Battery pack with built-in heater

Abstract

This application relates to a battery having a heating element. The battery connector includes a first terminal, a second terminal, and a heater terminal. One or more rechargeable battery cells are electrically coupled to the first and second terminals of the connector. The heating element contacts a subset of the battery cells and includes a resistive heater path. The resistive heater path is electrically coupled to the first and second terminals of the connector, and generates heat to warm the battery when a heater voltage is applied to the heater terminals. A waterproof material is wrapped around the outside of the heating element and the battery cells to prevent ambient water from contacting the heater element and the battery cells. The waterproof material includes an opening to allow at least the first and second terminals of the connector to be electrically coupled to a logic board.

Description

[Background technology]

[0001] background Outdoor electronic devices (e.g., outdoor cameras) may be subject to extremely low temperatures that pose a problem for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries installed in such devices. At such low temperatures, the electrochemical dynamics of lithium-ion batteries may be significantly reduced during the charging and discharging process, which may lead to an increase in battery impedance. For example, the average temperature in Canada ranges from -5°C to -15°C during the winter months of January and February, and the impedance of a lithium-ion battery with an energy capacity of up to 500mAh may be five times higher in this temperature range compared to the impedance of a lithium-ion battery at room temperature. The increase in impedance of lithium-ion batteries may reduce their discharge capacity, which may result in a significant decrease in the run-time of the electronic device powered by the battery. In addition, while the lithium-ion battery is powering the operation of the electronic device, the increase in impedance may result in an undesirable voltage drop in the battery itself, which may increase the possibility of device brownout (i.e., an unintended voltage drop in the power source of the electronic device that interrupts device operation). As a result, mechanisms are needed in many battery-powered electronic devices designed for use in low-temperature environments to extend the run-time of the device and avoid device brownout. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0002] overview The present disclosure describes a method for warming a battery of an electronic device (e.g., outdoor camera, doorbell camera) exposed to a low temperature environment. The battery includes one or more rechargeable battery cells electrically coupled to two terminals. A heating element is physically integrated into one or more rechargeable battery cells of the battery and shares one of the two terminals with the battery cells. When the heating element is heated, the battery is warmed, which can protect the battery from operating at low temperatures. As a result of warming the battery, the impedance and discharge capacity of the battery are not compromised, and the device run time or power supply of the electronic device is not undesirably reduced when powered by the battery. Additionally, in some embodiments, the battery is modified to incorporate packaging features to prevent water penetration while maintaining a compact form factor.

[0003] In one aspect, some implementations include a battery having a connector, one or more rechargeable battery cells, a heating element, and a waterproof material. The connector includes a first terminal, a second terminal, and a heater terminal. The one or more rechargeable battery cells are electrically coupled to the first terminal and the second terminal of the connector. The heating element contacts at least a subset of the one or more rechargeable battery cells, for example, wrapped around the outside of the one or more rechargeable batteries. The heating element includes a resistive heater path electrically coupled to the heater terminal and one of the first terminal and the second terminal of the connector. When a heater voltage is applied to the heater terminal, the resistive heater path of the heating element generates heat to warm the battery. The waterproof material is wrapped around the outside of the heating element and the one or more rechargeable battery cells. The waterproof material prevents surrounding water from entering the battery. heating The waterproof material further includes an opening to allow at least the first and second terminals of the connector to be electrically coupled to a logic board (e.g., distinct from and external to the battery).

[0004] In some implementations, the heater terminal is electrically coupled to an output of a temperature control circuit. The temperature control circuit provides a heater voltage to the heater terminal when the operating temperature of the battery is below a threshold temperature. The temperature control circuit dynamically adjusts the heater voltage according to the operating temperature of the battery. The temperature control circuit is optionally located on a logic board or encapsulated in a waterproof material.

[0005] In some implementations, the battery further includes a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) thermistor having a first resistance configured to change with an operating temperature of the battery. The connector further includes an NTC terminal electrically coupled to the NTC thermistor.

[0006] For this reason, electronic systems and devices include rechargeable batteries integrated into the heating element, especially when the electronic devices have a compact form factor and / or are used in low temperature environments.

[0007] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For a better understanding of the various implementations described, reference should be made to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to corresponding parts throughout the drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1 illustrates an example electronic device including a rechargeable battery, according to some implementations. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an electronic device according to some implementations. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a circuit diagram illustrating a battery charging / discharging system for an electronic device, according to some implementations. [Figure 3A] FIG. 2 illustrates an example battery that does not incorporate a heating element, according to some implementations. [Figure 3B]FIG. 1 illustrates an example battery incorporating a heating element, according to some implementations. [Figure 4A] FIG. 1 illustrates an example heating element that can be incorporated into a battery of an electronic device, according to some implementations. [Figure 4B] FIG. 1 illustrates an example heating element that can be incorporated into a battery of an electronic device, according to some implementations. [Figure 4C] FIG. 1 illustrates an example heating element that can be incorporated into a battery of an electronic device, according to some implementations. [Figure 5A] A diagram illustrating a battery connection assembly for electrically coupling one or more battery cells to a logic board (e.g., a main board) external to the battery, according to some implementations. [Figure 6A] FIG. 1 is a circuit diagram illustrating an example battery protection system, according to some implementations. [Figure 6B] FIG. 1 is a circuit diagram illustrating an example battery protection system, according to some implementations. [Figure 7A] 1A-1D illustrate a process of assembling a battery having multiple battery cells, particularly a battery not encased in a waterproof material, according to some implementations. [Figure 7B] 1A-1D illustrate a process of assembling a battery having multiple battery cells, particularly a battery not encased in a waterproof material, according to some implementations. [Figure 7C] 1A-1D illustrate a battery having multiple battery cells in a process of assembling the battery, according to some implementations, encased in a waterproof material. [Figure 7D] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a battery without waterproofing material, according to some implementations. [Figure 7E] FIG. 13 is a front view showing a battery without waterproofing material, according to some implementations. [Figure 7F] FIG. 13 is a side view showing a battery without waterproofing material, according to some implementations. [Figure 7G]FIG. 13 is a side view showing a battery without waterproofing material, according to some implementations. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Like reference numerals refer to corresponding parts throughout the several views of the accompanying drawings.

