Abstract: A battery charging circuit and a charging method thereof are described hereinafter. The battery charging circuit includes a charging unit connected to an external main power for gaining power to charge a battery, a temperature sensor located beside the charging unit for sensing a temperature of the battery and then sending a corresponding temperature signal out, a main control circuit for receiving the temperature signal sent by the temperature sensor and then transmitting a corresponding power control signal out according to the temperature signal, and a power control circuit connected between the main power and the charging unit for receiving the power control signal transmitted by the main control circuit and then adjusting charging voltage and current for the charging unit according to the power control signal.

Abstract: A power supply circuit charging a secondary battery by a DC-DC converter using a switching element and an inductance element includes a current adjustment circuit. The current adjustment circuit adjusts a charging current of the secondary battery by turning on/off the switching element according to a voltage difference of a lower one of a reference voltage and a first control voltage corresponding to a temperature of the secondary battery from a current detection voltage corresponding to the charging current of the secondary battery.

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: A method for charging a rechargeable battery set includes steps of obtaining a temperature of the rechargeable battery set, controlling a charging unit to provide a lower charging energy to the rechargeable battery set if the temperature of the rechargeable battery set exceeding a temperature threshold, and controlling the charging unit to provide a normal charging energy to the rechargeable battery set if the temperature of the rechargeable battery set being below the temperature threshold. Therefore, the charging speed of the rechargeable battery set is decelerated and the rechargeable battery set is maintained in an un-full condition in the condition of high temperature and high remainder capacity for preventing the rechargeable battery set from deterioration to extend it's life.

Abstract: A protection circuit is provided for protecting a secondary battery from overcharging and excessive discharge current by a simple circuit. The protection circuit is provided with a connection terminal (T3) for connecting the secondary battery (6); a connection terminal (T1) for connecting a charging device for charging the secondary battery (6) and/or a load device driven by a discharge current from the secondary battery (6); a bimetal switch (SW1) that is provided between the connection terminals (T1, T3) and turned off in the case of exceeding a specified temperature set beforehand; a heater (R2) for heating the bimetal switch (SW1); and an integrated circuit (IC1) for turning the bimetal switch (SW1) off by causing the heater (R2) to generate heat if a voltage applied to the connection terminal (T3) by the secondary battery (6) exceeds a preset reference voltage.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a consumer electronic device has a rechargeable battery, battery safety circuitry, and consumer electronic device circuitry with a controller. The rechargeable battery has a present temperature and a presently available effective capacity, and provides power to the electronic device via the battery safety circuitry. The controller determines whether the rechargeable battery might have, at a battery temperature greater than the present battery temperature, a potential effective capacity greater than the presently available effective capacity and, upon such determination, provides an indication to the user that additional effective capacity might become available if the battery temperature were raised.

Abstract: A charger protection device (20) includes an oscillator (201), a resistor (204) electronically connected to the oscillator, a capacitor (203) electronically connected to the resistor and a switch (202). The oscillator (201), the resistor (204) and the capacitor (203) form an oscillating circuit. The switch is electronically connected to the capacitor, and a voltage across the capacitor is input to the switch.

Abstract: A protection circuit for a battery pack, comprising: a thermistor for indicating a temperature of a cell in the battery pack; a first comparator coupled to the thermistor for determining whether the temperature has exceeded a charge cut-off temperature threshold for the cell, and if so, for turning off a first switch in series with the cell to prevent charging of the cell; and, a second comparator coupled to the thermistor for determining whether the temperature has exceeded a discharge cut-off temperature threshold for the cell, and if so, for turning off a second switch in series with the cell to prevent discharging of the cell.

Abstract: A computer system include: a system unit; a charging unit which outputs a charging current to a battery unit for supplying electric power to the system unit; and a first temperature compensating unit which selectively adjusts the level of the charging current so that the temperature of the charging unit is substantially maintained within a predetermined range.

