Patent Description:
Battery devices can provide electrical energy. Therefore, battery devices are commonly found in various electronic devices. In recent years, lifespan, performance, and safety of battery devices are a concern, and manufacturers hope to be able to provide products that perform extremely well. However, the operating temperature and charging/discharging current of the battery devices may affect the lifespan, performance and safety of the battery devices. Therefore, how to increase and manage the lifespan, performance and safety of the battery devices has become a focus for technical improvements by various manufacturers.

<CIT>, forming the basis for the preambles of claims <NUM> and <NUM>, describes a system for controlling the charging of a secondary battery, which is capable of keeping an initial charging/discharging characteristic of the battery in consideration of a change in environmental temperature and deterioration of the battery with elapsed time.

An embodiment of the present invention provides a smart battery device and an operation method thereof, thereby increasing lifespan, performance and safety of a battery unit.

An embodiment of the present invention provides a smart battery device, which includes a battery unit, a temperature-sensing unit and a processing unit. The temperature-sensing unit is configured to sense the ambient temperature to generate a temperature signal. The processing unit is coupled to the battery unit and the temperature-sensing unit. In a charging mode, the processing unit is configured to receive the temperature signal and obtain the power capacity of the battery unit, set a full capacity according to the temperature signal, and generate an indication flag when the power capacity of the battery unit reaches the full capacity, wherein the indication flag is used to indicate that the battery unit is in a fully charged state.

An embodiment of the present invention provides an operation method of a smart battery device, which includes the following steps. An ambient temperature is sensed to generate a temperature signal. In a charging mode, the temperature signal is received and the power capacity of a battery unit is obtained. A full capacity is set according to the temperature signal, and an indication flag is generated when the power capacity of the battery unit reaches the full capacity, wherein the indication flag is used to indicate that the battery unit is in a fully charged state.

According to the smart battery device and an operation method thereof disclosed by the present invention, the temperature-sensing unit senses the ambient temperature to generate the temperature signal. In the charging mode, the processing unit generates an indication flag according to the temperature signal and the power capacity of the battery unit, wherein the indication flag is used to indicate that the battery unit is in the fully charged state. Therefore, the smart battery device may be effectively managed, so as to increase lifespan, performance and safety of the battery unit.

In each of the following embodiments, the same reference number represents an element or component that is the same or similar.

<FIG> is a schematic view of a smart battery device according an embodiment of the present invention. Please refer to <FIG>. The smart battery device <NUM> may be configured to store an electrical power, and provide the stored electrical power to a power receiving device (not shown) connected thereto. In some embodiments, the power receiving device may be various electronic devices or electronic vehicles that need to be actuated with the electrical power, but the embodiment of the present invention is not limited thereto.

The smart battery device <NUM> includes a battery unit <NUM>, a temperature-sensing unit <NUM>, a processing unit <NUM>, a discharging switch <NUM> and a charging unit <NUM>.

The battery unit <NUM> is configured to provide the electrical power. In some embodiments, the battery unit <NUM> may be formed by one battery cell or more battery cells connected in series and/or in parallel. In addition, the battery unit <NUM> may be a Lithium battery, a Nickel-Hydrogen battery, a Sealed Lead-Acid battery, or any other suitable rechargeable battery.

The temperature-sensing unit <NUM> senses the ambient temperature to generate a temperature signal. In some embodiments, the temperature-sensing unit <NUM> may be implemented by a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) thermistor, a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) thermistor, a temperature-sensing chip or nay other suitable temperature-sensing element.

The processing unit <NUM> is coupled to the battery unit <NUM> and the temperature-sensing unit <NUM>. In some embodiments, the processing unit <NUM> may be implemented by a system on a chip (SoC), a central processing unit (CPU),a micro controller unit (MCU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an application processor (AP) or a digital signal processor (DSP), but the embodiment of the present invention is not limited thereto.

The discharging switch <NUM> is coupled to the battery unit <NUM> and the processing unit <NUM>. The processing unit <NUM> controls the discharging switch <NUM>, such that the smart battery device <NUM> may enter to a discharging mode to provide the electrical power of the battery unit <NUM> to the power receiving device, for example. The charging switch <NUM> is coupled to the processing unit <NUM> and a battery positive terminal BATT+ of the smart battery device <NUM>. The processing unit <NUM> controls the charging switch <NUM>, such that the smart battery device <NUM> may enter to a charging mode, so as to charge the battery unit <NUM> through a charging current provided by an external power (not shown), for example. In some embodiments, the discharging switch <NUM> and the charging switch <NUM> may be implemented by a field-effect transistor (FET), but the embodiment of the present invention is not limited thereto.

In the embodiment, the processing unit <NUM> may detect whether an external power exists. When the processing unit <NUM> detects that the external power exists, indicates that the smart battery device <NUM> may enter a charging mode, such that the processing unit <NUM> may control the charging switch <NUM> to charge the battery unit <NUM>. Then, in the charging mode, the processing unit <NUM> receives the temperature signal and obtains the power capacity of the battery unit <NUM>, sets a full capacity according to the temperature signal, and generates an indication flag when the power capacity of the battery unit <NUM> reaches full capacity, wherein the indication flag is used to indicate that the battery unit is in a fully charged state. That is, the processing unit <NUM> may set different full capacities of the battery unit <NUM> according to different temperatures. Therefore, the lifespan and safety of the battery may be effectively increased.

