Electronic device and method for charging battery using same

Abstract

According to various embodiments, the present invention may comprise: a battery pack including a battery cell and a charge cutoff circuit electrically connected to the battery cell; a charging circuit that supplies a charge voltage to the battery pack; a charge monitoring circuit that monitors a charge function of the battery pack; a processor electrically connected to the charge monitoring circuit and the charge circuit and including a processing circuit; and a memory that stores instructions. When the instructions are individually or collectively executed by the processor, the electronic device may, in response to execution of a charge function for the battery pack, supply a charge voltage to the battery cell through the charging circuit on the basis of a set reference voltage, determine based on the charge monitoring circuit whether the charge voltage supplied to the battery cell has been cut off by the charge cutoff circuit, and, if the charge voltage supplied to the battery cell has been cut off, adjust the set reference voltage such that the set reference voltage is lowered, and supply the charge voltage adjusted on the basis of the adjusted reference voltage to the battery cell through the charging circuit. Other embodiments may also be possible.

Description

Electronic device and method for charging a battery using the same

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an electronic device and a method for charging a battery (e.g., a battery pack or a battery cell) using the same.

[0002] With the recent advancement of digital technology, various types of electronic devices (user devices) capable of communication and personal information processing (e.g., mobile terminals, PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants), electronic organizers, smartphones, tablets, PCs (Personal Computers), etc.) are being released. As the functions provided by electronic devices diversify and their widespread use in daily life increases, the amount of time spent using them is gradually increasing. Electronic devices can be designed to be easily portable, with a certain size and weight, and may have constraints on the arrangement of their components.

[0003] Electronic devices rely on batteries with limited power capacity to ensure portability and mobility. Because these limited-capacity batteries serve as power sources, electronic devices need to utilize them efficiently. Electronic devices can control the charging circuit to ensure a stable power supply through the battery.

[0004] The above information may be provided as background art to aid in understanding the present disclosure. No claim or determination is made as to whether any of the above is applicable as prior art related to the present disclosure.

[0005] An electronic device may include at least one battery (e.g., a battery pack or battery cells). For example, the electronic device may include multiple batteries connected in series or parallel.

[0006] Electronic devices may include additional circuitry related to the charging function of the battery to charge the battery more quickly and reliably. For example, the electronic device may include a charging circuit that controls the charging voltage supplied to the battery during charging so that the charging voltage does not exceed the maximum charging voltage for the battery. If the battery is overcharged (e.g., an overcurrent situation, a situation in which the charging function is performed while the charging voltage exceeds the maximum charging voltage), the battery and components connected to the battery may be at least partially damaged. In addition, a swelling phenomenon (e.g., a swelling phenomenon of the battery, an increase in the volume of the battery) may occur in the battery.

[0007] Electronic devices may include protection elements (e.g., protection circuits, protection ICs) to prevent damage to the battery due to situations where overcharging, overdischarging, and / or overcurrent occur in connection with the charging of the battery.

[0008] According to one embodiment, an electronic device may provide a method for controlling a charging voltage supplied to a battery to prevent a situation in which the charging voltage exceeds a maximum charging voltage for the battery (e.g., an overcharge situation and / or an overcurrent situation) when charging the battery. For example, the charging voltage may be determined based on a reference voltage. The electronic device may set the reference voltage by lowering it by a set amount (e.g., a deduction voltage), and by determining the charging voltage according to the reference voltage, the situation in which the charging voltage exceeds the maximum charging voltage may be reduced. The electronic device may determine the reference voltage for the charging voltage so that the charging operation has maximum efficiency, while the charging voltage does not exceed the maximum charging voltage.

[0009] The technical tasks to be achieved in this document are not limited to the technical tasks mentioned above, and other technical tasks not mentioned will be clearly understood by those with ordinary skill in the technical field to which this document pertains from the description below.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the electronic device may include a battery cell, a charge cutoff circuit electrically connected to the battery cell, a charging circuit supplying a charge voltage to the battery cell, a charge monitoring circuit monitoring a charge function of the battery cell, a processor electrically connected to the charge monitoring circuit and the charging circuit and including a processing circuit, and a memory storing instructions. When the instructions are individually or collectively executed by the processor, the electronic device may cause the electronic device to, in response to execution of a charge function for the battery cell, supply a charge voltage to the battery cell through the charging circuit based on a set reference voltage, determine based on the charge monitoring circuit whether the charge voltage supplied to the battery cell is cut off by the charge cutoff circuit, and, if the charge voltage supplied to the battery cell is cut off, adjust the set reference voltage so as to lower the set reference voltage, and supply the charge voltage adjusted based on the adjusted reference voltage to the battery cell through the charging circuit.

[0011] According to one embodiment, a method of charging a battery (e.g., a battery cell) in an electronic device may include, in response to execution of a charging function for the battery cell, supplying a charging voltage determined based on a set reference voltage to the battery cell through a charging circuit; checking, based on a charge monitoring circuit that monitors the charging function of the battery cell, whether the charging voltage supplied to the battery cell has been cut off by a charge cutoff circuit electrically connected to the battery cell; adjusting the set reference voltage so that the set reference voltage is lowered by a set voltage value when the charging voltage supplied to the battery cell has been cut off; and supplying the charging voltage determined based on the adjusted reference voltage to the battery cell through the charging circuit.

[0012] According to one embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium (or a computer program product) storing one or more programs for performing a method of charging a battery (e.g., a battery cell) in an electronic device may be described. According to one embodiment, the one or more programs may include instructions that, when executed by a processor of the electronic device, perform an operation of supplying a charging voltage determined based on a set reference voltage to the battery cell through a charging circuit in response to execution of a charging function for the battery cell, an operation of determining whether the charging voltage supplied to the battery cell has been cut off based on a charge monitoring circuit that monitors the charging function of the battery cell, an operation of adjusting the set reference voltage so that the set reference voltage is lowered by a set voltage value when the charging voltage supplied to the battery cell has been cut off, and an operation of supplying the charging voltage determined based on the adjusted reference voltage to the battery cell through the charging circuit.

[0013] According to one embodiment, when charging a battery, an overcharge phenomenon may occur in the battery, and in response to the occurrence of the overcharge phenomenon, a charge voltage supplied to the battery (e.g., a charge voltage determined based on a reference voltage) may be cut off based on a charge cutoff circuit electrically connected to the battery. The electronic device may detect a situation in which the charge voltage supplied to the battery is cut off, and may determine that an overcharge phenomenon has occurred due to charging of the battery. When an overcharge phenomenon is detected, the electronic device may reset the reference voltage by lowering it by a set deduction voltage.

[0014] According to one embodiment, an electronic device can reset a reference voltage to prevent overcharging and prevent damage to components of the electronic device due to overcharging. According to one embodiment, the electronic device can set different reference voltages depending on the type of charging device. The electronic device can set a reference voltage that optimizes charging efficiency according to the charging device. The electronic device can prevent overcharging by performing a charging function based on the set reference voltage. The electronic device can provide a stable charging function.

[0015] According to one embodiment, an electronic device can perform a charging function stably while improving charging efficiency. The electronic device can determine a reference voltage for performing the charging function with optimized charging efficiency.

[0016] The effects that can be obtained from the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects that are not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs from the description below.

