Electronic device and method for charging battery cells in electronic device

Abstract

According to an embodiment, an electronic device comprises: a battery including a plurality of battery cells connected in series; a charging circuit; and a processor, wherein the processor may be configured to: determine a first charging voltage for charging the battery; control the charging circuit to perform the charging of the battery on the basis of the first charging voltage; identify whether a voltage value of at least one battery cell among the plurality of battery cells exceeds a designated voltage value during the charging of the battery; if the voltage value of the at least one battery cell among the plurality of battery cells exceeds the designated voltage value, identify a voltage difference between a maximum voltage value and a minimum voltage value among voltage values of the plurality of battery cells; if the voltage difference is within a designated voltage range, identify a second charging voltage for the charging of the battery; and control the charging circuit to charge the battery on the basis of the second charging voltage. Other embodiments may also be possible.

Description

Electronic devices and methods for charging battery cells in electronic devices

[0001] Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to methods for charging a battery cell.

[0002] Portable electronic devices such as smartphones, laptops, and digital cameras typically utilize rechargeable batteries. Batteries can come in a variety of forms, including nickel-cadmium batteries, lead-acid batteries, nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries, lithium-ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, metallic lithium batteries, and zinc-air batteries. A battery may include multiple rechargeable battery cells connected in series, along with protection circuitry to control charging and discharging and protect the battery from overcharge and overdischarge. The battery pack may also be referred to as a battery pack.

[0003] When a battery (e.g., a battery pack) includes multiple battery cells connected in series, a voltage difference (△V) may occur between the battery cells due to differences in internal resistance caused by temperature effects, differences in charge amounts between the battery cells, and / or deterioration caused by increasing number of charge and discharge cycles (e.g., cycles). If the battery is charged at a fixed voltage corresponding to the rated voltage for charging the battery (e.g., the rated voltage of the battery (Vp-0)) while the voltage difference between the battery cells is within a specified range, overvoltage charging may occur in which some of the battery cells (e.g., the battery cell with the highest voltage) exceed the rated voltage for charging the cells (e.g., the rated voltage of the cell Vc-0). If the voltage of some of the battery cells exceeds the overcharge detection voltage, charging may be cut off before the battery is fully charged due to overcharging of some of the battery cells, which may reduce battery charging efficiency.

[0004] In addition, as the number of charging cycles (e.g., the number of charging cycles) increases, battery cells with higher voltages than other battery cells continuously experience overvoltage charging, resulting in battery cell imbalance. If the voltage difference (△V) between battery cells exceeds a specified voltage difference value in a short period of time, the battery may no longer be usable due to cell imbalance protection.

[0005] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, when charging a battery including a plurality of battery cells connected in series, if the voltage value of at least one battery cell exceeds a specified voltage value and the voltage difference between the battery cells exists in a specified range, an electronic device and method can be provided that can prevent or reduce overvoltage charging of battery cells by charging the battery at a voltage lower than the rated voltage of the battery.

[0006] An electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a battery including a plurality of battery cells connected in series, a charging circuit, and a processor. The processor may be configured to determine a first charging voltage for charging the battery. The processor may control the charging circuit to perform the charging of the battery based on the first charging voltage. The processor may identify whether a voltage value of at least one battery cell among the plurality of battery cells exceeds a specified voltage value while charging the battery. The processor may identify a voltage difference between a maximum voltage value and a minimum voltage value among voltage values ​​of the plurality of battery cells when the voltage value of the at least one battery cell among the plurality of battery cells exceeds the specified voltage value. The processor may identify a second charging voltage for the charging of the battery when the voltage difference is within a specified voltage range. The processor may control the charging circuit to charge the battery based on the second charging voltage.

[0007] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for charging a battery cell in an electronic device may include an operation of determining a first charging voltage for charging a battery including a plurality of battery cells. The method may include an operation of performing the charging of the battery based on the first charging voltage using a charging circuit. The method may include an operation of identifying whether a voltage value of at least one battery cell among the plurality of battery cells exceeds a specified voltage value while charging the battery. The method may include an operation of identifying a voltage difference between a maximum voltage value and a minimum voltage value among voltage values ​​of the plurality of battery cells when the voltage value of the at least one battery cell among the plurality of battery cells exceeds the specified voltage value. The method may include an operation of identifying a second charging voltage for the charging of the battery when the voltage difference is within a specified voltage range. The method may include an operation of performing the charging of the battery based on the second charging voltage using the charging circuit.

[0008] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a non-transitory storage medium storing computer-readable instructions, the instructions being set to cause the electronic device to perform at least one operation when executed by the electronic device, the operation may include: identifying a first charging voltage for charging a battery including a plurality of battery cells; performing the charging of the battery based on the first charging voltage using a charging circuit; identifying whether a voltage value of at least one battery cell among the plurality of battery cells exceeds a specified voltage value while charging the battery; identifying a voltage difference between a maximum voltage value and a minimum voltage value among voltage values ​​of the plurality of battery cells when the voltage value of the at least one battery cell among the plurality of battery cells exceeds the specified voltage value; identifying a second charging voltage for the charging of the battery when the voltage difference is within a specified voltage range; and performing the charging of the battery based on the second charging voltage using the charging circuit.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device within a network environment according to one embodiment.

[0010] Figure 2 is a block diagram of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0011] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a battery cell overvoltage charging prevention or reduction operation in an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an operation for preventing or reducing battery cell overvoltage charging when there is a battery cell exceeding a specified voltage value in an electronic device according to one embodiment and the voltage difference between the maximum voltage value and the minimum voltage value among the voltage values ​​of a plurality of battery cells is within a specified voltage range.

[0013] FIG. 5A is a graph showing changes in charge capacity according to the number of charge cycles of a plurality of cells included in a battery according to one embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 5b is a graph illustrating a case in which a first charging voltage is adjusted to a second charging voltage when a voltage value of at least one battery cell among battery cells exceeds a specified voltage value and a voltage difference between the cells is within a specified voltage range during battery charging according to one embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 5c is a graph illustrating a case in which, when charging a battery according to one embodiment, the voltage value of at least one battery cell among the battery cells exceeds a specified voltage value and the voltage difference between the cells is lower than a specified voltage range.

[0016] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a second graph showing the voltage difference between the maximum voltage value and the minimum voltage value among the voltage values ​​of a plurality of battery cells when charging a battery according to one embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a third graph showing the voltage difference between the maximum voltage value and the minimum voltage value among the voltage values ​​of a plurality of battery cells according to a battery charging cycle according to one embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an operation for preventing or reducing battery cell overvoltage charging in an electronic device according to one embodiment when the rated voltage for charging a battery is 4.47 V and the battery includes four battery cells connected in series.

[0019] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a fourth graph showing the voltage value of a battery and the voltage value of a cell when the battery is charged in an electronic device according to one embodiment, when the rated voltage for charging the battery is 4.47 V and the battery includes four battery cells connected in series.

[0020] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation for preventing or reducing battery cell overvoltage charging based on the presence of a battery cell exceeding a specified voltage value and the voltage value of the battery exceeding the specified voltage value in an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0021] In connection with the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for the same or similar components.

[0022] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present disclosure. However, the present disclosure may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. In connection with the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for identical or similar components. Furthermore, in the drawings and related descriptions, descriptions of well-known functions and configurations may be omitted for clarity and conciseness.

[0023] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device (101) within a network environment (100) according to one embodiment.

[0024] Referring to FIG. 1, in a network environment (100), an electronic device (101) may communicate with an electronic device (102) via a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or may communicate with at least one of an electronic device (104) or a server (108) via a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may communicate with the electronic device (104) via the server (108). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a processor (120), a memory (130), an input module (150), an audio output module (155), a display module (160), an audio module (170), a sensor module (176), an interface (177), a connection terminal (178), a haptic module (179), a camera module (180), a power management module (188), a battery (189), a communication module (190), a subscriber identification module (196), or an antenna module (197). In some embodiments, the electronic device (101) may omit at least one of these components (e.g., the connection terminal (178)), or may have one or more other components added. In some embodiments, some of these components (e.g., the sensor module (176), the camera module (180), or the antenna module (197)) may be integrated into one component (e.g., the display module (160)).

[0025] The processor (120) may control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device (101) connected to the processor (120) by executing, for example, software (e.g., a program (140)), and may perform various data processing or calculations. According to one embodiment, as at least a part of the data processing or calculation, the processor (120) may store a command or data received from another component (e.g., a sensor module (176) or a communication module (190)) in a volatile memory (132), process the command or data stored in the volatile memory (132), and store the resulting data in a non-volatile memory (134). According to one embodiment, the processor (120) may include a main processor (121) (e.g., a central processing unit or an application processor) or a secondary processor (123) (e.g., a graphics processing unit, a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor) that can operate independently or together therewith. For example, if the electronic device (101) includes a main processor (121) and a secondary processor (123), the secondary processor (123) may be configured to use less power than the main processor (121) or to be specialized for a specified function. The secondary processor (123) may be implemented separately from the main processor (121) or as a part thereof.

