U.S. patent application number 09/749490 was filed with the patent office on 2001-06-28 for battery pack, power source apparatus, and charging and discharging method.
Invention is credited to Ikeda, Tamon, Nagai, Tamiji.
Application Number | 20010005125 09/749490 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 18493752 |
Filed Date | 2001-06-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010005125 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Nagai, Tamiji ; et
al. |
June 28, 2001 |
Battery pack, power source apparatus, and charging and discharging
method
Abstract
A rectifying circuit (a) comprising a diode Da and a capacitor
Ca is provided for a winding Ta on the secondary side of a
transformer T. A rectifying circuit (b) comprising Db and Cb is
provided for a winding Tb. A charging device Ra connected to one
output of the circuit (a) is connected to the+side of a secondary
battery E1. The+side of E1 is connected to an output terminal To1
and the+side of E3 through a switching circuit S1. The-side of E1
is connected to the other output of the circuit (a) and connected
to the-side of E3 through S2. Rb connected to one output of the
circuit (b) is connected to the+side of E2. The+side of E2 is
connected to the+side of E4 through S2. The-side of E2 is connected
to the other output of the circuit (b) and connected to the-side of
E4 through S3. The-side of E4 is connected to an output terminal
To2. S4 is provided between the+side of E1 and the-side of E4.
Inventors: |
Nagai, Tamiji; (kanagawa,
JP) ; Ikeda, Tamon; (Tokyo, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WILLIAM S. FROMMER, Esq.
c/o FROMMER LAWRENCE & HAUG LLP
745 Fifth Avenue
New York
NY
10151
US
|
Family ID: |
18493752 |
Appl. No.: |
09/749490 |
Filed: |
December 26, 2000 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
320/118 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H02J 7/0013
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
320/118 |
International
Class: |
H02J 007/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 27, 1999 |
JP |
P11-369172 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A battery pack having a plurality of secondary batteries
comprising: N (N.gtoreq.2) serial circuits for connecting to M
(M.gtoreq.1) secondary batteries in parallel; a charging path for
charging said (M.times.N) secondary batteries in parallel, wherein
said charging path are formed by a plurality of switching elements;
and a discharging path for discharging said (M.times. N) secondary
batteries by a plurality of switching elements.
2. A battery pack according to claim 1, wherein M (M.gtoreq.2)
secondary batteries having almost coincident characteristics are
serially connected to said charging path.
3. A power source apparatus having a plurality of secondary
batteries comprising: an input terminal for inputting an AC power
source; a battery pack in which N (N.gtoreq.2) serial circuits for
connecting to M (M.gtoreq.1) secondary batteries in parallel; a
charging path for charging said (M.times.N) secondary batteries in
parallel, wherein said charging path are formed by a plurality of
switching elements; a discharging path for discharging said
(M.times. N) secondary batteries by a plurality of switching
elements; a charging power generating means for charging said
battery pack; and a connecting terminal for connecting a load.
4. A charging and discharging method of charging and discharging a
plurality of secondary batteries, comprising the steps of:
connecting N (N.gtoreq.2) serial circuits each comprising M
(M.gtoreq.1) secondary batteries in parallel; and charging said
(M.times.N) secondary batteries in parallel and serially
discharging them.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The invention relates to a battery pack, a power source
apparatus, and a charging and discharging method, in which a
parallel construction and a serial construction of a plurality of
secondary batteries can be switched by using switching
circuits.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] A construction such that a plurality of secondary batteries
which can be charged and used again are serially arranged and used
as a power source of electronic equipment is generally known. In
this instance, there is a case where characteristics of a plurality
of secondary batteries which are serially arranged, for example,
capacities of the secondary batteries are different. If the
secondary batteries having different characteristics are charged in
a state where they are serially arranged, the secondary battery
which is not fully charged or the secondary battery which is
overcharged is caused. It is difficult to charge a plurality of
secondary batteries arranged serially in this state as mentioned
above. A tendency such that the characteristics of the secondary
batteries are different becomes more remarkable as the secondary
batteries are deteriorated.
[0005] Therefore, a method whereby a plurality of secondary
batteries which are serially arranged are charged one by one and
all of the secondary batteries are fully charged has been proposed
as disclosed in JPA-4-248332. For example, as shown in FIG. 1,
there is a method of charging two secondary batteries E51 and E52
which are serially arranged one by one. In case of charging the
secondary battery E51 by a charging device Rc, switching circuits
S51 and S53 are turned on and switching circuits S52 and S54 are
turned off. In case of charging the secondary battery E52 by the
charging device Rc, the switching circuits S51 and S53 are turned
off and switching circuits S52 and S54 are turned on.