[0017] In connection with the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for the same or similar components.

[0018] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device within a network environment according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment in which an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure performs a charging function through a charging device.

[0020] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a battery charging method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram of a battery pack including a battery and a charge blocking circuit according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 6A is a first exemplary diagram of a charge monitoring circuit according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 6b is a second exemplary diagram of a charge monitoring circuit according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a method for setting and storing a reference voltage based on a type of a charging device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a method for determining a reference voltage according to a charge amount of a battery according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] 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.

[0028] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device (101) within a network environment (100) according to various embodiments. Referring to FIG. 1, in the network environment (100), the 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)).

[0029] The processor (120) may, for example, execute software (e.g., a program (140)) to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device (101) connected to the processor (120) and perform various data processing or calculations. According to one embodiment, as at least a part of the data processing or calculations, the processor (120) may store commands or data received from other components (e.g., a sensor module (176) or a communication module (190)) in a volatile memory (132), process the commands or data stored in the volatile memory (132), and store result 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.

[0030] The auxiliary processor (123) may control at least a portion 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, in the electronic device (101) itself where artificial intelligence is performed, 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.

[0031] 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).

[0032] 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).

[0033] 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).

[0034] 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. In one embodiment, the receiver can be implemented separately from the speaker or as part of the speaker.

[0035] 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. In 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.

[0036] 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).

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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).

[0040] 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. In one embodiment, the haptic module (179) can include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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, for example, as at least a part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0043] A battery (189) may power at least one component of the electronic device (101). In one embodiment, the battery (189) may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.

[0044] 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).

[0045] 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) can 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.

[0046] The antenna module (197) can transmit or receive signals or power to or from an external device (e.g., an external electronic device). In 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). In 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 by, for example, the communication module (190). A signal or power may be transmitted or received between the communication module (190) and an external electronic device through the selected at least one antenna. In 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).

[0047] In one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may form a mmWave antenna module. In 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.

[0048] 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)).

[0049] 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 another 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.

[0050] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment in which an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure performs a charging function through a charging device.

[0051] The electronic device (101) of FIG. 2 may be at least partially similar to the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, or may further include other embodiments of the electronic device (101). In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include at least partially similar components to the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may be electrically or operatively connected to a charging device (350) and may perform a charging function using the charging device (350). For example, the electronic device (101) may include at least one battery (e.g., a battery pack or a battery cell) and may perform a charging function for the at least one battery. Referring to FIG. 2, the electronic device (101) is connected to the charging device (350) by a wire, but is not limited thereto. The electronic device (101) may be connected to the charging device (350) by a wire or wirelessly and may perform a charging function for the battery using the charging device (350).

[0053] The electronic device (101) may have a reference voltage set when charging a battery. The electronic device (101) may determine a charging voltage for charging the battery based on the set reference voltage, and may perform a charging function for the battery by supplying the determined charging voltage to the battery. For example, when performing the charging function, the electronic device (101) may supply voltage up to the maximum charging voltage for the battery in order to maximize the performance of the battery. According to one embodiment, when the charging function for the battery is executed, a charge cutoff circuit electrically connected to the battery may cut off the supply of the charging voltage in response to a situation in which the charging voltage of the battery exceeds the maximum charging voltage. For example, the charge cutoff circuit may at least partially block a supply path through which the charging voltage is supplied to the battery. The electronic device (101) can detect a situation in which a voltage corresponding to the battery (e.g., an accumulated charge voltage for charging the battery) exceeds the maximum charge voltage (e.g., a situation in which a charge cutoff condition is met, an overcharge situation, and / or an overcurrent situation). In response to detecting an overcharge situation, the electronic device (101) can adjust the set reference voltage lower.

[0054] According to one embodiment, when performing a charging function, the electronic device (101) may monitor a charging state for the battery and determine a situation in which a charge cutoff condition is satisfied (e.g., a situation in which the charging voltage supplied to the battery is cut off, an overcharge situation, and / or an overcurrent situation). When the charge cutoff condition is satisfied, the electronic device (101) may adjust the set reference voltage so as to lower the set reference voltage. For example, the electronic device (101) may adjust the set reference voltage so as to lower the set reference voltage by a set subtraction voltage (e.g., about 10 mV). According to one embodiment, when performing a charging function, the electronic device (101) may continuously adjust the reference voltage in response to a situation in which a charge cutoff condition is satisfied. The electronic device (101) may perform the charging function for the battery based on the adjusted reference voltage.

[0055] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0056] The electronic device (101) of FIG. 3 may be at least partially similar to the electronic device (101) of FIGS. 1 and 2, or may further include other embodiments of the electronic device (101). In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include at least partially similar components to the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1.

[0057] Referring to FIG. 3, the electronic device (101) may include a processor (120) (e.g., the processor (120) of FIG. 1), a memory (130) (e.g., the memory (130) of FIG. 1), a charging circuit (310), a battery pack (320) (e.g., the battery (189) of FIG. 1), a charge monitoring circuit (330), and / or a charging terminal (340). A charging device (350) (e.g., a charging adapter) connected to the charging terminal (340) may be an external electronic device (e.g., an external power supply device) that supplies power (e.g., voltage) to the electronic device (101).

[0058] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may be electrically or operatively connected to a charging device (350) via a charging terminal (340) (e.g., a USB terminal) and may receive power from the charging device (350). For example, power supplied from the charging device (350) may be supplied to a battery pack (320) (e.g., a battery cell (189)) via a charging circuit (310) and may be utilized as a power supply for charging the battery pack (320). The electronic device (101) may perform a charging function for the battery pack (320) based on the charging device (350).

[0059] According to one embodiment, the processor (120) of the electronic device (101) may execute a program (e.g., program (140) of FIG. 1, an application that provides a charging function for the battery pack (320)) stored in the memory (130) to control at least one other component (e.g., hardware or software component) and perform various data processing or calculations. For example, the processor (120) may perform a charging function for the battery pack (320) based on charging-related information (311) stored in the memory (130). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may receive voltage from a charging device (350) and perform a charging function for the battery pack (320) based on the voltage. According to one embodiment, the processor (120) may be operatively, functionally, and / or electrically connected to the memory (130), the charging circuit (310), and / or the charge monitoring circuit (330).

[0060] According to one embodiment, the processor (120) may include at least one processor including a processing circuit. According to one embodiment, the memory (130) may store instructions that the processors (120) (e.g., at least one processor) individually or collectively execute.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the processor (120) of the electronic device (101) may include a charge blocking determination unit (335). For example, when performing a charging function, the charge blocking determination unit (335) may determine, based on the charge monitoring circuit (330), whether the charging function for the battery pack (320) is blocked or stopped. The charge blocking determination unit (335) may periodically or aperiodically determine, when the charging function is performed, whether the charging voltage supplied to the battery pack (320) is at least partially blocked.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the processor (120) may be electrically or operatively connected to a charge monitoring circuit (330) for monitoring the state of the battery pack (320). The charge monitoring circuit (330) may continuously monitor the state of charge of the battery pack (320) when performing a charging function. For example, when an overcharge situation (e.g., an overcurrent situation, a situation in which a charging function is performed while the charging voltage exceeds the maximum charging voltage) occurs, the charging voltage supplied to the battery pack (320) may be at least partially blocked. For example, the charge blocking circuit (321) may at least partially block a supply path of the voltage supplied to the battery cell (189), and the charge monitoring circuit (330) may obtain information that the supply of the voltage is blocked. According to one embodiment, the charge monitoring circuit (330) can provide the state information that the charge voltage is blocked to the charge blocking determination unit (335), and the charge blocking determination unit (335) can determine whether the charge blocking condition is met based on the state information provided from the charge monitoring circuit (330).

