Apparatus and method for charging a plurality of batteries using a combination of individual and parallel connections
First Claim
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1. A battery charger for charging a plurality of batteries provided with;
- charging means for charging a plurality of batteries,detecting means for detecting charging condition of the plurality of batteries, andswitching means for switching the connection condition of said plurality of batteries to(a) the condition in which said plurality of batteries are charged one by one, or(b) the condition in which said plurality of batteries are charged simultaneously in parallel connection,correspondingly to the detected result of said detecting means.
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Abstract
Battery charging time is shortened. The control circuit 6 controls the switches 7-1 and 7-2 to charge the batteries 21-1 and 21-2 at a constant current one by one. Subsequently the batteries are charged one by one at a constant voltage until the charging current decreases to 1/2 a prescribed current. Next, the control circuit 6 turns the switches 7-1 and 7-2 on to charge simultaneously the batteries 21-1 and 21-2 in a parallel connection. After the charging current decreases to a prescribed current value, the batteries are charged at a constant voltage for a prescribed time. Then charging is completed.
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Citations
5 Claims
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1. A battery charger for charging a plurality of batteries provided with;
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charging means for charging a plurality of batteries, detecting means for detecting charging condition of the plurality of batteries, and switching means for switching the connection condition of said plurality of batteries to (a) the condition in which said plurality of batteries are charged one by one, or (b) the condition in which said plurality of batteries are charged simultaneously in parallel connection, correspondingly to the detected result of said detecting means. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4)
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5. A method for charging a plurality of batteries comprising a series of steps;
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a step for detecting the charging condition of said it of batteries, a step for switching the connection of said plurality of batteries to (a) the condition in which said plurality of batteries are charged one by one, or (b) the condition in which said plurality of batteries are charged simultaneously in parallel connection, correspondingly to the detected result of said charging condition.
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Specification