[0006] Further, a method of charging four secondary batteries E61,
E62, E63, and E64 one by one will be described with reference to
FIG. 2. To charge the four secondary batteries E61, E62, E63, and
E64, respectively, a voltage current is outputted from a charging
device Re. For example, when switching circuits S61 and S65 are
turned on, the secondary battery E61 is charged and when switching
circuits S62 and S66 are turned on, the secondary battery E62 is
charged. When switching circuits S63 and S67 are turned on, the
secondary battery E63 is charged and when switching circuits S64
and S68 are turned on, the secondary battery E64 is charged.
[0007] As shown in FIG. 3A, a voltage current is supplied from an
input terminal Ti70. When only a switching circuit S77 is turned
on, a secondary battery E71 is charged. When switching circuits S74
and S78 are turned on, a secondary battery E72 is charged. When
switching circuits S75 and S79 are turned on, a secondary battery
E73 is charged. When only a switching circuit S76 is turned on, a
secondary battery E74 is charged. In case of discharging from an
output terminal To, switching circuits S71, S72, and S73 are turned
on as shown in FIG. 3B.
[0008] However, when a plurality of secondary batteries which are
serially arranged are charged, since they are charged one by one,
there is a problem such that it takes a time until all of the
secondary batteries are fully charged.
OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] It is, therefore, an object of the invention to provide a
battery pack, a power source apparatus, and a charging and
discharging method, in which a plurality of secondary batteries can
be switched and used in such a manner that they are serially
connected at the time of discharging and are connected in parallel
at the time of charging.
[0010] According to the invention of claim 1, there is provided a
battery pack having a plurality of secondary batteries comprising:
N (N.gtoreq.2) serial circuits for connecting to M (M.gtoreq.1)
secondary batteries in parallel; a charging path for charging the
(M.times.N) secondary batteries in parallel, wherein the charging
path are formed by a plurality of switching elements; and a
discharging path for discharging the (M.times. N) secondary
batteries by a plurality of switching elements.
[0011] According to the invention of claim 3, there is provided a
power source apparatus having a plurality of secondary batteries
comprising: an input terminal for inputting an AC power source; a
battery pack in which N (N.gtoreq.2) serial circuits for connecting
to M (M.gtoreq. 1) secondary batteries in parallel; a charging path
for charging the (M.times.N) secondary batteries in parallel,
wherein the charging path are formed by a plurality of switching
elements; a discharging path for discharging the (M.times.N)
secondary batteries by a plurality of switching elements; a
charging power generating means for charging the battery pack; and
a connecting terminal for connecting a load.
[0012] According to the invention of claim 4, there is provided a
charging and discharging method of charging and discharging a
plurality of secondary batteries, comprising the steps of:
connecting N (N.gtoreq. 2) serial circuits each comprising M
(M.gtoreq.1) secondary batteries in parallel; and charging the
(M.times.N) secondary batteries in parallel and serially
discharging them.
[0013] When the (M.times.N) secondary batteries are charged by M
charging devices, (M+1) switching circuits of (N-1) columns to
which the (M.times.N) secondary batteries are connected in parallel
are turned on, and (N-1) switching circuits to which the
(M.times.N) secondary batteries are serially connected are turned
off.
