Pseudo straight-through multi-bin battery pack charger

Abstract

A multi-compartment battery pack charger may include a plurality of battery pack interfaces configured to removably receive a plurality of battery packs, a charging circuit electrically connected to the plurality of battery pack interfaces, a power output, a discharging circuit electrically connected between the plurality of battery pack interfaces and the power output, and an electronic processor electrically connected to the charging circuit and the discharging circuit. The electronic processor may be configured to charge the first battery pack using the charging circuit when the first battery pack and the second battery pack are removably received in the plurality of battery pack interfaces and a first condition is satisfied; and discharging the second battery pack using the discharge circuit.

Description

Cross-reference to related applications

[0001] This application claims the benefits of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 688,137, filed August 28, 2024, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 704,632, filed October 8, 2024. The entire disclosure of the above applications is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to battery pack chargers, and more particularly to battery pack chargers capable of simultaneously managing the charging and discharging of multiple battery packs. Background Technology

[0003] Power tool battery packs are used in the workplace to operate various power tools. Power tool battery packs can be charged by plugging them into a battery pack charger. Plugging the battery pack charger into an available outlet reduces the number of outlets needed for other applications, such as charging Universal Serial Bus (USB) devices. Therefore, a pseudo-passthrough multi-compartment battery pack charger is needed. Pseudo-passthrough refers to the function of allowing the battery pack charger to charge the battery pack while another battery pack is powering a device connected to the charger, thus ensuring a continuous power supply to the connected device during battery pack charging. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The battery pack charger described in this invention provides a range of technical solutions to the aforementioned and other technical challenges. For example, the battery pack charger allows users to charge a variety of DC or AC electrical devices using existing portable power tool battery packs. This capability offers significant technical benefits because power tool battery packs can be designed to deliver high power output and can be constructed to withstand harsh conditions, making them robust and reliable power sources. The portability of the power tool battery pack allows the charger to power a wide range of devices—from small electronic devices such as smartphones and laptops to large AC-powered appliances and tools—without the use of traditional power outlets. This ensures that connected electrical devices can be powered even in remote workplaces where grid access is limited or unavailable.

[0005] Furthermore, the battery pack charger described in this invention allows a user to charge one battery pack while simultaneously using another to power a connected electrical device. This dual functionality offers significant technical advantages by maintaining a continuous power supply to the connected device while charging the battery pack. This capability ensures a stable power supply is readily available, while also ensuring the battery pack remains charged and ready for future operation, which improves overall operational efficiency by minimizing or eliminating downtime for the connected electrical device and battery pack.

[0006] Furthermore, the battery pack charger described in this invention offers additional technical benefits by avoiding parallel or series operation of the battery packs. Typically, operating battery packs in parallel or series configurations may require complex circuitry to balance the voltage and / or current of the battery packs. By employing a sequential charge and / or discharge method, the battery pack charger described in this invention allows for the use of simplified control circuitry, which can reduce the overall complexity and manufacturing costs associated with the battery pack charger.

[0007] In some aspects, the technology described in this invention relates to a multi-compartment battery pack charger, comprising: a plurality of battery pack interfaces configured to removably receive a plurality of battery packs; a charging circuit electrically connected to the plurality of battery pack interfaces; a power output unit; a discharging circuit electrically connected between the plurality of battery pack interfaces and the power output unit; and an electronic processor electrically connected to the charging circuit and the discharging circuit, configured to charge the first battery pack using the charging circuit when the first battery pack and the second battery pack are removably received in the plurality of battery pack interfaces and a first condition is met; and to discharge the second battery pack using the discharging circuit.

[0008] In some aspects, the technology described in this invention relates to a multi-compartment battery pack charger, wherein a first condition includes determining that the charging circuit is connected to an external power source.

[0009] In some aspects, the technology described in this invention relates to a multi-compartment battery pack charger, wherein the discharge circuit further includes an AC output circuit and a DC output circuit.

[0010] In some aspects, the technology described in this invention relates to a multi-compartment battery pack charger, wherein the electronic processor is further configured to disconnect the AC output circuit from the second battery pack in response to determining that a first condition is met.

[0011] In some aspects, the technology described in this invention relates to a multi-compartment battery pack charger, wherein an electronic processor is further configured to determine the charge level of the second battery pack when the second battery pack is discharging; and in response to the charge level of the second battery pack falling below a threshold, to stop discharging the second battery pack using a discharge circuit, to start charging the second battery pack using a charging circuit, and to start discharging the first battery pack using a discharge circuit.

[0012] In some aspects, the technology described in this invention relates to a multi-compartment battery pack charger, wherein an electronic processor is further configured to sequentially charge a first battery pack and a second battery pack.

[0013] In some aspects, the technology described in this invention relates to a multi-compartment battery pack charger, wherein an electronic processor is further configured to sequentially discharge a first battery pack and a second battery pack.

[0014] In some aspects, the technology described in this invention relates to a multi-compartment battery pack charger, wherein the multi-compartment battery pack charger further includes a DC socket port electrically connected to a discharge circuit; and an electronic processor is further configured to determine the charge level of the second battery pack when the second battery pack is discharging, and to disable the DC socket port in response to determining that the charge level of the second battery pack is below a threshold.

[0015] In some aspects, the technology described in this invention relates to a multi-compartment battery pack charger, wherein the electronic processor is further configured to stop using the discharge circuit to discharge the second battery pack in response to detecting a fault condition associated with the second battery pack, and to start using the discharge circuit to discharge the first battery pack.

[0016] In some aspects, the technology described in this invention relates to a multi-compartment battery pack charger, wherein an electronic processor is further configured to stop charging the first battery pack using the charging circuit in response to detecting a fault condition associated with the first battery pack.

[0017] In some aspects, the technology described in this invention relates to a method for operating a multi-compartment battery pack charger, comprising: determining that a first condition is met; and in response to determining that the first condition is met, charging a first battery pack removably received in the first battery pack interface using a charging circuit electrically connected to a first battery pack interface and a second battery pack interface, and discharging a second battery pack removably received in the second battery pack interface using a discharging circuit electrically connected to the first battery pack interface and the second battery pack interface.

[0018] In some aspects, the technology described in this invention relates to a method in which a first condition includes determining that a charging circuit is connected to an external power source.

[0019] In some aspects, the technology described in this invention relates to a method in which the discharge circuit further includes an AC output circuit and a DC output circuit.

[0020] In some aspects, the technology described in this invention relates to a method that further includes disconnecting an AC output circuit from a second battery pack in response to determining that a first condition is met.

[0021] In some aspects, the technology described in this invention relates to a method that further includes determining that the charge level of the second battery pack is below a threshold when the second battery pack is discharging; and in response to determining that the charge level of the second battery pack is below the threshold when the second battery pack is discharging, stopping the discharge of the second battery pack using a discharge circuit, charging the second battery pack using a charging circuit, and discharging the first battery pack using a discharge circuit.

[0022] In some aspects, the technology described in this invention relates to a method that further includes sequentially charging a first battery pack and a second battery pack.

[0023] In some aspects, the technology described in this invention relates to a method that further includes sequentially discharging a first battery pack and a second battery pack.

[0024] In some aspects, the technology described in this invention relates to a method that further includes determining that the charge level of the second battery pack is below a threshold when the second battery pack is discharging; and disabling a DC port electrically connected to the discharge circuit in response to determining that the charge level of the second battery pack is below the threshold.

[0025] In some aspects, the technology described in this invention relates to a method that further includes: stopping the discharge of the second battery pack using a discharge circuit in response to detecting a fault condition associated with the second battery pack; and discharging the first battery pack using the discharge circuit.

[0026] In some aspects, the technology described in this invention relates to a method that further includes: stopping the charging of the first battery pack using a charging circuit in response to detecting a fault condition associated with the first battery pack.

