Battery pack with configurable cells

Abstract

A device comprising: a case; a large number of battery cells arranged inside the casing; a control unit located inside the housing; and a cell selector located inside the housing, wherein the cell selector is functionally coupled to the battery cells and the control unit, and the cell selector can be actuated to configure the battery cells according to a selected cell arrangement from a multitude of possible cell arrangements.

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] Battery packs can be used to power electronic devices. Such battery packs can be rechargeable via electronic devices. In some cases, different electronic devices may be specified to operate according to different power requirements, which necessitates that the battery packs meet these varying power requirements for the electronic devices to function properly. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0002] The accompanying illustrations, in which the same reference numerals denote identical or functionally similar elements in the individual views, together with the detailed description below, form part of the description and serve to further illustrate embodiments of concepts comprising the claimed invention and to explain various principles and advantages of these embodiments. Fig. Figure 1 is a schematic view of an example of a media processing device which, according to embodiments of the present disclosure, is functionally connected to a battery pack. Fig. Figure 2A is a schematic representation of an example of a battery charger which, according to embodiments of the present disclosure, is functionally coupled to a battery pack. Fig. 2B is a schematic representation of an example of a battery charger which, according to embodiments of the present disclosure, is functionally coupled to an electronic device comprising a battery pack. Fig. Figure 3 shows a circuit of an example battery pack according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 4A shows a simplified view of the circuit of the example smart battery pack. Fig. 3, to illustrate a configuration of battery cells based on a control signal according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 4B shows a simplified view of the circuit of the example smart battery pack. Fig. 3, to illustrate a further configuration of the battery cells based on a different control signal according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 5 is an example of a timing diagram illustrating a switching sequence / scheme according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 6 shows a perspective view of an example battery pack, which is shown in cross-section according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 7 shows a perspective view of an example battery pack, which is shown in cross-section according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 8 shows an example of a battery receiving area of ​​a device, shown in cross-section according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 9 shows a perspective view of the example battery pack from Fig. 6-7, from the battery compartment Fig. 8 is carried, which is shown in cross-section according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 10 shows a side view of the example battery pack from Fig. 6-7, from the battery compartment Fig. 8 is carried, which is shown in cross-section according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 11 shows another example of a battery receiving area of ​​a device, shown in cross-section according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 12 shows the example battery pack from Fig. 6-7, from the battery compartment Fig. 11 is carried, shown in cross-section according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 13 shows an example of a battery pack with a contactless switch for generating a control signal for configuring battery cells according to cell arrangements according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 14 shows an example system according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example procedure for selecting battery cells.

[0003] Experts will recognize that the elements in the illustrations are shown for the sake of simplicity and clarity and are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some elements in the illustrations may be exaggerated in relation to other elements to improve understanding of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0004] The components of embodiments of the present disclosure have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols where appropriate, showing only those specific details relevant to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure, so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that are readily apparent to a person skilled in the art in this field who takes advantage of the present description. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0005] Media processing equipment and other electronic devices can be powered by battery packs containing battery cells that supply power to the media processing equipment and other electronic devices. The media processing equipment and / or other electronic devices may have varying power requirements, which typically necessitate the use of specific battery packs for each device.To meet these different performance requirements and to ensure compatibility between different media processing equipment and / or other electronic devices, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a battery pack comprising battery cells connected to each other by a cell selector which can be controlled to reconfigure the arrangement of the battery cells based on the media processing equipment and / or other electronic devices to which the battery pack is connected.

[0006] As a non-restrictive example, a deployed system may include battery chargers and media processing equipment, wherein the battery chargers are specified to charge battery packs with a certain charging voltage (e.g., eight volts), and at least some of the media processing equipment is specified to require an output voltage (e.g., sixteen volts) from the battery pack that differs from the charging voltage.The cell selector of the embodiments of the present disclosure can configure the battery cells according to a charge cell arrangement when the battery pack is connected to the battery charger so that the charger can charge the battery pack using the charging voltage, and can configure the battery cells according to a power cell arrangement when the battery pack is connected to the media processing device so that a charged battery pack outputs the required output voltage to the media processing device.

[0007] As another example, different electronic devices may require different output voltages from the battery pack, and the cell selector can configure the battery cells according to the electronic device to which the battery pack is connected, so that the charged battery pack outputs the appropriate voltage for the respective electronic device connected to the battery pack.

[0008] Exemplary media processing devices of this disclosure can process media (e.g., print, code, etc.) by extracting the media from the media source and transferring the media to various processing components (e.g., printhead, RFID reader / encoder, magnetic stripe reader / encoder, etc.). Processing the media from the media source can facilitate a continuous or batch printing process. For example, embodiments of media processing devices of this disclosure can be configured to print and / or code media extracted from a media source, such as a roll, reel, or continuous form. Such media can comprise a continuous web, such as a reel of media with or without a backing material.In some embodiments, the media may comprise individual labels arranged on a continuous web with a backing material. In some embodiments, the media may be without a backing material. For thermal transfer printing, the printable surface of the medium is configured to receive a pigment (e.g., ink, resin, wax-resin, etc.) that is transferred from a ribbon supply. For direct thermal printing, a thermal printhead of the printer comes into direct contact with the printable surface, thereby triggering a chemical and / or physical change in a thermosensitive dye that covers and / or is embedded in at least a portion of the printable surface of the medium.

[0009] The medium is fed along a feed path from the media feeder to a printing position adjacent to the printhead (e.g., a thermal printhead). The medium can be pulled through the feed path by a motor-driven pinch roller, the operation of which is controlled by a processing device. The printhead is generally configured to form a gap with the pinch roller to clamp the medium between the printhead and the pinch roller. This clamping or pressing force ensures adequate print quality and, in some applications, helps maintain sufficient web tension. After printing by the printhead, the printed portion of the medium is conveyed out of the printer by the pressure roller through a media outlet, where it can be peeled from the backing sheet, cut, and / or torn to separate the printed medium from the media supply.

[0010] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a device is disclosed. The device comprises a housing, a control unit, and a cell selector arranged within the housing. The cell selector is functionally coupled to the battery cells and the control unit, wherein the cell selector is operable to configure the battery cells according to a selected cell arrangement from a plurality of possible cell arrangements.

[0011] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a system is disclosed. The system comprises an electronic device and a battery pack. The electronic device includes a battery receiving area. The battery pack is configured to be received by the electronic device via the battery receiving area. The battery pack comprises a housing containing multiple battery cells and a cell selector that configures the multiple battery cells according to a first cell arrangement in which the battery pack has a first output voltage, or a second cell arrangement in which the battery pack has a second output voltage. The cell selector is configured to arrange the battery cells according to the first cell arrangement before the battery pack is received by the electronic device via the battery pack receiving area.After the electronic device receives the battery pack via the battery receiving area, the battery pack casing causes the cell selector to move from the first cell array to the second cell array. In one example, the electronic device is at least one printer or battery charger. In another example, the electronic device is the printer, and the system includes a battery charger. When the battery charger receives the battery pack via the battery receiving area, the battery pack casing causes the cell selector to remain in the first cell array.

[0012] As an illustrative example, a sample procedure is described. The sample procedure involves configuring a plurality of battery cells of the battery pack by a cell selector of the battery pack according to a first cell arrangement in which the battery pack has a first output voltage. The battery pack comprises a housing that contains the plurality of battery cells and the cell selector. The sample procedure also includes receiving the battery pack via a battery receiving area of ​​an electronic device and switching by the cell selector from the first cell arrangement to the second cell arrangement in which the battery pack outputs a second voltage. The housing of the battery pack causes the cell selector to switch to the second cell arrangement when the battery pack is received by the electronic device via the battery receiving area.

[0013] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the cell selector comprises a control switch which outputs a control signal based on a state of the control switch, wherein the cell selector selects the selected cell arrangement based on the control signal.

[0014] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the control signal is switchable between ground and an output voltage line, wherein the selected cell arrangement corresponds to a first cell arrangement when the control signal is ground, and to a second cell arrangement when the control signal is an output voltage on the output voltage line.

[0015] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the cell selector comprises a plurality of switches that respond to the control signal to configure the plurality of cells in the selected cell arrangement.

