WO2012101480A1

WO2012101480A1 - Battery charger

Info

Publication number: WO2012101480A1
Application number: PCT/IB2011/050331
Authority: WO
Inventors: Serge Simon NAKACHE
Original assignee: Nakache Serge Simon
Priority date: 2011-01-26
Filing date: 2011-01-26
Publication date: 2012-08-02
Also published as: EP2668707A1

Abstract

A battery charger comprises a charging means (10) for charging a battery; a power source means (30) for providing power to the charging means; a battery detection means (20) for detecting the type of the battery to be charged by the charging means; at least one battery receptacle for receiving the battery. The battery detection means comprises a signal processing device adapted for measuring and analyzing the voltage of the battery. The signal processing device comprises a means for comparing between the first and second voltages of the battery when the battery is positioned within the battery receptacle. The battery charger can charge or discharge different types of batteries.

Description

BATTERY CHARGER

Field of the invention

The present invention relates broadly to a battery charger. More specifically, the invention relates to a battery charger for charging or discharging alkaline battery and other types of batteries.

Background Art

Originally, a traditional battery charger is required to choose the type of battery manually in order to charge the selected type of battery, such as rechargeable nickel metal hydride and alkaline batteries. Another problem is that the battery charger produces an intermittent non-continuous electric current during charging. Such the electric current is extremely low and requires long hours to only partially charge the alkaline battery. A further problem is that it has no cut off function in the battery charger. A further is that the existing charger cannot charge different type of batteries at the same time. The present invention provides a solution for these problems.

Disclosure of invention

The present invention provides a battery charger comprising a charging means for charging a battery; a power source means for providing power to the charging means; a battery detection means for detecting a type of battery to be charged by the charging means; at least one battery receptacle for receiving the battery; the battery detection means comprising a signal processing device adapted for measuring and analyzing the voltage of the battery; and the signal processing device comprising a means for comparing between a first and second voltages of the battery during the time when the battery is positioned within the battery receptacle. Typically, an output member of the power source means for providing electric current to the charging means is mounted to an input member of the charging means for providing the electric current to the battery

Typically, the battery detection means is mounted to the charging means.

Typically, the battery charger comprises a power discharge means for discharging the power from the battery which is in the battery receptacle.

Typically, a switching device adapted for controlling the electric current to pass through is mounted to the charging means.

Typically, the power source means comprises a rectifier and a transformer.

Typically, the battery charger comprises a shell for enclosing the charging means, the battery detection means and the power source means.

Typically, the shell comprises a printed circuit board.

Typically, the shell comprises at least one battery receptacle.

Typically, at least two output members of the charging means are mounted to the ends of the battery receptacle.

Typically, the battery is charged in the battery receptacle which is connected to the power source means.

Typically, the at least one battery is rechargeable.

Typically, the battery charger further comprises an adjusting means for adjusting electric current for charging the battery.

Typically, the battery charger further comprises a means for producing a continuous electric current.

Typically, the at least one battery is an alkaline battery.

Typically, the at least one battery comprises Nickel Metal Hydride.

Typically, the at least one battery further comprises Nickel Cadmium.

Typically, the battery charger further comprises a device for detecting delta voltage. Typically, the device for detecting delta voltage has a cut off function.

Typically, the battery charger further comprises a device for detecting the charging time and is adapted to terminate the charging operation when the time is over the preset value.

Typically, the battery charger further comprises a device for detecting operation temperature and is adapted to terminate the charging operation when the temperature is over the preset value.

Typically, the battery charger further comprises a device for detecting polarity of the at least one battery and is adapted to terminate the charging operation when the end of the cell is wrongly mounted to the member for receiving the at least one battery.

Typically, the battery charger further comprises a device for detecting the value of electric current of the battery charger and is adapted to terminate the charging operation when the value of electric current is over the preset value.

Typically, the battery charger further comprises a device for detecting the short current of the battery charger and is adapted to terminate the charging operation when it is short current.

Typically, the battery charger further comprises a device for preventing the current leakage of the battery charger.

Brief Description of Drawings

This and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon reading of the following detailed descriptions and drawings, in which:

FIG 1 shows a flowchart of the operation of an embodiment of the invention;

FIG 2 shows the operation of the signal processing device of the battery detection means; FIG 3 shows a shell of an embodiment of the present invention; FIG 4 shows a plain view of a circuit diagram of the present invention;

FIG 5 shows a design of a printed circuit board of an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG 6 shows a design of the printed circuit board of another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG 7 shows a perspective view of the present invention.

Best Mode(s) for Carrying out the Invention

In a preferred embodiment, a battery charger comprises a charging means 10, a battery detection means 20 and a power source means 30, wherein an output of the power source means 30 and an input of the charging means 10 are connected together. An output of the charging means 10 is connected with one or more than one rechargeable battery. The battery detection means 20 is connected with the charging means 10. A power discharge means 40 is mounted to the battery detection means 20. The input of the power source means is connected to external power network.

When the charging means 10 starts charging the rechargeable battery, the battery detection means 20 will test and identify the kind of the rechargeable battery in which it is charging and will implement the possible charging method to charge the particular type of the rechargeable battery.

