A battery charger

Abstract

The application discloses a battery charger, comprising a charging interface, N charging positions, a first control module and a switch circuit. The charging interface is connected with an external power supply device and comprises a charging positive electrode pin and a grounding pin. The negative electrode connection terminal of the first charging position is grounded, the positive electrode connection terminal of the Nth charging position is connected to the charging positive electrode pin, and the N charging positions are connected in parallel. The first end of the switch circuit and the second end of the switch circuit are connected in series between the charging positive electrode pin and the positive electrode connection terminal of the Nth charging position, the control end of the switch circuit is connected to the first control module, the first control module detects the voltage Un of the positive electrode connection terminal of the Nth charging position, and when the voltage Un exceeds the upper limit threshold of the first charging voltage, a turn-off signal is sent to the control end of the switch circuit, so that the first end of the switch circuit and the second end of the switch circuit are disconnected. According to the application, the risk caused by the charging voltage exceeding the upper limit threshold can be avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of charging equipment technology, and more specifically to a battery charger. Background Technology

[0002] Battery chargers can be connected to an external power source for charging. However, during charging, the charging voltage may become too high due to unstable power supply voltage or other reasons. In such cases, the safety of the battery charger cannot be guaranteed.

[0003] Therefore, a battery charger is needed to at least partially solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The summary section introduces a series of simplified concepts, which will be further explained in detail in the detailed description section. This summary section is not intended to limit the key and essential technical features of the claimed technical solution, nor is it intended to determine the scope of protection of the claimed technical solution.

[0005] To at least partially solve the above problems, this application provides a battery charger, comprising:

[0006] A charging interface for connecting to an external power supply device, the charging interface including a positive charging pin and a ground pin;

[0007] There are N charging positions, where N is a positive integer. Each charging position is used to removably place a rechargeable battery. Each charging position is provided with a battery positive terminal for connecting to the positive terminal of the rechargeable battery and a battery negative terminal for connecting to the negative terminal of the rechargeable battery. The battery negative terminal of the first charging position is used to ground, and the battery positive terminal of the Nth charging position is used to connect to the charging positive pin.

[0008] A first control module, electrically connected to the positive terminal of the battery at the Nth charging position; and

[0009] A switching circuit includes a first terminal, a second terminal, and a control terminal. The control terminal is configured to control the on / off state of the circuit between the first and second terminals. The first and second terminals are connected in series between the charging positive pin and the battery positive terminal of the Nth charging position. The first terminal is connected to the charging positive pin, the second terminal is connected to the battery positive terminal of the Nth charging position, and the control terminal is connected to the first control module.

[0010] The battery charger includes a first state in which N positive terminal connections of the batteries are connected in parallel, and N negative terminal connections of the batteries are connected in parallel.

[0011] The first control module is configured to, in the first state, detect the voltage Un of the positive terminal of the battery at the Nth charging position, and when the voltage Un exceeds the first charging voltage upper limit threshold, send a shutdown signal to the control terminal of the switching circuit to disconnect the circuit between the first terminal and the second terminal of the switching circuit.

[0012] According to this application, the rechargeable batteries of the battery charger can be connected in parallel and charged by an external power source. During charging, the first control module can disconnect the switching circuit connected in series in the charging circuit when it detects that the charging voltage is too high, so as to prevent the voltage from exceeding the upper limit threshold of the charging voltage and causing danger.

[0013] Optionally, the switching circuit includes:

[0014] The first field-effect transistor, the drain of which is connected to the charging positive pin;

[0015] A second field-effect transistor, the source of which is connected to the source of the first field-effect transistor, and the drain of which is connected to the positive terminal of the battery at the Nth charging position; and

[0016] The first transistor has its emitter grounded, its base connected to the first control module, and its collector connected to the gates of both the first and second field-effect transistors.

[0017] Wherein, the drain of the first field-effect transistor is the first terminal of the switching circuit, the drain of the second field-effect transistor is the second terminal of the switching circuit, and the base of the first transistor is the control terminal of the switching circuit.

[0018] According to this application, the first control module controls the on / off state of the charging circuit through the first field-effect transistor, the second field-effect transistor, and the first transistor, which is convenient and quick.

[0019] Optionally, the battery charger further includes a second state in which the positive terminal of the battery in the previous charging position is connected to the negative terminal of the battery in the next charging position.

[0020] According to this application, in the second state, the rechargeable batteries are connected in series so that they can charge other electrical devices (such as mobile phones).

[0021] Optionally, the battery charger further includes a switch assembly for user operation, the switch assembly being connected to at least a portion of the N battery positive connection terminals and the N battery negative connection terminals, the switch assembly including a first state and a second state, wherein...

[0022] When the switching assembly is in the first state, N positive battery terminals are connected in parallel, and N negative battery terminals are connected in parallel.

[0023] When the switch assembly is in the second state, the positive terminal of the battery in the previous charging position is connected to the negative terminal of the battery in the next charging position.

[0024] According to this application, the battery charger, by setting a switching component, enables rechargeable batteries to be connected in parallel or in series. When connected in parallel, it can charge all rechargeable batteries, and when connected in series, it can enable the rechargeable batteries to charge other electrical devices (such as mobile phones).

[0025] Optionally, the switching assembly includes at least 2N-2 single-pole double-throw switches, wherein the positive terminal of the battery in the first charging position, the negative terminal of the battery in the Nth charging position, and the positive and negative terminals of the battery in the second to N-1th charging positions are all connected to one of the 2N-2 single-pole double-throw switches.

[0026] in,

[0027] When M is an odd number, the stationary end of the Mth single-pole double-throw switch is connected to the positive terminal of the battery at the (M+1) / 2th charging position, the first free end of the Mth single-pole double-throw switch is connected to the positive terminal of the battery at the Nth charging position, and the second free end of the Mth single-pole double-throw switch is connected to the second free end of the (M+1)th single-pole double-throw switch.

[0028] When M is an even number, the stationary terminal of the Mth single-pole double-throw switch is connected to the negative terminal of the battery at the (M+2) / 2th charging position. The first free terminal of the Mth single-pole double-throw switch is used for grounding, and the second free terminal of the Mth single-pole double-throw switch is connected to the second free terminal of the (M-1)th single-pole double-throw switch.

[0029] In this configuration, all 2N-2 single-pole double-throw switches are configured to synchronously switch the connection state between the stationary end and the free end. In the first state, the stationary end of all 2N-2 single-pole double-throw switches is connected to the first free end. In the second state, the stationary end of all 2N-2 single-pole double-throw switches is connected to the second free end.

[0030] According to this application, by connecting the positive and negative terminals of N rechargeable batteries to a single-pole double-throw switch, the parallel and series connection of the rechargeable batteries can be switched by changing the connection state of all the single-pole double-throw switches.

[0031] Optionally, the switching assembly further includes a first additional single-pole double-throw switch, wherein the first additional single-pole double-throw switch and all 2N-2 single-pole double-throw switches are configured to synchronously switch the connection state of the stationary end and the free end;

[0032] The stationary end of the first additional single-pole double-throw switch is connected to the first control module, one of the first and second free ends of the first additional single-pole double-throw switch is unused, and the other of the first and second free ends of the first additional single-pole double-throw switch is connected to the negative terminal of the battery of the first charging position.

[0033] According to this application, when the rechargeable batteries are connected in parallel or in series, the voltage signals transmitted by the first additional single-pole double-throw switch to the first control module are different, so the first control module can determine whether the battery charger is in the first state or the second state.

[0034] Optionally, the switching assembly further includes a second additional single-pole double-throw switch, which, together with all 2N-2 single-pole double-throw switches, is configured to synchronously switch the connection state of the stationary end and the free end.

[0035] The stationary end of the second additional single-pole double-throw switch is connected to the first control module, one of the first and second free ends of the second additional single-pole double-throw switch is unused, and the other of the first and second free ends of the second additional single-pole double-throw switch is connected to the negative terminal of the battery of the first charging position.

[0036] According to this application, the second additional single-pole double-throw switch is also used to assist the first control module in determining whether the battery charger is in the first state or the second state, thereby ensuring through double protection that the first control module can know whether the charger is in the first state or the second state.

