Abstract: A charging method to charge a lithium ion battery in a short amount of time at low cost without degradation of the lithium ion battery is provided. A lithium ion battery includes a lithium compound containing iron as a positive electrode active material. The lithium ion battery is charged through a quasi-constant voltage charging procedure. The lithium ion battery includes a lithium compound as a positive electrode active material used for a positive electrode material. With the lithium compound, a voltage in a flat voltage section of a charging characteristic curve is higher than a voltage of a battery including the lithium compound containing iron as the positive electrode active material. The lithium ion battery may be an assembled battery including a plurality of electric cells connected in series.

Abstract: The present invention aims to reliably prevent overcharge by carrying out charging in just proportion during charging periods. A charging apparatus 1 for charging a secondary cell 22 by supplying a charging current Ic thereto is provided with a discharge amount detector 62 for detecting an amount of power discharged from the secondary cell in a non-charging state, a charge amount detector 60 for detecting an amount of power charged into the secondary cell in a charging state, and a charger controller 10 for stopping charging when the amount of charged power (charge amount Wc) becomes equal to the amount of discharged power (discharge amount Wc) during a charging period.

Abstract: A mother board adapted to rapidly charge a handheld multimedia device including a controller, a rapid charging initiation unit, a connection port coupled to the handheld multimedia device, and a switching unit. The rapid charging initiation unit provides a first voltage ranging from 3.2 V to 11 V and a second voltage ranging from 2.7 V to 0.6 V. A voltage difference between the first voltage and the second voltage ranges from 0.5 V to 0.8 V. The switching unit is coupled to the controller, the rapid charging initiation unit, and the connection port for determining whether the connection port is coupled to the controller or the rapid charging initiation unit. When the connection port is coupled to the rapid charging initiation unit, the first and the second voltage are sent to the handheld multimedia device through the connection port for activating a rapid charging function.

Abstract: For laptops or other mobile devices, a battery charging arrangement wherein fast-charging and/or slow-charging is governed by something other than a fixed, immovable battery level threshold. Particularly, a variable threshold is broadly contemplated herein which may be governed by any of a very wide variety of conceivable factors, including (but by no means limited to) information relating to a user's schedule or calendar, especially as regards “free” time when a user is not using a computer. Accordingly, if there is a long uninterrupted period of computer “downtime” (i.e., when a user is not using the computer), the battery level threshold below which fast-charging takes place can be lower. By the same token, for short periods of computer downtime, this threshold can be higher. In this manner, fast-charging is reserved only for the most compelling, time-based circumstances.

Abstract: The apparatus is for estimating a state of charge of a rechargeable battery charged by a vehicle-mounted power generation apparatus capable of generating a variable output voltage. The estimating apparatus includes a detecting function of detecting a charging/discharging current of the rechargeable battery, and an estimating function of making an estimation of the state of charge on the basis of relationship data defining the relationship among the output voltage, the state of charge, and a convergence value to which the charging/discharging current converges through transient behavior thereof in a state where variation of the output voltage is below a predetermined value after the output voltage is changed.

Abstract: A battery charging circuit and a battery charger that stabilizes operation when switching between charging modes. The battery charging circuit includes first and second transistors that form a current mirror circuit with an output transistor. The source terminal of the first transistor is connected to a first resistor, and the source terminal of the second transistor is connected to a second resistor. Each source terminal is connected to a switch circuit, which controls switching between a trickle charge mode and a fast charge mode. The supply of current to the first and second resistors from the discrete transistors reduces the difference in phase lag resulting from the CR time constant and stabilizes operation in the trickle charge and the fast charge modes.

Abstract: A delayed power-on function for an electronic device is disclosed. A charging unit charges a rechargeable battery with a pre-charge current when a voltage of the rechargeable battery is less than a voltage threshold value and with a current larger than the pre-charge current when the voltage of the rechargeable battery is greater than the voltage threshold value. A disabling unit can disable power-on when the voltage of the rechargeable battery is less than the voltage threshold value. A user may also be notified when power-on is disabled.

Abstract: A circuit current balancing apparatus balances circuit currents among units of a battery device. The circuit current balancing apparatus is provided with a plurality of cell stacks respectively composed of at least one cell. The apparatus balances a circuit current of a control circuit connected to each of the plurality of cell stacks for controlling and monitoring a status of the cell stack. The apparatus also includes a comparator for calculating and outputting a voltage difference between an output voltage of the corresponding cell stack and a voltage of the control circuit connected to the corresponding cell stack, and a current source for adding or subtract a dummy current to/from a circuit current of the control circuit in correspondence with the output of the comparator.