[0063] In one embodiment, when the charging function is interrupted due to a charge cutoff condition, the processor (120) may adjust the reference voltage so that the reference voltage for charging the battery pack (320) is lowered. In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may adjust the reference voltage so that the reference voltage according to the charging function is lowered in response to a situation where the charge cutoff condition is met.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the memory (130) of the electronic device (101) may store charging-related information (311) related to charging of the battery pack (320). For example, the charging-related information (311) may include a maximum charging voltage and a reference voltage for the battery pack (320). The reference voltage may be determined to be a value lower than the maximum charging voltage. According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may set the reference voltage under the condition that the charging voltage supplied to the battery pack (320) does not exceed the maximum charging voltage. When performing the charging function, the processor (120) may determine the charging voltage supplied to the battery pack (320) based on the set reference voltage.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the battery pack (320) of the electronic device (101) may include a battery cell (189) that supplies power to each component and a charge blocking circuit (321) for blocking charging of the battery cell (189). When performing a charging function, the battery cell (189) may be charged based on power supplied from an external device (350). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may continuously monitor a situation in which a charge blocking condition is satisfied in relation to charging of the battery cell (189). For example, the electronic device (101) may check whether the charging voltage supplied to the battery cell (189) is blocked, and if a situation in which the charging voltage is blocked is detected, the electronic device (101) may determine that an overcharge situation (e.g., an overcurrent situation, a situation in which the charging function is performed while the charging voltage exceeds the maximum charging voltage) has occurred for the battery cell (189). For example, when an overcharge situation occurs, the charge cutoff circuit (321) can cut off the charging voltage supplied to the battery cell (189) and stop the charging function by the charging voltage. The charge monitoring circuit (330) can obtain status information indicating that the charging function for the battery pack (320) has been stopped, and can provide the obtained status information to the charge cutoff determination unit (335). The charge cutoff determination unit (335) can determine that the charging function for the battery pack (320) has been stopped (e.g., blocked) based on the provided status information. The electronic device (101) can confirm that the charging voltage supplied to the battery cell (189) has been cut off, and in response to the confirmation, can determine whether a charge cutoff condition has been met. The battery pack (320) can include a protection element (e.g., a protection circuit, a protection IC) to prevent the battery cell (189) from being damaged due to the overcharge phenomenon. The charge cut-off circuit (321) can be controlled by a protection IC.The charge cutoff circuit (321) may be disposed between the charging circuit (310) and the battery cell (189), and may cut off power supplied to the battery cell (189) through the charging circuit (310) in the middle. According to one embodiment, the battery pack (320) may also include a discharge cutoff circuit in addition to the charge cutoff circuit (321). For example, the discharge cutoff circuit may at least partially stop the discharge of the battery cell (189) to prevent the battery cell (189) from being damaged when an over-discharge phenomenon (e.g., a phenomenon in which the voltage of the battery drops below a set voltage (e.g., about 2.5)) occurs. The battery pack (320) may include the battery cell (189), the charge cutoff circuit (321) for cutting off a charging operation for the battery cell (189), and / or the discharge cutoff circuit for cutting off an operation in which power is discharged from the battery cell (189).

[0066] According to one embodiment, the charging circuit (310) may include a direct charger (315) for supplying a charging voltage to the battery pack (320) and a switch charger (316) for checking the battery capacity of the battery pack (320). For example, the switch charger (316) may include a Fuel Gauge (F / G) for calculating the battery capacity. For example, the charging circuit (310) may supply a charging voltage to the battery pack (320) based on the direct charger (315) and perform a charging function for the battery pack (320). The charging circuit (310) may calculate a battery capacity (e.g., a charging capacity of a battery cell (189), a remaining amount) for the battery pack (320) based on the switch charger (316) and control the charging function according to the calculated battery capacity.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the charge monitoring circuit (330) included in the processor (120) may be electrically connected to the battery pack (320) and may continuously monitor whether the charging function for the battery pack (320) is blocked based on the charge blocking circuit (321). For example, the charge monitoring circuit (330) may measure voltages corresponding to the (+) terminal and the (-) terminal of the battery pack (320) and determine whether the charging function for the battery pack (320) is blocked. For example, the charge monitoring circuit (330) may determine whether the measured voltage for the battery pack (320) is lowered by about 500 mV (e.g., an example value, which may vary depending on the type of the charge blocking circuit (321) included in the battery pack (320)) and maintained for about 15 ms (e.g., a condition for satisfying a charge blocking condition). For example, if the voltage for the battery pack (320) is measured to drop by about 500 mV from about 4.4 V to about 3.9 V, and the voltage for the battery pack (320) remains at about 3.9 V for about 15 ms, the processor (120) may determine that the charge cutoff condition is satisfied and that the charging function is stopped by the charge cutoff determination unit (335). In one embodiment, as another example, the charge monitoring circuit (330) may use a comparator to determine whether the charge voltage for the battery pack (320) changes from a high signal to a low signal and then switches from the low signal back to a high signal within about 20 ms (e.g., a condition for satisfying the charge cutoff condition). Within about 20 ms, when the charging voltage changes from a high signal to a low signal and then back to a high signal, the processor (120) can determine that the charging cutoff condition is satisfied and that the charging function is stopped by the charging cutoff determination unit (335).

[0068] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) can periodically or aperiodically check the charging voltage for the battery pack (320) based on the charge monitoring circuit (330) and monitor a situation in which a charge blocking condition is satisfied due to charging of the battery pack (320). The electronic device (101) can determine, based on the charge blocking determination unit (335), that the charging function for the battery pack (320) is stopped when the charge blocking condition is satisfied.

[0069] According to one embodiment, when it is confirmed that a charge blocking condition is satisfied, the processor (120) may adjust the reference voltage for charging the battery pack (320). For example, the processor (120) may adjust the reference voltage to be lower than the previous reference voltage in order to reduce the situations in which the charge blocking condition is satisfied. When the reference voltage is lowered, the charging voltage supplied to the battery cell (189) is lowered, and when the charging voltage is lowered, the situations in which the maximum charging voltage for the battery cell (189) is exceeded may be reduced. On the other hand, when the charging voltage is excessively lowered, the charging efficiency for the battery cell (180) is lowered, and therefore, the charging voltage may be adjusted to be higher than a set threshold value. According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may determine a reference voltage having the maximum charging efficiency under a condition in which the charge blocking condition is not satisfied.

[0070] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) can determine a reference voltage having the maximum charging efficiency, as long as the charge blocking condition is not satisfied, and perform a charging function for the battery pack (320) based on the determined reference voltage. According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) can improve the efficiency of charging while stably performing the charging function. The electronic device (101) can determine a reference voltage for performing the charging function with optimized charging efficiency.