[0016] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the cell selector comprises a time compensation circuit to control a sequence in which the states of the multiple switches change in response to the control signal.

[0017] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the time compensation circuit introduces time delays into the control signal in order to control the sequence.

[0018] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the control switch is an electromechanical switch, and the housing includes an elastic element that engages with the control switch when actuated.

[0019] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the elastic element is integrally formed with the housing by means of a self-supporting section of the housing.

[0020] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, an arm extends from the elastic element into the interior of the housing, and the arm is configured to selectively engage the control switch depending on the actuation state of the elastic element.

[0021] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the elastic element is flush with the housing and comprises a section extending away from the housing from an endpoint of the elastic element. The button section is configured to engage with a section of a device housing when the battery is received by the device housing, or to be spaced away from the device housing when the battery is received by the device housing, so that the state of the control switch is controlled based on the device receiving the housing.

[0022] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the cell selector comprises a plurality of switching devices that respond to the state of the control switch.

[0023] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, in response to a change in the state of the control switch, a first subset of the multiple switching devices switches to an open state and a second subset of the multiple switching devices switches to a closed state.

[0024] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the cell selector comprises a time compensation circuit that controls a sequence in which at least a subset of the multiple switching devices transitions from a first state to a second state.

[0025] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the cell selector comprises a circuit including a first branch. The first branch includes a first battery cell, a second battery cell, and a first transistor. A negative terminal of the first battery cell is connected to ground, and a positive terminal of the first battery cell is connected to a negative terminal of the second battery cell. A positive terminal of the second battery cell is connected to a drain of the first transistor, and a source of the first transistor is connected to an output voltage line.

[0026] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the cell selector circuit comprises a second branch. The second branch comprises a second transistor and a third transistor. A source of the second transistor is connected to ground, and a drain of the second transistor is connected to a gate of the first transistor and to a drain of the third transistor. A source of the third transistor is connected to the output voltage line. A gate of the second transistor and a gate of the third transistor are operatively coupled to the control switch.

[0027] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the cell selector circuit comprises a third branch. The third branch comprises a fourth transistor, a third battery cell, and a fourth battery cell. A source of the fourth transistor is connected to ground, and a drain of the fourth transistor is connected to a negative terminal of the third battery cell. A gate of the fourth transistor is operatively connected to the control switch. A positive terminal of the third battery cell is coupled to a negative terminal of the fourth battery cell, and a positive terminal of the fourth battery cell is coupled to the output voltage line. A drain of the fourth transistor is also coupled to a drain of a fifth transistor, and a source of the fifth transistor is coupled to a first junction between the drain of the first transistor and the positive terminal of the second battery cell.A second node between the positive terminal of the first battery cell and the negative terminal of the second battery cell is coupled to the control unit.

[0028] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the cell selector circuit comprises a fourth branch. The fourth branch comprises a sixth transistor and a seventh transistor. A source of the sixth transistor is connected to ground, and a drain of the sixth transistor is connected to the gates of an eighth transistor and a ninth transistor, as well as to the drain of the sixth transistor. A source of the seventh transistor is coupled to the output voltage line. A gate of the sixth transistor and a gate of the seventh transistor are functionally coupled to the control switch. A source of the eighth transistor is coupled to a third junction between the positive terminal of the third battery cell and the negative terminal of the fourth battery cell, and is also coupled to a drain of a tenth transistor.A gate of the tenth transistor is functionally coupled to the control switch, and a source of the tenth transistor is coupled to the control unit. A source of the eighth transistor is coupled to the third junction between the positive terminal of the third battery cell and the negative terminal of the fourth battery cell, and is also coupled to the drain of the tenth transistor. A drain of the tenth transistor is coupled to the drain of the ninth transistor and to the control unit. A source of the ninth transistor is coupled to the output voltage line, and the output voltage line is also coupled to the control unit.

[0029] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the selected cell arrangement configures the multiple battery cells in a series connection with each other.

[0030] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the selected cell arrangement configures at least two of the multiple battery cells in a parallel circuit with each other.

[0031] Fig. Figure 1 shows a block diagram of an example of a media processing device 100, for example a printer (e.g. a mobile thermal printer), according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The media processing device 100 may comprise a housing 102. The housing 102 contains or carries one or more components of the media processing device 100, including, for example, a logic circuit 104, a memory 106, a communication interface 108 (e.g. for wired and wireless communication), input / output devices (I / O devices) 110 (e.g. a display, switches, buttons, speaker, microphone, etc.), a printhead 112, a high-frequency encoder / reader 114, a motor 116, a drive train 118, a print roller 120, and a battery pack 122 with a control unit 124 and a cell selector circuit 126 comprising battery cells 128.The housing 102 can comprise one or more housing components and define one or more chambers within the housing 102. For example, the housing 102 can define a battery receiving area in the form of a battery compartment or battery receptacle 140 (or more generally, a battery receiving area 140) configured to receive and support the battery pack 122 and provide an electrical interface to electrically connect the battery to one or more of the electronic components in the housing 102.

[0032] The printhead 112 and the pressure roller 120 can form a gap. In some embodiments, e.g., for thermal transfer printing, the media handling device 100 can include a ribbon feed spindle 130A and a ribbon take-up spindle 130B for holding a ribbon 132. In embodiments for direct thermal printing, the media handling device 100 can do without the ribbon feed spindle 130A, the ribbon take-up spindle 130B, and the ribbon 132. The housing 102 can also be configured to contain a media supply 134. For example, the housing 102 can include a media chamber for storing the media supply 134 while it is being consumed by the media handling device 100.The logic circuit 104 can include one or more processors, one or more coprocessors, one or more microprocessors, one or more control units, one or more digital signal processors (DSPs), one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), one or more microcontroller units (MCUs), one or more hardware accelerators, one or more special-purpose computer chips, and one or more system-on-a-chip (SoC) devices. The memory 106 is a non-volatile, computer-readable medium that can include, for example, volatile (e.g., RAM, DRAM, SRAM, etc.) and / or non-volatile memory (e.g., ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, flash memory device, optical storage device, magnetic storage device).

[0033] The logic circuit 104 of the media processing device 100 can be functionally coupled with the memory 106, the communication interface 108, the I / O devices 110, the printhead 112, the high-frequency encoder / reader 114, the motor 116, and / or the temperature compensation circuit 122. The printing roller 120 can be driven by the motor 116 via a drive train 118 to rotate the printing roller 120 about an axis of rotation in a first direction (e.g., clockwise in the direction shown). Fig. (in the orientation shown in 1) to rotate in order to draw the medium 136 through the feed path, and can be driven by the motor 116 via the drive train 118 to rotate the pressure roller 120 around the axis of rotation in a second direction (e.g. counterclockwise in the direction shown in 1). Fig. (as shown in the orientation shown in section 4) to retract the medium 136. In one example, the logic circuit 104 can be configured to execute the code stored in memory 106 to perform operations and functions of the media processing device 100, e.g. B. by communicating with and / or controlling one or more components of the media processing device 100. The logic circuit 104 can execute the code stored in the memory 106 to implement a printing operation or printing function that controls the motor 116 to rotate the roller 120 and guide the medium 136 past the printhead 112, controls the printhead 112 to print on the medium 136 (either directly or by transferring ink from a ribbon to the medium), and / or controls the RF encoder / reader 114 to encode and / or read high-frequency circuits (e.g., RFID or NFC tags or inlays) contained in or located on the media 136.For thermal transfer printing, the printable surface of the medium 136 is configured to receive a pigment (e.g., resin, wax-resin, etc.) that is transferred by the printhead 112 from the ribbon 132, which is installed on the ribbon feed and take-up spindles 130A and 130B, respectively. For direct thermal printing, the printhead 112 of the media processing device 100 can selectively heat the printable surface of the medium 136, thereby triggering a chemical or physical change in a thermosensitive dye that covers at least part of the printable surface of the medium 136. After printing, the medium 136 can be further advanced and ejected from the media processing device 100 by actuating the pressure roller 120.