[0027] Before explaining any embodiment in detail, it should be understood that the application of the various embodiments is not limited to the details of the configuration and arrangement of the components described in the following description or shown in the drawings. Various embodiments can be practiced or implemented in various ways. Furthermore, it should be understood that the wording and terminology used in this invention are for illustrative purposes and should not be considered limiting. The use of "comprising," "including," or "having," and variations thereof, is intended to cover the items listed thereafter and their equivalents, as well as additional items. Unless otherwise stated or limited, the terms "mounted," "connected," "supported," and "coupled," and variations thereof, are used broadly and cover direct and indirect mounting, connection, support, and coupling.

[0028] Furthermore, it should be understood that various embodiments may include hardware, software, and electronic components or modules, which, for the purposes of discussion, may be illustrated and described as if most components were implemented solely in hardware. However, those skilled in the art will recognize from this detailed description that, in at least one embodiment, the electronic aspects may be implemented as software (e.g., stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium) executable by one or more processing units (such as microprocessors and / or application-specific integrated circuits (“ASICs”)). Therefore, it should be noted that various embodiments may be implemented using a plurality of hardware and software-based devices and a plurality of different structural components. For example, “server,” “computing device,” “controller,” “processor,” etc., as described in the specification may include one or more processing units, one or more computer-readable medium modules, one or more input / output interfaces, and various connectors (e.g., system buses) for connecting components.

[0029] Related terms used in conjunction with quantities or conditions, such as “about,” “approximately,” “generally,” etc., will be understood by a person skilled in the art to include the value and have a meaning defined by the context (e.g., the term includes at least the degree of error associated with measurement accuracy, the tolerance associated with a particular value [e.g., manufacturing, assembly, use, etc.]). Such terms should also be considered to disclose a range defined by the absolute values ​​of two endpoints. For example, the expression “about 2 to about 4” also discloses a range “2 to 4.” Related terms may refer to a percentage added to or subtracted from the indicated value (e.g., 1%, 5%, 10%, or more).

[0030] It should be understood that although some figures illustrate hardware and software within a particular device, these depictions are for illustrative purposes only. Functions described herein as being performed by a single component can be performed by multiple components in a distributed manner. Similarly, functions performed by multiple components can be combined and performed by a single component. In some embodiments, the illustrated components can be combined or divided into separate software, firmware, and / or hardware. For example, logic and processing can be distributed among multiple electronic processors, rather than residing within and being performed by a single electronic processor. Regardless of how the hardware and software components are combined or divided, they can reside on the same computing device or be distributed among different computing devices connected via one or more networks or other suitable communication links. Similarly, components described as performing specific functions can also perform additional functions not described herein. For example, a device or structure "configured" in a certain way is at least configured in that manner, but may also be configured in a manner not explicitly listed.

[0031] Other aspects of the various embodiments will become apparent from the detailed description and accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a multi-compartment battery pack charger according to some embodiments.

[0033] Figure 2 According to some embodiments Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a multi-compartment battery pack charger.

[0034] Figure 3 According to some embodiments Figure 1 Block diagram of a multi-compartment battery pack charger.

[0035] Figure 4-6 This illustrates a method for controlling according to some embodiments. Figure 1 A flowchart illustrating an exemplary process for operating a multi-compartment battery pack charger.

[0036] In the accompanying drawings, reference numerals may be used repeatedly to identify similar and / or identical elements. Detailed Implementation

[0037] Figure 1 An exemplary multi-compartment battery pack charger 100 is shown. The multi-compartment battery pack charger 100 includes a charger housing 105, a plurality of battery pack interfaces 110 configured to removably receive a plurality of battery packs 115, and a user interface 120. The charger housing 105 includes a central wall 125 and two bases 130 extending in opposite directions from the central wall 125. The charger housing 105 further includes a handle 160 disposed on the top of the central wall 125. A first battery pack interface 110A is disposed on a first side of the central wall 125 (e.g., on a first side of the charger housing 105), and a second battery pack interface 110B is disposed on a second side of the central wall 125 (e.g., on a second side of the charger housing 105). The first battery pack interface 110A is configured to removably (e.g., slidably) receive a first battery pack. 115A, and the second battery pack interface 110B is configured to removably (e.g., slidably) receive the second battery pack 115B. Each of the plurality of battery pack interfaces 110 includes a terminal block comprising terminals (e.g., power terminals and communication terminals) for connection to a corresponding battery pack terminal block of the battery pack 115.

[0038] Battery pack 115 is, for example, a power tool battery pack for operating battery-powered power tools. In some embodiments, battery pack 115 is a power tool battery pack with a nominal voltage of 18 volts and a lithium-ion chemistry-based system. In other embodiments, battery pack 115 may have different nominal voltages (e.g., 12 volts, 36 volts, 72 volts, etc.) and different chemistry systems (e.g., nickel-based).

[0039] The user interface 120 is disposed on the side surface of the housing 105 at the base of the intermediate wall 125 on the side adjacent to the first and second sides of the intermediate wall 125, such as... Figure 1 As shown. The user interface 120 includes a display 135, an AC socket 140, an AC enable button 145, a plurality of DC sockets 150, and a DC enable button 155. The display 135 is, for example, an LCD display, an LED display, an e-ink display, etc. The display 135 can provide indications about the status of the multi-compartment battery pack charger 100. For example, the display 135 can display a power meter related to the battery pack 115, the status of the socket, etc. The AC enable button 145 is, for example, a push-button switch that can be used to enable and disable the AC sockets 140. Although in Figure 1 A single AC outlet 140 is shown, but other embodiments of the multi-compartment battery pack charger 100 may include any number of AC outlets 140.

[0040] In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of DC sockets 150 includes three DC sockets: a first DC socket 150A, a second DC socket 150B, and a third DC socket 150C. The first DC socket 150A is a first-type DC socket, for example, a Universal Serial Bus-C (USB-C) Power Delivery (PD) socket configured to provide a maximum power output of approximately 100 watts. The second DC socket 150B and the third DC socket 150C are second-type DC sockets, for example, Universal Serial Bus-C (USB-C) sockets configured to provide a maximum power output of approximately 15 watts. Although in Figure 1 Three DC sockets 150a-150c are shown, but other embodiments of the multi-compartment battery pack charger 100 may include any number (and any type of combination) of DC sockets 150. The DC enable button 155 is, for example, a push-button switch that can be used to enable and disable the DC sockets 150.

[0041] Figure 2This is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of a multi-compartment battery pack charger 100. The multi-compartment battery pack charger 100 includes a power input section 200, a charging circuit 210, a DC-AC converter 220, a DC-DC converter 230, and a switch control module 240. The power input section 200 includes a power cord, for example, that can be plugged into a wall socket to receive power (e.g., external AC power) from the grid or a generator. The power input section 200 is electrically connected to the charging circuit 210, which is electrically connected to battery packs 115A and 115B. The charging circuit 210 includes a battery pack detection module 250 configured to detect whether a battery pack 115 (such as battery pack 115A or battery pack 115B) is inserted into the corresponding battery pack interface 110. The charging circuit 210 also includes a switch 260 (e.g., a charging field-effect transistor [FET]) that selectively connects the charging circuit 210 to the battery pack interface 110 to charge the battery pack 115 received in the battery pack interface 110.

[0042] The charging circuit 210 converts AC power from the power input section 200 into DC power and supplies the DC power to the battery pack 115. For example, the charging circuit 210 closes switch 260 to sequentially charge the battery pack 115. To charge battery pack 115A, the charging circuit 210 can close switch 260A and open switch 260B, forming a circuit between the power input section 200, the charging circuit 210, and the battery pack 115A, while simultaneously disconnecting the circuit between the power input section 200, the charging circuit 210, and the battery pack 115B. To charge battery pack 115B, the charging circuit can close switch 260A and open switch 260B, disconnecting the circuit between the power input section 200, the charging circuit 210, and the battery pack 115A, while simultaneously disconnecting the circuit between the power input section 200, the charging circuit 210, and the battery pack 115B.

