Abstract: Safety against error setting of a primary battery in a dedicated battery charger for secondary batteries can be assured even when the battery charger is of a timer type advantageous for cost reduction. A switching circuit (2) is connected between terminals (13, 15), and terminals (14, 16) are connected. Terminals (15, 17) are connected, and terminals (16, 18) are connected. The positive pole of a battery (3) set in position is connected to the terminal (17), and the negative pole is connected to the terminal (18). A battery discriminating circuit (4) connects to the positive pole and the negative pole of the battery (3) set in position; and judges whether the battery (3) is a primary battery or a secondary battery. Depending upon the result of the discrimination, the battery discriminating circuit (4) supplies a switching signal to the switching circuit (5) to turn it on or off. A capacitor (6) and a resistor 7 are connected in parallel between a timer circuit (9) and a ground potential.

Abstract: The battery charger is provided with a holding cavity 2 that allows a first rectangular battery pack 30 and a second rectangular battery pack 40 to be loaded in a detachable fashion. The holding cavity has a rectangular opening and has first charging terminals 5A to contact first rectangular battery pack electrode terminals 32, and second charging terminals 5B to contact second rectangular battery pack 40 electrode terminals 42 established on a first perimeter wall 4A and second perimeter wall 4B, which are perpendicular. The battery charger charges the first rectangular battery pack through the first charging terminals when it is loaded in the holding cavity with electrode terminals 32 in contact with the first charging terminals. The battery charger charges the second rectangular battery pack through the second charging terminals when it is loaded in the holding cavity with electrode terminals in contact with the second charging terminals.

Abstract: A storage battery that can be used in an electric automobile or the like and can be replaced by simple operations within a very short time, and a storage battery accommodation device are provided. The storage battery 1 in accordance with the present invention includes: a plate-shaped plug-in terminal that is provided to protrude at one side surface of a storage battery having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape; and a clamping terminal that is made of a plurality of parallel plate-shaped members that can clamp the plate-shaped plug-in terminal, and that is provided to protrude at the other side surface of the storage battery, thereby facilitating the storage battery replacement operation. The plug-in terminals or clamping terminals are preferably provided side-by-side in pairs on the respective side.

Abstract: A battery assembly with a housing that contains a removable battery pack. The housing, which is sterilizable, has a head designed to couple to a power consuming device. The battery pack, which is not sterilizable, contains at least one rechargeable cell. The battery pack has a head dimensioned to fit the same charger socket that can receive a sterilizable battery. The battery pack has contacts that abut charger contacts. The housing has internal contacts. Collectively, the housing and battery pack are shaped so that, when the battery pack seats in the housing, the battery pack contacts abut the housing internal contacts. The housing internal contacts are connected to the housing external contacts for supply power to the power consuming device. A cover selectively holds the battery pack in the housing chamber.

Abstract: A wearable device has an internal rechargeable power source for supplying power to internal circuitry of the device. An external rechargeable battery pack is physically and electrically interfaced to the wearable device and provides power to recharge the internal rechargeable power source while the device is being worn, thereby eliminating the need to connect the wearable device directly to a source of electricity using wires. The rechargeable battery pack is recharged in a charging station connected to a source of electricity.

Abstract: A power tool may include a housing that supports an electrical circuit. The electrical circuit may include at least two terminal sets that are arranged in parallel to each other. The at least two terminal sets may include a first terminal set configured for engagement along a first axis to a battery pack having a first configuration and a second terminal set configured for engagement along a second axis to a battery pack having a second, different configuration. A battery charger may include a housing, and an interface that is electrically and mechanically compatible with at least two battery packs having different configurations and battery cell chemistries.

Abstract: A charging station is provided for charging portable electronic devices. In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the charging station includes a surge protector located within the charging station. The charging station includes a base for housing the surge protector, a removable base cover that can be placed over the base and a removable tray that can be placed over the base or over the base cover if the base cover is in place over the base. If desired, the charging station can be used in a disassembled form by placing the tray on one surface and the base on another. If the charging station is used in this manner, the base cover can be placed over the base.