If the rechargeable battery has power inside, the power discharge means 40 will perform a fast discharge action for the rechargeable battery before discharging action made by the charging means 10 to the rechargeable battery.

An on/off device is mounted to the charging means 10, wherein the on/off device is positioned between the input and output of the charging means 10.

When the rechargeable battery is connected to the output of the charging means 10 and the on/ off device is in a closed position, the charging means 10 will then charge the rechargeable battery

A signal processing device 21 is mounted to the battery detection means 20.

The signal processing device 21 performs test and identify the voltage of the rechargeable battery. Based on the result made by the signal processing device 21, the charging time will be determined and adjusted by closing the on/off device of the charging means 10. Thus, the related pulse duty cycle will be under control.

The signal processing device 21 comprises an internal detection means 211 and an execution means 212.

When the signal processing device 21 tests the voltage of the rechargeable battery, the signal processing device 21 will receive the voltage signal from the rechargeable battery and then forward to the internal detection means 211 for testing the above voltage signal within a predetermined period of time. The type of rechargeable battery can therefore be determined by comparing the initial value voltage and the final value of the voltage taken from the above voltage signal during the predominated period of time.

Further, the test result taken from the internal detection means 211 will send to the execution means 212 and is implemented by the pulse width modulator of the execution means 212.

By adjusting the period of time of making the on/ off device in a closed position, the pulse width modulator can therefore control the pulse duty cycle so that the charging means 10 is able to charge different type of the rechargeable by performing different pulse duty cycle.

Additionally, when the charging means 10 charges the rechargeable battery, the particular pulse duty cycle will be made by testing and identification of the particular rechargeable battery by the battery detection means 20. The invention can charge various types of batteries, but can also charge the alkaline battery.

The power source means 30 comprises a rectifier and a transformer; the power source means 30 will rectify and transform the current from power network and output to the charging means 10, wherein it provides the operation current to the charging means 10 and the battery detection means 20.

In the preferred embodiment, a circuit is mounted to a printed circuit board. The printed circuit board is mounted inside a shell 50. The shell 50 comprises a least one battery receptacle 51. The output of the charging means is mounted to the ends of the battery receptacle 51. The rechargeable battery will then be positioned in the battery receptacle 51. Additionally, the battery receptacle 51 is used to connect the rechargeable battery to the charging means 10. And the input of the power source means30 is mounted to the shell 50 and is connected to the power network.

Typically, the battery charger has a detection system or battery detection means 20 that makes it recognize different types of battery or battery, such as Rechargeable Nickel Cadmium, Nickel Metal Hydride and alkaline batteries. It requires a very low current to recharge alkaline batteries or battery and a high current to recharge the Nickel Cadmium and Nickel Metal Hydride batteries. The present invention works on a continuous phasing basis. The present invention provides a Micro Controller Unit ("MCU") for controlling low charging current; for example, it produces 500mA for charging alkaline battery or battery, 700 mA for charging Nickel Cadmium or Nickel Metal Hydride battery or battery. A continuous electric current with charging pulse time of 0.2 micro seconds for charging alkaline, Nickel Cadmium or Nickel Metal Hydride batteries are controlled by MCU. The above charging method ensures fully charged on the charged batteries and to avoid the charged cells to be overcharged and exploded.

By the above method, the alkaline battery or battery can be charged with the period of less than 1 hour 30 minutes. It takes for about 4 hours for Nickel Cadmium or Nickel Metal Hydride battery. The battery charger comprises a device to detect alkaline, Nickel Cadmium, Nickel Metal Hydride battery. The battery charger further comprises a device for cutting off the charging operation by means of using Delta Voltage Typically, the present invention sets a "Timer Control Protection" at 1 hour and 30 minutes and "High Temperature Protection" at a maximum temperature of 55 degree Celsius.

Additionally, the present invention comprises protective functions of "Reverse Polarity Protection" and "Over current Protection".

Additionally, the present invention comprises a device for preventing electric current leakage in order to minimize any loss of capacity and maintain charging of battery by controlling - current leakage.

Basically, the present invention can charge 1 to 4 units of AA or 1 to 4 units of AAA sized Ni-MH or Ni-Cd or alkaline batteries. An integrated circuit controls the charging process. An automated power cut-off function with -AV/OAV (Delta V) control ensures the battery is fully charged and will not be over charged. The battery charger further comprises over-current protection. The constant electric current charging mode avoids the influence of fluctuation of the electric current to battery's performance, guaranteeing safety. The battery charger further comprises a device for detecting the occurrence of short circuited battery or defective battery.

The battery charger further comprises a double-color indicators which displays the charging process where red light of the indicator represents "charging", "Red Flashing" represents it has defective batteries and "Green light" represents the battery is fully charged and/or on trickle charging.

