RECHARGEABLE BATTERY PACK CHARGING SYSTEM WITH REDUNDANT SAFETY SYSTEMS

摘要

A system, method and apparatus for charging rechargeable battery packs having redundant safety systems. A battery charger has a temperature sensor at a negative charging terminal for determining the charge condition of a rechargeable battery pack (200) and controlling a charging current. The battery charger (300) has a microcontroller (410) to control the charging of the rechargeable battery pack (200) using a fast charge current or a trickle charge current. Independent safety systems provide safe operation of the battery charger if the microcontroller fails. A rechargeable battery pack has a pair of openings (203) and (204) to allow direct contact to a positive pole (213D) and a negative pole (214A) of the end batteries for improved temperature sensing by a battery charger.