[0043] Power can be supplied from battery pack 115 to AC socket 140 and / or DC socket 150 via DC-AC converter 220 and / or DC-DC converter 230, respectively. DC-AC converter 220 can be electrically connected to AC socket 140, and DC-DC converter 230 can be electrically connected to DC socket 150. Battery pack 115A can be electrically connected to DC-AC converter 220 via switch 270A, which is positioned in series between battery pack 115A and DC-AC converter 220. Battery pack 115B can be electrically connected to DC-AC converter 220 via switch 270B, which is positioned in series between battery pack 115B and DC-AC converter 220. Battery pack 115A can be electrically connected to DC-DC converter 230 via switch 280A, which is positioned in series between battery pack 115A and DC-DC converter 230. Battery pack 115B can be electrically connected to DC-DC converter 230 via switch 280B, which is positioned in series between battery pack 115B and DC-DC converter 230.

[0044] DC-AC converter 220 is an inverter circuit, for example, including a power switching network with an inverter bridge (3-bridge) configuration. DC-AC converter 220 converts DC power from battery pack 115 received in battery pack interface 110 into AC power supplied at AC socket 140. DC-AC converter 220 is configured to provide approximately 400 watts of AC output. Discharge switch 270 selectively electrically couples battery pack interface 110 to DC-AC converter 220. DC-DC converter 230 converts DC power from battery pack 115 at a first voltage into DC power supplied to DC socket 150 at a second voltage. DC-DC converter 230 is configured to provide approximately 100 watts of power from a first DC output 150A and approximately 15 watts of power from each of a second DC output 150B and a third DC output 150C. Switch 270 may be a FET that selectively couples battery pack interface 110 to DC-AC converter 220. Switch 280 may be a FET that selectively electrically couples battery pack interface 110 to DC-DC converter 230.

[0045] The switch control module 240, as further explained below, communicates with and is configured to control the discharge switches 270 and 280. The switch control module 240 is implemented by the controller 300, as further explained below. In various implementations, the switch control module 240 communicates with and controls switches 260, 270, and / or 280 to sequentially connect battery packs 115A and 115B to the charging circuit 210 for sequential charging of battery packs 115A and 115B, such that only one battery pack 115 is charging at any given time. In some embodiments, the switch control module 240 communicates with and controls switches 260, 270, and / or 280 to sequentially connect battery packs 115A and 115B to AC socket 140 (via DC-AC converter 220) and / or DC socket 150 (via DC-DC converter 230) such that at any given time only one battery pack 115 is discharging (powering AC socket 140 and / or DC socket 150).

[0046] When AC socket 140 is enabled (e.g., by user-activated AC enable button 145), switch control module 240 closes switch 270 to connect DC-AC converter 220 to battery pack 115. When AC socket 140 is disabled (e.g., by user-activated AC enable button 145), switch control module 240 opens switch 270 to disconnect DC-AC converter 220 from battery pack 115. When DC socket 150 is enabled (e.g., by user-activated DC enable button 155), switch control module 240 closes switch 280 to connect DC-DC converter 230 to battery pack 115. When DC socket 150 is enabled (e.g., by user-activated DC enable button 155), switch control module 240 opens switch 280 to disconnect DC-DC converter 230 from battery pack 115.

[0047] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the controller 300 of the multi-compartment battery pack charger 100. The controller 300 is electrically and / or communicatively connected to various modules or components of the multi-compartment battery pack charger 100. For example, the controller 300 shown is connected to the user interface 120, charging circuit 210, DC-AC converter 220, DC-DC converter 230, charging switch 260, discharging switch 270, and discharging switch 280. The controller 300 provides control signals to control the user interface 120, charging circuit 210, DC-AC converter 220, DC-DC converter 230, charging switch 260, discharging switch 270, and discharging switch 280.

[0048] The controller 300 includes a combination of hardware and software operable to control, in particular, the operation of the multi-compartment battery pack charger 100. For example, the controller 300 specifically includes a processing unit 305 (e.g., a microprocessor, microcontroller, electronic processor, electronic controller, or other suitable programmable device), a memory 310, an input unit 315, and an output unit 320. The processing unit 305 specifically includes a control unit 325, an arithmetic logic unit (“ALU”) 330, and a plurality of registers 335 (in... Figure 3 The system is shown as a set of registers and is implemented using a known computer architecture (e.g., a modified Harvard architecture, von Neumann architecture, etc.). Processing unit 305, memory 310, input unit 315, and output unit 320, as well as various modules or circuits connected to controller 300, are connected via one or more control and / or data buses (e.g., common bus 340). For illustrative purposes, the data is shown as a set of registers and is implemented using a known computer architecture (e.g., a modified Harvard architecture, von Neumann architecture, etc.). Figure 3 The control and / or data bus is roughly shown in the diagram. Although the controller 300 is... Figure 3 While shown as a single controller, controller 300 may also include multiple controllers configured to work together to achieve a desired level of control over the multi-compartment battery pack charger 100. Thus, any control functions and processes described in this invention in conjunction with controller 300 can also be performed by two or more controllers operating in a distributed manner.

[0049] Memory 310 is a non-transitory computer-readable medium, including, for example, a program storage area and a data storage area. The program storage area and data storage area may include combinations of different types of memory, such as read-only memory (“ROM”), random access memory (“RAM”) (e.g., dynamic RAM [“DRAM”], synchronous...), etc. DRAM (“SDRAM”, etc.), electrically erasable programmable ROM (“EEPROM”), flash memory, hard disk, SD card, or other suitable magnetic, optical, physical, or electronic memory devices. Processing unit 305 is connected to memory 310 and configured to execute software instructions that can be stored in RAM (e.g., during execution), ROM (e.g., on a substantially permanent basis) of memory 310, or another non-transitory computer-readable medium (such as another memory or disk). Software included in the implementation of the multi-compartment battery pack charger 100 and controller 300 may be stored in memory 310 of controller 300. Software includes, for example, firmware, one or more applications, program data, filters, rules, one or more program modules, and other executable instructions. Controller 300 is configured to retrieve from memory 310 and execute instructions related to the control flow and methods described herein. In other embodiments, controller 300 includes additional, fewer, or different components.

[0050] Controller 300 controls charging switch 260 to charge battery pack 115 received in battery pack interface 110. Controller 300 sequentially charges the battery packs 115 received in battery pack interface 110 such that only one battery pack 115 is charged at a time. Furthermore, controller 300 operates the battery packs 115 independently, i.e., neither in series nor in parallel. Instead, controller 300 can operate as described in reference... Figure 4-6 The battery packs operate sequentially as further illustrated in the table below. While one battery pack 115 in battery pack interface 110 is charging, another battery pack 115 in another battery pack interface 110 can be used to pass power through AC socket 140 and / or DC socket 150 (e.g., referred to as a "pseudo-passthrough"). Controller 300 uses discharge switch 270 to connect the uncharged battery pack 115 to the DC-AC converter and uses discharge switch 280 to connect the uncharged battery pack 115 to the DC-DC converter. In one embodiment, when the multi-compartment battery pack charger 100 is plugged in (e.g., when the power input 200 is connected to external AC power), controller 300 can disable AC socket 140 because AC socket or other external AC power is already available to the user.

