Patent ID: 6157166
Filing Date: 2000-12-05
Classification: H02J

Abstract:
A battery switching circuit in which a first battery and a second battery are connected to a common feeding point via a first feeding circuit and a second feeding circuit, said battery switching circuit comprising:a switch means within each of said first and second feeding circuits, wherein said switch means selectively allows one of said first and said second batteries to alternatively supply electric power to said feeding point;a first temperature sensor disposed in close proximity to said switch means, such said first temperature sensor shares a same thermal environment as said switch means;temperature detection means connected to said temperature sensor for generating an operational output in response to the output of said temperature sensor when the temperature of said switch means, as sensed by said first temperature sensor, exceeds a predetermined threshold; andcircuit means responsive to said operational output of said temperature detection means for turning off said switch means in response to said sensor sensing a temperature above said predetermined threshold.