Method and apparatus for controlling a charge current of a battery in a portable chargeable electronic unit
US6577100B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 28, 1997 |
| Grant date | Jun 10, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 28, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH02J7/00047
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A battery charger charges a battery in a portable chargeable electronic device, such as a cellular phone, with a long-term-constant current, even while the device is used. The charging current is controlled by circuitry in the portable device, avoiding the need for control circuitry in the battery charger or battery. A battery-charger connector that corresponds to the type of battery in the portable device is keyed to fit only a charger that matches the type of battery, thus assuring proper charging of the battery. Alternatively, a simple contact connects the battery charger to the battery. A belt clip covers the battery-charger connector when the battery charger is disconnected to prevent short-circuiting the battery.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.