Electronic device, method for manufacturing an electronic device, and method for replacing a battery

The electronic device's charging device with a non-volatile memory and control circuit dynamically selects charging profiles for different battery types, addressing the challenge of adapting to multiple suppliers, ensuring efficient battery management.

JP2026057858APending Publication Date: 2026-04-03SEIKO EPSON CORP
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-09-24
Publication Date
2026-04-03

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing electronic devices face challenges in flexibly adapting to different battery types from multiple suppliers during mass production and user-replacement scenarios, leading to suboptimal charging and discharging due to fixed charging profiles.

Method used

The electronic device incorporates a charging device with a non-volatile memory, control circuit, and charging circuit that can select from multiple charging profiles based on battery type, allowing dynamic adaptation to different battery models, enabling flexible charging and discharging control.

Benefits of technology

This solution allows for optimal charging and discharging of batteries based on their specific characteristics, accommodating different battery types from various suppliers, ensuring efficient battery management in both production and user-replacement scenarios.

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Abstract

To provide electronic devices that can achieve appropriate charging control according to the model number of the battery incorporated in the electronic device. [Solution] The electronic device 2 includes a replaceable battery 10 and a charging device 20 for charging the battery 10. The charging device 20 includes a non-volatile memory 60, a control circuit 50 that performs charging control based on a selected charging profile from among multiple charging profiles corresponding to multiple battery types stored in the non-volatile memory 60 based on selection information, and a charging circuit 30 that charges the battery 10 based on the charging control.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to electronic devices, a method for manufacturing electronic devices, a battery replacement method, and the like.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a charging station for charging an autonomous robot equipped with a battery. When the autonomous robot docks, the charging station receives an identifier indicating the type of battery from the autonomous robot and charges the autonomous robot according to the charging profile.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

[0006] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for manufacturing an electronic device including a replaceable battery and a charging device for charging the battery, wherein the charging device includes a non-volatile memory, a control circuit for performing charging control based on selection information selected from a plurality of charging profiles corresponding to a plurality of battery types stored in the non-volatile memory, and a charging circuit for charging the battery based on the charging control, wherein when a battery of a first type is incorporated into the electronic device, the selection information for selecting a first charging profile corresponding to the battery of the first type is set in the charging device, and when a battery of a second type is incorporated into the electronic device, the selection information for selecting a second charging profile corresponding to the battery of the second type is set in the charging device.

[0007] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a battery replacement method for an electronic device, which includes a replaceable battery and a charging device for charging the battery, wherein the charging device includes a non-volatile memory, a control circuit that performs charging control based on selection information from a plurality of charging profiles corresponding to a plurality of battery types stored in the non-volatile memory, and a charging circuit that charges the battery by the charging control of the control circuit, wherein when the battery of the electronic device is replaced from a first type battery to a second type battery, the charging device is set to select a second charging profile corresponding to the second type battery, instead of the selection information that selects a first charging profile corresponding to the first type battery. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] An example of the configuration of the electronic device of this embodiment. [Figure 2] Detailed configuration example of electronic equipment. [Figure 3] Example of a charging circuit configuration. [Figure 4]A diagram illustrating a method for setting selection information using non-volatile memory. [Figure 5] A diagram illustrating the method for setting selection information using terminal settings. [Figure 6] Examples of charge and discharge profiles. [Figure 7] A diagram illustrating the charge control flow for standard charging. [Figure 8] A diagram illustrating the charging control flow for first-phase charging. [Figure 9] A diagram illustrating the charge control flow for rapid charging. [Figure 10] Diagram illustrating the temperature control settings for constant current charging. [Figure 11] Diagram illustrating the temperature control settings for constant voltage charging. [Figure 12] Diagram illustrating management settings based on charging history. [Figure 13] A flowchart illustrating the operation of this embodiment. [Figure 14] A flowchart illustrating the manufacturing method of the electronic device according to this embodiment. [Figure 15] A flowchart illustrating the method for replacing the battery of the electronic device according to this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The following describes this embodiment. Note that the embodiment described below does not unduly limit the scope of the claims. Furthermore, not all of the configurations described in this embodiment are necessarily essential components.

[0010] 1.Electronic equipment Figure 1 shows an example configuration of the electronic device 2 of this embodiment. The electronic device 2 includes a charging device 20 and a battery 10. The battery 10 is, for example, a replaceable battery. For example, the battery 10 is replaceable during the manufacturing of the electronic device 2 or during repairs such as battery replacement. The charging device 20 charges the battery 10 and includes a charging circuit 30, a control circuit 50, and a non-volatile memory 60. Note that the electronic device 2 and the charging device 20 are not limited to the configuration shown in Figure 1, and various modifications can be made, such as omitting some of these components or adding other components.

[0011] Electronic device 2 includes, for example, hearable devices such as hearing aids and earphones for listening to audio, as well as wearable devices. Earphones are, for example, wireless earphones. Electronic device 2 can also include a variety of devices such as head-mounted displays, portable communication terminals such as smartphones and mobile phones, watches, biometric information measuring devices, shavers, electric toothbrushes, wrist computers, handheld terminals, or in-car devices for automobiles.

[0012] The charging device 20 is a device for charging the battery 10 and can be realized by a circuit device called an IC, for example. Alternatively, the charging device 20 may be configured by separately providing an IC for the charging circuit 30 and control circuit 50, and an IC for the non-volatile memory 60. The battery 10 to be charged is, for example, a secondary battery, such as a lithium-ion secondary battery, a nickel-metal hydride battery, or a nickel-cadmium battery. The battery 10 may also be realized by a supercapacitor or the like. The battery 10 is connected to the terminal TBAT of the charging device 20. The terminal TBAT is realized by, for example, an external connection terminal or pad of the circuit device realizing the charging device 20. For example, an external connection terminal is a terminal provided on the package of the circuit device. In the pad area, a metal layer is exposed from the passivation film, which is an insulating layer, and this exposed metal layer constitutes the pad. In this embodiment, the connection is an electrical connection. An electrical connection is one in which electrical signals can be transmitted, and it is a connection that enables the transmission of information by electrical signals. The electrical connection may be a connection via a passive element or the like.

[0013] The charging circuit 30 charges the battery 10. For example, the charging circuit 30 charges the battery 10 with the received power by the charging voltage VCH supplied to the node NIN. The charging voltage VCH is the power supply voltage for charging. For example, the charging circuit 30 generates a charging current ICH based on the charging voltage VCH and charges the battery 10. Specifically, the charging circuit 30 charges the battery 10 by constant current charging or CCCV charging. Constant current charging is CC charging. In CCCV charging, the charging circuit 30 first performs constant current charging (CC charging) of the battery 10, and then switches to constant voltage charging (CV charging) to charge the battery 10. For example, the battery 10 is charged by constant current charging, and when the battery voltage VBAT reaches a predetermined voltage, the charging is switched from constant current charging to constant voltage charging. The power received by the charging voltage VCH may be the power received by contactless power transmission as shown in FIG. 2 described later, or the power received by contact power transmission via a wire. The charging voltage VCH is, for example, 5V to 4V, and the battery voltage VBAT is, for example, 4.3V to 3.6V.