[0037] Optionally, the battery charger further includes:

[0038] A first indicator light, the first end of which is connected to the first control module, and the second end of which is connected to the charging positive pin and the battery positive connection terminal of the Nth charging position; and

[0039] The second indicator light has a first end connected to the first control module and a second end connected to the charging positive pin and the battery positive connection terminal of the Nth charging position.

[0040] According to this application, the brightness of the first indicator light and the second indicator light indicates whether the rechargeable battery is in a charging state or a discharging state. The brightness of the first indicator light and the second indicator light is controlled by the first control module, which is a simple and reliable method.

[0041] Optionally, the battery charger further includes:

[0042] A first diode, the anode of which is connected to the positive terminal of the battery at the Nth charging position, and the cathode of which is connected to the second terminal of the first indicator light and the second terminal of the second indicator light; and

[0043] The second diode has its anode connected to the charging positive pin, and its cathode connected to the second terminal of the first indicator light and the second terminal of the second indicator light.

[0044] According to this application, the first indicator light and the second indicator light are powered by the charging positive pin or N rechargeable batteries. The first diode and the second diode isolate the charging positive pin from the positive terminal of the Nth rechargeable battery, so that the switching circuit can function normally. Furthermore, the first indicator light and the second indicator light can be used in both charging and discharging states, allowing the first indicator light and the second indicator light to be combined to form various indicator signals for user convenience.

[0045] Optionally, the battery charger further includes a first voltage regulator module, which includes a first voltage regulator module input terminal and a first voltage regulator module output terminal. The first voltage regulator module is configured such that when a high-level signal is input to the first voltage regulator module input terminal, the first voltage regulator module outputs a DC voltage signal with a constant voltage value at its output terminal.

[0046] The cathodes of the first diode and the second diode are connected to the input terminal of the first voltage regulator module, and the second terminals of the first indicator light and the second indicator light are connected to the output terminal of the first voltage regulator module.

[0047] According to this application, a stable voltage can be output through a voltage regulator module, so that the first control module can control the brightness of the first indicator light and the second indicator light. In addition, it also serves as an overcurrent protection function.

[0048] Optionally, the power supply pin of the first control module is connected to the output terminal of the first voltage regulator module.

[0049] According to this application, the first control module is provided with a stable power supply voltage by the output terminal of the first voltage regulator module.

[0050] Optionally, the first control module is configured to, in the second state, detect the voltage Un of the positive terminal of the battery at the Nth charging position, and when the voltage Un is lower than the lower limit threshold of the discharge voltage, send a shutdown signal to the control terminal of the switching circuit to disconnect the circuit between the first terminal and the second terminal of the switching circuit.

[0051] According to this application, when rechargeable batteries are connected in series, during the discharge process, if the discharge voltage is lower than the lower limit threshold of the discharge voltage, it indicates that the rechargeable battery power is insufficient. The first control module can control the switching circuit to disconnect and stop the discharge.

[0052] Optionally, the battery charger further includes a discharge circuit connected between the negative terminal of the battery at the first charging position and the positive terminal of the battery at the Nth charging position. The discharge circuit includes:

[0053] Energy-consuming element, the first end of which is connected to the positive terminal of the battery at the Nth charging position; and

[0054] A discharge switching element includes a first terminal, a second terminal, and a control terminal. The control terminal is configured to control the on / off state of the circuit between the first and second terminals. The first terminal is connected to the second terminal of the energy-consuming element, the second terminal is connected to the negative terminal of the battery at the first charging position, and the control terminal is connected to the first control module.

[0055] The first control module is configured to, in the second state, detect the voltage Un of the positive terminal of the battery at the Nth charging position, and when the voltage Un is higher than the upper limit threshold of the discharge voltage, send a conduction signal to the control terminal of the discharge switch element, so that the circuit between the first terminal and the second terminal of the discharge switch element is connected.

[0056] According to this application, in the case of rechargeable batteries connected in series, when the discharge voltage is higher than the upper limit threshold of the discharge voltage during the discharge process, the first control module controls the discharge circuit to be turned on, and reduces the discharge output voltage through the energy-consuming components in the discharge circuit, so as to prevent the output voltage of the rechargeable battery from being too high.

[0057] Optionally, the discharge circuit further includes a Zener diode, which is connected in series with the energy-consuming element.

[0058] According to this application, after the discharge circuit is turned on, the output voltage of the rechargeable battery will not be too high or too low, so as to provide a suitable charging voltage for external devices.

[0059] Optionally, the energy-consuming element is configured as a resistor.

[0060] According to this application, the energy-consuming element is simple, reliable, readily available, and inexpensive.

[0061] Optionally, the discharge switching element is configured as a second transistor, the first terminal of the discharge switching element is the collector of the second transistor, the second terminal of the discharge switching element is the emitter of the second transistor, and the control terminal of the discharge switching element is the base of the second transistor.

[0062] According to this application, the discharge switch element has a simple design and stable performance.

[0063] Optionally, the charging interface is configured as a Type-C interface, the positive charging pin is the VBUS pin of the Type-C interface, and the CC1 and CC2 pins of the Type-C interface are connected to the first control module.

[0064] According to this application, the charging interface of the battery charger has a wide range of applications.

[0065] Optionally, the battery charger further includes a second control module, which includes a first module terminal, a second module terminal, and a module control terminal. The module control terminal is configured to control the on / off state of the circuit between the first module terminal and the second module terminal. The first module terminal and the second module terminal are connected in series between the ground pin and the negative terminal of the battery at the first charging position. The first module terminal is connected to the ground pin, the second module terminal is connected to the negative terminal of the battery at the first charging position, and the module control terminal is connected to the positive charging pin.

[0066] The second control module is configured such that, in the first state, when the voltage of the charging positive pin exceeds the second charging voltage upper limit threshold, the circuit between the first end of the module and the second end of the module is disconnected, wherein the second charging voltage upper limit threshold is greater than or equal to the first charging voltage upper limit threshold.

[0067] According to this application, when the charging voltage is too high, the second control module will immediately disconnect the grounding wire in the charging circuit using hardware control to stop charging, so as to prevent the voltage from exceeding the upper limit threshold of the charging voltage and causing danger.

[0068] Optionally, the battery charger further includes:

[0069] A first resistor, the first end of which is connected to the charging positive pin, and the second end of which is connected to the module control terminal; and

[0070] The second resistor has its first end connected to the second end of the first resistor, and its second end connected to the ground pin.

[0071] According to this application, by matching the resistance values ​​of the first resistor and the second resistor, the upper limit threshold voltage at the charging positive pin can be set. Then, the second control module detects the voltage at the common terminal of the first resistor and the second resistor, and disconnects the grounding wire and stops charging when the charging voltage is too high.

[0072] Optionally, the second control module is configured as a low-side overvoltage protection chip, the power supply pin of the low-side overvoltage protection chip is connected to the charging positive pin, the first end of the module is the power ground pin of the low-side overvoltage protection chip, the second end of the module is the output negative pin of the low-side overvoltage protection chip, and the control end of the module is the protection voltage point setting pin of the low-side overvoltage protection chip.

[0073] The second control module of this application is configured as a low-side overvoltage protection chip, which adopts a low-voltage-side switching topology. The extremely low on-resistance effectively reduces the input voltage drop, and the protection voltage is externally set, making the application more flexible. It reacts quickly when the charging voltage is too high, is easy to control, and has low manufacturing cost. Attached Figure Description

[0074] The following drawings, which are incorporated herein by reference and used to understand this application, illustrate embodiments of the application and their descriptions, thereby explaining the principles of the application.

[0075] In the attached image:

[0076] Figure 1 This is an exploded perspective view of a battery charger according to a preferred embodiment of this application;

[0077] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The diagram shows a first part of the circuit of a battery charger, in which the switching component is in a first state;

[0078] Figure 3 for Figure 1 The diagram shows a first part of the circuit of the battery charger, in which the switching component is in the second state;

[0079] Figure 4 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the second part of the circuit of the battery charger shown;

[0080] Figure 5 for Figure 1 The diagram shows the third part of the circuit of the battery charger.