Abstract: A battery charging circuit that stabilizes operation when switching between charge modes includes first and second transistors. The first transistor has a source connected to a first switch circuit. The first switch circuit connects the second transistor to either one of first and second external terminals. A mode switch circuit generates a switch signal for switching from a trickle charge mode to a fast charge mode. The mode switching circuit provides the switching signal to a comparison circuit. After a predetermined time elapses, the mode switching circuit provides the switching signal to the switch circuit. The comparison circuit lowers a current restriction reference voltage, which determines a charging current value, and returns the current restriction reference voltage to its original value after switching modes.

Abstract: A device and method for rated voltage detection and charging of electric batteries. The method comprises the steps of measuring a terminal voltage of the battery having first or second rated voltages, comparing the terminal voltage to a number of threshold voltages between a minimum threshold voltage and a maximum threshold voltage, determining a condition of the battery, which can be ready to charge or fault, based on a comparison of the terminal voltage to the threshold voltages, determining that the rated voltage of the electric battery is the second rated voltage if the determined condition of the electric battery is ready to charge, conducting a pre-charge process if the determined condition of the battery is neither ready to charge nor fault, determining the rated voltage of the electric battery based on a response to the pre-charge process, and charging the electric battery according to the determined rated voltage.

Abstract: A dual-mode charger circuit includes a first charge circuit and a second charge circuit connected in parallel between a power source and a battery, to charge the battery under a slow charge mode and a quick charge mode. A central processing unit detects a capacity of the battery and determines whether the detected capacity exceeds a predetermined capacity, and outputs a mode control signal according to the determination. A mode switch circuit switches the second charger circuit on/off according to the mode control signal. When the second charge circuit is off, the battery is charged under the slow charge mode, and when the second charge circuit is on, the battery is charged under the quick charge mode.

Abstract: Described is a system and method for charging a battery. The system includes a processor powered by a battery; and a controller determining a remaining battery charge of the battery. The controller sets a first charge current to recharge the battery when the remaining battery charge is insufficient to operate the processor. The controller wakes the processor when the battery has been recharged so that the remaining battery capacity is sufficient to operate the processor. The processor negotiates for a second charge current to recharge the battery. The controller sets the second charge current when the processor successfully negotiated.

Abstract: Capacity degradation due to charge/discharge cycles is suppressed in either a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary cell provided with a positive electrode including, as a positive electrode active material, a lithium-transition metal complex oxide having a layered structure and containing at least Ni and Mn as transition metals, and a negative electrode containing a carbon material as a negative electrode active material and having a higher initial charge-discharge efficiency than that of the positive electrode, or an assembled battery having a plurality of cells each of which is the secondary cell. A control circuit incorporated in the secondary cell or the assembled battery, or in an apparatus using the secondary cell or the assembled battery, monitors the voltage of the secondary cell or each of the cells in the assembled battery so that the end-of-discharge voltage of each cell is 2.9 V or higher.

Abstract: A function extending apparatus for receiving a portable computer is disclosed. The function extending apparatus includes an AC/DC adapter, a second charging system and a controller. The AC/DC adapter is capable of supplying power to the portable computer equipped with a system load and a first charging system having a first charger and a first battery. The second charging system of the function extending apparatus includes a second charger and a second battery. The controller reduces power consumption of the second charging system when the output power of the AC/DC adapter reaches a first threshold value. The controller reduces power consumption of the first charging system when the output power of the AC/DC adapter reaches a second threshold value, wherein the second threshold value is higher than the first threshold value.

Abstract: A method for controlling a charging system having multiple loads is disclosed. Power is supplied from an AC/DC adapter to a first charger, a second charger, and system loads. The first charger is operated at a setting value having smaller power consumption than a setting value necessary for a first battery pack when output power of a power source reaches a first threshold value during a time when the first battery pack is required to be charged in a standard charging mode. The first charger is operated at a setting value according to a specific charging mode even when the output power of the power source reaches the first threshold value during a time when the first battery pack is required to be charged in the specific charging mode. A second charger is operated at a setting value having smaller power consumption than a setting value necessary for a second battery pack when the output power of the power source reaches a second threshold value larger than the first threshold value.