[0014] The control circuit 50 performs various control processes and arithmetic processes. For example, the control circuit 50 controls the charging circuit 30 and performs read control and write control of the non-volatile memory 60. The control circuit 50 can be realized by an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) using automatic placement wiring such as a gate array, for example, but may also be realized by a processor such as a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), a CPU (Central Processing Unit), or a microcontroller.

[0015] The non-volatile memory 60 is a memory that can retain stored content even without an external power supply. The non-volatile memory 60 can be realized by, for example, an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) that can electrically erase data, or an OTP (One Time Programmable) memory using FAMOS (Floating gate Avalanche injection MOS), etc. The non-volatile memory 60 may be a memory built into the circuit device that realizes the charging device 20, or may be a memory provided outside the circuit device that realizes the charging device 20.

[0016] In this embodiment, the control circuit 50 reads the charging profile from the non-volatile memory 60 and performs charging control. For example, the control circuit 50 performs charging control according to the charging profile selected based on the selection information from among a plurality of charging profiles CPF1, CPF2,... corresponding to a plurality of battery model numbers stored in the non-volatile memory 60. Then, the charging circuit 30 charges the battery 10 based on the charging control according to the charging profile. For example, by controlling the charging circuit 30 based on the information of the charging profile selected by the control circuit 50, charging control of the battery 10 is performed.

[0017] The model number is, for example, for distinguishing products of different models at stages such as production and design, and is realized by identification information or symbols for classifying which model a product is. The model number may be for distinguishing products of the same manufacturer, or may be for distinguishing products of different manufacturers.

[0018] A charging profile is information that includes various parameters for charging control of a battery of a corresponding model number. For example, a charging profile is set based on battery characteristics such as the charging characteristics of a battery of a corresponding model number. For example, the charging profile for a battery of a first model number and the charging profile for a battery of a second model number are different, and the parameters for optimal charging control are different. That is, the charging profile for a battery of a first model number is set based on battery characteristics such as the charging characteristics of the first model number battery, and the charging profile for a battery of a second model number is set based on battery characteristics such as the charging characteristics of the second model number battery. In this embodiment, a charging profile CPF1 corresponding to a battery of a first model number and a charging profile CPF2 corresponding to a battery of a second model number are stored in the non-volatile memory 60. CPF1 is the first charging profile, and CPF2 is the second charging profile. Three or more charging profiles corresponding to different model numbers may be stored in the non-volatile memory 60. If the battery 10 of type 1 is incorporated into the electronic device 2, the control circuit 50 selects the charging profile CPF1 corresponding to the battery 10 of type 1 based on the selection information, reads it from the non-volatile memory 60, and performs charging control according to the read charging profile CPF1. If the battery 10 of type 2 is incorporated into the electronic device 2, the control circuit 50 selects the charging profile CPF2 corresponding to the battery 10 of type 2 based on the selection information, reads it from the non-volatile memory 60, and performs charging control according to the read charging profile CPF2.

[0019] As described above, the electronic device 2 of this embodiment includes a replaceable battery 10 and a charging device 20 for charging the battery 10. The charging device 20 includes a non-volatile memory 60, a control circuit 50, and a charging circuit 30. The control circuit 50 controls charging based on selection information from a plurality of charging profiles CPF1, CPF2, etc., corresponding to a plurality of battery types stored in the non-volatile memory 60. The charging circuit 30 then charges the battery 10 based on the charging control of the control circuit 50.

[0020] In this way, if the battery 10 incorporated in the electronic device 2 is a battery of type 1, the charging profile corresponding to type 1 will be selected from among the multiple charging profiles CPF1, CPF2, etc. stored in the non-volatile memory 60 based on the selection information. If the battery 10 incorporated in the electronic device 2 is a battery of type 2, the charging profile corresponding to type 2 will be selected from among the multiple charging profiles CPF1, CPF2, etc. stored in the non-volatile memory 60 based on the selection information. Then, charging control of the battery 10 will be performed based on the charging profile selected in this way. This makes it possible to achieve appropriate charging control according to the type of battery 10 incorporated in the electronic device 2.

[0021] Figure 2 shows a detailed configuration example of the electronic device 2 of this embodiment. Figure 2 shows a configuration example for wireless charging, where the battery 10 is charged based on power received by contactless power transmission. In Figure 2, the charging device 20 includes a charging circuit 30, a control circuit 50, a non-volatile memory 60, as well as a voltage measurement circuit 40, a power receiving circuit 70, and a power supply circuit 80. The charging device 20 can also include a temperature measurement unit 90 and an interface circuit 92. Note that the electronic device 2 and the charging device 20 are not limited to the configuration shown in Figure 2, and various modifications can be made, such as omitting some of these components or adding other components.

[0022] The voltage measurement circuit 40 measures the battery voltage VBAT. The battery voltage VBAT is, for example, the voltage of the positive electrode of the battery 10. For example, the voltage measurement circuit 40 measures the battery voltage VBAT of node NB, which is the charging node of the battery 10. For example, the voltage measurement circuit 40 includes an A / D conversion circuit 42. The A / D conversion circuit 42 performs A / D conversion of the battery voltage VBAT of node NB and outputs the digital data obtained by the A / D conversion to the control circuit 50.

[0023] The power receiving circuit 70 receives power from the power transmitting device 14 without contact. That is, it receives power wirelessly. For example, the power transmitting device 14 is provided with a primary coil L1, and the power receiving device, which is realized by the charging device 20, is provided with a secondary coil L2. The power transmitting device 14 is provided, for example, in a charging stand or charging case for charging electronic equipment 2. The power transmission driver of the power transmitting device 14 applies an AC voltage to the primary coil L1, thereby transmitting power from the primary coil L1 to the secondary coil L2. The power receiving circuit 70 receives power from the power transmitting device 14. Specifically, the power receiving circuit 70 converts the AC induced voltage of the secondary coil L2 into a DC rectified voltage. This conversion is performed by a rectifier circuit 72 in the power receiving circuit 70. The rectifier circuit 72 can be realized, for example, by multiple transistors or diodes. The charging circuit 30 charges the battery 10 based on this rectified voltage, which is the charging voltage VCH.

[0024] The non-volatile memory 60 stores multiple charge profiles CPF1, CPF2... corresponding to multiple battery models, and multiple discharge profiles DPF1, DPF2... corresponding to multiple battery models. In this case, the charge profiles and discharge profiles may be stored as an integrated charge / discharge profile. The non-volatile memory 60 can also store selection information for selecting the charge profile or discharge profile corresponding to the battery model 10 from among the multiple charge profiles CPF1, CPF2... and the multiple discharge profiles DPF1, DPF2....