[0051] Figure 4-6 This is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process 400 for controlling the operation of a multi-compartment battery pack charger 100 according to some embodiments. Although the operation steps of process 400 are described with reference to specific embodiments of the invention, process 400 can be implemented in any suitable configuration. Figure 4-6 In this example, each work step is shown once in a specific order, but the work steps can be reordered and / or repeated as needed and appropriately. For example, different work steps can be executed in parallel as appropriate. In exemplary process 400, controller 300 monitors charging circuit 210 to determine whether multi-compartment battery pack charger 100 is receiving input AC power via power input section 200 (at block 402). In exemplary process 400, controller 300 monitors sensors and / or battery pack detection module 250 at first battery pack interface 110A to determine whether first battery pack 115A is connected to multi-compartment battery pack charger 100 (at work step 404). Controller 300 may also monitor sensors and / or battery pack detection module 250 to determine the charge level of battery pack 115A.

[0052] In exemplary flow 400, controller 300 monitors sensors and / or battery pack detection module 250 at second battery pack interface 110B to determine whether second battery pack 115B is connected to multi-compartment battery pack charger 100 (at operation step 406). Controller 300 may also monitor sensors and / or battery pack detection module 250 to determine the charge level of battery pack 115B. In exemplary flow 400, controller 300 determines whether both battery packs 115A and 115B are detected (at decision block 408). Detection of both battery packs 115A and 115B could mean that both battery packs 115A and 115B are connected to multi-compartment battery pack charger 100 and are available for sequential charging and / or sequential discharging (e.g., providing power to AC outlet 140 and / or DC outlet 150).

[0053] In response to the absence of detection for both battery packs 115A and 115B ("No" at decision block 408), controller 300 determines whether input AC power is detected at charging circuit 210 (at decision block 410). Detection of input AC power at charging circuit 210 may mean that power input unit 200 is connected to external AC power, and that external AC power can be used to charge the connected battery pack 115. In response to the determination that no input AC power is detected ("No" at decision block 410), controller 300 determines whether the charge level of the connected battery pack 115 is higher than a first threshold (at decision block 412). A charge level of the connected battery pack 115 higher than the first threshold may mean that the connected battery pack 115 is fully charged and can be used to provide power to AC socket 140 and / or DC socket 150, while a charge level of the connected battery pack 115 not higher than the first threshold may mean that the connected battery pack 115 is not fully charged and cannot be used to provide power to AC socket and / or DC socket 150.

[0054] In response to determining that the charge level of the connected battery pack 115 is higher than a first threshold ("yes" at decision block 412), the controller 300 operates switches 260, 270 and / or 280 to connect the connected battery pack 115 to the battery pack 115. DC-AC converter 220 and / or DC-DC converter 230 supply power to AC socket 140 and / or DC socket 150 (at block 414). Controller 300 can operate switches 260, 270 and / or 280 to disconnect the connected battery pack 115 from charging circuit 210. At block 402, controller 300 continues to monitor the input AC power. In response to determining that the charge level of the connected battery pack is not higher than a first threshold ("No" at decision block 412), controller 300 continues to monitor the input AC power at block 402. In response to determining that input AC power is detected ("Yes" at decision block 410), controller 300 determines whether the charge level of the connected battery pack 115 is higher than a second threshold (at decision block 416). A charge level of the connected battery pack 115 higher than the second threshold may indicate that the connected battery pack 115 is fully or adequately charged, or that charging is not required.

[0055] In response to determining that the charge level of the connected battery pack 115 is not higher than a second threshold ("No" at decision block 416), the controller 300 controls switches 260, 270, and / or 280 to connect the battery pack 115 to the charging circuit 210 and charge the battery pack 115 (at block 418). The controller 300 may operate switches 260, 270, and / or 280 to disconnect the connected battery pack 115 from the DC-AC converter 220 and the DC-DC converter 230. At block 402, the controller 300 continues to monitor the input AC power. In response to determining that the charge level of the connected battery is higher than the second threshold ("Yes" at decision block 416), the controller 300 continues to monitor the input AC power at block 402. In response to the controller 300 determining that both battery packs 115A and 115B are detected ("Yes" at decision block 408), the controller 300 determines whether input AC power is detected (at decision block 420). In response to determining that no input AC power is detected ("No" at decision block 420), controller 300 determines whether the charge level of the first battery pack 115A is greater than a first threshold (at decision block 422). A charge level of the first battery pack 115A greater than the first threshold may mean that the first battery pack 115A can be used to provide power to AC socket 140 and / or DC socket 150, while a charge level of the first battery pack 115A not greater than the first threshold may indicate that the first battery pack 115A cannot be used to provide power to AC socket 140 and / or DC socket 150.

[0056] In response to determining that the charge level of the first battery pack 115A is greater than a first threshold ("Yes" at decision block 422), controller 300 operates switches 260, 270, and / or 280 to connect the first battery pack 115A to DC-AC converter 220 to supply power to AC socket 140 (at block 424). Controller 300 may operate switches 260, 270, and / or 280 to disconnect the first battery pack 115A from charging circuit 210 and disconnect the second battery pack from DC-AC converter 220 and DC-DC converter 230. In exemplary flow 400, controller 300 operates switches 260, 270, and / or 280 to connect the first battery pack 115A to DC-DC converter 230 to supply power to DC socket 150 (at block 426). At block 402, controller 300 continues to monitor the input AC power.

[0057] In response to determining that the charge level of the first battery pack 115A is not higher than a first threshold ("No" at decision block 422), the controller 300 determines whether the charge level of the second battery pack 115B is greater than the first threshold (at decision block 428). A charge level of the second battery pack 115B greater than the first threshold may mean that the second battery pack 115B can be used to provide power to the AC socket 140 and / or the DC socket 150, while a charge level of the second battery pack 115B not greater than the first threshold may indicate that the second battery pack 115B cannot be used to provide power to the AC socket 140 and / or the DC socket 150.

[0058] In response to determining that the charge level of the second battery pack 115B is greater than a first threshold ("Yes" at decision block 428), the controller 300 operates switches 260, 270, and / or 280 to connect the second battery pack 115B to the DC-AC converter 220 to supply power to the AC socket 140 (at block 430). The controller 300 may operate switches 260, 270, and / or 280 to disconnect the second battery pack 115B from the charging circuit 210 and disconnect the first battery pack 115 from the DC-AC converter 220 and the DC-DC converter 230. In exemplary flow 400, the controller 300 operates switches 260, 270, and / or 280 to connect the second battery pack 115B to the DC-DC converter 230 to supply power to the DC socket 150 (at block 432). At block 402, the controller 300 continues to monitor the input AC power. In response to determining that the charge level of the second battery pack 115B is not higher than the second threshold ("No" at decision block 428), the controller 300 continues to monitor the input AC power at block 402.

[0059] In response to determining that input AC power has been detected ("Yes" at decision block 420), controller 300 determines whether the charge level of the first battery pack 115A is greater than a second threshold (at decision block 434). A charge level greater than the second threshold may mean that the first battery pack 115A has been charged, while a charge level not greater than the second threshold may mean that the first battery pack 115A needs charging. In response to determining that the charge level of the first battery pack 115A is not greater than the second threshold ("No" at decision block 434), controller 300 operates switches 260, 270, and / or 280 to connect the first battery pack 115A to charging circuit 210 and charge the first battery pack 115A (at block 436). Controller 300 can operate switches 260, 270, and / or 280 to disconnect the first battery pack 115A from the DC-AC converter 220 and the DC-DC converter 230, and to disconnect the second battery pack 115B from the charging circuit 210. In exemplary flow 400, controller 300 operates switches 260, 270, and / or 280 to connect the second battery pack 115B to the DC-DC converter 230 to supply power to the DC socket 150 (at block 438). At block 402, controller 300 continues to monitor the input AC power.