Abstract: A charge accumulating system of the present invention comprises a nonaqueous electrolyte battery unit including a nonaqueous electrolyte containing an ionic liquid, a negative electrode and a positive electrode, a temperature detector which detects an ambient temperature of the battery unit, a first controller which lowers a maximum battery voltage of the battery unit when the detected temperature from the temperature detector exceeds a standard ambient temperature, and a second controller which controls a maximum charging amount Qmax of the nonaqueous electrolyte battery unit at a constant level, or lowers the maximum charging amount Qmax when the detected temperature from the temperature detector exceeds the standard ambient temperature.

Abstract: A protection circuit for a battery pack, comprising: a thermistor for indicating a temperature of a cell in the battery pack; a first comparator coupled to the thermistor for determining whether the temperature has exceeded a charge cut-off temperature threshold for the cell, and if so, for turning off a first switch in series with the cell to prevent: charging of the cell; and, a second comparator coupled to the thermistor for determining whether the temperature has exceeded a discharge cut-off temperature threshold for the cell, and if so, for turning off a second switch in series with the cell to prevent discharging of the cell.

Abstract: A request determining unit compares a battery temperature of a battery unit with a predetermined temperature management value, and produces a heating request or a cooling request when a temperature deviation of a predetermined threshold is present between them. A current direction determining unit determines, based on thermal reaction characteristics of the battery unit, in which one of a direction on a charge side and a direction on a discharge side a current is to be passed for responding to the heating request or the cooling request. A target current value determining unit determines a target current value related to the charge/discharge determined by the current direction determining unit. A current control unit produces a switching instruction for matching a battery current of the battery unit with the target current value provided from a selecting unit.

Abstract: A recharging system and method for an implantable medical device includes: a secondary coil associated with the implantable medical device; an external power source including a primary coil and a modulation circuit operatively coupled to the primary coil, the modulation circuit being capable of driving the primary coil at a carrier frequency when the primary coil is in proximity to the secondary coil and of varying the carrier frequency in response to sensor data received from the implantable medical device; a first sensor associated with the implantable medical device and in communication with the modulation circuit, the first sensor capable of sensing a first condition indicating a need to adjust the carrier frequency during a charging process; and a second sensor associated with the implantable medical device and in communication with the modulation circuit, the second sensor capable of sensing a second condition which is affected by the carrier frequency.

Abstract: The embodiments of the invention relate to a novel apparatus and method for a battery charging system in a shared environment, as well as for monitoring battery usage and tracking battery location. In one embodiment, the battery charging chute comprises a housing configured to receive a battery via an insertion slot and configured to dispense a battery through a dispensing slot. Within the housing, charging terminals are disposed is a spaced or continuous manner, to come in contact with the charging terminals on batteries inserted into the housing. Optionally, solenoid-controlled gates may be employed at the insertion slot and dispensing slot, to inhibit the removal or insertion of batteries from the incorrect location, to ensure that the battery with the longest residence time in the chute is dispensed to a user. The housing may also include a radio-frequency identification tag reader to permit inventorying and tracking of batteries inserted into the housing.

Abstract: A charge device includes a charge circuit and a monitoring circuit. The charge circuit includes a current limiting element, a rectifier element, and a DC voltage supply unit. The rectifier element is connected with the current limiting element in series. The DC voltage supply unit is used for providing a DC voltage to the battery to charge the battery via the current limiting element and the rectifier element connected with the current limiting element in series. The monitoring circuit includes a temperature sensing unit and a first control unit. The temperature sensing unit is used for sensing a surface temperature of the battery. The first control unit is used for controlling the DC voltage supply unit to stop charging the battery when the surface temperature is higher than a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A system for optimizing battery pack charging is provided. In this system, during charging the coupling of auxiliary systems (e.g., battery cooling systems) to the external power source are delayed so that the battery pack charge rate may be optimized, limited only by the available power. Once surplus power is available, for example as the requirements of the charging system decrease, the auxiliary system or systems may be coupled to the external power source without degrading the performance of the charging system.

Abstract: Some embodiments include a system, that includes an electric motor coupled to propel an electrical vehicle, a battery coupled to power the motor, a preheating system coupled to preheat the battery, a battery temperature comparator to compare a temperature of the battery to a target preheated temperature and to provide a battery below temperature signal when the battery temperature is below a specified temperature, a control circuit to determine the time remaining prior to a scheduled drive start time and to provide a preheating enable signal during a target time interval prior to the scheduled drive start time and a further control circuit to operate the preheating system in response to the battery below temperature signal and the preheating enable signal.