[0025] A discharge profile is information containing various parameters for the discharge control of a battery of a corresponding model number. For example, a discharge profile is set based on battery characteristics such as the discharge characteristics of a battery of a corresponding model number. For example, the discharge profile of a battery of a first model number and the discharge profile of a battery of a second model number are different, and the parameters for optimal discharge control are different. That is, the discharge profile of a battery of a first model number is set based on battery characteristics such as the discharge characteristics of a battery of a first model number, and the discharge profile of a battery of a second model number is set based on battery characteristics such as the discharge characteristics of a battery of a second model number. In Figure 2, a discharge profile DPF1 corresponding to a battery of a first model number and a discharge profile DPF2 corresponding to a battery of a second model number are stored in the non-volatile memory 60. DPF1 is the first discharge profile, and DPF2 is the second discharge profile. Note that the non-volatile memory 60 may store discharge profiles corresponding to three or more different model numbers. If the battery 10 of type 1 is incorporated into the electronic device 2, the control circuit 50 selects the discharge profile DPF1 corresponding to the battery 10 of type 1 based on the selection information, reads it from the non-volatile memory 60, and performs discharge control using the read discharge profile DPF1. If the battery 10 of type 2 is incorporated into the electronic device 2, the control circuit 50 selects the discharge profile DPF2 corresponding to the battery 10 of type 2 based on the selection information, reads it from the non-volatile memory 60, and performs discharge control using the read discharge profile DPF2.

[0026] The control circuit 50 includes a register section 52. The register section 52 stores various types of information. The control circuit 50 operates based on the data, commands, and other information stored in the register section 52. The register section 52 can be implemented, for example, by a flip-flop circuit or a memory such as RAM. The register section 52 stores various types of information, for example, by loading information read from a non-volatile memory 60. The register section 52 also stores information input from the outside via the interface circuit 92. A communication circuit (not shown) for communication with the power transmission device 14 may be provided in the charging device 20, and the register section 52 may store the information received from the power transmission device 14 via this communication circuit.

[0027] For example, a selected charge profile or discharge profile from among multiple charge profiles CPF1, CPF2, etc., or multiple discharge profiles DPF1, DPF2, etc., is loaded from the non-volatile memory 60 into the register unit 52. In this case, a charge / discharge profile, which integrates the charge profile and the discharge profile, may also be loaded from the non-volatile memory 60 into the register unit 52. The control circuit 50 then performs charge control or discharge control based on the charge profile, discharge profile, or charge / discharge profile loaded into the register unit 52.

[0028] In Figure 2, the selection information used to select the charge and discharge profiles is stored in the non-volatile memory 60. However, as will be described later, the selection information may also be set by configuring the terminal TSLB.

[0029] The power supply circuit 80 performs a discharge operation of the battery 10 and supplies a power supply voltage based on the discharge operation to the powered device 12. The powered device 12 is, for example, a processing unit such as a microcontroller provided in the electronic device 2. Specifically, the power supply circuit 80 operates using the battery voltage VBAT of the battery 10 as the power supply voltage. The power supply circuit 80 then outputs an output voltage VOUT based on the battery voltage VBAT as the power supply voltage for the powered device 12. For example, the power supply circuit 80 includes a charge pump circuit or a switching regulator circuit, which performs a charge pump operation or switching regulator operation to step down the battery voltage VBAT and supplies the output voltage VOUT, obtained by stepping down the battery voltage VBAT, to the powered device 12 via the terminal TVOUT.

[0030] The charging device 20 is equipped with a charging circuit and a discharging circuit. The charging circuit operates based on the received power and charges the battery 10, which is the device to be charged. For example, the charging circuit is supplied with power at the charging voltage VCH and operates based on the charging voltage VCH to charge the battery 10. On the other hand, the discharging circuit operates based on the battery voltage VBAT of the battery 10. That is, each circuit provided in the discharging circuit operates using the battery voltage VBAT as the power supply voltage. The power supply circuit 80 provided in the discharging circuit outputs an output voltage VOUT based on the battery voltage VBAT as the power supply voltage for the device 12 to be powered.

[0031] The control circuit 50 includes both a charging control circuit and a discharging control circuit. The discharging control circuit is designed to operate using the battery voltage VBAT as the power supply voltage even when power is not being received by the power receiving circuit 70.

[0032] The temperature measurement unit 90 measures the temperature of the battery 10. The control circuit 50 controls the charging and discharging of the battery 10 based on the temperature measurement result from the temperature measurement unit 90. For example, the charging device 20 is provided with a terminal TTM for connecting a temperature sensor such as a thermistor, and the temperature measurement unit 90 measures the temperature of the battery 10 using the temperature sensor connected to terminal TTM. Taking the case where the temperature sensor is a thermistor as an example, the temperature measurement unit 90 measures the temperature based on the current flowing through the thermistor. Note that the temperature sensor is not limited to a thermistor; various sensors such as thermocouple temperature sensors and semiconductor temperature sensors can be used. Furthermore, the temperature sensor may be provided outside the circuit device (IC) that realizes the charging device 20, or it may be built into the circuit device.

[0033] The interface circuit 92 is a circuit for communicating with an external processing unit or the like. For example, the interface circuit 92 communicates with an external processing unit based on a given communication standard. For example, the interface circuit 92 performs serial communication such as I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit) or SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface). For example, the charging device 20 can be provided with a serial clock terminal TCK and a serial data terminal TDA, and serial communication can be realized using these terminals TCK and TDA.

[0034] As shown in Figure 2, the charging device 20 includes a power supply circuit 80 that supplies power to the powered device 12 based on the battery voltage VBAT of the battery 10. The control circuit 50 controls the power supply by the power supply circuit 80 based on the selected discharge profile from among multiple discharge profiles DPF1, DPF2, etc., corresponding to multiple battery types stored in the non-volatile memory 60, based on the selection information. In this way, when supplying power to the powered device 12 based on the battery voltage VBAT, the discharge of the battery 10 is controlled by an appropriate discharge profile according to the battery type of the battery 10, thereby realizing the power supply.

[0035] In this case, the discharge profile can include, for example, a voltage threshold for determining when to stop the discharge. This way, when power is supplied to the powered device 12 by discharging the battery 10, the discharge of the battery 10 can be stopped using the voltage threshold for determining when to stop the discharge. This prevents situations such as the battery 10 being excessively discharged, and enables appropriate discharge control of the battery 10.

[0036] Figure 3 shows an example configuration of the charging circuit 30. As shown in Figure 3, the charging circuit 30 includes a current source circuit 32, an amplifier circuit OPA, a reverse current prevention circuit 34, a transistor TA, and resistors RCS and RS. The amplifier circuit OPA can also be called an operational amplifier. Note that the charging circuit 30 is not limited to the configuration shown in Figure 3, and various modifications can be made, such as omitting some of these components or adding other components.

[0037] The current source circuit 32 outputs an output current IS based on a reference voltage. The output current IS is the current source current generated by the current source circuit 32. The output current IS is supplied to the non-inverting input terminal of the amplifier circuit OPA and the drain node NCS of the P-type transistor TA. Based on the output current IS, the amplifier circuit OPA, transistor TA, and resistors RS and RCS generate a charging current ICH.