[0026] The auxiliary processor (123) may control at least a part of functions or states associated with at least one component (e.g., a display module (160), a sensor module (176), or a communication module (190)) of the electronic device (101), for example, on behalf of the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or together with the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an active (e.g., application execution) state. In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., an image signal processor or a communication processor) may be implemented as a part of another functionally related component (e.g., a camera module (180) or a communication module (190)). In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., a neural network processing unit) may include a hardware structure specialized for processing artificial intelligence models. The artificial intelligence models may be generated through machine learning. This learning can be performed, for example, on the electronic device (101) itself where the artificial intelligence model is executed, or can be performed through a separate server (e.g., server (108)). The learning algorithm can include, for example, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning, but is not limited to the examples described above. The artificial intelligence model can include multiple artificial neural network layers.The artificial neural network may be one of a deep neural network (DNN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM), a deep belief network (DBN), a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), a deep Q-network, or a combination of two or more of the above, but is not limited to the examples described above. In addition to, or alternatively to, a hardware structure, an artificial intelligence model may include a software structure.

[0027] The memory (130) can store various data used by at least one component (e.g., processor (120) or sensor module (176)) of the electronic device (101). The data can include, for example, software (e.g., program (140)) and input data or output data for commands related thereto. The memory (130) can include volatile memory (132) or non-volatile memory (134).

[0028] The program (140) may be stored as software in the memory (130) and may include, for example, an operating system (142), middleware (144), or an application (146).

[0029] The input module (150) can receive commands or data to be used in a component of the electronic device (101) (e.g., a processor (120)) from an external source (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (101). The input module (150) can include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, a key (e.g., a button), or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen).

[0030] The audio output module (155) can output audio signals to the outside of the electronic device (101). The audio output module (155) can include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker can be used for general purposes, such as multimedia playback or recording playback. The receiver can be used to receive incoming calls. According to one embodiment, the receiver can be implemented separately from the speaker or as part of the speaker.

[0031] The display module (160) can visually provide information to an external party (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (101). The display module (160) may include, for example, a display, a holographic device, or a projector and a control circuit for controlling the device. According to one embodiment, the display module (160) may include a touch sensor configured to detect a touch, or a pressure sensor configured to measure the intensity of a force generated by the touch.

[0032] The audio module (170) can convert sound into an electrical signal, or vice versa, convert an electrical signal into sound. According to one embodiment, the audio module (170) can acquire sound through the input module (150), output sound through the sound output module (155), or an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)) (e.g., speaker or headphone) directly or wirelessly connected to the electronic device (101).

[0033] The sensor module (176) can detect the operating status (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device (101) or the external environmental status (e.g., user status) and generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected status. According to one embodiment, the sensor module (176) can include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

[0034] The interface (177) may support one or more designated protocols that may be used to directly or wirelessly connect the electronic device (101) with an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (102)). In one embodiment, the interface (177) may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, or an audio interface.

[0035] The connection terminal (178) may include a connector through which the electronic device (101) may be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)). According to one embodiment, the connection terminal (178) may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

[0036] A haptic module (179) can convert electrical signals into mechanical stimuli (e.g., vibration or movement) or electrical stimuli that a user can perceive through tactile or kinesthetic sensations. According to one embodiment, the haptic module (179) can include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0037] The camera module (180) can capture still images and videos. According to one embodiment, the camera module (180) may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

[0038] The power management module (188) can manage power supplied to the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, the power management module (188) can be implemented as, for example, at least a part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0039] The battery (189) may power at least one component of the electronic device (101). In one embodiment, the battery (189) may include a rechargeable secondary battery. The battery (189) may further include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery or fuel cell. For example, the battery (189) may include a plurality of battery cells connected in series.

[0040] The communication module (190) may support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102), electronic device (104), or server (108)), and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. The communication module (190) may operate independently from the processor (120) (e.g., application processor) and may include one or more communication processors that support direct (e.g., wired) communication or wireless communication. According to one embodiment, the communication module (190) may include a wireless communication module (192) (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module (194) (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module). Among these communication modules, the corresponding communication module can communicate with an external electronic device (104) via a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, wireless fidelity (WiFi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN)). These various types of communication modules can be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips). The wireless communication module (192) can verify or authenticate the electronic device (101) within a communication network such as the first network (198) or the second network (199) by using subscriber information (e.g., an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module (196).

[0041] The wireless communication module (192) can support 5G networks and next-generation communication technologies following the 4G network, such as NR access technology (new radio access technology). The NR access technology can support high-speed transmission of high-capacity data (eMBB (enhanced mobile broadband)), minimization of terminal power and connection of multiple terminals (mMTC (massive machine type communications)), or high reliability and low latency (URLLC (ultra-reliable and low-latency communications)). The wireless communication module (192) can support, for example, a high-frequency band (e.g., mmWave band) to achieve a high data transmission rate. The wireless communication module (192) can support various technologies for securing performance in a high-frequency band, such as beamforming, massive multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO), full dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antenna, analog beam-forming, or large scale antenna. The wireless communication module (192) can support various requirements specified in the electronic device (101), an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (104)), or a network system (e.g., the second network (199)). According to one embodiment, the wireless communication module (192) may support a peak data rate (e.g., 20 Gbps or more) for eMBB realization, a loss coverage (e.g., 164 dB or less) for mMTC realization, or a U-plane latency (e.g., 0.5 ms or less for downlink (DL) and uplink (UL), or 1 ms or less for round trip) for URLLC realization.

[0042] The antenna module (197) can transmit or receive signals or power to or from an external device (e.g., an external electronic device). According to one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may include an antenna including a radiator formed of a conductor or a conductive pattern formed on a substrate (e.g., a PCB). According to one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may include a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna). In this case, at least one antenna suitable for a communication method used in a communication network, such as the first network (198) or the second network (199), may be selected from the plurality of antennas, for example, by the communication module (190). A signal or power may be transmitted or received between the communication module (190) and an external electronic device via the selected at least one antenna. According to some embodiments, in addition to the radiator, another component (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) may be additionally formed as a part of the antenna module (197).

[0043] According to various embodiments, the antenna module (197) may form a mmWave antenna module. According to one embodiment, the mmWave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, an RFIC disposed on or adjacent a first side (e.g., a bottom side) of the printed circuit board and capable of supporting a designated high-frequency band (e.g., a mmWave band), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna) disposed on or adjacent a second side (e.g., a top side or a side side) of the printed circuit board and capable of transmitting or receiving signals in the designated high-frequency band.

[0044] At least some of the above components can be interconnected and exchange signals (e.g., commands or data) with each other via a communication method between peripheral devices (e.g., a bus, GPIO (general purpose input and output), SPI (serial peripheral interface), or MIPI (mobile industry processor interface)).

[0045] According to one embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (104) via a server (108) connected to a second network (199). Each of the external electronic devices (102 or 104) may be the same or a different type of device as the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, all or part of the operations executed in the electronic device (101) may be executed in one or more of the external electronic devices (102, 104, or 108). For example, when the electronic device (101) is to perform a certain function or service automatically or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device (101) may, instead of or in addition to executing the function or service itself, request one or more external electronic devices to perform the function or at least a part of the service. One or more external electronic devices that receive the request may execute at least a portion of the requested function or service, or an additional function or service related to the request, and transmit the result of the execution to the electronic device (101). The electronic device (101) may process the result as is or additionally and provide it as at least a portion of a response to the request. For this purpose, cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing technology may be used, for example. The electronic device (101) may provide an ultra-low latency service by using distributed computing or mobile edge computing, for example. In one embodiment, the external electronic device (104) may include an Internet of Things (IoT) device. The server (108) may be an intelligent server utilizing machine learning and / or a neural network. According to one embodiment, the external electronic device (104) or the server (108) may be included in the second network (199).The electronic device (101) can be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart home, smart city, smart car, or healthcare) based on 5G communication technology and IoT-related technology.

[0046] In the detailed description below, reference numerals in the drawings may be used interchangeably or omitted for configurations that can be easily understood through the preceding embodiments, and their detailed descriptions may also be omitted. The electronic device (101) according to one embodiment disclosed in this document may be implemented by selectively combining the configurations of each embodiment, and the configurations of one embodiment may be replaced. For example, it should be noted that the present disclosure is not limited to a specific drawing or embodiment.

[0047] Figure 2 is a block diagram of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0048] Referring to FIG. 2, an electronic device (201) according to an embodiment may include a power management module (or power management circuit or charging unit) (288) and a battery (289). The electronic device (201) according to an embodiment is not limited thereto and may further include various components or may be configured by excluding some of the components. The electronic device (201) according to an embodiment may further include all or part of the electronic device (101) illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0049] A power management module (288) according to an embodiment (e.g., power management module (188) of FIG. 1) may be connected to an adapter (277) (e.g., travel adapter). The adapter (277) according to an embodiment may receive power (or current) for charging a battery (289) from an external power source and provide the power to the power management module (288). The adapter (277) according to an embodiment may convert the current characteristics of the power supplied from the external power source from alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC), adjust the voltage of the power to a specified voltage value, and provide the power of the adjusted voltage to the power management module (288).

