Multiple batteries for optimized charging and cold use

Abstract

An apparatus (100) comprises a first battery (102) of a first type, a second battery (102) of a second type different from the first type, and a controller (106) configured to determine an energy condition associated with the apparatus and to select and switch to one of the first battery or the second battery to power the apparatus based on the determined energy condition. According to aspects of the disclosed embodiments, multiple different batteries can be used in such apparatuses as computing or mobile communication devices, and the batteries can be selected based on physical size, chemistry, energy density, and charging method.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Aspects of the present invention relate generally to mobile communication devices and, more particularly, to using multiple batteries in a mobile communication device. BACKGROUND

[0002] Battery utilization and energy consumption is a prominent issue for mobile communication devices and other consumer electronics. Battery size, battery life, and battery charge rate are common issues in mobile communication device design. Due to the amount of space occupied by such devices, the battery used is not likely to be very large. Smaller batteries do not necessarily achieve the desired battery performance. It is difficult to find a battery or battery technology that satisfies all design and performance factors.

[0003] Battery technology in consumer electronics has changed over time, from nickel-cadmium to nickel-metal hydride to the more recent lithium chemistries. Currently, lithium-ion batteries are the de facto standard choice for high energy density consumer electronics. This is because the chemistries that are practically available for rechargeable batteries have very high voltage and very high energy density. However, the materials for these batteries can be expensive and certain types of batteries have safety issues.

[0004] Different lithium battery chemistries have different properties. A commonly used lithium battery chemistry is lithium-cobalt oxide (LiCo02), which has a low rate of discharge but very high energy density. However, cobalt is expensive. In addition, lithium-cobalt oxide batteries also have a risk of explosion and fire. Lithium iron phosphate (LiFeP04) chemistry has a long service life and inherent safety, but has a lower energy density than LiCo02. The most common battery solution in cell phones is to use the highest energy density battery, even at the expense of safety and charge performance.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for a battery solution that can provide mobile communication devices with at least partial solutions to the above problems. SUMMARY

[0006] Aspects of the disclosed embodiments relate to providing a multiple battery solution in such devices as mobile communication devices. This object is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Further advantageous modifications are in the dependent claims.

[0007] According to a first aspect, the above and further objects and advantages are achieved by an apparatus. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a first battery of a first type, a second battery of a second type different from the first type, and a controller configured to determine an energy condition associated with the apparatus and select one of the first battery or the second battery to power the apparatus based on the determined energy condition. According to aspects of the disclosed embodiments, different batteries can be used in an apparatus. The batteries can be selected based on physical size and energy density and charging methods.

[0008] In a possible implementation of the apparatus, the first battery has a different chemical structure than the second battery. Different battery chemistries can be selected for optimized mobile communication device architecture and operational requirements.

[0009] In a possible implementation of the apparatus, the first battery comprises a lithium-titanite battery and the second battery comprises a lithium-ion battery. Lithium-titanite (Li4Ti x O x ) batteries provide good battery performance at low temperatures, fast charge and discharge rates, but low energy density. Lithium-ion batteries provide the highest voltage and highest energy density of rechargeable batteries. Different battery chemistries can be selected for optimized mobile communication device architecture and operational requirements.

[0010] In a possible implementation of the apparatus, the apparatus further comprises a first battery charging interface connected to the first battery and a second battery charging interface connected to the second battery. Different battery charging types can be employed according to different battery types.

[0011] In a possible implementation of the apparatus, the first battery charging interface is a fast battery charging interface. According to aspects of the disclosed embodiments, multiple charging modes can be enabled according to charging requirements and the type of battery to be charged.

[0012] In a possible implementation of the apparatus, the second battery charging interface is a low-speed battery charging interface. According to aspects of the disclosed embodiments, multiple charging modes can be enabled according to charging requirements and the type of battery to be charged.

[0013] In possible implementations of the apparatus, the apparatus further includes a hinge member connecting a first portion of the apparatus containing the first battery to a second portion of the apparatus containing the second battery. The hinge member enables the first portion and the second portion to move about a hinge between a folded or closed state and a spaced or open state. The controller is configured to determine a peak current condition of the apparatus and select one of the first battery or the second battery to power the apparatus. By appropriately selecting a battery, aspects of the disclosed embodiments can prevent peak current from flowing through the hinge.

[0014] In possible implementations of the apparatus, the apparatus includes a mobile communication device. According to aspects of the disclosed embodiments, multiple different batteries can be used in a mobile communication device according to specific energy consumption and usage requirements and architecture.

[0015] In possible implementations of the apparatus, the apparatus includes a computing device. According to aspects of the disclosed embodiments, multiple different batteries can be used in a computing device according to specific energy consumption and usage requirements and architecture.