[0038] The source of transistor TA is connected to node NIN, and its drain is connected to node NCS. Node NIN is supplied with the charging voltage VCH. Resistor RCS is placed between nodes NCS and NCSI. Resistor RS is placed between nodes NCS and NCSR. Amplifier circuit OPA has its non-inverting input terminal connected to node NCSI, its inverting input terminal connected to node NCSR, and its output terminal connected to the gate of transistor TA. Amplifier circuit OPA is enabled when the enable signal EN is low level. This supplies the charging current ICH = (RCS / RS) × IS to node NCSR, which in turn supplies the charging current ICH to node NB, which is the charging node.

[0039] The reverse current prevention circuit 34 includes a P-type transistor TB1, an N-type transistor TB2, and a resistor RB. Transistor TB1 has its source connected to node NB and its drain connected to node NCSR. Transistor TB2 has its source connected to the ground node and its drain connected to node NB2, the gate of transistor TB1. The resistor RB is placed between nodes NB and NB2.

[0040] When charging the battery 10 begins, the control circuit 50 turns on transistor TB2 using the control signal SDB. This also turns on transistor TB1, causing the charging current ICH to flow from node NCSR to node NB, and charging of the battery 10 begins. When charging the battery 10 ends, the control circuit 50 turns off transistor TB2 using the control signal SDB. This also turns off transistor TB1, and the reverse current prevention circuit 34 prevents the reverse flow of charge from the battery 10 to the charging circuit 30.

[0041] Figures 4 and 5 are explanatory diagrams of the method for setting selection information. In this embodiment, the selection information is set when the electronic device 2 is manufactured or when the battery is replaced. In this way, based on the selection information set when the electronic device 2 is manufactured or when the battery is replaced, a charge profile or discharge profile corresponding to the battery 10 incorporated in the electronic device 2 can be selected from among multiple charge profiles or multiple discharge profiles, and the battery 10 can be charged or discharged.

[0042] Specifically, in Figure 4, selection information is stored in the non-volatile memory 60. The selection information is written to the non-volatile memory 60 during the manufacturing of the electronic device 2 or when the battery is replaced. For example, if the selection bit, which is the selection information stored in the non-volatile memory 60, is 0, the charge profile CPF1 and discharge profile DPF1 for the first type of battery are selected. If the selection bit, which is the selection information, is 1, the charge profile CPF2 and discharge profile DPF2 for the second type of battery are selected. For example, the non-volatile memory 60 has a first storage area reserved in advance for storing the charge profile CPF1 and discharge profile DPF1 for the first type of battery, and a second storage area reserved for storing the charge profile CPF2 and discharge profile DPF2 for the second type of battery. When the selection bit, which is the selection information, is 0, the control circuit 50 accesses the address of the first storage area and reads out the charge profile CPF1 and discharge profile DPF1. Furthermore, if the selection bit, which is selection information, is 1, the control circuit 50 accesses the address of the second memory area and reads the charge profile CPF2 or the discharge profile DPF2. In this way, the selection information is stored in the non-volatile memory 60, which can retain its contents even without an external power supply, and during charging, the charge profile corresponding to the battery 10 built into the electronic device 2 is selected from among multiple charge profiles based on this selection information, and the battery 10 is charged. Alternatively, based on the selection information, the discharge profile corresponding to the battery 10 built into the electronic device 2 is selected from among multiple discharge profiles, and the battery 10 is discharged.

[0043] The selection bits, which represent the selection information, may consist of multiple bits, allowing the selection of a charging profile or discharge profile corresponding to the battery 10 model number from among three or more charging profiles or three or more discharge profiles. The selection information is written to the non-volatile memory 60, for example, during the manufacturing of the electronic device 2 or the charging device 20.

[0044] In Figure 5, the selection information is set by the terminal settings of the charging device 20. The selection information is set by the terminal settings, for example, during the manufacturing of the electronic device 2 or when the battery is replaced. For example, when terminal TSLB of the charging device 20 is pulled up, the charging profile CPF1 and discharge profile DPF1 for the first type of battery are selected. When terminal TSLB of the charging device 20 is pulled down, the charging profile CPF2 and discharge profile DPF2 for the second type of battery are selected. For example, a pull-up resistor RP can be provided on the circuit board on which the circuit device of the charging device 20 is mounted, and the other end of resistor RP, which has one end connected to VDD, can be connected to terminal TSLB to achieve pull-up of terminal TSLB. Alternatively, a pull-down resistor RD can be provided on the circuit board on which the circuit device of the charging device 20 is mounted, and the other end of resistor RD, which has one end connected to GND, can be connected to terminal TSLB to achieve pull-down of terminal TSLB. In this way, based on the selection information set by terminal TSLB, the charge profile or discharge profile corresponding to the battery 10 incorporated in the electronic device 2 can be selected from among multiple charge profiles or multiple discharge profiles, and the battery 10 can be charged or discharged.

[0045] 2. Selecting a charging profile and a discharging profile When charging a battery, for example, one type of charging profile is set on the charging device, and this single charging profile is used to control the battery's charging. Alternatively, the main system, such as the CPU, controls the charging device using a charging profile appropriate for the battery being used.

[0046] However, electronic equipment manufacturers sometimes purchase batteries from two different companies due to procurement considerations. In such cases, there is a challenge in that they cannot flexibly change batteries in the mass production process depending on the battery inventory situation. For example, suppose a company purchases batteries from two companies, A and B, that have the same specifications but different model numbers. If the charging device is set to the optimal charging profile for A's batteries, and then the inventory situation for A's batteries becomes critical, switching to B's batteries in the mass production process would prevent charging with the optimal charging profile. Furthermore, if a user needs to replace a battery during the course of using the electronic equipment, there is a challenge in that they cannot flexibly switch to a battery that is easily available depending on the battery inventory situation.

[0047] Therefore, in this embodiment, the charging device 20 is configured with two or more charging profiles and discharging profiles, and the charging device 20 is given a function to select which charging profile or discharging profile to use.

[0048] For example, in a set manufacturer of electronic equipment 2, if batteries are purchased from two different suppliers, the following cases can be envisioned. For instance, during the mass production process, batteries may be selected and installed according to inventory levels, or when a battery needs to be replaced during the user's usage, it may be replaced with a battery appropriate to the inventory levels. In this case, since the optimal charge and discharge profiles differ for each of the multiple battery models purchased from the two suppliers, multiple charge and discharge profiles corresponding to the multiple battery models are pre-configured in the charging device 20. For example, multiple charge and discharge profiles corresponding to multiple battery models are stored in the non-volatile memory 60. Then, the charging and discharge profiles corresponding to the battery to be used are selected using the selection function of the charging device 20, and charge and discharge control is performed based on the selected charge and discharge profiles. In this way, when batteries are purchased from two suppliers, it becomes possible to select and change batteries according to inventory levels at various timings. For example, during the mass production process, it becomes possible to select a battery appropriate to the inventory levels and incorporate it into electronic equipment 2, or when a battery needs to be replaced, it becomes possible to replace it with a battery appropriate to the inventory levels.

