A battery charging device having a temperature sensor for providing temperature compensation during charging, and a method of measuring the temperature of a battery that has been consumed or discharged to compensate for the charging of the battery charging device.

Abstract

To provide a smart battery charger, a system, and a method capable of charging a deeply discharged battery without completely eliminating low-voltage protection.SOLUTION: A battery charging device 310 is for charging a discharged or depleted battery. The battery charging device includes one or more temperature sensors for measuring or approximating a temperature of the discharged or depleted battery and a controller for receiving input signals from the one or more temperature sensors and compensating a charging operation of the battery charging device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery charging device that has a temperature sensor, for example, an ambient temperature sensor, and performs temperature compensation during charging of a depleted or discharged battery, and a method for measuring battery temperature in the battery charging device.

Background Art

[0002] The voltage of a lead-acid battery strongly depends on temperature. A general lead-acid battery is said to have a temperature dependence of -3.3 mV / °C / cell based on 25°C. Therefore, a 12V battery in a 50°C environment will have a voltage difference of (-3.3 mV / °C / cell) × (6 cells) × (50°C - 25°C) = -495 mV compared to the same battery in a 25°C environment.

[0003] When charging a battery, the voltage difference due to temperature can greatly affect the charging effect. A charger optimized at 25°C will overcharge a hot battery and undercharge a cold battery.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need to provide an improved battery charger configured to accommodate temperature variations, such as ambient temperature, when charging a discharged or depleted battery. Specifically, there is a need to provide a simple and cost-effective method or manner for approximately estimating the temperature of a discharged or depleted battery in order to implement temperature compensation by the battery charger.

[0005] Furthermore, "smart" battery chargers (i.e., smart chargers) implement various protection functions to ensure that they are properly used. One commonly implemented protection function is to measure the battery voltage before starting a charging cycle. If the battery voltage is too low, the smart battery charger will not start charging.

[0006] In normal use, a typical lead-acid battery does not become so low in voltage that it cannot be charged by a smart charger. However, if a current load is applied to the battery and it is left connected, the battery voltage may approach 0V. In this case, a typical smart battery charger does not start the charging cycle.

[0007] A smart charger uses a battery pack consisting of lithium-ion cells and a battery management system (BMS) configured to disconnect the lithium-ion cells from the external battery terminals in case of an anomaly. When a lithium-ion cell is internally disconnected, the voltage measured at the external battery terminals will be 0V. Depending on the implementation of the BMS, even after the error state is cleared after an over-discharge condition, the external battery voltage remains at 0V. To recover the battery, an external voltage needs to be applied. However, a typical smart battery charger does not apply a charging voltage because it does not start the charging cycle when it detects that the battery voltage is 0V.

[0008] Therefore, there is a need for a smart battery charger, system, and method that can charge a deeply discharged battery without completely eliminating low-voltage protection. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention is directed to a battery charging device configured to perform temperature compensation. For example, the battery charging device includes one or more temperature sensors for sensing the temperature of a depleted or discharged battery, and the battery charging device is configured to provide temperature compensation. Further, the present invention is directed to a system and method for measuring the battery temperature to provide temperature compensation in a battery charging device.

[0010] The battery charging device is configured to change its charging voltage threshold, for example, based on the temperature of the temperature battery (e.g., the ambient temperature of a discharged or depleted battery).

[0011] One of the issues in performing temperature compensation is the installation location of the temperature sensor for measuring the battery temperature. Ideally, it is to install the temperature sensor on the discharged or depleted battery. However, for this purpose, additional wiring and a method for attaching the sensor to the discharged or depleted battery are required. Therefore, there is a possibility of cost increase, reliability decrease, complication, etc., all of which are undesirable situations.

[0012] The temperature sensor can be arranged inside the housing or casing of the battery charging device. Since the battery charging device is placed in the same environment as the battery, the temperature measured inside the battery charging device may be considered an approximate value close to the battery temperature. However, in this method, there may be a problem with the temperature rise inside the charging device due to the heat generation of the internal electronic devices.

[0013] To avoid the heating environment inside the housing or casing of the battery charging device generated by the internal electronic devices, for example, the temperature sensor can be located inside or outside another compartment (e.g., a compartment for the electronic devices injection-molded into a plastic housing or casing and another compartment for the temperature sensor) separated and insulated from the compartment containing the internal electronic devices.

[0014] As another example, one or more temperature sensors can be located on a battery cable assembly (e.g., a battery cable assembly including a plug, cable, connector, and / or battery clamp). Specifically, one or more temperature sensors can be arranged on or associated with the plug, cable, connector, and / or battery clamp of the battery cable assembly.

[0015] The battery charging device can include one or more temperature sensors (e.g., ambient battery sensors). Alternatively, or additionally, the battery cable assembly can include one or more temperature sensors. By providing multiple temperature sensors, the temperature of one or more components or elements of the battery charging device and the ambient temperature, as well as the temperature difference between one or more components or elements of the battery charging device, the battery cable assembly, and / or the discharged or depleted battery can be sensed and measured.

[0016] One or more temperature sensors can be wired (e.g., connected to a microcontroller) to the internal electronics of the battery charging device and / or can be wirelessly connected (e.g., a wireless link) to the internal electronics.

[0017] For example, the temperature sensor measures the temperature at the start of a charging cycle. The temperature measured at this time is applied to a temperature compensation algorithm and used throughout the charging cycle. Since the temperature is measured before the start of the charging cycle, the temperature rise by the internal electronics of the charger can be ignored. The temperature measured in this way can be considered a reasonable approximation of the actual battery temperature.

[0018] In the event that the temperature sensor fails, the battery charger includes a fail-safe method to prevent overcharging or undercharging of the battery. If the measured temperature goes outside the safe range due to a sensor failure or damage, the charger maintains the charging voltage within a safe level.

[0019] The battery charging device according to the present invention (e.g., a smart battery charger) may be a portable and automatic battery charger for use with, for example, both 12V and 24V lead-acid batteries (e.g., wet, gel, MF, EFB, AGM batteries) and / or lithium-ion batteries. The smart battery charging device may be constructed and arranged to charge, for example, automobiles, boats, RVs, SUVs, diesel trucks, motorcycles, ATVs, snowmobiles, personal watercraft, lawn mowers, and other vehicles or devices. It can also be used as a battery maintainer to fully charge a starter battery or a deep-cycle battery. Also, for example, the operation of the battery can be monitored for safe and efficient charging without overcharging. The smart battery charging device can incorporate a battery desulfator, for example, to rejuvenate a battery with low performance.

[0020] The present invention relates to a battery charging device (e.g., a smart battery charger) comprising a special charging mode or function designated as "forced mode" (e.g., trademark FORCE MODE), which enables the battery charging device to start charging a significantly discharged battery even when the voltage of the significantly discharged battery is near 0V (i.e., zero volts). This allows the battery charging device to be used by an open BMS to charge a significantly discharged lead-acid battery and / or to recover an over-discharged lithium battery. For example, the battery charging device can be configured to automatically start the forced mode, or the user can force the battery charging device to start the forced mode (e.g., by pressing a forced mode button).