Abstract: Disclosed is a charging apparatus for charging a secondary battery incorporated in a portable electronic device. The charging apparatus includes a contactless IC card reader configured to supply operating power to a contactless IC card unit incorporated in the portable electronic device and have an authentication function of authenticating that an object to be authenticated is a correct one, a charging circuit configured to perform contactless charging of the secondary battery, and a control unit configured to activate the charging circuit if an authentication result is OK after the contactless IC card reader authenticates an object to be authenticated when the object to be authenticated is placed.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method, apparatus, and system to switch between direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) power sources for appliances with a third position to allow on-board recharging of the DC power source. The method involves locking out a power source when the other power source is powering the appliance and locking out both power sources from operating the appliance when the appliance is being recharged. The DC power source can remain coupled to the appliance during operation and during recharging without necessitating removal for remote recharging by the use of a unique switch.

Abstract: A portable information handling system powered through a docking station charges an internal battery based on available power sensed at the docking station and communicated to a charger of the information handling system. A dock sensor on the information handling system selectively interfaces a local power sensor if the information handling system is not docked or a docking station sensor if the information handling system is docked. Available power sensed at the docking station is communicated to a battery charger of the information handling system by a differential wire pair interfaced through a docking connector.

Abstract: A battery charging cradle and mobile electronic device include a battery charging cradle incorporating a primary coil which induces an AC magnetic flux to a specific portion of a planar, top plate of the cradle, and a rechargeable battery incorporated inside a bottom plate and charged by electric power which is induced to a secondary coil being electromagnetically coupled to the primary coil. The battery charging cradle has a positioning portion, so that the mobile electronic device is placed in a predetermined position by means of the positioning portion, the primary coil is electromagnetically coupled to the secondary coil, and thus the rechargeable battery incorporated in the mobile electronic device is charged.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dynamo battery charger adapted to provide amusement during the recharging process. The charger housing is shaped or constructed to represent an amusing apparatus that includes optional features that simulate actual components whereby the amusing optional features are operable when the battery charger is being actuated.

Abstract: The solar charger is provided with a case 1 that can hold a rechargeable battery 5 in a removable fashion, and a solar cell 4 to supply charging power to the rechargeable battery 5 loaded in the case 1. The case 1 is formed in a shape having a bottom surface 2 and at least two tapered surfaces 3 with different slope angles ? with respect to the bottom surface 2, and the solar cell is disposed on the bottom surface 2. The angle of inclination ? of the solar cell 4 provided on the bottom surface 2 of the solar charger is changed by disposing a tapered surface 3 having a different slope angle ? on a flat surface.

Abstract: Battery side terminals disposed on the first and second battery devices are arranged at the same places at front surfaces with respect to lower surfaces and side surfaces. On the front surface of a case of the second battery device, there are formed engaging recessed parts. Positions close to the lower surface of the engaging recessed parts are formed as flat surfaces parallel to a upper surface and the lower surface. The dimensions from the lower surface of the case to flat surfaces and the dimension from the lower surface of the case of the first battery device to an upper surface are configured to be the same. Accordingly, it is possible to provide an advantageous battery device that allows the use of battery devices having various capacities and improves the ease of use.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed at a method and system for recharging batteries for wireless electronic devices. According to one embodiment, a host machine for recharging rechargeable batteries for wireless devices is disclosed. The host machine includes a plurality of wireless devices coupled to and powered by a first plurality of rechargeable batteries and a plurality of charging slots configured to couple with a second plurality of rechargeable batteries. The host machine is adapted to provide power to charge the second plurality of rechargeable batteries and to hold in standby a third plurality of rechargeable batteries comprising the second plurality of rechargeable batteries that have been fully charged. According to an embodiment, the host machine is further adapted to join a network of host machines and to share the batteries in standby with each other.

Abstract: A modular power supply that can be adapted to receive and charge practically any type or number of portable electronic devices includes a power converter that receives an AC wall voltage and converts the wall voltage to DC bus voltage. Each charging module has a pair of conductive rails and magnets positioned around the exterior of the module. The power converter has a connector that is physically and electrically coupled to a charging module through a pair of magnets and conductive rails such that the DC bus voltage is applied to the conductive rails of the module. Each charging module has a dock that physically couples to a portable electronic device and supplies a charging voltage produced from the DC bus voltage to the device. Additional charging modules can be physically and electrically coupled together by simply placing the modules adjacent one another through the interaction of the module's conductive rails and magnets.

