Battery pack and electronic equipment

• US 20070159135A1
• Filed: 01/09/2007
• Published: 07/12/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 01/11/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Godo Kaisha IP Bridge 1 (IP Bridge, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Sanyo Electric Company Limited (Panasonic Holdings Corporation)
• Inventors: Teraoka, Hiroki
• Granted Patent: US 7,570,014 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 320/112
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/00036 Charger exchanging data with battery
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/00038 using passive battery identification means, e.g. resistors or capacitors identification by mechanical connections H02J7/0045
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/00047 with provisions for charging different types of batteries

Abstract

The battery pack is charged by an electronic equipment and communicates with the electronic equipment. The battery pack is provided with a discrimination resistor electrically connected to communication lines, and a controller having a discrimination function for electronic equipment judgment of battery pack type from communication via the communication lines. The electronic equipment has a discrimination function that determines battery pack type utilizing the discrimination section of the battery pack controller. In addition, the electronic equipment has a discrimination function that applies voltage to the discrimination resistor to determine battery pack type.

Claims

1. A battery pack that is charged by electronic equipment and communicates with the electronic equipment, comprising:

a discrimination resistor electrically connected to a communication line inside the battery pack; and

a controller having a discrimination section to output a discrimination signal to electronic equipment consistent with communication with the electronic equipment via the communication lines.

2. A battery pack as recited in claim 1 wherein the battery pack houses lithium ion rechargeable batteries.

3. Electronic equipment that charges a battery pack;

provided with communication lines that connect with the battery pack, and a discrimination function to determine battery pack type via the communication lines;

wherein the discrimination function has a first discrimination function that is a digital discrimination function that determines battery pack type via communication with the battery pack, and a second discrimination function that applies a voltage to a discrimination resistor in the battery pack to determine battery pack type;

and the electronic equipment has a control and power source circuit that charges a battery pack determined to be specified product by either or both the first discrimination function and the second discrimination function, and does not charge a battery pack determined not to be specified product.

4. Electronic equipment as recited in claim 3 wherein the control and power source circuit charges a battery pack, which is determined to be specified product by the first discrimination function, with a first charging voltage;

and charges a battery pack, which is not determined to be specified product by the first discrimination function but is determined to be specified product by the second discrimination function, with a second charging voltage.

5. Electronic equipment as recited in claim 4 wherein the control and power source circuit sets the second charging voltage lower than the first charging voltage.

6. Electronic equipment as recited in claim 4 which contains a control and power source circuit that charges a battery pack housing lithium ion rechargeable batteries.

7. Electronic equipment as recited in claim 4 wherein the first charging voltage for charging a battery pack with the control and power source circuit is 4.3V.

8. Electronic equipment as recited in claim 4 wherein the second charging voltage for charging a battery pack with the control and power source circuit is 4.2V.