[0021] The forced mode function enables the battery charging device to enter the battery charging mode when the battery voltage of a significantly discharged battery (e.g., a significantly discharged vehicle battery) is below the minimum threshold. The purpose is to enable the battery charging device to charge, for example, a significantly discharged lead-acid battery, and to reset the battery management system (BMS) in an over-discharged lithium-ion battery of the battery charging device.

[0022] Except for being limited to a short time for safety reasons, the forced mode operates in the same way as the normal charging mode. The timeout time of the forced mode is, for example, 5 minutes, but it may be longer or shorter depending on the specific application, type, and size of the significantly discharged battery to be charged.

[0023] After the forced mode ends due to the expiration of the specified forced mode time, the battery charging device checks the battery voltage. If the battery voltage exceeds the threshold of the normal starting voltage, the battery charging device starts charging in the normal mode. If the battery voltage is still too low, the battery charging device returns to the standby or off mode.

[0024] Since the forced mode operates without performing the normal battery voltage drop check, the user interface requires an explicit selection of the mode and provides feedback to the user that this is the mode.

[0025] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a battery charging device for jump-starting a significantly discharged vehicle battery, an internal power source, any output port having positive and negative polarity outputs, a vehicle battery isolation sensor circuit-connected to the positive and negative polarity outputs and configured to detect the presence of a vehicle battery connected between the positive and negative polarity outputs, A reverse polarity sensor configured to be circuit-connected to positive and negative outputs and to detect the polarity of a vehicle battery connected between the positive and negative outputs, A power FET switch connected between an internal power source and an output port, A microcontroller configured to receive input signals from a vehicle insulation sensor and a reverse polarity sensor and to provide an output signal to the power FET switch, the microcontroller turning on the power FET switch to connect the internal power source to the output port in response to signals from a sensor indicating the presence of a vehicle battery at the output port and the proper polarity connection of the positive and negative terminals of the vehicle battery to the positive and negative outputs,

[0026] According to another aspect of the present invention, the internal power source is a rechargeable lithium ion battery pack.

[0027] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a charging or jumper cable device is provided, which has a plug configured to be inserted into an output port of a hand-held battery charger booster device having an internal power source, and a pair of cables integrated with the plug at respective ones of its ends, the pair of cables being configured to be separately connected to the terminals of a battery at their respective other ends.

[0028] This specification relates to a battery charging device for charging a discharged or depleted battery, the device including or consisting of one or more temperature sensors for measuring or approximating the temperature of the discharged or depleted battery, and a controller for receiving an input signal from the one or more temperature sensors and compensating the charging operation of the battery charging device.

[0029] This specification relates to a battery charging device for charging a discharged or depleted battery. The device includes or consists of one or more temperature sensors for measuring or approximating the temperature of the discharged or depleted battery, and a controller that receives an input signal from the one or more temperature sensors and compensates for the charging operation of the battery charging device. The charging operation is controlled by one or more input signals from the one or more temperature sensors received by the controller of the battery charging device.

[0030] This specification relates to a battery charging device for charging a discharged or depleted battery. The device includes or consists of one or more temperature sensors for measuring or approximating the temperature of the discharged or depleted battery, and a controller that receives an input signal from the one or more temperature sensors and compensates for the charging operation of the battery charging device. The one or more temperature sensors are a plurality of temperature sensors.

[0031] This specification relates to a battery charging device for charging a discharged or depleted battery. The device includes or consists of one or more temperature sensors for measuring or approximating the temperature of the discharged or depleted battery, and a controller that receives an input signal from the one or more temperature sensors and compensates for the charging operation of the battery charging device. The one or more temperature sensors are connected or related to the battery charging device.

[0032] This specification relates to a battery charging device for charging a discharged or depleted battery. The device includes or consists of one or more temperature sensors for measuring or approximating the temperature of the discharged or depleted battery, and a controller that receives an input signal from the one or more temperature sensors and compensates for the charging operation of the battery charging device. The one or more temperature sensors are connected or related to the battery charging device, and the one or more temperature sensors are connected or related to the housing or casing of the battery charging device.

[0033] This specification relates to a battery charging device for charging a discharged or depleted battery. The device includes or consists of one or more temperature sensors for measuring or approximating the temperature of the discharged or depleted battery, and a controller that receives an input signal from the one or more temperature sensors and compensates for the charging operation of the battery charging device. The one or more temperature sensors are connected or related to the battery charging device, and the one or more temperature sensors are connected or related to the battery cable assembly of the battery charging device.

[0034] This specification relates to a battery charging device for charging a discharged or depleted battery. The device includes or consists of one or more temperature sensors for measuring or approximating the temperature of the discharged or depleted battery, and a controller that receives an input signal from the one or more temperature sensors and compensates for the charging operation of the battery charging device. The one or more temperature sensors are connected or related to the battery charging device, and the one or more temperature sensors are connected or related to the housing or casing of the battery charging device, and to the battery cable assembly of the battery charging device.

[0035] This specification relates to a battery charging device for charging a discharged or depleted battery. The device includes or consists of one or more temperature sensors for measuring or approximating the temperature of the discharged or depleted battery, and a controller that receives an input signal from the one or more temperature sensors and compensates for the charging operation of the battery charging device. The device further includes a rechargeable battery having a positive terminal and a negative terminal, a positive battery cable connectable or connectable to the positive terminal of the rechargeable battery, a negative battery cable connectable or connectable to the negative terminal of the rechargeable battery, a detector for measuring the output voltage of the severely discharged battery, a programmable microcontroller unit (MCI) connected to one or more components or parts of the rechargeable battery charging device and configured and arranged to control the operation of the charging device, a user interface connected to the MCI and configured and arranged to display one or more functions or modes of the rechargeable battery charging device, and a controller configured and arranged to control the charging of the severely discharged battery, the controller having a forced mode for charging the severely discharged battery even if the battery voltage is near 0 volts.

[0036] This specification relates to a battery charging device for charging a discharged or depleted battery. The device includes or consists of one or more temperature sensors for measuring or approximating the temperature of the discharged or depleted battery, and a controller that receives an input signal from the one or more temperature sensors and compensates for the charging operation of the battery charging device. The device further includes a rechargeable battery having a positive terminal and a negative terminal, a positive battery cable connectable or connectable to the positive terminal of the rechargeable battery, a negative battery cable connectable or connectable to the negative terminal of the rechargeable battery, a detector for measuring the output voltage of the significantly discharged battery, a programmable microcontroller unit (MCI) connected to one or more components or parts of the rechargeable battery charging device and configured and arranged to control the operation of the charging device, a user interface connected to the MCI and configured and arranged to display one or more functions or modes of the rechargeable battery charging device, and a controller configured and arranged to control the charging of the significantly discharged battery, the controller having a forced mode for charging the significantly discharged battery even if the battery voltage is near 0 volts. The forced mode is configured to operate for a predetermined period.