[0050] A power management module (288) according to an embodiment may include a charging unit. The power management module (288) according to an embodiment may charge a battery (289) using power received from an adapter (277). The power management module (288) according to an embodiment may include a processor (e.g., MICOM) (22) and a charging circuit (24).

[0051] According to one embodiment, a processor (22) may be connected between a charging circuit (24) and a fuel gauge (26) of a battery (289) to perform a control operation related to charging of the battery (289). The processor (22) according to one embodiment may control the charging circuit (24) by using status information of the battery (289) received from the fuel gauge (26) while communicating with the fuel gauge (26) of the battery (289) (e.g., voltage values ​​and current values ​​of the battery (289), voltage values ​​and current values ​​of each of a plurality of battery cells (289-1 to 289-n), and / or temperature of the battery (289).

[0052] In one embodiment, the processor (22) may identify (or obtain or calculate or set) a first charging voltage (Vp-1) for charging the battery (289) when charging of the battery (289) is required, and control charging of the battery (289) to be performed based on the first charging voltage. In one embodiment, the processor (22) may determine (or identify or obtain or calculate or set) a value obtained by multiplying a value obtained by subtracting a designated voltage value (e.g., a first designated voltage value) from a rated voltage value (e.g., a cell rated charging voltage value (Vc-0)) for charging each of the plurality of battery cells (289-1 to 289-n) by the number of the plurality of battery cells (connected in series), as the first charging voltage (Vp-1). For example, the first charging voltage (Vp-1) may be set lower than a rated voltage for charging the battery (e.g., a battery rated charging voltage (Vp-0)).

[0053] According to one embodiment, the processor (22) may identify at least one battery cell among a plurality of series-connected cells (289-1 to 289-n) included in the battery (289) during charging of the battery (289) based on a first charging voltage (Vp-1), which exceeds (or is equal to) a specified voltage value (e.g., a specified cell voltage (Vmc-d)). According to one embodiment, the specified cell voltage (Vmc-d) may be lower than the cell rated charging voltage (Vc-0). According to one embodiment, the specified cell voltage (Vmc-d) may be a value obtained by subtracting a specified voltage value (e.g., a second specified voltage value (d)) from the cell rated charging voltage (Vc-0). The second specified voltage value may be greater than the first specified voltage value.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the processor (22) may identify voltage values ​​of each of a plurality of battery cells (289-1 to 289-n) based on identification of at least one battery cell exceeding a designated cell voltage during charging of the battery (289), and may identify (or determine) whether a voltage difference (△v) between a maximum voltage value (e.g., cell maximum voltage (Max cell V)) and a minimum voltage value (e.g., cell minimum voltage (Min cell V)) among the voltage values ​​of the plurality of battery cells (289-1 to 289-n) exists within a designated voltage range (△vL (△v lower limit) <△v <△vH (△v upper limit)). For example, the designated voltage range may be designated as a range in which a designated battery cell imbalance value is maintained based on a cell rated charge voltage (Vc-0).

[0055] According to one embodiment, a processor (22) can identify (or obtain or calculate or set) a second charging voltage (Vp-2) lower than a first charging voltage (Vp-1) based on the voltage difference (△v) between the maximum cell voltage (Max cell V) and the minimum cell voltage (Min cell V) being within a specified voltage range.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the processor (22) can maintain charging of the battery (289) through the charging circuit (24) based on the first charging voltage if the voltage difference (△v) between the maximum cell voltage (Max cell V) and the minimum cell voltage (Min cell V) is less than the minimum value of a specified voltage range (e.g., △vL (△v lower limit)).

[0057] According to one embodiment, the processor (22) may stop charging the battery (289) through the charging circuit (24) if the voltage difference (△v) between the maximum cell voltage (Max cell V) and the minimum cell voltage (Min cell V) is greater than the maximum value of a specified voltage range (e.g., △vH (△v upper limit value)).

[0058] In one embodiment, the processor (22) may identify (or obtain or calculate or set) as the second battery charging voltage (Vp-2) a value (cell V margin*cell series - △v*(cell series-1)) obtained by multiplying a value obtained by subtracting a first designated voltage value (cell V margin) from the cell rated charging voltage (Vc-0) of each of the plurality of battery cells (289-1 to 289-n) by the number of the plurality of battery cells (cell series) (connected in series), and then multiplying the value (△v*(cell series-1)) obtained by multiplying the value obtained by subtracting 1 from the number of the plurality of battery cells (cell series-1) by the voltage difference (△v) between the maximum cell voltage (Max cell V) and the minimum cell voltage (Min cell V). In one embodiment, the processor (22) may perform charging of the battery (289) based on the second battery charging voltage (Vp-2).

[0059] According to one embodiment, a charging circuit (24) can provide power of a first charging voltage to a battery (289) or power of a second charging voltage to a battery (289) under the control of a processor (22).

[0060] A battery (289) according to one embodiment may be a battery pack. A battery (289) according to one embodiment may include a fuel gauge (26), a switch (28), and a plurality of battery cells (289-1 to 289-n, where n is a natural number).

[0061] A fuel gauge (26) according to one embodiment can measure the battery voltage and current of the battery (289), the battery cell voltage and current of each of the plurality of battery cells (289-1 to 289-n), and / or the temperature of the battery (289). A fuel gauge (26) according to one embodiment can transmit status information of the battery (289), including the voltage and current values ​​of the battery (289), the voltage and current values ​​of each of the plurality of battery cells (289-1 to 289-n), and / or the temperature of the battery (289), to the processor (22). According to one embodiment, the fuel gauge (26) can limit the supply of charging current to the battery (289) by turning off the switch (28) when at least some of the voltage values ​​of each of the plurality of battery cells (289-1 to 289-n) exceed a designated cell overcharge voltage value or when the voltage value of the battery (289) exceeds a designated battery overcharge voltage value.

[0062] A switch (28) according to one embodiment can be turned on or off by control of a fuel gauge (26). When the switch (28) is in an on state, charging current can be supplied to the battery (289), and when the switch (28) is in an off state, charging current can not be supplied to the battery (289).

[0063] According to one embodiment, a plurality of battery cells (289-1 to 289-n) may be connected in series. The number of battery cells according to one embodiment may be two or more, and may not be limited to a specific number.

[0064] An electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101) of FIG. 1 or electronic device (201) of FIG. 2) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a battery (e.g., battery (189) of FIG. 1 or battery (289) of FIG. 2) including a plurality of battery cells connected in series, a charging circuit (e.g., charging circuit (24) of FIG. 2), and a processor (e.g., processor (120) of FIG. 1 or processor (22) of FIG. 2). The processor according to an embodiment may determine a first charging voltage for charging the battery. The processor may control the charging circuit to perform the charging of the battery based on the first charging voltage. The processor may identify whether a voltage value of at least one battery cell among the plurality of battery cells exceeds a specified voltage value while charging the battery. The processor may identify a voltage difference between a maximum voltage value and a minimum voltage value among the voltage values ​​of the plurality of battery cells when the voltage value of at least one battery cell among the plurality of battery cells exceeds the specified voltage value. The processor may identify a second charging voltage for the charging of the battery when the voltage difference is within a specified voltage range. The processor may control the charging circuit to charge the battery based on the second charging voltage.

[0065] In one embodiment, the processor may determine the first charging voltage for charging the battery based on a rated voltage value for charging the battery and the number of the plurality of cells of the battery.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the specified voltage value may be lower than the rated voltage value of each of the plurality of cells.

[0067] In one embodiment, the processor may control the charging circuit to maintain the performance of the charging of the battery based on the first charging voltage if the voltage difference is less than the minimum value of the specified voltage range, and may control the charging circuit to stop the performance of the charging of the battery if the voltage difference is greater than the maximum value of the specified voltage range.

[0068] According to one embodiment, the battery may further include a fuel gauge. According to one embodiment, the fuel gauge may detect a voltage value of the battery and voltage values ​​of the plurality of battery cells, and provide battery status information including the detected voltage value of the battery and the voltage values ​​of the plurality of battery cells to the processor.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the second charging voltage may be lower than the first charging voltage.

[0070] According to one embodiment, the specified voltage value may be a value obtained by subtracting a specified value from the rated voltage value of each of the plurality of cells.

[0071] In one embodiment, the first charging voltage can be determined by using a value obtained by multiplying a value obtained by subtracting a specified value from the rated voltage value of each of the plurality of battery cells by the number of the plurality of battery cells.

[0072] In one embodiment, the processor may be further configured to obtain a first value obtained by multiplying the voltage difference by a value obtained by subtracting 1 from the number of the plurality of battery cells, and to determine the second charging voltage by using a value obtained by subtracting the first value from the rated voltage value for charging the battery.