[0081] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0082] 10: Top Cover

[0083] 20: Battery compartment

[0084] 21 / 21A / 21B / 21C / 21D: Charging positions

[0085] 23 / 23A / 23B / 23C / 23D: Battery positive terminal connection

[0086] 24 / 24A / 24B / 24C / 24D: Battery negative terminal connection

[0087] 24P / 24Q: Negative electrode terminal

[0088] 25 / 25A / 25B / 25C / 25D: Rechargeable batteries

[0089] 30: Circuit board

[0090] 31: Circuit

[0091] 32: Second Control Module

[0092] 32A: Module First End

[0093] 32B: Module Second End

[0094] 32C: Module control terminal

[0095] 324: First resistor

[0096] 325: Second resistor

[0097] 33: CC1 pin

[0098] 34: CC2 pin

[0099] 35: Buttons

[0100] 36: Positive charging pin / VBUS pin

[0101] 37: Ground pin

[0102] 38: Charging port / Type-C port

[0103] 39: First Control Module

[0104] 391: Power supply pin

[0105] 310: Switching circuit

[0106] 311: First Field-Effect Transistor

[0107] 312: Second Field-Effect Transistor

[0108] 311D / 312D: Drain

[0109] 311S / 312S: Source

[0110] 311G / 312G: Gate

[0111] 313: First transistor

[0112] 313E: Emitter

[0113] 313B: Base

[0114] 313C: Collector

[0115] 320: Discharge circuit

[0116] 321: Energy-consuming components

[0117] 322: Discharge switching element

[0118] 322A: First terminal of discharge switch element

[0119] 322B: Second terminal of discharge switch element

[0120] 322C: Control terminal of discharge switch element

[0121] 323: Zener diode

[0122] 40: Bottom cover

[0123] 45: Button hole

[0124] 50: Indicator light

[0125] 51: First indicator light

[0126] 52: Second indicator light

[0127] 60: Switching assembly

[0128] 62 / 62A / 62B / 62C / 62D / 62E / 62F: Single-pole double-throw switch; 63 / 66C / 67C: Fixed terminal

[0129] 64 / 66A / 67A: First Free End

[0130] 65 / 66B / 67B: Second Free End

[0131] 66: First additional single-pole double-throw switch

[0132] 67: Second additional single-pole double-throw switch

[0133] 71: First Diode

[0134] 72: Second diode

[0135] 73: First voltage regulator module

[0136] 74: Input terminal of the first voltage regulator module

[0137] 75: Output terminal of the first voltage regulator module

[0138] 100: Battery charger Detailed Implementation

[0139] The following description provides numerous specific details to offer a more thorough understanding of this application. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this application can be practiced without one or more of these details. In other instances, certain technical features well-known in the art have not been described to avoid confusion with this application.

[0140] To fully understand this application, a detailed description will be provided in the following description. It should be understood that these embodiments are provided so that the disclosure of this application is thorough and complete, and that the concept of these exemplary embodiments is fully conveyed to those skilled in the art. Obviously, the implementation of the embodiments of this application is not limited to the specific details familiar to those skilled in the art. Preferred embodiments of this application are described in detail below; however, in addition to these detailed descriptions, this application may have other embodiments.

[0141] The ordinal numbers such as “first” and “second” used in this application are merely identifiers and have no other meaning, such as a specific order. Furthermore, for example, the term “first component” does not imply the existence of a “second component,” and the term “second component” does not imply the existence of a “first component.” The use of words such as “first,” “second,” and “third” does not indicate any order and can be interpreted as names.

[0142] It should be noted that the terms “upper,” “lower,” “front,” “back,” “left,” “right,” “inner,” “outer,” and similar expressions used in this application are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be limiting.

[0143] This application provides a battery charger.

[0144] Exemplary embodiments according to this application will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0145] like Figure 1 As shown, in a preferred embodiment, the battery charger 100 according to this application includes a top cover 10, a battery compartment 20, a circuit board 30, and a bottom cover 40.

[0146] Battery compartment 20 is used to accommodate N (N is a positive integer) rechargeable batteries 25 (see...). Figure 2In the illustrated embodiment, N = 4. Of course, N can also be other values, such as 6, 8, etc. The battery compartment 20 includes N charging positions 21 corresponding to N rechargeable batteries 25, each charging position 21 for removably holding one rechargeable battery 25. Each charging position 21 includes a battery positive terminal 23 for connecting to the positive terminal of the rechargeable battery 25 and a battery negative terminal 24 for connecting to the negative terminal of the rechargeable battery 25. It is understood that the battery positive terminal 23 also corresponds to the positive terminal of the battery 25, and the battery negative terminal 24 also corresponds to the negative terminal of the battery 25.

[0147] The rechargeable battery 25 is a dry cell battery, such as a lithium rechargeable battery.

[0148] For example, when N=4, the battery compartment 20 is provided with charging positions 21A, 21B, 21C, and 21D, for respectively placing rechargeable batteries 25A, 25B, 25C, and 25D. Charging position 21A includes a battery positive terminal 23A for connecting to the positive terminal of rechargeable battery 25A and a battery negative terminal 24A for connecting to the negative terminal of rechargeable battery 25A. Charging position 21B includes a battery positive terminal 23B for connecting to the positive terminal of rechargeable battery 25B and a battery negative terminal 24B for connecting to the negative terminal of rechargeable battery 25B. Charging position 21C includes a battery positive terminal 23C for connecting to the positive terminal of rechargeable battery 25C and a battery negative terminal 24C for connecting to the negative terminal of rechargeable battery 25C. Charging position 21D includes a battery positive terminal 23D for connecting to the positive terminal of rechargeable battery 25D and a battery negative terminal 24D for connecting to the negative terminal of rechargeable battery 25D.

[0149] Preferably, the charging position 21 is configured to be compatible with different types of rechargeable batteries, such as AA and AAA batteries. Since different battery types have different dimensions, such as different lengths, the battery negative terminal 24 includes multiple equipotentially connected negative sub-terminals, each used to contact the negative terminal of a different type of rechargeable battery. Different battery types share the battery positive terminal 23. Figure 1 As shown, for example, charging position 21A, its battery negative connection terminal 24A includes a first negative terminal 24P and a second negative terminal 24Q. Battery AA and battery AAA share the battery positive connection terminal 23A; battery AA uses the first negative terminal 24P, and battery AAA uses the second negative terminal 24Q. The battery negative connection terminals 24B, 24C, and 24D are configured in the same way as 24A.

[0150] The bottom cover 40 is attached to the bottom of the battery compartment 20, forming part of the housing of the battery charger 100. The circuit board 30 is located between the bottom cover 40 and the battery compartment 20, and is supported by the bottom cover 40. The circuit board 30 is provided with circuitry 31 (such as...). Figures 2 to 5 (As shown), this allows the charger 100 to perform its intended function. N battery positive connection terminals 23 and N battery negative connection terminals 24 are electrically connected to, or disposed on, the circuit board 30, thus making the N battery positive connection terminals 23 and N battery negative connection terminals 24 also part of the circuit 31. The upper cover 10 is used to fasten the battery compartment 20. Preferably, the upper cover 10 is detachably connected to the bottom cover 40, or the upper cover 10 is pivotally connected to the bottom cover 40, so that the upper cover 10 can open or close the charging position 21.

[0151] like Figure 2 As shown, the battery charger 100 also includes a charging interface 38 for connecting to an external power source. The charging interface 38 includes a positive charging pin 36 and a ground pin 37. Preferably, the charging interface 38 is configured as a Type-C interface 38, including a VBUS pin 36, a ground pin 37, a CC1 pin 33, and a CC2 pin 34. The VBUS pin 36 of the Type-C interface 38 is used to connect to the positive terminal of the external power source, introducing charging current into the charger 100. The VBUS pin 36 is also known as the positive charging pin 36.

[0152] Specifically, the battery negative connection terminal 24A of the first charging position 21A of the battery charger 100 is used for grounding, and the battery positive connection terminal 23 (e.g., 23D) of the Nth charging position 21 (e.g., 21D) is used to connect to the charging positive pin 36, that is, to the VBUS pin 36 of the Type-C interface 38. The grounding pin 37 is used for grounding.

[0153] The battery charger 100 has a first state in which N battery positive terminal 23s are connected in parallel and N battery negative terminal 24s are connected in parallel, so that when the charging interface 38 is connected to an external power device, the battery charger 100 can charge N rechargeable batteries 25.

[0154] The battery charger 100 also includes a first control module 39 and a switching circuit 310.