[0010] Detailed Description In various implementations of the present application, the heating element is incorporated into a battery including one or more battery cells, which may refer to a battery pack where one or more battery cells are packaged with additional functional components (e.g., temperature sensor, protection circuit). When an electronic device having such a battery is used in a low temperature environment, the heating element generates heat to warm the battery. The heating element is integrated with the battery in a compact package that reduces the bill of materials (BOM) required to manufacture the battery. The battery includes an internal protection circuit module (PCM), a connector outside the body of the battery, and wires connecting the PCM to the connector. An additional connection board is used to support the PCM and is electrically coupled to the two ends of the heating element. One of the two ends of the heating element is electrically coupled to the existing anode or cathode of the battery on the connection board (e.g., ground of the existing battery pack system) and shares the same existing connection pad on the connection board, wires, and connector terminals with the anode or cathode of the battery. Thus, the existing connection board, connectors and wires are shared by the battery cell and the heating element, eliminating the need to add a separate heater board, wires or connector for the heating element. An electronic device having such a battery can further save space on an external logic board that is coupled to the battery, because the logic board does not need to accommodate two connectors that are separately coupled to the battery terminals and the heater terminals.

[0011] In some implementations, the heating element is incorporated into the battery when the battery is assembled by the battery supplier. The heating element optionally includes a heating sheet that is wrapped directly onto the battery cell to facilitate heat transfer. A waterproof material (e.g., wrap with a packaging label) is further wrapped around the outside of the heating element and battery cell to hold the heating element in close proximity to the battery cell. The application of this waterproof material provides a thermal barrier to protect the battery cell from the cold environment, thereby protecting the heating element from delamination and separation from the battery pack surface over time.

[0012] The heating element is powered by the system power rail and can only function when the battery is mated to an electronic device and its connector is electrically coupled to and driven by an external logic board. When the battery connector is not connected to an external logic board, the anode and cathode of the battery and the two ends of the heating element are open and floating.

[0013] FIG. 1A illustrates an exemplary electronic device 100 including a rechargeable battery 102, according to some implementations, and FIG. 1B illustrates a cross-sectional view 1B of the electronic device 100 along cross-section 1B-1B of the electronic device 100 shown in FIG. 1A, according to some implementations. The electronic device 100 is a doorbell camera device incorporating a camera module and a doorbell system within a device housing 110. As a doorbell camera, the device 100 will likely be used in cold outdoor environments, making it an ideal device for using a battery-integrated heater as described herein. The camera module includes a lens assembly 104 and an image sensor 132 configured to capture images, and a wireless transceiver configured to exchange data with a remote server via one or more wireless communication networks. The doorbell system is configured to ring a remote chime device in response to depressing a button top 106′ of the button assembly 106.

[0014] In some implementations, the device housing 110 includes a front cover plate 108 that seals at least the electronic components, the lens assembly 104, and the button assembly 106 within the device housing 110. The front cover plate 108 includes a button opening 114 configured to expose a button top 106′ on the front cover plate 108. The button top 106′ is part of the button assembly 106 and is configured to receive a user pressing down on the button assembly 106. In some implementations, the front cover plate 108 further includes a camera opening 112 that exposes the lens assembly 104. The lens assembly 104 includes a cover glass configured to protect the lens assembly 104. The electronic device 100 may include an array of IR illuminators 118 disposed behind a substantially opaque region. Although the IR illuminators 118 are hidden under the front cover plate 108, light generated by the IR illuminators 118 can still pass through the front cover plate 108 to illuminate the field of view of the electronic device 100.

[0015] In some implementations, the electronic device 100 further includes an ambient light sensor (ALS) assembly (not shown in FIG. 1B ) disposed at least partially within the lens assembly 104. The ALS assembly is configured to measure an amount of light entering the lens assembly 104 from the ambient environment surrounding the lens assembly 104. The electronic device 100 may further include a microphone 120 and a speaker 122. The microphone 120 is hidden behind a front cover plate 108, which has a microphone aperture 124 that allows sound waves to reach the microphone 120. A remote user may view a live video stream captured by the camera module of the electronic device 100 and may converse in real time with a visitor via the microphone 120 and the speaker 122.

[0016] The electronic device 100 may include at least a sensor board 126, a main board 128, and a secondary board 130 stacked within the device housing 110. The main board 128 includes at least a central processing unit (CPU) and a memory system (e.g., including memory and a memory controller). The image sensor array 132 may be disposed on an end of the sensor board 126. The secondary board 130 may include at least one or more of a wireless transceiver circuit, an IR illuminator driver, an LED indicator driver, and an audio signal processor (not shown in FIG. 1B).

[0017] In some implementations, the rechargeable battery 102 is mounted on the main board 128 and electrically coupled to the main board 128 via a connector. The main board 128 may be inverted and glued to the sensor board 126. When the main board 128 is offset from the sensor board 126, the rechargeable battery 102 may be positioned next to the sensor board 126 to utilize compact space within the device housing 110. In some implementations, the sensor board 126 regulates externally provided supply voltages, such as by providing these supply voltages to charge the rechargeable battery 102, and the main board 128 manages the operation of the rechargeable battery 102 to power the sensor board 126 and the secondary board 130 when an external power source is unavailable. In some situations, the electronic device 100 is not disconnected from the external power source, and the battery 102 is configured to drive the camera system of the electronic device 100 for only a short period of time (e.g., when the button top 106′ is pressed). Alternatively, in some situations, the battery 102 is used to power operation of the electronic device 100 that is disconnected from any external power source for an extended period of time before the battery 102 is connected to and charged by the external power source.