[0071] According to one embodiment, an electronic device (101) may include a battery pack (320) including a battery cell (189) and a charge cutoff circuit (321) electrically connected to the battery cell (189), a charging circuit (310) for supplying a charging voltage to the battery pack (320), a charge monitoring circuit (330) for monitoring a charging function of the battery pack (320), a processor (120) electrically connected to the charge monitoring circuit (330) and the charging circuit (310) and including a processing circuit, and a memory (130) for storing instructions. When the above instructions are individually or collectively executed by the processor (120), the electronic device (101) may, in response to the execution of a charging function for the battery pack (320), supply a charging voltage to the battery cell (189) through the charging circuit (310) based on a set reference voltage, and, based on the charge monitoring circuit (330), determine whether the charging voltage supplied to the battery cell (189) is blocked by the charge blocking circuit (321), and, if the charging voltage supplied to the battery cell (189) is blocked, adjust the set reference voltage so that the set reference voltage is lowered, and supply the charging voltage adjusted based on the adjusted reference voltage to the battery cell (189) through the charging circuit (310).

[0072] According to one embodiment, the charge cutoff circuit (321) includes a charging field effect transistor (CFET) and can cut off a supply path connected from the charging circuit (310) to the battery cell (189) in response to the charging voltage exceeding a maximum charging voltage for the battery cell (189).

[0073] According to one embodiment, when the instructions are individually or collectively executed by the processor (120), the electronic device (101) can determine whether a difference between a first voltage corresponding to the battery cell (189) and a second voltage based on the charge cutoff circuit (321) satisfies a charge cutoff condition for the charging function, and if the charge cutoff condition is satisfied, it can be determined that the charge voltage supplied to the battery cell (189) has been cut off.

[0074] In one embodiment, the charge blocking condition may include a condition in which the second voltage is measured to be about 500 mV lower than the first voltage and is maintained for about 15 ms.

[0075] In one embodiment, the charge blocking condition may include a condition in which the charge voltage measured based on the comparator changes from a high signal to a low signal and then from the low signal back to a high signal within about 20 ms.

[0076] According to one embodiment, when the instructions are individually or collectively executed by the processor (120), the electronic device (101) can adjust the set reference voltage so that the set difference voltage is lowered by a set deduction voltage based on the set reference voltage when the difference value satisfies the charge blocking condition, and store the adjusted reference voltage in the memory (130).

[0077] According to one embodiment, when the instructions are individually or collectively executed by the processor (120), the electronic device (101) may, in response to execution of a charging function for the battery pack (320), check whether the set reference voltage is stored in the memory (130), and, if the set reference voltage is stored in the memory (130), determine the charging voltage based on the reference voltage stored in the memory (130).

[0078] According to one embodiment, when the instructions are individually or collectively executed by the processor (120), the electronic device (101) may, in response to execution of a charging function for the battery pack (320), determine whether the set reference voltage is stored in the memory (130), and if the set reference voltage is not stored in the memory (130), determine the charging voltage based on a default voltage.

[0079] According to one embodiment, when the instructions are individually or collectively executed by the processor (120), the electronic device (101) can identify the type of the charging device (350) to which the charging voltage is supplied, identify a reference voltage set based on the identified type of the charging device (350), and supply the charging voltage determined based on the set reference voltage to the battery cell (189) through the charging circuit (310).

[0080] According to one embodiment, when the instructions are individually or collectively executed by the processor (120), the electronic device (101) can determine whether the charge amount of the battery cell (189) exceeds a set threshold value, and if the charge amount of the battery cell (189) exceeds the set threshold value, determine the charge voltage based on a reference voltage stored in the memory (130).

[0081] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a battery charging method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0082] In the following examples, the operations may be performed sequentially, but are not necessarily sequential. For example, the order of the operations may be changed, and at least two operations may be performed in parallel.

[0083] According to one embodiment, operations 401 through 413 may be understood to be performed by a processor (e.g., processor (120) of FIG. 3) of an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101) of FIG. 1). The electronic device of FIG. 4 may be at least partially similar to the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1 or may further include other embodiments of the electronic device (101).

[0084] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may be electrically or operatively connected to a charging device (e.g., a charging device (350) of FIG. 3) for charging a battery (e.g., a battery cell (189) of FIG. 3) and may perform a charging function for the battery cell (189) based on power supplied from the charging device (350). For example, the charging device (350) may include a wired charging device that is wiredly connected to the electronic device (101) and a wireless charging device that is wirelessly connected to the electronic device (101).

[0085] In operation 401, the processor (120) may execute a charging function for the battery cell (189). For example, the electronic device (101) may execute a charging function for the battery cell (189) while connected to the charging device (350).

[0086] In operation 403, the processor (120) may supply a charging voltage to the battery cell (189) based on a set reference voltage. For example, the processor (120) may check the set reference voltage based on charging-related information (e.g., charging-related information (311) of FIG. 3) stored in a memory (e.g., memory (130) of FIG. 3) and determine a charging voltage based on the set reference voltage. The charging voltage may be determined based on a standard that does not exceed the set reference voltage. The processor (120) may supply the charging voltage to the battery cell (189) through a charging circuit (e.g., charging circuit (310) of FIG. 3).

[0087] In operation 405, the processor (120) may perform monitoring of a charge cutoff circuit (e.g., a charge cutoff circuit (321) of FIG. 3, a CFET (charging field effect transistor) circuit) connected to a battery cell (189) based on a charge monitoring circuit (e.g., a charge monitoring circuit (330) of FIG. 3). For example, the charge monitoring circuit (330) may continuously monitor a charge voltage for a battery pack (320) including a battery cell (189) and a charge cutoff circuit (321). For example, the charge monitoring circuit (330) may monitor whether the supply of a charge voltage to the battery pack (320) is cut off by the charge cutoff circuit (321). According to one embodiment, when a charging function is performed, the charge cutoff circuit (321) may continuously check whether the charge voltage for the battery cell (189) exceeds a maximum charge voltage. When the charging voltage for the battery cell (189) exceeds the maximum charging voltage, the charge blocking circuit (321) can at least partially block the charging voltage supplied to the battery cell (189). For example, the charge blocking circuit (321) can be arranged between the battery cell (189) and the charging circuit (e.g., the charging circuit (310) of FIG. 3) and can block the supply path of the voltage supplied from the charging circuit (310) to the battery cell (189). The charge monitoring circuit (330) can continuously monitor whether the charging voltage for the battery pack (320) (e.g., the voltage supplied to the battery cell (189)) has been blocked. According to one embodiment, the charge monitoring circuit (330) can obtain information related to the blocking of the charging voltage for the battery pack (320) and provide the obtained information to the charge blocking determination unit (335). The charge blocking judgment unit (335) can determine whether the charging function for the battery pack (320) is blocked based on information provided from the charge monitoring circuit (330).