[0155] The first control module 39 is electrically connected to the positive battery connection terminal 23 (e.g., 23D) of the Nth charging position 21, so that, in the first state, the first control module 39 can monitor the voltage Un of the positive battery connection terminals 23 of the N charging positions 21 (see electrical connection point A in the figure). The charging interface 38, preferably, the CC1 pin 33 and CC2 pin 34 of the Type-C interface, is connected to the first control module 39 (see electrical connection points J and K in the figure), so that the first control module 39 can communicate with externally connected devices.

[0156] The switching circuit 310 includes a first terminal 311D, a second terminal 312D, and a control terminal 313B. The first terminal 311D and the second terminal 312D are connected in series between the charging positive pin 36 and the battery positive connection terminal 23 of the Nth charging position 21. Specifically, the first terminal 311D is connected to the charging positive pin 36, and the second terminal 312D is connected to the battery positive connection terminal 23 of the Nth charging position 21. The control terminal 313B is connected to the first control module 39 and is used to control the on / off state of the circuit between the first terminal 311D and the second terminal 312D.

[0157] The first control module 39 is configured to, in a first state, detect the voltage Un of the battery positive connection terminal 23 of the Nth charging position 21 (i.e., the voltage Un of the N battery positive connection terminals 23). When the voltage Un exceeds the first charging voltage upper limit threshold (e.g., 6.5-7V), it sends a shutdown signal to the switch circuit control terminal 313B, causing the circuit between the first terminal 311D and the second terminal 312D of the switch circuit to be disconnected. Therefore, the first control module 39 can control the switch circuit 310 to disconnect and stop charging when the charging voltage of the battery charger 100 exceeds the upper limit threshold, thus preventing danger.

[0158] Specifically, the switching circuit 310 includes a first field-effect transistor 311, a second field-effect transistor 312, and a first transistor 313. The drain 311D of the first field-effect transistor 311 is connected to the positive charging pin 36, the source 312S of the second field-effect transistor 312 is connected to the source 311S of the first field-effect transistor 311, and the drain 312D of the second field-effect transistor 312 is connected to the positive battery connection terminal 23 of the Nth charging position 21. The emitter 313E of the first transistor 313 is grounded, the base 313B of the first transistor 313 is connected to the first control module 39 (see electrical connection point L in the figure), and the collector 313C of the first transistor 313 is connected to the gate 311G of the first field-effect transistor 311 and the gate 312G of the second field-effect transistor 312. In this circuit, the drain 311D of the first field-effect transistor 311 is the first terminal 311D of the switching circuit, the drain 312D of the second field-effect transistor 312 is the second terminal 312D of the switching circuit, and the base 313B of the first transistor 313 is the control terminal 313B of the switching circuit. Therefore, in the first state, when the first control module 39 detects that the voltage Un of the battery positive terminal 23 of the Nth charging position 21 exceeds the first charging voltage upper limit threshold, it sends a turn-off signal to the base 313B of the first transistor 313, thereby changing the voltage of the collector 313C of the first transistor 313. This prevents the first field-effect transistor 311 and the second field-effect transistor 312 from conducting, thus disconnecting the circuit between the drain 311D of the first field-effect transistor 311 and the drain 312D of the second field-effect transistor 312, thereby stopping charging.

[0159] The battery charger 100 also has a second state in which the positive terminal 23 of the battery in the previous charging position 21 is connected to the negative terminal 24 of the battery in the next charging position 21. Thus, when N rechargeable batteries 25 are placed in the battery compartment 20, in the second state, the N rechargeable batteries 25 are connected in series, allowing the battery charger 100 to charge other electrical devices, providing a charging voltage of 1.5N volts (e.g., 1.5V per battery 25). In other words, in the second state, the charger 100 becomes a power bank 100. In the discharging state, the VBUS pin 36 of the Type-C interface 38 is used to connect to the positive terminal of an external device.

[0160] like Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the battery charger 100 also includes a switch assembly 60 for user operation. The switch assembly 60 is connected to at least a portion of the N battery positive connection terminals 23 and N battery negative connection terminals 24. The switch assembly 60 has a first state and a second state. When the switch assembly 60 is in the first state, the battery charger 100 is in the first state, with the N battery positive connection terminals 23 connected in parallel and the N battery negative connection terminals 24 connected in parallel, i.e., N batteries 25 connected in parallel. When the switch assembly 60 is in the second state, the battery charger 100 is in the second state, with the battery positive connection terminal 23 of the previous charging position 21 connected to the battery negative connection terminal 24 of the next charging position 21, i.e., N batteries 25 connected in series.

[0161] Preferably, such as Figure 1 As shown, a button 35 for user operation is connected to the circuit board 30. The button 35 is exposed through a button hole 45 in the bottom cover 40, making it accessible to the user. The button 35 is connected to a switch assembly 60 to control the state of the switch assembly 60. The button 35 is, for example, a self-locking button, having a first locked state and a second locked state. When the button 35 is in the first locked state, the switch assembly 60 is in the first state; when the button 35 is in the second locked state, the switch assembly 60 is in the second state. For example, when the user presses the button 35, each press switches the button 35 between the first and second locked states, and the switch assembly 60 switches between the first and second states. Thus, by pressing the button 35, the user changes the operating state of the charger 100, switching the charger 100 between charger function and power bank function.

[0162] To achieve the parallel-to-series conversion of the aforementioned N rechargeable batteries 25, specifically, as follows: Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, in circuit 31, the switching assembly 60 includes at least 2N-2 single-pole double-throw switches 62. Each single-pole double-throw switch 62 includes a stationary terminal 63, a first free terminal 64, and a second free terminal 65. The stationary terminal 63 is either connected to the first free terminal 64 or to the second free terminal 65, thus the single-pole double-throw switch 62 has two conducting states.

[0163] For example, in the illustrated embodiment, N = 4. The switching assembly 60 includes six single-pole double-throw (SPDT) switches 62, 62A, 62B, 62C, 62D, 62E, and 62F. The stationary terminal 63 of SPDT switch 62 is the lower connection point in the figure, the first free terminal 64 is the upper right connection point, and the second free terminal 65 is the upper left connection point. Only the stationary terminal and two free terminals are identified in the figure for SPDT switch 62F; the structures of SPDT switches 62A, 62B, 62C, 62D, and 62E are the same as 62F.

[0164] The battery negative connection terminal 24 of the first charging position 21 is used for grounding, and the battery positive connection terminal 23 of the Nth charging position 21 is used to connect to the charging positive pin 36. The battery positive connection terminal 23 of the first charging position 21, the battery negative connection terminal 24 of the Nth charging position 21, and each of the battery positive connection terminals 23 and negative connection terminals 24 in the second to N-1th charging positions 21 are connected to one of 2N-2 single-pole double-throw switches 62.

[0165] For example, the negative terminal 24A of the first battery 25A is grounded. The positive terminal 23D of the fourth battery 25D is connected to the charging positive pin 36. The positive terminal 23A of the first battery 25A, the negative terminal 24D of the fourth battery 25D, the negative terminal 24B and the positive terminal 23B of the second battery 25B, and the negative terminal 24C and the positive terminal 23C of the third battery 25C are all connected sequentially to one of the six single-pole double-throw switches 62A, 62B, 62C, 62D, 62E, and 62F. Specifically, the positive terminal 23A of the first battery 25A is connected to the first single-pole double-throw switch 62A; the negative terminal 24B of the second battery 25B is connected to the second single-pole double-throw switch 62B; the positive terminal 23B of the second battery 25B is connected to the third single-pole double-throw switch 62C; the negative terminal 24C of the third battery 25C is connected to the fourth single-pole double-throw switch 62D; the positive terminal 23C of the third battery 25C is connected to the fifth single-pole double-throw switch 62E; and the negative terminal 24D of the fourth battery 25D is connected to the sixth single-pole double-throw switch 62F.

[0166] When M is an odd number, the stationary terminal 63 of the Mth single-pole double-throw switch 62 is connected to the positive battery terminal 23 of the (M+1) / 2th charging position 21, the first free terminal 64 of the Mth single-pole double-throw switch 62 is connected to the positive battery terminal 23 of the Nth charging position 21 (i.e., used to connect to the positive charging pin 36), and the second free terminal 65 of the Mth single-pole double-throw switch 62 is connected to the second free terminal 65 of the (M+1)th single-pole double-throw switch 62. When M is an even number, the stationary terminal 63 of the Mth single-pole double-throw switch 62 is connected to the negative battery terminal 24 of the (M+2) / 2th charging position 21, the first free terminal 64 of the Mth single-pole double-throw switch 62 is used for grounding, and the second free terminal 65 of the Mth single-pole double-throw switch 62 is connected to the first free terminal 64 of the (M-1)th single-pole double-throw switch 62.