[0018] 1A, the electronic device 100 is a doorbell camera device that is typically installed outside a building and exposed to an outdoor environment, and thus exposed to outdoor temperature fluctuations. In some implementations, the rechargeable battery 102 is disabled from charging according to a determination that the temperature of the rechargeable battery is higher than a first threshold temperature (e.g., 45°C). Conversely, in some situations, the outdoor temperature may drop below a second threshold temperature (e.g., 0°C), and the battery 102 of the electronic device 100 may be affected by the drop in the outdoor temperature. In some implementations, a heating element is incorporated in the rechargeable battery 102, and the heating element heats the rechargeable battery 102 according to a determination that the temperature of the rechargeable battery is lower than the second threshold temperature (e.g., 0°C). The heating element is disabled from heating the rechargeable battery 102 according to a determination that the temperature of the rechargeable battery is equal to or higher than a third threshold temperature. The third threshold temperature is optionally equal to and different from the second threshold temperature.

[0019] 2 is a circuit diagram of a battery charging / discharging system 200 of an electronic device 100 according to some implementations. The electronic device 100 includes a battery 102. Optionally, the battery 102 is built into the electronic device 100 or is a replaceable module within the electronic device 100. In some implementations, the battery 102 includes a single rechargeable battery cell 202. In some implementations, the battery 102 includes multiple rechargeable battery cells 202 electrically coupled to each other. For example, in some implementations, the multiple rechargeable battery cells 202 of the battery 102 can be coupled according to a 1SnP parallel battery configuration (n is an integer indicating the number of battery cells 202 connected in parallel (e.g., 1S2P, 1S3P, 1S4P)), a mS1P series battery configuration (m is an integer indicating the number of battery cells 202 connected in series (e.g., 2S2P)), or a mSnP mixed battery configuration. In this application, battery 102 broadly refers to a battery pack that packages one or more battery cells 202 along with additional functional components (eg, heating element 204, NTC thermistor 216, and battery protection system 224).

[0020] In some implementations, the battery 102 is electrically coupled to an internal circuitry 226 that includes various components of the electronic device 100, such as a CPU, memory, data input devices, data output devices, lens assemblies, heat sinks, image sensor arrays, infrared illuminators, filters, etc. The internal circuitry 226 is implemented on the main board 128, the sensor board 126, and / or the secondary board 130. In some implementations, an external power source 228 is coupled to the battery 102 and the internal circuitry 226. The external power source 228 is used to charge the battery 102 of the electronic device 100 and to power the internal circuitry 226.

[0021] In some implementations, one or more battery cells 202 are electrically coupled to a battery protection system 224 configured to protect the one or more battery cells 202 while the electronic device 100 is being charged by an external power source 228 or any other power source and / or while the battery 102 is being discharged to power the internal circuitry 226 of the electronic device 100. In some implementations, the battery protection system 224 is used to detect when at least one rechargeable battery cell of the multiple rechargeable battery cells 202 forming the battery 102 is disconnected or unable to be charged. In some implementations, the battery protection system 224 is designed into a protection circuit module of the battery 102. In some implementations, the one or more battery cells 202 and the battery protection system 224 are integrated into a single package / enclosure of a battery pack housed in the electronic device 100. In other implementations not shown, the battery protection system 224 is packaged as a separate package / component from the battery 102.

[0022] In some implementations, the battery 102 includes, in addition to the one or more battery cells 202, a heating element 204 and a waterproofing material 206. The heating element 204 is disposed in contact with at least a subset of the one or more battery cells 202, e.g., wrapped around the outside of the one or more rechargeable battery cells 202. The heating element 204 includes a resistive heater path configured to generate heat to warm the one or more battery cells 202. The waterproofing material 206 is wrapped around the outside of the heating element 204 and the one or more rechargeable battery cells 202 to prevent surrounding water from entering the battery cell 202. heating Prevent contact with the element 204 and the battery cell 202 .

[0023] The battery 102 further includes a connector (e.g., connector 306 in FIG. 3 ) configured to electrically couple the battery 102 to an internal circuit 226 and / or an external power source 228 (e.g., more specifically to the main board 128). The connector includes a first terminal 210, a second terminal 212, and a heater terminal 214. The first terminal 210 and the second terminal 212 are coupled to two opposing electrodes (i.e., anode and cathode) of one or more battery cells 202 to allow the one or more battery cells 202 to be charged and discharged at the first terminal 210 and the second terminal 212. The second terminal 212 is optionally coupled to a ground power source 220. A resistive heater path of the heating element 204 is electrically coupled to the heater terminal 214 and one of the first terminal 210 and the second terminal 212 of the connector. When a heater voltage is applied to the heater terminals 214, a resistive heater path in the heating element 204 generates heat to warm the battery 102. A waterproof material 206 wrapped around the outside of the heating element 204 has openings to allow at least the first terminal 210 and the second terminal 212 of the connector to be electrically coupled to a logic board (e.g., the main board 128) separate from the battery 102.

[0024] The first terminal 210 and the second terminal 212 are electrically coupled to a high supply node (i.e., cathode) and a low supply node (i.e., anode) of one or more battery cells 202, respectively. In some implementations, a resistive heater path is electrically coupled between the first terminal 210 and the heater terminal 214. When the operating temperature of the battery 102 is below a threshold temperature, the heater voltage is lower than the high supply node coupled to the first terminal 210 and is positively correlated to the operating temperature of the battery 102 (i.e., higher with increasing operating temperature). Conversely, in some implementations, a resistive heater path is electrically coupled between the heater terminal 214 and the second terminal 212. When the operating temperature of the battery 102 is below a threshold temperature, the heater voltage is higher than the low supply node coupled to the second terminal 212 and is inversely correlated to the operating temperature of the battery (i.e., lower with increasing operating temperature). Additionally, in some implementations, the low supply node of the battery 102 may be grounded and the second terminal 212 is grounded at the low supply node.

