Balancer circuit for rechargeable batteries
First Claim
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1. A balancer circuit for a cell in a rechargeable battery, the balancer circuit comprising:
- connecting terminals configured to permit connection of the balancer circuit to the cell;
a first resistor electrically connected to one of the connecting terminals;
a voltage switch in series with the first resistor and electrically connected to another one of the connecting terminals, the voltage switch being operable to shunt a balancing current through the first resistor when a load voltage sensed over the connecting terminals is higher than a threshold voltage,wherein the voltage switch comprises an adjustable voltage reference circuit having a plurality of terminals, the plurality of terminals including a first terminal, a second terminal and a third terminal configured to input a feedback signal, the first resistor is electrically connected between a terminal of the cell and the first terminal of the adjustable voltage reference circuit, and the adjustable voltage reference circuit provides a Zener diode functional element between the first terminal and the second terminal;
a second resistor electrically connected between the first terminal and third terminal; and
a third resistor electrically connected between the second terminal and the third terminal.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A balancer circuit for a cell in a rechargeable battery, having connecting terminals for connection of the balancer circuit to the cell. A first resistor is electrically connected to one of the connecting terminals and a voltage switch is arranged in series with the first resistor and electrically connected to the other one of the connecting terminals. The voltage switch, e.g., an adjustable voltage reference circuit, is operable to shunt a balancing current through the first resistor when a load voltage sensed over the connecting terminals is higher than a threshold voltage.
4 Citations
12 Claims
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1. A balancer circuit for a cell in a rechargeable battery, the balancer circuit comprising:
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connecting terminals configured to permit connection of the balancer circuit to the cell; a first resistor electrically connected to one of the connecting terminals; a voltage switch in series with the first resistor and electrically connected to another one of the connecting terminals, the voltage switch being operable to shunt a balancing current through the first resistor when a load voltage sensed over the connecting terminals is higher than a threshold voltage, wherein the voltage switch comprises an adjustable voltage reference circuit having a plurality of terminals, the plurality of terminals including a first terminal, a second terminal and a third terminal configured to input a feedback signal, the first resistor is electrically connected between a terminal of the cell and the first terminal of the adjustable voltage reference circuit, and the adjustable voltage reference circuit provides a Zener diode functional element between the first terminal and the second terminal; a second resistor electrically connected between the first terminal and third terminal; and a third resistor electrically connected between the second terminal and the third terminal. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A balancer arrangement configured to provide a balancing current to a rechargeable battery having a plurality of cells in a series configuration, the balancer arrangement comprising:
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a balancer circuit including; connecting terminals configured to permit connection of the balancer circuit to the cell; a first resistor electrically connected to one of the connecting terminals; a voltage switch in series with the first resistor and electrically connected to another one of the connecting terminals, the voltage switch being operable to shunt a balancing current through the first resistor when a load voltage sensed over the connecting terminals is higher than a threshold voltage, wherein the voltage switch comprises an adjustable voltage reference circuit having a plurality of terminals, the plurality of terminals including a first terminal, a second terminal and a third terminal configured to input a feedback signal, the first resistor is electrically connected between a terminal of the cell and the first terminal of the adjustable voltage reference circuit, and the adjustable voltage reference circuit provides a Zener diode functional element between the first terminal and the second terminal, wherein consecutive balancer circuits share a common terminal for electrical connection to an associated series configuration of cells, a second resistor electrically connected between the first terminal and third terminal; and a third resistor electrically connected between the second terminal and the third terminal. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10)
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11. A battery pack comprising:
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a plurality of rechargeable cells; and a balancer circuit including; connecting terminals configured to permit connection of the balancer circuit to the cell; a first resistor electrically connected to one of the connecting terminals; and a voltage switch in series with the first resistor and electrically connected to another one of the connecting terminals, the voltage switch being operable to shunt a balancing current through the first resistor when a load voltage sensed over the connecting terminals is higher than a threshold voltage, wherein the voltage switch comprises an adjustable voltage reference circuit having a plurality of terminals, the plurality of terminals including a first terminal, a second terminal and a third terminal configured to input a feedback signal, the first resistor is electrically connected between a terminal of the cell and the first terminal of the adjustable voltage reference circuit, and the adjustable voltage reference circuit provides a Zener diode functional element between the first terminal and the second terminal, wherein each one of the plurality of rechargeable cells corresponds and is electrically connected to at least one balancing circuit, a second resistor electrically connected between the first terminal and third terminal; and a third resistor electrically connected between the second terminal and the third terminal. - View Dependent Claims (12)
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Specification