[0034] The battery pack 122 is configured to power one or more components of the media processing device 100 via the battery cells 128. For example, the battery pack 126 can directly or indirectly power the logic circuit 104, the memory 106, the communication interface 108, the input / output (I / O) devices 110, the printhead 112, the high-frequency encoder / reader 114, and / or the motor 116. In some embodiments, an external power source (e.g., mains voltage from a power grid) can be used to power the components of the media processing device 100 instead of, or in addition to, the battery pack 122. The cell selector 126 can determine how the battery cells in the battery pack 122 are electrically interconnected.For example, the cell selector can configure the battery cells 128 according to cell arrangements, including, for example, a first cell arrangement or a second cell arrangement. The first cell arrangement of the battery cells 128 can cause the battery pack to output a supply voltage with a first voltage, and the second cell arrangement of the battery cells 128 can cause the battery pack to output a supply voltage with a second voltage. The cell selector 126 can selectively switch between the first and second cell arrangements based on whether the printer is using the battery pack 122 or a charger is charging the battery cells 128 of the battery pack. The control unit 124 can be configured to manage the operation of the battery pack 122.For example, the control unit can be operated to communicate with the cell selector 126 to monitor the battery cells 128, ensure balanced charging of the battery cells, and / or control the cell selector 126 to switch between cell arrangements, e.g., the first cell arrangement and the second cell arrangement. When the battery pack is ready for operation with the media processing device 100, the control unit 124 can communicate with the logic circuit 104. For example, the control unit 124 can be configured to provide the logic circuit 104 with information about the cell arrangements (e.g.,the cell arrangement currently selected via the cell selector 126), a remaining charge available from the battery cells 128 using the currently selected cell arrangement, a remaining charge available from the battery cells 128 using one of the other cell arrangements not currently selected, a charge capacity of the battery cells 128, a period until the battery cells 128 should be recharged, a period until the battery 128 should be replaced, and / or other information about the battery pack 122. In some examples, the cell selector selects the cell arrangement independently of the control unit 124 (e.g., without a control signal from the control unit).

[0035] While one embodiment of the device 100 is shown with certain components, embodiments of the device 100 may include more, fewer, or different components. Fig. 1 where one embodiment of a media processing device is described for illustrative purposes, embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented as another type of electronic device, such as, but not limited to, mobile computing devices, barcode scanners or other electronic devices powered by batteries.

[0036] Fig. Figure 2A is a schematic view of an example battery charger 200, which, according to embodiments of the present disclosure, is functionally coupled to an embodiment of the battery pack 122. The battery charger 200 may include a housing 202 that defines a battery pack receiving area 210 in the form of a battery compartment, battery receptacle, or battery docking area configured to receive and support a housing 220 of the battery pack 122. In one example, the battery receiving area 210 may include an electrical interface for electrically coupling the battery pack 122 to one or more of the electronic components in the battery charger 200, such as the control unit 204 and the charging circuit 206.In one example, the battery receiving area 210 can include a wireless charging interface to wirelessly connect the control unit 124 and / or the cell selector 126 of the battery pack 122 to one or more of the electronic components in the battery charger 200, e.g. the control unit 204 and the charging circuit 206.

[0037] Fig. Figure 2B is a schematic representation of an example battery charger 200' that is functionally coupled to an embodiment of the media processing device 100, which includes the battery pack 122 according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The battery charger 200 may include a housing 202' that defines a device receiving area 210' in the form of a battery docking area configured to receive and support the media processing device 100. In one example, the device receiving area 210' may include an electrical interface for electrically coupling the battery pack 122 of the media processing device 100 to one or more of the electronic components in the battery charger 200', e.g., the control unit 204 and the charging circuit 206.In one example, the battery receiving area can include a wireless charging interface to wirelessly connect the control unit 124 and / or the cell selector 126 of the battery pack 122 to one or more of the electronic components in the battery charger 200', e.g. the control unit 204 and the charging circuit 206.

[0038] With reference to the Fig. 2A-B allows the charging circuit 206 to receive current from a power supply, e.g., mains voltage, and supply a voltage to the battery pack 122 to charge the battery cells 126 of the battery pack 122. Based on the battery charger 200, the cell selector 126 can selectively switch between the first and second cell arrangements. The control unit can be operated to communicate with the cell selector 126 to monitor the battery cells 128, ensure balanced charging of the battery cells, and / or control the cell selector 126 to switch between the cell arrangements, e.g., the first cell arrangement and the second cell arrangement. When the battery pack is functionally connected to the battery charger 200, the control unit 124 can communicate with the control unit 204. For example, control unit 124 can be configured to provide control unit 204 with information about the cell arrangements (e.g.the cell arrangement currently selected via the cell selector 126, the remaining charge available from the battery cells 128 using the currently selected cell arrangement, a remaining charge available from the battery cells 128 using one of the other cell arrangements that are not currently selected, a charge capacity of the battery cells 128, a period until the battery cells 128 should be recharged, a period until the battery set 122 should be replaced, and / or other information about the battery set 122. In some examples, the cell selector selects the cell arrangement independently of the control unit 124 (e.g., without a control signal from the control unit).

[0039] With reference to Fig. 2A In some embodiments, the battery cells 128 may have the first cell arrangement when the battery pack is functionally coupled with the media processing device 100, and the second cell arrangement when the battery pack is functionally coupled with the battery charger 200.

[0040] With reference to the Fig. 2A-B can, in some embodiments, change the configuration of the battery mounting areas 140 ( Fig. 1), the battery receiving area 210 and / or the device receiving area 210' determine which cell arrangement is selected by the cell selector 126. In some embodiments, the control unit 104 ( Fig. 1) and / or the control unit 204 negotiate with the control unit 124 to determine which cell arrangement is selected by the cell selector 126, and the control unit 124 can control an operation of the cell selector 126 to select the cell arrangement based on the determination.

[0041] The charging circuit 206 can receive power from a power supply, e.g., mains voltage, and can supply voltage to the battery pack 122 to charge the battery cells 128 of the battery pack 122. The cell selector 126 can selectively switch between the first and second cell arrangements based on the battery charger 200, 200'. The control unit can be operated to communicate with the cell selector 126 to monitor the battery cells 128, ensure balanced charging of the battery cells, and / or control the cell selector 126 to switch between the cell arrangements, e.g., the first cell arrangement and the second cell arrangement. When the battery pack is operationally connected to the battery charger 200, 200', the control unit 124 can communicate with the control unit 204. For example, the control unit 124 can be configured to provide the control unit 204 with information about the cell arrangements (e.g.,the cell arrangement currently selected via the cell selector 126, the remaining charge available from the battery cells 128 using the currently selected cell arrangement, a remaining charge available from the battery cells 128 using one of the other cell arrangements that are not currently selected, a charge capacity of the battery cells 128, a period until the battery cells 128 should be recharged, a period until the battery set 122 should be replaced, and / or other information about the battery set 122. In some examples, the cell selector selects the cell arrangement independently of the control unit 124 (e.g., without a control signal from the control unit).

[0042] In some embodiments, the battery cells 128 may have the first cell arrangement when the battery pack is functionally coupled to or operates the media processing device 100, and the second cell arrangement when the battery pack is functionally coupled to the battery charger 200, 200'. In some embodiments, a configuration of the battery receiving areas 140 ( Fig. 1), of the battery receiving area 210 and / or of the device receiving area 210' determine which cell arrangement is selected by the cell selector 126. In some embodiments, the logic circuit 104 ( Fig. 1) and the control unit 204 negotiates with the control unit 124 which cell arrangement is selected by the cell selector 126, and the control unit 124 can control an operation of the cell selector 126 to select the specific cell arrangement.