Abstract: A mother board including a controller, a rapid charging initiation unit, a connection port, and a switching unit is provided. The rapid charging initiation unit provides a first voltage ranging from 3.2 V to 11 V and a second voltage ranging from 2.7 V to 0.6 V. A voltage difference between the first voltage and the second voltage ranges from 0.5 V to 0.8 V. The connection port is coupled to a smartphone. The switching unit is coupled to the controller, the rapid charging initiation unit, and the connection port for determining whether the connection port is coupled to the controller or the rapid charging initiation unit according to a switching signal. When the connection port is coupled to the rapid charging initiation unit, the first voltage and the second voltage are sent to the smartphone through the connection port for activating the rapid charging function of the smartphone.

Abstract: Multi-mode charger device for charging portable devices and methods of charging portable devices are described. In an embodiment, a multi-mode charger device has mode blocks respectively associated with modes of operation which are coupled to a switch module. The switch module is for coupling a selected one of the mode blocks to a peripheral bus and to decouple the mode blocks remaining from the peripheral bus. A first mode of the modes of operation is a pass through mode. A second mode of the modes of operation is a first charging mode. A third mode of the modes of operation is a second charging mode. The first charging mode and the second charging mode are different from one another.

Abstract: A battery charging apparatus and method adapted to reduce battery capacity as a function of increased temperature thereby permitting partial charges at temperatures in excess of manufacturer's recommendations. The method includes steps of reducing charging current and charging voltage as a function of battery temperature thereby averting chemical instability within the battery. The apparatus detects battery temperature and includes a controller that will control charger voltage and current as a function of temperature and determine a suitable charging capacity.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a charging method for an assembled cell including a plurality of secondary batteries connected in series is disclosed. The method can detect the cell voltages. The method can set a charging current setting value so as to lower the charging current setting value of the assembled cell, if at least one of the detected cell voltages reaches a predetermined charge termination upper limit voltage. The method can control the charging current of the assembled cell according to the charging current setting value. In addition, the method can stop the charge, when a lowest cell voltage is lower than a predetermined charge termination lower limit voltage at a time when at least one of the cell voltages detected reaches the charge termination upper limit voltage.

Abstract: An electronically controlled charger can be used to charge a plurality of ultracapacitors.

Abstract: The battery pack charging method charges a battery pack, which is a plurality of lithium ion rechargeable batteries connected in series, to full charge by constant current and constant voltage charging. Constant current charging is performed until total voltage reaches a prescribed total voltage. Subsequently, constant current charging is switched to constant voltage charging until full charge is reached. In addition, the voltage of each battery being charged is detected. When the voltage of any battery exceeds a first specified voltage, charging is switched to pulse charging.

Abstract: In a method of providing operating current to a portable electronic apparatus, a first connection terminal of the portable electronic apparatus is connected to a second connection terminal of a host, and interface type of the second connection terminal is determined. If the interface type is USB 2.0, the host provides a first operating current to the portable electronic apparatus for performing data read/write, and an internal rechargeable battery of the portable electronic apparatus provides a second operating current to the portable electronic apparatus. If the interface type is USB 3.0, the host provides a third operating current to the portable electronic apparatus for performing data read/write, and the third operating current selectively performs a charge process on the rechargeable battery. If the interface type is Wi-Fi, the rechargeable battery provides a fourth operating current to the portable electronic apparatus.

Abstract: A method for controlling battery recharging process is provided for an electronic device equipped with a battery. The method comprises entering a recharging smart mode. In the recharging smart mode, an actual capacity rate of the battery is determined. In the recharging smart mode, according to the actual capacity rate of the battery, a rechargeable capacity rate of the battery is changed. When the actual capacity rate is larger than a first capacity threshold value for a first predetermined time interval, the rechargeable capacity rate of the battery is decreased.

Abstract: An electronic device (30) of the this invention includes an external device connecting connector (33) to be connected to a power supplying connector (40) of an external device (41) having a power supplying function, an electronic circuit (31) which performs predetermined operation upon reception of power supplied from the external device through the external device connecting connector, and an electromagnet (32) which is provided to the external device connecting connector and electrically connected between the external device connecting connector and the electronic circuit. The electromagnet generates a magnetic force when a power supply current supplied from the external device flows through it, and attracts a predetermined portion formed of a magnetic body of the power supplying connector, to maintain a fitting state between the external device connecting connector and the power supplying connector. Thus, the fitting state becomes reliable.