[0167] For example, when M is 1, the stationary end of the first single-pole double-throw switch 62A is connected to the positive terminal 23A of the first battery 25A, the second free end of the first single-pole double-throw switch 62A is connected to the second free end of the second single-pole double-throw switch 62B, and the first free end of the first single-pole double-throw switch 62A is connected to the positive terminal 23 of the battery connected to the Nth charging position 21.

[0168] When M is 2, the stationary terminal of the second single-pole double-throw switch 62B is connected to the negative terminal 24B of the two batteries 25B, the second free terminal of the second single-pole double-throw switch 63B is connected to the second free terminal of the first single-pole double-throw switch 62A, and the first free terminal of the second single-pole double-throw switch 62B is grounded.

[0169] When M is 3, the stationary terminal of the third single-pole double-throw switch 62C is connected to the positive terminal 23B of the second battery 25B, the second free terminal of the third single-pole double-throw switch 62C is connected to the second free terminal of the fourth single-pole double-throw switch 62D, and the first free terminal of the third single-pole double-throw switch 62C is connected to the positive terminal 23 of the battery connected to the Nth charging position 21.

[0170] When M is 4, the stationary terminal of the fourth single-pole double-throw switch 62D is connected to the negative terminal 24C of the three batteries 25C, the second free terminal of the fourth single-pole double-throw switch 62D is connected to the second free terminal of the third single-pole double-throw switch 62C, and the first free terminal of the fourth single-pole double-throw switch 62D is grounded.

[0171] When M is 5, the stationary terminal of the 5th single-pole double-throw switch 62E is connected to the positive terminal 23C of the 3rd battery 25C, the second free terminal of the 5th single-pole double-throw switch 62E is connected to the second free terminal of the 6th single-pole double-throw switch 62F, and the first free terminal of the 5th single-pole double-throw switch 62E is connected to the positive terminal 23 of the battery connected to the Nth charging position 21.

[0172] When M is 6, the stationary terminal of the 6th single-pole double-throw switch 62F is connected to the negative terminal 24D of the 4th battery 25D, the second free terminal of the 6th single-pole double-throw switch 62F is connected to the second free terminal of the 5th single-pole double-throw switch 62E, and the first free terminal of the 6th single-pole double-throw switch 62F is grounded.

[0173] In this configuration, all 2N-2 single-pole double-throw switches 62 are configured to synchronously switch the connection states of the stationary terminal 63 and the free terminals (first free terminal 64 and second free terminal 65). In the first state, the stationary terminal 63 of all 2N-2 single-pole double-throw switches 62 is connected to the first free terminal 65. In the second state, the stationary terminal 63 of all 2N-2 single-pole double-throw switches 62 is connected to the second free terminal 64.

[0174] For example, all six single-pole double-throw switches 62 are configured to synchronously switch the connection state between the stationary terminal 63 and the free terminals (first free terminal 64 and second free terminal 65). Figure 2 As shown, in the first state, the stationary ends 63 of all six single-pole double-throw switches 62 are connected to the first free ends 64 (the lower connection points of all single-pole double-throw switches 62 are connected to the upper right connection point), thus connecting the four batteries 25A, 25B, 25C, and 25D in parallel (the negative terminals of all four batteries are grounded, and the positive terminals are connected to the charging positive terminal pin 36); Figure 3 As shown, in the second state, the stationary ends 63 of all 2N-2 single-pole double-throw switches 62 are connected to the second free ends 65 (the lower connection points of all single-pole double-throw switches 62 are connected to the upper left connection point), so that the four batteries are connected in series in sequence (the negative terminal of the first battery 25A is grounded, and the positive terminal of the fourth battery 25D is connected to the charging positive terminal pin 36).

[0175] Preferably, the charger 100 is provided with an indicator light 50 to indicate the operating status of the charger 100. The indicator light 50 is also part of the circuit 31. For example, the indicator light 50 includes a first indicator light 51 and a second indicator light 52. For example, the charger 100 is configured such that when the switching component 60 is in a first state, the first indicator light 51 is lit and the second indicator light 52 is off, so that the first indicator light 51 indicates that the charger 100 is in a battery charging state. For example, the charger 100 is configured such that when the switching component 60 is in a second state, the first indicator light 51 is off and the second indicator light 52 is lit, so that the second indicator light 52 indicates that the charger 100 is in a battery discharging (power bank) state. Alternatively, the indicator light 50 is set to illuminate in a flashing manner; for example, the first indicator light 51 flashes to indicate that the charger 100 is in a battery charging state, and the second indicator light 52 flashes to indicate that the charger 100 is in a battery discharging state. Alternatively, one of the first indicator light 51 and the second indicator light 52 may be lit to indicate that the charger 100 is in a battery charging state, while both indicator lights may be lit simultaneously to indicate that the charger 100 is in a battery discharging state. Preferably, the first indicator light 51 and the second indicator light 52 are different colors for easier user differentiation. The first indicator light 51 and the second indicator light 52 may also indicate the working status of the charger 100 through other lighting methods, which will not be elaborated here.

[0176] In order to identify the operating status of the charger 100, that is, to control the first indicator light 51 and the second indicator light 52 accordingly, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the switch assembly 60 also includes a first additional single-pole double-throw switch 66 and a second additional single-pole double-throw switch 67. The first additional single-pole double-throw switch 66 and the second additional single-pole double-throw switch 67 are configured to synchronously switch the connection state of the stationary and free ends with all 2N-2 single-pole double-throw switches 62. That is, when the stationary end 63 of the single-pole double-throw switch 62 is connected to the first free end 64, the stationary end 66C of the first additional single-pole double-throw switch 66 is connected to its first free end 66A, and the stationary end 67C of the second additional single-pole double-throw switch 67 is connected to its first free end 67A; when the stationary end 63 of the single-pole double-throw switch 62 is connected to the second free end 65, the stationary end 66C of the first additional single-pole double-throw switch 66 is connected to its second free end 66B, and the stationary end 67C of the second additional single-pole double-throw switch 67 is connected to its second free end 67B.

[0177] like Figure 4 As shown, the first control module 39 is, for example, a microcontroller. The stationary terminal 66C of the first additional single-pole double-throw switch 66 is connected to the first control module 39 (e.g., an I / O pin of the first control module 39, specifically, a voltage input pin, see electrical connection point C in the figure). One of the first free terminals 66A and 66B of the first additional single-pole double-throw switch 66 is connected to the battery negative terminal 24A of the first charging position 21. The other of the first free terminals 66A and 66B of the first additional single-pole double-throw switch 66 is unused. The stationary terminal 67C of the second additional single-pole double-throw switch 67 is connected to the first control module 39 (e.g., an I / O pin of the first control module 39, specifically, a voltage input pin, see electrical connection point D in the figure). One of the first free terminals 67A and 67B of the second additional single-pole double-throw switch 67 is connected to the battery negative terminal 24A of the first charging position 21. The other of the first free terminals 67A and 67B of the second additional single-pole double-throw switch 67 is unused. Thus, in the first state and the second state, the first additional single-pole double-throw switch 66 and the second additional single-pole double-throw switch 67 send different voltage signals to the first control module 39, so that the control module 39 can know the working state of the charger 100.

[0178] In the illustrated embodiment, the first free end 66A of the first additional single-pole double-throw switch 66 and the first free end 67A of the second additional single-pole double-throw switch 67 are unused, and the second free ends 66B of the first additional single-pole double-throw switch 66 and the second free ends 67B of the second additional single-pole double-throw switch 67 are connected to the battery negative terminal 24A of the first charging position 21A.

[0179] like Figure 5As shown, the first end of the first indicator light 51 is connected to the first control module 39 (see electrical connection point H in the figure), and the second end of the first indicator light 51 is used to connect to the charging positive pin 36 and the battery positive connection terminal 23 of the Nth charging position 21 (see electrical connection points E and F in the figure). The first end of the second indicator light 52 is connected to the first control module 39 (see electrical connection point I in the figure), and the second end of the second indicator light 52 is used to connect to the charging positive pin 36 and the battery positive connection terminal 23 of the Nth charging position 21 (see electrical connection points E and F in the figure).

