Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention provides a battery pack comprising a plurality of battery cells; a protective circuit module coupled to at least two battery cells; and a case accommodating the battery cells and the protective circuit module, wherein the two battery cells are disposed on a surface of the case, and the protective circuit module is disposed between the two battery cells on the surface of the case.

Abstract: A cooling structure for batteries and electrical units, that cools the batteries being driving sources of a motor mounted in a vehicle capable of traveling by a driving force of the motor and electrical units for driving the motor, the cooling structure including: a plurality of battery boxes that each contain one of the batteries; cooling passages that are each formed in each of the battery boxes, through which cooling air flows; a merging part where downstream ends of the cooling passages of the battery boxes are merged with each other; and cooling portions of the electrical units, that are provided on a downstream side of the merging part, wherein the electrical units are disposed on a downstream side of the battery boxes.

Abstract: A portable power source apparatus has a closing surface (21) facing an open end of a main case (10) and an exposed surface (22) externally exposed at an opposite end of a cap section (20) from the closing surface; a planar circuit board (38) housed in the cap section with voltage conversion circuitry for converting the voltage of the circular cylindrical batteries CB contained in the main case; and a power supply terminal (50) disposed in the exposed surface of the cap section and capable of outputting power from the circular cylindrical batteries CB contained in the main case. The circuit board is disposed diametrically across a circular cross-section of the cap section, and a pair of ribs (42) is provided approximately perpendicular to the circuit board.

Abstract: An embodiment provides an apparatus, including: apparatus components; a battery pack comprising a high charge rate cell component, the battery pack supplying power to one or more of the apparatus components; a processor; and a memory device accessible to the processor and storing code executable by the processor to: apply a normal rate of charge to a cell component of the battery pack; accept user input to switch the normal rate of charge to a second rate of charge which is higher than the normal rate of charge; and apply the second rate of charge to the high charge rate cell component based on the user input. Other aspects are described and claimed.

Abstract: An electric power tool is included in a plurality of types of electric power tools. The plurality of types of electric power tools comprise a plurality of types of battery packs having different rated output voltages and a plurality of types of tool bodies, the housings of which are equipped with an attached part on which each of the battery packs is mounted in a freely removable manner. The attached part possessed by the plurality of types of tool bodies equipped with motors having different voltage characteristics is formed so as to be able to mount an arbitrary one of the plurality of types of battery packs having different rated output voltages. This makes it possible to widen the range of available battery packs and enhance convenience.

Abstract: A battery pack and an electronic device are disclosed. The battery pack includes a battery for storing electric energy, and a non-contacting discharging unit for receiving the stored electric energy from the battery and for transferring the stored electric energy to a power receiving unit in a non-electrically contacting manner. The electronic device includes a main body and the battery pack. The main body includes a power receiving unit. The battery pack is for mounting to and supplying power to the main body.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a battery pack including a battery cell array including two or more battery cells, each of which has an electrode assembly of a cathode/separator/anode structure disposed in a battery case together with an electrolyte in a sealed state, arranged in a lateral direction, a protection circuit module (PCM) connected to an upper end of the battery cell array to control an operation of the battery pack, a pack case in which the battery cell array and the protection circuit module are disposed, and a plate-shaped reinforcing member mounted between the pack case and the battery cell array to increase mechanical strength of the pack case.

Abstract: A belt battery charger includes a belt having a first end, a second end and an elongated central portion extending between the first and second ends. A plurality of electrically connected rechargeable batteries are carried by the central portion of the belt. A belt buckle located at the first end of the belt includes a frame that is secured to the central portion of the belt. The buckle further includes a prong in the form of an electrical connector electrically connected to the batteries and pivotally secured to the frame. The second end of the belt includes a number of spaced apart eyelets passing therethrough. The prong is shaped so as to be able to enter one of the eyelets to secure the second end of the belt to the buckle in the conventional manner. A second electrical connector is located adjacent the second end of the belt and is also connected to the batteries. One of said connectors is adapted to be connected to a cell phone for charging the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatuses and methods for charging mobile devices. More particularly, the present invention relates to a charging station where individuals, who are in need of charging their mobile devices but do not have access to a personal charger, can charge their devices for a small fee without requiring them to be tethered to an unprotected charging cord or electrical outlet.