[0014] The above and other objects and features of the present
invention will become apparent from the following detailed
description and the appended claims with reference to the
accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 is a block diagram for explaining a DC/DC switching
power source;
[0016] FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining a conventional
charging of secondary batteries;
[0017] FIGS. 3A and 3B are block diagrams for explaining
conventional charging and discharging of secondary batteries;
[0018] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the
invention;
[0019] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the first embodiment of the
invention;
[0020] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram for explaining a state at the
time of charging in the first embodiment;
[0021] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram for explaining a state at the
time of discharging in the first embodiment;
[0022] FIG. 8 is a detailed circuit diagram of the first
embodiment;
[0023] FIG. 9 is a block diagram of the second embodiment of the
invention;
[0024] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining a state at the
time of discharging in the second embodiment;
[0025] FIG. 11 is a block diagram of the third embodiment of the
invention;
[0026] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram for explaining a state at the
time of discharging in the third embodiment;
[0027] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram for explaining a state at the
time of discharging in the third embodiment;
[0028] FIG. 14 is a block diagram of the fourth embodiment of the
invention;
[0029] FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram for explaining a state at the
time of charging in the fourth embodiment;
[0030] FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram for explaining a state at the
time of discharging in the fourth embodiment;
[0031] FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram for explaining a state at the
time of discharging in the fourth embodiment;
[0032] FIG. 18 is an example of a DC/DC switching power source to
which the invention can be applied; and
[0033] FIG. 19 is another example of a DC/DC switching power source
to which the invention can be applied.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0034] Embodiments of the invention will now be described
hereinbelow with reference to the drawings. FIG. 4 shows an
embodiment of the invention. One output of a charging device R is
connected to an output terminal To1 of the output terminal To and
a+(plus) side of a secondary battery E1. A switching circuit S1 is
provided between one output of the charging device R and a+side of
a secondary battery E2. A switching circuit S3 is provided between
a-(minus) side of the secondary battery E1 and the+side of the
secondary battery E2. The other output of the charging device R is
connected to a-side of the secondary battery E2. A switching
circuit S2 is provided between the other output of the charging
device R and the secondary battery E1. An output terminal To2 of
the output terminal To is connected to the ground.
[0035] In case of charging the secondary batteries E1 and E2, the
switching circuits S1 and S2 are turned on and the switching
circuit S3 is turned off. In case of discharging the secondary
batteries E1 and E2, the switching circuits S1 and S2 are turned
off and the switching circuit S3 is turned on. With this
construction, the secondary batteries in which characteristics such
as capacities or the like are different can be fully charged.
[0036] FIG. 5 shows the first embodiment to which the invention is
applied. A rectifying circuit (a) comprising a diode Da and a
capacitor Ca is provided for a winding Ta on the secondary side of
a transformer T. Similarly, a rectifying circuit (b) comprising a
diode Db and a capacitor Cb is provided for a winding Tb on the
secondary side of the transformer T. A charging device Ra connected
to one output of the rectifying circuit (a) is connected to
the+side of the secondary battery E1. The+side of the secondary
battery E1 is connected to the output terminal To1 and a+side of a
secondary battery E3 through the switching circuit S1. The-side of
the secondary battery E1 is connected to the other output of the
rectifying circuit (a) and connected to a-side of the secondary
battery E3 through the switching circuit S2.
[0037] A charging device Rb connected to one output of the
rectifying circuit (b) is connected to the+ side of the secondary
battery E2. The+side of the secondary battery E2 is connected to
a+side of a secondary battery E4 through the switching circuit S2.
The-side of the secondary battery E2 is connected to the other
output of the rectifying circuit (b) and connected to a-side of the
secondary battery E4 through the switching circuit S3. The-side of
the secondary battery E4 is connected to the output terminal To2. A
switching circuit S4 is provided between the+side of the secondary
battery E1 and the- side of the secondary battery E4.
[0038] FIG. 6 shows a state of the switching circuits in case of
charging the secondary batteries E1, E2, E3, and E4 in the first
embodiment. The blocks having the same functions as those mentioned
above are designated by the same reference numerals and their
descriptions are omitted. As shown in FIG. 6, the switching
circuits S1, S2, and S3 are turned on and the switching circuit S4
is turned off. In this instance, the secondary batteries E1 and E3
are charged by a voltage current from the rectifying circuit (a)
and the secondary batteries E2 and E4 are charged by a voltage
current from the rectifying circuit (b).
[0039] FIG. 7 shows a state of the switching circuits in case of
discharging the secondary batteries E1, E2, E3, and E4. As shown in
FIG. 7, the switching circuit S4 is turned on. Although not shown,
the switching circuits S1, S2, and S3 are turned off. In this
instance, the secondary batteries E1, E2, E3, and E4 are serially
connected and a synthesized voltage is outputted from the output
terminal To1.
[0040] When the number of secondary batteries in the vertical
direction is assumed to be M, the number of secondary batteries in
the lateral direction is assumed to be N, and the number of
secondary batteries in the vertical direction and the number of
secondary batteries in the lateral direction are expressed by
(M.times.N), in the first embodiment, (2.times.2) secondary
batteries are provided for easy explanation. However, three or more
secondary batteries can be also provided in each of the vertical
and lateral directions. Specifically speaking, although the
secondary batteries are arranged in a form of a matrix of
(2.times.2) in the first embodiment shown in FIG. 5 mentioned
above, the secondary batteries can be also arranged in a form of a
matrix of (3.times.3), (3.times.4), or (4.times.2). That is, it is
sufficient to set M and N to 2 or more integers.