[0043] Fig. Figure 3 shows the circuit 300 of an exemplary embodiment of the battery pack 122 according to the present disclosure. Fig. 4A is a simplified representation of circuit 300 when the control switch 302 is coupled to the output voltage line 304, and Fig. Figure 4B is a simplified representation of circuit 300 when control switch 302 is coupled to ground 306. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the cell selector 126 can encompass the battery cells 128a-d. The cell selector 126 can respond to a control signal, which in the present embodiment can be generated based on the state of a control switch 302 configured to switch between a first cell arrangement and a second cell arrangement. Based on the switch state, the control signal can switch between an output voltage on an output voltage line 304 of the battery pack 122 and ground 306. For example, if the control signal is the output voltage on the output voltage line 304, the cell selector 126 can configure the battery cells 128a-d according to the first cell arrangement, and if the control signal is ground 306, the cell selector 126 can configure the battery cells 128a-d according to the second cell arrangement.In the first cell arrangement, battery cells 128a-b can form a first pair of battery cells in a series connection, and battery cells 128c-d can form a second pair of battery cells in a series connection, with the first and second pairs of battery cells being in a parallel connection. The output voltage on output voltage line 304 can be equal to a first output voltage when the first cell arrangement is selected. In the second cell arrangement, battery cells 128a-d can be arranged in a series connection. The output voltage on output voltage line 304 can be a second output voltage when the second cell arrangement is selected. The second output voltage can be greater than the first output voltage (e.g., the second output voltage can be twice the first output voltage).While one illustrative embodiment of the circuit provides four battery cells 128 and / or certain first and second cell arrangements based on the state of the control switch 302, embodiments of the circuit 300 may include more or fewer battery cells 128 and / or provide more and / or different cell arrangements. For example, the circuit 300 may provide a third cell arrangement in which the battery cells are connected in parallel. As another example, the circuit 300 may include two battery cells 128, and the circuit 300 may provide one cell arrangement in which the two battery cells are connected in parallel with each other, and another cell arrangement in which the two battery cells are connected in series with each other.

[0044] The cell selector 126 can include transistors 310-316, 320-324, and 330-334, a time compensation circuit 340, and the battery cells 128. The time compensation circuit 340 can include circuit elements / components configured to introduce time delays into the circuit 300. For example, the time compensation circuit 340 can include resistors and capacitors arranged in one or more topologies (e.g., a low-pass filter topology). The output of control switch 302 can be functionally coupled to transistors 310-316 and 320-324 to control the transistors so that they function as switches (e.g., transistors 310-316, 320-324, and / or 330-334 can be operated in off-mode or saturation mode based on the control signal). Transistors 310-316, 320-324, and / or 330-334 can be any suitable transistor type that can be operated as switches.In the present example, the transistors are represented as metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs). In some examples, one or more of the transistors 310-316, 320-324, and 330-334 can be implemented using electromechanical switches (e.g., relays, solenoids, etc.). The output of the control switch 302 can be functionally coupled to the gates of transistors 310-316 and 320-324. In the present example, the output of the control switch 302 can be functionally coupled to the gates of the transistors 310-316 via the time compensation circuit 340, which can adjust the timing and / or sequence in which the transistors 310-316 switch in response to changes in the control signal from the control switch 302 (e.g. by delaying the control signal to the gates of the transistors 310-316).An example of a timing diagram for the time and / or sequence in which transistors 310-316 switch in response to changes in the control signal from control switch 302 is shown in . Fig. 5 shown.

[0045] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, circuit 300 comprises a first branch 350, a second branch 352, a third branch 354, and a fourth branch 356. The first branch 350 includes battery cell 128a, whose negative terminal (or anode) is connected to ground and whose positive terminal (or cathode) is connected to the negative terminal (or anode) of battery cell 128b. The positive terminal (or cathode) of battery cell 128b is connected to the drain of (p-channel) transistor 330, and the source of transistor 330 is connected to the output voltage line 304. The second branch 352 comprises transistors 310 and 316. The source of the (n-channel) transistor 310 is connected to ground, and the drain of transistor 310 is connected to the gate of transistor 330 and to the drain of the (p-channel) transistor 316. The source of transistor 316 is coupled to the output voltage line 304.The gates of transistors 310 and 316 are functionally coupled to the control switch 302 via the time compensation circuit 340. The third branch 354 comprises transistor 312 and battery cells 128c and 128d. The source of the (n-channel) transistor 312 is coupled to ground 306, and the drain of transistor 312 is coupled to the negative terminal (or anode) of battery cell 128c. The gate of transistor 312 is functionally coupled to the control switch 302 via the time compensation circuit 340. The positive terminal (or cathode) of battery cell 128d is coupled to the negative terminal (or anode) of battery cell 128, and the positive terminal (or cathode) of battery cell 128d is coupled to the output voltage line 304.The drain of transistor 312 is also coupled to the drain of (p-channel) transistor 314, and the source of transistor 314 is coupled to a junction 360 between the drain of (p-channel) transistor 330 and the positive terminal of battery cell 128b. A junction 362 between the positive terminal of battery cell 128a and the negative terminal of battery cell 128b is coupled to the control unit 124. The fourth branch 356 includes transistors 320 and 324. The source of (n-channel) transistor 320 is connected to ground, and the drain of transistor 320 is connected to the gates of transistors 332 and 334 and to the drain of transistor 324. The source of (p-channel) transistor 324 is coupled to the output voltage line 304. The gates of transistors 320 and 324 are coupled to the control switch 302.The source of the (n-channel) transistor 332 is connected to a junction 364 between the positive terminal of battery cell 128c and a negative terminal of battery cell 128d, and also to the drain of the (n-channel) transistor 322. The gate of transistor 322 is coupled to the control switch 302, and the source of the (n-channel) transistor 322 is coupled to the control unit 124. The source of the (n-channel) transistor 332 is coupled to the junction 364 between the positive terminal of battery cell 128c and the positive terminal of battery cell 128d (as well as to the drain of the (n-channel) transistor 322). The drain of the (n-channel) transistor 332 is coupled to the drain of the (p-channel) transistor 334 at a node 366, to which the control unit 124 is also coupled. The source of transistor 334 is coupled to the output voltage line 304, and the output voltage line is also coupled to the control unit 124.

[0046] With reference to the Fig. 3 and Fig. At 4A, when the control switch 302 is coupled to the output voltage line 304, transistors 310, 312, 320, 322, 330, and 334 are in saturation mode and act as closed switches, allowing current to flow through them, while transistors 314, 316, 324, and 332 are in blocking mode and act as open switches, allowing current to flow. In this arrangement, battery cells 128a-b are connected in series, battery cells 128c-d are connected in series, and battery cells 128a-b are connected in parallel with battery cells 128c-d.

[0047] With reference to the Fig. 3 and Fig. In 4B, when control switch 302 is connected to ground, transistors 310, 312, 320, 322, 330, and 334 are in blocking mode and operate as open switches, preventing current flow through them, while transistors 314, 316, 324, and 332 are in saturation mode and operate as closed switches, allowing current flow through them. In this arrangement, battery cells 128a-d are connected in series.

[0048] The control unit 124 can provide voltages for charge equalization between battery cells 128a-d. For example, a first output "A" of the control unit 124 can be connected to node 362 and selectively connected to node 364. As another example, a second output "B" of the control unit 124 can be connected to node 360. As yet another example, a third output "C" of the control unit 124 can be selectively connected to node 364 or to the output voltage line 304. As yet another example, a fourth output "D" of the control unit 124 can be connected to the output voltage line 304.

[0049] The battery cells 128a-d in the present example can be specified such that they have the same output voltage power. As a non-restrictive example, each of the battery cells 128a-d can be specified to output four volts when charged. In the Fig. In the cell arrangement shown in Figure 4A, where battery cells 128a-b are connected in series, battery cells 128c-d are connected in series, and battery cells 128a-b and 128c-d are connected in parallel, the voltage at nodes 362 and 364 can be at or maintained at the same voltage (e.g., 4 volts), and nodes 360 and 364 can be maintained at the same voltage (e.g., 8 volts), e.g., the output voltage of the battery in the Fig. 4A cell arrangement shown. If the battery cells 128a-d are arranged, for example, according to the arrangement shown in Fig. In the cell arrangement shown in Figure 4A, output "A" is connected to node 362 and (via transistor 322) to node 364 to output a first voltage (e.g., 4 volts). Output "B" of the control unit is connected to node 360 ​​(and output line 304 via transistor 330), output "C" is connected to output voltage line 304 via transistor 334, and output "D" is connected to output voltage line 304. Outputs "B", "C", and "D" can output a second voltage (e.g., 8 volts).