[0037] This specification relates to a battery charging device for charging a discharged or depleted battery. The device includes or consists of one or more temperature sensors for measuring or approximating the temperature of the discharged or depleted battery, and a controller that receives an input signal from the one or more temperature sensors and compensates for the charging operation of the battery charging device. The device further includes a rechargeable battery having a positive terminal and a negative terminal, a positive battery cable connectable or connectable to the positive terminal of the rechargeable battery, a negative battery cable connectable or connectable to the negative terminal of the rechargeable battery, a detector for measuring the output voltage of the significantly discharged battery, a programmable microcontroller unit (MCI) connected to one or more components or parts of the rechargeable battery charging device and configured and arranged to control the operation of the charging device, a user interface connected to the MCI and configured and arranged to display one or more functions or modes of the rechargeable battery charging device, and a controller configured and arranged to control the charging of the significantly discharged battery, the controller having a forced mode for charging the significantly discharged battery even if the battery voltage is near 0 volts. The forced mode is configured to operate for a predetermined period, and the predetermined period is 5 minutes.

[0038] This specification relates to a battery charging device for charging a discharged or depleted battery. The device includes or consists of one or more temperature sensors for measuring or approximating the temperature of the discharged or depleted battery, and a controller that receives an input signal from the one or more temperature sensors and compensates for the charging operation of the battery charging device. The device further includes a rechargeable battery having a positive terminal and a negative terminal, a positive battery cable connectable or connectable to the positive terminal of the rechargeable battery, a negative battery cable connectable or connectable to the negative terminal of the rechargeable battery, a detector for measuring the output voltage of the significantly discharged battery, a programmable microcontroller unit (MCI) connected to one or more components or parts of the rechargeable battery charging device and configured and arranged to control the operation of the charging device, a user interface connected to the MCI and configured and arranged to display one or more functions or modes of the rechargeable battery charging device, and a controller configured and arranged to control the charging of the significantly discharged battery, the controller having a forced mode for charging the significantly discharged battery even if the battery voltage is near 0 volts. The forced mode is configured to operate for a predetermined period, and after the forced mode ends due to the expiration of the predetermined period, the rechargeable battery charging device measures the voltage of the significantly discharged battery.

[0039] This specification relates to a battery charging device for charging a discharged or depleted battery. The device includes or consists of one or more temperature sensors for measuring or approximating the temperature of the discharged or depleted battery, and a controller that receives an input signal from the one or more temperature sensors and compensates for the charging operation of the battery charging device. The device further includes a rechargeable battery having a positive terminal and a negative terminal, a positive battery cable connectable or connectable to the positive terminal of the rechargeable battery, a negative battery cable connectable or connectable to the negative terminal of the rechargeable battery, a detector for measuring the output voltage of the severely discharged battery, a programmable microcontroller unit (MCI) connected to one or more components or parts of the rechargeable battery charging device and configured and arranged to control the operation of the charging device, a user interface connected to the MCI and configured and arranged to display one or more functions or modes of the rechargeable battery charging device, and a controller configured and arranged to control the charging of the severely discharged battery, the controller having a forced mode for charging the severely discharged battery even if the battery voltage is near 0 volts. The forced mode is configured to operate for a predetermined period, and after the forced mode ends due to the expiration of the predetermined period, the rechargeable battery charging device measures the voltage of the severely discharged battery. If the severely discharged battery exceeds the normal start voltage threshold, the rechargeable battery charging device starts charging in the normal mode.

[0040] This specification relates to a battery charging device for charging a discharged or depleted battery. The device includes or consists of one or more temperature sensors for measuring or approximating the temperature of the discharged or depleted battery, and a controller that receives an input signal from the one or more temperature sensors and compensates for the charging operation of the battery charging device. The device further includes a rechargeable battery having a positive terminal and a negative terminal, a positive battery cable connectable or connectable to the positive terminal of the rechargeable battery, a negative battery cable connectable or connectable to the negative terminal of the rechargeable battery, a detector for measuring the output voltage of the severely discharged battery, a programmable microcontroller unit (MCI) connected to one or more components or parts of the rechargeable battery charging device and configured and arranged to control the operation of the charging device, a user interface connected to the MCI and configured and arranged to display one or more functions or modes of the rechargeable battery charging device, and a controller configured and arranged to control the charging of the severely discharged battery and having a forced mode for charging the severely discharged battery even if the battery voltage is near 0 volts. The forced mode is configured to operate for a predetermined period, and after the forced mode ends due to the expiration of the predetermined period, the rechargeable battery charging device measures the voltage of the severely discharged battery. If the severely discharged battery exceeds the normal start voltage threshold, the rechargeable battery charging device starts charging in the normal mode. If the voltage of the severely discharged battery is too low, the rechargeable battery charging device returns to the standby or off mode.

[0041] This specification relates to a battery charging device for charging a discharged or depleted battery. The device includes or consists of one or more temperature sensors for measuring or approximating the temperature of the discharged or depleted battery, and a controller that receives an input signal from the one or more temperature sensors and compensates for the charging operation of the battery charging device. The device further includes a rechargeable battery having a positive terminal and a negative terminal, a positive battery cable connectable or connectable to the positive terminal of the rechargeable battery, a negative battery cable connectable or connectable to the negative terminal of the rechargeable battery, a detector for measuring the output voltage of the significantly discharged battery, a programmable microcontroller unit (MCI) connected to one or more components or parts of the rechargeable battery charging device and configured and arranged to control the operation of the charging device, a user interface connected to the MCI and configured and arranged to display one or more functions or modes of the rechargeable battery charging device, and a controller configured and arranged to control the charging of the significantly discharged battery and having a forced mode for charging the significantly discharged battery even if the battery voltage is near 0 volts. The forced mode is configured to operate for a predetermined period, and the user interface is structured and arranged such that the user can select the forced mode.

[0042] This specification relates to a battery charging device for charging a discharged or depleted battery. The device includes or consists of one or more temperature sensors for measuring or approximating the temperature of the discharged or depleted battery, and a controller that receives an input signal from the one or more temperature sensors and compensates for the charging operation of the battery charging device. The device further includes a rechargeable battery having a positive terminal and a negative terminal, a positive battery cable connectable or linkable to the positive terminal of the rechargeable battery, a negative battery cable connectable or linkable to the negative terminal of the rechargeable battery, a detector for measuring the output voltage of the significantly discharged battery, a programmable microcontroller unit (MCI) connected to one or more components or parts of the rechargeable battery charging device and configured and arranged to control the operation of the charging device, a user interface connected to the MCI and configured and arranged to display one or more functions or modes of the rechargeable battery charging device, and a controller configured and arranged to control the charging of the significantly discharged battery, the controller having a forced mode for charging the significantly discharged battery even if the battery voltage is near 0 volts. The forced mode is configured to operate for a predetermined period, the user interface is structured and arranged such that a user can select the forced mode, and the user interface is configured to provide user feedback when the rechargeable battery charging device is in the forced mode.