[0041] FIG. 8 shows a detailed circuit diagram of the first
embodiment. A commercially available power source is supplied
through an input terminal Ti10. One end of the primary side of the
transformer T is connected to an input terminal Ti11 and the other
end is connected to the ground through a PWM (Pulse Width
Modulation) circuit 1. The transformer T is controlled by the PWM
circuit 1 and a voltage current corresponding to the on/off
operations of the PWM circuit 1 is generated on the secondary side
of the transformer T. The foregoing rectifying circuit (a) and
charging device Ra are connected to the winding Ta on the secondary
side of the transformer T. The foregoing rectifying circuit (b) and
charging device Rb are connected to the winding Tb on the secondary
side of the transformer T.
[0042] An output of the charging device Ra is supplied to a drain
of a p-channel type FET F1 and to a control circuit 2. A gate of
the FET F1 is connected to the control circuit 2 and its source is
connected to the output terminal To1. A parasitic diode is provided
for the FET F1.
[0043] An output of the charging device Rb is supplied to a source
of a p-channel type FET F2. A gate of the FET F2 is connected to
the control circuit 2 and its drain is connected to a node of
the-side of the secondary battery E3 and the+side of the secondary
battery E4. A parasitic diode is provided for the FET F2.
[0044] A drain of a p-channel type FET F3 is connected to the-side
of the secondary battery E3, its gate is connected to the control
circuit 2, and its source is connected to the ground. A parasitic
diode is provided for the FET F3.
[0045] The output of the charging device Ra is supplied to a drain
of a p-channel type FET F4. A source of the FET F4 is connected to
the-side of the secondary battery E4 and its gate is connected to
the control circuit 2. A parasitic diode is provided for the FET
F4.
[0046] The FET F1 used in FIG. 8 is the foregoing switching circuit
S1 and its on/off operations are controlled by the control circuit
2. Similarly, the FETs F2, F3, and F4 are the switching circuits
S2, S3, and S4 and their on/off operations are controlled by the
control circuit 2.
[0047] FIG. 9 shows the second embodiment in which charging devices
are serially arranged, secondary batteries are connected in
parallel at the time of charging, and the secondary batteries are
serially connected at the time of discharging. One output terminal
of the charging device Ra is connected to the+ side of the
secondary battery E1. The switching circuit S1 is provided between
the+side of the secondary battery E1 and the+side of the secondary
battery E3. A switching circuit S5 is provided between the+side of
the secondary battery E3 and a+side of a secondary battery E5.
The+side of the secondary battery E5 is connected to the output
terminal To1. The other output terminal of the charging device Ra
is connected to the-side of the secondary battery E1. The switching
circuit S2 is provided between the-side of the secondary battery E1
and the-side of the secondary battery E3. A switching circuit S6 is
provided between the-side of the secondary battery E3 and the-side
of the secondary battery E5.
[0048] The other output terminal of the charging device Ra is
connected to one output terminal of the charging device Rb. One
output terminal of the charging device Rb is connected to the+side
of the secondary battery E2. The switching circuit S2 is provided
between the+side of the secondary battery E2 and the+side of the
secondary battery E4. The switching circuit S6 is provided between
the+side of the secondary battery E4 and a+side of a secondary
battery E6. The other output terminal of the charging device Rb is
connected to the-side of the secondary battery E2. The switching
circuit S3 is provided between the-side of the secondary battery E2
and the- side of the secondary battery E4. A switching circuit S7
is provided between the-side of the secondary battery E4 and a-side
of the secondary battery E6.
[0049] The switching circuit S4 is provided between the+side of the
secondary battery E1 and the-side of the secondary battery E4. A
switching circuit S8 is provided between the+side of the secondary
battery E3 and the-side of the secondary battery E6.
[0050] As mentioned above, the secondary batteries E1, E3, and E5
are arranged in parallel with the charging device Ra and the
secondary batteries E2, E4, and E6 are arranged in parallel with
the charging device Rb. The charging devices Ra and Rb, secondary
batteries E1 and E2, secondary batteries E3 and E4, and secondary
batteries E5 and E6 are serially arranged.