[0088] In operation 407, the processor (120) may determine whether a difference between a first voltage corresponding to the battery cell (189) and a second voltage corresponding to the charge blocking circuit (321) satisfies a charge blocking condition. For example, the charge monitoring circuit (330) may measure a charge voltage for the battery pack (320) and compare the first voltage corresponding to the battery cell (189) with a second voltage (e.g., a charge voltage for the battery pack (320)) corresponding to an input terminal and an output terminal of the charge blocking circuit (321). The first voltage may include a voltage measured based on both terminals (e.g., a plus terminal and a minus terminal) of the battery cell (189). The second voltage may include a voltage measured based on both terminals (e.g., an input terminal and an output terminal) of the charge blocking circuit (321). For example, the second voltage may include a charge voltage for the battery pack (320). For example, the charge monitoring circuit (330) can determine whether a situation in which the charge voltage for the battery pack (320) is measured to be as low as about 500 mV continues for about 15 ms (e.g., a condition for satisfying a charge blocking condition). For example, if a situation in which the charge voltage for the battery pack (320) is lowered by about 500 mV continues for about 15 ms, the processor (120) can determine that the charge blocking condition is satisfied. According to one embodiment, the above-described about 500 mV and about 15 ms are exemplary numerical values ​​and may be changed based on the type and specifications of components included in the battery pack (320). As another example, the charge monitoring circuit (330) can determine, based on a comparator, whether the charge voltage for the battery pack (320) changes from a high signal to a low signal and then switches from the low signal back to a high signal within about 20 ms (e.g., a condition for satisfying a charge blocking condition).Within about 20 ms, when the charging voltage changes from a high signal to a low signal and then back to a high signal, the processor (120) (e.g., the charge cutoff determination unit (335)) can determine that the charge cutoff condition is met.

[0089] If the charge blocking condition is met in operation 407, the processor (120) may adjust the reference voltage so that the set reference voltage is lowered by the set deduction voltage in operation 409. The charge blocking determination unit (335) may determine that the charging function is blocked, and the processor (120) may adjust the reference voltage so that the reference voltage is lowered by the set deduction voltage. For example, the deduction voltage may be set to about 10 mV, but is not limited thereto. If the previously set reference voltage is about 4.47 V, the processor (120) may deduct the set reference voltage by the deduction voltage (e.g., about 10 mV) and change the set reference voltage to about 4.46 V. If, in a situation where the reference voltage has changed to about 4.46 V, the charge blocking condition is met again, the processor (120) can again reduce the reference voltage by a deduction voltage (e.g., about 10 mV) and change the set reference voltage to about 4.45 V. According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) can continuously adjust the set reference voltage in response to a situation where the charge blocking condition is met. If the charge blocking condition is not met in operation 407, the process returns to operation 405, and the charge monitoring circuit (330) can periodically or aperiodically perform monitoring of the charge blocking circuit (321).

[0090] In operation 411, the processor (120) may supply a charging voltage to the battery cell (189) (e.g., battery pack (320)) based on the adjusted reference voltage. For example, the adjusted reference voltage may be stored in the charging-related information (311) of the memory (130). The adjusted reference voltage may be stored in connection with the charging device (350). For example, when the electronic device (101) performs a charging function by the same charging device (350), the electronic device (101) may check the reference voltage associated with the charging device (350) stored in the memory (130) and determine the charging voltage for charging the battery pack (320) based on the checked reference voltage. The processor (120) may perform the charging function by supplying the charging voltage to the battery pack (320).

[0091] In operation 413, the processor (120) may determine whether the adjusted reference voltage is less than a set threshold value. For example, the set threshold value may be a reference value for ensuring a minimum charging efficiency when performing a charging function. The electronic device (101) may set the reference voltage to ensure a minimum charging efficiency when performing a charging function. For example, if the reference voltage is less than the set threshold value, the charging efficiency may be reduced, and thus the electronic device (101) may not adjust the reference voltage. If the adjusted reference voltage in operation 413 is less than the set threshold value, the electronic device (101) may terminate the operation of adjusting the reference voltage. If the adjusted reference voltage in operation 413 is equal to or greater than the set threshold value, the process returns to operation 405, and the charge monitoring circuit (330) may periodically or aperiodically perform monitoring of the charge blocking circuit (321).

[0092] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) can determine a reference voltage having the maximum charging efficiency, as long as a charge blocking condition is not satisfied, and perform a charging function for a battery cell (189) (e.g., a battery pack (320)) based on the determined reference voltage. According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) can improve the efficiency of charging while stably performing the charging function. The electronic device (101) can provide a stable charging function without the charging function being blocked. The electronic device (101) can determine the reference voltage so that optimized charging efficiency is implemented under the condition that the charging function is not blocked.

[0093] FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram of a battery pack including a battery and a charge blocking circuit according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0094] The electronic device (101) of FIG. 5 may be at least partially similar to the electronic device (101) of FIGS. 1 and 2, or may further include other embodiments of the electronic device (101). In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include at least partially similar components to the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1.

[0095] FIG. 5 illustrates a circuit structure for a battery pack (320) of FIG. 3. The battery pack (320) may include a battery (e.g., a battery cell (189) of FIG. 3), a protection element (510) (e.g., a protection circuit, protection IC), a CFET (501) (charging FET, charging field effect transistor, charge blocking circuit) for blocking charging and / or a DFET (502) (discharging FET, discharging field effect transistor, discharge blocking circuit) for blocking discharging. The charge blocking circuit (321) of FIG. 3 may include at least one of the CFET (501) and / or the DFET (502). For example, the CFET (501) (e.g., charge cutoff circuit) can block a first path through which voltage is supplied to the battery cell (189) when the battery cell (189) is being charged, and can at least partially stop the charging of the battery cell (189). For example, the DFET (502) (e.g., discharge cutoff circuit) can block a second path through which voltage is supplied from the battery cell (189) to each component when the battery cell (189) is being discharged, and can at least partially stop the discharging of the battery cell (189). The DFET (502) can at least partially stop the discharging of the battery cell (189) to prevent the battery cell (189) from being damaged when an over-discharge phenomenon (e.g., a phenomenon in which the voltage of the battery drops below a set voltage (e.g., about 2.5)) occurs.

[0096] According to one embodiment, when a charging function for the battery pack (320) is performed, a charge monitoring circuit (e.g., a charge monitoring circuit (330) of FIG. 3) can continuously monitor whether the charging voltage for the battery pack (320) is blocked. For example, the charge monitoring circuit (330) can check the charging voltage for the battery pack (320) and compare a first voltage corresponding to the (+) terminal (511) and the (-) terminal (512) of the battery cell (189) with a second voltage (e.g., a charging voltage for the battery pack (320)) corresponding to both ends (e.g., an input terminal (521), an output terminal (522)) of the charge blocking circuit (321) (e.g., a CFET (501)). The charge monitoring circuit (330) can determine whether the charging voltage for the battery pack (320) is measured to be as low as about 500 mV and the low measurement continues for about 15 ms (e.g., a condition for satisfying a charge blocking condition). If the charging voltage for the battery pack (320) is measured to be as low as about 500 mV and continues for about 15 ms, the processor (120) can determine that the charging voltage for the battery pack (320) is at least partially blocked based on the charge blocking circuit (321) (e.g., CFET (501)). The processor (120) can determine that the charge blocking condition is satisfied. According to one embodiment, the charge monitoring circuit (330) can provide information on a state in which the charging voltage for the battery pack (320) is blocked to a charge blocking determination unit (e.g., the charge blocking determination unit (335) of FIG. 3), and the charge blocking determination unit (335) can determine whether the charge blocking condition is satisfied.