Abstract: A power supply unit for extending a function of an apparatus (image pickup apparatus) unloadably loaded with a flat parallelopiped battery having a roughly square principal surface includes the flat battery, and a power supply (for example, a control grip including a cell or cells and a control portion which includes a power supply button, a shutter button, a zoom switch) electrically connected to the flat battery through a plate having the same shape as that of the flat battery and detachably mounted, projected portions are formed at both ends in the longitudinal direction of a back surface opposite to an insertion surface of the plate, along the back surface, and one of the projected portions is formed with a locked surface to be locked by a lock means (lock pawl) possessed by the apparatus, whereby mis-insertion of the plate into the apparatus is prevented, and a function of the apparatus is extended.

Abstract: Battery chargers and combinations. In some aspects and in some constructions, the invention may provide a combination including a battery charger having a housing and a charging circuit, and protective structure separate from and connectable with the battery charger. The protective structure, when connected, extending from the housing beyond a battery connected to the battery charger. In some aspects and in some constructions, the invention may also provide a combination including a first battery charger, a second battery charger and a connecting structure operable to connect the first battery charger and the second battery charger as a unit. In some aspects and in some constructions, the invention may further provide a combination including a battery charger and a handle separate from and connectable with the battery charger. In addition, in some aspects and in some constructions, the invention may provide a battery charger including a housing having a base and an upper portion opposite the base.

Abstract: To maximize the life of a rechargeable battery and the life of cells forming the rechargeable battery, the rechargeable battery is so constructed that each of the cells forming the rechargeable battery can be charged independently of the other cells. To charge this rechargeable battery, a cell to be charged is selected, and the selected cell is charged.

Abstract: A battery charging station having a main docking station to recharge the battery while the battery is installed in a electrical device and a second charging station that can be removed from the main base is disclosed. The removable charging station allows a user to charge a battery not in use at a remote location from the docking station. If the second charging station is attached to the docking station, the battery in the removable charging station is charged after the battery installed in the light is charged.

Abstract: An adapter system for providing power to a portable power tool when the original equipment rechargeable battery is removed from the tool and carried separately by the user includes a power tool connector having a contact member configured for insertion into the tool handle receptacle to provide electrical connectivity, a battery connector having a battery receptacle configured to receive the contact member of the battery and a power cord coupled to the tool connector and the battery connector; the adapter system can optionally include a supporting holster or carrier for the battery and connector that can be affixed to the user's belt or a strap or harness worn by the user.

Abstract: An adapter for removably coupling a consumer electronic device to a host, with the adapter supplying a first service between the host and the consumer electronic device when the adapter is coupled to the host and the consumer electronic device is coupled to the adapter, and the adapter further supplying a second service to the consumer electronic device when the adapter and the consumer electronic device are removed from the host. The adapter can further include a power source including a transformative component that transforms power supplied by the host.

Abstract: A kit comprising a plurality of power tools configured to operate at different voltages, a plurality of receivers configured to provide different output charging voltages and means for selectively engaging each receiver with only one or more power tools having an operating voltage equal to or greater than the output charging voltage of the receiver to charge the one or more power tool. The selective engagement means being in the form of a plurality of terminal block. Each terminal block may be secured to a respective one of the power tools. Each terminal block may include a rib and each receiver may define a slot to receivingly engage one of the ribs. The rib of each terminal block may be disposed at a different location than the ribs of the other terminal blocks, and the slot of each receiver may be positioned at a different location than the slots of the other receivers.

Abstract: In various embodiments, to avoid having to plug in the speakerphone, the speakerphone may be powered with a battery. In some embodiments, the speakerphone may exchange a discharged battery with a charged battery on a charging stand. In some embodiments, a charging stand, with a battery releasably coupled to the charging stand, may be configured to receive a second battery from a speakerphone. In some embodiments, the speakerphone with the first battery may be placed onto the charging stand to engage the charging stand. The charging stand may determine if the first battery on the speakerphone needs to be exchanged (e.g., if it is charged below a predetermined limit). If the battery needs to be exchanged, the charging stand may exchange the first battery with the second battery by disengaging the first battery and engaging the second battery with the speakerphone.

Abstract: A battery charging system includes a housing having a plurality of docking stations coupled therewith. A control device is coupled with a battery charging interface of each of the plurality of docking stations, and is configured to reduce variation in charging cycle count among a plurality of batteries configured to dock with the battery charging interfaces. A method of reducing variation in charging cycle count in a system of batteries includes receiving inputs associated with a charging cycle count for each of a plurality of interchangeable batteries docked with a common battery charger, and outputting a battery selection signal based at least in part on the inputs.