Abstract: A charging device that may perform charging with larger current is provided. The charging device comprises a switching element for increasing or decreasing charging power, a PWM controlling circuit for intermittently turning the switching element on and off, a current detecting circuit for detecting current flowing through the switching element, and a correcting circuit for correcting output voltage of the current detecting circuit depending on the temperature of the switching element. The PWM controlling circuit has a limiter terminal for turning off the switching element when voltage equal to or above a predetermined value is input, and corrected voltage from the correcting circuit is input to the limiter terminal.

Abstract: A charging system for a vehicle includes an EMI protection unit, a power factor correction unit, a DC-to-DC converting unit, a DC-to-DC control unit, and a micro-control unit. The power factor correction unit receives an AC voltage via the EMI protection unit and outputs a stable DC voltage. The DC-to-DC converting unit couples to receive the DC voltage and charge the chargeable battery. The DC-to-DC control unit couples to the DC-to-DC converting unit for controlling the DC-to-DC converting unit to charge the chargeable battery. The micro-control unit couples to the DC-to-DC control unit to execute a first charging process to inform the DC-to-DC control unit for controlling the DC-to-DC converting unit to output a first charge voltage, or to execute a second charging process to inform the DC-to-DC control unit for controlling the DC-to-DC converting unit to output a second charge voltage.

Abstract: A system for balancing energy delivery devices within the one or more battery packs and for providing isolated monitoring of the battery packs includes at least one group of energy delivery devices electrically connected in series. For each group of energy delivery devices, the system includes a balancing circuit for each adjacent pair of energy delivery devices. The balancing circuit adjusts charge stored in each energy delivery device of the pair so that the charge stored in the energy delivery devices of the pair is substantially equal, and the charge stored in each energy delivery device remains above a threshold. The system also includes a voltage monitoring module for sequentially selecting each of the energy delivery devices and providing a voltage associated with the selected device at an output port. The voltage monitoring module uses a low on-resistance differential multiplexer to select each of the energy delivery devices.

Abstract: A wireless communication terminal and a battery pack for the same are disclosed. The wireless communication terminal includes a battery pack having one or more battery cells supplying power to the terminal, wherein the battery pack includes a protective circuit senses an high temperature or pressure condition of the one or more battery cells and disconnects battery power from the terminal circuitry.

Abstract: The present invention is a charge method of a battery for an electric motor vehicle, in which a battery is charged by an outside electric source. A residual charge quantity of the battery is detected before charging. A maximum-quantity charge time Ttotal which is required for the residual charge quantity of the battery becoming the maximum quantity is calculated based on detection result. A driving-start time tds of the electric motor vehicle is estimated. A first charge is executed so as to be started from a driving stop of the electric motor vehicle, continued for a period of time which is shorter than the maximum-quantity charge time Ttotal, and completed before the driving-start time tds. A second charge is executed so as to be started after the first charge is completed and completed at the driving-start time tds.

Abstract: A battery charger integrated circuit with temperature control is disclosed that includes a temperature sensor circuit and a charging current generator circuit. Upon receiving a temperature reading voltage (VDT), the temperature sensing circuit is operable to generate a second reference voltage (VREF) that is a function of the first reference voltage (VREF1). The charging current generator circuit generates and continuously adjusts a reference current (I1) and a charging current (IOUT) according to the second reference voltage (VREF). Whenever the temperature reading voltage (VDT) exceeds the first reference voltage, the temperature sensor circuit is operable to adjust the second reference voltage (VREF).

Abstract: A method is provided for determining the charge state of a motor vehicle battery. An electrical voltage of the motor vehicle battery is detected and the electrical charge state of the motor vehicle battery is determined on the basis of the detected voltage of the motor vehicle battery. According to the method, the temperature of the motor vehicle battery is detected using a sensor that is separated spatially from the motor vehicle battery, and the charge state of the battery is determined on the basis of the detected voltage of the motor vehicle battery and on the basis of the detected temperature of the motor vehicle battery.