[0073] According to one embodiment, the specified voltage range may be specified based on a specified battery cell imbalance value of the plurality of battery cells.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the battery includes four battery cells, and the rated voltage for charging the battery may be 4.47 V.

[0075] In one embodiment, when the rated voltage for charging the battery is 4.47 V and the battery includes four battery cells connected in series, the first charging voltage may be 17.784 V and the second charging voltage may be 16.284 V.

[0076] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a battery cell overvoltage charging prevention or reduction operation in an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0077] Referring to FIG. 3, a processor (22) (e.g., processor (120) of FIG. 1) of an electronic device (201) (e.g., electronic device (101) of FIG. 1) according to an embodiment may perform at least one of operations 310, 320, 330, and 340. In an embodiment, at least one of operations 310, 320, 330, and 340 may be omitted, the order of some operations may be changed, or another operation may be added.

[0078] In operation 310, the processor (22) according to an embodiment may determine (or identify, obtain, calculate, or set) a first charging voltage (Vp-1) for charging the battery (289) (based on a charging request for the battery (289)) and control charging of the battery (289) to be performed based on the first charging voltage. According to an embodiment, the first charging voltage (Vp-1) may be set lower than the battery rated charging voltage (Vp-0). The processor (22) according to an embodiment may determine (or identify, obtain, calculate, or set) a value obtained by multiplying a value (cell V margin) obtained by subtracting a first designated voltage value from the cell rated charging voltage (Vc-0) of each of the plurality of battery cells (289-1 to 289-n) by the number of the plurality of battery cells (cell series) as the first charging voltage (Vp-1).

[0079] In operation 320, the processor (22) according to one embodiment can identify at least one battery cell among a plurality of series-connected cells (289-1 to 289-n) included in the battery (289) during charging of the battery (289) based on a first charging voltage (Vp-1), which exceeds (or is equal to) a specified voltage value (e.g., a specified cell voltage (Vmc-d)). According to one embodiment, the specified cell voltage (Vmc-d) may be lower than the cell rated charging voltage (Vc-0). According to one embodiment, the second specified voltage value may be greater than the first specified voltage value.

[0080] In operation 330, the processor (22) according to one embodiment may identify voltage values ​​of each of the plurality of battery cells (289-1 to 289-n) based on identification of at least one battery cell exceeding a specified voltage value during charging of the battery (289), and may identify a voltage difference (△v) between a maximum voltage value (e.g., cell maximum voltage (Max cell V)) and a minimum voltage value (e.g., cell minimum voltage (Min cell V)) among the voltage values ​​of the plurality of battery cells (289-1 to 289-n).

[0081] In operation 340, the processor (22) according to one embodiment can determine (or identify, obtain, calculate, or set) a second charging voltage (Vp-2) lower than the first charging voltage (Vp-1) based on whether the voltage difference (△v) between the maximum cell voltage (Max cell V) and the minimum cell voltage (Min cell V) is within a specified voltage range (△vL (△v lower limit) < △v < △vH (△v upper limit)). For example, the specified voltage range can be designated as a range in which a specified battery cell imbalance value is maintained based on the cell rated charging voltage (Vc-0). According to one embodiment, the processor (22) may determine (or identify, obtain, calculate, or set) as the second charging voltage (Vp-2) a value (cell V margin*cell series - △v*(cell series-1)) obtained by multiplying a value obtained by subtracting a first designated voltage value (cell V margin) from the cell rated charging voltage (Vc-0) of each of the plurality of battery cells (289-1 to 289-n) by the number of the plurality of battery cells (cell series) (connected in series), and subtracting a value (△v*(cell series-1)) obtained by multiplying a value obtained by subtracting 1 from the number of the plurality of battery cells (cell series-1) by the voltage difference (△v) between the maximum cell voltage (Max cell V) and the minimum cell voltage (Min cell V).

[0082] In operation 350, the processor (22) according to one embodiment may perform battery (289) charging based on the second charging voltage (Vp-2).

[0083] According to one embodiment, the processor (22) may keep the charging of the battery (289) through the charging circuit (24) based on the first charging voltage if the voltage difference (△v) between the maximum cell voltage (Max cell V) and the minimum cell voltage (Min cell V) is less than the minimum value of the specified voltage range (e.g., △vL (△v lower limit)). According to one embodiment, the processor (22) may stop the charging of the battery (289) through the charging circuit (24) if the voltage difference (△v) between the maximum cell voltage (Max cell V) and the minimum cell voltage (Min cell V) is greater than the maximum value of the specified voltage range (e.g., △vH (△v upper limit)).

[0084] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an operation for preventing or reducing battery cell overvoltage charging when there is a battery cell exceeding a specified voltage value in an electronic device according to one embodiment and the voltage difference between the maximum voltage value and the minimum voltage value among the voltage values ​​of a plurality of battery cells is within a specified voltage range.

[0085] Referring to FIG. 4, a processor (22) (e.g., processor (120) of FIG. 1) of an electronic device (201) (e.g., electronic device (101) of FIG. 1) according to an embodiment may perform at least one of operations 410, 420, 430, 440, and 450. In an embodiment, at least one of operations 410, 420, 430, 440, and 450 may be omitted, the order of some operations may be changed, or another operation may be added.

[0086] In operation 410, the processor (22) according to an embodiment may determine (or identify, obtain, calculate, or set) a first charging voltage (Vp-1) for charging the battery (289) based on a charging request for the battery (289) and perform charging of the battery (289) based on the first charging voltage. The first charging voltage (Vp-1) according to an embodiment may be lower than the battery rated charging voltage (Vp-0). The processor (22) according to an embodiment may identify (or obtain, or calculate, or set) a value obtained by multiplying a value (cell V margin) obtained by subtracting a first designated voltage value from the cell rated charging voltage (Vc-0) of each of the plurality of battery cells (289-1 to 289-n) by the number of the plurality of battery cells (cell series) as the first charging voltage (Vp-1).

[0087] In operation 420, the processor (22) according to an embodiment may determine whether a maximum voltage value (e.g., Max cell voltage detection value) among voltage values ​​of a plurality of battery cells exceeds (is higher than or equal to) a designated cell voltage (Vmc-d). The processor (22) according to an embodiment may receive (or acquire) voltage values ​​corresponding to a plurality of cells (289-1 to 289-n) detected from a fuel gauge (26) during charging of the battery (289) based on a first charging voltage (Vp-1), and determine whether a Max cell voltage detection value among the voltage values ​​corresponding to the plurality of cells (289-1 to 289-n) exceeds (is higher than or equal to) a designated cell voltage (Vmc-d). According to an embodiment, the designated cell voltage (Vmc-d) may be a value obtained by subtracting a second designated voltage value (d) from a cell rated charging voltage (Vc-0). According to one embodiment, the designated cell voltage (Vmc-d) may be lower than the cell rated charge voltage (Vc-0). The second designated voltage value may be greater than the first designated voltage value. The processor (22) according to one embodiment may monitor voltage values ​​corresponding to the plurality of cells (289-1 to 289-n) detected from the fuel gauge (26) while continuously performing charging of the battery (289) based on the first battery charge voltage if the Max cell voltage detection value does not exceed (is not above) the designated cell voltage (Vmc-d). The processor (22) according to one embodiment may perform operation 430 if the Max cell voltage detection value exceeds the designated cell voltage (Vmc-d).

[0088] In operation 430, the processor (22) according to one embodiment may determine whether a voltage difference (△v) between a maximum cell voltage (Max cell V) and a minimum cell voltage (Min cell V) within a specified voltage range (△vL (△v lower limit) <△v <△vH (△v upper limit)) is detected. For example, the specified voltage range may be designated as a range in which a specified battery cell imbalance is maintained based on a cell rated charge voltage (Vc-0). For example, the specified voltage range may be a range in which a cell imbalance value between the plurality of battery cells becomes equal to or less than a specified cell imbalance value. According to an embodiment, the processor (22) may identify voltage values ​​of each of the plurality of battery cells (289-1 to 289-n) based on the identification of at least one battery cell exceeding a specified cell voltage value during charging of the battery (289) and may identify a voltage difference (△v) between a maximum cell voltage (Max cell V) and a minimum cell voltage (Min cell V). According to an embodiment, the processor (22) may detect a voltage difference (△v) between a maximum cell voltage (Max cell V) and a minimum cell voltage (Min cell V) within a specified voltage range (△vL (△v lower limit) <△v <△vH (△v upper limit)) when the voltage difference (△v) between the maximum cell voltage (Max cell V) and the minimum cell voltage (Min cell V) exists within a specified voltage range (△vL (△v lower limit) <△v <△vH (△v upper limit)). According to one embodiment, the processor (22) may monitor voltage values ​​corresponding to a plurality of cells (289-1 to 289-n) detected from the fuel gauge (26) while performing charging of the battery (289) based on the first charging voltage when the voltage difference (△v) between the maximum cell voltage (Max cell V) and the minimum cell voltage (Min cell V) within a specified voltage range (△vL (△v lower limit) <△v <△vH (△v upper limit)) is not detected.According to one embodiment, the processor (22) may perform operation 440 when a voltage difference (△v) between the maximum cell voltage (Max cell V) and the minimum cell voltage (Min cell V) within a specified voltage range (△vL (△v lower limit) <△v <△vH (△v upper limit)) is detected. According to one embodiment, the processor (22) may maintain charging of the battery (289) through the charging circuit (24) based on the first charging voltage when the voltage difference (△v) between the maximum cell voltage (Max cell V) and the minimum cell voltage (Min cell V) is less than a minimum value of the specified voltage range (e.g., △vL (△v lower limit)). According to one embodiment, the processor (22) may stop charging the battery (289) through the charging circuit (24) if the voltage difference (△v) between the maximum cell voltage (Max cell V) and the minimum cell voltage (Min cell V) is greater than the maximum value of a specified voltage range (e.g., △vH (△v upper limit)).