[0043] This specification relates to a battery charging device for charging a discharged or depleted battery. The device includes or consists of one or more temperature sensors for measuring or approximating the temperature of the discharged or depleted battery, and a controller that receives an input signal from the one or more temperature sensors and compensates for the charging operation of the battery charging device. The device further includes a rechargeable battery having a positive terminal and a negative terminal, a positive battery cable connectable or connectable to the positive terminal of the rechargeable battery, a negative battery cable connectable or connectable to the negative terminal of the rechargeable battery, a detector for measuring the output voltage of the significantly discharged battery, a programmable microcontroller unit (MCI) connected to one or more components or parts of the rechargeable battery charging device and configured and arranged to control the operation of the charging device, a user interface connected to the MCI and configured and arranged to display one or more functions or modes of the rechargeable battery charging device, and a controller configured and arranged to control the charging of the significantly discharged battery, the controller having a forced mode for charging the significantly discharged battery even if the battery voltage is near 0 volts. The forced mode is configured to operate for a predetermined period, the user interface is structured and arranged such that the user can select the forced mode, the user interface is configured to provide user feedback when the rechargeable battery charging device is in the forced mode, and the user feedback is provided by lighting a light-emitting diode (LED).

[0044] This specification relates to a battery charging device for charging a discharged or depleted battery. The device includes or consists of one or more temperature sensors for measuring or approximating the temperature of the discharged or depleted battery, and a controller that receives an input signal from the one or more temperature sensors and compensates for the charging operation of the battery charging device. The device further includes a rechargeable battery having a positive terminal and a negative terminal, a positive battery cable connectable or connectable to the positive terminal of the rechargeable battery, a negative battery cable connectable or connectable to the negative terminal of the rechargeable battery, a detector for measuring the output voltage of the significantly discharged battery, a programmable microcontroller unit (MCI) connected to one or more components or parts of the rechargeable battery charging device and configured and arranged to control the operation of the charging device, a user interface connected to the MCI and configured and arranged to display one or more functions or modes of the rechargeable battery charging device, and a controller configured and arranged to control the charging of the significantly discharged battery, the controller having a forced mode for charging the significantly discharged battery even if the battery voltage is near 0 volts. The significantly discharged battery is a lead-acid battery.

[0045] This specification relates to a battery charging device for charging a discharged or depleted battery. The device includes or consists of one or more temperature sensors for measuring or approximating the temperature of the discharged or depleted battery, and a controller that receives an input signal from the one or more temperature sensors and compensates the charging operation of the battery charging device. The device further includes a rechargeable battery having a positive terminal and a negative terminal, a positive battery cable connectable or connectable to the positive terminal of the rechargeable battery, a negative battery cable connectable or connectable to the negative terminal of the rechargeable battery, a detector for measuring the output voltage of the significantly discharged battery, a programmable microcontroller unit (MCI) connected to one or more components or parts of the rechargeable battery charging device and configured and arranged to control the operation of the charging device, a user interface connected to the MCI and configured and arranged to display one or more functions or modes of the rechargeable battery charging device, and a controller configured and arranged to control the charging of the significantly discharged battery, the controller having a forced mode for charging the significantly discharged battery even if the battery voltage is near 0 volts. The significantly discharged battery is an over-discharged lithium-ion battery including an open battery management system (BMS).

[0046] This specification relates to a method of charging a discharged or depleted battery using a battery charging device. The method includes or consists of detecting the temperature of the discharged or depleted battery and compensating the charging operation of the battery charging device based on the detected temperature of the discharged or depleted battery.

[0047] This specification relates to a method of charging a discharged or depleted battery using a battery charging device. The method includes or consists of detecting the temperature of the discharged or depleted battery and compensating the charging operation of the battery charging device based on the detected temperature of the discharged or depleted battery, and the detected temperature is the ambient temperature of the discharged or depleted battery.

[0048] This specification relates to a method of charging a discharged or depleted battery using a battery charging device, the method comprising or consisting of: detecting the temperature of the discharged or depleted battery; and compensating the charging operation of the battery charging device based on the detected temperature of the discharged or depleted battery, the temperature being detected during a specific charging mode.

[0049] This specification relates to a method of charging a discharged or depleted battery using a battery charging device, the method comprising or consisting of: detecting the temperature of the discharged or depleted battery; and compensating the charging operation of the battery charging device based on the detected temperature of the discharged or depleted battery, the temperature being detected in real time during the charging operation of the battery charging device.

[0050] This specification relates to a method of charging a discharged or depleted battery using a battery charging device, the method comprising or consisting of: detecting the temperature of the discharged or depleted battery; and compensating the charging operation of the battery charging device based on the detected temperature of the discharged or depleted battery, the temperature being detected for a predetermined length of time.

[0051] This specification relates to a method of charging a discharged or depleted battery using a battery charging device, the method comprising or consisting of: detecting the temperature of the discharged or depleted battery; and compensating the charging operation of the battery charging device based on the detected temperature of the discharged or depleted battery, the charging of the discharged or depleted battery being terminated when a temperature exceeding a detected threshold temperature for the battery charging device is reached.

[0052] This specification relates to a method for charging a discharged or depleted battery using a battery charging device, the method including or consisting of: a step of detecting the temperature of the discharged or depleted battery; and a step of compensating the charging operation of the battery charging device based on the detected temperature of the discharged or depleted battery, wherein when a temperature exceeding a threshold temperature detected for the discharged or depleted battery is detected, the charging of the discharged or depleted battery is terminated.

[0053] This specification relates to a method for charging a discharged or depleted battery using a battery charging device, the method including or consisting of: a step of detecting the temperature of the discharged or depleted battery; and a step of compensating the charging operation of the battery charging device based on the detected temperature of the discharged or depleted battery, wherein when a temperature exceeding a threshold temperature detected for the discharged or depleted battery is detected, the charging of the discharged or depleted battery is not started.

[0054] This specification relates to a method for charging a discharged or depleted battery using a battery charging device, the method including or consisting of: a step of detecting the temperature of the discharged or depleted battery; and a step of compensating the charging operation of the battery charging device based on the detected temperature of the discharged or depleted battery, wherein the battery charging device measures the temperature of the battery charging device prior to the charging operation of the battery charging device.

[0055] This specification relates to a method for charging a discharged or depleted battery using a battery charging device, the method including or consisting of: a step of detecting the temperature of the discharged or depleted battery; and a step of compensating the charging operation of the battery charging device based on the detected temperature of the discharged or depleted battery, wherein the battery charging device measures the temperature of the discharged or depleted battery prior to the charging operation of the battery charging device.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0056]

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0057] The battery charging device 310 according to the present invention is shown in FIGS. 1 to 3.

[0058] The battery charging device 310 includes a housing or casing 312 that houses the electronic components of the battery charging device 310, an electronic display 314 (i.e., a graphic user interface (GUI)), an A / C inlet port 316 for housing an A / C power cord assembly 318 having an inlet plug 320 and an A / C plug 322, an output port 324 for housing a battery cable assembly 326 having an outlet plug 328, and a male plug connector 330.

[0059] Another battery cable assembly 332 having a female plug connector 334 located at one end and a positive battery clamp 336 and a negative battery clamp 338 located at the opposite end is shown in FIG. 3. The male plug connector 330 of the battery cable assembly 326 is removably connected to the female plug connector 334 of the battery cable assembly 332.