[0051] FIG. 10 shows a state of the switching circuits in case of
discharging the secondary batteries E1 to E6. As shown in FIG. 10,
the switching circuits S4 and S8 are turned on. Although not shown,
the switching circuits S1, S2, S3, S5, S6, and S7 are turned off.
In this instance, the secondary batteries E1 to E6 are serially
connected and a synthesized voltage is outputted from the output
terminal To1.
[0052] When the secondary batteries E1 to E6 are charged, the
switching circuits S1, S2, S3, S5, S6, and S7 are turned on and the
switching circuits S4 and S8 are turned off. By this method, the
secondary batteries can be charged while keeping a good balance at
the time of charging.
[0053] FIG. 11 shows the third embodiment of the invention. In the
third embodiment, two secondary batteries whose characteristics
almost coincide are serially connected. One output terminal of the
charging device R is connected to a+side of a secondary battery
E11. A switching circuit S11 is provided between the+side of the
secondary battery E11 and a+side of a secondary battery E13. The+
side of the secondary battery E13 is connected to the output
terminal To1. A-side of the secondary battery E11 is connected to
a+side of a secondary battery E12. A-side of the secondary battery
E13 is connected to a+side of a secondary battery E14. The other
output terminal of the charging device R is connected to a-side of
the secondary battery E12. A switching circuit S12 is provided
between the-side of the secondary battery E12 and a-side of the
secondary battery E14. A switching circuit S13 is provided between
the+side of the secondary battery E11 and the- side of the
secondary battery E14.
[0054] FIG. 12 shows a state of the switching circuits in case of
discharging the secondary batteries E11, E12, E13, and E14. As
shown in FIG. 12, the switching circuit S13 is turned on. Although
not shown, the switching circuits S11 and S12 are turned off. In
this instance, the secondary batteries E11 to E14 are serially
connected and a synthesized voltage is outputted from the output
terminal To1.
[0055] Further, as another example at the time of discharging, as
shown in FIG. 13, the switching circuits S11 and S12 are turned on
and the switching circuit S13 is turned off. In this instance, the
secondary batteries E11 and E12 and the secondary batteries E13 and
E14 are connected in parallel. Specifically speaking, a synthesized
voltage obtained from (E11+E12)//(E13+E14) is outputted from the
output terminal To1. As mentioned above, the voltage to be
outputted can be switched by the on/off operations of the switching
circuits.
[0056] FIG. 14 shows the fourth embodiment of the invention. One
output terminal of the charging device Ra is connected to an output
terminal To3 and a+side of a secondary battery E21. A switching
circuit S21 is provided between the+side of the secondary battery
E21 and a+side of a secondary battery E23. A switching circuit S25
is provided between the+side of the secondary battery E21 and
a+side of a secondary battery E25. The+side of the secondary
battery E25 is connected to the output terminal To1. A switching
circuit S27 is provided between the+side of the secondary battery
E23 and a-side of the secondary battery E25.
[0057] The other output terminal of the charging device Ra is
connected to a-side of the secondary battery E21. A switching
circuit S22 is provided between the-side of the secondary battery
E21 and a side of the secondary battery E23. A switching circuit
S26 is provided between the-side of the secondary battery E21 and
the-side of the secondary battery E25.
[0058] One output of the charging device Rb is connected to a+side
of a secondary battery E22. A switching circuit S22 is provided
between the+side of the secondary battery E22 and a+side of the
secondary battery E24. The other output of the charging device Rb
is connected to the-side of the secondary battery E22. A switching
circuit S23 is provided between the side of the secondary battery
E22 and a-side of the secondary battery E24. A switching circuit
S24 is provided between the+side of the secondary battery E21 and
the-side of the secondary battery E24.
[0059] FIG. 15 shows an example in case of charging the secondary
batteries E21 to E25 used in the fourth embodiment. As shown in the
diagram, the switching circuits S21, S22, S23, S25, and S26 are
turned on. Although not shown, the switching circuits S24 and S27
are turned off.
[0060] FIG. 16 shows the first example in case of discharging the
secondary batteries E21 to E25 used in the fourth embodiment. As
shown in the diagram, the switching circuits S24 and S27 are turned
on. Although not shown, the switching circuits S21, S22, S23, S25,
and S26 are turned off. Thus, the secondary batteries E21 to E25
are serially connected and a synthesized voltage is outputted from
the output terminal To1.