[0089] In operation 440, the processor (22) according to one embodiment may set a second charging voltage (Vp-2) and perform charging based on the second charging voltage. The processor (22) according to one embodiment may determine (or identify, obtain, calculate, or set) a second charging voltage (Vp-2) that is lower than the first charging voltage (Vp-1). According to one embodiment, the processor (22) may determine (or identify, obtain, calculate, or set) as the second charging voltage (Vp-2) a value (cell V margin*cell series - △v*(cell series-1)) obtained by multiplying a value obtained by subtracting a first designated voltage value (cell V margin) from the cell rated charging voltage (Vc-0) of each of the plurality of battery cells (289-1 to 289-n) by the number of the plurality of battery cells (cell series) (connected in series), and subtracting a value (△v*(cell series-1)) obtained by multiplying a value obtained by subtracting 1 from the number of the plurality of battery cells (cell series-1) by the voltage difference (△v) between the maximum cell voltage (Max cell V) and the minimum cell voltage (Min cell V).

[0090] In operation 450, the processor (22) according to one embodiment may identify whether battery charging is complete while performing battery (289) charging based on the second charging voltage (Vp-2). The processor (22) according to one embodiment may terminate the charging operation based on the identification that the battery (289) is fully charged.

[0091] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for charging a battery cell in an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 101 of FIG. 1 or the electronic device 201 of FIG. 2) may include an operation of determining a first charging voltage for charging a battery including a plurality of battery cells. The method may include an operation of performing the charging of the battery based on the first charging voltage using a charging circuit. The method may include an operation of identifying whether a voltage value of at least one battery cell among the plurality of battery cells exceeds a specified voltage value while charging the battery. The method may include an operation of identifying a voltage difference between a maximum voltage value and a minimum voltage value among voltage values ​​of the plurality of battery cells when the voltage value of the at least one battery cell among the plurality of battery cells exceeds the specified voltage value. The method may include an operation of identifying a second charging voltage for the charging of the battery when the voltage difference is within a specified voltage range. The method may include an operation of performing the charging of the battery based on the second charging voltage using the charging circuit.

[0092] The method according to one embodiment may further include an operation of determining the first charging voltage for charging the battery based on a rated voltage value for charging the battery and the number of the plurality of cells of the battery.

[0093] In the method according to one embodiment, the specified voltage value may be lower than the rated voltage value of each of the plurality of cells.

[0094] The method according to one embodiment may further include an operation of maintaining the performance of the charging of the battery based on the first charging voltage if the voltage difference is less than the minimum value of the specified voltage range, and an operation of stopping the performance of the charging of the battery if the voltage difference is greater than the maximum value of the specified voltage range.

[0095] According to one embodiment, the method may include an operation of detecting a voltage value of the battery and voltage values ​​of the plurality of battery cells using a fuel gauge included in the battery.

[0096] According to one embodiment, the second charging voltage may be lower than the first charging voltage.

[0097] According to one embodiment, the specified voltage value may be a value obtained by subtracting a specified value from the rated voltage value of each of the plurality of cells.

[0098] According to one embodiment, the method may further include determining a first charging voltage by using a value obtained by multiplying a value obtained by subtracting a specified value from the rated voltage value of each of the plurality of battery cells by the number of the plurality of battery cells.

[0099] The method according to one embodiment may further include obtaining a first value obtained by multiplying the voltage difference by a value obtained by subtracting 1 from the number of the plurality of battery cells, and determining the second charging voltage by using a value obtained by subtracting the first value from the rated voltage value for charging the battery.

[0100] The specified voltage range according to one embodiment may be specified based on a specified battery cell imbalance value of the plurality of battery cells.

[0101] According to one embodiment, the battery includes four battery cells, and the rated voltage for charging the battery may be 4.47 V.

[0102] In one embodiment, when the rated voltage for charging the battery is 4.47 V and the battery includes four battery cells connected in series, the first charging voltage may be 17.784 V and the second charging voltage may be 16.284 V.

[0103] FIG. 5A is a graph showing changes in charge capacity according to the number of charge cycles of a plurality of cells included in a battery according to one embodiment.

[0104] Referring to FIG. 5A, in a first graph (501) according to an embodiment, the horizontal axis may represent the number of charging cycles and the vertical axis may represent the battery capacity (soh (state of charge)). For example, if a battery includes two cells (e.g., a first cell and a second cell), the first curve (51) may represent a change in the capacity of the first cell according to the number of charging cycles of the battery, and the second curve (52) may represent a change in the capacity of the second cell according to the number of charging cycles of the battery. As the number of charging cycles of the battery increases, the chargeable capacity of each battery cell may decrease from the initial capacity, and a difference (55) between the capacity of the first cell and the capacity of the second cell may occur. Due to the difference (55) between the capacities of the first cell and the second cell, the first cell with a smaller capacity may be fully charged before the second cell, resulting in overcharging, which may cause a battery cell imbalance phenomenon. If the voltage difference between the first and second cells exceeds a specified voltage difference value due to the difference (55) in the capacity of the first cell and the capacity of the second cell during battery charging, the battery may no longer be usable due to cell imbalance protection. Therefore, the charging voltage may need to be adjusted so that the cell imbalance value during battery charging is less than the specified cell imbalance value.

[0105] FIG. 5b is a graph illustrating a case in which a first charging voltage is adjusted to a second charging voltage when a voltage value of at least one battery cell among battery cells exceeds a specified voltage value and a voltage difference between the cells is within a specified voltage range during battery charging according to one embodiment.

[0106] Referring to FIG. 5B, in a second graph (502) according to an embodiment, the horizontal axis may represent time (t) and the vertical axis may represent voltage (V). In the second graph (502), reference numeral 510 may represent battery voltage over time during battery charging. Reference numeral 511 may represent voltage over time of a first cell included in a battery during battery charging (e.g., first cell voltage). Reference numeral 513 may represent voltage over time of a second cell included in a battery during battery charging (e.g., second cell voltage).

[0107] According to one embodiment, a processor (22) (e.g., processor (120) of FIG. 1) of an electronic device (201) (e.g., electronic device (101) of FIG. 1) may set a first charging voltage (Vp-1) for the battery (289) at t1 based on a charging request for the battery (289) and perform charging of the battery (289) based on the first charging voltage (Vp-1) through a charging circuit (24). According to one embodiment, the first charging voltage (Vp-1) may be lower than a rated charging voltage (Vp-0) of the battery. According to one embodiment, the processor (22) may set a first charging voltage (Vp-1) by multiplying a value (cell V margin) obtained by subtracting a first designated voltage value from the cell rated charging voltage (Vc-0) of each of a plurality of battery cells (289-1 to 289-n) (e.g., two battery cells (a first cell and a second cell)) by the number of battery cells (cell series) (e.g., 2) (connected in series).

[0108] According to one embodiment, a processor (22) may monitor voltage values ​​(e.g., cell voltage detection values) corresponding to two battery cells detected from a fuel gauge (26) while charging a battery (289) based on a first charging voltage (Vp-1).

[0109] In one embodiment, the processor (22) sets the second charging voltage (Vp-2) when the largest Max cell voltage detection value (e.g., voltage value of the first cell) among the cell voltage detection values ​​exceeds the designated cell voltage (Vmc-d) and the voltage difference (△v) between the maximum cell voltage (Max cell V) (e.g., cell voltage 1 Vc-max) and the minimum cell voltage (Min cell V) (e.g., cell voltage 2 Vc-min) within the designated voltage range (△vL (△v lower limit) < △v < △vH (△v upper limit)) is detected, and the charging circuit (24) can perform charging based on the second charging voltage. In one embodiment, when the first charging voltage is adjusted to the second charging voltage (t2), the battery voltage, the first cell voltage and the second cell voltage may be temporarily lowered and then charged as the voltage increase slope becomes gentler than before t2.