[0060] Alternatively, the battery cable assembly 332' (FIG. 4) includes a female plug connector 334' located at one end and a positive battery cable eyelet connector 336 and a negative battery cable eyelet connector 338 located at the opposite end. The positive battery cable eyelet connector 336 can be connected to the positive battery clamp or directly to the positive terminal of a significantly discharged battery. The negative battery cable eyelet connector 338 can be connected to the negative battery clamp or directly to the negative terminal of a significantly discharged battery. These eyelet connectors 336 and 338 provide a more permanent type of connection to a significantly discharged battery as compared to a set of battery clamps.

[0061] The electronic display 314 includes the following functions or indicators. 1) Forced mode LED (314A) 2) Charging Level LED (314B) 3) Standby LED (314C) 4) "Push & Hold" Divider (314D) 5) 12V Lithium LED (314E) 6) 24V COLD / AGM LED (314F) 7) 24V NORM LED (314G) 8) 12V AGM+ LED (314H) 9) 13.6V Supply LED (314I) 10) 12V Repair LED (314J) 11) 12V COLD / AGM LED (314K) 12) 12V NORM LED (314L) 13) Mode Button (314M), and 14) Error LED (314N).

[0062] Temperature Sensor and Compensation As shown in FIG. 3, the battery charger 310 includes one or more temperature sensors (e.g., ambient temperature sensors). For example, the battery charger 310 includes a single ambient temperature sensor or a plurality of ambient temperature sensors.

[0063] The A / C charging cord assembly 318 includes an electrical cord having an A / C plug 322 located at one end and an inlet plug 320 located at the opposite end. The A / C plug 322 is removably connected to a wall outlet (e.g., a standard wall outlet), and the inlet plug 320 is removably connected to the inlet port 316 of the battery charger 310.

[0064] The electrical cord of the A / C charging cord assembly 318 includes a temperature sensor 344, the inlet plug 320 includes a temperature sensor 346, and / or the A / C plug 322 includes a temperature sensor 364. The temperature sensor 364 is, for example, electrically insulated from the conductors of the plug 322 and / or thermally coupled (e.g., using a thermally conductive gel, adhesive, or other material) such that the temperature sensor measures the temperature of the plug 322 and / or the temperature of the electrical outlet to which the plug 322 is removably connected during operation of the battery charging device 310.

[0065] Here too, the battery charging device 310 includes one or more temperature sensors 345. The one or more temperature sensors 345 can be located within the battery charging device 310. For example, one of the one or more temperature sensors 345 can include a temperature sensor located with a compartment containing internal electronics and / or one or more temperature sensors 345 located within another compartment of the housing or casing 312 that is isolated from the compartment containing the internal electronics of the battery charging device 310. One or both of the compartments can include one or more ventilation holes or vents that communicate with the environment located external to the housing or casing 312.

[0066] Alternatively, a heat sensing head or part of the temperature sensor 345 can be located external to the housing or casing and have internal wiring connected to internal electrical components, or the temperature sensor 345 can be located externally and disposed within another housing connected to the housing or casing 312. As another alternative, the temperature sensor 345 is contained by, is part of, or is connected to the display 314.

[0067] The battery cable assembly 326 includes a battery cable (for example, a combination of a positive cable and a negative cable) provided with an outlet plug 328 at one end, and a male electrical connector 330 provided at the opposite end. The outlet plug 328 is removably connected to the output port 324 of the battery charging device 310, and the male electrical connector is removably connected to the female electrical connector 334 of the battery cable assembly 332. The outlet plug 328 includes a temperature sensor 350, the battery cable includes a temperature sensor 352, and / or the male electrical connector 330 includes a temperature sensor 330.

[0068] The battery cable assembly 322 includes a battery cable (for example, a combination of a positive cable and a negative cable) provided with a female electrical connector 334 at one end, and a positive battery clamp 336 and a negative battery clamp 338 provided at the opposite end. The female electrical connector 334 is removably connected to the male electrical connector 330 of the battery cable assembly 326, the positive battery clamp 336 is removably connected to the positive battery terminal of the discharged or depleted battery, and the negative battery clamp 338 is removably connected to the negative battery terminal of the discharged or depleted battery.

[0069] The female electrical connector 334 includes a temperature sensor 356, the battery cable includes a temperature sensor 358, the positive battery clamp 336 includes a temperature sensor 360, and / or the negative battery clamp 338 includes a temperature sensor 362.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 3, the battery charging device 310 can include a single temperature sensor, a plurality of temperature sensors, and / or an entire set of temperature sensors. The temperature sensor can be wired to the internal electronics of the battery charging device 310 (for example, using an additional third electrical insulation wire) and / or wirelessly connected (for example, using a wireless link).

[0071] One or more temperature sensors are electrically connected to the internal electronics of, for example, the battery charging device 310. For example, the one or more temperature sensors are electrically connected to a microcontroller of the battery charging device 310.

[0072] The battery charging device 310 (e.g., the microcontroller) may be configured to receive a single input and / or multiple inputs from the one or more temperature sensors. For example, the one or more temperature sensors sense the ambient temperature of the environment in which the battery charging device 310 is operating.

[0073] The battery charging device 310 (e.g., the microcontroller) can be configured to selectively detect one or more signals from the one or more temperature sensors. Thereby, the battery charging device 310 can determine the temperature of each temperature sensor, determine the temperature difference between two or more temperature sensors, and provide control or compensation for the operation of the battery charging device 310. For example, detect a temperature rise in a compartment containing internal electronics from an internal temperature sensor and control one or more aspects or functions of the battery charging device 310, and detect the ambient temperature from an ambient temperature sensor and control one or more of the same or different aspects or functions of the battery charging device 310. The determined temperature difference between the internal temperature and the ambient temperature can control the same or different aspects or functions of the battery charging device.

[0074] For example, an internal temperature above a threshold automatically shuts down the operation of the battery charging device 310. For example, an increase in the temperature difference slows down the charging of a discharged or depleted battery by the battery charging device 310. For example, a temperature above a threshold of a discharged or depleted battery shuts down the operation of the battery charging device 310. For example, the temperature difference of a sensor located between the battery charging device and a discharged or depleted battery variably controls the charging speed of the battery charging device 310 (e.g., variably controls the voltage and / or current).

[0075] The battery charging device 310 (e.g., a microcontroller) can be configured to receive one or more signals from one or more temperature sensors in real time (e.g., during the charging operation of the battery charging device 310). Alternatively, the one or more signals can be sampled at different times and / or in response to a specific operating state of the battery charging device 310 and / or the state of a discharged or depleted battery.

[0076] Forced mode function With a special charging mode function and method called "forced mode", the user can force the charging to start even when the battery voltage is near 0V. This allows the charger to be used for charging a severely discharged lead-acid battery or for recovering an over-discharged lithium battery with an open BMS.

[0077] Except for being limited to a short time for safety reasons, the forced mode operates in the same way as the normal charging mode. The timeout time for the forced mode is 5 minutes, but it may be longer or shorter depending on the application and the type and size of the battery being charged.

[0078] After the forced mode ends due to the elapse of the specified time, the charger checks the battery voltage. If the battery voltage exceeds the threshold of the normal startup voltage, the charger starts charging in the normal mode. If the battery voltage is still too low, the charger returns to the standby mode or the off mode.