[0025] Further, in some implementations, the battery 102 further includes a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) thermistor 216 having a first resistance configured to change with an operating temperature of the battery 102. The connector further includes an NTC terminal 218 coupled to the NTC thermistor 216. An output of the NTC terminal 218 is indicative of an operating temperature of the battery 102, and a heater voltage is applied to the heater terminal 214 in response to determining that the output of the NTC terminal 218 satisfies a predefined heating condition. For example, the output of the NTC terminal 218 is used to determine whether the operating temperature of the battery is lower than a threshold temperature. The heater voltage can be dynamically adjusted in response to the output of the NTC terminal 218. Further, in some implementations, the NTC thermistor 216 is coupled in series with a resistor 222. The resistor 222 and the NTC thermistor 215 are electrically biased between the first terminal 210 and the second terminal 212. The resistor 222 has a second resistance that remains substantially constant or varies within a small tolerance range depending on the operating temperature of the battery 102. The resistor 222 is optionally located external to the battery 102, for example, in the internal circuit 226, or internal to the battery 102.

[0026] In some implementations, the heater terminals 214 are electrically coupled to an output of a temperature control circuit 230 that provides a heater voltage to the heater terminals 214 when the operating temperature of the battery 102 is below a threshold temperature. The temperature control circuit 230 dynamically adjusts the heater voltage depending on the operating temperature of the battery 102. Optionally, the temperature control circuit 230 is part of the internal circuitry 226 of the electronic device 106 and is external to the battery 102 (e.g., on the main board 128). Optionally, the temperature control circuit 230 is integrated into the battery 102 rather than being implemented on any of the sensor board 126, the main board 128, and the secondary board 130.

[0027] 3A illustrates an example battery 300 that does not incorporate a heating element 204, and FIG. 3B illustrates an example battery 350 that incorporates a heating element 204, according to some implementations. The battery 300 includes one or more rechargeable battery cells 202, an interconnect board 302, a battery interconnect link 304, and a connector 306. The battery 300 has two opposing electrodes including a cathode 308 and an anode 310, and current can flow from the polarized electrical device of the battery cell 202 through the cathode 308 toward the anode 310 of the battery 300. The one or more rechargeable battery cells 202 are electrically coupled between the cathode 308 and the anode 310 according to a battery configuration (e.g., a parallel battery configuration of lSnP, a mixed battery configuration of mSnP). The cathode 308 and anode 310 of the battery 300 are electrically coupled to two separate battery pads (e.g., a first battery pad and a second battery pad) on the interconnect board 302. The connector 306 is connected to the interconnect board 302 via a battery interconnect link 304. That is, the connector 306 includes a first terminal 210 and a second terminal 212 that are electrically coupled to the first battery pad and the second battery pad of the interconnect board 302, and further to the cathode 308 and anode 310 of the battery 300, respectively.

[0028] The external packaging sheet 320 is applied to encapsulate the one or more rechargeable battery cells 202, the cathodes 308 and anodes 310, the internal connection board 302, and the battery ends of the battery interconnect links 304. The external packaging sheet 320 has openings to allow the battery interconnect links 304 to extend away from the battery cells 202 to reach an external logic board (e.g., the main board 128). In some implementations, the external packaging sheet 320 includes a waterproof material 206 that prevents ambient water from contacting the one or more rechargeable battery cells 202 and the internal connection board 302. It should be noted that FIGS. 3A and 3B are conceptual diagrams, and in many embodiments, the external packaging sheet 320 is tightly wrapped around the one or more rechargeable battery cells 202.

[0029] 3B, in some implementations, the heating element 204 is wrapped around and in contact with the outside of one or more rechargeable battery cells 202. The heating element includes a resistive heater path having a first path end 322 and a second path end 324. Each of the first path end 322 and the second path end 324 is supported by a respective portion of the substrate of the heating element 204 that extends proximate to the anode or cathode of the battery 202 to the interconnect board 302. The first path end 322 and the second path end 324 are electrically coupled to a first heater pad and a second heater pad, respectively, of the interconnect board 302. The first heater pad is electrically coupled to the heater terminal 214 of the connector 306 via a heater interconnect of the battery interconnect link 304. The second heater pad is electrically coupled to the first or second battery pad, and thus to the first or second terminal 210, 212 of the connector 306 via the battery interconnect link 304. When a heater voltage is applied to the heater terminals and the first and second terminals are coupled to a supply voltage, current flows through the resistive heater path, generating heat in the resistive heater path of the heating element 204 to warm the battery 350.

[0030] Additionally, a waterproofing material 206 is applied to encapsulate the heating element 204, the one or more rechargeable battery cells 202, the cathodes 308 and anodes 310, the interconnect board 302, and the battery ends of the battery interconnect links 304. The waterproofing material 206 has openings to allow the battery interconnect links 304 to extend away from the battery cells 202 to reach an external logic board (e.g., the main board 128). The waterproofing material 206 prevents ambient water from contacting the one or more rechargeable battery cells 202 and the interconnect board 302.

[0031] In some implementations, incorporating the heating element 204 into the battery 350 does not require a separate connection board, a separate interconnect link, or a separate connector. Rather, the existing connection board 302, interconnect link 304, and connector 306 are modified to support the heating element 204. Specifically, in some implementations, two heater pads are added to the connection board 302, and a heater interconnect is added to the interconnect link 304. The connector 306 is modified to include only one more heater terminal 214. The heating element 204 shares the interconnect and terminals with one or more battery cells 202. Alternatively, in some implementations, neither the first heater pad nor the second heater pad is electrically coupled or shorted to one of the first battery pad and the second battery pad on the internal connection board 302. The connector 306 is modified to include two heater terminals. The first heater pad and the second heater pad are electrically coupled to two heater terminals of the connector 306 via two separate heater interconnects added to the interconnect link 304. By these means, the heating element 204 has its own connections separate from the battery cell connections at the battery level without the need for a separate connector board, interconnect link or connector.

