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 to begin charging the other of the first and second rechargeable power supplies while providing the first charging current by providing an available excess power as a second charging current to the other of the first and second rechargeable power supplies where the second rechargeable power supply is connected to the second of the plurality of power supply interfaces, the available excess power determined based on the first charging current and energy received from the power source, said first charging current greater than said second charging current;
wherein the charging controller is further configured to determine whether the charge level of the one of the first and second rechargeable power supplies exceeds a threshold and in response provide a third charging current to the one of the first and second rechargeable power supplies and a fourth charging current to the other of the first and second rechargeable power supplies, said third charging current less than said first charging current and said fourth charging current greater than said second charging current.
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Abstract
Multiple function current-sharing charging systems aid 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
15 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 to begin charging the other of the first and second rechargeable power supplies while providing the first charging current by providing an available excess power as a second charging current to the other of the first and second rechargeable power supplies where the second rechargeable power supply is connected to the second of the plurality of power supply interfaces, the available excess power determined based on the first charging current and energy received from the power source, said first charging current greater than said second charging current; wherein the charging controller is further configured to determine whether the charge level of the one of the first and second rechargeable power supplies exceeds a threshold and in response provide a third charging current to the one of the first and second rechargeable power supplies and a fourth charging current to the other of the first and second rechargeable power supplies, said third charging current less than said first charging current and said fourth charging current greater than said second charging current. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4)
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5. 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 one of the first and second rechargeable power supplies; and based on the first charging current and power available from a power source of the charging system, determining an available excess charging current; beginning charging the other of the first and second rechargeable power supplies while continuing to provide the first charging current by providing the available excess charging current as a second charging current to the other of the first and second rechargeable power supplies, said first charging current greater than said second charging current; monitoring a charge level of one of the first and second rechargeable power supplies; determining whether the charge level of the one of the first and second rechargeable power supplies exceeds a threshold; and where the charge level of the one of the first and second rechargeable power supplies exceeds a threshold; providing a third charging current to the one of the first and second rechargeable power supplies, said third charging current less than said first charging current; and providing a fourth charging current to the other of the first and second rechargeable power supplies, said fourth charging current greater than said second charging current. - View Dependent Claims (6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A method of charging two rechargeable power supplies to reduce a total charging time, comprising:
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providing a charging system; providing a first charging current to a first rechargeable power supply of the two rechargeable power supplies, wherein the first charging current is a full charging current of the first rechargeable power supply; determining an available excess charging current based on a difference between a maximum output of the charging system and the full charging current; and while continuing to provide the full charging current to the first rechargeable power supply, beginning charging a second rechargeable power supply of the two rechargeable power supplies by providing a majority of the available excess charging current to the second rechargeable power supply; and when the first rechargeable power supply is substantially charged and when the second rechargeable power supply is at least partially charged, applying to a second charging current to the second rechargeable power supply, the second charging current is a full charging current of the second rechargeable power supply. - View Dependent Claims (15)
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Specification