Abstract: In the present method, a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery is charged by repeating n+1 times a constant current charge and a subsequent constant voltage charge, where n is an integer of 1 or more. (1) An nth charge comprises charging the secondary battery at a current Ic(n) to a voltage Ec(n), and subsequently charging the secondary battery at the voltage Ec(n) until the current decreases from Ic(n) to Ic(n+1). (2) An (n+1)th charge comprises charging the secondary battery at the current Ic(n+1) to a voltage Ec(n+1), and subsequently charging the secondary battery at the voltage Ec(n+1) until the current decreases from Ic(n+1) to Ic(n+2). Consequently, the charge time of the non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery can be shortened while deterioration of the battery can be suppressed.

Abstract: A method for charging at least two batteries each having at least one cell is disclosed. During a first charging phase, batteries are charged sequentially to a first charge status and afterwards batteries are charged during a second charging phase sequentially to a second, higher charge status. The first charging phase is begun with the battery having the lowest charge status. In addition, a charging device for carrying out the method according to the invention and a mobile electric appliance including such a charging device are disclosed.

Abstract: For laptops or other mobile devices, a battery charging arrangement wherein fast-charging and/or slow-charging is governed by something other than a fixed, immovable battery level threshold. Particularly, a variable threshold is broadly contemplated herein which may be governed by any of a very wide variety of conceivable factors, including (but by no means limited to) information relating to a user's schedule or calendar, especially as regards “free” time when a user is not using a computer. Accordingly, if there is a long uninterrupted period of computer “downtime” (i.e., when a user is not using the computer), the battery level threshold below which fast-charging takes place can be lower. By the same token, for short periods of computer downtime, this threshold can be higher. In this manner, fast-charging is reserved only for the most compelling, time-based circumstances.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a charging equipment of variable frequency control for power factor. In addition, the present invention relates to a charging equipment of variable frequency control for power factor including: an AC-DC converter converting AC power into DC power; a DC-DC converter converting DC power output from the power factor calibration circuit into DC power for charging a battery and outputting the converted DC power; and a power factor calibration circuit calibrating power factor by the operation of the switching device and outputting the calibrated power factor; and a power factor calibration circuit controller performing the switching control by varying the frequency of the pulse signal when performing a switching control by modulating a pulse width of a pulse signal on the switching devices of the power factor calibration circuit, thereby making it possible to maintain the power factor even in the light load status.

Abstract: A charge control method of secondary batteries including measuring a charge current value when charging ends with regard to an assembled battery where a plurality of secondary batteries are connected in series, in parallel, or in series-parallel, storing the charge current value, and performing charging of the secondary batteries at the stored charge current value when starting the next charging with regard to the secondary batteries.

Abstract: A rechargeable battery pack for a power tool can have a data terminal that provides a signal that is indicative of whether the voltage is below a threshold and can serve as both a pre-charge signal for a charger and as a stop-discharge signal for a power tool. A charger can include a power supply circuit and a voltage detection circuit. A charger control module can receive a signal indicative of the voltage of the battery pack and determine a pre-charge time based on the voltage and can monitor a change in the voltage of the battery pack during the pre-charge operation and stop the pre-charge operation based on the change in voltage and the time period.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-functional vehicle charger and the charging process of the same. The vehicle charger includes an enclosure defining the vehicle charger. The enclosure includes a USB port disposed thereon, a power plug corresponding to a vehicle power outlet on one end, and a wire connected with a power terminal at the other end. The power terminal, the USB port, and the power plug are connected to a charge monitor circuit. Thus the vehicle charger can be connected with various electrical appliances for charging by insertion of the power terminal on the wire into a socket of a Li-ion battery and by a connecting wire that connects the USB port to electric appliances with USB functionality. Thereby, power is supplied by various output ends when the vehicle charger is inserted into a power outlet in vehicles.

Abstract: One or more buttons, located either on a battery pack or on an electronic device powered by the battery pack, that allow the user to charge the battery of a portable device faster than normal. Electronic circuitry is provided for activating the charge mode choices.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for charging an electrochemical device, such as a secondary electrochemical cell. Charging systems and methods of some embodiments provide charging parameters, such as charging voltage and charging current, that vary in a preselected manner as a function of time so as to enhance the overall device performance (e.g., specific capacity, discharge rate, etc.) cycling properties and useful lifetime of a secondary electrochemical cell. Charging systems and methods of some embodiments provide charging parameters, such as time varying charging voltages and charging currents, that take into consideration important electrochemical cell properties that impact device performance, cycling and lifetime, such as the state of health of an electrochemical cell, and/or the health and/or composition of specific system components such as anode, cathode, and electrolyte and/or the cycle history of the electrochemical cell (e.g., cycle number, etc.).

