Current limited charging apparatus for lithium batteries or the like
US5818199A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 19, 1996 |
| Grant date | Oct 6, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 19, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E60/10
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A current limited rechargeable battery charging apparatus is utilized to charge batteries comprising lithium type electrochemical cells. The charging apparatus of the present invention may be specifically utilized with rechargeable batteries comprising lithium type electrochemical cells utilized in a multiple cell series configuration. The lithium battery may be charge limited float charged such that the charging current does not exceed a predetermined current value. The charge current limiting may be provided without utilizing complex or expensive current control circuitry. The current limited rechargeable battery charging apparatus my be utilized as a part of a battery charging and utilization system implemented with portable electronic devices such that the electronic device may be utilized and the battery may be charged while simultaneously providing operational power and being overcharged protected. An external charging unit may be controlled from a battery pack containing the rechargeable battery and charge control circuitry.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.