Abstract: A pair of right and left fixing holes and a pair of strap attachment holes are provided on a rear surface of a main body housing at a position which does not protrude from a side area S in a planar view. A bottom edge portion of an upper recessed portion is provided above the fixing hole to cover each of the right and left fixing holes, the strap attachment holes are provided to be coaxial with the bottom edge portion, and it is ensured that durability and compactness of the charger are obtained.

Abstract: Circuitry and techniques to measure, at the battery's terminals, characteristic(s) of the charging signal applied to the battery/cell during the recharging operation and, in response to feedback data which indicates the charging signal is out-of-specification, control or instruct the charging circuitry to adjust characteristic(s) of the recharging signal (e.g., the amplitude of the voltage of and/or current applied to or removed from the battery during the charging operation). For example, a rechargeable battery pack comprising a battery, and controllable switch(es), a current meter and voltmeter, all of which are fixed to the battery. Control circuitry generates control signal(s) to adjust a current and/or voltage of the charging signal using the feedback data from the current meter and/or voltmeter, respectively.

Abstract: Aspects relate generally to hot swap control in uninterruptible power supply units for systems requiring backup power. A unit may include a pair of MOSFET switches configured as a bidirectional switch for battery charging and discharging current control. This configuration allows the unit to limit inrush current when the unit is connected to a DC power bus of a power system and also allows the unit to eliminate any current flow when it is disconnected. Upon insertion and extraction of the unit, the MOSFET switches are disabled to prevent any disturbances on the DC power bus. Hot swapping in the unit ensures that the overall power system, including the unit and the DC bus, operates reliably.

Abstract: A battery device that functions as a power source of a tool main body and is attachable to a body of a user may include a battery housing that is capable of removably receiving at least one rechargeable battery and capable of being electrically connected to the at least one battery, an adaptor that is capable of being electrically connected to the tool main body, and a cable electrically connecting the battery housing and the adaptor. The battery housing comprises a housing body that is constructed to be attached to the body of the user and is capable of receiving the at least one battery therein, and a cover member that is openably and closably attached to the housing body. The housing body and the at least one battery are connected to each other via a male-female engagement device. The male-female engagement device has an engagement release portion that is positioned so as to be exposed when the cover member is opened relative to the housing body.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling the output of a battery pack are disclosed. In one example, a battery pack contactor is opened in response to battery pack current. The system and method may reduce battery pack degradation and increase system flexibility.

Abstract: A battery charging apparatus and charging method thereof are disclosed. In one aspect, the apparatus includes a battery including a battery pack including at least one battery cell, a battery management system (BMS) configured to control the generation of a terminal voltage based on a type of the battery pack, and a terminal unit including electrodes configured to receive the terminal voltage. The apparatus further includes a charger including a controller configured to determine the type of the battery pack based on the terminal voltage and control the generation of a charging voltage corresponding to the type of the battery pack.

Abstract: A method of charging batteries and a battery charging system are disclosed. One inventive aspect includes a battery pack and a charging unit. The battery pack further comprises a battery cell, a voltage sensor and a current sensor. The charging unit is configured to charge the battery cell with a constant current or a constant voltage at least partially based on the voltage of the battery cell sensed by the voltage sensor.

Abstract: A battery pack comprises a battery staked member stacking a plurality of flat secondary batteries, end plates being disposed at both ends of the battery staked member, and binding bars being coupled to the end plates in a pressed state that the flat secondary batteries of the battery staked member are compressed and fixed in a predetermined binding pressure. The flat secondary batteries constituting the battery staked member comprise an electrode assembly of a spiral form in which a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate interposing a separator therebetween are wound, and an outer case airtightly storing the spiral electrode assembly and an electrolyte. The spiral electrode assemblies of the flat secondary batteries are pressed and made into a flat shape by a higher pressing pressure than the predetermined binding pressure in which the flat secondary batteries are bound by the binding bars.

