Smart connector for rechargeable battery
US6057670A · kind A · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 4, 1998 |
| Grant date | May 2, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 4, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH02J7/0024
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A smart charge connector is provided incorporating a switching feature allowing the cells in a multi-cell battery to be uniformly charged. When engaged with a charger, the smart connector will connect the cells in parallel so that all cells within the same battery will be charged uniformly to the same voltage level eliminating the uneven charging that occurs when cells are charged in series connected strings. During normal operation the connector connects the cells of the battery in series to supply a battery output voltage. However, when the connector is engaged with a charger, the cells are connected in parallel to be charged by a source of electrical power at a voltage higher than the battery output voltage. The connector includes a number of switch contacts that are activated when the connector is engaged with the charger allowing the cells to be charged in parallel. The switch contacts automatically reconnect the cells in series upon removal of the charger.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.