[0050] In the Fig. In the cell arrangement shown in Figure 4B, where the battery cells 128a-d are connected in series, the voltage at nodes 360, 362, 364, 364 can be at or maintained at different voltages. If the battery cells 128a-d are connected according to the arrangement shown in Figure 4B, the voltage at nodes 360, 362, 364, and 364 can be maintained at different voltages. Fig. As the cells are arranged in the cell arrangement shown in Figure 4B, for example, output “A” of control unit 124 is connected to node 362 to output a first voltage (e.g., 4 volts), output “B” of control unit 124 is connected to node 360 ​​to output a second voltage (e.g., 8 volts), output “C” is connected to node 364 via transistor 332 to output a third voltage (e.g., 12 volts), and output “D” is connected to output voltage line 304 to output a fourth voltage or the output voltage of the battery pack in the Fig. to output the cell arrangement shown in 4B (e.g. 16 volts).

[0051] Fig. Figure 5 is an example timing diagram illustrating a switching sequence / schematic for the circuit 300 based on an operation of the time compensation circuit 340 according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 5 illustrates the transition of control switch 302 from ground 306 to the output voltage line 304. The time compensation circuit 340 can control the point in time at which transistors 310-316 and 330 respond to the change in state of the control switch from ground to the output voltage, for example, to prevent a short circuit through the transistors. In this example, the time compensation circuit 340 can introduce delays into the pulse generated by the transition of control switch 302, so that the voltage across the gates of transistors 310-316 and 330 changes to the output voltage according to the switching sequence / circuit diagram.For example, the time compensation circuit 340 can introduce a first time delay T1 before the gate voltage of transistor 316 transitions from ground to the output voltage, introduce a second time delay T2 (which is greater than the time delay T1) before the gate voltage of transistor 310 transitions from ground to the output voltage, introduce a third time delay T3 (which is greater than the time delays T1 and T2) before the gate voltage of transistor 314 transitions from ground to the output voltage, introduce a fourth time delay T4 (which is greater than the time delays T1-T3) before the gate voltage of transistor 330 transitions from ground to the output voltage, and / or introduce a fifth time delay T5 (which is greater than the time delays T1-T4) before the gate voltage of transistor 312 transitions from ground to the output voltage.In one example, the first and second time delays could be on the order of ten nanoseconds, the third and fourth on the order of microseconds, and the fifth on the order of ten microseconds. While... Fig. Figure 5 shows an example of a switching sequence / circuit diagram for the transistors 310-316 and 330. Embodiments of the present disclosure may implement different switching sequences / circuit diagrams and / or the time delays for the switching sequence / circuit diagram may be different.

[0052] While the Fig. Figures 1-5 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the battery pack 122; exemplary embodiments of the battery pack 122 may include more or fewer components and / or different components. While the Fig. Figures 3-5 show an exemplary circuit 300 of an exemplary embodiment of the battery pack 122. Exemplary embodiments of the circuit can be configured using various devices (MOSFET transistors, bipolar transistors (BJTs), relays, solenoids, etc.), configurations and / or logic, as well as different cell arrangements, e.g., based on circuit topologies, combinational logic, and / or other schemes.

[0053] The Fig. Figures 6-7 show a cross-section of an exemplary embodiment of the battery pack 122 according to embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in the Fig. As shown in Figures 6-7, the housing 220 of the battery pack 122 can contain the circuit 300, which includes the control unit, the cell selector, and the battery cells 128. For example, the housing 220 can contain a printed circuit board 610, which carries the control unit and the cell selector 126, and can be functionally coupled to one or more terminals of one or more of the battery cells, as described herein, e.g., with reference to the Fig. 3-5.

[0054] The housing 220 can have a length measured along a first axis (e.g., an x-axis) between a first side 620 and a second side 622 of the housing 220, a height measured along a third axis (e.g., a z-axis) between a third side 624 and a fourth side 626 of the housing 220, and a width measured along a second axis (e.g., a y-axis) between a fifth side and a sixth side, the first through third axes being perpendicular to each other (e.g., the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis are perpendicular to each other). The housing 220 can include additional sides, which are described in the Fig. The cross-sectional view shown in Figures 6-7 is not visible (e.g., the fifth and sixth sides). In some embodiments, one of the sides of the housing 220 may include or provide access to an electrical interface, facilitating electrical connection to another device (e.g., the media processing device 100, the battery charger 200, etc.). In the present example, the fourth side 626 may include the electrical interface. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the housing 220 can generally be rectangular. In the present example, the first side 620 can have a stepped configuration such that the housing 220 can have a first length, measured along the first axis (e.g., x-axis) between a first section 630 of the first side 620 and the second side 622, and a second length, measured along the first axis between a second section 632 of the first side 620 and the second side 622, the second length being greater than the first length. The first section 630 can include a first elastic element 640 forming a first detent configured to engage with a corresponding locking structure of a housing of another device (e.g., the media processing device 100, the battery charger 200, etc.) to assist in securing the battery pack to the other device.In some embodiments, where the housing of the other device, configured to receive the battery pack 122, is configured to enclose or otherwise secure the battery pack 122, the battery pack 122 can do without the first elastic element 640. The second section 632 of the first side 620 may include a second elastic element 642 forming a compressible or cantilevered mechanical button. In the present embodiment, the second elastic element 642 may be integral with the second section 632 and / or generally flush with the second section 632, except that a button section 644, located near one end of the elastic element 642, may be raised or project outward from the second section 632 of the second side 620. The button section 644 may face inward (e.g.,into the interior of the housing 220) to interact with the control switch 302 (in this example, for instance, an electromechanical switch). An arm 650 can extend from an inner surface of the elastic element 642 into the interior volume of the housing 220, and a section of the arm 650 can be configured to selectively engage the control switch to toggle the control switch between two states. For example, when the button section 644 is pressed, the elastic element 642 can bend about an anchor point (for example, a point where the cantilever begins), causing the arm 650 to move (for example, along the z-axis) to engage the control switch 302. When the button section 644 is released, the elastic element 642 can return to its initial position, and the arm 650 can disengage the control switch 302.

[0055] While the Fig. Figures 6-7 show an embodiment in which the control switch 302 is an electromechanical switch; in other embodiments, the control switch can be an electronic switch controlled by an electronic control signal, e.g., from the control unit 104, 124 and / or 204. For example, the control switch 302 can be a transistor that can respond to a control signal (e.g., from the control unit 104, 124, and / or 204), a proximity switch (e.g., a capacitive or inductive proximity switch) that changes its state when the control switch 302 is received from a battery pickup area (e.g., battery pickup area 140, 210, 210', 802, 1102), or an optical switch that changes its state when the control switch 302 is received from a battery pickup area (e.g., battery pickup area 140, 210, 210', 802, 1102). Additionally or alternatively, the Fig. 6-7 is an exemplary embodiment of the housing 220 of the battery pack 122, however, exemplary embodiments of the battery pack 12 may have differently shaped housings and / or different structures for selectively locking the control switch 302 if the control switch is an electromechanical switch.

[0056] Fig. Figure 8 shows a cross-section of part of a housing 800 of a device configured to be connected to the in Fig. The embodiment of the battery pack 122 shown in Figures 6-7 can be connected according to embodiments of the present disclosure. In one example, the device can be an embodiment of the media processing device 100, wherein part of the housing 800 forms part of the housing 102, an embodiment of the battery charger 200, wherein part of the housing 800 forms part of the housing 202, an embodiment of the battery charger 200', wherein part of the housing 800 forms part of the housing 202', or another device configured to accommodate the battery pack 122. As shown in Figures 6-7, the battery pack 122 can be connected to the battery pack 122. Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the housing 800 can include a battery receiving area 802, e.g., a battery compartment or battery receptacle, configured and sized to accommodate the housing 220 of the battery pack 122. For example, the battery receiving area 802 can include a compartment for the battery pack 122. Fig. The housing 220 shown in Figures 6-7 has a complementary shape. The battery receiving area 802 may have sides, including a first side 820, a second side 822, a third side 824, and a fourth side 826. The battery receiving area 802 may have additional sides, which are shown in the Fig. The cross-sectional view shown in Figure 8 is not visible. The first side 820 can have a first section 830 and a second section 832. The first section 830 can include a locking structure 840 configured to engage with the first elastic element 640 of the section shown in the Fig. The battery packs shown in Figures 6-7 are engaged to secure the battery pack within the battery receiving area 802. The second section 832 can define a volume within the battery receiving area 802 to secure the second section 632 of the battery pack shown in Figures 6-7. Fig. to accommodate the battery packs 122 shown in 6-7. A surface 842 of the second section 832 can be configured to connect with the one shown in the Fig. The fourth side 826 of the battery receiving area 802 can include an opening 850 configured to receive an electrical interface of the device, which is configured to engage with the electrical interface of the battery pack 122. In one example, the battery receiving area 802 corresponds to the battery receiving area 140 of the battery pack shown in Figure 6-7. Fig. 1 device shown 100 and / or the battery intake area 210 of the in Fig. 2A battery charger shown 200.