[0060] In response to determining that the charge level of the first battery pack 115A is greater than a second threshold ("Yes" at decision block 434), the controller 300 determines whether the charge level of the second battery pack 115B is greater than the second threshold ("Yes" at decision block 440). A charge level of the second battery pack 115B greater than the second threshold may mean that the second battery pack 115B has been charged, while a charge level of the second battery pack 115B not greater than the second threshold may mean that the second battery pack 115B needs to be charged. In response to determining that the charge level of the second battery pack 115B is not greater than the second threshold ("No" at decision block 440), the controller 300 operates switches 260, 270, and / or 280 to connect the second battery pack 115B to the charging circuit 210 and charge the second battery pack 115B ("No" at block 442). Controller 300 can operate switches 260, 270, and / or 280 to disconnect the second battery pack 115B from the DC-AC converter 220 and the DC-DC converter 230, and to disconnect the first battery pack 115A from the charging circuit 210. In exemplary flow 400, controller 300 operates switches 260, 270, and / or 280 to connect the first battery pack 115A to the DC-DC converter 230 to supply power to the DC socket 150 (at block 444). At block 402, controller 300 continues to monitor the input AC power. In response to determining that the charge level of the second battery pack 115B is greater than a second threshold ("yes" at decision block 440), controller 300 continues to monitor the input AC power at block 402.

[0061] In various implementations, controller 300 controls switches 260, 270, and 280 according to the state transitions described in Table 1 below: Table 1

[0062] Table 1 illustrates an embodiment of a logic condition under which the controller 300 triggers new states of switches 260, 270, and / or 280 based on changes in conditions at the multi-compartment battery charger 100. In the following embodiment, battery packs 115A and 115B are sequentially charged and discharged (e.g., supplying power to a socket) such that at any given time, one battery pack 115 is charging, and at any given time, only one battery pack 115 is discharging. A charging battery pack 115 may be connected to the charging circuit 210 and disconnected from the DC-AC converter 220 and the DC-DC converter 230. A discharging battery pack may be connected to the AC socket 140 via the DC-AC converter 220 and / or to the DC socket 150 via the DC-DC converter 230, and disconnected from the charging circuit 210.

[0063] In various implementations, the power input unit 200 is initially not connected to external AC power. Battery packs 115A and 115B are both connected to their respective battery pack interfaces 110. The AC socket 140 is disabled, and the DC socket 150 is enabled. Initially, battery pack 115A supplies power to the DC socket 150, while battery pack 115B awaits charging or supplies power. In response to the power input unit 200 being connected to external AC power, the controller 300 controls switches 260, 270, and / or 280 so that battery pack 115A continues to supply power to the DC socket 150 while battery pack 115B is charging.

[0064] In some embodiments, the power input unit 200 is not initially connected to external AC power, both battery packs 115A and 115B are connected to their respective battery pack interfaces 110, the AC socket 140 is disabled, and the DC socket... 150 is activated. Initially, battery pack 115A awaits charging or provides power, while battery pack 115B is providing power to DC socket 150. In response to power output unit 200 being connected to external AC power, controller 300 controls switches 260, 270, and / or 280 to allow battery pack 115A to charge while battery pack 115B continues to provide power to DC socket 150.

[0065] In various implementations, the power input unit 200 is initially not connected to external AC power; both battery packs 115A and 115B are connected to their respective battery pack interfaces 110; the AC socket 140 is enabled; and the DC socket... 150 is activated. Initially, battery pack 115A supplies power to AC socket 140 and DC socket 150, while battery pack 115B awaits charging or supplies power. In response to power input 200 being connected to external AC power, controller 300 controls switches 260, 270 and / or 280 to disconnect battery pack 115A from AC socket 140, but continues to supply power to DC socket 150 while battery pack 115B is charging.

[0066] In some embodiments, the power input unit 200 is not initially connected to external AC power, and the battery pack Both 115A and 115B are connected to the corresponding battery pack interface 110, with the AC socket 140 enabled and the DC socket... 150 is activated. Initially, battery pack 115A awaits charging or provides power, while battery pack 115B is providing power to AC socket 140 and DC socket 150. In response to power input 200 being connected to external AC power, controller 300 controls switches 260, 270 and / or 280 to charge battery pack 115A, while battery pack 115B is disconnected from AC socket 140 but continues to provide power to DC socket 150.

[0067] In various implementations, the power input unit 200 is initially connected to external AC power, and both battery packs 115A and 115B are connected to their respective battery pack interfaces 110. The AC socket 140 is disabled, and the DC socket 150 is enabled. Initially, battery pack 115A supplies power to the DC socket 150 while battery pack 115B is charging. In response to the power input unit 200 being disconnected from external AC power, the controller 300 controls switches 260, 270, and / or 280 so that battery pack 115A continues to supply power to the DC socket 150, while battery pack 115B awaits power or charging.

[0068] In some embodiments, the power input unit 200 is initially connected to external AC power, and both battery packs 115A and 115B are connected to their respective battery pack interfaces 110. The AC socket 140 is disabled, and the DC socket 150 is enabled. Initially, battery pack 115A is charging, while battery pack 115B is supplying power to the DC socket 150. In response to the power input unit 200 being disconnected from external AC power, the controller 300 controls switches 260, 270, and / or 280 so that battery pack 115A awaits power supply or charging, while battery pack 115B continues to supply power to the DC socket 150.

[0069] In various implementations, the power input unit 200 is initially connected to external AC power, battery pack Both 115A and 115B are connected to the corresponding battery pack interface 110, with the AC socket 140 enabled and the DC socket... 150 is activated. Initially, battery pack 115A supplies power to DC socket 150 while battery pack 115B is charging. In response to the power input unit 200 being disconnected from external AC power, controller 300 controls switches 260, 270 and / or 280 so that battery pack 115A supplies power to AC socket 140 and DC socket 150, while battery pack 115B awaits power or charging.

[0070] In some embodiments, the power input unit 200 is initially connected to external AC power, and both battery packs 115A and 115B are connected to their respective battery pack interfaces 110. The AC socket 140 and DC socket 150 are enabled. Initially, battery pack 115A is charging, while battery pack 115B is supplying power to the DC socket 150. In response to the power input unit 200 being disconnected from external AC power, the controller 300 controls switches 260, 270, and / or 280 so that battery pack 115A awaits power supply or charging, while battery pack 115B supplies power to both the AC socket 140 and the DC socket 150.

[0071] In various implementations, the power input unit 200 is initially connected to external AC power, battery pack 115A is connected to battery pack interface 110A, battery pack 115B is not connected to battery pack interface 110B, AC socket 140 is disabled, and DC socket 150 is enabled. Initially, battery pack 115A is charging. In response to battery pack 115B being connected to battery pack interface 110B, controller 300 controls switches 260, 270, and / or 280 to allow battery pack 115A to continue charging, while battery pack 115B supplies power to DC socket 150.

[0072] In some embodiments, the power input unit 200 is initially connected to external AC power, battery pack 115A is not connected to battery pack interface 110A, battery pack 115B is connected to battery pack interface 110B, AC socket 140 is disabled, and DC socket 150 is enabled. Initially, battery pack 115B is charging. In response to battery pack 115A being connected to battery pack interface 110A, controller 300 controls switches 260, 270, and / or 280 so that battery pack 115A provides power to DC socket 150 while battery pack 115B continues to charge.

[0073] In various implementations, the power input unit 200 is initially connected to external AC power, battery pack 115A is connected to battery pack interface 110A, battery pack 115B is not connected to battery pack interface 110B, AC socket 140 is enabled, and DC socket 150 is enabled. Initially, battery pack 115A is charging. In response to battery pack 115B being connected to battery pack interface 110B, controller 300 controls switches 260, 270, and / or 280 to allow battery pack 115A to continue charging, while battery pack 115B supplies power to DC socket 150.

[0074] In some embodiments, the power input unit 200 is initially connected to external AC power, battery pack 115A is not connected to battery pack interface 110B, battery pack 115B is connected to battery pack interface 110B, AC socket 140 is enabled, and DC socket 150 is enabled. Initially, battery pack 115B is charging. In response to battery pack 115A being connected to battery pack interface 110A, controller 300 controls switches 260, 270, and / or 280 so that battery pack 115A provides power to DC socket 150 while battery pack 115B is charging.