Abstract: A charging and equalizing method for a battery having a control computer in a charging system in communication with a plurality of module processors. Charging and equalization pauses periodically for voltage measurement by the module processors. The control computer determines when to equalize battery cells in the modules based on their open circuit voltages transmitted by the module processors. A selected group of cells in each module can be equalized. Equalization is carried out in the modules until all of the module processors indicate that equalization has been completed. Charging can then resume until charging is complete or cells reach a maximum voltage given by the control computer. In an alternative embodiment, a selected group of cells may be partially bypassed while charging to reduce the charge rate of the cell.

Abstract: A temperature compensated constant voltage battery charging algorithm charges batteries quickly and safely. Charging algorithms also include methods to recondition batteries after storage and to correct cell imbalances in a battery pack. A battery charger able to perform these functions is also disclosed.

Abstract: Exemplary methods and systems for charging a battery in a power management unit include a power regulator having an input power supply and a processor that regulates a charging rate of the battery based on measured parameters of the power regulator and the battery. The processor is programmed to perform exemplary methods that include receiving an output voltage signal and a battery temperature signal from the power regulator, and comparing the output voltage to a first threshold to determine a charge level of the battery. An exemplary method includes selecting a charging mode based on the comparison, and sending a first control signal to the power regulator to adjust a charging rate of the battery based on the battery temperature.

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: The future intra-terminal temperature is estimated on the basis of present intra-terminal temperature and a present service state of the terminal. In addition, the charging of the battery unit is controlled on the basis of the estimated future intra-terminal temperature.

Abstract: A method for charging a secondary battery with a constant current, in which a peak of output voltage is detected by utilizing a predetermined current value, and then the battery continues to be charged with a current value lower than the predetermined current value, so that the peak of output voltage or a voltage drop subsequent to the peak is detected, or alternatively a timer may be used, for termination of the charging operation.

Abstract: A method for ascertaining the temperature in an electrical battery includes determining at least one temperature value at a temperature measuring point outside the battery in the vicinity of the battery; determining at least one electrical power value in dependence on a characteristic power variable associated with the operation of the battery; weighting the power values and the temperature values with an assigned weighting factor; and ascertaining the temperature in the electrical battery from an energy balance in dependence on the at least one weighted temperature value and the weighted electrical power values.

Abstract: A portable electronic device includes a charging unit coupled to a rechargeable battery, an internal electronic unit, and a temperature sensor for sensing temperature of the internal electronic unit. The charging unit receives an external input power so as to output a charging current for charging the rechargeable battery, and a supply current supplied to the internal electronic unit, and adjusts the charging current outputted to the rechargeable battery unit based on the temperature of the internal electronic unit. A method of adjusting a charging current for a rechargeable battery unit of a portable electronic device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A battery charger integrated circuit with temperature control is disclosed that includes a temperature sensor circuit and a charging current generator circuit. Upon receiving a temperature reading voltage (VDT), the temperature sensing circuit is operable to generate a second reference voltage (VREF) that is a function of the first reference voltage (VREF1). The charging current generator circuit generates and continuously adjusts a reference current (I1) and a charging current (IOUT) according to the second reference voltage (VREF). Whenever the temperature reading voltage (VDT) exceeds the first reference voltage, the temperature sensor circuit is operable to adjust the second reference voltage (VREF).

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for accurately characterizing thermodynamic and materials properties of electrodes and electrochemical energy storage and conversion systems. Systems and methods of the present invention are configured for simultaneously collecting a suite of measurements characterizing a plurality of interconnected electrochemical and thermodynamic parameters relating to the electrode reaction state of advancement, voltage and temperature.

Abstract: Charging apparatus 10 includes secondary battery 13 used for buffering, rectifier 11 that supplies direct current power to secondary battery 13 used for buffering, DC-DC converter 14 connected to driving battery 3 in electric vehicle 2 via charging cable 4, switching control circuit 12, and isothermal wind generator 16 that adjusts the temperature of secondary battery 13 used for buffering from outside of secondary battery 13 used for buffering. Switching control circuit 12 switches charging apparatus 10 between a first mode in which power supplied by rectifier 11 is accumulated in secondary battery 13 used for buffering and a second mode in which driving battery 3 is charged with the power supplied by secondary battery 13 used for buffering. Secondary battery 13 used for buffering includes at least one cell in which a battery element with a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate that are laminated therein is sealed with an outer cover film.