[0180] Preferably, the first indicator light 51 is configured as a first light-emitting diode (LED). The first terminal of the first indicator light 51 is the negative terminal of the first LED, and the second terminal of the first indicator light 51 is the positive terminal of the first LED. Preferably, the second indicator light 52 is configured as a second LED. The first terminal of the second indicator light 52 is the negative terminal of the second LED, and the second terminal of the second indicator light 52 is the positive terminal of the second LED.

[0181] When the stationary ends of all single-pole double-throw switches 62 are connected to the first free ends, the first auxiliary single-pole double-throw switch 66 and the second auxiliary single-pole double-throw switch 67 are also in a state where their stationary ends are connected to the first free ends; when the stationary ends of all single-pole double-throw switches 62 are connected to the second free ends, the first auxiliary single-pole double-throw switch 66 and the second auxiliary single-pole double-throw switch 67 are also in a state where their stationary ends are connected to the second free ends. That is, the first auxiliary single-pole double-throw switch 66 and the second auxiliary single-pole double-throw switch 67 follow the switching state of the switch assembly 60.

[0182] Therefore, when the switching assembly 60 is in the first state, the stationary terminals of the first additional single-pole double-throw switch 66 and the second additional single-pole double-throw switch 67 are connected to the first free terminal (unoccupied), causing the first control module 39 to determine that the switching assembly 60 is in the first state and the charger 100 is in the charging (slave) state. At this time, the charging positive pin 36 supplies power to the positive terminals of the first indicator light 51 and the second indicator light 52. The first control module 39 outputs corresponding voltages to the negative terminals of the first indicator light 51 and the second indicator light 52 to indicate the operating status of the charger 100. For example, a low voltage is output to the negative terminal of the first indicator light 51 to make the first indicator light 51 light up, and a high voltage is output to the negative terminal of the second indicator light 52 to make the second indicator light 52 not light up, or a high voltage is output to the negative terminal of the first indicator light 51 to make the first indicator light 51 not light up, and a low voltage is output to the negative terminal of the second indicator light 52 to make the second indicator light 52 light up.

[0183] Similarly, when the switch assembly 60 is in the second state, the stationary terminals of the first additional single-pole double-throw switch 66 and the second additional single-pole double-throw switch 67 are connected to the second free terminal (battery negative connection terminal 24A of the first charging position 21), causing the first control module 39 to determine that the switch assembly 60 is in the second state and the charger 100 is in the discharging (main unit) state. At this time, the battery positive connection terminal 23 of the Nth charging position 21 supplies power to the positive terminals of the first indicator light 51 and the second indicator light 52. The first control module 39 outputs corresponding voltages to the negative terminals of the first indicator light 51 and the second indicator light 52 to indicate the operating status of the charger 100.

[0184] Understandably, in this application, only one of the first additional single-pole double-throw switch 66 and the second additional single-pole double-throw switch 67 may be provided. Preferably, both the first additional single-pole double-throw switch 66 and the second additional single-pole double-throw switch 67 are used simultaneously so that the other can operate if one fails.

[0185] Specifically, such as Figure 5 As shown, the first end of the first indicator light 51 is connected to the first control module 39 (e.g., an I / O pin of the first control module 39, see electrical connection point H in the figure), and the second end of the first indicator light 51 is used to connect to the charging positive pin 36 and the battery positive connection terminal 23 of the Nth charging position 21. Thus, the first control module 39 controls the illumination of the first indicator light 51. The first end of the second indicator light 52 is connected to the first control module 39 (e.g., an I / O pin of the first control module 39, see electrical connection point I in the figure), and the second end of the second indicator light 52 is used to connect to the charging positive pin 36 and the battery positive connection terminal 23 of the Nth charging position 21. Thus, the first control module 39 controls the illumination of the second indicator light 52.

[0186] Therefore, the first additional single-pole double-throw switch 66 and the second additional single-pole double-throw switch 67 send different rated voltage signals to the first control module 39, enabling the first control module 39 to determine the operating state of the charger 100. Then, it controls the negative voltage of the first indicator light 51 and the second indicator light 52 to indicate the operating state of the charger 100. Under this working principle, the voltage signals sent by the first additional single-pole double-throw switch 66 and the second additional single-pole double-throw switch 67 to the first control module 39 can have various combinations, and the indication methods of the first indicator light 51 and the second indicator light 52 can also have various forms.

[0187] like Figure 5The battery charger 100 further includes a first diode 71 and a second diode 72. The anode of the first diode 71 is connected to the positive terminal 23 of the battery at the Nth charging position 21 (see electrical connection point F in the figure), and the cathode of the first diode 71 is connected to the second terminal of the first indicator light 51 and the second terminal of the second indicator light 52. The anode of the second diode 72 is connected to the positive charging pin 36 (see electrical connection point E in the figure), and the cathode of the second diode 72 is connected to the second terminal of the first indicator light 51 and the second terminal of the second indicator light 52. Therefore, the battery charger 100 can ensure unidirectional conduction between the positive power supply and the indicator light 50 in both the first and second states.

[0188] The battery charger 100 also includes a first voltage regulator module 73. The first voltage regulator module 73 includes a first voltage regulator input terminal 74 and a first voltage regulator output terminal 75. The first voltage regulator module 73 is configured such that when a high-level signal is input to the first voltage regulator input terminal 74, the first voltage regulator output terminal 75 outputs a constant DC voltage signal (e.g., a stable 3V, 5V, etc.). The cathodes of the first diode 71 and the second diode 72 are connected to the first voltage regulator input terminal 74, and the second terminals of the first indicator light 51 and the second indicator light 52 are connected to the first voltage regulator output terminal 75. Therefore, when a high-level signal is input to the first voltage regulator input terminal 74, the voltage value input to the second terminal of the indicator light 50 is constant. The voltage levels set by the first control module 39 at the electrical connection points I and H between the indicator light 50 and the first control module 39 can accurately control the illumination of the indicator light 50.

[0189] Meanwhile, the power supply pin 391 of the first control module 39 is connected to the output terminal 75 of the first voltage regulator module (see electrical connection point G in the figure). Thus, the first control module 39 is provided with a stable power supply voltage by the output terminal 75 of the first voltage regulator module.

[0190] In this application, button 35 enables the synchronous switching of the switching states of all 2N-2 single-pole double-throw switches 62, the first additional single-pole double-throw switch 66, and the second additional single-pole double-throw switch 67.

[0191] Preferably, the first control module 39 is further configured to, in the second state, detect the voltage Un of the positive terminal 23 of the battery at the Nth charging position 21. When the voltage Un is lower than the lower limit threshold of the discharge voltage, it sends a shutdown signal to the control terminal 313B of the switching circuit, thereby disconnecting the circuit between the first terminal 311D and the second terminal 312D of the switching circuit. Thus, when the battery charger 100 is used as a power source to charge other devices, charging other devices will stop if the voltage during the discharge process is too low.

[0192] Preferably, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the battery charger 100 also includes a discharge circuit 320. The discharge circuit 320 is connected between the battery negative terminal 24 (e.g., 24A) of the first charging position 21 and the battery positive terminal 23 (e.g., 23D) of the Nth charging position 21. The discharge circuit 320 is used to reduce the voltage when it becomes too high during the discharge process of the battery charger 100, enabling the battery charger 100 to provide a suitable charging voltage to other devices.