[0032] 4A-4C show three exemplary heating elements 204A-C, each of which may be incorporated into the battery 102 of the electronic device 100, according to some implementations. Each heating element 204 has a polymer substrate that supports and electrically insulates a separate portion of a resistive heater path 402. The polymer substrate is optionally made of polyimide. In some implementations, the resistive heater path 402 follows an evenly distributed (e.g., serpentine) pattern across the substrate of the heating element 204. Alternatively, in some implementations, the resistive heater path 402 follows an unevenly distributed pattern across the heating element 204, with a density profile that matches the temperature profile of the battery 102. For example, the region 404 of the heating element 204 will be placed in contact with a portion of the battery 102 that is closer to the device housing 110 of the electronic device 100, and is more likely to be exposed to low temperatures. The density of resistive heater paths 402 is locally increased in an area 404 of the heating element 204 .

[0033] In some implementations, the one or more rechargeable battery cells 202 collectively form a substantially flat three-dimensional (3D) shape when combined with the battery 102. The thickness (t) of the 3D shape is substantially less than its length (l) or width (w). The 3D shape of the one or more rechargeable battery cells 202 has two opposing surfaces defined by the length (l) and width (w) of the 3D shape. Referring to FIG. 4A, the heating element 204A has an area 408 that matches one of the two opposing surfaces. The heating element 204A can be attached to one of the two opposing surfaces or can be disposed between two adjacent battery cells 202. 4B and 4C, the heating element 204B or 204C includes two regions 406 and 408 conforming to two opposing surfaces, and the two regions 406 and 408 are configured to provide heat to the battery 102 through two opposing sides of the one or more rechargeable battery cells 202 when the heating element 204B or 204C is assembled to the battery 102. The size of each of the two regions 406 and 408 is optionally equal to or smaller than the size of each of the opposing surfaces of the one or more rechargeable battery cells 202.

[0034] The resistive heater path 402 has a first path end 322 and a second path end 324. Each of the first path end 322 and the second path end 324 is supported by a respective portion of the substrate of the heating element 204 that extends from a first side 412A of the region 408 of the heating element 204 to the interconnect board 302. The two regions 406 and 408 of the heating element 204B or 204C are connected via a bridging region 410. The heating element 204B or 204C is folded at the bridging region 410 so that the region 406 or 408 can be wrapped around both sides of one or more rechargeable battery cells 202. Referring to FIG. 4B, the bridging region 410 optionally extends from a second side 412B of the region 408 opposite the first side 412A of the region 408 and has a width (w′) that is less than or equal to the width w′ of the region 406 or 408. B4C, bridging region 410 optionally extends from a third side 412C of region 408 that is connected to a first side 412A of region 408 and has a width (w B The bridging region 410 has a length (l) that matches the thickness (t) of one or more battery cells 202 to be wrapped by the heating element 204B or 204C. B ). Additionally, the resistive heater path 402 follows a respective pattern (e.g., having a serpentine shape) in each of the regions 406 or 408. Optionally, the respective pattern is not used over the bridging region 410. The resistive heater path 402 in the regions 406 or 408 extends over the bridging region 410 but is not electrically disconnected over the bridging region 410. Optionally, the resistive heater path 402 follows the same pattern over the bridging region 410 as well as regions 406 and 408. Each of the regions 408 and 410 is optionally rigid or flexible, with the bridging region 410 being flexible.

[0035] FIG. 5 illustrates a connection assembly 500 of the battery 102 for electrically coupling one or more battery cells 202 to a logic board (e.g., the main board 128) external to the battery 102, according to some implementations. The connection assembly 500 includes an internal connection board 302, a battery interconnect link 304, and a connector 306. The internal connection board 302 is electrically coupled to one or more battery cells 202 having a high supply node (i.e., the cathode 308) and a low supply node (i.e., the anode 310) of the battery 102. The battery interconnect link 304 includes a plurality of interconnects for further coupling the supply node of the battery 102 to the connector 306. The length of the battery interconnect link 304 is longer than the distance between the supply node of the battery 102 and a receiving connector of the logic board configured to receive the connector 306. The terminals of the connector 306 mate with the terminals of the receiving connector mated on the logic board. When the connector 306 is mechanically and electrically coupled to a mating connector on the logic board, the connector 306 provides power from the battery 102 to the electronic components on the logic board or charges the battery 102 from the external power source 228 via the logic board.

[0036] In some implementations, the interconnect board 302 includes a first battery pad 502, a second battery pad 504, a first heater pad 506, and a second heater pad 508. The first battery pad 502 and the second battery pad 504 are electrically coupled to the cathode 308 and the anode 310, respectively, of the battery 102. The first heater pad 506 and the second heater pad 508 are electrically coupled to the first path end 322 and the second path end 324, respectively, of the resistive heater path 402 of the heating element 204. The first battery pad 502 and the second battery pad 504 and the first heater pad 506 are further coupled to corresponding terminals of the connector 306 via the first battery interconnect 510, the second battery interconnect 512, and the heater interconnect 514, respectively, of the battery interconnect link 304. Additionally, in some implementations, the second heater pad 508 is coupled or shorted to a second battery pad 504 on the interconnect board 302 and thus is also electrically coupled to a second battery interconnect 512 of the battery interconnect link 304. In some implementations not shown in FIG. 5, the second heater pad 508 is coupled or shorted to a first battery pad 502 on the interconnect board 302 and thus is electrically coupled to a first battery interconnect 510 of the battery interconnect link 304.