[0061] FIG. 17 shows the second example in case of discharging the
secondary batteries E21 to E25 used in the fourth embodiment. As
shown in the diagram, the switching circuits S21, S22, S23, and S27
are turned on. Although not shown, the switching circuits S24, S25,
and S26 are turned off. In this instance, a synthesized voltage of
the secondary batteries E21, E22, E23, and E24 is outputted from
the output terminal To3. Specifically speaking, a synthesized
voltage obtained from (E21+E22)//(E23+E24) is outputted from the
output terminal To3. A synthesized voltage of the secondary
batteries E21, E22, E23, E24, and E25 is outputted from the output
terminal To1. Specifically speaking, a synthesized voltage obtained
from (E21+ E22+E25)//(E23+E24) is outputted from the output
terminal To1.
[0062] FIG. 18 shows an example in which a plurality of secondary
batteries are combined and used as a power source of a DC/DC
switching power source. Secondary batteries E31, E32, E33, and E34
are serially connected. A+side of the secondary battery E31 is
connected to a source of an n-channel type FET F31. A gate of the
FET F31 is connected to a PWM circuit 31 and its drain is connected
to a drain of a p-channel type FET F32. A parasitic diode is
provided for the FET F31. A gate of the FET F32 is connected to the
PWM circuit 31. A source of the FET F32 is connected to the ground.
A parasitic diode is provided for the FET F32. An inductor L31 is
provided between the drain of the FET F31 and the output terminal
To1. A capacitor C31 is provided between the output terminal To1
and the ground. A conversion efficiency .eta. of the DC/DC
switching power source is set to a value within a range from 95% to
98%.
[0063] FIG. 19 similarly shows another example in which a plurality
of secondary batteries are combined and used as a power source of a
DC/DC switching power source. Secondary batteries E41 and E42 which
are serially connected and secondary batteries E43 and E44 which
are serially connected are connected in parallel. An inductor L41
is provided between a+side of the secondary battery E41 and a drain
of a p-channel type FET F41. A gate of the FET F41 is connected to
a PWM circuit 41 and its source is connected to the ground. A
parasitic diode is provided for the FET F41. An anode of a diode
D41 is connected to the drain of the FET F41 and its cathode is
connected to the output terminal To1. A capacitor C41 is inserted
between the cathode of the diode D41 and the ground. The conversion
efficiency .eta. of the DC/DC switching power source shown in FIG.
19 is set to a value within a range from 85% to 90%.
[0064] As mentioned above, when the secondary batteries are
charged, they can be stably charged, and a high voltage can be
obtained by serially connecting the secondary batteries and using
them. At the time of discharging, since the serial construction and
the parallel construction of the secondary batteries can be
switched, by obtaining the high voltage, an efficient system can be
used in case of using the DC/DC switching power source.
[0065] Although the parallel construction and the serial
construction of a plurality of secondary batteries are switched by
using the switching circuits in the embodiments, as disclosed in
the Official Gazette of Japanese Utility Model Registration
Application Laid-open No. 4-99671, the parallel construction and
the serial construction can be also switched in order to supply a
voltage current adapted to electronic equipment by using a top
cover of a power source casing in which batteries of the UM-3 type
are arranged.
[0066] Although the parallel construction and the serial
construction of a plurality of secondary batteries are switched by
using the switching circuits in the embodiments, the batteries can
be also discharged in accordance with a voltage current using a
plurality of secondary batteries.
[0067] In the embodiments, one of a lithium ion secondary battery,
a nickel cadmium secondary battery, and a nickel hydrogen secondary
battery is properly used as a secondary battery. A voltage within a
range from 2.5V to 4.2V can be outputted per cell,
respectively.
[0068] In the embodiments, as a protecting circuit for the
secondary battery, a PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) is
provided for each secondary battery, thereby detecting a
temperature.
[0069] According to the invention, even in case of the secondary
batteries having different characteristics, it is possible to
charge while keeping a good balance. The number of switching
circuits which are used when the secondary batteries connected in
parallel are serially connected and discharged can be reduced.
Since the parallel construction and the serial construction of
secondary batteries can be switched, the efficiency of the DC/DC
switching power source can be improved.
[0070] The present invention is not limited to the foregoing
embodiments but many modifications and variations are possible
within the spirit and scope of the appended claims of the
invention.
* * * * *