Abstract: Systems and methods of charging battery power that can be selectively controlled by the overall voltage of a battery pack and specified voltages of battery cells within the battery pack, and that can selectively perform current-controlled and voltage-controlled battery charging (referred to herein as “adaptive battery cell charging”). The systems and methods employ a digital core for managing the charging of battery power provided by the battery pack. By using the overall voltage of the battery pack and specified voltages of battery cells to selectively control the charging of battery power, battery charging times can be reduced. By employing current/voltage sense amplifiers to monitor the battery pack voltage, the battery cell voltage(s), and a battery charging current, the effect of cable resistance to/from the battery pack can be reduced. By performing adaptive battery cell charging, battery charging times and battery stress can be reduced, while increasing battery charge/discharge life cycles.

Abstract: A vehicle allows a power storage device mounted therein to be externally charged using electric power from an external power supply. The vehicle includes an engine, a motor generator and a vehicle ECU. The vehicle allows a motor generator to generate electric power by driving the engine. Then, when charging of the power storage device is not completed within a target charging time period set by the user only using the electric power from the external power supply in the case where external charging is performed, the vehicle ECU charges the power storage device with the electric power from the external power supply additionally using the electric power generated by driving the engine.

Abstract: A lithium battery pack according to the present invention has inherent information stored therein, which may include a nominal voltage, maximal voltage of the cells, range of temperature etc. A charging control signal is determined by a charging controller based on an identified state of the cells and the inherent information, and is transmitted to an electrical charging device. A controlled module in the charging device receives the charging control signal through and adjusts an output current to an accurate charging voltage for the current state of the battery pack.

Abstract: An analog switch and a battery pack using the same are provided. The analog switch can compensate for temperature dependence of voltages measured from a battery cell before applying the measured voltages to an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter. In an embodiment of the analog switch, a first diode is coupled in a backward direction from a flying capacitor, which is coupled to the A/D converter, to correspond to a second diode packaged therewith as a single set. The first diode is positioned in a battery cell voltage input path to store battery cell voltage values in the flying capacitor, while the second diode suppresses a temperature-related difference caused by the first diode to voltages measured from the battery cell.

Abstract: A battery block composed of a plurality of battery cells and a voltage detecting circuit (state detecting circuit) for detecting a voltage between terminals of each battery cell are included, and a flexible printed circuit board, in which a voltage detecting line for electrically connecting a positive electrode terminal or a negative electrode terminal of the battery cell and the voltage detecting circuit (state detecting circuit) is integrated with a substrate made or a flexible material, is provided.

Abstract: When maximum cell voltage remains at or below a maximum current control voltage (4200 mV), which is below the start-full-charge detection voltage (4210 mV), three consecutive times with 250 ms periodicity, set current is increased one level (128 mA). When maximum cell voltage is higher than the start-full-charge detection voltage three consecutive times with 250 ms periodicity, set current is reduced. When maximum cell voltage is higher than the start-full-charge detection voltage and charging current remains below 384 mA two consecutive times with 250 ms periodicity, the rechargeable battery is determined to be fully-charged.

Abstract: A battery pack having a contactless charging circuit (95) that rectifies power received by a receiving coil (1), and a battery pack control section (91) with a connection decision section. The battery pack control section (91) is configured to judge whether or not the battery pack is connected to the body of a battery powered device (101) based on the rectified voltage of the contactless charging circuit (95). This decision utilizes the fact that the charging circuit is in a no-load condition and the rectified voltage is high when the battery pack is not connected to the battery powered device, and allows reliable judgment of whether or not the battery pack (90) is attached to the battery powered device.

Abstract: A method for conducting an operation including a power tool battery pack. The battery pack can include a housing, a first cell supported by the housing and having a voltage, and a second cell supported by the housing and having a voltage. The battery pack also can be connectable to a power tool and be operable to supply power to operate the power tool. The method can include discharging one of the first cell and the second cell until the voltage of the one of the first cell and the second cell is substantially equal to the voltage of the other of the first cell and the second cell.

Abstract: A power system adapted for supplying power in a high temperature environment is disclosed. The power system includes a rechargeable energy storage that is operable in a temperature range of between about seventy degrees Celsius and about two hundred and fifty degrees Celsius coupled to a circuit for at least one of supplying power from the energy storage and charging the energy storage; wherein the energy storage is configured to store between about one one hundredth (0.01) of a joule and about one hundred megajoules of energy, and to provide peak power of between about one one hundredth (0.01) of a watt and about one hundred megawatts, for at least two charge-discharge cycles. Methods of use and fabrication are provided. Embodiments of additional features of the power supply are included.