Abstract: A charging method includes first and second charging steps to charge a lithium-ion battery. In the first charging step, a temperature rise gradient of the battery to a current is detected. A battery temperature when the battery is charged to a first predetermined capacity is predicted based on the gradient. A charging current is controlled based on the predicted temperature. The battery is charged, at a current that brings a battery temperature lower than a predetermined temperature, to the first predetermined capacity. In the second charging step, a temperature rise gradient of the battery is detected. A battery temperature when the battery is charged to a second predetermined capacity is predicted based on the gradient. A charging current is controlled based on the predicted temperature. The battery is charged, at a current that brings the temperature of the battery lower than the predetermined temperature, to the second predetermined capacity.

Abstract: A electrical energy storage device may experience quiescent periods of operation. A method is disclosed effective to account for the effects that temperature during quiescent periods has upon the electrical energy storage device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mobile terminal incorporating a battery pack utilized as power supply. The mobile terminal includes a positive terminal connected to a battery pack positive electrode, a negative terminal connected to a battery pack negative electrode, a data communication terminal communicating with a circuit in the battery pack, a charge control unit controlling charging of the battery pack via the positive terminal, and a reference voltage output unit outputting reference voltage. The terminal further includes a dividing resistor and a thermistor connected in series between the reference voltage output unit and the negative terminal, a temperature detector detecting temperature, and stopping charging of the battery pack based on the detected temperature, and a switching device controlling the voltage at the predetermined portion.

Abstract: A charging/discharging apparatus, method and system that receives power from a power supplying apparatus. The method includes a temperature measuring step for measuring an internal temperature of the charging/discharging apparatus. A first transmitting step transmits the internal temperature data of the charging/discharging apparatus to the power supplying apparatus. Charged state information of a battery pack attached to the charging/discharging apparatus is collected and supplied to the power supplying apparatus. A battery pack temperature measuring step measures an internal temperature of the battery pack and a second transmitting step transmits the internal temperature data of the battery pack to the power supplying apparatus.

Abstract: A setting current switching circuit 120 includes a comparator 127. A battery temperature signal corresponding to a battery temperature detected by a battery temperature detecting unit 8 is inputted to one input terminal (?) of the comparator 127 and a reference signal corresponding to a reference temperature is inputted to the other input terminal (+) of the comparator 127 to vary the setting charging current value of a charging current setting unit 80 and the setting full-charge current value of a full-charge current setting unit 90 correspondingly to the output of the comparator 127.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solar powered battery charger with voltage regulation circuit and the method for recharging a car battery. The charger comprises an input port for receiving electrical power from a solar panel; an output port for providing electrical power to a battery; and a power regulation circuit electrically coupled to the input power. The power regulation circuit is electrically coupled to the output port and for monitoring a voltage thereon, having a first state in which electrical power is provided to the output port and a second state in which electrical power is not provided to the output port. The power regulation circuit remains in a first state when the voltage at the output port is below a threshold voltage and for other than remaining in the first state when the voltage at the output port is above the threshold voltage.

Abstract: A battery ECU includes i) a circuit connected to a plurality of battery temperature sensors provided on a plurality of battery cells which make up a battery, and a cooling fan, the circuit detecting operation of the cooling fan, and ii) a circuit that determines that there is a temperature abnormality in a battery based on the difference between a maximum value and a minimum value of battery temperatures measured by the battery temperature sensors only when the period of time during which temperature increases within a predetermined period of time in the battery temperatures measured by the battery temperature sensors continue to be less than a threshold value is longer than a predetermined period of time, and the cooling fan has been operating for a longer period of time than a suitable cooling fan operating time obtained based on the difference between the maximum value and the minimum value of the measured battery temperatures.