[0079] Since the forced mode operates without performing the normal battery voltage drop check, the user interface requires an explicit selection of the mode and provides feedback to the user that this is the mode.

[0080] The forced mode function and method can be applied to, for example, the battery charging device 310. For example, an LED 314A (Fig. 1) is provided on the display 314, and it can indicate that the forced mode function is "on". The battery charging device 310 can be configured to automatically turn the forced mode function "on" and "off" (for example, when the battery charging device 310 is properly connected to a severely discharged battery, the forced mode function is automatically turned on when the battery charging device 310 is turned "on"). Alternatively, a switch (for example, a button on the display 314) can be provided on the battery charging device 310 to manually turn the forced mode function "on" and "off".

[0081] An exemplary flowchart of the forced mode for initial charging of a severely discharged battery is shown in Fig. 7. The flowchart shows the following. Start 310 - The forced mode is initially in the standby mode. Judgment 312 - The mode button is pressed for 5 seconds and the battery voltage is less than 1V (volt). The voltage of the severely discharged battery is detected, and it is judged whether it is less than 1V. If YES, proceed to step 314 - All mode LEDs blink. If NO, return to start 310. Step 314 - All mode LEDs blink (mode selection). Judgment 316 - Has the mode been selected? If YES, proceed to judgment 318 - Is the clamp connected in reverse? If NO, return to before judgment 316. Judgment 318 - Is the clamp connected in reverse? If YES, proceed to step 320 - The polarity inversion LED lights up. If NO, proceed to judgment 322 - Is the battery voltage higher than the protection voltage? Step 320 - The polarity inversion LED lights up. Judgment 322 - Is the battery voltage higher than the protection voltage? If YES, proceed to step 326 - The high-voltage LED lights up. If NO, proceed to step 330 - The forced mode is started, a live voltage is applied to the clamp (even if the plug is unplugged), the fuel gauge LED lights up in a chase pattern, and it times out in 5 minutes. Decision 324 - Is the plug of the (battery) clamp disconnected? If YES, return to start 310. If NO, return to before decision 324. Step 326 - The high-voltage LED lights up. Decision 328 - Has it come out of the OVP state? If YES, return to start 310. If NO, return to before decision 328. Step 330 - The forced mode is started, a live voltage is applied to the (battery) clamp (even if the plug is unplugged), the fuel gauge LED lights up in a chase pattern, and it times out in 5 minutes.

[0082] Another battery charging device 110 according to the present invention is shown in FIGS. 6 and 7.

[0083] The battery charging device 110 includes a housing or casing 112 that contains the electronic components of the battery charging device 110, an electronic display 114 (i.e., a graphic user interface (GUI)), a positive battery cable 116 having a positive battery clamp 118 (FIG. 2), and a negative battery cable 120 having a negative battery clamp 122 (FIG. 2).

[0084] Figure 3 is a functional block diagram of a battery charging device (e.g., a handheld battery booster) according to an aspect of the present invention. An important part of the handheld battery booster is a lithium polymer battery pack 32, which stores enough energy to jump start a vehicle engine powered by a conventional 12 - volt lead - acid battery or valve - regulated lead - acid battery. In an example embodiment, a high - surge lithium polymer battery pack includes three 3.7V, 2666mAh lithium polymer batteries in a 351P configuration. As a result, an 11.1V, 2666Ah (8000Ah at 3.7V, 29.6Wh) battery pack is provided. The continuous discharge current is 25C (or 200A), and the burst discharge current is 50C (or 400A). The maximum charge current of the battery pack is 8000mA (8 amperes).

[0085] A programmable microcontroller unit (MCU) 1 receives various inputs and generates information outputs and control outputs. The programmable MCU 1 further provides flexibility to the system by enabling updates of functions and system parameters without the need for hardware changes. According to an example embodiment, an 8 - bit microcontroller having a 2K×15 - bit flash memory is used to control the system. One such microcontroller is the HT67F30, which is available from Holtek Semiconductor Inc.

[0086] A vehicle battery reverse sensor 10 monitors the polarity of the vehicle battery 72 when the handheld battery booster device is connected to the vehicle's electrical system. As described below, the booster device prevents the lithium - battery pack from being connected when the terminals of the vehicle battery 72 are connected to the wrong terminals of the booster device. A vehicle battery insulation sensor 12 detects whether the vehicle battery 72 is connected to the booster device and prevents the lithium - battery pack from being connected to the output terminals of the booster device if a good (e.g., chargeable) battery is not connected to the output terminals.

[0087] The smart switch FET circuit 15 electrically switches the handheld battery booster lithium battery to the vehicle's electrical system only when the vehicle battery is present (responding to the detection signal provided by the insulation sensor 12) and is determined by the MCU1 to be connected with the correct polarity (responding to the detection signal provided by the reverse sensor 10). The lithium battery temperature sensor 20 monitors the temperature of the lithium battery pack 32 to detect overheating due to high ambient temperature conditions or excessive current draw during jump starting. The lithium battery voltage measurement circuit 24 monitors the voltage of the lithium battery pack 32 to prevent the potential from becoming too high during the charging operation or too low during the discharging operation.

[0088] The lithium battery reverse charge protection diode 28 prevents the charging current supplied to the vehicle battery 72 from flowing backward from the vehicle's electrical system to the lithium battery pack 32. The flashlight LED circuit 36 provides a flashlight function to improve the illumination under the vehicle's hood in dark conditions, and also provides SOS and strobe lighting functions for safety purposes when the vehicle may potentially be stopped in a dangerous location. The voltage regulator 42 regulates the internal operating voltage of the microcontroller and sensors. The on / off manual mode and flashlight switch 46 enables the user to control the power-on of the handheld battery booster device, control the manual override operation when the vehicle has no battery, and control the flashlight function. The manual button functions only when the power of the booster device is on. Using this button, a vehicle without a battery or a vehicle with a battery voltage too low to be automatically detected by the MCU can be jump-started. To prevent accidental activation of the manual mode, if the user presses the manual override button continuously for a predetermined time (such as 3 seconds), the power of the internal lithium-ion battery is switched to the vehicle battery connection port. However, this is an exception to the manual override when the vehicle battery is reverse-connected. When the vehicle battery is reverse-connected, the power of the internal lithium-ion battery must never be switched to the vehicle battery connection port.

[0089] The USB charging circuit 52 converts the power from an arbitrary USB charger power source into a charging voltage and current for charging the lithium battery pack 32. The USB output 56 provides a USB portable charger for charging smartphones, tablets, and other chargeable electronic devices. The operation indicator LED 60 visually indicates the state of charge of the lithium battery and displays the operating state of the smart switch (indicating that power is being supplied to the vehicle's electrical system). Next, with reference to the schematic diagrams of FIGS. 2A to 2C, the detailed operation of the handheld booster device will be described. As shown in FIG. 2A, the microcontroller unit 1 is at the center of all inputs and outputs. The battery reverse sensor 10 includes an opto-coupler phototransistor (4N27) connected to the terminals of the vehicle battery 72 at input pins 1 and 2. There is a diode D8 on the lead conductor of pin 1 (related to the negative terminal CB-), and when the battery 72 is connected to the terminals of the booster device with the correct polarity, the opto-coupler LED 11 does not conduct current and thus turns off, and is configured to give a "1" or high output signal to the microcontroller 1. The vehicle battery insulation sensor 12 includes an opto-coupler phototransistor (4N27) connected to the terminals of the vehicle battery 72 at input pins 1 and 2, and is equipped with a diode D7 on the lead conductor of pin 1 (related to the positive terminal CB+). When the battery 72 is connected to the terminals of the booster device with the correct polarity, the opto-coupler LED 11A conducts current and thus turns on, providing a "0" or low output signal to the MCU to indicate that there is a battery between the jumper output terminals of the handheld booster device.