[0097] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) can adjust the reference voltage so that the set reference voltage is lowered by a set deduction voltage in response to a situation where a charge cutoff condition is met.

[0098] FIG. 6A is a first exemplary diagram of a charge monitoring circuit according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6B is a second exemplary diagram of a charge monitoring circuit according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0099] Referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B, the charge monitoring circuit (330) may include at least one of the first circuit structure illustrated in FIG. 6A and the second circuit structure illustrated in FIG. 6B. The charge monitoring circuit (330) may continuously monitor a voltage (VBAT) (e.g., a charge voltage) for a battery pack (e.g., a battery pack (320) of FIG. 3) including a battery (e.g., a battery cell (189) of FIG. 3) and a charge cutoff circuit (e.g., a charge cutoff circuit (321) of FIG. 3).

[0100] A charge monitoring circuit (330) including the first circuit structure of FIG. 6A can monitor a charge voltage for a battery pack (320) and compare a first voltage corresponding to both terminals of a battery cell (189) (e.g., a (+) terminal and a (-) terminal) and a second voltage (e.g., a charge voltage for the battery pack (320)) corresponding to both terminals of a charge blocking circuit (321) (e.g., an input terminal and an output terminal). The charge monitoring circuit (330) can determine, based on the charge voltage for the battery pack (320), whether the supply of the charge voltage has been blocked by the charge blocking circuit (321). The charge blocking circuit (321) can be arranged between the battery cell (189) and a charging circuit (e.g., the charging circuit (310) of FIG. 3) and can at least partially block a supply path of a voltage supplied from the charging circuit (310) to the battery cell (189). The charge monitoring circuit (330) can determine whether the charging voltage for the battery pack (320) is measured to be as low as about 500 mV and the low measurement is maintained for about 15 ms (e.g., a condition for satisfying a charge blocking condition). If the charging voltage for the battery pack (320) is measured to be as low as about 500 mV and continues for about 15 ms, the charge blocking condition may be satisfied. According to one embodiment, the charge monitoring circuit (330) can provide information on a state in which the charging voltage for the battery pack (320) is blocked to the charge blocking determination unit (335), and the charge blocking determination unit (335) can determine whether the charge blocking condition is satisfied.

[0101] A charge monitoring circuit (330) including the first circuit structure of FIG. 6A can compare a first voltage corresponding to a battery cell (189) and a second voltage corresponding to a charge blocking circuit (321), and provide information related to a charging function (e.g., information related to blocking of a charging function) based on the comparison result to a charge blocking determination unit (335). The charge blocking determination unit (335) can determine whether a charge blocking condition is satisfied based on the provided information.

[0102] A charge monitoring circuit (330) including a second circuit structure of FIG. 6B (e.g., a circuit structure including a comparator (610)) can check the state (e.g., high signal state, low signal state) of a charge voltage for a battery pack (320). Based on the comparator (610), the charge monitoring circuit (330) can determine whether the charge voltage for the battery pack (320) changes from a high signal to a low signal and then changes from the low signal back to a high signal within about 20 ms (e.g., a condition for satisfying a charge cutoff condition). If the charge voltage changes from a high signal to a low signal and then changes back to a high signal within about 20 ms, the charge cutoff condition may be satisfied. According to one embodiment, the charge monitoring circuit (330) can provide information on a state in which the charge voltage for the battery pack (320) is blocked to the charge blocking determination unit (335), and the charge blocking determination unit (335) can determine whether a charge blocking condition is met.

[0103] A charge monitoring circuit (330) including the second circuit structure of FIG. 6b can provide information related to the status of the charge voltage for the battery pack (320) to a charge blocking determination unit (335), and the charge blocking determination unit (335) can determine whether a charge blocking condition is satisfied based on the provided information.

[0104] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a method for setting and storing a reference voltage based on a type of a charging device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0105] In the following examples, the operations may be performed sequentially, but are not necessarily sequential. For example, the order of the operations may be changed, and at least two operations may be performed in parallel.

[0106] According to one embodiment, operations 701 through 717 may be understood to be performed by a processor (e.g., processor (120) of FIG. 3) of an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101) of FIG. 1). The electronic device of FIG. 7 may be at least partially similar to the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, or may further include other embodiments of the electronic device (101).

[0107] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may be electrically or operatively connected to a charging device (e.g., a charging device (350) of FIG. 3) for charging a battery (e.g., a battery cell (189) of FIG. 3, a battery pack (320)) and may perform a charging function for the battery cell (189) (e.g., a battery pack (320)) based on power supplied from the charging device (350).

[0108] In operation 701, the processor (120) may execute a charging function for the battery cell (189). For example, the electronic device (101) may execute a charging function for the battery cell (189) while connected to the charging device (350).

[0109] In operation 703, the processor (120) can check the reference voltage set based on the type of the charging device (350). For example, in the charging-related information (e.g., the charging-related information (311) of FIG. 3) of the memory (e.g., the memory (130) of FIG. 3), a reference voltage set differently depending on the type (e.g., type, specification) of the charging device (350) may be stored. For example, the charging performance of the charging device (350) may be determined according to the internal components and circuit structure, and a reference voltage corresponding to the charging performance may be determined. For example, when the charging device (350) is of type A, the charging-related information (311) may store an A_reference voltage corresponding to the A type. When the charging device (350) is of type A, the processor (120) can check the A_reference voltage. Hereinafter, the set reference voltage may mean the A_reference voltage.

[0110] Since operations 705 to 711 are substantially the same as operations 403 to 409 of FIG. 4, the description of operations 705 to 711 is replaced with the description of operations 403 to 409.

[0111] In operation 711, the processor (120) may adjust the A_reference voltage to be lowered by a set deduction voltage (e.g., about 10 mV) with respect to the A_reference voltage. According to one embodiment, when the electronic device (101) performs a charging function according to the A_reference voltage using the A-type charging device (350), it may determine that a charge cut-off condition is met. In response to the charge cut-off condition being met, the electronic device (101) may adjust the A_reference voltage to be lowered by the set deduction voltage. The A_reference voltage may be adjusted to the A'_reference voltage.

[0112] In operation 713, the processor (120) may set the adjusted reference voltage (e.g., A'_reference voltage deducted by the deduction voltage from A_reference voltage) to a reference voltage corresponding to the type of the charging device (e.g., A type). For example, the processor (120) may change the A_reference voltage corresponding to the A type to the A'_reference voltage. According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may store the A'_reference voltage corresponding to the A type charging device in the charging-related information (311). The reference voltage for the A type charging device may be updated from the A_reference voltage to the A'_reference voltage.

[0113] Since operations 715 to 717 are substantially the same as operations 411 to 413 of FIG. 4, the description of operations 715 to 717 is replaced with the description of operations 411 to 413.

[0114] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) can identify a reference voltage set differently for each type of charging device (350) and perform a charging function based on the identified reference voltage. The electronic device (101) can stably perform the charging function according to the type of charging device (350) and improve charging efficiency.

[0115] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a method for determining a reference voltage according to a charge amount of a battery according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0116] In the following examples, the operations may be performed sequentially, but are not necessarily sequential. For example, the order of the operations may be changed, and at least two operations may be performed in parallel.