Abstract: A rechargeable device is provided having a motor and a small-capacity battery coupled to the motor. The small-capacity battery has a storage capacity sufficient for an average use of the device up to a few average uses of the device. A charger may also be provided for charging a rechargeable device. The charger may have charging circuitry and an indicator indicating a recharge state of the rechargeable device. The charger may have a large-capacity battery with a storage capacity greater than a small-capacity battery of the rechargeable device. The large-capacity battery provides sufficient electrical power to recharge the small-capacity battery. The charger may also have a power cord for receiving power from an alternating current power source. Methods for using a rechargeable device and for charging a rechargeable device are also provided.

Abstract: A power tool battery, battery charger, and a method of operating the same. The battery and the charger can be lockingly engageable with each other. The battery can be electrically coupled to a charging circuit of the charger for charging the battery. One of the battery and the charger can include a protrusion and the other of the battery and charger can include a recess for receiving the protrusion. The method can include inserting the battery into the charger along an insertion axis and charging the battery. The method can further include rotating the battery about the insertion axis to secure the battery with the charger while continuing to charge the battery.

Abstract: A battery charger with an improved battery retention system is provided. The battery charger includes at least one pocket having a bottom and sidewalls. A pair of battery engagement rails, or coupling rails, extends outward into the pocket at an angle that is non-orthogonal with the sidewalls. These non-orthogonal rails, which may include embedded electrical contacts, mate with non-orthogonal female slots in a battery pack housing. The non-orthogonal angle prevents lateral forces applied to the battery from causing intermittent electrical connections between the battery pack and the charger. Additionally, the non-orthogonal angle of the rails allows batteries of various sizes to be inserted into the pocket while ensuring a consistent and reliable electrical connection.

Abstract: An aspect of the invention provides a base case battery for a portable personal computer. The base case battery includes a base case, a charging portion, a storage device, and holding portions. The charging portion is disposed in the base case, and configured to be electrically connected to the power input of the portable personal computer through a first connector. The storage device is disposed in the base case, and configured to be electrically connected to the portable personal computer through a second connector. The holding portions are disposed on the base case, and each of the holding portions is configured to mechanically connect the base case to the portable personal computer detachably. The charging portion is configured to extend the usage time of the portable personal computer, and the storage device is configured to extend the storage capacity of the memory of the portable personal computer.

Abstract: A lock key is unlocked in a state where a cellular phone is processing a call and using an external battery as the power supply. A “HIGH” signal is inputted to a connection detection circuit before the power supply from the external battery stops. A control circuit determines, based on the voltage detected by the connection detection circuit, that a battery unit in which the external battery is disposed and the main body of the cellular phone are in a detaching-state, and switches the power supply from the external battery to a built-in battery of the cellular phone via a battery change-over circuit. In other words, because the switching process of the power supply takes place in the above-mentioned detaching-state after unlocking the lock key, the power supply to the cellular phone is not interrupted, and the power-on state is kept, and the call, etc. are continued.

Abstract: The problem of the present invention is to configure a battery charger such that water intruded into a gap between a plugging portion of a battery connection part in the battery charger and a battery pack does not contact the circuit substrate, with a simple and low-cost configuration, and improving recyclability of the circuit substrate. The battery charger is configured such that water intruded from the gap between the plugging portion of the battery connection portion and the battery pack, is guided through a through-hole of a protruded portion provided at the bottom of the plugging portion to the lower side of the circuit substrate provided on the bottom case.

Abstract: The present invention consists of a highly versatile AC portable power supply which can be used in a variety of situations to power 110 V AC common household devices, including holiday lighting or driveway or path lighting. It can also be used to jump start a dead vehicle battery either by a trickle charge via the vehicle's lighter outlet. The portable AC unit is provided with at least 3 sets of recharging plugs so that the user can recharge it with solar panels, or 110 V standard household current or 12 V vehicle battery. The portable AC unit is also provided with a timer to automatically turn it on and off at a preset time. In addition, it is provided with a display unit which can display the time left until recharge is needed, and when it is being recharged, how long it will take to fully charge.

