Multiple Function Current-Sharing Charging System and Method
First Claim
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1. A multiple function current-sharing charging system, comprising:
- a power source interface configured to receive energy from a power source;
a power converter connected to the power source and configured to regulate the energy received from the power source and to output charging current;
a plurality of power supply interfaces configured for connection to respective rechargeable power supplies; and
a charging controller connected to the power converter to receive the charging current and to the plurality of power supply interfaces, and configured to detect connection of a first rechargeable power supply to a first one of the plurality of power supply interfaces, to determine whether a second rechargeable power supply is connected to a second of the plurality of power supply interfaces, and to provide a first charging current to one of the first and second rechargeable power supplies and a second charging current to the other of the first and second rechargeable power supplies where a second rechargeable power supply is connected to a second of the plurality of power supply interfaces.
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Abstract
Multiple function current-sharing charging systems and methods are provided. Where first and second rechargeable power supplies are connected to a charging system, a first charging current is provided to the first rechargeable power supply and a second charging current is provided to the second rechargeable power supply. Upon detection of a predetermined charge level of one of the rechargeable power supplies, a third charging current is provided to the first rechargeable power supply and a fourth charging current is provided to the second rechargeable power supply.
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Citations
10 Claims
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1. A multiple function current-sharing charging system, comprising:
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a power source interface configured to receive energy from a power source; a power converter connected to the power source and configured to regulate the energy received from the power source and to output charging current; a plurality of power supply interfaces configured for connection to respective rechargeable power supplies; and a charging controller connected to the power converter to receive the charging current and to the plurality of power supply interfaces, and configured to detect connection of a first rechargeable power supply to a first one of the plurality of power supply interfaces, to determine whether a second rechargeable power supply is connected to a second of the plurality of power supply interfaces, and to provide a first charging current to one of the first and second rechargeable power supplies and a second charging current to the other of the first and second rechargeable power supplies where a second rechargeable power supply is connected to a second of the plurality of power supply interfaces. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. A current-sharing charging method for a multiple function charging system, comprising the steps of:
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detecting connection of a first rechargeable power supply to the charging system; determining whether a second rechargeable power supply is connected to the charging system; and where a second rechargeable power supply is connected to the charging system; providing a first charging current to the first rechargeable power supply; and providing a second charging current to the second rechargeable power supply. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9, 10)
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Specification