[0049] Next, we will explain specific examples of charge profiles and discharge profiles. Figure 6 shows examples of charge profiles and discharge profiles. In Figure 6, the charge profile and discharge profile are integrated into a single charge / discharge profile. Also, addresses AD0 to AD8 in Figure 6 correspond to the address range in which each piece of profile information is stored.

[0050] In Figure 6, the charging profile includes a voltage threshold VOC for overcharge detection. For example, the voltage threshold VOC for overcharge detection is stored at address AD0. If battery 10 is a lithium-ion battery, the full charge voltage is approximately 4.2-4.3V, and the voltage threshold VOC for overcharge detection is, for example, the full charge voltage + 0.1V. In this way, it becomes possible to determine overcharge and control charging based on the determination result by using the voltage threshold VOC for overcharge detection corresponding to the model number of battery 10 incorporated in the electronic device 2. For example, if the battery voltage VBAT exceeds the voltage threshold VOC, charging of battery 10 can be stopped, preventing situations such as battery 10 being overcharged.

[0051] For example, in Figure 2, the control circuit 50 determines, based on the voltage measurement result from the voltage measurement circuit 40, that the battery voltage VBAT has become equal to or greater than the voltage threshold VOC, and then controls the charging of the battery 10 by the charging circuit 30 to stop charging. Specifically, in Figure 3, the control circuit 50 turns off transistor TB2 with the control signal SDB. As a result, transistor TB1 is also turned off, the charging current ICH becomes zero, and the charging of the battery 10 by the charging circuit 30 stops, preventing the battery 10 from being overcharged.

[0052] Furthermore, in Figure 6, the charging profile includes the charging control flow setting information CCF. For example, the charging control flow setting information CCF is stored at the address AD1. In this way, the charging control flow of the battery 10 can be set using the charging profile setting information CCF, and the battery 10 can be charged. This makes it possible to control the charging of the battery 10 with a charging control flow corresponding to the model number of the battery 10 incorporated in the electronic device 2. For example, the battery 10 can be charged with the charging control flow set by the setting information CCF, enabling charging with the appropriate charging control flow corresponding to the model number of the battery 10.

[0053] For example, Figures 7, 8, and 9 show examples of charge control flows. The CCF setting information allows you to configure which of these charge control flows will be used for charging.

[0054] Figure 7 shows the charge control flow for standard charging. First, step-up charging is performed, gradually increasing the charging current ICH from the initial current value IINI in units of the step-up current value ISTP. When the charging current ICH reaches the target current value IST for standard charging through this step-up charging, constant current charging is performed, charging with a charging current ICH of a constant target current value IST. Then, when the battery voltage VBAT reaches VCV, constant voltage charging is performed using the constant voltage VCV. This constant voltage charging reduces the charging current ICH, decreasing the voltage drop across the internal resistance of the battery 10, and bringing the battery voltage VBAT closer to the cell voltage of the battery 10. When the charging current ICH falls below the charging termination current value IEN and a predetermined time TEN has elapsed, the control circuit 50 determines that the battery 10 is fully charged and stops charging.

[0055] Figure 8 shows the charge control flow for fast charging. In fast charging, before the constant current charging of standard charging, for example, a constant current charging with a target current value IFA that is larger than the target current value IST of standard charging is performed for a predetermined period of time. This makes it possible to charge the battery 10 in a shorter time than with standard charging.

[0056] Figure 9 shows the charge control flow for rapid charging. In rapid charging, before the constant current charging of standard charging, a constant current charge with a target current value IRP that is larger than the target current value IST for standard charging or the target current value IFA for first charging is performed for a predetermined period of time. This makes it possible to charge the battery 10 in a shorter time than with standard charging or first charging.

[0057] For example, suppose that a battery of type 1 is capable of rapid charging, a battery of type 2 is not capable of rapid charging and is only capable of fast charging, and a battery of type 3 is only capable of standard charging. In this case, if the battery 10 installed in the electronic device 2 at the time of manufacture or battery replacement is a battery of type 1, the charging control flow for rapid charging is set by the setting information CCF. If the battery 10 installed in the electronic device 2 at the time of manufacture or battery replacement is a battery of type 2, the charging control flow for fast charging is set by the setting information CCF, and if it is a battery of type 3, the charging control flow for standard charging is set by the setting information CCF.

[0058] For example, in Figure 6, the charging profile includes the target current values ​​IST, IFA, and IRP for constant current charging. For instance, the AD2 address stores the target current value IST for standard charging, the target current value IFA for fast charging, and the target current value IRP for rapid charging. The charging termination current value IEN is also stored there. This allows for constant current charging with a target current value corresponding to the model number of the battery 10 incorporated in the electronic device 2. For example, even batteries of the same standard and specifications may have different optimal target current values ​​for constant current charging depending on the battery model, but this system can handle such cases appropriately. For example, it becomes possible to perform constant current charging with the target current values ​​IST, IFA, and IRP in each charging control flow, such as standard charging, fast charging, and rapid charging, enabling constant current charging with an appropriate target current value corresponding to the model number of the battery 10.

[0059] Figure 6 also shows that the charging profile includes the constant voltage VCV value for constant voltage charging. For example, the value of the constant voltage VCV, which is the control voltage for constant current charging, is stored in the address AD3. For example, if battery 10 is a lithium-ion battery, the constant voltage VCV can be set in predetermined voltage steps (e.g., 50mV) within the range of 3.6V to 4.5V. In this way, constant voltage charging with a constant voltage VCV corresponding to the model number of battery 10 incorporated in the electronic device 2 becomes possible. For example, even with batteries of the same standard and specifications, the optimal constant voltage VCV for constant voltage charging may differ depending on the battery model number, but this allows for appropriate handling of such cases.

[0060] Figure 6 also shows that the charging profile includes temperature management setting information for charging the battery 10. For example, the temperature thresholds T0, T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5 are stored as temperature management setting information at address AD4, and the current values ​​I0, I1, and I2 are stored at address AD5. In addition, the voltages V0C, V5C, V10C, V15C, V30C, V35C, V40C, and V45C are stored at address AD6. This allows charging with temperature management settings according to the model number of the battery 10 incorporated into the electronic device 2. For example, even batteries of the same standard and specifications may have different optimal temperature management settings for charging depending on the battery model number, but this allows for appropriate handling of such cases.

[0061] Figure 10 illustrates an example of temperature control settings in constant current charging. The temperature thresholds T0, T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5, and the current values ​​I0, I1, and I2 in Figure 10 are set in the charging profile as temperature control setting information, as shown in Figure 6. T3 corresponds to, for example, a typical temperature of 25°C.