Abstract: A method for recharging an electric vehicle having an electric battery for powering a vehicle drive system is provided. The method includes recharging the electric vehicle during a first period at a first electrical power and recharging the electric vehicle during a second period shorter than the first period at a second electrical power higher than the first electrical power. The recharging includes delivering coolant to the electric vehicle to cool the electric battery during the second period. Other methods of recharging an electric vehicle are also provided.

Abstract: Charging is started with charge voltage set to a first voltage value (lower than a normal charge voltage) by a charge voltage change means, the first voltage value being predetermined to ensure that secondary batteries constituting a parallel-arrangement battery pack are charged up to and maintained at a predetermined SOC lower than full charge (between 80 and 90% of full charge). When a charge current detection means detects that charge current has decreased to a predetermined value A1, the charge voltage is set to a second voltage value (normal charge voltage) higher than the first voltage value by the charge voltage change means, the second voltage value being predetermined to enable the secondary batteries to be charged up to full charge. When a battery SOC detection means detects that at least one of the secondary batteries has reached full charge, charging is terminated.

Abstract: A voltage clamping circuit includes a current source having a fixed current source and a variable current source and a variable resistor receiving current from the current source. The variable resistor varies its resistance in response to an environmental operating condition. The voltage clamping circuit also includes an amplifier configured to compare a sensor node voltage with a reference voltage, the sensor node voltage being in communication with the voltage drop across the variable resistor. The amplifier is configured and connected to provide a control output to control the variable current source to modify current output from the variable current source to at least in part prevent the sensor node voltage from exceeding a reference voltage when certain operating conditions are present.

Abstract: A constant voltage/constant power AC adapter converts AC voltage to DC voltage to provide power to a plurality of loads. The adapter's output characteristic is approximately a constant voltage as long as the output current draw by the loads is less than a threshold (e.g., a safety threshold for the adapter). If, however, the power draw on the adapter is such that the output current exceeds the threshold, the adapter then decreases its output voltage to maintain the power draw at a safe level. One or more loads that draw power from the adapter may be adapted to detect a drop in the AC adapter's output voltage. When such a voltage drop is detected, that information tells the load that too much current is being drawn from the adapter and that the load should throttle back (e.g., reducing battery charge current, CPU clock frequency, display brightness, etc.).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for recharging a rechargeable battery (202) having step charge requirements, where the charge current is tapered as successive voltage thresholds of the step charge requirements are approached. The battery (202) is programmed with a charge tapering algorithm, so that the battery charger (208) need not be programmed with battery-specific information. The charge tapering algorithm is used in conjunction with the step charge requirements and a measurement of one or more properties of the battery to determine an appropriate charge current as a function of time.

Abstract: A power supply system includes a battery and a power management system. The power management system is coupled to the battery and to an external power source that is operable to charge the battery using a first charge level. The power management system is operable to determine that a battery power level of the battery is greater than a first predetermined level that depends on a battery storage option and, in response, disable power from being supplied from the external power source such that power is supplied from the battery until the battery power level is below the first predetermined level. The power management system is also operable to determine that the battery power level of the battery is less than the first predetermined level and, in response, charge the battery with a second charge level that is less than the first charge level until the battery power level is above a second predetermined level that depends on the battery storage option.

Abstract: A vehicle alternator comprises a housing with a voltage regulator positioned within the housing. The alternator further comprises a rotor having a field coil positioned within the housing and a stator positioned within the housing. The stator includes stator windings configured to provide an output voltage in response to rotation of the rotor. The voltage regulator is configured to receive a battery temperature signal from outside of the alternator and control the current provided to the field coil based at least in part on the received battery temperature signal. In at least one embodiment, the battery temperature signal is provided from a temperature sensor positioned adjacent to the vehicle battery. The voltage regulator of the alternator includes a processor configured to control the current provided to the field coil based at least in part on the particular type of vehicle battery used in association with the alternator.

Abstract: A lithium ion secondary battery which includes: a power generation element including a positive electrode, a negative electrode, a separator interposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode, and a non-aqueous electrolyte; a case accommodating the power generation element and having an opening; and a sealing plate sealing the opening of the case is charged. The sealing plate has an external terminal of the positive or negative electrode, and an internal terminal electrically connected to the positive or negative electrode. The external and internal terminals are connected to each other and have an electrical resistance therebetween of 0.1 to 2 m?. Two or more constant-current charging steps in each of which the secondary battery is charged at a constant charge current until a charge voltage reaches an end-of-charge voltage are performed.