[0075] In various implementations, the power input unit 200 is initially connected to external AC power, battery pack Both 115A and 115B are connected to the corresponding battery pack interface 110. The AC socket 140 is disabled, and the DC socket... 150 is activated. Initially, battery pack 115A is charging, while battery pack 115B is supplying power to DC outlet 150. In response to the removal of battery pack 115B (discharging battery pack), controller 300 controls switches 260, 270 and / or 280 so that battery pack 115A continues to charge.

[0076] In some embodiments, the power input unit 200 is initially connected to external AC power, and both battery packs 115A and 115B are connected to their respective battery pack interfaces 110. The AC socket 140 is disabled, and the DC socket 150 is enabled. Initially, battery pack 115A supplies power to the DC socket 150 while battery pack 115B is charging. In response to the removal of battery pack 115A (the discharging battery pack), the controller 300 controls switches 260, 270, and / or 280 to allow battery pack 115B to continue charging.

[0077] In various implementations, the power input unit 200 is initially connected to external AC power, and both battery packs 115A and 115B are connected to their respective battery pack interfaces 110. The AC socket 140 is enabled, and the DC socket 150 is enabled. Initially, battery pack 115A is charging, while battery pack 115B is supplying power to the DC socket 150. In response to the removal of battery pack 115B (the discharging battery pack), the controller 300 controls switches 260, 270, and / or 280 to allow battery pack 115A to continue charging.

[0078] In some embodiments, the power input unit 200 is initially connected to external AC power, and both battery packs 115A and 115B are connected to their respective battery pack interfaces 110. The AC socket 140 is enabled, and the DC socket 150 is enabled. Initially, battery pack 115A is supplying power to the DC socket 150, while battery pack 115B is charging. In response to the removal of battery pack 115A (the discharging battery pack), the controller 300 controls switches 260, 270, and / or 280 to allow battery pack 115B to continue charging.

[0079] In various implementations, the power input unit 200 is initially connected to external AC power, battery pack Both 115A and 115B are connected to the corresponding battery pack interface 110. The AC socket 140 is disabled, and the DC socket... 150 is enabled. Initially, battery pack 115A is charging, while battery pack 115B is supplying power to DC socket 150. In response to the removal of battery pack 115A (rechargeable battery pack), controller 300 controls switches 260, 270 and / or 280 so that battery pack 115B continues to supply power to DC socket 150.

[0080] In some embodiments, the power input unit 200 is initially connected to external AC power, and both battery packs 115A and 115B are connected to their respective battery pack interfaces 110. The AC socket 140 is disabled, and the DC socket 150 is enabled. Initially, battery pack 115A is supplying power to the DC socket 150, while battery pack 115B is charging. In response to the removal of battery pack 115B (the rechargeable battery pack), the controller 300 controls switches 260, 270, and / or 280 so that battery pack 115A continues to supply power to the DC socket 150.

[0081] In various implementations, the power input unit 200 is initially connected to external AC power, battery pack Both 115A and 115B are connected to the corresponding battery pack interface 110, with the AC socket 140 enabled and the DC socket... 150 is enabled. Initially, battery pack 115A is charging, while battery pack 115B is supplying power to DC socket 150. In response to the removal of battery pack 115A (rechargeable battery pack), controller 300 controls switches 260, 270 and / or 280 so that battery pack 115B continues to supply power to DC socket 150.

[0082] In some embodiments, the power input unit 200 is initially connected to external AC power, and both battery packs 115A and 115B are connected to their respective battery pack interfaces 110. The AC socket 140 is enabled, and the DC socket 150 is enabled. Initially, battery pack 115A is supplying power to the DC socket 150, while battery pack 115B is charging. In response to the removal of battery pack 115B (the rechargeable battery pack), the controller 300 controls switches 260, 270, and / or 280 so that battery pack 115A continues to supply power to the DC socket 150.

[0083] In various implementations, the power input unit 200 is initially connected to external AC power, battery pack Both 115A and 115B are connected to the corresponding battery pack interface 110. The AC socket 140 is disabled, and the DC socket... 150 is enabled. Initially, battery pack 115A is charging, while battery pack 115B is supplying power to DC socket 150. In response to detecting that battery pack 115A (the rechargeable battery pack) is charging or that a charging failure has occurred, controller 300 controls switches 260, 270, and / or 280 so that battery pack 115A waits to be supplied with power or charged, while battery pack 115B continues to supply power to DC socket 150.

[0084] In some embodiments, the power input unit 200 is initially connected to external AC power, and both battery packs 115A and 115B are connected to their respective battery pack interfaces 110. The AC socket 140 is disabled, and the DC socket 150 is enabled. Initially, battery pack 115A is supplying power to the DC socket 150, while battery pack 115B is charging. In response to detecting that battery pack 115B (the rechargeable battery pack) is charging or that a charging failure has occurred, the controller 300 controls switches 260, 270, and / or 280 so that battery pack 115A continues to supply power to the DC socket 150, while battery pack 115B waits for power or charging.

[0085] In various implementations, the power input unit 200 is initially connected to external AC power, battery pack Both 115A and 115B are connected to the corresponding battery pack interface 110, with the AC socket 140 enabled and the DC socket... 150 is activated. Initially, battery pack 115A is charging, while battery pack 115B is supplying power to DC socket 150. In response to detecting that battery pack 115A (the rechargeable battery pack) is charging or that a charging failure has occurred, controller 300 controls switches 260, 270, and / or 280 so that battery pack 115A waits to be supplied with power or charged, while battery pack 115B continues to supply power to DC socket 150.

[0086] In some embodiments, the power input unit 200 is initially connected to external AC power, and both battery packs 115A and 115B are connected to their respective battery pack interfaces 110. The AC socket 140 is enabled, and the DC socket 150 is enabled. Initially, battery pack 115A is supplying power to the DC socket 150, while battery pack 115B is charging. In response to detecting that battery pack 115B (the rechargeable battery pack) is charging or that a charging failure has occurred, the controller 300 controls switches 260, 270, and / or 280 so that battery pack 115A continues to supply power to the DC socket 150, while battery pack 115B awaits power or charging.

[0087] In various implementations, the power input unit 200 is initially connected to external AC power, battery pack Both 115A and 115B are connected to the corresponding battery pack interface 110. The AC socket 140 is disabled, and the DC socket... 150 is activated. Initially, battery pack 115A is charging, while battery pack 115B is supplying power to DC outlet 150. In response to detecting that battery pack 115B (discharging battery pack) is in a low state of charge or has a discharge fault, controller 300 controls switches 260, 270 and / or 280 so that battery pack 115A continues to charge, while battery pack 115B waits to be supplied with power or charged.

[0088] In some embodiments, the power input unit 200 is initially connected to external AC power, and both battery packs 115A and 115B are connected to their respective battery pack interfaces 110. The AC socket 140 is disabled, and the DC socket 150 is enabled. Initially, battery pack 115A is supplying power to the DC socket 150, while battery pack 115B is charging. In response to detecting that battery pack 115A (the discharging battery pack) is in a low state of charge or has a discharge fault, the controller 300 controls switches 260, 270, and / or 280 so that battery pack 115A waits for power or charging, while battery pack 115B continues charging.

[0089] In various implementations, the power input unit 200 is initially connected to external AC power, battery pack Both 115A and 115B are connected to the corresponding battery pack interface 110, with the AC socket 140 enabled and the DC socket... 150 is activated. Initially, battery pack 115A is charging, while battery pack 115B is supplying power to DC outlet 150. In response to detecting that battery pack 115B (discharging battery pack) is in a low state of charge or has a discharge fault, controller 300 controls switches 260, 270 and / or 280 so that battery pack 115A continues to charge, while battery pack 115B waits to be supplied with power or charged.