Abstract: An information handling system battery has first and second protective circuits to detect and address faults for a first charge applied from an external power source to an integrated charger and a second charge applied from a charger of an information handling system to battery cells. If the first protective circuit detects a fault associated with the integrated charger, charging of the battery cells is still supported by inserting the battery in an information handling system. If the second protective circuit detects a fault, the battery becomes inoperative by disconnecting the battery cells. An indicator, such as LEDs on the battery casing, indicates whether a soft or hard fault has occurred.

Abstract: A battery charging device includes a power terminal unit to be connected to a power source and provided with power therefrom, a charging terminal unit to be connected to a power terminal of a battery, and a holding device to be fixed to side faces of the battery when the charging terminal unit contacts the power terminal of the battery.

Abstract: A DC backup power supply system having a battery a charge-discharge circuit for charging and discharging a power between the battery and a DC line and a control circuit for controlling the charge-discharge circuit, wherein the battery has a number of battery cells and cylindrical portions of the battery cells are laid on an approximately horizontal plane.

Abstract: An electronic device docking system comprises a docking station configured to receive docking of an electronic device with an external battery coupled thereto, the docking station comprising at least one mechanism actuatable to cause detachment of the electronic device from both the external battery and the docking station. The docking system may include a pair of release mechanisms, one of which enables release of the electronic device and the external battery as a unit and a second one that enables release of the electronic device from the docking system while the external battery remains with the docking system.

Abstract: A form for retaining a battery in implantable medical device includes outer edge and first and second opposing major surfaces. The first major surface of the form includes a recess, a ridge disposed between the recess and the outer edge, and a trough forming element disposed between the ridge and the outer edge. The ridge is configured to engage at least a portion of a major surface of the battery retained in the form. The trough forming element has first and second edge surfaces positioned to engage an edge surface of the retained battery to form a trough configured to receive adhesive. The recess is disposed adjacent the ridge and is configured to allow for expansion of the retained battery during recharge. The retention assembly is configured to secure the first major surface of the battery against the ridge to prevent adhesive from leaking from the trough into the recess.

Abstract: A portable electrical device requiring periodic recharging mates with a corresponding charging device by dropping or placing the portable device on or in the charger without pre-alignment by the user. The charger-to-device interface self aligns the portable electrical device in the charger for charging. Preferably, the charger is a bowl-shaped cradle, and the mating surfaces as well as the contacts are symmetrical about a vertical axis. The portable device sinks to the bottom of the bowl using the force of gravity and thus aligns the contacts for recharging. Optional magnets may provide additional force to guide alignment.

Abstract: A method of charging a battery pack is provided. The method includes: electronically connecting a battery pack to a charger; detecting information regarding the battery pack; determining an appropriate charging regime based on the detected information; and applying the charging regime to the battery pack. A battery charger may also provided. The battery charger includes: a first terminal for connecting to a battery pack; a second terminal for connecting to a battery pack, a microprocessor operatively connected to the terminals and configured to receive a signal from at least one terminal regarding a battery pack connected to the terminal and control the charger to select and apply a charging regime to the battery pack according to the signal.

Abstract: A mobile communication terminal having a malfunction-preventing function is provided, including a keypad; a voltage source which is activated by voltage supplied to an EN terminal, processes voltage supplied from a battery, and outputs the processed voltage; a power_on switching unit switched on when a switch_on key of the keypad is pressed; a charging terminal supplying voltage supplied upon charging to the EN terminal; a malfunction-preventing unit preventing voltage from being supplied from the charging terminal to the EN terminal while a control signal is input; and a controller which is activated by voltage supplied from the voltage source during a power-off condition, controls the mobile communication terminal by supplying voltage to the EN terminal of the voltage source and receiving voltage from the voltage source, and outputs a control signal to the malfunction-preventing unit only when a power-off process is performed according to a power-off instruction from the keypad.

Abstract: A battery pack with a first battery and a second battery, wherein each battery is a plurality of cells connected in series, and operable in a storage mode and a use mode, a storage mode defined by isolating the first battery from the second battery, and a use mode defined by electrically connecting the first battery to the second battery. The storage mode may include: electrically isolating said first plurality of cells from said second plurality of cells or physically isolating said first plurality of cells from said second plurality of cells.