[0117] According to one embodiment, operations 801 to 811 may be understood to be performed by a processor (e.g., processor (120) of FIG. 3) of an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101) of FIG. 1). The electronic device of FIG. 8 may be at least partially similar to the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, or may further include other embodiments of the electronic device (101).

[0118] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may be electrically or operatively connected to a charging device (e.g., a charging device (350) of FIG. 3) for charging a battery (e.g., a battery cell (189) of FIG. 3, a battery pack (320)) and may perform a charging function for the battery cell (189) (e.g., a battery pack (320)) based on power supplied from the charging device (350).

[0119] In operation 801, the processor (120) may execute a charging function for the battery cell (189). For example, the electronic device (101) may execute a charging function for the battery cell (189) while connected to the charging device (350).

[0120] In operation 803, the processor (120) may check the charge amount of the battery cell (189). For example, the charge amount of the battery cell (189) may include the current charge ratio compared to the total capacity. If the charge amount of the battery cell (189) is about 100%, it may include a state in which the battery cell (189) is fully charged, and if the charge amount of the battery cell (189) is about 0%, it may include a state in which the battery cell (189) is fully discharged. According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may perform a charging function based on a differently set reference voltage depending on the charge amount of the battery cell (189).

[0121] At operation 805, the processor (120) may determine whether the charge of the battery cell (189) exceeds a threshold value.

[0122] If the charge amount of the battery cell (189) does not exceed the threshold value in operation 805, the processor (120) may supply a charge voltage to the battery cell (189) based on the set first reference voltage in operation 807. For example, the charge amount not exceeding the threshold value means that the charge amount of the battery cell (189) is lower than the threshold value. The first reference voltage may be set to the maximum voltage acceptable to the battery cell (189). In operation 807, the processor (120) may determine the first reference voltage so that maximum charging efficiency is implemented.

[0123] If the charge amount of the battery cell (189) exceeds the threshold value in operation 805, the processor (120) may supply a charging voltage to the battery cell (189) based on the set second reference voltage in operation 809. For example, the charge amount exceeding the threshold value means that the charge amount of the battery cell (189) is higher than the threshold value. For example, the second reference voltage may be set to a value relatively lower than the first reference voltage. If the charge amount of the battery cell (189) is higher than the threshold value, the possibility that the charging voltage will exceed the maximum charging voltage of the battery cell (189) increases, and therefore, the processor (120) may perform a charging function based on the second reference voltage. The battery charge amount in operation 809 may be relatively higher than the battery charge amount in operation 807.

[0124] In operation 811, a charge monitoring circuit (e.g., a charge monitoring circuit (330) of FIG. 3) may monitor a charge cutoff circuit (e.g., a charge cutoff circuit (321) of FIG. 3) connected to a battery cell (189). For example, the charge monitoring circuit (330) may periodically or aperiodically check for an overcharge situation (e.g., an overcurrent situation, a situation in which a charging function is performed while a charging voltage exceeds a maximum charging voltage) for the battery pack (320). According to one embodiment, the charge monitoring circuit (330) may provide information on a state in which a charging function is stopped due to an overcharge situation to a charge cutoff determination unit (335), and the charge cutoff determination unit (335) may determine whether a charge cutoff condition is met.

[0125] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may apply a differently set reference voltage in consideration of the charge amount of the battery cell (189). For example, when the charge amount of the battery cell (189) is below a threshold value, the electronic device (101) may perform a charging function by applying a first reference voltage having the maximum charging efficiency. For example, when the charge amount of the battery cell (189) exceeds the threshold value, the electronic device (101) may perform a charging function by applying a second reference voltage so as not to satisfy a charge cutoff condition.

[0126] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) can determine a reference voltage having an optimal charging efficiency, as long as a charge blocking condition is not satisfied, and perform a charging function for the battery cell (189) based on the determined reference voltage. According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) can improve the efficiency of charging while stably performing the charging function. The electronic device (101) can provide a stable charging function without the charging function being blocked. The electronic device (101) can determine the reference voltage so that the optimized charging efficiency is implemented under the condition that the charging function is not blocked.

[0127] A method for charging a battery pack (320) in an electronic device (101) according to one embodiment may include an operation of supplying a charging voltage determined based on a set reference voltage to a battery cell (189) included in the battery pack (320) through a charging circuit (310) in response to execution of a charging function for the battery pack (320), an operation of checking whether the charging voltage supplied to the battery cell (189) has been blocked by a charge blocking circuit (321) electrically connected to the battery cell (189) based on a charge monitoring circuit (330) that monitors the charging function of the battery pack (320), an operation of adjusting the set reference voltage so that the set reference voltage is lowered by a set voltage value when the charging voltage supplied to the battery cell (189) has been blocked, and an operation of supplying the charging voltage determined based on the adjusted reference voltage to the battery cell (189) through the charging circuit (310).

[0128] According to one embodiment, the charge cutoff circuit (321) includes a CFET (charging field effect transistor) and is characterized in that, in response to the charge voltage exceeding the maximum charge voltage for the battery cell (189), the charge cutoff circuit (310) cuts off the supply path connected to the battery cell (189).

[0129] A method according to one embodiment may further include an operation of checking whether a difference value between a first voltage corresponding to the battery cell (189) and a second voltage based on the charge blocking circuit (321) satisfies a charge blocking condition for the charging function, and an operation of checking that the charge voltage supplied to the battery cell (189) is blocked if the charge blocking condition is satisfied.

[0130] In one embodiment, the charge blocking condition may include a condition in which the second voltage is measured to be about 500 mV lower than the first voltage and is maintained for about 15 ms.

[0131] In one embodiment, the charge blocking condition may include a condition in which the charge voltage measured based on the comparator changes from a high signal to a low signal and then from the low signal back to a high signal within about 20 ms.

[0132] A method according to one embodiment may further include an operation of adjusting the set reference voltage so that the set reference voltage is lowered by a set deduction voltage based on the set reference voltage when the difference value satisfies the charge blocking condition, and an operation of storing the adjusted reference voltage in a memory (130).

[0133] According to one embodiment, the method may further include, in response to execution of a charging function for the battery pack (320), an operation of checking whether the set reference voltage is stored in the memory (130), an operation of determining the charging voltage based on the set reference voltage if the set reference voltage is stored in the memory, and an operation of determining the set base voltage as the charging voltage if the set reference voltage is not stored in the memory (130).

[0134] A method according to one embodiment may further include an operation of confirming a type of a charging device to which the charging voltage is supplied, an operation of confirming a reference voltage set based on the confirmed type of the charging device, and an operation of supplying the charging voltage determined based on the set reference voltage to the battery cell (189) through the charging circuit (310).

[0135] A method according to one embodiment may further include an operation of checking whether the charge amount of the battery cell (189) exceeds a set threshold value, and an operation of determining the charge voltage based on a reference voltage stored in a memory (130) when the charge amount of the battery cell (189) exceeds the set threshold value.