Abstract: A charging apparatus is used to support and charge an electronic device defining a latching slot and includes a holding portion, a placement portion and controlling portion. The placement portion engages with the holding portion and defines a latching notch aiming at the latching slot when the electronic device is received in the placement portion. The controlling portion is secured in the holding portion and includes a magnetic switch and a safety latch. The magnetic switch includes a movable shaft, and the safety latch includes a latching portion engaging with the movable shaft and pivoting to the placement portion, and a buckling portion engaging with the latching notch and the latching slot. The magnetic switch drives the movable shaft move to urge the latching portion rotating relative to the placement portion and to urge the buckling portion passing through the latching notch and engaging with the latching slot.

Abstract: A charge control circuit supplies power from an external power source to a first common node and charges a second common node. A regulator circuit is coupled between the external power source and the first common node, and a transistor is coupled between the first common node and the second common node. A current sensing and control device senses the current from the first common node to the second common node and generates a first control signal. A first voltage sensing and control device senses a voltage at the first common node, and generates a conduction control signal to control the transistor. A second voltage sensing and control device senses a voltage at the second common node, and generates a second control signal. The regulator circuit provides system power to the first common node according to the first control signal and the second control signal.

Abstract: Systems and methods for simultaneously charging two or more cell strings of a hybrid battery system from a shared input current path to the battery system. An input common charging current may be limited to the smallest maximum allowable charging current value of multiple battery cell strings of a hybrid battery system, or may be provided as the greater of the maximum allowable charging currents of multiple battery cell strings of a hybrid battery system with current supplied to individual cell strings that require less than the maximum current being individually controlled so as not to exceed the maximum allowable current for each of the individual cell strings of the hybrid battery system.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a charging system, charging method, and charging control device. The charging system comprises a charger configured to be coupled to an external power source with its one end; a plurality of secondary batteries configured to be coupled to the charger, respectively; and a control device configured to be coupled to the charger and the plurality of secondary batteries, to control the charger to perform a charging operation on the plurality of secondary battery. According to the present disclosure, the secondary batteries having harmonics with identical frequencies and opposite phases are connected in parallel for charging, to reduce or eliminate the harmonic distortion generated by high order harmonics, and effectively reduce the value of THD.

Abstract: A method and system for determining the temperature of cells in a battery pack, without using temperature sensors, by measuring the impedance of the cells and using the impedance to determine the temperature. An AC voltage signal is applied to the battery pack, and a time sample of voltage and current data is obtained. The voltage and current data is narrowed down to a simultaneous time window of interest, and a fast fourier transformation is performed on the windowed voltage and current data to identify voltage and current magnitudes at one or more specific frequencies. The voltage and current magnitudes are used to determine the impedance at the one or more frequencies. Finally, the impedance is used to determine the temperature of the cell or cells using a look-up table, where the impedance, the frequency, and a state of charge are used as input parameters for the look-up.

Abstract: A device includes a battery pack receptacle that removably connects to a battery pack used for a cordless device. A universal serial bus (USB) port is connected to the battery pack receptacle. The battery pack is used as a power source for the USB port. An attachment device is connected to the battery pack receptacle. that attaches the battery pack receptacle to a utility bag. The attachment device is configured for attaching the battery pack receptacle to a platform.

Abstract: A battery charger that is configured to charge a battery pack including a secondary battery includes: a housing; and a charging circuit unit disposed in the housing. The housing defines a first air passage in which air flows to cool the secondary battery and a second air passage in which air flows to cool the charging circuit unit. The second air passage is independent from the first air passage.

Abstract: A battery pack including: a bare cell including a cathode and an anode; and a chip on board (COB) module electrically coupled to the cathode and anode of the bare cell. The COB module controls the charging/discharging of the bare cell. The COB module can be commonly used in different types of batteries and can be connected to a variety of electric devices.