[0110] In one embodiment, a processor (22) may lower the first charging voltage to a second charging voltage when at least one battery cell among a plurality of battery cells exceeds a designated cell voltage while being charged with a first charging voltage (Vp-1) and the voltage difference between the cells is within a designated voltage range, thereby preventing or reducing at least some of the battery cells from being overcharged while the battery is not fully charged.

[0111] FIG. 5c is a graph illustrating a case in which, when charging a battery according to one embodiment, the voltage value of at least one battery cell among the battery cells exceeds a specified voltage value and the voltage difference between the cells is lower than a specified voltage range.

[0112] Referring to FIG. 5C, in a third graph (503) according to an embodiment, the horizontal axis may represent time (t) and the vertical axis may represent voltage (V). In the third graph (503), reference numeral 530 may represent battery voltage over time during battery charging. Reference numeral 531 may represent voltage over time of a first cell included in a battery during battery charging (e.g., first cell voltage). Reference numeral 533 may represent voltage over time of a second cell included in a battery during battery charging (e.g., second cell voltage).

[0113] According to one embodiment, a processor (22) (e.g., processor (120) of FIG. 1) of an electronic device (201) (e.g., electronic device (101) of FIG. 1) may set a first charging voltage (Vp-1) for the battery (289) at t1 based on a charging request for the battery (289) and perform charging of the battery (289) based on the first charging voltage (Vp-1) through a charging circuit (24). According to one embodiment, the first charging voltage (Vp-1) may be lower than a rated charging voltage (Vp-0) of the battery. According to one embodiment, the processor (22) may set a first charging voltage (Vp-1) by multiplying a value (cell V margin) obtained by subtracting a first designated voltage value from the cell rated charging voltage (Vc-0) of each of a plurality of battery cells (289-1 to 289-n) (e.g., two battery cells (a first cell and a second cell)) by the number of battery cells (cell series) (e.g., 2) (connected in series).

[0114] According to one embodiment, a processor (22) may monitor voltage values ​​(e.g., cell voltage detection values) corresponding to two battery cells detected from a fuel gauge (26) while charging a battery (289) based on a first charging voltage (Vp-1).

[0115] In one embodiment, the processor (22) may control the charging circuit (24) to maintain charging based on the first charging voltage without setting the second charging voltage (Vp-2) if the largest Max cell voltage detection value (e.g., the voltage value of the first cell) among the cell voltage detection values ​​such as t2 exceeds the designated cell voltage (Vmc-d), but the voltage difference (△v) between the maximum cell voltage (Max cell V) (e.g., cell voltage 1 Vc-max) and the minimum cell voltage (Min cell V) (e.g., cell voltage 2 Vc-min) is smaller than the minimum value (△vL) within the designated voltage range (△vL (△v lower limit) <△v <△vH (△v upper limit)).

[0116] FIG. 6 is a graph showing the voltage difference (△v) between the maximum cell voltage and the minimum cell voltage when charging a battery according to one embodiment.

[0117] Referring to FIG. 6, in the fourth graph (600) according to one embodiment, the horizontal axis may represent voltage (V) and the vertical axis may represent the voltage difference (△v) between the maximum cell voltage and the minimum cell voltage.

[0118] In the fourth graph (600) according to one embodiment, reference numeral 611 may represent the maximum cell voltage (Max cell V) (e.g., cell voltage 1 Vc-max) when the processor (22) does not perform the battery cell overcharge prevention or reduction operation of the present disclosure, and reference numeral 612 may represent the minimum cell voltage (Min cell V) (e.g., cell voltage 2 Vc-min) when the processor (22) does not perform the battery cell overcharge prevention or reduction operation of the present disclosure. In the fourth graph (600) according to one embodiment, reference numeral 621 may represent the maximum cell voltage (Max cell V) (e.g., cell voltage 1 Vc-max) when the processor (22) performs the battery cell overcharge prevention or reduction operation of the present disclosure, and reference numeral 622 may represent the minimum cell voltage (Min cell V) (e.g., cell voltage 2 Vc-min) when the processor (22) performs the battery cell overcharge prevention or reduction operation of the present disclosure.

[0119] According to one embodiment, the processor (22) may perform the battery cell overcharge prevention or reduction operation of the present disclosure to prevent the cell maximum voltage (Max cell V) (e.g., cell voltage 1 Vc-max) from exceeding the cell overcharge detection voltage (Vc-oc). That is, the processor (22) may prevent or reduce at least some of the battery cells from being in an overcharge state by performing the battery cell overcharge operation of the present disclosure.

[0120] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a fifth graph showing the voltage difference (△v) between the maximum cell voltage and the minimum cell voltage according to a battery charging cycle according to one embodiment.

[0121] Referring to FIG. 7, in the fifth graph (700) according to one embodiment, the horizontal axis may represent the voltage difference (△v) between the maximum cell voltage and the minimum cell voltage, and the vertical axis may represent the charging cycle.

[0122] In a fifth graph (700) according to an embodiment, reference numeral 710 may represent a voltage difference (△v) between a cell maximum voltage (Max cell V) (e.g., cell voltage 1 Vc-max) and a cell minimum voltage (Min cell V) (e.g., cell voltage 2 Vc-min) according to a charging cycle when the processor (22) does not perform the battery cell overcharge prevention or reduction operation of the present disclosure. In a fifth graph (700) according to an embodiment, reference numeral 720 may represent a voltage difference (△v) between a cell maximum voltage (Max cell V) (e.g., cell voltage 1 Vc-max) and a cell minimum voltage (Min cell V) (e.g., cell voltage 2 Vc-min) according to a charging cycle when the processor (22) performs the battery cell overcharge prevention or reduction operation of the present disclosure. Comparing 710 and 720 according to one embodiment, the processor (22) can reduce the occurrence of cell imbalance by performing the battery cell overcharge prevention or reduction operation of the present disclosure, and can prevent or reduce the cell imbalance protection operation from being performed in a short period of time.

[0123] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an operation for preventing or reducing battery cell overvoltage charging in an electronic device according to one embodiment when the battery rated charging voltage is 4.47 V and the battery includes four battery cells connected in series.

[0124] Referring to FIG. 8, a processor (22) (e.g., processor (120) of FIG. 1) of an electronic device (201) (e.g., electronic device (101) of FIG. 1) according to an embodiment may perform at least one of operations 810, 820, 830, 840, 850, and 860. In an embodiment, at least one of operations 810, 820, 830, 840, 850, and 860 may be omitted, the order of some operations may be changed, or another operation may be added.

[0125] In operation 810, the processor (22) according to one embodiment may detect a charge request (or readiness to charge) for the battery (289).

[0126] In operation 820, the processor (22) according to one embodiment may set a first charge voltage (Vp-1) (e.g., CHG V1) for the battery (289) based on a charge demand for the battery (289) (Set CHG V1 by calculator{("Cell V margin")*"Cell Series"}). For example, the first charge voltage (CHG V1) may be lower than the battery rated charge voltage (CHG V0). For example, the processor (22) may set a value (cell V margin) obtained by subtracting a first designated voltage value (e.g., 0.024 V) from the cell rated charge voltage (Vc-0) (e.g., 4.47 V) of each of four battery cells, multiplying the value by 4, which is the number of battery cells (cell series), as the first charge voltage (CHG V1) (17.784 V={(4.47 V-0.024 V)*4}).

[0127] In operation 830, the processor (22) according to one embodiment can determine whether the Max cell voltage detection value (e.g., Max cell V) exceeds (is greater than or equal to) a specified cell voltage (Vmc-d) (e.g., Cell V-0.05V) (for a specified time (e.g., 3 seconds)) (Max cell V (Cell V-0.05V) for 3 sec). In one embodiment, the processor (22) may receive (or acquire) four cell voltage detection values ​​detected from the fuel gauge (26) during charging of the battery (289) based on the first charging voltage (e.g., 17.784 V) and determine whether the largest Max cell voltage detection value (e.g., Max cell V) among the four cell voltage detection values ​​exceeds (is greater than or equal to) a designated cell voltage (e.g., Cell V-0.05V=4.47V-0.05V). In one embodiment, the designated cell voltage (Vmc-d) (e.g., Cell V-0.05V) may be a value obtained by subtracting a second designated voltage value (e.g., 0.05V) from the cell rated charging voltage (e.g., Cell V). The second designated voltage value may be greater than the first designated voltage value (e.g., 0.024 V). The first designated voltage value and the second designated voltage value according to an embodiment may be designated by empirical or experimental data. The processor (22) according to an embodiment may monitor the cell voltage detection values ​​corresponding to the four cells detected from the fuel gauge (26) while continuously performing charging of the battery (289) based on the first charging voltage (e.g., 17.784 V) if the Max cell voltage detection value (e.g., Max cell V) does not exceed (is not above) the designated cell voltage (e.g., Cell V-0.05 V). The processor (22) according to an embodiment may perform operation 840 if the Max cell voltage detection value (e.g., Max cell V) exceeds the designated cell voltage (e.g., Cell V-0.05 V).