[0193] Specifically, the discharge circuit 320 includes a power-consuming element 321 and a discharge switch element 322. The first terminal of the power-consuming element 321 is connected to the positive terminal 23 of the battery at the Nth charging position 21. The discharge switch element 322 includes a first terminal 322A, a second terminal 322B, and a control terminal 322C. The control terminal 322C is configured to control the switching on and off of the circuit between the first terminal 322A and the second terminal 322B. The first terminal 322A is connected to the second terminal of the power-consuming element, the second terminal 322B is connected to the negative terminal 24A of the battery at the first charging position 21A, and the control terminal 322C is connected to the first control module 39 (see electrical connection point B in the figure). In this configuration, the first control module 39 is configured to, in the second state, detect the voltage Un at the positive terminal 23 of the battery at the Nth charging position. When the voltage Un is higher than the upper limit threshold of the discharge voltage (e.g., exceeding 5.6V), it sends a conduction signal to the control terminal 322C of the discharge switch element, thereby connecting the circuit between the first terminal 322A and the second terminal 322B of the discharge switch element. Thus, in the second state, when the first control module 39 detects that the voltage Un at the positive terminal 23 of the battery at the Nth charging position is higher than the upper limit threshold of the discharge voltage, it controls the discharge circuit 320 to conduct, causing the N batteries 25 to simultaneously supply power to the discharge circuit 320. The energy-consuming element 321 consumes electrical energy, causing the voltage Un at the positive terminal 23 (e.g., 23D) of the battery at the Nth charging position to decrease. Consequently, the voltage supplied by the battery charger 100 to the external charging device is reduced, making it compatible with the external device.

[0194] Preferably, the discharge circuit 320 further includes a Zener diode 323, which is connected in series with the power-consuming element 321. Therefore, after the discharge circuit 320 is turned on, the output voltage of the rechargeable battery will not be too high or too low (not lower than the operating voltage of the Zener diode 323, for example, 5.6V), thus providing a normal charging voltage for external devices.

[0195] Optionally, the power-consuming element 321 can be configured as a resistor, or it can be other electronic components that consume electrical energy.

[0196] Optionally, the discharge switching element 322 is configured as a second transistor, with its first terminal 322A serving as the collector, its second terminal 322B serving as the emitter, and its control terminal 322C serving as the base. Thus, the first control module 39 can easily and stably control the on / off state of the discharge circuit 320.

[0197] Preferably, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the battery charger 100 also includes a second control module 32. The second control module 32 includes a first module terminal 32A, a second module terminal 32B, and a module control terminal 32C. The module control terminal 32C is configured to control the connection and disconnection of the circuit between the first module terminal 32A and the second module terminal 32B. The first module terminal 32A and the second module terminal 32B are connected in series between a ground pin 37 and the battery negative terminal 24A of the first charging position 21, wherein the first module terminal 32A is connected to the ground pin 37, and the second module terminal 32B is connected to the battery negative terminal 24A of the first charging position 21. That is, the first module terminal 32A and the second module terminal 32B are connected in series in the ground wire of the circuit 31. Therefore, when the circuit between the first module terminal 32A and the second module terminal 32B is disconnected, the circuit 31 cannot operate. The module control terminal 32C is connected to the charging positive pin 36. The second control module 32 is configured such that, in the first state, when the voltage of the charging positive pin 36 exceeds a second charging voltage upper limit threshold (e.g., 7V), the circuit between the first terminal 32A and the second terminal 32B of the module is disconnected. The second charging voltage upper limit threshold is greater than or equal to the first charging voltage upper limit threshold. This ensures that, in the first state, when the charging voltage of the battery charger 100 is too high, the second control module 32 will immediately disconnect the ground wire in the charging circuit using hardware control, stopping charging to prevent the voltage from exceeding the charging voltage upper limit threshold and causing danger. Therefore, in this application, when the charger 100 is charging the battery 25, when the charging voltage is too high, a dual-protection interrupt circuit 31 using both hardware and software control (the control mechanism of the first control module 39) is employed.

[0198] Specifically, the battery charger 100 also includes a first resistor 324 and a second resistor 325. The first end of the first resistor 324 is connected to the charging positive pin 36, and the second end of the first resistor 324 is connected to the module control terminal 32C. The first end of the second resistor 325 is connected to the second end of the first resistor 324, and the second end of the second resistor 325 is connected to the ground pin 37. Therefore, the voltage at the module control terminal 32C reflects the voltage value at the charging positive pin 36. By setting the resistance relationship between the first resistor 324 and the second resistor 325, the shutdown voltage value of the module control terminal 32C corresponds to the upper limit threshold of the charging voltage.

[0199] Preferably, the second control module 32 is configured as a low-side overvoltage protection chip. The power supply pin 391 of the low-side overvoltage protection chip is connected to the charging positive pin 36, the first terminal 32A of the module is the power ground pin of the low-side overvoltage protection chip, the second terminal 32B of the module is the output negative pin of the low-side overvoltage protection chip, and the control terminal 32C of the module is the protection voltage point setting pin of the low-side overvoltage protection chip.

[0200] Understandably, both the second control module 32 and the first control module 39 can disconnect the charging circuit when the charging voltage is too high in the first state of the battery charger 100, as a double insurance. Among them, the control of the second control module 32 is faster.

[0201] The processes and steps described in all the preferred embodiments above are merely examples. Unless adverse effects occur, various processing operations can be performed in a different order than those described above. The order of steps in the above process can also be added, combined, or deleted according to actual needs.

[0202] In understanding the scope of this application, the term "comprising" and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended to be open-ended terms that specify the presence of a described feature, element, component, group, whole, and / or step, but do not exclude the presence of other undescribed features, elements, components, groups, wholes, and / or steps. This concept also applies to words with similar meanings, such as the terms "comprising," "having," and their derivatives.

[0203] The term "attached" or "joined" as used herein includes: a construction in which one element is directly fixed to another element by fixing it directly to another element; a construction in which one element is indirectly fixed to another element by fixing it to an intermediate member, which in turn is fixed to another element; and a construction in which one element is integral with another element, that is, one element is substantially part of another element. This definition also applies to words with similar meanings, such as "connect," "joint," "couple," "install," "adhere," "fix," and their derivatives. Finally, degree terms such as "substantially," "approximately," and "approximately" as used herein indicate the amount of deviation from which modifications to the terminology do not significantly alter the final result.

[0204] Unless otherwise defined, the technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. The terminology used herein is for descriptive purposes only and is not intended to limit the scope of this application. Features described in one embodiment may be applied, alone or in combination with other features, to another embodiment, unless that feature is not applicable in that other embodiment or is otherwise stated.

[0205] This application has been described through the above embodiments. However, it should be understood that the above embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit this application to the described embodiments. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that this application is not limited to the above embodiments, and many more variations and modifications can be made based on the teachings of this application, all of which fall within the scope of protection claimed in this application.

Claims

1. A battery charger characterized by comprising: The battery charger comprises: a charging interface for connecting with an external power supply device, the charging interface comprising a charging positive pole pin and a grounding pin; N charging positions, N being a positive integer, each of the charging positions being used for removably placing a charging battery, each of the charging positions being provided with a battery positive pole connecting terminal for connecting a positive pole of the charging battery and a battery negative pole connecting terminal for connecting a negative pole of the charging battery, wherein the battery negative pole connecting terminal of the first charging position is used for grounding, and the battery positive pole connecting terminal of the Nth charging position is used for being connected to the charging positive pole pin; a first control module, the first control module being electrically connected to the battery positive pole connecting terminal of the Nth charging position; a switching circuit, the switching circuit comprising a switching circuit first end, a switching circuit second end and a switching circuit control end, the switching circuit control end being configured for controlling the on-off of a circuit between the switching circuit first end and the switching circuit second end, the switching circuit first end and the switching circuit second end being connected in series between the charging positive pole pin and the battery positive pole connecting terminal of the Nth charging position, the switching circuit first end being connected to the charging positive pole pin, the switching circuit second end being connected to the battery positive pole connecting terminal of the Nth charging position, and the switching circuit control end being connected to the first control module; and a discharging circuit, the discharging circuit being connected between the battery negative pole connecting terminal of the first charging position and the battery positive pole connecting terminal of the Nth charging position, the discharging circuit comprising: an energy consumption element, a first end of the energy consumption element being connected to the battery positive pole connecting terminal of the Nth charging position; and a discharging switching element, the discharging switching element comprising a discharging switching element first end, a discharging switching element second end and a discharging switching element control end, the discharging switching element control end being configured for controlling the on-off of a circuit between the discharging switching element first end and the discharging switching element second end, the discharging switching element first end being connected to a second end of the energy consumption element, the discharging switching element second end being connected to the battery negative pole connecting terminal of the first charging position, and the discharging switching element control end being connected to the first control module, wherein the battery charger comprises a first state and a second state, in the first state, the N battery positive pole connecting terminals are connected in parallel, and the N battery negative pole connecting terminals are connected in parallel, in the second state, the battery positive pole connecting terminal of a previous charging position is connected to the battery negative pole connecting terminal of a subsequent charging position. The first control module is configured to, in the first state, detect the voltage Un of the battery positive connection terminal of the Nth charging potential, and when the voltage Un exceeds a first charging voltage upper threshold, send a turn-off signal to the control end of the switch circuit, so that the circuit between the first end of the switch circuit and the second end of the switch circuit is disconnected; in the second state, detect the voltage Un of the battery positive connection terminal of the Nth charging potential, and when the voltage Un is higher than a discharging voltage upper threshold, send a turn-on signal to the control end of the discharging switch element, so that the circuit between the first end of the discharging switch element and the second end of the discharging switch element is turned on.