Abstract: Disclosed herewith a multi-functional power storage and supply device for providing power to a variety of portable electronic devices includes a housing having a battery mounting surface. A battery pack is electrically and detachably attached to the battery mounting surface of the housing. At least one rechargeable battery is disposed within the battery pack, and is provided with a pair of outputs. A power charging circuit connectable to an external power source is arranged to charge the rechargeable battery with a charging voltage via a charging circuit once the device is connected to a power source. And at least one USB port is connected to the power charging circuit, and which is in turn connected to the outputs of the battery via a boosting circuit for charging an electronic device coupled thereon with the external power source or the power stored in the battery.

Abstract: A structure for linking battery charger and storage unit device during recharging is provided. The battery charger is for recharging mobile phones and the storage unit is a leather bag, container, and so on. The linking structure includes an engaging element and a linking element. The engaging element is on the surface of the linking structure to engage tot eh surface of the battery charger. The linking structure is a reusable attaching structure that can be attached to the storage unit. The linking element has the same structure as the linking element on the storage unit so that the present invention will hang the storage unit for storing the mobile phone below the battery charger during recharging.

Abstract: A battery charger for charging batteries of different types, the charger comprising: a seat for receiving a battery; first and second electrical contacts, the first and second contacts independently movable relative to the seat. The charger further includes a back stop moveable relative to the seat for contacting the opposite side of the battery from the electrical contacts, and current supply means to supply current via the electrical contacts to the battery to charge the battery. The battery to be charged is sandwiched between the back stop and the electrical contacts with the back stop moved to secure the battery in engagement with the electrical contacts and the electrical contacts moved into alignment with terminals of the battery.

Abstract: A system for charging rechargeable devices is provided. This system includes a base, wherein the base further includes: a plurality of power sources; at least one rechargeable battery in electrical communication with the plurality of power sources; and a plurality of recharging ports in electrical communication with the at least one rechargeable battery. The system also includes at least one rechargeable device, wherein the at least one rechargeable device is adapted to be compatible with at least one of the plurality of recharging ports, and wherein the at least one rechargeable battery in the base provides energy sufficient to charge the at least one rechargeable the device.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electronic apparatus typified by a personal computer for example. The electronic apparatus has: a main unit; and an openable and closable display unit that is attached to the main unit. The main unit has a battery-attachment section to which a detachable battery unit containing a battery for supplying power to the electronic unit is to be attached. The main unit also has projections that are not covered by the display unit when the display unit is closed and are formed at both ends of the attachment section. The projections each contain a speaker.

Abstract: A lithium battery pack according to the present invention has inherent information stored therein, which comprises a plurality of cells, nominal voltage, maximal voltage of the cells, range of temperature etc. A charging parameter is determined by a charging controller based on an identified data of the cells and the inherent information, and is transmitted to an adapter. A controlled module in the adapter receives the charging parameter through a control terminal and adjusts an AC/DC circuit to output a current with accurate charging voltage to the battery pack.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for removing a power supply from a host unit running a computer program, without losing data or causing a cold boot. The present invention employs a retaining assembly for the power supply that delays removal of the power supply until shutting down of the computer program of the host unit. The system may further comprise a logic unit that estimates the period from initiating a power off for the unit, up to an actual shut down of the computer program.

Abstract: A battery drawer for a cordless telephone or other apparatus that operates from both regular AC power and battery power and that has a stand-by battery recharging system and associated battery charging circuit. The battery drawer is slidably mounted in a body and is configured to receive and hold at least one rechargeable battery. A combination ejector and electrical circuit maker is associated with the battery drawer. The combination ejector and electrical circuit maker establishes an electric circuit between the battery charging circuit and the at least one rechargeable battery when the battery drawer is in a closed state, operates to eject the battery drawer from the body, and electrically opens the electric circuit between the battery charging circuit and the at least one rechargeable battery when the battery drawer is in an open state. Increased safety is afforded to users by disconnecting the battery drawer from the charging circuit when the battery is replaced in the drawer.

Abstract: An electric charging device for a portable terminal includes a charging circuit and a switching unit electrically connected with the charging circuit, in which the switching unit turns on/off power supplied to the charging circuit according to whether the electric charging device is connected to the portable terminal or a battery cradle for the portable terminal. The electric charging device can reduce unnecessary power consumption by being disconnected from the external power source when not being connected to the portable terminal or the battery cradle. Moreover, the electric charging device itself has a power saving function by being disconnected from the external power source when not being connected to the portable terminal or the battery cradle.