[0016] According to a second aspect, the above and further objects and advantages are achieved by a method. In one embodiment, the method includes determining an energy condition associated with an apparatus; identifying a battery type associated with the energy condition; selecting one of a first battery or a second battery of the apparatus corresponding to the battery type; and powering the apparatus using the selected first battery or second battery. According to aspects of the disclosed embodiments, different batteries can be used in an apparatus. Batteries can be selected according to physical size and energy density and charging method.

[0017] In implementations of the method, the method further includes determining a change in the energy condition associated with the apparatus and selecting the other of the first battery or the second battery to power the apparatus. According to aspects of the disclosed embodiments, a particular battery can be selected that meets the power requirements of the apparatus.

[0018] These and other aspects, implementations and exemplary embodiments of the embodiments described herein will be more apparent from the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements in the several figures. It is to be understood that the description and drawings are by way of illustration only, and not as a limitation of the embodiments as defined by the appended claims. Additional aspects and advantages of the present embodiments will be described in the detailed description that follows. It will be appreciated that the summary and the abstract are included in this disclosure only as a convenience to the reader, and should not be used to construe the scope of the present embodiments. Additional aspects and advantages of the present embodiments will be described in the detailed description that follows. It will be appreciated that the summary and the abstract are included in this disclosure only as a convenience to the reader, and should not be used to construe the scope of the present embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0019] In the following detailed description of the invention, the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to exemplary embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0020] Figure 1 A schematic block diagram of an exemplary apparatus incorporating aspects of the disclosed embodiments is shown;

[0021] Figure 2 A schematic block diagram of an exemplary apparatus incorporating aspects of the disclosed embodiments is shown;

[0022] Figure 3 A schematic block diagram of an exemplary apparatus incorporating aspects of the disclosed embodiments is shown;

[0023] Figure 4 Aspects of exemplary methods incorporating aspects of the disclosed embodiments are shown;

[0024] Figure 5 Aspects of exemplary methods incorporating aspects of the disclosed embodiments are shown. Detailed Implementation

[0025] refer to Figure 1 , Figure 1 A schematic block diagram of an exemplary device 100 incorporating aspects of the disclosed embodiments is shown. Aspects of the disclosed embodiments relate to the use of multiple batteries in devices such as mobile communication devices or consumer electronic devices.

[0026] like Figure 1 As shown, the exemplary device 100 includes a first battery 102 of a first type and a second battery 104 of a second type. The first type of battery is generally different from the second type of battery. While aspects of the disclosed embodiments will be described herein with respect to two different types of batteries, the aspects of the disclosed embodiments are not limited thereto. In alternative embodiments, the device 100 may include any suitable number of batteries in addition to two. For example, the device 100 may include three or more batteries, depending on the design and configuration of the device 100. The aspects of the disclosed embodiments relate to using multiple batteries to optimize mobile phone structural size and address energy issues, which will be further described below.

[0027] In one embodiment, the apparatus 100 includes a controller 106. The controller 106 typically includes a processor or other suitable processing device. The controller 106 or the processor may also include one or more storage devices. The controller 106, together with the processor and storage devices, is typically used to execute machine-readable instructions to perform the processes and programs described herein.

[0028] In one embodiment, the controller 106 is configured to determine the energy condition or state of the device 100. The energy state of the device 100 generally includes factors related to the energy consumption or charge state of the device 100. These energy factors can include, but are not limited to, voltage and current requirements, energy usage life, environmental temperature, and safety.

[0029] For example, in the case where the device 100 is used for multimedia operations, the energy or power requirements can be higher than normal, and the device 100 can also be used for other less energy consuming operations. In some cases, a longer battery life can be desired. Another factor can be the environmental temperature of the device 100. For example, the device 100 can be used in a low temperature environment, or in an environment where cold starts can occur. For each of these cases, one or more battery types can be more suitable. Although certain energy conditions and requirements are generally described herein, aspects of the disclosed embodiments are not limited in this regard. In alternative embodiments, any suitable energy condition or state can be used as a factor in determining the type of battery to use. In accordance with aspects of the disclosed embodiments, a battery 102, 104 that can achieve or meet the energy requirements of the case can be selected for use in the device 100.

[0030] In Figure 1 In the example described, two batteries 102, 104 are shown. However, aspects of the disclosed embodiments are not limited in this regard. In alternative embodiments, the device 100 can include any number of batteries in addition to two. For example, the device 100 can include three or four batteries. Aspects of the disclosed embodiments are limited only by the size of the device 100. As battery sizes become smaller, different numbers and types of batteries can be accommodated in the architecture of the device 100, such as a mobile communication device.