[0062] In the low temperature ranges T0-T1, T1-T2, and T2-T3, low-rate constant-current charging is performed with target current values ​​I0, I1, and I2, respectively. In the temperature range T3-T4, standard constant-current charging with IST as the target current value, or fast constant-current charging with IFA as the target current value, is performed. In the temperature range T4-T5, if the battery voltage VBAT is greater than VLIM, standard constant-current charging with IST as the target current value, or fast constant-current charging with IFA as the target current value, is performed. In the temperature range T4-T5, if VBAT is less than or equal to VLIM, standard constant-current charging with IST as the target current value, fast constant-current charging with IFA as the target current value, or rapid constant-current charging with IRP as the target current value is performed. Charging is stopped in temperature ranges below T0 and above T5. By setting the temperature management settings as shown in Figure 10, it becomes possible to achieve constant-current charging with appropriate temperature management according to the model number of battery 10.

[0063] Figure 11 illustrates an example of temperature control settings in constant voltage charging. The voltages V0C, V5C, V10C, V15C, V30C, V35C, V40C, and V45C in Figure 11 are set in the charging profile as temperature control setting information, as shown in Figure 6. For example, in the temperature range of 20°C to 30°C, constant voltage charging is performed at the VCV voltage set in Figure 6. On the other hand, in the temperature range below 5°C, constant voltage charging is performed at the VCV-V0C voltage. In the temperature ranges of 5°C to 10°C, 10°C to 15°C, and 15°C to 20°C, constant voltage charging is performed at the VCV-V5C, VCV-V10C, and VCV-V15C voltages, respectively. In the temperature ranges of 30°C to 35°C, 35°C to 40°C, and 40°C to 45°C, constant voltage charging is performed at the VCV-V30C, VCV-V35C, and VCV-V40C voltages, respectively. Furthermore, in temperature ranges above 45°C, constant voltage charging is performed at the voltage of the VCV-V45C. By setting the temperature control as shown in Figure 11, it becomes possible to achieve constant voltage charging with appropriate temperature control according to the model number of the battery 10.

[0064] Also, in FIG. 6, the charging profile includes management setting information based on the charging history of the battery 10. For example, management setting information α1, α2, α3,... based on the charging history is stored at the address of AD7.

[0065] FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining an example of management settings based on the charging history of the battery 10. The horizontal axis in FIG. 12 represents the number of charging times, and the vertical axis represents the battery capacity. The number of charging times is also called the cycle time. As the number of charging times increases, deterioration of the battery 10 occurs, where the battery capacity decreases. For example, when VCV1 > VCV2, as shown in FIG. 12, when charging at the voltage of VCV1, the battery can be charged to a battery capacity close to 100% when the number of charging times is small. However, as the number of charging times increases, compared with the case of charging at the voltage of VCV2, the degree of decrease in the battery capacity becomes larger, and the deterioration speed of the battery 10 becomes faster.

[0066] Therefore, in FIG. 12, in the first number range with a small number of charging times, charging is performed at the voltage of VCV-α1, and in the second number range with a larger number of charging times than the first number range, charging is performed at the voltage of VCV-α2. Then, in the third number range with a larger number of charging times than the second number range, charging is performed at the voltage of VCV-α3. Here, since α1 > α2 > α3, the relationship of VCV-α1 < VCV-α2 < VCV-α3 holds. By doing so, as shown in FIG. 12, compared with the case of charging at the voltage of VCV1, the degree of decrease in the battery capacity when the number of charging times increases becomes smaller, and it becomes possible to suppress the deterioration speed of the battery 10.

[0067] In this way, by using a charging profile that includes management setting information based on the charging history of the battery 10, it becomes possible to perform management settings based on an appropriate charging history according to the model number of the battery 10 incorporated in the electronic device 2. For example, by setting α1, α2, α3 in FIG. 12 to voltages corresponding to the model number of the battery 10, it becomes possible to suppress the deterioration speed of the battery 10 as the number of charging times increases.

[0068] Figure 6 also shows that the discharge profile includes a voltage threshold VDE for determining when to stop discharging. For example, the voltage threshold VDE for determining when to stop discharging is stored at the address AD8. If the battery 10 is a lithium-ion battery, the voltage threshold VDE for determining when to stop discharging is, for example, around 2.9 to 3.1V. In this way, the voltage threshold VDE for determining when to stop discharging the battery 10, which corresponds to the model number of the battery 10 incorporated in the electronic device 2, can be used to determine when to stop discharging the battery 10 and to control the discharge based on the determination result. For example, when the battery voltage VBAT falls below the voltage threshold VDE for determining when to stop discharging the battery 10, the discharge of the battery 10 can be stopped, preventing situations such as the battery 10 being over-discharged.

[0069] For example, in Figure 2, the power supply circuit 80 outputs an output voltage VOUT based on the battery voltage VBAT of the battery 10, supplying power to the device 12 to be powered. In other words, power is supplied to the device 12 by discharging the battery 10. However, as the battery voltage VBAT decreases due to the discharge of the battery 10, problems can occur such as the battery 10 becoming over-discharged or the power supply circuit 80 malfunctioning.

[0070] In this regard, by setting a voltage threshold VDE for discharge stop determination as a discharge profile, for example, when the battery voltage VBAT falls below the voltage threshold VDE, the power supply circuit 80 will stop discharging the battery 10 and stop supplying power to the powered device 12 based on the battery voltage VBAT. This prevents situations such as the battery 10 being over-discharged or the power supply circuit 80 malfunctioning due to a decrease in the battery voltage VBAT caused by discharge.

[0071] The discharge profile is not limited to the voltage threshold VDE used for determining discharge stop, and various other profiles can be envisioned. For example, if the battery 10 is controlled to stop discharging when its temperature becomes too low or too high, the temperature at which discharge stops can be set as the discharge profile. For example, if discharge stops below temperature TL on the low-temperature side and above temperature TH on the high-temperature side, these temperatures TL and TH can be set as different discharge profiles for each model number. In this way, it becomes possible to control the discharge stop of the battery 10 at temperatures appropriate to the model number of the battery 10.

[0072] Figure 13 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of this embodiment. When charging of the battery 10 begins, for example, the control circuit 50 reads selection information from the non-volatile memory 60, or sets selection information based on terminal settings (steps S1, S2). For example, when the electronic device 2 is mounted on a charging stand or charging case, the charging circuit 30 starts charging the battery 10. Then, as explained in Figure 4, the control circuit 50 reads selection information from the non-volatile memory 60, or sets selection information by setting terminal TSLB, as explained in Figure 5.

[0073] Next, the control circuit 50 selects and reads a charge profile and a discharge profile from among multiple charge profiles and multiple discharge profiles corresponding to multiple battery types stored in the non-volatile memory 60 based on selection information (step S3). For example, if battery 10 is a battery of type 1, the charge profile CPF1 and discharge profile DPF1 corresponding to type 1 are read from the non-volatile memory 60. If battery 10 is a battery of type 2, the charge profile CPF2 and discharge profile DPF2 corresponding to type 2 are read from the non-volatile memory 60. Then the control circuit 50 starts charge control based on the read charge profile (step S4). For example, the control circuit 50 controls the charging circuit 30 based on the read charge profile to perform charge control of battery 10 based on the charge profile. The control circuit 50 also starts discharge control based on the read discharge profile (step S5). For example, the control circuit 50 controls the power supply circuit 80 based on the read discharge profile to perform discharge control of battery 10 based on the discharge profile. When battery 10 is fully charged, the charge control and other processes are completed (step S6).