[0057] The Fig. Figures 9-10 show a cross-section of the section of housing 800 made of Fig. 8 with the in the Fig. The embodiment of the battery pack 122 shown in 6-7 is included in the battery receptacle 802 according to embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in the Fig. As shown in Figures 9-10, the embodiment of the housing 220 of the battery pack 122 generally fits into the complementary shape of the battery pack 122. The first elastic element 640 can engage in the locking structure 840 to secure the housing 220 to the housing 800. The surface 842 of the second section 832 engages in the button section 644 of the battery pack 122 and presses it downwards when the battery pack 122 is secured in the battery compartment 802, thereby engaging the arm 650 in the control switch 302 and controlling the cell selector circuit on the circuit board 610 to select one of the cell arrangements for the battery cells 128 corresponding to the state of the control switch, as described herein, e.g., with reference to the Fig. 3-5.

[0058] Fig. Figure 11 shows a cross-section of part of a housing 1100 of a device configured to be connected to the in Fig. The embodiment of the battery pack 122 shown in Figures 6-7 can be connected according to embodiments of the present disclosure. In one example, the device can be an embodiment of the media processing device 100 in which part of the housing 800 forms part of the housing 102, an embodiment of the battery charger 200 in which part of the housing 800 forms part of the housing 202, or another device configured to accommodate the battery pack 122. As shown in Figures 6-7, the device can be connected to the battery pack 122 in embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig. As shown in Figure 11, the part of the housing 1100 can include a battery receiving area 1102, e.g., a battery compartment or battery receptacle, configured and sized to accommodate the housing 220 of the battery pack 122. For example, the battery receiving area 1102 can include a battery compartment or battery receptacle that is configured and sized to accommodate the housing 220 of the battery pack 122. Fig. The housing 220 shown in Figures 6-7 has a complementary shape. The battery intake area 1102 can have pages, including a first page 1120, a second page 1122, a third page 1124, and a fourth page 1126. The battery intake area 1102 can include additional pages, which are shown in the Fig. The cross-sectional view shown in Figure 11 is not visible. The first side 1120 can have a first section 1130 and a second section 1132. The first section 1130 can include a locking structure 1140 configured to engage with the first elastic element 640 of the [unclear text]. Fig. The battery packs 122 shown in Figures 6-7 are engaged to secure the battery pack 122 within the battery receiving area 1102. The second section 1132 can define a volume within the battery receiving area 1102 to secure the second section 632 of the battery pack 1102 shown in Figures 6-7. Fig. to accommodate the battery packs 122 shown in 6-7. A surface 1142 of the second section 1132 can be configured to be separated from the one shown in the Fig. The button section 644 of the battery pack 122 shown in Figures 6-7 is spaced apart. For example, the surface 1142 may be further recessed relative to the rest of the second section 1132 to create a space, cavity, or cutout in the second section that can accommodate the button section of the battery pack 122 without the surface 1142 engaging with or otherwise pressing on the button section. The fourth side 826 of the battery compartment 802 may have an opening 1150 configured to accommodate an electrical interface of the device that can be connected to the electrical interface of the battery pack 122. In one example, the battery receiving area 1102, which corresponds to the battery receiving area 140 of the battery pack 122 shown in Figure 6-7, may be further recessed relative to the rest of the second section 1132 to create a space, cavity, or cutout in the second section that can accommodate the button section of the battery pack 122 without the surface 1142 engaging with or otherwise pressing on the button section. Fig. 1 device 100 shown and / or the battery intake area 210 of the in Fig. The 2A battery charger shown corresponds to 200.

[0059] Fig. Figure 12 shows a cross-section of the section of housing 1100 made of Fig. 11 with the in Fig. The embodiment of the battery pack 122 shown in 6-7 is included in the battery receiving area 1102 according to embodiments of the present disclosure. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 12, the embodiment of the housing 220 of the battery pack 122 generally fits into the complementary shape of the battery pack 122. The first elastic element 640 can engage in the locking structure 1140 to secure the housing 220 to the housing 1100. The surface 1142 of the second section 1132 is spaced from the button section 644 of the second elastic element 642 of the battery pack 122 when the battery pack 122 is secured within the battery receiving area 1102, thereby releasing the arm 650 from the control switch 302; and thereby controlling the cell selector circuit on the circuit board 610 to select one of the cell arrangements for the battery cells 128 that corresponds to the state of the control switch, as described herein, e.g., with reference to the Fig. 3-5.

[0060] Fig. Figure 13 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of the battery pack 122, in which the control switch 302 is a non-contact switch according to embodiments of the present

[0061] Revelation is. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 13, a battery pack / device receiving area 1310 of an electronic device 1300 can receive the battery pack 122. The electronic device 1300 can correspond to an embodiment of the device 100, the battery pack charger 200, and / or the battery charger 200', and the receiving area 1310 can correspond to an embodiment of the receiving areas 140, 210, 210', 802, and / or 1102. When the battery pack is received by the receiving area 1310, the control switch 302 can output a control signal that controls the cell selector 126 to selectively switch between cell arrangements. In one example, the control switch 302 is a proximity switch (inductive or capacitive proximity) that detects when the control switch is located near a target 1320 (e.g., a conductive material, a dielectric material). If the control switch 302 is located away from the target 1320 (e.g.If the control switch is not near the target 1320 (e.g., not nearby, more than a certain distance away), the control signal generated by the control switch can cause the cell selector to configure the battery cells 128 according to a first cell configuration, and if the control switch is near the target 1320 (e.g., nearby, less than a certain distance away), the control signal generated by the control switch can cause the cell selector to configure the battery cells 128 according to a second cell configuration.

[0062] In another example, the control switch 302 is an optical switch sensitive to light of a specific wavelength or within a specific wavelength range, such as infrared light. In this example, the reference number 1320 can denote an emitter that emits light of the specific wavelength or within the specific wavelength range. When the battery pack 122 is picked up by the receiving area 1310, the control switch 302 can be aligned with the emitter 1320, and the light from the emitter 1320 can strike the control switch (e.g., a photodiode).If the light from emitter 1320 does not reach control switch 302, the control signal generated by control switch 302 can cause the cell selector to configure the battery cells 128 according to a first cell configuration, and if the light from emitter reaches control switch 302, the control signal generated by control switch 302 can cause the cell selector to configure the battery cells 128 according to a second cell configuration. In this example, for embodiments of device 1300 that receive power from a source other than battery pack 122, emitter 1320 can be powered by the other power source. In embodiments where device 1300 is powered by battery pack 122, when received via the receiver area 1310, battery pack 122 can power the device to supply power to emitter 1320.In some embodiments, the control switch 302 can include the emitter 1320 and a receiver (e.g., a photodiode) so that the control switch 302 can emit light and detect whether the light is reflected (e.g., by the receiving area 1310 or the target), and the presence or absence of reflected light can control whether the cell selector 126 configures the battery cells according to a first arrangement or a second cell arrangement.