[0037] In some implementations, the battery interconnect link 304 further includes an NTC interconnect 516, and the connector 306 further includes an NTC terminal 218 coupled to the NTC interconnect 516. Referring to FIG. 2, the battery 102 includes an NTC thermistor 216, optionally disposed on the interconnect board 302 or adjacent to one of the one or more battery cells 202 of the battery 102. The NTC thermistor 216 is electrically coupled to the NTC terminal 218 of the connector 306. The NTC thermistor 216 has a first resistance configured to change with an operating temperature of the battery 102, and an output of the NTC terminal indicates the operating temperature of the battery 102. In one example, the NTC thermistor 216 is electrically coupled between the first terminal 210 and the NTC terminal 218 of the connector, and a voltage bias across the NTC thermistor 216 is monitored at the first terminal 210 and the NTC terminal 218 to determine the operating temperature of the battery 102. Further, in some implementations, a heater voltage is applied to the heater terminal 214 according to a determination that the output of the NTC terminal 218 satisfies a predefined heating condition (e.g., the operating temperature of the battery 102 is below a threshold temperature). The heater voltage is dynamically adjusted according to the output of the NTC terminal 218, thereby maintaining the operating temperature of the battery 102 above the threshold temperature.

[0038] 6A and 6B are circuit diagrams of two battery protection systems 224 according to some implementations. Each battery protection system 224 is configured to determine whether the battery 102 is functioning abnormally (e.g., overcharged, undercharged, or shorted) and to disconnect the battery 102 upon detecting an abnormal condition of the battery 102 (e.g., an overcharged, undercharged, or shorted condition). The battery protection systems 224 are disposed on the interconnect board 302 and electrically coupled to the first battery pad 502, the second battery pad 504, and the second heater pad 508. While the battery protection system 224 is coupled to the first heater pad 506 via the heating element 204, it operates independently of the first heater pad 506. Conversely, in some implementations (not shown), the battery protection system 224 is disposed on a logic board external to the battery 102 and electrically coupled to the battery 102 via the connector 306. In some implementations, the battery protection system 224 includes an NTC thermistor 216 coupled between the second battery pad 504 and an NTC node 602, which is electrically coupled to an NTC interconnect 516 of the battery interconnect link 304 and an NTC terminal 218 of the connector 306.

[0039] The battery protection system 224 includes a first protection integrated circuit (PIC) 604 and a first switch component 608. The first PIC 604 is a power controller coupled to the first switch component 608 and configured to control charging and discharging of the battery 102 via the first switch component 608. In some implementations, the battery protection system 224 further includes a second PIC 606 and a second switch component 610. The second PIC 606 is another different power controller coupled to the second switch component 610 and configured to control charging and discharging of the battery 102 via the second switch component 610. The first switch component 608 and the second switch component 610 are coupled in series with each other and with the battery 102 along a charge / discharge path 612. Each of the switch components 608 and 610 can be controlled by a corresponding PIC 604 or 606 to manage charging and discharging of the battery 102. Further, in some implementations, the first switch component 608 and the second switch component 610 each include a charge switch and a discharge switch disposed on the charge / discharge path 612 to separately control the charging and discharging of the battery 102.

[0040] In some implementations, the two monitor resistors 614A and 614B are coupled in series with each other and with the battery 102 and the switch components 608 and 610 along the charge / discharge path 612. The monitor resistor 614 is also coupled in series with one or more battery cells 102 on the direct current (DC) charge / discharge path 612. The first PIC 604 and the second PIC 606 are each coupled to the monitor resistor 614A or 614B and configured to monitor a voltage drop across the monitor resistor 614A or 614B and determine whether the battery 102 is functioning abnormally based on the voltage drop across the monitor resistor 614A or 614B, respectively.

[0041] The interconnect board 302 includes a first battery pad 502, a second battery pad 504, a first heater pad 506, and a second heater pad 508. Referring to FIG. 6A, the second heater pad 508 is coupled to the second battery pad 504 through a portion of the battery protection system 224, for example, through a monitor resistor 614 and one or more of the switch components 608 and 610. In some circumstances, when the operating temperature of the battery 102 falls below a threshold temperature, the battery protection system 224 detects an abnormal condition of the battery and disables charging or discharging of the battery 102. When the heater voltage and the low supply voltage are applied through the first heater pad 506 and the second heater pad 508 without being affected by the battery protection system 224, the heating element 204 can still be heated by the external power source 228 to warm the battery 102. Alternatively, in some implementations not shown in FIG. 6A, the second heater pad 508 is shorted directly to the first battery pad 502. When the battery protection system 224 detects an abnormal battery condition, it disables both charging and discharging of the battery 102. Without being affected by the battery protection system 224, the heating element 204 can also be heated by the external power source 228 to warm the battery 102 when a high supply voltage and a heater voltage are applied via the first heater pad 506 and the second heater pad 508.

[0042] 6B, in some implementations where the high voltage side is battery protected, the second heater pad 508 is electrically shorted directly to the second battery pad 504. Optionally, a single pad can be used instead of pads 504 and 508, which can reduce the footprint size of the interconnect board 302. When the battery protection system 224 detects an abnormal battery condition, it disables both charging / discharging of the battery 102. When the high supply voltage and heater voltage are applied through the first heater pad 506 and the second heater pad 508 without being affected by the battery protection system 224, the heating element 204 can be heated by the external power source 228 to warm the battery 102.

[0043] 7A-7C illustrate a process 700 for combining a battery 102 having two or more battery cells 202, according to some implementations. In particular, FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate a battery 102 without a waterproof material 206, and FIG. 7C illustrates a battery 102 with a waterproof material 206. FIGS. 7D and 7E are perspective and front views 720 and 740, respectively, illustrating a battery 102 without a waterproof material 206, according to some implementations. FIGS. 7F and 7G are two side views 760 and 780 of a battery 102 without a waterproof material 206, according to some implementations.