Furthermore, after the processing unit <NUM> the temperature signal, the processing unit <NUM> may determine whether the temperature of the temperature signal is lower than a first predetermined temperature. In the embodiment, the first predetermined temperature is, for example, <NUM> degree, but the embodiment of the present invention is not limited thereto.

When the temperature of the temperature signal is lower than the first predetermined temperature, it indicates that the smart battery device <NUM> is at a colder temperature. In order to present the battery unit <NUM> from being charged at this temperature and affecting lifespan or performance of the battery unit <NUM>, the processing unit <NUM> may control the smart battery device <NUM> to enter a protection mode. For example, the processing unit <NUM> may control the charging switch <NUM> to be turned off, so as to turn off a function of charging the battery unit <NUM>.

When the temperature of the temperature signal is not lower than the first predetermined temperature, the processing unit <NUM> may determine whether the temperature of the temperature signal is lower than a second determined temperature. In the embodiment, the second predetermined temperature is, for example, higher than the first predetermined temperature. In addition, the second predetermined temperature is, for example, <NUM> degrees, but the embodiment of the present invention is not limited thereto.

When the temperature of the temperature signal is lower than the second predetermined value, for example, the temperature is between <NUM> degree and <NUM> degrees, it indicates that the smart battery device <NUM> is at relatively normal temperature. Then, the processing unit <NUM> may set the full capacity to a first predetermined value and generate the indication flag when the power capacity of the battery unit <NUM> reaches the first predetermined value. In the embodiment, the first predetermined value is, for example, <NUM>%, but the embodiment of the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, when the temperature is between <NUM> degree and <NUM> degrees and the power capacity of the battery unit <NUM> reaches the first predetermined value, the processing unit <NUM> generates, for example, an indication flag with a high logic level "<NUM>" to indicate that the battery unit <NUM> is in the fully charged state (such as <NUM>%). Then, the indication flag with the high logic level "<NUM>" may be provided to the power receiving device, such that the power receiving device may display that the battery unit <NUM> is in the fully charged state (i.e. <NUM>%).

When the temperature of the temperature signal is not lower than the second predetermined temperature, the processing unit <NUM> may determine whether the temperature of the temperature signal is lower than a third predetermined temperature. In the embodiment, the third predetermined temperature is, for example, higher than the second predetermined temperature. In addition, the third predetermined temperature is, for example, <NUM> degrees, but the embodiment of the present invention is not limited thereto.

When the temperature of the temperature signal is lower than the third predetermined value, for example, the temperature is between <NUM> degrees and <NUM> degrees, it indicates that the smart battery device <NUM> is at a relatively high temperature. Then, the processing unit <NUM> may set the full capacity to a second predetermined value and generate the indication flag when the power capacity of the battery unit <NUM> reaches the second predetermined value. In the embodiment, the second predetermined value is, for example, lower than the first predetermined value. In addition, the second predetermined value is, for example, <NUM>%, but the embodiment of the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, when the temperature is between <NUM> degrees and <NUM> degrees and the power capacity of the battery unit <NUM> reaches the second predetermined value (such as <NUM>%), the processing unit <NUM> generates, for example, the indication flag with the high logic level "<NUM>" to indicate that the battery unit <NUM> is in the fully charged state (such as <NUM>%). Then, the indication flag with the high logic level "<NUM>" may be provided to the power receiving device, such that the power receiving device may display that the battery unit <NUM> is in the fully charged state (i.e. <NUM>%).

When the temperature of the temperature signal is not lower than the third predetermined temperature, the processing unit <NUM> may determine whether the temperature of the temperature signal is lower than a fourth predetermined temperature. In the embodiment, the fourth predetermined temperature is, for example, higher than the third predetermined temperature. In addition, the fourth predetermined temperature is, for example, <NUM> degrees, but the embodiment of the present invention is not limited thereto.

When the temperature of the temperature signal is lower than the fourth predetermined value, for example, the temperature is between <NUM> degrees and <NUM> degrees, it indicates that the smart battery device <NUM> is at a higher temperature. Then, the processing unit <NUM> may set the full capacity to a third predetermined value and generate the indication flag when the power capacity of the battery unit <NUM> reaches the third predetermined value. In the embodiment, the third predetermined value is, for example, lower than the second predetermined value. In addition, the third predetermined value is, for example, <NUM>%, but the embodiment of the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, when the temperature is between <NUM> degrees and <NUM> degrees and the power capacity of the battery unit <NUM> reaches the third predetermined value (such as <NUM>%), the processing unit <NUM> generates, for example, the indication flag with the high logic level <NUM> to indicate that the battery unit <NUM> is in the fully charged state (such as <NUM>%). Then, the indication flag with the high logic level "<NUM>" may be provided to the power receiving device, such that the power receiving device may display that the battery unit <NUM> is in the fully charged state (i.e. <NUM>%).