[0074] 3. Method for manufacturing electronic devices and replacing batteries Next, the manufacturing method of the electronic device 2 in this embodiment and the method for replacing the battery 10 will be described. Figure 14 is a flowchart illustrating the manufacturing method of the electronic device 2 in this embodiment.

[0075] First, the battery 10 is installed in the electronic device 2 (step S11). For example, the set manufacturer of the electronic device 2 installs the battery pack into the casing of the electronic device 2. If the battery of the first model number is installed in the electronic device 2, the charging device 20 is set with selection information to select the first charge profile and first discharge profile corresponding to the battery of the first model number, and the process ends (steps S12, S13). For example, as explained in Figures 4 and 5, the selection information is written to the non-volatile memory 60 or set by setting the terminal TSLB. On the other hand, if the battery of the second model number is installed in the electronic device 2 instead of the battery of the first model number, the charging device 20 is set with selection information to select the second charge profile and second discharge profile corresponding to the battery of the second model number, and the process ends (steps S14, S15). If a battery of another model number is installed, the charging device 20 is set with selection information to select the charge profile and discharge profile corresponding to the battery of the other model number, and the process ends (step S16).

[0076] According to the manufacturing method of this embodiment, the charge profile and discharge profile corresponding to the model number of the battery 10 incorporated into the electronic device 2 can be read from the non-volatile memory 60, and the charge and discharge control of the battery 10 can be performed using the read charge and discharge profiles. This makes it possible to control the charge and discharge of the battery 10 according to the demand situation, even if batteries with the same specifications but different model numbers are purchased from two different companies.

[0077] The charge profile and discharge profile may be written to the non-volatile memory 60 by the manufacturer of the circuit device that implements the charge device 20, or the set manufacturer of the electronic device 2 may write them to the non-volatile memory 60 after the circuit device has been incorporated into the electronic device 2. If the set manufacturer of the electronic device 2 writes them, for example, the processing unit of the electronic device 2 writes them to the non-volatile memory 60 via the interface circuit 92 shown in Figure 2. The non-volatile memory 60 may be a memory built into the circuit device that implements the charge device 20, or it may be provided as an external memory for the circuit device.

[0078] Figure 15 is a flowchart illustrating the battery replacement method in this embodiment. For example, if the battery needs to be replaced due to battery degradation, this battery replacement is performed as a repair of the electronic device 2.

[0079] First, remove the battery of type 1 from electronic device 2 (step S21). For example, a repair technician from the manufacturer removes the battery of type 1 that is installed in the casing of electronic device 2. That is, they perform the work of replacing a battery whose capacity has decreased due to deterioration. Then, install the battery of type 2 into electronic device 2 (step S22). That is, they perform the work of replacing it with a new battery that has not deteriorated. In this case, since there is no stock of battery of type 1, they replace it with a battery of type 2, which is different from type 1. Then, instead of the selection information for selecting the first charge profile and first discharge profile corresponding to the battery of type 1, select information for selecting the second charge profile and second discharge profile corresponding to the battery of type 2 is set in the charging device 20 (step S23). Taking Figure 4 as an example, the selection information stored in the non-volatile memory 60 is rewritten to select the second charge profile and second discharge profile corresponding to the battery of type 2. Taking Figure 5 as an example, the terminal setting is changed to select the second charge profile and second discharge profile corresponding to the battery of type 2. This completes the battery replacement repair.

[0080] According to this battery replacement method of this embodiment, when replacing the battery of electronic device 2 that was equipped with a battery of type 1, even if a battery of type 1 is unavailable due to inventory status, etc., a battery of type 2 can be installed in the electronic device 2 instead of the battery of type 1. When charging the battery 10, the charge profile and discharge profile corresponding to the battery of type 2 are read from the non-volatile memory 60, and the charge and discharge control of the battery 10 can be performed based on the read charge profile and discharge profile.

[0081] As described above, the electronic device of this embodiment includes a replaceable battery and a charging device for charging the battery. The charging device includes a non-volatile memory, a control circuit that performs charging control based on a selected charging profile from among multiple charging profiles corresponding to multiple battery types stored in the non-volatile memory, and a charging circuit that charges the battery based on the charging control.

[0082] According to this embodiment, a charging profile corresponding to the battery model number incorporated in the electronic device is selected from among multiple charging profiles stored in the non-volatile memory based on selection information. Then, battery charging control is performed based on the charging profile thus selected. This makes it possible to achieve appropriate charging control according to the model number of the battery incorporated in the electronic device.

[0083] In this embodiment, the selection information may also be stored in non-volatile memory.

[0084] In this way, selection information can be stored in non-volatile memory that retains its contents even without an external power supply, and based on this selection information, a charging profile corresponding to the battery built into the electronic device can be selected to charge the battery.

[0085] In this embodiment, the selection information may also be set by the terminal settings of the circuit device used in the charging device.

[0086] In this way, based on the selection information set by the terminals of the circuit device, the charging profile corresponding to the battery built into the electronic device can be selected and the battery can be charged.

[0087] In this embodiment, the selection information may also be set during the manufacturing of the electronic device or when the battery is replaced.

[0088] This approach allows the device to select the appropriate charging profile for the battery built into the electronic device, based on the selection information set during the device's manufacture or battery replacement, and then charge the battery accordingly.

[0089] In this embodiment, the charging profile may also include a voltage threshold for overcharge detection.

[0090] In this way, it becomes possible to detect overcharging and control charging based on the detection results by using a voltage threshold for overcharging detection that corresponds to the model number of the battery incorporated in the electronic device.

[0091] In this embodiment, the charging profile may also include setting information for the charging control flow.

[0092] This approach makes it possible to control battery charging using a charging control flow that corresponds to the model number of the battery incorporated in the electronic device.

[0093] In this embodiment, the charging profile may also include a target current value for constant current charging.

[0094] This method enables constant current charging at a target current value corresponding to the model number of the battery incorporated in the electronic device.

[0095] In this embodiment, the charging profile may also include the constant voltage value for constant voltage charging.

[0096] This method enables constant voltage charging at a constant voltage corresponding to the model number of the battery incorporated in the electronic device.

[0097] In this embodiment, the charging profile may also include temperature control setting information for battery charging.

[0098] This allows for charging with temperature control settings tailored to the specific battery model of the electronic device.

[0099] In this embodiment, the charging profile may also include management setting information based on the battery charging history.

[0100] This approach allows for management settings based on the appropriate charging history corresponding to the model number of the battery incorporated in the electronic device.

[0101] In this embodiment, the charging device may also include a power supply circuit that supplies power to the powered device based on the battery voltage of the battery. The control circuit may control the power supply based on a discharge profile selected from a plurality of discharge profiles corresponding to multiple battery types stored in non-volatile memory, based on selection information.

