Abstract: In a second preferred variant of the second exemplary embodiment, the magnetic sensor detects the presence of a magnetic field of the magnetic element as long as no battery is connected to the charger. The battery comprises a shielding device which deflects or shields the magnetic field from the magnetic sensor, so that after connecting the battery to the charger, the magnetic sensor detects that no magnetic field is present and emits an identification signal. This variant is advantageous, in particular in stepped contact devices, whereby one of the two elements is a sensor or magnet at the bottom of the step and the other of the two elements is arranged on the leg at an angle thereto. This makes it possible to achieve a particularly good shielding effect. In this variant, several magnetic elements and magnetic sensors may also be provided.

Abstract: Chargers which can be connected to batteries with different charging requirements and which have an identification device for identification of the different batteries are disclosed. With these chargers, the different types of batteries are recognized by a magnetic identification device. In a first exemplary embodiment, the identification device comprises at least one magnetic sensor, which is arranged in or on the charger and detects at least one magnetic parameter of a magnetic element, which is mounted in or on the battery. In a second exemplary embodiment, the identification device has at least one magnetic element and at least one magnetic sensor for detection of at least one magnetic parameter of the at least one magnetic element. The battery comprises a shielding and/or amplifying device, which alter(s) the at least one magnetic parameter of the at least one magnetic element.