Abstract: A battery charging method and device thereof are disclosed. The method includes the following steps. First, a charging current is supplied into a plurality of cell blocks of a battery module for charging, and the terminal voltages of the cell blocks are detected, when one of said terminal voltages exceeds a first threshold, the charging is kept continuously over a first preset time period. If one of said terminal voltages of said cell blocks exceeds a second threshold, an over voltage protection is performed, else the charging current is reduced and the battery module is charged by the reduced charging current continuously over a second preset time period and if the cell blocks are determined that they are fully charged, the charging is stopped, otherwise, the battery module is charged continuously. Therefore, the battery charging method and device thereof in accordance with the present invention can prevent the battery module from being overcharged and prolong its life.

Abstract: A method of charging a battery in a system involving a renewable energy source and operable to supply at least some electrical energy from the renewable energy source to a third party involves causing a charge controller operably connected to the renewable energy source to receive the electrical energy from the renewable energy source and operably connected to the battery, to charge the battery, using only the electrical energy from the renewable energy source, according to a charging sequence. The charging sequence includes at least a bulk charge period wherein the battery is charged at a relatively constant charging current, an absorption period following the bulk charge period wherein the battery is charged in an absorption mode, and a float period following the absorption period wherein the battery is charged in a float charging mode.

Abstract: An electrical generator has an engine that provides a mechanical output that is converted to electrical current by an alternator. The engine is started by a battery-powered motor starter. The battery is charged during running of the electrical generator by a portion of the electrical current output by the alternator. The battery is charged according to a charging profile based on the temperature of the battery at start up of the electrical generator.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dual use apparatus including a base device having a port for delivering charging current to an battery to be charged, and a charging circuit, disposed in the base device and in communication with the port to determine a charge capacity of the battery using battery identifying information received from the battery, and applying the charging current to the battery based on the determined charge capacity.

Abstract: A method for charging a battery module including a plurality of parallelly-connected battery cell sets in multiple stages is provided. In the present invention, a constant current charging is applied for charging the battery module in an initial stage of charging through the method of voltage control or current control. Then, the charging current is lowered substantially to reduce the charging speed when the voltage of one of the battery cell sets exceeds a safety value or a total voltage of the battery module itself reaches a rated voltage. Accordingly, a safety problem of the battery can be avoided and battery life can be prolonged.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an electronic device includes a power supply circuit configured to supply, to a battery, a first charge current for a quick charge and a second charge current for a normal charge smaller than the first charge current, the first charge current and the second charge current being generated from a power from the external power supply, and a controller configured to supply the first charge current to the battery to perform a quick charge when a difference value between a first voltage value of the external power supply wherein the power supply circuit supplies a third charge current smaller than the second charge current to the battery and a second voltage value of the external power supply wherein the power supply circuit does not supply the charge current to the battery is smaller than a threshold.

Abstract: A method for charging a battery module including a plurality of parallel-connected battery core sets is provided. In the present method, a constant charging current is provided for charging the battery module first. Then, the voltage of each parallel-connected battery core set in the battery module is determined whether reaches a nominal voltage. If it reaches the nominal voltage, the charging current or charging voltage applied to the battery module is adjusted for charging the parallel-connected battery core set having the maximum voltage with a constant voltage. Finally, it is determined whether the electric power of the battery module is fulfilled. If not yet fulfilled, a constant voltage is continuously supplied to the battery module for charging until the electric power of the battery module is full. Accordingly, the present invention can charge the battery more quickly with taking the safety of the battery into account.

Abstract: A method of charging a battery at multiple charges rates includes determining a type of power source connected to a charging circuit and determining a voltage of a battery to be charged by the power source. A desired charging voltage is determined in response to the power source type and the battery voltage. A difference between the desired charging voltage and the battery voltage is determined. A digital potentiometer is selectively commanded to adjust the desired charging voltage to vary the difference and alter a charging rate of the battery, such that the difference is increased to increase the charging rate or is decreased to decrease the charging rate.

Abstract: A charging system includes a secondary battery which includes a heat-resistant member between a negative electrode and a positive electrode thereof, a charging-voltage supply section which conducts a constant-voltage charge of the secondary battery, a charge control section which controls the operation of the charging-voltage supply section, and a mode-setting acceptance section which chooses and accepts the setting of either of an ordinary charge mode and a high-voltage charge mode. When the ordinary charge mode is accepted, the charge control section conducts a constant-voltage charge of the secondary battery by supplying a voltage equal to, or below, the reference voltage, and when the high-voltage charge mode is accepted, the charge control section conducts a constant-voltage charge of the secondary battery by supplying a voltage above the reference voltage.