Abstract: A plurality of series connected rechargeable batteries are charged by detecting battery voltages and controlling charging current. Normal charging is performed until any one battery voltage reaches a prescribed voltage. After any one battery voltage reaches the prescribed voltage, all batteries are charged such that a charging current is controlled to keep each battery voltage from exceeding the prescribed voltage.

Abstract: A first series circuit of a current detector and a first switch is connected in series with a battery, and a second series circuit of a resistor and a second switch is connected in parallel with the first series circuit. A control device controls an on and off state of the first and second switches to provide over-current protection of the battery. In particular, the control device turns off the first switch to cut-off battery over-current and turns on the second switch when the battery current exceeds a specified level as detected by the current detector. Then, after the battery current, which flows through the second series current, drops below the specified level, the first switch is returned to an on state to again allow battery discharge.

Abstract: A first switch element is connected in series with a rechargeable battery, a second switch element is connected in parallel to the series circuit of the rechargeable battery and the first switch element, and a control circuit controls ON and OFF states of the first switch element and the second switch element. The control circuit is so constructed as to turn OFF the first switch element to stop discharging and at the same time turn ON the second switch element when the battery voltage becomes lower than a predetermined value. The second switch element maintains the first switch element in OFF state even when the battery voltage of the rechargeable battery rises by self resetting of the rechargeable battery. When a charging voltage is applied to the rechargeable battery, the control circuit then turns ON the first switch element and turns OFF the second switch element.