Abstract: A method of charging a battery and a battery charging system, which has a relatively high charging speed while having a relatively low level of battery deterioration. The charging method includes charging a battery cell with a first current in a first constant current mode; charging the battery cell with a first voltage in a first constant voltage mode; idling the charging of the battery cell for a first idle period (t); charging the battery cell with a second current different from the first current in a second constant current mode; and charging the battery cell with a second voltage different from the first voltage in a second constant voltage mode.

Abstract: A battery pack charger including a case (1) having an attachment section (2) where a battery pack (30) can be attached in a detachable manner, and a plurality of connecting terminals (3) disposed in an exposed manner in the attachment section to connect with external terminals (33) on the battery pack. The connecting terminals are disposed in approximately vertical orientation in a plurality of approximately parallel rows. The case has terminal through-holes (52) opened through the case between adjacent connecting terminals. Even if there is ingress of foreign material, such as dust and dirt, between the connecting terminals, that material can fall through the holes in the case. Foreign material collection between the connecting terminals can be avoided, and the battery pack charger has the positive feature that unintended conduction, such as leakage current and short-circuit, can be avoided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a secondary battery pack including a battery cell having a pair of coupling grooves, each of the coupling grooves having a predetermined depth, an insulative mounting member mounted to the top of the battery cell, a protection circuit module (PCM) having a pair of connection coupling members protruding downward, and an insulative cap coupled to the top of the battery cell, wherein the connection coupling members are inserted into coupling grooves formed at electrode terminals of the battery cell through openings of the insulative mounting member in a state in which the insulative mounting member is mounted to the top of the battery cell, thereby achieving the coupling of the PCM to the battery cell and the insulative mounting member and the electrical connection between the battery cell and the PCM.

Abstract: A battery pack includes: a plus terminal and a minus terminal; a secondary battery; and a booster. The secondary battery has a rated voltage and is configured to output a battery voltage across the plus terminal and the minus terminal. A charging device and a discharging device are selectively connectable to the plus terminal and the minus terminal. The charging device charges the secondary battery. The discharging device performs a job with the battery voltage supplied from the secondary battery. The booster is configured to boost the battery voltage to a voltage greater than the rated voltage. The voltage boosted is used as a control voltage for either connecting the secondary battery to or disconnecting the secondary battery from the charging device or the discharging device.

Abstract: A battery protection system includes a first battery, a first line coupled to a first electrode of the first battery, and a second line coupled to a second electrode of the first battery, the first and second electrodes being of opposite polarity, a measurement unit measuring a voltage at first and second measurement terminals, the first measurement terminal being connected to the first electrode by the first line, the second measurement terminal being connected to the second electrode by the second line, and a protection unit controlling a voltage of the first battery according to a generated voltage, the generated voltage being determined by adjusting the measured voltage according to a first voltage drop across the first line, a second voltage drop across the second line, or both the first voltage drop and the second voltage drop.

Abstract: An inductive battery system includes a primary coil system (102) and an inductive battery (122). The primary coil system (102) provides inductive power (106). The inductive battery (122) includes a secondary coil system (108), charge circuitry (110), output circuitry (112), and an internal battery (114). The secondary coil system (108) receives the inductive power (106) and provides electrical power. The charge circuitry (110) receives the electrical power and supplies suitable power to the internal battery (114) for charging and/or device operation. The output circuitry (112) receives electrical energy from the internal battery (114) and provides the electrical energy external to the system (100) as external power (124). The internal battery (114) stores the received electrical power from the charge circuitry (110) and supplies the electrical power to the output circuitry (112).

Abstract: A modulation control scheme for a series-connected dual active bridge (DAB) DC to DC converter in a maximum power point tracking charge controller used in a photovoltaic system controls operation of the converter in a forward direction power flow mode to control charging of a battery bank with electricity produced by the photovoltaic array. The modulation control scheme is also capable of operating the converter in a reverse direction power flow mode to control the flow of electricity from the battery bank to a DC load. The modulation control scheme divides the converter's operating range in each mode into five main cases of minimum root mean square (M-RMS) operating regions and seven main cases of full zero-voltage switching (F-ZVS) operating regions, as well as transition operating regions between adjacent main cases, based on applicable power level and value of voltage differential.