[0090] In some embodiments, the power input unit 200 is initially connected to external AC power, and both battery packs 115A and 115B are connected to their respective battery pack interfaces 110. The AC socket 140 is enabled, and the DC socket 150 is enabled. Initially, battery pack 115A is supplying power to the DC socket 150, while battery pack 115B is charging. In response to detecting that battery pack 115A (the discharging battery pack) is in a low state of charge or has a discharge fault, the controller 300 controls switches 260, 270, and / or 280 so that battery pack 115A waits for power or charging, while battery pack 115B continues charging.

[0091] In various implementations, the power input unit 200 is initially connected to external AC power, and both battery packs 115A and 115B are connected to their respective battery pack interfaces 110. The AC socket 140 is disabled, and the DC socket 150 is enabled. Initially, battery pack 115A is waiting to charge or discharge, while battery pack 115B is supplying power to the DC socket 150. In response to detecting that battery pack 115B (the discharging battery pack) is in a low state of charge or has a discharge fault, the controller 300 controls switches 260, 270, and / or 280 so that battery pack 115A supplies power to the DC socket 150 while battery pack 115B is charging.

[0092] In some embodiments, the power input unit 200 is initially connected to external AC power, and both battery packs 115A and 115B are connected to their respective battery pack interfaces 110. The AC socket 140 is disabled, and the DC socket 150 is enabled. Initially, battery pack 115B is waiting to charge or discharge, while battery pack 115A is supplying power to the DC socket 150. In response to detecting that battery pack 115A (the discharging battery pack) is in a low state of charge or has a discharge fault, the controller 300 controls switches 260, 270, and / or 280 to charge battery pack 115A while battery pack 115B supplies power to the DC socket 150.

[0093] In various implementations, the power input unit 200 is initially connected to external AC power, and both battery packs 115A and 115B are connected to their respective battery pack interfaces 110. The AC socket 140 is enabled, and the DC socket 150 is enabled. Initially, battery pack 115A is waiting to charge or discharge, while battery pack 115B is supplying power to the DC socket 150. In response to detecting that battery pack 115B (the discharging battery pack) is in a low state of charge or has a discharge fault, the controller 300 controls switches 260, 270, and / or 280 so that battery pack 115A supplies power to the DC socket 150 while battery pack 115B is charging.

[0094] In some embodiments, the power input unit 200 is initially connected to external AC power, and both battery packs 115A and 115B are connected to their respective battery pack interfaces 110. The AC socket 140 is enabled, and the DC socket 150 is enabled. Initially, battery pack 115A is supplying power to the DC socket 150, while battery pack 115B is waiting to charge or discharge. In response to detecting that battery pack 115A (the discharging battery pack) is in a low state of charge or that a discharge fault exists, the controller 300 controls switches 260, 270, and / or 280 so that battery pack 115A is charging while battery pack 115B is supplying power to the DC socket 150.

[0095] In various implementations, the power input unit 200 is initially connected to external AC power, battery pack Both 115A and 115B are connected to the corresponding battery pack interface 110. The AC socket 140 is disabled, and the DC socket... 150 is enabled. Initially, battery pack 115A is charging, while battery pack 115B is waiting to charge or discharge. In response to the detection that battery pack 115A (the rechargeable battery pack) is charging or that a charging fault exists, controller 300 controls switches 260, 270, and / or 280 so that battery pack 115A supplies power to DC socket 150 while battery pack 115B is charging.

[0096] In some embodiments, the power input unit 200 is initially connected to external AC power, and both battery packs 115A and 115B are connected to their respective battery pack interfaces 110. The AC socket 140 is disabled, and the DC socket 150 is enabled. Initially, battery pack 115A is waiting to charge or discharge, while battery pack 115B is charging. In response to detecting that battery pack 115B (the rechargeable battery pack) is charging or that a charging failure has occurred, the controller 300 controls switches 260, 270, and / or 280 to charge battery pack 115A, while battery pack 115B supplies power to the DC socket 150.

[0097] In various implementations, the power input unit 200 is initially connected to external AC power, battery pack Both 115A and 115B are connected to the corresponding battery pack interface 110, with the AC socket 140 enabled and the DC socket... 150 is enabled. Initially, battery pack 115A is charging, while battery pack 115B is waiting to charge or discharge. In response to the detection that battery pack 115A (the rechargeable battery pack) is charging or that a charging fault exists, controller 300 controls switches 260, 270, and / or 280 so that battery pack 115A supplies power to DC socket 150 while battery pack 115B is charging.

[0098] In some embodiments, the power input unit 200 is initially connected to external AC power, and both battery packs 115A and 115B are connected to their respective battery pack interfaces 110. The AC socket 140 is enabled, and the DC socket 150 is enabled. Initially, battery pack 115A is waiting to charge or discharge, while battery pack 115B is charging. In response to detecting that battery pack 115B (the rechargeable battery pack) is charging or that a charging failure has occurred, the controller 300 controls switches 260, 270, and / or 280 to charge battery pack 115A, while battery pack 115B supplies power to the DC socket 150.

[0099] In various implementations, the power input unit 200 is initially connected to external AC power, battery pack Both 115A and 115B are connected to the corresponding battery pack interface 110. The AC socket 140 is disabled, and the DC socket... 150 is disabled. Initially, battery pack 115A is charging, while battery pack 115B is waiting to charge or discharge. In response to DC socket 150 being enabled, controller 300 controls switches 260, 270 and / or 280 so that battery pack 115A continues to charge, while battery pack 115B supplies power to DC socket 150.

[0100] In some embodiments, the power input unit 200 is initially connected to external AC power, and both battery packs 115A and 115B are connected to their respective battery pack interfaces 110. The AC socket 140 is disabled, and the DC socket 150 is disabled. Initially, battery pack 115A is waiting to charge or discharge, while battery pack 115B is charging. In response to the DC socket 150 being enabled, the controller 300 controls switches 260, 270, and / or 280 so that battery pack 115A supplies power to the DC socket 150, while battery pack 115B continues to charge.

[0101] In various implementations, the power input unit 200 is initially connected to external AC power, and both battery packs 115A and 115B are connected to their respective battery pack interfaces 110. The AC socket 140 is enabled, and the DC socket 150 is disabled. Initially, battery pack 115A is charging, while battery pack 115B is waiting to charge or discharge. In response to the enabling of the DC socket 150, the controller 300 controls switches 260, 270, and / or 280 to allow battery pack 115A to continue charging, while battery pack 115B supplies power to the DC socket 150.

[0102] In some embodiments, the power input unit 200 is initially connected to external AC power, and both battery packs 115A and 115B are connected to their respective battery pack interfaces 110. The AC socket 140 is enabled, and the DC socket 150 is disabled. Initially, battery pack 115A is waiting to charge or discharge, while battery pack 115B is charging. In response to the enabling of the DC socket 150, the controller 300 controls switches 260, 270, and / or 280 so that battery pack 115A supplies power to the DC socket 150, while battery pack 115B continues to charge.

[0103] In various implementations, the power input unit 200 is initially connected to external AC power, and both battery packs 115A and 115B are connected to their respective battery pack interfaces 110. The AC socket 140 is disabled, and the DC socket 150 is enabled. Initially, battery pack 115A is charging while battery pack 115B supplies power to the DC socket 150. In response to the DC socket 150 being disabled, the controller 300 controls switches 260, 270, and / or 280 so that battery pack 115A continues charging, while battery pack 115B is disconnected from the DC socket 150 and awaits charging or discharging.

[0104] In some embodiments, the power input unit 200 is initially connected to external AC power, and both battery packs 115A and 115B are connected to their respective battery pack interfaces 110. The AC socket 140 is disabled, and the DC socket 150 is enabled. Initially, battery pack 115A supplies power to the DC socket 150 while battery pack 115B is charging. In response to the DC socket 150 being disabled, the controller 300 controls switches 260, 270, and / or 280 to disconnect battery pack 115A from the DC socket 150 and to wait for charging or discharging while battery pack 115B continues charging.