[0044] The battery 102 has two battery cells 202 arranged in a 1S2P parallel battery configuration. A waterproof material 206 is wrapped around the outside of the heating element 204 and the two battery cells 202. The interconnect board 302 and the battery end of the battery interconnect link 304 coupled to the interconnect board 302 are also encapsulated in the waterproof material 206. The remaining portion of the battery interconnect link 304 extends outwardly from an opening in the battery interconnect link 304 and terminates in a connector 306. The connector 306 is configured to mate with a receiving connector on the logic board. In some implementations, the logic board includes a temperature control circuit 230 configured to apply a heater voltage to the heater terminal 214 when the operating temperature of the battery 102 is below a threshold temperature and dynamically adjust the heater voltage according to the operating temperature of the battery 102. Alternatively, in some implementations, the temperature control circuit 230 is at least partially disposed on the interconnect board 302 encapsulated in the waterproof material 206.

[0045] 7A, when the waterproof material 206 is removed from the battery 102 and is not wrapped thereon, the two battery cells 202A and 202B are exposed. The two battery cells 202A and 202B each have a surface with a length (l) or width (w) and are stacked together to form a substantially flat 3D shape, and the substantially flat 3D shape has a thickness (t) that is substantially less than the length (l) and width (w). Two opposing electrodes (i.e., the cathode 308 and the anode 310) of the battery 102 are formed and electrically coupled to the battery cells 202A and 202B on the first end 702 of the battery 102. heating The element 204 has a resistive heater path 402 that includes a first path end 322 and a second path end 324. The first path end 322 and the second path end 324 also extend to a first end 702 of the battery 102. The interconnect board 302 is disposed near the first end 702 of the battery and is configured to accommodate the first path end 322 and the second path end 324 and the two opposing electrodes of the battery 102.

[0046] In some implementations, each of the battery cells 202A and 202B is partially recessed at the first end 702. The interconnect board 302 is positioned near the first end 702, and the two opposing electrodes 308 and 310 of the battery cells 202 and the first and second routing ends 322 and 324 of the heating element 204 are electrically coupled to the pads 502-508 of the interconnect board 302 at the first end 702. In some circumstances, a protective material 710 is applied to the recesses 702 of each of the battery cells 202 to provide electrical insulation and mechanical protection to the electrodes 308 and 310 of the battery cells 202 and the first and second routing ends 322 and 324 of the heating element 204. Optionally, the protective material 710 is made from pieces of insulating foam. A waterproof material 206 is wrapped around the outside of the heating element 204 and the battery cells 202 to prevent ambient water from contacting the heating element 204 and the battery cells 202 .

[0047] In some implementations, the heating element 204 is wrapped around the outside of the two battery cells 202A and 202B that are connected to each other. Alternatively, in some implementations, the heating element 204 is wrapped around the outside of only one of the two battery cells 202A and 202B. The path ends 322 and 324 of the corresponding resistive heater path 402 extend to the first end 702 of the battery 102 and are accommodated by the first heater pad 506 and the second heater pad 508 of the interconnect board 302. Alternatively, in some implementations, the heating element 204 includes a first heating element (e.g., 204B in FIG. 4B or 204C in FIG. 4C) and a second heating element (e.g., 204B in FIG. 4B or 204C in FIG. 4C). The first heating element and the second heating element are wrapped around the outside of the two battery cells 202A and 202B, respectively. Optionally, the resistive heater paths of the first and second heating elements are electrically coupled in series terminating at respective path ends 322 and 324. Optionally, the resistive heater paths of the first and second heating elements are electrically coupled in parallel at respective path ends 322 and 324 accommodated by first and second heater pads 506 and 508 of interconnect board 302.

[0048] Referring to FIG. 7F, in some implementations, the heating element 204 is not wrapped around the battery cell. Rather, the heating element 204 (e.g., 204A in FIG. 4A) has an area equal to or less than the area of ​​a surface of the battery 102 having a length (l) and a width (w). The heating element 204 is disposed between the waterproof material 206 and the battery cell 202A, between two battery cells 202A and 202B, or between the waterproof material 206 and the battery cell 202B. Referring to FIG. 7G, the heating element 204 includes a plurality of heating element sheets (e.g., 204A in FIG. 4A), each of which has an area equal to or less than the area of ​​a surface of the battery 102 having a length (l) and a width (w). Each heating element sheet has a resistive heater path having path ends 322 and 324 electrically coupled to a first heater pad 506 and a second heater pad 508 of the interconnect board 302.

[0049] 7B, in some implementations, a first heat spreader sheet 704 is disposed between the battery cell 202A and the heating element 204 directly adjacent to the battery cell 202A, and / or between the battery cell 202B and the heating element 204 directly adjacent to the battery cell 202B. The first heat spreader sheet 704 is configured to evenly distribute heat generated by the heating element 204 and the battery cells 202A and / or 202B. Additionally or alternatively, in some implementations, a second heat spreader sheet 706 is disposed between the battery cells 202A and 202B, which are otherwise directly adjacent to one another, and configured to evenly distribute heat between the battery cells 202A and 202B.

[0050] The terms used in the description of the various implementations described herein are intended to describe only the specific implementations and are not intended to be limiting. The singular forms "a", "an" and "the" used in the description of the various implementations described and in the appended claims are intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The term "and / or" as used herein is also understood to refer to and encompass any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated items listed. It is further understood that the terms "comprise", "includes", "comprises" and / or "comprising" as used in this specification specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. In addition, it is understood that terms such as "first", "second" and the like may be used herein to describe various elements, but these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another.