[0102] In this way, when supplying power to a device based on battery voltage, it becomes possible to achieve power supply by controlling the battery discharge based on an appropriate discharge profile corresponding to the battery model number.

[0103] In this embodiment, the discharge profile may also include a voltage threshold for determining discharge termination.

[0104] In this way, when supplying power to a device by discharging the battery, it becomes possible to stop the discharge using a voltage threshold for determining when to stop the discharge.

[0105] This embodiment also relates to a method for manufacturing an electronic device that includes a replaceable battery and a charging device for charging the battery, wherein the charging device includes a non-volatile memory, a control circuit that performs charging control based on a selected charging profile from among a plurality of charging profiles corresponding to a plurality of battery types stored in the non-volatile memory, and a charging circuit that charges the battery based on the charging control. When a battery of type 1 is incorporated into the electronic device, selection information for selecting a first charging profile corresponding to the battery of type 1 is set in the charging device. When a battery of type 2 is incorporated into the electronic device, selection information for selecting a second charging profile corresponding to the battery of type 2 is set in the charging device.

[0106] According to this embodiment, a charging profile corresponding to the model number of a battery incorporated in an electronic device can be read from a non-volatile memory, and the battery charging can be controlled based on the read charging profile.

[0107] This embodiment also relates to a method for replacing the battery of an electronic device, which includes a replaceable battery and a charging device for charging the battery. The charging device includes a non-volatile memory, a control circuit that performs charging control based on a selected charging profile from among a plurality of charging profiles corresponding to a plurality of battery types stored in the non-volatile memory, and a charging circuit that charges the battery by the charging control of the control circuit. When the battery of the electronic device is replaced from a first type battery to a second type battery, the charging device is set with selection information to select a second charging profile corresponding to the second type battery, instead of selection information to select a first charging profile corresponding to the first type battery.

[0108] According to this embodiment, when replacing the battery of an electronic device that was originally equipped with a battery of type 1, a battery of type 2 can be installed in the electronic device instead of the battery of type 1. When charging the battery, a charging profile corresponding to the battery of type 2 can be read from the non-volatile memory, and the battery charging can be controlled according to the read charging profile.

[0109] Although this embodiment has been described in detail above, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that many modifications are possible without substantially departing from the novelty and effects of this disclosure. Therefore, all such modifications are included within the scope of this disclosure. For example, any term that appears at least once in the specification or drawings together with a broader or synonymous term may be replaced with that different term anywhere in the specification or drawings. Furthermore, all combinations of this embodiment and its modifications are also included within the scope of this disclosure. In addition, the configuration and operation of electronic devices and charging devices are not limited to those described in this embodiment, and various modifications are possible. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0110] 2...Electronic device, 10...Battery, 12...Power supply target device, 14...Power transmission device, 20...Charging device, 30...Charging circuit, 32...Current source circuit, 34...Reverse current prevention circuit, 40...Voltage measurement circuit, 42...A / D conversion circuit, 50...Control circuit, 52...Resistor section, 60...Non-volatile memory, 70...Power receiving circuit, 72...Rectifier circuit, 80...Power supply circuit, 90...Temperature measurement section, 92...Interface circuit, CCF...Charging control flow setting information, CPF1, CPF2...Charging Pro File, DPF1, DPF2…Discharge Profile, ICH…Charging Current, IST, IFA, IRP…Target Current Value, OPA…Amplifier Circuit, RB, RCS, RD, RP, RS…Resistor, SDB…Control Signal, TA, TB1, TB2…Transistor, TBAT, TCK, TSLB, TTM, TVOUT…Terminal, VBAT…Battery Voltage, VCH…Charging Voltage, VCV…Constant Voltage, VOC…Voltage Threshold for Over-Discharge Detection, VDE…Voltage Threshold for Discharge Stop Detection

Claims

1. Replaceable battery, A charging device for charging the aforementioned battery, Includes, The charging device is Non-volatile memory and A control circuit that performs charging control using a charging profile selected based on selection information from among multiple charging profiles corresponding to multiple battery types stored in the non-volatile memory, A charging circuit that charges the battery based on the aforementioned charging control, An electronic device characterized by including

2. In the electronic device described in claim 1, The electronic device is characterized in that the selection information is stored in the non-volatile memory.

3. In the electronic device described in claim 1, The aforementioned selection information is set by the terminal settings of the circuit device used in the charging device, and is an electronic device.

4. In the electronic device described in claim 1, The aforementioned selection information is set during the manufacturing of the electronic device or during the replacement of the battery.

5. In the electronic device described in claim 1, The electronic device is characterized in that the charging profile includes a voltage threshold for determining overcharge.

6. In the electronic device described in claim 1, The electronic device is characterized in that the charging profile includes setting information for the charging control flow.

7. In the electronic device described in claim 1, The electronic device is characterized in that the charging profile includes a target current value for constant current charging.

8. In the electronic device described in claim 1, The electronic device is characterized in that the charging profile includes a constant voltage value for constant voltage charging.

9. In the electronic device described in claim 1, The electronic device is characterized in that the charging profile includes temperature control setting information for charging the battery.

10. In the electronic device described in claim 1, The electronic device is characterized in that the charging profile includes management setting information based on the charging history of the battery.

11. In the electronic device described in claim 1, The charging device is Includes a power supply circuit that supplies power to a device to be powered based on the battery voltage of the aforementioned battery, The aforementioned control circuit is An electronic device characterized by controlling the power supply by selecting a discharge profile based on the selection information from among a plurality of discharge profiles corresponding to a plurality of battery types stored in the non-volatile memory.

12. In the electronic device described in claim 11, The electronic device is characterized in that the discharge profile includes a voltage threshold for determining discharge termination.

13. A method for manufacturing an electronic device, which includes a replaceable battery and a charging device for charging the battery, The charging device is Non-volatile memory and A control circuit that performs charging control using a charging profile selected based on selection information from among multiple charging profiles corresponding to multiple battery types stored in the non-volatile memory, A charging circuit that charges the battery based on the aforementioned charging control, Includes, When a battery of type 1 is incorporated into the electronic device, the selection information for selecting a first charging profile corresponding to the battery of type 1 is set in the charging device. A manufacturing method characterized in that, when the second type of battery is incorporated into the electronic device, the selection information for selecting a second charging profile corresponding to the second type of battery is set in the charging device.

14. A method for replacing the battery of an electronic device, which includes a replaceable battery and a charging device for charging the battery, The charging device is Non-volatile memory and A control circuit that performs charging control using a charging profile selected based on selection information from among multiple charging profiles corresponding to multiple battery types stored in the non-volatile memory, A charging circuit that charges the battery by the charge control of the control circuit, Includes, A battery replacement method characterized in that, when the battery of the electronic device is replaced from a first-type battery to a second-type battery, the charging device is set to select a second charging profile corresponding to the second-type battery, instead of the selection information for selecting a first charging profile corresponding to the first-type battery.

Citation Information

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