A technical specification of the present invention is as follows:

a. Charger Input: 100-240V AC, 50/60Hz, 8W

b. Output: 1.5VDC

c. Charging current:

AA(R6)/AAA(R03) Ni-Cd/Ni-MHx2: 700mA

AA(R6)/AAA(R03) Ni-Cd/Ni-MHx4: 700mA

AA(LR6)/AAA(LR3) Alkalinex2: 350mA AA(LR6)/AAA(LR3) Alkalinex4: 350mA

For the procedure of charging of the present invention, the battery charger can charge 1, 2, 3 or 4pcs of AA or AAA size Ni-MH or Ni-Cd or alkaline batteries in any combination. Firstly, it is require to put 1 to 4pcs of AA/AAA size Ni-MH/Ni-Cd rechargeable batteries into the corresponding charging slots of the battery charger. Ensure the proper alignment of the "+/-" terminals of the batteries with the ones in the battery charger. Otherwise, the battery charger will not function. And it is required to connect one end of the mains lead with the battery charger and the other end with the mains socket. The indicator of the battery charger flashes in red and green for once then turns off.

When the batteries are properly inserted and the battery charger is connected with outlet, the indicators turn red and the battery charger begins the charging process. When the batteries are fully charged, the indicators turn green, then batteries will be continued charging at trickle current to maintain the full power. The battery charger will not charge if defective batteries are inserted. The indicators will flash with red light.

Typically, the charging time of various types of battery are shown as follows:

For the voltage data of the alkaline battery or battery charged by the battery charger, it represents as follows:

(Test condition : Load Resistance ( +0.5%) 3.9Ω ' Time : 0.3s, Temperature : 20 +

Normal temperature for 12 Months 1.40

For the voltage data of Nickel Metal Hydride or Nickel Cadmium battery, it represents as follows:

Charging Curves at Various rates (20^"C)

100 120 140 160 180

Capacity Charged/%

Ni-MH

Industrial Applicability

The present invention is of use in the field of charging or discharging different types of batteries including alkaline batteries.

Claims

Claims I claim:

1. A battery charger comprising:

a charging means for charging a battery;

a power source means for providing power to the charging means;

a battery detection means for detecting a type of battery to be charged by the charging means;

at least one battery receptacle for receiving the battery;

the battery detection means comprising a signal processing device adapted for measuring and analyzing the voltage of the battery; and

the signal processing device comprising a means for comparing between a first and second voltages of the battery during the time when the battery is positioned within the battery receptacle.

2. The battery charger according to claim 1, wherein an output member of the power source means for providing electric current to the charging means is mounted to an input member of the charging means for providing the electric current to the battery

3. The battery charger according to claim 1, wherein the battery detection means is mounted to the charging means.

4. The battery charger according to claim 1, wherein the battery charger comprises a power discharge means for discharging the power from the battery which is in the battery receptacle.

5. The battery charger according to claim 1, wherein a switching device adapted for controlling the electric current to pass through is mounted to the charging means.

6. The battery charger according to claim 1, wherein the power source means comprises a rectifier and a transformer.

7. The battery charger according to claim 1, wherein the battery charger comprises a shell for enclosing the charging means, the battery detection means and the power source means.

8. The battery charger according to claim 7, wherein the shell comprises a printed circuit board.

9. The battery charger according to claim 7, wherein the shell comprises at least one battery receptacle.

10. The battery charger according to claim 1, wherein at least two output members of the charging means are mounted to the ends of the battery receptacle.

11. The battery charger according to claim 1, wherein the battery is charged in the battery receptacle which is connected to the power source means.

12. The battery charger according to claim 1, wherein the at least one battery is rechargeable.

13. The battery charger according to claim 1, wherein the battery charger further comprises an adjusting means for adjusting electric current for charging the battery.

14. The battery charger according to claim 1, wherein the battery charger further comprises a means for producing a continuous electric current.

15. The battery charger according to claim 1, wherein the at least one battery is an alkaline battery.

16. The battery charger according to claim 1, wherein the at least one battery comprises Nickel Metal Hydride.

17. The battery charger according to claim 1, wherein the at least one battery further comprises Nickel Cadmium.

18. The battery charger according to claim 1, wherein the battery charger further comprises a device for detecting delta voltage.

19. The battery charger according to claim 18, wherein the device for detecting delta voltage has a cut off function.

20. The battery charger according to claim 1, wherein the battery charger further comprises a device for detecting the charging time and is adapted to terminate the charging operation when the time is over the preset value.

21. The battery charger according to claim 1, wherein the battery charger further comprises a device for detecting operation temperature and is adapted to terminate the charging operation when the temperature is over the preset value.

22. The battery charger according to claim 1, wherein the battery charger further comprises a device for detecting operation temperature and is adapted to terminate the charging operation when the temperature is over the preset value.

23. The battery charger according to claim 1, wherein the battery charger further comprises a device for detecting polarity of the at least one battery and is adapted to terminate the charging operation when the end of the cell is wrongly mounted to the member for receiving the at least one battery.

24. The battery charger according to claim 1, wherein the battery charger further comprises a device for detecting the value of electric current of the battery charger and is adapted to terminate the charging operation when the value of electric current is over the preset value.

25. The battery charger according to claim 1, wherein the battery charger further comprises a device for detecting the short current of the battery charger and is adapted to terminate the charging operation when it is short current.

26. The battery charger according to claim 1, wherein the battery charger further comprises a device for preventing the current leakage of the battery charger.