[0051] The term "if" as used herein is to be interpreted, optionally depending on the context, to mean "when" or "then" or "in response to determining" or "in response to detecting" or "in accordance with a determination that." Similarly, the phrase "if determined" or "if [a stated condition or event] is detected" is to be interpreted, optionally depending on the context, to mean "upon determining" or "in response to determining" or "upon detecting [a stated condition or event]" or "in response to detecting [a stated condition or event]" or "in accordance with a determination that [a stated condition or event] is detected."

[0052] The above description has been described with reference to specific embodiments for purposes of explanation. However, the above exemplary description is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the scope of the appended claims to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The above embodiments were selected and described in order to best explain the principles of operation and practical applications, thereby enabling others skilled in the art.

[0053] Although the various figures depict multiple logical steps in a particular order, steps that are not order dependent may be reordered and other steps may be combined or separated. While certain reorderings or other groupings are specifically mentioned, others will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, and thus the ordering and groupings presented herein are not intended to be an exhaustive list of alternatives. Furthermore, it should be recognized that steps may be implemented in hardware, firmware, software, or any combination thereof.

Claims

1. A battery, a connector including a first terminal, a second terminal, and a heater terminal; one or more rechargeable battery cells electrically coupled to the first terminal and the second terminal of the connector; a heating element in contact with at least a subset of the one or more rechargeable battery cells, the heating element including a resistive heater path electrically coupled to the heater terminal and one of the first terminal and the second terminal of the connector, the resistive heater path of the heating element generating heat to warm the battery when a heater voltage is applied to the heater terminal, the battery further comprising: a waterproof material wrapped around the outside of the heating element and the one or more rechargeable battery cells to hold the heating element, the waterproof material preventing ambient water from contacting the heating element and the battery cells, and including an opening to allow at least the first terminal and the second terminal of the connector to be electrically coupled to a logic board within a housing of an electronic device.

2. 2. The battery of claim 1, wherein the heater terminals are electrically coupled to an output of a temperature control circuit, the temperature control circuit providing the heater voltage to the heater terminals when an operating temperature of the battery is below a threshold temperature and dynamically adjusting the heater voltage according to the operating temperature of the battery.

3. The battery of claim 2 , wherein the battery includes a temperature sensor disposed between the heating element and the one or more rechargeable battery cells to determine the operating temperature of the battery.

4. a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) thermistor having a first resistance configured to vary with an operating temperature of the battery; The battery of claim 1 , wherein the connector further comprises an NTC terminal coupled to the NTC thermistor.

5. 5. The battery of claim 4, wherein an output of the NTC terminal is indicative of the operating temperature of the battery, and the heater voltage is applied to the heater terminal according to a determination that the output of the NTC terminal satisfies a predefined heating condition, and the heater voltage is dynamically adjusted in response to the output of the NTC terminal.

6. 5. The battery of claim 4, further comprising a resistor having a second resistance configured to remain substantially constant at the operating temperature of the battery, the resistor and the NTC thermistor coupled in series and biased between the first terminal and the second terminal, and an output of the NTC terminal applied to determine whether the operating temperature of the battery is below a threshold temperature.

7. 2. The battery of claim 1, wherein the first and second terminals are coupled to a high supply node and a low supply node of the battery, respectively, the resistive heater path is electrically coupled to the heater terminal and the second terminal of the connector, and the heater voltage is higher than the low supply node when an operating temperature of the battery is lower than a threshold temperature and is inversely related to the operating temperature of the battery.

8. 2. The battery of claim 1, wherein the first and second terminals are coupled to a high supply node and a low supply node of the battery, respectively, the resistive heater path is electrically coupled to the first terminal and the heater terminal of the connector, and the heater voltage is lower than the high supply node when an operating temperature of the battery is lower than a threshold temperature and is positively correlated to the operating temperature of the battery.

9. The connector further comprises: an interconnect board disposed proximate to the one or more rechargeable battery cells, the interconnect board having a first battery pad, a second battery pad, a first heater pad, and a second heater pad, the connector further comprising: a first battery interconnect coupling the first battery pad to the first terminal; a second battery interconnect coupling the second battery pad and the second heater pad to the second terminal; The battery of any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a heater interconnect coupling the first heater pad to the heater terminal.

10. A battery according to any preceding claim, wherein the heating element includes a polymer substrate that supports and electrically insulates portions of the resistive heater path.

11. 11. The battery of claim 1, further comprising a first heat spreader sheet disposed between the one or more rechargeable battery cells and the heating element, the first heat spreader sheet configured to dissipate heat generated by the heating element and the battery cells.

12. 12. The battery of claim 1, further comprising a second heat spreader sheet disposed between two immediately adjacent battery cells and configured to spread heat between the two immediately adjacent battery cells.

13. The battery of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the connector is mechanically and electrically coupled to a receiving connector assembled on the logic board, and a battery protection circuit is disposed on the battery and electrically coupled to the first terminal and the second terminal of the connector.

14. The battery of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the battery is incorporated into a doorbell camera and configured to power a camera system of the doorbell camera for at least the period during which a doorbell button is pressed.

15. 15. The battery of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the one or more rechargeable battery cells include a first subset of battery cells and a second subset of battery cells arranged in series with the first subset of battery cells, each of the first subset of battery cells and the second subset of battery cells including a respective set of battery cells arranged in parallel within the respective subset.

16. The battery electrodes are electrically coupled to the battery cells on a first end of the battery, and each of the battery cells is provided with a recess that is partially recessed at the first end of the battery; 16. The battery of claim 1, wherein a protective material is applied to the recesses in the first end to provide electrical insulation and mechanical protection to i) the electrodes of the battery cells, and ii) first and second path ends (322, 324) of the resistive heater path that extend to the first end of the battery.

17. The housing; the logic board and the battery according to any one of claims 1 to 3, disposed within the housing; The battery is connected to the logic board via the connector.

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