[0063] In another example, the control switch 302 is a high-frequency (HF) switch. In this example, the reference number 1320 can denote an HF tag (e.g., an RFID tag or NFC tag) that responds to an HF query signal from the control switch 302. When the battery pack 122 is received by the receiver 1310, the HF tag 1320 can respond to the HF query signal from the control switch 320. If the HF tag responds to the HF query signal from the control switch 302, the control signal generated by the control switch 302 can cause the cell selector to configure the battery cells 128 according to a first cell configuration. If the HF tag does not respond to the HF query signal from the control switch 302, the control signal generated by the control switch 302 can cause the cell selector to configure the battery cells 128 according to a second cell configuration.In some examples, the data provided by the RF tag in response to the RF query signal can be checked and / or authenticated by the battery pack 122 (e.g., by the control unit 124 of the battery pack 122), and the control switch can generate a control signal that depends on whether the data has been successfully checked and / or authenticated.

[0064] Fig. Figure 14 shows an example system 1400, which may comprise a set of first electronic devices 1410, a set of second electronic devices 1420, a set of third electronic devices 1430, and a set of fourth electronic devices 1440. The set of first electronic devices 1410 may correspond to an embodiment of the battery charger 200, which is described in Figure 14. Fig. The part of the housing 800 shown in Figure 8 comprises the second set of devices 1420, and the second set of devices 1420 can correspond to an embodiment of the battery charger 200, which includes the part shown in Figure 8. Fig. The part of the housing 1100 shown in Figure 11 comprises the third set of devices 1430. This third set can correspond to an embodiment of the media processing device 100, which includes the part shown in Figure 11. Fig. The part of the housing 800 shown in Figure 8 comprises the fourth set of devices 1440, and the fourth set of devices 1440 can correspond to an embodiment of the battery charge 200 that includes the one shown in Figure 8. Fig. The part of the housing 1100 shown in Figure 11 comprises each of the first to fourth devices 1410-1440. Each can be configured to accommodate and be electrically connected to the battery pack 122 described herein. In this example, the first and third devices 1410 and 1430 can be configured to operate and be connected to the battery pack 122 using a first cell arrangement for the battery cells 128. The first devices 1410 can be configured to charge the battery cells according to a first voltage, and the third device 1430 is configured to receive the first voltage from the first arrangement of battery cells to enable operation of the third devices 1430.The second and fourth devices 1420 and 1440 can be configured to operate and communicate with the battery pack 122 using a second cell arrangement for the battery cells 128. The second devices 1420 can be configured to charge the battery cells 128 according to a second voltage, and the fourth devices 1440 can be configured to receive the second voltage from the second arrangement of battery cells 128 to enable operation of the third devices 1430. The battery pack 122 can be interchangeable between the first to fourth devices 1410-1440, with the cell arrangement of the battery cells 128 being reconfigured according to the cell selector to be compatible with the voltage requirements of the first to fourth devices 1410-1440.

[0065] Fig. Figure 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example process 1500 according to embodiments of the present disclosure. In step 1502, a battery pack (e.g., an embodiment of battery pack 122) is operatively coupled to an electronic device (e.g., an embodiment of device 100, 200, or 200'). In 1504, in response to the operative coupling with the electronic device, the battery cells (e.g., battery cells 128) of the battery pack are configured in a cell arrangement consisting of a number of possible cell arrangements (e.g., those described in the Fig.The cell arrangements shown in 4A-B are selected by actuating a cell selector (e.g., cell selector 126). For example, the cell selector can be controlled by a control switch (e.g., control switch 302) to switch between the possible cell arrangements. In step 1506, the battery pack supplies an output voltage to the device based on the selected cell arrangement, or the battery cells of the battery pack are charged / recharged by the device based on the selected cell arrangement.

[0066] The above description refers to diagrams in the accompanying drawings. Alternative implementations of the example depicted in the diagrams include one or more additional or alternative elements, processes, and / or devices. Additionally or alternatively, one or more of the example elements in the diagram may be combined, split, rearranged, or omitted.

[0067] The above description refers to a block diagram of the accompanying drawings. Alternative implementations of the example represented by the block diagram include one or more additional or alternative elements, processes, and / or devices. Additionally or alternatively, one or more of the example blocks of the diagram may be combined, split, rearranged, or omitted. The components represented by the blocks of the diagram are implemented by hardware, software, firmware, and / or any combination thereof. In some examples, at least one of the components represented by the blocks is implemented by a logic circuit. As used here, the term "logic circuit" or "controller" is expressly defined as a physical device comprising at least one hardware component that (e.g.,A logic circuit or control unit is configured (by operating according to a predetermined configuration and / or by executing stored machine-readable instructions) to control one or more machines and / or perform operations on one or more machines. Examples of a logic circuit or control unit include one or more processors, one or more coprocessors, one or more microprocessors, one or more control units, one or more digital signal processors (DSPs), one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), one or more microcontroller units (MCUs), one or more hardware accelerators, one or more special-purpose computer chips, and one or more system-on-a-chip (SoC) devices. Some examples of logic circuits or control units, such as ASICs or FPGAs, are specially configured hardware for performing operations (e.g.,one or more of the operations described herein and illustrated by the flowcharts of this disclosure, if any). Some examples of logic circuits or control units are hardware that executes machine-readable instructions to perform operations (e.g., one or more of the operations described herein and illustrated by the flowcharts of this disclosure, if any). Some examples of logic circuits or control units include a combination of specially configured hardware and hardware that executes machine-readable instructions.

[0068] The above description refers to various processes described herein and flowcharts that may be appended here to illustrate the sequence of these processes. All of these flowcharts are representative of the example procedures described herein. In some examples, the example procedures represented by the flowcharts implement the devices represented by the block diagrams. Alternative implementations of the example procedures disclosed herein may include additional or alternative processes. Furthermore, processes of alternative implementations of the example procedures described herein may be combined, split, rearranged, or omitted. In some examples, the processes described herein are implemented by machine-readable instructions (e.g., software and / or firmware) stored on a medium (e.g.,The operations described here are implemented by a combination of custom-designed logic circuits or controllers and machine-readable instructions stored on a medium (e.g., a tangible, machine-readable medium) and executed by logic circuits or controllers. In some examples, the operations described here are implemented by a combination of custom-designed logic circuits or controllers and machine-readable instructions stored on a medium (e.g., a tangible, machine-readable medium) and executed by logic circuits or controllers.

[0069] As used here, the terms “material machine-readable medium”, “non-volatile machine-readable medium”, and “machine-readable storage medium” are explicitly defined as a storage medium (e.g., a disk of a hard disk drive, a Digital Versatile Disc, a Compact Disc, a Flash memory, a read-only memory, a random access memory, etc.) on which machine-readable instructions (e.g., program code in the form of, for example, software and / or firmware) are stored for any suitable period of time (e.g., permanently, for a longer period of time (e.g., while a program associated with the machine-readable instructions is being executed), and / or for a short period of time (e.g., while the machine-readable instructions are being cached and / or during a buffering process)).Furthermore, the terms “material machine-readable medium”, “non-transitory machine-readable medium”, and “machine-readable storage medium”, as used herein, are expressly defined to exclude the transmission of signals. That is to say, as used in each claim of this patent, none of the terms “material machine-readable medium”, “non-transitory machine-readable medium”, and “machine-readable storage device” can be understood as being implemented by a propagating signal.

[0070] Specific embodiments have been described in the preceding description. However, a person skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications and changes can be made without deviating from the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims below. Accordingly, the description and the figures should be considered illustrative rather than limiting, and all such modifications are to be included within the scope of the present teaching. Furthermore, the described embodiments / examples / implementations should not be interpreted as mutually exclusive, but rather as potentially combinable, where such combinations are permissible in any way.In other words, any feature disclosed in one of the aforementioned embodiments / examples / implementations may be included in any of the other aforementioned embodiments / examples / implementations.

[0071] The advantages, benefits, solutions to problems, and all elements that may lead to an advantage, benefit, or solution arising or becoming more apparent are not to be construed as critical, necessary, or essential features or elements of any or all claims. The claimed invention is defined exclusively by the accompanying claims, including all amendments made during the pendency of this application and all equivalents of these claims as granted.