[0128] In operation 840, the processor (22) according to one embodiment can determine whether a voltage difference (△v) between a cell maximum voltage (Max cell V) and a cell minimum voltage (Min cell V) within a specified voltage range (△vL (△v lower limit) <△v <△vH (△v upper limit)) (e.g., 0.01V <△v < 0.6V) is detected (0.01V <△v < 0.6V). For example, the specified voltage range can be designated as a range in which a battery cell imbalance value is less than or equal to a specified battery cell imbalance value based on a cell rated charge voltage (Cell V). For example, the upper limit (△vH) of the specified voltage range may be set to the maximum value of the cell imbalance protection operating voltage range (e.g., within 5% to 40% of 0.5 V (e.g., 0.025 V to 0.2 V, or 0.1 V)). In addition, the specified voltage range may be set to a value in a different range depending on the size of the cell rated charging voltage. In one embodiment, the processor (22) may identify the cell voltages of each of the four battery cells based on the identification of at least one battery cell exceeding the specified cell voltage during charging of the battery (289) and identify the voltage difference (△v) between the maximum cell voltage (Max cell V) and the minimum cell voltage (Min cell V). In one embodiment, the processor (22) can detect the voltage difference (△v) between the maximum cell voltage (Max cell V) and the minimum cell voltage (Min cell V) within a specified voltage range (e.g., 0.01 V <△v < 0.6 V) when the voltage difference (△v) between the maximum cell voltage (Max cell V) and the minimum cell voltage (Min cell V) is within a specified voltage range (e.g., 0.01 V <△v < 0.6 V). In one embodiment, the processor (22) can detect the first battery charge voltage (e.g., 17.While charging the battery (289) based on the voltage (784V), the cell voltage detection values ​​corresponding to the four cells detected from the fuel gauge (26) can be monitored. In one embodiment, the processor (22) can perform operation 850 when a voltage difference (△v) between the maximum cell voltage (Max cell V) and the minimum cell voltage (Min cell V) within a specified voltage range (e.g., 0.01V <△v < 0.6V) is detected.

[0129] In operation 850, the processor (22) according to an embodiment may set the second charging voltage (Vp-2) (e.g., CHG V2) (Set CHG V2 by calculator{(“cell V margin”)*”Cell Series”}-{Delta Cell V”*(”Cell Series”-1)}. The processor (22) according to an embodiment may set the second charging voltage (CHG V2) lower than the first charging voltage (CHG V1). The processor (22) according to an embodiment may calculate the difference between the cell maximum voltage (Max cell V) and the cell minimum voltage (Min cell V) from the value (cell V margin) (e.g., 4.42 V) obtained by subtracting the first designated voltage value (e.g., 0.024 V) from the cell rated charging voltage (Cell V) (e.g., 4.47 V) of each of the four battery cells and multiplying the value by the number of battery cells (cell series) (e.g., 4) (e.g., 4). The second charging voltage (CHG V2) (e.g., 16.284V={(4.47V-0.024V)*4}-{0.5*(4-1)}) can be identified (or obtained or calculated or set) by multiplying the voltage difference (△v) (e.g., 0.5V) by the number of battery cells minus 1 (cell series-1) (e.g., 4-1)) by the product of (△v *(cell series-1)) and the value (cell V margin*cell series - △v *(cell series-1)).

[0130] In operation 860, the processor (22) according to one embodiment may perform charging of the battery (289) based on the second charging voltage (CHG V2) (Charging with New Set V).

[0131] FIG. 9 is a graph showing the voltage of a battery and the voltage of a cell when the battery is charged in an electronic device according to one embodiment when the rated charging voltage of the battery is 4.47 V and the battery includes four battery cells connected in series.

[0132] Referring to FIG. 9, in a sixth graph (900) according to an embodiment, the horizontal axis may represent time (t) and the vertical axis may represent voltage (e.g., battery voltage and cell voltage) (V). In the 56th graph (900), reference numeral 910 may represent a charging voltage for charging a battery over time during battery charging. Reference numeral 920 may represent a battery voltage over time during battery charging. Reference numeral 930 may represent a voltage of a first battery cell (Cell 1) included in a battery over time during battery charging. Reference numeral 940 may represent a voltage of second to fourth battery cells (Cells 2, 3, 4) included in a battery over time during battery charging. Reference numeral 950 may represent a charging current provided to a battery (289) over time during battery charging.

[0133] According to one embodiment, a processor (22) (e.g., processor (120) of FIG. 1) of an electronic device (201) (e.g., electronic device (101) of FIG. 1) may set a first charging voltage (CHG V1) for charging a battery (289) at t1 based on a demand for the battery (289) and perform charging of the battery (289) based on the first charging voltage (CHG V1) through a charging circuit (24). According to one embodiment, the first charging voltage (CHG V1) may be lower than a rated charging voltage of the battery. According to one embodiment, the processor (22) may set the first charging voltage (CHG V1) to a value obtained by subtracting a first designated voltage value (e.g., 0.024 V) from the cell rated charging voltage (e.g., 4.47 V) of each of four battery cells (Cell1, 2, 3, 4) (cell V margin) multiplied by 4, which is the number of battery cells (cell series), as the first charging voltage (CHG V1) (17.784 V = {(4.47 V - 0.024 V) * 4}).

[0134] According to one embodiment, a processor (22) may monitor voltage values ​​(e.g., cell voltage detection values) corresponding to four cells detected from a fuel gauge (26) while charging a battery (289) based on a first charging voltage (e.g., 17.784 V).

[0135] According to one embodiment, the processor (22) may set a second charging voltage (CHG V2) and perform charging based on the second battery charging voltage when the largest voltage among the cell voltage detection values ​​(e.g., Max cell voltage detection value (e.g., Max cell V)) exceeds a specified cell voltage (e.g., Cell V-0.05V=4.47V-0.05V) and the voltage difference (△v) between the maximum cell voltage (Max cell V) and the minimum cell voltage (Min cell V) exists within a specified voltage range (e.g., 0.01V <△v < 0.6V) (e.g., 300mV).

[0136] In one embodiment, the processor (22) lowers the first charging voltage to a second charging voltage when at least one battery cell (cell1) among a plurality of battery cells exceeds a designated cell voltage while being charged with a first battery charging voltage and a voltage difference (△v) between a maximum cell voltage (Max cell V) and a minimum cell voltage (Min cell V) reaches a specific section (e.g., a designated voltage range), thereby allowing the battery (289) to continue to be charged at a low charging current without at least some of the battery cells (cell1) being overcharged while the battery is not fully charged.

[0137] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation for preventing or reducing battery cell overvoltage charging based on the presence of a battery cell exceeding a specified cell voltage and the battery voltage exceeding the specified voltage in an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0138] Referring to FIG. 10, a processor (22) (e.g., processor (120) of FIG. 1) of an electronic device (201) (e.g., electronic device (101) of FIG. 1) according to an embodiment may perform at least one of operations 1010, 1020, 1030, 1040, 1050, and 1060. In an embodiment, at least one of operations 1010, 1020, 1030, 1040, 1050, and 1060 may be omitted, the order of some operations may be changed, or another operation may be added.

[0139] In operation 1010, the processor (22) according to one embodiment may detect a charge request (or readiness) for the battery (289).

[0140] In operation 1020, the processor (22) according to one embodiment may set a charge voltage (e.g., charge voltage) for charging the battery (289) based on a charge request for the battery (Set charge voltage 12.65)). For example, the charge voltage for charging the battery may be lower than the rated charge voltage of the battery. For example, the processor (22) may set a value obtained by multiplying a value (cell V margin) obtained by subtracting a first designated voltage value from the cell rated charge voltage (Vc-0) of each of the plurality of battery cells by the number of the plurality of battery cells (cell series) as the charge voltage.

[0141] In operation 1030, the processor (22) according to one embodiment can determine whether the largest voltage value (e.g., Max cell voltage detection value (e.g., Max cell V)) among the voltage values ​​(e.g., cell voltage detection values) of each of the plurality of battery cells exceeds (or is greater than) a specified cell voltage (Vmc-d (e.g., 4.3 V)) (for a specified time (e.g., 3 seconds or 6 seconds)) (Cell Voltage 4.3V for 3sec or 6sdc). According to one embodiment, the processor (22) may receive (or acquire) a plurality of cell voltage detection values ​​detected from the fuel gauge (26) during charging of the battery (289) based on the first battery charge voltage, and determine whether the largest Max cell voltage detection value (e.g., Max cell V) among the cell voltage detection values ​​exceeds (is greater than or equal to) a designated cell voltage (e.g., 4.3V). According to one embodiment, the designated cell voltage (Vmc-d) may be a value obtained by subtracting a second designated voltage value (e.g., 0.05V) from the cell rated charge voltage. The second designated voltage value may be greater than the first designated voltage value (e.g., 0.024 V). The first designated voltage value and the second designated voltage value according to one embodiment may be designated as different values ​​based on empirical or experimental data. In one embodiment, the processor (22) may monitor the cell voltage detection values ​​detected from the fuel gauge (26) while continuing to charge the battery (289) based on the first charging voltage if the Max cell voltage detection value (e.g., Max cell V) does not exceed (or is not higher than) the specified cell voltage (e.g., 4.3 V). In one embodiment, the processor (22) may perform operation 1040 if the Max cell voltage detection value (e.g., Max cell V) exceeds the specified cell voltage (e.g., 4.3 V).

