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Patent Searching and Data


Title:
MULTIPLE CELL BATTERY CHARGER CONFIGURED WITH A PARALLEL TOPOLOGY
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO2005124965
Kind Code:
A3
Abstract:
A multiple cell battery charger configured with a parallel topography is disclosed. In accordance with an important aspect of the invention, the multiple cell battery charger requires fewer active components than known battery chargers while at the same time protecting multiple battery cells from overcharge and discharge. The multiple cell battery charger in accordance with the present invention is a constant voltage battery charger that includes a regulator for providing a regulated source of direct current (DC), voltage to the battery cells to be charged. In accordance with the present invention, each battery cell is connected in series with a switching device, such as a filed effect transistor (FET) and optionally a current sensing device. In a charging mode, the serially connected FET conducts, thus enabling the battery cell to be charged. The battery voltage is sensed by a microprocessor. When the microprocessor senses that the battery cell is fully charged, the FET is turned off, thus disconnecting the battery cell from the circuit. Since the battery cell is disconnected from the circuit, no additional active devices are required to protect the battery cell from discharge. As such, a single active device per cell, such as the FET, provides multiple functions without requiring additional devices. Accordingly, the battery charger in accordance with the present invention utilizes fewer active components than known battery chargers and is thus much less expensive to manufacture.

Inventors:
GUANG HUANG TAI (CN)
HUA LI WEN (CN)
WENTINK ROBERT F (US)
Application Number:
PCT/US2005/019822
Publication Date:
March 16, 2006
Filing Date:
June 03, 2005
Export Citation:
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Assignee:
INTERNAT COMPONENTS CORP (US)
GUANG HUANG TAI (CN)
HUA LI WEN (CN)
WENTINK ROBERT F (US)
International Classes:
H02J7/00; H02J7/14; H02J7/02
Foreign References:
US20040174139A12004-09-09
US5821733A1998-10-13
US6741066B12004-05-25
US6580249B22003-06-17
US20030160593A12003-08-28
US6034506A2000-03-07
US6586909B12003-07-01
US20030117109A12003-06-26
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