Battery adaptor to facilitate reconditioning in a smart charger

• US 20040160210A1
• Filed: 02/14/2003
• Published: 08/19/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 02/14/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Motorola Solutions, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Motorola, Inc. (Motorola Solutions, Inc.)
• Inventors: Bohne, William C., Long, Bradley E.
• Granted Patent: US 6,914,415 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 320/111
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/4257 Smart batteries, e.g. electronic circuits inside the housing of the cells or batteries
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/00036 Charger exchanging data with battery
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/00047 with provisions for charging different types of batteries
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 60/10 Energy storage using batteries

Abstract

This invention includes an adaptor that facilitates reconditioning and charging of non-smart batteries in smart chargers. The adaptor includes a mechanical and electrical interface to the host-side of a non-smart battery, thereby bypassing any protection diode. The adaptor further includes at least one memory device that identifies the adaptor to a smart charger as an adaptor. Upon insertion, the smart charger reads the memory device in the adaptor begins the reconditioning process. The reconditioning process includes discharging the non-smart battery to a predetermined voltage stored memory device. The smart charger then waits a predefined period and begins charging the non-smart battery, preferably at a constant current. Charging is terminated at a V-peak inflection. Upon completion of charging, the smart charger may trickle charge for a time, and then indicates charge is completed.

Claims

1. An adaptor for charging a non-smart battery in a smart charger, comprising:

a. a first set of electrical contacts for coupling to the smart charger;

b. a second set of electrical contacts for coupling to the non-smart battery;

c. at least one memory device coupled to at least one of the first set of electrical contacts; and

d. data stored within the at least one memory device, the data including instructions to recondition the non-smart battery;

wherein when the adaptor is coupled to the non-smart battery and inserted into the smart charger, the smart charger reconditions the non-smart battery.

2. The adaptor of claim 1, wherein when the reconditioning of the non-smart battery is complete, the smart charger commences charging the non-smart battery.

3. The adaptor of claim 2, wherein the charging of the non-smart battery terminates when the smart charger detects a V-peak inflection.

4. The adaptor of claim 3, further comprising a resistor coupled to one of the first set of electrical contacts, wherein the resistor has an impedance value corresponding to a thermistor impedance when the thermistor is between 5 and 45 degrees Centigrade.

5. The adaptor of claim 4, further comprising an alternate memory device.

6. The adaptor of claim 5, further comprising a voltage reference coupled to the at least one memory device.

7. The adaptor of claim 1, wherein the memory device is selected from the group consisting of EPROMS, EEPROMS, and battery monitoring ICs.

8. The adaptor of claim 1, wherein the data stored within the at least one memory device includes instructions for a smart charger to execute a method, the method comprising the following steps:

a. recondition the non-smart battery by discharging the battery to a predetermined voltage;

b. charge the battery; and

c. terminate charge current once a V-peak inflection occurs.