[0142] In operation 1040, the processor (22) according to one embodiment may determine whether the battery voltage exceeds a specified battery voltage (battery voltage For example, the processor (22) may determine whether the battery voltage exceeds 12.4 V. In one embodiment, the processor (22) may monitor the cell voltage detection values ​​detected from the fuel gauge (26) while charging the battery (289) based on the first charging voltage if the battery voltage does not exceed the specified battery voltage. In one embodiment, the processor (22) may perform operation 1050 if the battery voltage exceeds the specified battery voltage.

[0143] In operation 1050, the processor (22) according to one embodiment can set the second charge voltage (Set Charge Voltage According to one embodiment, the processor (22) may set the second charging voltage to a value that is lower than the first battery charging voltage but higher than a specified battery charging voltage value (e.g., 12.4 V).

[0144] In operation 1060, the processor (22) according to one embodiment may perform charging of the battery (289) based on the second charging voltage (Charging with New Set V).

[0145] Electronic devices according to the various embodiments disclosed in this document may take various forms. Electronic devices may include, for example, portable communication devices (e.g., smartphones), computer devices, portable multimedia devices, portable medical devices, cameras, wearable devices, or home appliances. Electronic devices according to the embodiments disclosed in this document are not limited to the aforementioned devices.

[0146] The various embodiments of this document and the terminology used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the items, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this document, each of the phrases "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" can include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase among those phrases, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used merely to distinguish one component from another, and do not limit the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order). When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as "coupled" or "connected" to another component (e.g., a second component), with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicatively," it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0147] The term "module" used in various embodiments of this document may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit. A module may be an integral component, or a minimum unit or part of such a component that performs one or more functions. For example, according to one embodiment, a module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0148] Various embodiments of the present document may be implemented as software (e.g., a program (140)) including one or more commands stored in a storage medium (e.g., an internal memory (136) or an external memory (138)) readable by a machine (e.g., an electronic device (101)). For example, a processor (e.g., a processor (120)) of the machine (e.g., an electronic device (101)) may call at least one command among the one or more commands stored from the storage medium and execute it. This enables the machine to operate to perform at least one function according to the at least one command called. The one or more commands may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-transitory' simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently or temporarily on the storage medium.

[0149] According to one embodiment, the method according to various embodiments disclosed in the present document may be provided as a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded between sellers and buyers as a product. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a device-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)) or may be provided through an application store (e.g., Play Store). TM ) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smart phones), online distribution (e.g., downloading or uploading). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be at least temporarily stored or temporarily created in a machine-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.

[0150] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a non-transitory storage medium storing computer-readable instructions, wherein the instructions, when executed by an electronic device, are configured to cause the electronic device to perform at least one operation, the operation may include: identifying a first charging voltage for charging a battery including a plurality of battery cells; performing the charging of the battery based on the first charging voltage using a charging circuit; identifying whether a voltage value of at least one battery cell among the plurality of battery cells exceeds a specified voltage value while charging the battery; identifying a voltage difference between a maximum voltage value and a minimum voltage value among voltage values ​​of the plurality of battery cells when the voltage value of the at least one battery cell among the plurality of battery cells exceeds the specified voltage value; identifying a second charging voltage for the charging of the battery when the voltage difference is within a specified voltage range; and performing the charging of the battery based on the second charging voltage using the charging circuit.

[0151] According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., a module or a program) of the above-described components may include one or more entities, and some of the entities may be separated and arranged in other components. According to various embodiments, one or more components or operations of the aforementioned components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of components (e.g., a module or a program) may be integrated into a single component. In such a case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the plurality of components identically or similarly to those performed by the corresponding component among the plurality of components prior to the integration. According to various embodiments, the operations performed by a module, program, or other component may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

Claims

1. In the electronic device (101, 201), A battery (189, 289) comprising a plurality of battery cells connected in series; charging circuit (24); and It includes a processor (22), and the processor, Determine the first charging voltage for charging the above battery, Controlling the charging circuit to perform the charging of the battery based on the first charging voltage, Identifying whether the voltage value of at least one battery cell among the plurality of battery cells exceeds a specified voltage value while charging the battery; If the voltage value of at least one battery cell among the plurality of battery cells exceeds the specified voltage value, the voltage difference between the maximum voltage value and the minimum voltage value among the voltage values ​​of the plurality of battery cells is identified, If the voltage difference is within a specified voltage range, identify the second charging voltage for charging the battery, and An electronic device configured to control the charging circuit to charge the battery based on the second charging voltage.

2. In paragraph 1, The above processor, An electronic device further configured to determine the first charging voltage for charging the battery based on a rated voltage value for charging the battery and the number of the plurality of cells of the battery.

3. In paragraph 1 or 2, An electronic device wherein the above-mentioned specified voltage value is lower than the rated voltage value of each of the plurality of cells.

4. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 3, The above processor, If the voltage difference is less than the minimum value of the specified voltage range, the charging circuit is controlled to maintain the performance of the charging of the battery based on the first charging voltage, An electronic device further configured to control the charging circuit to stop performing the charging of the battery if the voltage difference is greater than the maximum value of the specified voltage range.

5. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 4, The above battery further includes a fuel gauge, An electronic device in which the fuel gauge detects the voltage value of the battery and the voltage values ​​of the plurality of battery cells, and provides battery status information including the detected voltage value of the battery and the voltage values ​​of the plurality of battery cells to the processor.

6. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 5, An electronic device wherein the second charging voltage is lower than the first charging voltage.

7. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 6, An electronic device in which the above-mentioned specified voltage value is a value obtained by subtracting the specified value from the rated voltage value of each of the plurality of cells.

8. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 7, An electronic device further configured to determine a first charging voltage by using a value obtained by multiplying a value obtained by subtracting a specified value from the rated voltage value of each of the plurality of battery cells by the number of the plurality of battery cells.

9. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 8, An electronic device further configured to obtain a first value obtained by multiplying the voltage difference by a value obtained by subtracting 1 from the number of the plurality of battery cells, and to determine the second charging voltage by using a value obtained by subtracting the first value from the rated voltage value for charging the battery.

10. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 9, An electronic device in which the above-mentioned specified voltage range is specified based on a specified battery cell imbalance value of the plurality of battery cells.

11. In a method for charging a battery cell in an electronic device, An operation for determining a first charging voltage for charging a battery including a plurality of battery cells; An operation of performing the charging of the battery based on a first charging voltage using a charging circuit; An operation of identifying whether a voltage value of at least one battery cell among the plurality of battery cells exceeds a specified voltage value while charging the battery; An operation of identifying a voltage difference between a maximum voltage value and a minimum voltage value among the voltage values ​​of the plurality of battery cells when the voltage value of at least one battery cell among the plurality of battery cells exceeds the specified voltage value; An operation of identifying a second charging voltage for charging the battery when the voltage difference is within a specified voltage range; and A method comprising an operation of performing the charging of the battery based on the second charging voltage using the charging circuit.

12. In paragraph 11, A method further comprising an operation of determining the first charging voltage for charging the battery based on a rated voltage value for charging the battery and the number of the plurality of cells of the battery.

13. In paragraph 11 or 12, The above specified voltage value is lower than the rated voltage value of each of the plurality of cells.

14. In any one of paragraphs 11 to 13, An operation of maintaining the performance of the charging of the battery based on the first charging voltage if the voltage difference is less than the minimum value of the specified voltage range; and A method further comprising an action of stopping the charging of the battery if the voltage difference is greater than the maximum value of the specified voltage range.

15. In a non-transitory storage medium storing computer-readable commands, the commands, when executed by an electronic device, are configured to cause the electronic device to perform at least one action. An operation for identifying a first charging voltage for charging a battery including a plurality of battery cells; An operation of performing the charging of the battery based on a first charging voltage using a charging circuit; An operation of identifying whether a voltage value of at least one battery cell among the plurality of battery cells exceeds a specified voltage value while charging the battery; An operation of identifying a voltage difference between a maximum voltage value and a minimum voltage value among the voltage values ​​of the plurality of battery cells when the voltage value of at least one battery cell among the plurality of battery cells exceeds the specified voltage value; An operation of identifying a second charging voltage for charging the battery when the voltage difference is within a specified voltage range; and A storage medium including an operation for performing the charging of the battery based on the second charging voltage using the charging circuit.

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