[0072] Furthermore, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second," "upper" and "lower," and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another, without necessarily requiring or implying any actual relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms "includes," "comprising," "has," "with," "including," "contains," "with," or other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, procedure, object, or device that includes, has, contains, or is provided with a list of elements may include not only those elements but may also include other elements not expressly listed or inherent in that process, procedure, object, or device. An element that "includes...a," "has...a," "contains..."The prefix "a", "contains ...a", does not, without further limitations, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises, has, contains, or includes the element. The terms "a" and "an" are defined as "one" or "several" unless expressly stated otherwise herein. The terms "essentially", "substantially", "approximately", "about", or any other version thereof are defined to approximate the understanding of a person skilled in the art, and in one non-restrictive embodiment, the term is defined as being within 10%, in another embodiment within 5%, in a further embodiment within 1%, and in a further embodiment within 0.5%. The term "coupled" is defined here as connected, though not necessarily directly and not necessarily mechanically.A device or structure that is “configured” in a certain way is at least configured in that way, but may also be configured in ways not listed.

[0073] The summary of the disclosure is provided so that the reader can quickly recognize the nature of the technical disclosure. It is presented with the understanding that it is not to be used for interpreting or limiting the scope or meaning of the claims. Furthermore, it can be seen from the foregoing detailed description that various features in different embodiments are grouped together to streamline the disclosure. This type of disclosure is not to be interpreted as requiring the claimed embodiments to have more features than are expressly mentioned in each claim. Rather, as the following claims demonstrate, the inventive subject matter may consist of fewer than all the features of a single disclosed embodiment. Therefore, the following claims are hereby included in the detailed description, each claim standing alone as a separately claimed subject matter.

[0074] A device comprises a plurality of battery cells, a control unit, and a cell selector, all arranged in a housing. The cell selector is functionally coupled to the battery cells and the control unit and can configure the battery cells according to a selected cell arrangement from a plurality of possible cell arrangements.

Claims

[1] A device comprising: a case; a large number of battery cells arranged inside the casing; a control unit located inside the housing; and a cell selector located inside the housing, wherein the cell selector is functionally coupled to the battery cells and the control unit, and the cell selector can be actuated to configure the battery cells according to a selected cell arrangement from a multitude of possible cell arrangements. [2] Device according to claim 1, wherein the cell selector comprises: a control switch that outputs a control signal based on a state of the control switch, wherein the cell selector selects the selected cell arrangement based on the control signal. [3] Device according to claim 2, wherein the control signal is switchable between ground and an output voltage line, wherein the selected cell arrangement corresponds to a first cell arrangement when the control signal is ground, and to a second cell arrangement when the control signal is an output voltage on the output voltage line. [4] Device according to claim 2, wherein the cell selector comprises a plurality of switches that respond to the control signal to configure the plurality of cells in the selected cell arrangement. [5] Device according to claim 4, wherein the cell selector comprises a time compensation circuit to control a sequence in which the states of the multiple switches change in response to the control signal. [6] Device according to claim 5, wherein the time compensation circuit introduces time delays into the control signal to control the sequence. [7] Device according to claim 2, wherein the control switch is an electromechanical switch and the housing comprises an elastic element which engages with the control switch when actuated. [8] Device according to claim 7, wherein the elastic element is formed integrally with the housing by means of a self-supporting section of the housing. [9] Device according to claim 7, further comprising an arm extending from the elastic element into the interior of the housing, wherein the arm is configured to selectively engage the control switch based on an actuation state of the elastic element. [10] Device according to claim 8, wherein the elastic element is flush with the housing and comprises a section extending from an endpoint of the elastic element away from the housing, wherein the button section is configured to engage with a section of a device housing when the battery is received by the device housing, or to be spaced apart from the device housing when the battery is received by the device housing, so that the state of the control switch is controlled based on the device receiving the housing. [11] Device according to claim 2, wherein the cell selector comprises a plurality of switching devices that respond to the state of the control switch. [12] Device according to claim 11, wherein, in response to a change in the state of the control switch, a first subgroup of the plurality of switching devices switches to an open state and a second subgroup of the plurality of switching devices switches to a closed state. [13] Device according to claim 11, wherein the cell selector comprises a time compensation circuit that controls a sequence in which at least a subset of the plurality of switching devices changes from a first state to a second state. [14] Device according to claim 2, wherein the cell selector comprises a circuit comprising the following: a first branch, wherein the first branch comprises a first battery cell, a second battery cell and a first transistor, A negative terminal of the first battery cell is connected to ground, and a positive terminal of the first battery cell is connected to a negative terminal of the second battery cell. a positive terminal of the second battery cell is coupled to a drain of the first transistor and a source of the first transistor is coupled to an output voltage line. [15] Device according to claim 14, wherein the cell selector circuit further comprises: a second branch, wherein the second branch includes a second transistor and a third transistor, a source of the second transistor is connected to ground and a drain of the second transistor is connected to a gate of the first transistor and to a drain of the third transistor, a source of the third transistor is coupled to the output voltage line, A gate of the second transistor and a gate of the third transistor are functionally coupled to the control switch. [16] Device according to claim 15, wherein the circuit of the cell selector further includes: a third branch, the third branch comprising a fourth transistor, a third battery cell and a fourth battery cell, a source of the fourth transistor is connected to ground and a drain of the fourth transistor is connected to a negative terminal of the third battery cell, a gate of the fourth transistor is functionally coupled to the control switch 302, a positive terminal of the third battery cell is coupled to a negative terminal of the fourth battery cell, and a positive terminal of the fourth battery terminal is coupled to the output voltage line. A drain of the fourth transistor is also coupled to a drain of a fifth transistor, and a source of the fifth transistor is coupled to a first node between the drain of the first transistor 330 and the positive terminal of the second battery cell. A second node between the positive pole of the first battery cell and the negative pole of the second battery cell is coupled to the control unit 124. [17] Device according to claim 16, wherein the cell selector circuit further comprises: a fourth branch, wherein the fourth branch includes a sixth transistor and a seventh transistor, a source of the sixth transistor is connected to ground and a drain of the sixth transistor is connected to the gates of an eighth transistor and a ninth transistor as well as to the drain of the sixth transistor, a source of the seventh transistor is coupled to the output voltage line, a gate of the sixth transistor and a gate of the seventh transistor are functionally coupled to the control switch, a source of the eighth transistor is coupled to a third node between the positive terminal of the third battery cell and the negative terminal of the fourth battery cell, and is also coupled to a drain of a tenth transistor, A gate of the tenth transistor is functionally coupled to the control switch, and a source of the tenth transistor is coupled to the control unit. a source of the eighth transistor is coupled to the third node between the positive terminal of the third battery cell and the negative terminal of the fourth battery cell and is also coupled to the drain of the tenth transistor, a drain of the tenth transistor is coupled to the drain of the ninth transistor and to the control unit, a source of the ninth transistor is coupled to the output voltage line and the output voltage line is also coupled to the control unit. [18] Device according to claim 1, wherein the selected cell arrangement configures the plurality of battery cells in a series connection. [19] Device according to claim 1, wherein the selected cell arrangement configures at least two of the plurality of battery cells in a parallel circuit with each other. [20] A system, comprehensive: an electronic device, wherein the electronic device includes a battery intake area; and a battery pack configured to be received by the electronic device via the battery pack receiving area, wherein the battery pack comprises a housing containing a plurality of battery cells, and a cell selector arranges the plurality of battery cells in a first cell arrangement in which the battery pack has a first output voltage, or in a second cell arrangement in which the battery pack has a second output voltage, wherein the cell selector is configured to arrange the battery cells according to the first cell arrangement before the battery pack is picked up by the electronic device via the battery pack receiving area, and After the electronic device receives the battery pack via the battery pack receiving area, the battery pack housing causes the cell selector to switch from the first cell arrangement to the second cell arrangement. [21] System according to claim 20, wherein the electronic device is at least one of a printer or a battery charger. [22] System according to claim 20, wherein the electronic device is the printer and wherein the system further comprises: a battery charger, and When the battery pack is received by the charger via the battery receiving area, the housing of the battery pack causes the cell selector to remain in the first cell arrangement.

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