[0090] When the vehicle battery 72 is connected to the handheld booster device with reverse polarity, the optical coupler LED 11 of the reverse sensor 10 conducts current and supplies a "0" or low output signal to the microcontroller unit 1. Further, when no battery is connected to the handheld booster device, the optocoupler LED 11A of the insulation sensor 12 does not conduct current, so it turns off and supplies a "1" or high output signal indicating that no battery is connected to the handheld booster device to the MCU. Using these specific inputs, the microcontroller software of the MCU 1 can determine when it is safe to turn on the smart switch FET 15, thereby connecting the lithium battery pack to the jumper terminal of the booster device. As a result, when the vehicle battery 72 is not connected to the booster device at all or is connected with reverse polarity, the MCU 1 can prevent the smart switch FET 15 from being turned on and prevent the generation of sparks / short circuits in the lithium battery pack.

[0091] As shown in FIG. 2B, the FET smart switch 15 is driven by the output of the microcontroller 1. The FET smart switch 15 includes three FETs (Q15, Q18, Q19) in parallel, and distributes the power from the lithium battery pack to the FETs. When the microcontroller output is driven to logic low, all of the FETs 16 become in a high-resistance state, thus preventing current from flowing from the negative contact 17 of the internal lithium battery to the negative contact of the vehicle battery 72. When the microcontroller output is driven to logic high, the FETs 16 (Q15, Q18, Q19) become in a low-resistance state, enabling current to freely flow from the negative contact 17 (LB-) of the internal lithium battery pack to the negative contact (CB-) of the vehicle battery 72. In this way, the microcontroller software controls the connection between the internal lithium battery pack 32 and the vehicle battery 72 to jump-start the vehicle engine. Returning to FIG. 2A, the voltage of the internal lithium battery pack can be accurately measured using the circuit 24 and one of the analog-digital inputs of the microcontroller 1. The circuit 24 is designed to sense when the voltage of the main 3.3V regulator 42 is on and turn on the transistor 23 when the voltage of the regulator 42 is on. When the transistor 23 is conducting, it turns on the FET 22, thereby providing a conduction path to the voltage divider 21 at the positive contact (LB+) of the internal lithium battery, bringing a lower voltage range to the microcontroller and allowing it to be read. Using this input, the microcontroller software can determine whether the voltage of the lithium battery is too low during the discharging operation or too high during the charging operation, and take appropriate measures to prevent damage to the electronic components.

[0092] Continuing with reference to FIG. 2A, the temperature of the internal lithium battery pack 32 can be accurately measured by two negative temperature coefficient (NTC) devices 20. These are devices whose resistance value decreases as the temperature rises. This circuit is a voltage divider and feeds the result to two analog-to-digital (A / D) inputs of the microcontroller 1. The software of the microcontroller can determine if the temperature of the internal lithium battery is too high to permit a jump start and can add safety to the design.

[0093] The main voltage regulator circuit 42 is designed to convert the internal lithium battery voltage to a regulated 3.3 volts that is utilized as internal operating power not only by the microcontroller 1 but also by other components of the booster device. Three lithium battery reverse charge protection diodes 28 (see FIG. 2B) are installed to allow current to flow only from the internal lithium battery pack 32 to the automotive battery 72 and not from the automotive battery to the internal lithium battery. In this way, when the vehicle's electrical system is being charged by its alternator, the internal lithium battery cannot be reverse charged (and thereby damaged), providing an additional level of safety. The main power on switch 46 (FIG. 2A) is a double pole, double throw combination that can be turned on with one push if the product is off and turned off if it is on. Also, in this circuit, the microcontroller output 47 is used to "keep the power alive" when the on switch is actuated. When the switch is pressed, the microcontroller sets this output to a high logic level and turns on the power when the switch is released. This allows the microcontroller to control the timing of turning off the power when the on / off switch is actuated again or when the voltage of the lithium battery drops too low. Additionally, the microcontroller's software includes a timer that turns off the power if it has not been used after a preset time (e.g., 8 hours, etc.). The flashlight LED circuit 45 shown in FIG. 2B controls the operation of the flashlight LED. Two outputs from the microcontroller 1 are dedicated to two separate LEDs. Thus, the LEDs can be independently software controlled for strobe and SOS patterns, providing an additional safety feature to the booster device. The LED indicator provides the feedback necessary for the operator to understand what is happening with the product. Four separate LEDs 61 (FIG. 2A) are controlled by corresponding individual outputs of the microcontroller 1 and provide an indication of the remaining capacity of the internal lithium battery.These LEDs are controlled in a "fuel gauge" type format with capacity displays of 25%, 50%, 75%, 100% (red, red, yellow, green). The LED indicator 63 (Figure 2B) gives a visual warning to the user when the vehicle battery 72 is connected with reverse polarity. The "boost" and on / off LEDs 62 provide visual displays respectively when the booster device is providing jump start power and when the booster device is on.

[0094] A USB output 56 circuit (Figure 2C) is included for charging portable electronic devices such as smartphones from the internal lithium battery pack 32. The control circuit 57 from the microcontroller 1 can turn the USB output 56 on / off with software control so that the capacity of the internal lithium battery does not become too low. The USB output is taken out of the device with a standard USB connector 58, which includes a standard voltage divider necessary to enable charging of a specific smartphone that requires it. The USB charging circuit 52 enables the internal lithium battery pack 32 to be charged using a standard USB charger. This charging input uses a standard micro USB connector 48 and a standard cable can be used. The 5V potential supplied from a standard USB charger is stepped up to the 12.4V voltage required for charging the internal lithium battery pack using a DC-DC converter 49. The DC-DC converter 49 can be turned on / off via the circuit 53 by the output from the microcontroller 1.

[0095] In this way, the microcontroller software can turn off charging when the battery voltage is measured to be too high by the A / D input 22. Additional safety is provided by using a lithium battery charging controller 50 that provides a charge balance to the internal lithium battery cells 51 to help eliminate overcharging of the internal lithium battery. This controller also provides redundant safety to eliminate over-discharge of the internal lithium battery.