2. The battery charger of claim 1, wherein, The switch circuit comprises: a first field effect transistor, a drain of the first field effect transistor being connected to the charging positive pin; a second field effect transistor, a source of the second field effect transistor being connected to a source of the first field effect transistor, and a drain of the second field effect transistor being connected to the battery positive connection terminal of the Nth charging potential; and a first triode, an emitter of the first triode being grounded, a base of the first triode being connected to the first control module, and a collector of the first triode being connected to a gate of the first field effect transistor and a gate of the second field effect transistor, wherein the drain of the first field effect transistor is the first end of the switch circuit, the drain of the second field effect transistor is the second end of the switch circuit, and the base of the first triode is the control end of the switch circuit.

3. The battery charger of claim 1, wherein, The battery charger further comprises a switch assembly for user operation, the switch assembly being connected to at least part of the N battery positive connection terminals and the N battery negative connection terminals, the switch assembly comprising the first state and the second state, wherein, when the switch assembly is in the first state, the N battery positive connection terminals are connected in parallel, and the N battery negative connection terminals are connected in parallel, when the switch assembly is in the second state, the battery positive connection terminal of the previous charging potential is connected to the battery negative connection terminal of the subsequent charging potential.

4. The battery charger of claim 3, wherein, The switch assembly comprises at least 2N-2 single-pole double-throw switches, the battery positive connection terminal of the first charging potential, the battery negative connection terminal of the Nth charging potential, and the battery positive connection terminal and the battery negative connection terminal of each of the second to the N-1 charging potentials are each connected to one of the 2N-2 single-pole double-throw switches, wherein, when M is an odd number, the fixed end of the Mth single-pole double-throw switch is connected to the battery positive connection terminal of the (M+1) / 2th charging potential, the first free end of the Mth single-pole double-throw switch is used to be connected to the battery positive connection terminal of the Nth charging potential, and the second free end of the Mth single-pole double-throw switch is connected to the second free end of the M+1th single-pole double-throw switch. When M is even, the fixed terminal of the Mth SPDT switch is connected to the negative terminal of the (M+2) / 2th battery connection terminal of the charging potential, the first free terminal of the Mth SPDT switch is connected to ground, and the second free terminal of the Mth SPDT switch is connected to the second free terminal of the (M-1)th SPDT switch, Wherein, all 2N-2 SPDT switches are configured to synchronously switch the connection state of the fixed terminal and the free terminal, in the first state, the fixed terminals of all 2N-2 SPDT switches are connected to the first free terminals, and in the second state, the fixed terminals of all 2N-2 SPDT switches are connected to the second free terminals.

5. The battery charger of claim 4, wherein, The switch assembly further comprises a first additional SPDT switch, and the first additional SPDT switch is configured to synchronously switch the connection state of the fixed terminal and the free terminal with all 2N-2 SPDT switches. The fixed terminal of the first additional SPDT switch is connected to the first control module, one of the first free terminal and the second free terminal of the first additional SPDT switch is vacant, and the other of the first free terminal and the second free terminal of the first additional SPDT switch is connected to the negative terminal of the first charging potential.

6. The battery charger of claim 5, wherein, The switch assembly further comprises a second additional SPDT switch, and the second additional SPDT switch is configured to synchronously switch the connection state of the fixed terminal and the free terminal with all 2N-2 SPDT switches. The fixed terminal of the second additional SPDT switch is connected to the first control module, one of the first free terminal and the second free terminal of the second additional SPDT switch is vacant, and the other of the first free terminal and the second free terminal of the second additional SPDT switch is connected to the negative terminal of the first charging potential.

7. The battery charger of claim 5, wherein, The battery charger further comprises: a first indicator light, a first end of the first indicator light is connected to the first control module, and a second end of the first indicator light is used to be connected to the charging positive pin and the positive terminal of the Nth charging potential; and a second indicator light, a first end of the second indicator light is connected to the first control module, and a second end of the second indicator light is used to be connected to the charging positive pin and the positive terminal of the Nth charging potential.

8. The battery charger of claim 7, wherein, The battery charger further comprises: a first diode, a positive electrode of the first diode is connected to the positive terminal of the Nth charging potential, and a negative electrode of the first diode is used to be connected to the second end of the first indicator light and the second end of the second indicator light; and a second diode, a positive electrode of the second diode is connected to the charging positive pin, and a negative electrode of the second diode is used to be connected to the second end of the first indicator light and the second end of the second indicator light.

9. The battery charger of claim 8, wherein, The battery charger further comprises a first voltage stabilizing module, the first voltage stabilizing module comprises a first voltage stabilizing module input end and a first voltage stabilizing module output end, the first voltage stabilizing module is configured to output a direct current voltage signal with a constant voltage value at the first voltage stabilizing module output end when a high level signal is input at the first voltage stabilizing module input end, wherein the negative electrode of the first diode and the negative electrode of the second diode are connected to the first voltage stabilizing module input end, and the second end of the first indicator lamp and the second end of the second indicator lamp are connected to the first voltage stabilizing module output end.

10. The battery charger of claim 9, wherein, The power pin of the first control module is connected to the first voltage stabilizing module output end.

11. The battery charger of claim 1, wherein, The first control module is configured to detect the voltage Un of the positive electrode connection terminal of the Nth charging potential in the second state, and send a turn-off signal to the switch circuit control end when the voltage Un is lower than the lower threshold of the discharging voltage, so that the circuit between the first end and the second end of the switch circuit is disconnected.

12. The battery charger of claim 1, wherein, The discharging circuit further comprises a voltage stabilizing tube connected in series with the energy consumption element.

13. The battery charger of claim 1, wherein, The energy consumption element is configured as a resistor.

14. The battery charger of claim 1, wherein, The discharging switch element is configured as a second triode, the first end of the discharging switch element is the collector of the second triode, the second end of the discharging switch element is the emitter of the second triode, and the control end of the discharging switch element is the base of the second triode.

15. The battery charger of claim 1, wherein, The charging interface is configured as a Type-C interface, the charging positive electrode pin is a VBUS pin of the Type-C interface, and the CC1 pin and the CC2 pin of the Type-C interface are connected to the first control module.

16. The battery charger of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein, The battery charger further comprises a second control module, the second control module comprises a module first end, a module second end and a module control end, the module control end is configured to control the on-off of the circuit between the module first end and the module second end, the module first end and the module second end are connected in series between the ground pin and the negative electrode connection terminal of the first charging potential, the module first end is connected to the ground pin, the module second end is connected to the negative electrode connection terminal of the first charging potential, and the module control end is connected to the charging positive electrode pin, wherein the second control module is configured to disconnect the circuit between the module first end and the module second end when the voltage of the charging positive electrode pin exceeds the second charging voltage upper threshold in the first state, and the second charging voltage upper threshold is greater than or equal to the first charging voltage upper threshold.

17. The battery charger of claim 16, wherein, The battery charger further comprises: a first resistor, a first end of the first resistor is connected to the charging positive electrode pin, and a second end of the first resistor is connected to the module control end; and a second resistor, a first end of the second resistor is connected to the second end of the first resistor, and a second end of the second resistor is connected to the ground pin.

18. The battery charger of claim 17, wherein, The second control module is configured as a low-side overvoltage protection chip, a power supply pin of the low-side overvoltage protection chip is connected to the charging positive electrode pin, a first end of the module is a power ground pin of the low-side overvoltage protection chip, a second end of the module is an output negative electrode pin of the low-side overvoltage protection chip, and a control end of the module is a protection voltage point setting pin of the low-side overvoltage protection chip.

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