-mentioned 0Cv measured in the above i) and measured near the start of the charging process The initial CCV is calculated by comparing the above value with a predetermined set of parameter values. 2. The battery charger according to item 1 of the scope of patent application, further comprising a device for measuring the temperature of the battery, the temperature being measured at or about the time when the above- △ XM signal appears, the device is also for the above step v) The decision is made while comparing the measured temperature to a predetermined value. 3. A battery charger, including the following devices: I) measuring the battery's in-circuit voltage ("CCV") during charging, II) tracking the CCV to detect the zero or negative rate of change of the ccv (the "-Δν signal"), III) measure the temperature of the battery at or about the time when the _ △ V signal appears, IV) compare the measured temperature with a predetermined and Chinese paper standard (CNS) A4 specification (210 X 297 mm ------- >% * f Please read the precautions on the back before filling in this page) ----- 'I order ----- line. 21 Ministry of Economy Printed by the Intellectual Property Bureau employee consumer cooperative 538573 _____—_ S___ VI. Application scope V) Decide whether the battery has reached the predetermined value and decide whether to continue charging the battery, or if the measured temperature is lower than the predetermined value Repeat steps i) to iii) above. 4. A battery charger comprising the following devices: i) detecting the appearance of a ΔV signal, ii) measuring the temperature of the battery at or about the time when the above-Δν signal appears, iii) after detecting a-△ V signal The measured temperature is compared with a predetermined value. 5. · A method of charging a rechargeable battery, including the following steps: i) measuring the open circuit voltage ("OCV") of the battery before charging begins, ii) measuring the voltage in the circuit of the battery during charging ( "CCV"), iii) tracking the CCV in ii) above to detect the occurrence of the zero or negative rate of change of said ccv (the "-Δν signal"), iv) after detecting the -Λν signal, decide whether to Continue to charge the battery or treat the battery as fully charged. The basis for making the above decision is the ocv measured at i) above, the initial CCV value measured near the beginning of the charging process, and by comparing the above value with a predetermined A set of parameter values, v) repeat the above steps d) to iv) until the battery is considered to be fully charged or other preset parameters have been met. 6. The charging method as described in item 5 of the scope of the patent application, further comprising applying the Chinese National Standard (CNS) A4 specification (210 X 297) at this paper size. I ------------- ^ · I I ---- I ------- (Please read the precautions on the back before filling out this page) 22 Printed Clothing for Employee Cooperatives of the Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs 538573 A8 B8 One C8 One *- -----__ D8__ _ VI. Steps under the scope of patent application ... Measure the temperature of the battery at or about the time when the -Δν signal appears and compare the measured temperature with a predetermined value in order to make the above step v) decision . 7. The charging method according to item 6 of the scope of patent application, characterized in that, if the temperature of the tester is higher than the predetermined value, the battery is considered to be fully sufficient. 8. The charging method according to item 6 of the scope of patent application, characterized in that if the temperature of the above measurement is equal to or lower than the predetermined temperature, the battery is considered to require further charging. 9. The charging method according to item 5 of the scope of patent application, characterized in that the above-mentioned parameters include the following groups: The first group: ⑴ less than 0.9V starting ocv, and (ii) greater than 1.7 volts The starting CCV, or the second group (I) is greater than or equal to the starting Ocv of 0.9 Volts, and (II) the starting between 1.5 5 and 1.9 Volts (: (: ¥. 10. If applying for a patent The charging method according to the fifth item is characterized in that, if the OCV is smaller than a predetermined value, when the decision in the fifth item of the above-mentioned patent application is made, the first appearance of the-△ ν signal can be ignored. The charging method according to item 9 of the scope of patent application, wherein the predetermined value is 0.9 Volts for NiCd and NiMH batteries. 12. The charging method according to item 9 of the scope of patent application, characterized in that If the initial value of the above CCV exceeds a predetermined value, the Chinese national standard (CNS) A4 specification (210 X 297 public love) is applied to the above paper size. I .------------ ------ Order --------- line,-(Please read the notes on the back before filling this page) 23 5385 73 When printed by the Consumer Cooperative of the Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, the decision in item 5 of the scope of patent application, the first occurrence of the _Δν signal can be ignored. 13. The charging method according to item 11 of the patent application scope, wherein the predetermined value is 1.7 volts for NiCd and NiMH batteries. 14. The charging method according to item 5 of the scope of patent application, further comprising calculating an initial change rate of the ccv, characterized in that if the change rate of the ccv is significantly higher than the change rate of a battery in good condition, When making a decision as described in item 5 of the aforementioned patent application scope, the appearance of the first signal may be ignored. 15. A method of charging a rechargeable battery, including the following steps: i) measuring the battery's in-circuit voltage ("CCV") during charging, ii) tracking the CCV to detect a zero or negative rate of change of the ccv (The "· △ V signal"), iii) measure the temperature of the battery at or about the time when the V signal appears and compare the measured temperature with a predetermined value, iv) if the measured temperature When it is lower than the predetermined value, continue to charge the battery and repeat the above steps 丨) to 3), otherwise, the battery is considered to be fully charged. 16. The charging method according to item 15 of the scope of patent application, wherein the above parameters include the following groups: The first group (i) an initial OCV less than 0.9 volts, and (ii) an initial OCV greater than 1.7 volts CCV, or this paper size applies Chinese National Standard (CNS) A4 specification (210 X 297 mm) 111— IIII · I 1 II 1--t — — — — — — — — — (Please read the notes on the back first (Fill in this page again) 24 538573 6. The second group of patent applications (0 greater than or equal to 0.9V initial 0CV, and (11) initial CCV between 1.55 and 1.9 Volts. 17. Charging method as described in item 15 of the patent application scope , Characterized in that the above-mentioned predetermined temperature is 35 for NiCd and NiMH batteries. (:. (Please read the precautions on the back before filling this page) $ Order --------- Line-Ministry of Economy Wisdom The paper size printed by the Property Cooperative Consumer Cooperative is applicable to the Chinese National Standard (CNS) A4 (210 X 297 mm)