Abstract: An electric power tool system comprises a tool main body, a battery pack detachably attached to the tool main body and a first charger that charges the battery pack. The first charger is detachably attached to the tool main body and/or the battery pack. The first charger is capable of charging the battery pack while the battery pack is attached to the tool main body. The first charger is preferably cordless and contains at least rechargeable battery for storing energy to charge the battery pack.

Abstract: A cap lamp system includes a battery pack featuring a housing with a battery cell and a protection circuit positioned within the battery pack housing. A pair of terminals are attached to the battery cell and are adapted to provide power to a cap lamp and/or other device(s). Circuitry is electrically attached to the battery cell and the cap lamp for controlling discharging of the battery cell when powering the cap lamp and/or other device(s) and charging of the battery cell when the battery pack is connected to a charger.

Abstract: A hybrid coupling for a smart battery system having two internal batteries. The hybrid power coupling includes a power coupling for connecting to the batteries and a data coupling for connecting with two bus devices that are also within the battery housing. The contacts of the digital data coupling are disposed in a circular configuration within the mating jack of the hybrid coupling. The data contacts are concentric with the D.C. battery contacts. The data contacts are retractable to automatically and selectively connect to a variety of battery-mounted jacks.

Abstract: A cooling arrangement is disclosed for a vehicle having a first component, a first duct, and a cooling fan configured to deliver air through the first duct to the first component when the cooling fan is operated. The cooling arrangement includes, but is not limited to, a second component, a port coupled to the second component, the port being accessible from a position external to the vehicle, and a second duct having a first end positioned proximate the port and a second end in fluid communication with the first duct. The second duct is configured to deliver air from outside of the vehicle to the second component when the cooling fan is operated while the vehicle is off.

Abstract: An approach is provided in which a battery cartridge aperture is included in a device. The edges of the battery cartridge aperture form a shape that match a selected battery cartridge and indicate a power configuration. The selected battery cartridge is selected from a variety of different battery cartridges with each of the battery cartridges having a unique external shape with each unique external shape corresponding to a different power configuration. The various battery cartridges each have a different configuration of battery cells within the battery cartridge that provide power to the device through electrical contacts. The contacts are affixed within the device with each of the contacts positioned to correspond with electrical contacts from the battery cartridge. In one embodiment, protective covers are provided that cover the contacts with the covers automatically retracting to expose the contacts when the battery cartridge is inserted in the device.

Abstract: A charging control device includes a control unit and a monitoring unit. The control unit performs at least one of controlling charging to a rechargeable battery and monitoring a state of a rechargeable battery, while outputting a state signal which indicates an operation state of the control unit. The monitoring unit determines whether or not the operation state of the control unit is a predesignated specified operation state based on the state signal outputted from the control unit.

Abstract: An equalization device for equalizing voltages of battery cells connected in series includes equalization switches, resistors, and a control circuit. Each equalization switch has energization terminals interposed between terminals of a corresponding battery cell. A current path between the energization terminals conducts when a control voltage not less than a threshold voltage is applied between control terminals of the equalization switch. Each resistor is connected between the control terminals of the corresponding equalization switch. The control circuit switches an equalization execution state and an equalization stop state in accordance with an equalization signal provided for each battery cell. In the execution state, the control circuit passes an electric current through the corresponding resistor to generate the control voltage not less than the threshold voltage. In the stop state, the control circuit causes the corresponding resistor to generate the control voltage less than the threshold voltage.

Abstract: An intelligent charging system includes a charging device, a battery pack, an electric tool powered by the battery pack, and a terminal device capable of communicating with the charging device and having a network communication function on its own. The charging system provides effective information chains between the integral parts, achieves remote operation or setting, improves utilization rate of the charging system, and facilitates the user to use an apparatus obtaining electrical energy from the charging system in a planned manner. The charging assembly helps the user to use the terminal device to control the charging procedure.

Abstract: A universal charger includes a portable charger housing, an universal charging arrangement, and an energy input device. The universal charging arrangement includes a charging circuitry for managing electricity charging of the rechargeable battery, and a plurality of charging terminals movably provided in the battery compartment of the portable charging housing, wherein the charging terminals are adapted to move in the battery compartment to accurately and adjustably align with the battery terminals of the rechargeable battery. The energy input device is electrically connected with the charging circuitry, which is capable of charging a wide variety of electronic devices by acquiring power through a convention USB port.