[0136] According to one embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium (or computer program product) storing one or more programs for performing a method of charging a battery pack (320) in an electronic device (101) may be described. According to one embodiment, one or more programs may include instructions that, when executed by the processor (120) of the electronic device (101), perform an operation of supplying a charging voltage determined based on a set reference voltage to a battery cell (189) included in the battery pack (320) through a charging circuit (310) in response to execution of a charging function for the battery pack (320); an operation of checking, based on a charge monitoring circuit (330) that monitors the charging function of the battery pack (320), whether the charging voltage supplied to the battery cell (189) has been blocked by a charge blocking circuit (321) electrically connected to the battery cell (189); an operation of adjusting the set reference voltage so that the set reference voltage is lowered by a set voltage value when the charging voltage supplied to the battery cell (189) has been blocked; and an operation of supplying the charging voltage determined based on the adjusted reference voltage to the battery through the charging circuit.

[0137] 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 of this document are not limited to the aforementioned devices.

[0138] 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.

[0139] 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).

[0140] Various embodiments of the present document may be implemented as software (e.g., a program (140)) including one or more instructions 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 instruction among the one or more instructions 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 called instruction. The one or more instructions 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.

[0141] According to one embodiment, the method according to various embodiments disclosed in the present document may be provided as included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) through an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smart phones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored or temporarily generated in a machine-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.

[0142] 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 placed 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 an electronic device (101), A battery pack (320) comprising a battery cell (189) and a charge cut-off circuit (321) electrically connected to the battery cell (189); A charging circuit (310) that supplies charging voltage to the above battery pack (320); A charge monitoring circuit (330) that monitors the charging function of the above battery pack (320); A processor (120) electrically connected to the charge monitoring circuit (330) and the charging circuit (310) and including a processing circuit; and A memory (130) for storing instructions; When the above instructions are individually or collectively executed by the processor (120), the electronic device (101) causes: In response to the execution of the charging function for the battery pack (320), the charging voltage is supplied to the battery cell (189) through the charging circuit (310) based on the set reference voltage, Based on the above charge monitoring circuit (330), it is checked whether the charge voltage supplied to the battery cell (189) is blocked by the charge blocking circuit (321), When the charging voltage supplied to the battery cell (189) is cut off, the set reference voltage is adjusted so that the set reference voltage is lowered, An electronic device that supplies the adjusted charging voltage based on the adjusted reference voltage to the battery cell (189) through the charging circuit (310).

2. In paragraph 1, The above charge cut-off circuit (321) is an electronic device that includes a CFET (charging field effect transistor) and, in response to the charging voltage exceeding the maximum charging voltage for the battery cell (189), cuts off the supply path connected from the charging circuit (310) to the battery cell (189).

3. In paragraph 1, When the above instructions are individually or collectively executed by the processor (120), the electronic device (101) causes: Check whether the difference between the first voltage corresponding to the battery cell (189) and the second voltage based on the charge blocking circuit (321) satisfies the charge blocking condition for the charge function, An electronic device that confirms that the charging voltage supplied to the battery cell (189) is blocked when the above charging blocking condition is met.

4. In paragraph 3, An electronic device wherein the charge cutoff condition includes a condition in which the second voltage is measured to be about 500 mV lower than the first voltage and is maintained for about 15 ms.

5. In paragraph 3, An electronic device in which the above charge cutoff condition includes a condition in which the charge voltage measured based on a comparator changes from a high signal to a low signal and then changes from the low signal back to a high signal within about 20 ms.

6. In paragraph 3, When the above instructions are individually or collectively executed by the processor (120), the electronic device (101) causes: If the above difference value satisfies the above charge blocking condition, the set reference voltage is adjusted so as to be lowered by the set deduction voltage based on the set reference voltage, An electronic device that stores the adjusted reference voltage in the memory (130).

7. In paragraph 1, When the above instructions are individually or collectively executed by the processor (120), the electronic device (101) causes: In response to the execution of the charging function for the above battery pack (320), it is checked whether the set reference voltage is stored in the memory (130), An electronic device that determines the charging voltage based on the reference voltage stored in the memory (130) when the above-set reference voltage is stored in the memory (130).

8. In paragraph 1, When the above instructions are individually or collectively executed by the processor (120), the electronic device (101) causes: In response to the execution of the charging function for the above battery pack (320), it is checked whether the set reference voltage is stored in the memory (130), An electronic device that determines the charging voltage based on a default voltage when the above-mentioned set reference voltage is not stored in the memory (130).

9. In paragraph 1, When the above instructions are individually or collectively executed by the processor (120), the electronic device (101) causes: Check the type of charging device (350) to which the above charging voltage is supplied, Check the reference voltage set based on the type of the charging device (350) confirmed above, An electronic device that supplies the charging voltage determined based on the above-described reference voltage to the battery cell (189) through the charging circuit (310).

10. In paragraph 1, When the above instructions are individually or collectively executed by the processor (120), the electronic device (101) causes: Check whether the charge of the above battery cell (189) exceeds the set threshold value, An electronic device that determines the charging voltage based on the reference voltage stored in the memory (130) when the charge amount of the battery cell (189) exceeds the set threshold value.

11. A method for charging a battery pack (320) in an electronic device (101), In response to the execution of the charging function for the battery pack (320), an operation of supplying a charging voltage determined based on a set reference voltage to a battery cell (189) included in the battery pack (320) through a charging circuit (310); An operation of checking whether the charging voltage supplied to the battery cell (189) is blocked by a charge blocking circuit (321) electrically connected to the battery cell (189), based on a charge monitoring circuit (330) that monitors the charging function of the battery pack (320); When the charging voltage supplied to the battery cell (189) is cut off, an operation of adjusting the set reference voltage so that the set reference voltage is lowered by a set voltage value; and A method comprising: an operation of supplying a charging voltage determined based on the adjusted reference voltage to the battery cell (189) through the charging circuit (310); 12. In paragraph 11, A method characterized in that the charge cutoff circuit (321) includes a CFET (charging field effect transistor) and, in response to the charging voltage exceeding the maximum charging voltage for the battery cell (189), cuts off the supply path connected from the charging circuit (310) to the battery cell (189).

13. In paragraph 11, An operation of checking whether the difference between the first voltage corresponding to the battery cell (189) and the second voltage based on the charge blocking circuit (321) satisfies the charge blocking condition for the charging function; and A method further comprising: an operation of confirming that the charging voltage supplied to the battery cell (189) is blocked when the difference value satisfies the charge blocking condition; 14. In paragraph 13, When the above difference value satisfies the charge blocking condition, an operation of adjusting the set reference voltage so that it is lowered by the set deduction voltage based on the set reference voltage; and A method further comprising: an operation of storing the adjusted reference voltage in a memory (130); 15. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing one or more programs for performing a method of charging a battery pack (320) in an electronic device (101), When the above one or more programs are executed by the processor (120) of the electronic device (101), In response to the execution of the charging function for the battery pack (320), an operation of supplying a charging voltage determined based on a set reference voltage to a battery cell (189) included in the battery pack (320) through a charging circuit (310); An operation of checking whether the charging voltage supplied to the battery cell (189) is blocked by a charge blocking circuit (321) electrically connected to the battery cell (189), based on a charge monitoring circuit (330) that monitors the charging function of the battery pack (320); When the charging voltage supplied to the battery cell (189) is cut off, an operation of adjusting the set reference voltage so that the set reference voltage is lowered by a set voltage value; and A computer-readable storage medium including commands for performing an operation of supplying a charging voltage determined based on the adjusted reference voltage to the battery cell (189) through the charging circuit.

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