[0105] In various implementations, the power input unit 200 is initially connected to external AC power, and both battery packs 115A and 115B are connected to their respective battery pack interfaces 110. The AC socket 140 is enabled, and the DC socket 150 is enabled. Initially, battery pack 115A is charging, while battery pack 115B supplies power to the DC socket 150. In response to the DC socket 150 being disabled, the controller 300 controls switches 260, 270, and / or 280 so that battery pack 115A continues charging, while battery pack 115B is disconnected from the DC socket 150 and awaits charging or discharging.

[0106] In some embodiments, the power input unit 200 is initially connected to external AC power, and both battery packs 115A and 115B are connected to their respective battery pack interfaces 110. The AC socket 140 is enabled, and the DC socket 150 is enabled. Initially, battery pack 115A supplies power to the DC socket 150 while battery pack 115B is charging. In response to the DC socket 150 being disabled, the controller 300 controls switches 260, 270, and / or 280 to disconnect battery pack 115A from the DC socket 150 and to wait for charging or discharging while battery pack 115B continues charging.

[0107] In various implementations, the power input unit 200 is initially connected to external AC power, and both battery packs 115A and 115B are connected to their respective battery pack interfaces 110. The AC socket 140 is disabled, and the DC socket 150 is enabled. Initially, battery pack 115A is charging, while battery pack 115B supplies power to the DC socket 150. In response to the detection that both battery packs 115A and 115B are in a low-charge state, the controller 300 controls switches 260, 270, and / or 280 so that battery pack 115A continues charging, while battery pack 115B is disconnected from the DC socket 150 and awaits charging or discharging.

[0108] In some embodiments, the power input unit 200 is initially connected to external AC power, and both battery packs 115A and 115B are connected to their respective battery pack interfaces 110. The AC socket 140 is disabled, and the DC socket 150 is enabled. Initially, battery pack 115A supplies power to the DC socket 150 while battery pack 115B is charging. In response to detecting that both battery packs 115A and 115B are in a low state of charge, the controller 300 controls switches 260, 270, and / or 280 to disconnect battery pack 115A from the DC socket 150 and to wait for charging or discharging while battery pack 115B continues charging.

[0109] In various implementations, the power input unit 200 is initially connected to external AC power, and both battery packs 115A and 115B are connected to their respective battery pack interfaces 110. The AC socket 140 is enabled, and the DC socket 150 is enabled. Initially, battery pack 115A is charging, while battery pack 115B supplies power to the DC socket 150. In response to the detection that both battery packs 115A and 115B are in a low state of charge, the controller 300 controls switches 260, 270, and / or 280 so that battery pack 115A continues charging, while battery pack 115B is disconnected from the DC socket 150 and awaits charging or discharging.

[0110] In some embodiments, the power input unit 200 is initially connected to external AC power, and both battery packs 115A and 115B are connected to their respective battery pack interfaces 110. The AC socket 140 is enabled, and the DC socket 150 is enabled. Initially, battery pack 115A supplies power to the DC socket 150 while battery pack 115B is charging. In response to detecting that both battery packs 115A and 115B are in a low state of charge, the controller 300 controls switches 260, 270, and / or 280 to disconnect battery pack 115A from the DC socket 150 and to wait for charging or discharging while battery pack 115B continues charging.

[0111] Therefore, the embodiments described in this invention particularly provide a multi-compartment battery pack charger with pseudo-pass-through functionality.

Claims

1. A multi-compartment battery pack charger, comprising: A plurality of battery pack interfaces, the plurality of battery pack interfaces being configured to removably receive a plurality of battery packs; A charging circuit, wherein the charging circuit is electrically connected to the plurality of battery pack interfaces; Power output unit; A discharge circuit, which is electrically connected between the plurality of battery pack interfaces and the power output unit; and An electronic processor, electrically connected to the charging circuit and the discharging circuit, and configured to... When the first battery pack and the second battery pack are removably received in the plurality of battery pack interfaces and the first condition is met. The first battery pack is charged using the charging circuit; and The second battery pack is discharged using the discharge circuit.

2. The multi-compartment battery pack charger as described in claim 1, wherein, The first condition includes determining that the charging circuit is connected to an external power source.

3. The multi-compartment battery pack charger as described in claim 2, wherein, The discharge circuit further includes an AC output circuit and a DC output circuit.

4. The multi-compartment battery pack charger as described in claim 3, wherein, The electronic processor is further configured to disconnect the AC output circuit from the second battery pack in response to determining that the first condition is met.

5. The multi-compartment battery pack charger as described in claim 1, wherein, The electronic processor is further configured to: Determine the charge level of the second battery pack when it is discharging; and In response to the charge level of the second battery pack dropping below a threshold, Stop using the discharge circuit to discharge the second battery pack. The charging circuit is used to begin charging the second battery pack, and The discharge circuit is then used to discharge the first battery pack.

6. The multi-compartment battery pack charger as described in claim 1, wherein, The electronic processor is further configured to sequentially charge the first battery pack and the second battery pack.

7. The multi-compartment battery pack charger as described in claim 1, wherein, The electronic processor is further configured to sequentially discharge the first battery pack and the second battery pack.

8. The multi-compartment battery pack charger as described in claim 1, wherein, The multi-compartment battery pack charger further includes a DC socket port electrically connected to the discharge circuit; and The electronic processor is further configured to: Determine the charge level of the second battery pack when it is discharging, and The DC socket port is disabled in response to determining that the charge level of the second battery pack is below a threshold.

9. The multi-compartment battery pack charger as described in claim 1, wherein, The electronic processor is further configured to: in response to detecting a fault condition associated with the second battery pack, Stop using the discharge circuit to discharge the second battery pack, and The discharge circuit is then used to discharge the first battery pack.

10. The multi-compartment battery pack charger as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The electronic processor is further configured to stop charging the first battery pack using the charging circuit in response to detecting a fault condition associated with the first battery pack.

11. A method for operating a multi-compartment battery pack charger, comprising: The first condition is met; and In response to determining that the first condition is met The charging circuit, electrically connected to both the first and second battery pack interfaces, is used to removably charge the first battery pack, which is connected to the first battery pack interface. A discharge circuit electrically connected to the first battery pack interface and the second battery pack interface will removably receive the discharge of the second battery pack in the second battery pack interface.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The first condition includes determining that the charging circuit is connected to an external power source.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein, The discharge circuit further includes an AC output circuit and a DC output circuit.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising disconnecting the AC output circuit from the second battery pack in response to determining that the first condition is met.

15. The method of claim 11, further comprising: When it is determined that the charge level of the second battery pack is below a threshold while the second battery pack is discharging; and In response to determining that the charge level of the second battery pack is below the threshold when it is being discharged, Stop using the discharge circuit to discharge the second battery pack. The second battery pack is charged using the charging circuit, and The first battery pack is discharged using the discharge circuit.

16. The method of claim 11, further comprising sequentially charging the first battery pack and the second battery pack.

17. The method of claim 11, further comprising sequentially discharging the first battery pack and the second battery pack.

18. The method of claim 11, further comprising: When it is determined that the charge level of the second battery pack is below a threshold while the second battery pack is discharging; and In response to determining that the charge level of the second battery pack is below the threshold, the DC port electrically connected to the discharge circuit is disabled.

19. The method of claim 11, further comprising: In response to the detection of a fault condition associated with the second battery pack, Stop using the discharge circuit to discharge the second battery pack; and The first battery pack is discharged using the discharge circuit.

20. The method of claim 11, further comprising: In response to the detection of a fault condition associated with the first battery pack, the charging circuit for charging the first battery pack is stopped.

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