Multi-rate charger with auto reset
First Claim
1. A charging circuit for receiving power from a power source and outputting conditioned power at an output, comprising:
- a) charging electronics adapted to condition power received from the power source for delivery to the output according to operational settings for one or more charge parameters;
b) a plurality of charge sets each including settings for one or more charge parameters;
one of said charge sets being designated as the current default charge set; and
c) a controller in communication with said charging electronics;
said controller causing said charging electronics to automatically assume the settings represented by said current default charge set for its operational settings in response to the occurrence of a trigger event.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A multi-rate charging circuit includes charging electronics adapted to condition power received from a power source according to operational settings for one or more charge parameters. A plurality of user-selectable charge sets each include settings for one or more of the charge parameters and one of the charge sets is designated as the current default charge set. The charging electronics assume the settings of the default charge set upon power-up, thereafter the user may select an alternative charge set if so desired. A trigger monitor, such as a current level sensor, monitors for the occurrence of a trigger event, such as low current flow associated with the removal of a battery pack, and generates a reset signal in response thereto. The reset signal causes the charging electronics to automatically assume the settings represented by the current default charge set for its operational settings. Thus, upon the occurrence of a triggering event, the charging electronics reverts to (or continues, as appropriate) the default charge set settings. Accordingly, the charging circuit automatically charges each battery pack according to the default settings unless the governing charge set is changed by the user after that battery pack is connected to the charging electronics.
59 Citations
27 Claims
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1. A charging circuit for receiving power from a power source and outputting conditioned power at an output, comprising:
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a) charging electronics adapted to condition power received from the power source for delivery to the output according to operational settings for one or more charge parameters; b) a plurality of charge sets each including settings for one or more charge parameters;
one of said charge sets being designated as the current default charge set; andc) a controller in communication with said charging electronics;
said controller causing said charging electronics to automatically assume the settings represented by said current default charge set for its operational settings in response to the occurrence of a trigger event. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A charging circuit for receiving power from a power source and outputting conditioned power at an output, comprising:
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a) charging electronics adapted to condition power received from the power source for delivery to the output according to operational settings for one or more charge parameters; b) a plurality of selectable charge sets each including settings for one or more charge parameters;
one of said charge sets being designated as the current default charge set;c) a trigger monitor in communication with said charging electronics;
said trigger monitor checking for the occurrence of a trigger event and generating a reset signal in response thereto;
wherein said trigger monitor is a current level sensor and wherein said trigger event is a current flow through said charging electronics of less than a predetermined level;d) a controller disposed between said charging electronics and said trigger monitor;
said controller operative to control the operation of said charging electronics and to receive said reset signal;e) a first selector for selection of an active charge set by a user and in communication with said controller;
wherein said charging electronics assume the settings represented by said active charge set for its operational settings until either changed by a user or until generation of said reset signal; andf) wherein said charging electronics automatically assumes the settings represented by said current default charge set for its operational settings in response to said reset signal. - View Dependent Claims (17)
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18. A method of controlling a charging circuit for a battery pack, the charging circuit including charging electronics operative to charge a battery pack according to one or more charge parameters, comprising:
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a) establishing a plurality of charge sets;
said charge sets including settings for one or more charge parameters;b) designating a charge set as the current default charge set; and c) monitoring the charging electronics for a triggering event; and d) automatically assuming, by said charging electronics, the settings represented by said current default charge set for operational settings in response to said triggering event. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27)
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Specification