[0031] In a scheme that uses two or more batteries, several advantages can be realized. One advantage is that the phone architecture can be optimized. Generally, in a device 100, such as a mobile communication device, the battery tends to be the largest volume and area occupying component. The rest of the architecture of the device 100 is built around the battery. The actual battery shape tends to be rectangular, which guides the architecture design and determines the location of the components. In some cases, the use of multiple batteries can reduce the total size and area occupation of the battery required, as compared to a single battery scheme. The multiple battery scheme of the disclosed embodiments can provide different design options for both single block devices that do not bend or slide, and multiple block / foldable devices.

[0032] According to aspects of the disclosed embodiments, a particular battery can be selected according to different energy densities and chemistries. For example, using a Lithium-Ion (Li-ion) chemistry, one of the first battery 102 or the second battery 104 can be a Lithium-Titanite (Li4Ti x O x ) battery. Characteristics of this battery type include suitability for operation at low temperatures, ability to provide high current to modules on the device 100 that require high current and fast or quick charging. Examples of such modules can include, but are not limited to, power amplifiers (PA) and application engines.

[0033] The second battery in this example, the other of the first battery 102 or the second battery 104, can be selected to be a battery that does not require providing very high burst current and has a longer expected useful life. Examples of such a battery can include, but are not limited to, a battery with medium or higher energy density, such as a Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFeP04) battery.

[0034] As with other different types of batteries that can be used to implement aspects of the disclosed embodiments, a Lithium Manganese oxide (LiMn02) type battery is a low cost, long life, and high discharge rate battery. This type of battery has a relatively low energy density (in the range of 110-120 Wh / kg). A Lithium-Titanite (Li4Ti x O x ) type battery operates well at low temperatures down to -40 degrees Celsius. This type of battery has fast charge and discharge behavior, but has a low energy density (in the range of 30-110 Wh / kg) and voltage (approximately nominal 2.4 volts). A Lithium Manganese Cobalt Oxide (LiMnCo02) type battery has a long life, low heat generation, and is safe to use. This type of battery has a relatively low energy density, in the range of 95-130 Wh / kg.

[0035] Referring to Figure 2In one embodiment, the device 100 includes different charging interfaces, shown as battery interface 112 and battery interface 114. In this example, the battery interface 112 is connected to the battery 102, while the battery interface 114 is connected to the battery 104. Although the battery interfaces 112, 114 will be referred to as a first battery interface and a second battery interface for purposes of illustration, aspects of the disclosed embodiments are not so limited. In alternative embodiments, the device 100 can include any suitable number of battery interfaces in addition to two.

[0036] As different batteries 102, 104 will have corresponding battery charging interfaces and charging circuits, different charging methods can be selected in accordance with aspects of the disclosed embodiments. The battery charging interfaces 112, 114 can be selected in accordance with the fast charge or fast discharge capabilities of the corresponding battery.

[0037] For example, in a common battery charging mode, the battery is charged using constant current (CC) until approximately 50% of the battery capacity is reached. When the battery capacity reaches approximately 50%, the charging mode changes to constant voltage (CV) mode. This is referred to as CC / CV charging. In this manner, the maximum battery voltage is not exceeded, and the beginning phase of charging is faster. After the battery reaches its capacity, the charging mode enters a non-charging mode. In this mode, occasional charging can occur in order to keep the battery at full capacity. Generally, a smaller battery will charge to the 50% capacity level faster than a larger battery when the same voltage and current are applied.

[0038] Referring to Figure 3 In one embodiment, the device 100 includes a first portion or member 122, a second portion or member 124, and a hinge 126. The portions 122 and 124 are configured to move or rotate about the hinge 126 between a closed or folded state and an open or unfolded state. An example of this is a flip mobile communication device or a foldable computing device. In accordance with aspects of the disclosed embodiments, the batteries of the device 100 can be selected that will avoid current flow through the hinge 126 during operation of the device 100.

[0039] For example, in one embodiment, the controller 106 can be configured to detect when one or more components of the device 100 require peak current. The controller 106 can select a battery 102, 104 that is disposed in the same portion 122, 124 of the device 100 as the component that requires more current. In this manner, higher current levels are not transmitted through the hinge 126.

[0040] Figure 4 An exemplary process 200 incorporating aspects of the disclosed embodiments is illustrated. In this example, such as Figure 1 As shown, device 100 includes at least one first battery 102 and a second battery 104. Device 100 determines 202 the energy status or requirements of one or more of its components. This may include, but is not limited to, the need for higher energy (e.g., current) or longer battery life. 204 The battery type is identified. The identified battery type is one of one or more batteries 102, 104 of the device. 206 A battery corresponding to the identified battery type is selected to power device 100. While an exact match is desired, in one embodiment, controller 106 may be used to select the most suitable battery in device 100 corresponding to the energy status and the identified battery type. For example, in one embodiment, controller 106 may include a table of energy status and suitable battery types. In this way, batteries that can meet most requirements can be identified and selected. Device 100 is then powered 208 by the selected battery.