[0096] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a handheld device 110 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 112 is a casing. 114 is a display. 114A is a power-on switch. 114B is an LED "fuel gauge" indicator. 114C is a "boost on" indicator for indicating that power is being supplied to the 12V output port 122. 114D is a "reverse" indicator for indicating that the vehicle battery is improperly connected with respect to polarity. 114E is a "power on" indicator for indicating that power is turned on for operation. 118 is a USB input port for charging an internal lithium-ion battery. 118A is a removable cover for the USB input port 118. 120 is a USB output port for supplying power from the internal lithium-ion battery to other electronic devices such as a smartphone, a tablet, a music player, etc. 120A is a removable cover for the USB output port 120. 122 is a 12V output port connectable to a cable device 210 described later.

[0097] FIG. 6 shows a jumper cable device 210 specifically designed for use with the handheld device 110. The device 210 has a plug 212 configured to be inserted into the 12V output port 122 of the handheld device 110. The positive battery cable 214 and the negative battery cable 218 are integrated with the plug 212 and are connected to a positive battery clamp 216 and a negative battery clamp 220 via ring connectors 216A and 220A, respectively. The 12V output port 122 and the plug 212 are dimensioned such that the plug 212 is only compatible with the 12V output port 122 in a specific orientation, and thus, as shown there, it is guaranteed that the positive battery clamp 216 corresponds to the positive polarity and the negative battery clamp 220 corresponds to the negative polarity.

[0098] Furthermore, ring terminals 216A and 216B enable the battery clamps 216 and 229 to be disconnected from the battery cables 214 and 218 and then removably connected directly to the terminals of the vehicle battery. This feature is useful, for example, for permanently attaching the battery cables 214 and 218302b to the vehicle battery. When the battery voltage is depleted or discharged, the handheld booster device 110 can be properly connected to the depleted or discharged vehicle battery simply by plugging the plug 212 into the 12V output port 122.

[0099] Although the invention has been described in this manner, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention can be varied in many ways without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. All such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. 1. A battery charging apparatus for charging a discharged or depleted battery, the apparatus comprising: one or more ambient temperature sensors for measuring or approximating the temperature outside the battery charging device; an internal temperature sensor for measuring or approximating an internal temperature of the battery charging device; a controller that receives input signals from one or more ambient temperature sensors and controls the charging operation of the battery charger; Including, the one or more ambient temperature sensors include a first temperature sensor located on a battery clamp configured to connect the battery charging device to the discharged or depleted battery or on a battery cable assembly connected to the battery clamp; a first temperature sensor disposed to detect a temperature of the discharged or depleted battery when connected to the battery clamp; When actively charging a discharged or depleted battery, based on temperatures of both the one or more ambient temperature sensors and the internal temperature sensor, the controller receives input signals from the one or more ambient temperature sensors and from the internal temperature sensor and variably controls a charging rate of the discharged or depleted battery. Battery charging device.

2. the one or more ambient temperature sensors including a second temperature sensor that senses a temperature of an environment in which the battery charging device is operating; 2. The battery charging device of claim 1.

3. The first temperature sensor is disposed on the battery clamp.

2. The battery charging device of claim 1.

4. A second temperature sensor connected or associated with a housing or casing of the battery charging device.

3. The battery charging device of claim 2.

5. The one or more ambient temperature sensors include a temperature sensor connected to or associated with a battery cable assembly of the battery charging device.

5. A battery charging device according to claim 1.

6. The controller variably controls a charging rate of a discharged or depleted battery based on one or more temperature differences between one or more ambient temperature sensors and one or more internal temperature sensors.

6. A battery charging device according to claim 1.

7. 7. The battery charging device of claim 1, further comprising: a rechargeable battery having a positive terminal and a negative terminal; a positive battery cable connectable or connectable to the positive terminal of the rechargeable battery; a negative battery cable connectable or connectable to the negative terminal of the rechargeable battery; a detector for measuring the output voltage of a deeply discharged battery; a programmable microcontroller unit (MCI) connected to one or more components or parts of the rechargeable battery charging device, the MCI configured and arranged to control the operation of the charging device; a user interface connected to the MCI, the user interface configured and arranged to display one or more functions or modes of the rechargeable battery charging device; and a controller configured and arranged to control the charging of the deeply discharged battery, the controller having a force mode for charging the deeply discharged battery even if the battery voltage is near 0 volts.

8. 8. The battery charging apparatus of claim 7, wherein the forced mode is configured to operate for a predetermined period of time.

9. 9. The battery charging apparatus of claim 8, wherein the predetermined period of time is five minutes.

10. 9. The battery charging device of claim 8, wherein the forcing mode is configured to operate for a predetermined period of time, and wherein the rechargeable battery charger measures the voltage of the deeply discharged battery after the forcing mode is terminated upon expiration of the predetermined period of time.

11. 11. The battery charging device of claim 10, wherein the rechargeable battery charger begins charging in normal mode if the deeply discharged battery is above a normal start voltage threshold.

12. 12. The battery charging device of claim 11, wherein if the deeply discharged battery voltage is too low, the rechargeable battery charger returns to a standby or off mode.

13. A battery charging apparatus according to any one of claims 7 to 12, wherein the user interface is constructed and arranged to allow a user to select the forced mode.

14. 14. The battery charging device of claim 13, wherein the user interface is configured to provide user feedback when the rechargeable battery charging device is in the forced mode.

15. 15. The battery charging device of claim 14, wherein user feedback is provided by illumination of a light emitting diode (LED).

16. A battery charging apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 15, wherein the deeply discharged battery is a lead acid battery.

17. A battery charging apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 15, wherein the deeply discharged battery is a deeply discharged Lithium-Ion battery containing an open Battery Management System (BMS).

18. 1. A method for charging a discharged or depleted battery using a battery charging device, comprising: The method is: detecting an ambient temperature outside the battery charging device with a temperature sensor located on a battery clamp configured to connect the battery charging device to the discharged or depleted battery or on a battery cable assembly connected to the battery clamp; the temperature sensor is positioned to detect a temperature of the discharged or depleted battery when connected to the battery clamp; The method also sensing an internal temperature within the battery charger using an internal temperature sensor within the battery charger; and controlling a charging operation of the battery charging device based on the detected ambient temperature and the detected internal temperature, the step comprising: variably controlling a charging rate of the discharged or depleted battery based on both ambient and internal temperatures when actively charging the discharged or depleted battery; method.

19. The charging rate of a discharged or depleted battery is based on the temperature difference between the ambient temperature and the internal temperature.

20. The method of claim 18.

20. An increase in temperature difference reduces the charging rate.

20. The method of claim 19.

21. Ambient temperature is measured using a temperature sensor on the battery clamp, The method according to any one of claims 18 to 20.

22. Charging of a discharged or depleted battery is terminated upon detecting a temperature exceeding a threshold temperature detected for the discharged or depleted battery. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 21.

23. Charging of a discharged or depleted battery is not initiated upon detecting a temperature exceeding a threshold temperature detected for the discharged or depleted battery. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 22.

24. The battery charging device measures a temperature of the battery charging device prior to a charging operation of the battery charging device. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 23.

25. The battery charging device measures the temperature of a discharged or depleted battery prior to a charging operation of the battery charging device. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 24.

26. An increase in temperature differential causes the controller to slow the rate at which a discharged or depleted battery is charged. A battery charging apparatus according to claim 6 or according to any one of claims 7 to 17 when dependent on claim 6.

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