Abstract: A battery status detecting method for detecting a battery status of a secondary battery is disclosed. The method includes: an open circuit voltage correcting step of obtaining a temperature-corrected value of the open circuit voltage of the secondary battery according to the temperature of the secondary battery, based on first open circuit voltage characteristics indicating the relationship between the open circuit voltage and the temperature of the secondary battery; and a charge rate correcting step of obtaining a temperature-corrected value of the charge rate of the secondary battery according to the temperature-corrected value of the open circuit voltage obtained in the open circuit voltage correcting step, based on second open circuit voltage characteristics indicating the relationship between the open circuit voltage and the charge rate of the secondary battery.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising battery pack installed in an electric vehicle, a power supply coupled to the rechargeable battery pack, the power supply operable to provide a charge voltage to perform charging operations on the rechargeable battery pack;, a heater to heat a fluid to be circulated through the rechargeable battery pack, the fluid thermally coupled to a plurality of battery cells within the rechargeable battery pack, a switching circuit, the switching circuit coupled to the heater and to the power supply, the switching circuit operable in a first mode to couple the source of electrical power to the heater without coupling the source of electrical power to the rechargeable battery pack, the switching circuit operable in a second mode to couple a source of electrical power external to the electric vehicle to the power supply to form a recharging circuit in order to perform charging operations on the rechargeable battery pack.

Abstract: The method of charging a battery array performs constant current, constant voltage charging of a battery array while detecting the voltage of each battery. The battery array is a plurality of series connected batteries. The charging method detects the voltage of each battery cell at a prescribed sampling rate. When the voltage of any battery cell exceeds a preset maximum specified voltage, charging power is reduced for constant current, constant voltage charging of the battery array.

Abstract: A charging control device (D) is installed in a piece of electronic equipment (EE) comprising a rechargeable battery (B) and at least an internal application (A) requiring an application current for its operation. This device (D) comprises a charging control module (CCM) arranged to be coupled to a charger (CH), to be fed with a charge current when it is connected to mains, and coupled i) to the battery (B) to control its charge and provide it with a chosen battery current when so required and when its temperature is within a chosen interval, and ii) to the application (A) to provide it with the application current when the electronic equipment (EE) is connected to the charger (CH). The device (D) also comprises a current sensor means (SM) arranged to determine the current consumed by the application (A) and to deliver a first signal representative of this current consumption.

Abstract: A charging device that may perform charging with larger current is provided. The charging device comprises a switching element for increasing or decreasing charging power, a PWM controlling circuit for intermittently turning the switching element on or off, a current detecting circuit for detecting current flowing through the switching element, and a rectifying circuit for rectifying output voltage of the current detecting circuit in response to power supply voltage. The PWM controlling circuit has a limiter terminal for turning off the switching element when voltage equal to or above a determined value is input, and rectified voltage from the rectifying circuit is input to the limiter terminal. In this charging device, an amount of temperature increase of the switching element is suppressed so as to remain within a fixed range, and the charging power is not restricted unnecessarily.

Abstract: In an autonomous system, the method for charging a power storage element from a generator comprises temperature measurement, with switching from a first charging mode to a second charging mode in which the voltage is regulated by the temperature. The first charging mode is charging at regulated current to a maximum current value which is a function of the state of charge of the power storage element and of the temperature of the power storage element. Switching is performed when the voltage at the terminals of the power storage element reaches a preset threshold value, itself a function of the value of the current and temperature of the power storage element.

Abstract: A device includes a rechargeable battery and a USB interface including a USB_ID pin. A charging device is connected to the device via the USB interface. A battery charging circuit in the device receives a charge via the USB_ID pin from the charging device, and the battery charging circuit charges the battery with the received charge.

Abstract: In the present invention, a battery pack type discriminating or deciding concave portion (131) is formed at a position corresponding to a battery pack type deciding switch (214) of an SQ battery pack (1) and when the SQ battery pack (1) is set, the battery pack type deciding switch (214) is avoided to be pressed by a bottom (115) of the SQ battery pack (1) owing to the concave portion (131). In this way, as the switch (214) is avoided to be pressed, it is recognized that the set battery pack is an SQ battery pack (1) under charging. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to identify battery packs among different charging modes and charging can be performed in a proper charging mode.