[0041] In one embodiment, the device 100 includes a switching device (e.g., the controller 106) for switching a power connection from one battery 102, 104 to another battery 104, 102. For example, the controller 106 may include or contain one or more relays or electrical switching circuits.

[0042] Reference Figure 5 In one embodiment, alone or in combination with any other embodiments described herein, it is determined whether the energy status and / or requirements of the device 100 have changed. If a change is determined or detected, the battery type corresponding to the current energy status and / or requirements is identified. Batteries 102 and 104 of the device 100 are selected, and the controller 106 is used to switch the power supply of the device 100 from one battery 102 and 104 to another battery 104 and 102. The device 100 is then powered 216 by the selected battery.

[0043] According to various aspects of the disclosed embodiments, batteries with different chemical properties can be selected to meet different needs and implementation methods. The device (e.g., a mobile communication device) may include different batteries to address different current and energy requirements, different operating and ambient temperatures, and safety issues. The device may also include different charging interfaces that allow charging according to battery type, and may include fast or slow charging interfaces.

[0044] The charging requirements can also be considered energy conditions or requirements. Optimized charging can also be achieved by the programmable charger according to user needs. For example, in one embodiment, battery 102 can be used first, then battery 104. Alternatively, battery 104 can be used first, then battery 102. Which battery 102, 104 is used first can depend on the particular energy performance, discharge and recharge rates, and battery safety issues required.

[0045] Thus, although there have been described herein in detail a certain exemplary embodiment of the application, it is understood that obvious modifications and alterations will occur to others upon reading and understanding the preceding detailed description and that such modifications and alterations are intended to fall within the scope of the application. Accordingly, it is not intended that the application be limited, except as by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus (100), characterized in that, include: The first type of first battery (102); A second battery (104) of a second type, different from the first type; A controller (106) is configured to determine the energy status associated with the device (100) and select one of the first battery (102) or the second battery (104) to power the device (100) based on the determined energy status. A hinge component (126) foldably connects a first portion (122) of the device (100) containing the first battery (102) to a second portion (124) of the device (100) containing the second battery (104); the controller (106) is configured to determine the peak current condition of the device (100) and select one of the first battery (102) or the second battery (104) to power the device (100).

2. The apparatus (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The chemical structure of the first battery (102) is different from that of the second battery (104).

3. The apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first battery (102) includes a lithium titanate battery, and the second battery (104) includes a lithium-ion battery.

4. The apparatus (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, It also includes a first battery charging interface (112) connected to the first battery (102) and a second battery charging interface (114) connected to the second battery (104).

5. The apparatus (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that, It also includes a first battery charging interface (112) connected to the first battery (102) and a second battery charging interface (114) connected to the second battery (104).

6. The apparatus (100) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first battery charging interface (112) is a fast battery charging interface.

7. The apparatus (100) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The second battery charging interface (114) is a low-speed battery charging interface.

8. The apparatus (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The second battery charging interface (114) is a low-speed battery charging interface.

9. The apparatus (100) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The second battery charging interface (114) is a low-speed battery charging interface.

10. The apparatus (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The device (100) includes a mobile communication device.

11. The apparatus (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The device (100) includes a mobile communication device.

12. The apparatus (100) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The device (100) includes a mobile communication device.

13. The apparatus (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The device (100) includes a mobile communication device.

14. The apparatus (100) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The device (100) includes a mobile communication device.

15. The apparatus (100) according to claim 7, characterized in that, The device (100) includes a mobile communication device.

16. The apparatus (100) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The device (100) includes a mobile communication device.

17. The apparatus (100) according to claim 9, characterized in that, The device (100) includes a mobile communication device.

18. The apparatus (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The device includes a computing device.

19. The apparatus (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The device includes a computing device.

20. The apparatus (100) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The device includes a computing device.

21. The apparatus (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The device includes a computing device.

22. The apparatus (100) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The device includes a computing device.

23. The apparatus (100) according to claim 7, characterized in that, The device includes a computing device.

24. The apparatus (100) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The device includes a computing device.

25. The apparatus (100) according to claim 9, characterized in that, The device includes a computing device.

26. The apparatus (100) according to claim 10, characterized in that, The device includes a computing device.

27. The apparatus (100) according to claim 11, characterized in that, The device includes a computing device.

28. The apparatus (100) according to claim 12, characterized in that, The device includes a computing device.

29. The apparatus (100) according to claim 13, characterized in that, The device includes a computing device.

30. The apparatus (100) according to claim 14, characterized in that, The device includes a computing device.

31. The apparatus (100) according to claim 15, characterized in that, The device includes a computing device.

32. The apparatus (100) according to claim 16, characterized in that, The device includes a computing device.

33. The apparatus (100) according to claim 17, characterized in that, The device includes a computing device.

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