Darrel W Pontius

US Patent:

56358148, Jun 3, 1997

Filed:

Feb 16, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/389248

Inventors:

Ejaz Afzal - Laguna Niguel CA
Bradley E. Bylund - Laguna Niguel CA
Charles W. Frank - Irvine CA
Darrel W. Pontius - Yorba Linda CA

Assignee:

International Components Corporation - Chicago IL

International Classification:

H01M 1046

US Classification:

320 2

Abstract:

A modular battery system for a portable device including a charging module with a retractable plug and charging circuit for converting an AC line voltage to a DC battery charging current. The charging module combines with a battery module and optional fuel gauge (if present) to form a single unit for recharging, preconditioning the battery, and connection to the portable device. The modules are releasably connected, preferably involving conductive fasteners, so that a user may connect a new battery module to an old charging module. The releasable connection serves as both the mechanical and the electrical interface between the battery module and the charging module. The conductive fasteners may be located in different positions on the modules to accommodate different connector geometries. The charging module may also combine with a battery mounting module, rather than the battery module, so that the system works with conventional battery packs. The preferred charging module incorporates a PWM charging circuit having a transformer with a primary winding, a secondary winding, and a control winding.