When the temperature of the temperature signal is not lower than the fourth predetermined temperature, for example, the temperature is higher than <NUM> degrees, it indicates that the smart battery device <NUM> is at an excessively high temperature. In order to present the battery unit <NUM> from being charged at this temperature and affecting span or performance of the battery unit <NUM>, the processing unit <NUM> may control the smart battery device <NUM> to enter the protection mode. For example, the processing unit <NUM> may control the charging switch <NUM> to be turned off, so as to turn off the function of charging the battery unit <NUM>.

In the above embodiment, after the processing unit <NUM> generates, for example, the indication flag with the high logic level "<NUM>", when the processing unit <NUM> detects that the power capacity of the battery <NUM> is not in the fully charged state(e.g. <NUM>%, <NUM>%, or <NUM>%) corresponding to the indication flag, the processing unit <NUM> may clear the indication flag, and provide the current power capacity of the battery unit <NUM> to the power receiving device, such that the power receiving device displays the current power capacity of the battery unit <NUM>.

In addition, the smart battery device <NUM> of the embodiment further includes a current-sensing unit <NUM>. The current-sensing unit <NUM> is coupled to the battery unit <NUM>, the processing unit <NUM> and a battery negative terminal BATT- of the smart battery device <NUM>. The current-sensing unit <NUM> may sense the discharging current of the battery unit <NUM>.

When the processing unit <NUM> detects that the external power does not exist, it indicates that the smart battery device <NUM> may enter a discharging mode, such that the processing unit <NUM> may control the discharging switch <NUM> to discharge the battery unit <NUM>. Then, in the discharging mode, the processing unit <NUM> may receive the temperature signal and the discharging current, and generate an adjustment indication according to the temperature signal or the C-rate of the discharging current, wherein the adjustment indication is used to indicate the power receiving device to adjust an operation. Afterward, the processing unit <NUM> may transmit the adjustment indication to the power receiving device through a transmission interface <NUM>. In some embodiments, transmission interface <NUM> is, for example, a system management bus (SMbus). That is, the processing unit <NUM> may provide different adjustment indications to the power receiving device according to the different temperatures or the different C-rates of the discharging current, such that the power receiving device adjusts the power consumption of the internal components thereof (for example, adjusting the frequency of a processing device (such as CPU) of the power receiving device). Therefore, lifespan and safety of the battery may be effectively increased.

Furthermore, after the processing unit <NUM> receives the temperature signal, the processing unit <NUM> may determine whether the temperature of the temperature signal is lower than the first predetermined temperature. In the embodiment, the first predetermined temperature is for example, -<NUM> degrees, but the embodiment of the present invention is not limited thereto.

When the temperature of the temperature signal is lower than the first predetermined temperature, it indicates that the smart battery device <NUM> is at a too cold temperature. In order to present the battery unit <NUM> from being discharged at this temperature and affecting lifespan or performance of the battery unit <NUM>, the processing unit <NUM> may control the smart battery device <NUM> to enter a protection mode. For example, the processing unit <NUM> may control the discharging switch <NUM> to be turned off, so as to turn off a function of discharging the battery unit <NUM>.

When the temperature of the temperature signal is lower than the second predetermined value, for example, the temperature is between -<NUM> degrees and <NUM> degrees, it indicates that the smart battery device <NUM> is at relatively normal temperature, and the processing unit <NUM> does not generate the adjustment indication. That is, the processing unit <NUM> does not generate the adjustment indication to the power receiving device, and the power receiving device does also not adjust the operation and performs the normal operation. Then, the processing unit <NUM> may continuously monitor the temperature signal to perform the subsequent operation, such as the operation of controlling the smart battery device <NUM> to enter the protection mode or not generating an adjustment indication.

When the temperature of the temperature signal is lower than the third predetermined value, for example, the temperature is between <NUM> degrees and <NUM> degrees, it indicates that the smart battery device <NUM> is at a slightly higher temperature. Then, the processing unit <NUM> generates an adjustment indication with a first adjustment value. In the embodiment, the first adjustment value is, for example, a throttling of <NUM>%, but the embodiment of the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, when the temperature is between <NUM> degrees and <NUM> degrees, the processing unit <NUM> generates, for example, the adjustment indication with the throttling of <NUM>% to the power receiving device, such that the power receiving device may perform the throttling of <NUM>% for the frequency of the processing device of the power receiving device according to the adjustment indication with the throttling of <NUM>%. Then, the processing unit <NUM> may continuously monitor the temperature signal to perform the subsequent operation, such as the operation of not generating an adjustment indication or generating an adjustment indication with the first adjustment value.

When the temperature of the temperature signal is lower than the fourth predetermined value, for example, the temperature is between <NUM> degrees and <NUM> degrees, it indicates that the smart battery device <NUM> is at a relatively high temperature. Then, the processing unit <NUM> generates an adjustment indication with a second adjustment value. In the embodiment, the second adjustment value is, for example, a throttling of <NUM>%, but the embodiment of the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, when the temperature is between <NUM> degrees and <NUM> degrees, the processing unit <NUM> generates, for example, the adjustment indication with the throttling of <NUM>% to the power receiving device, such that the power receiving device may perform the throttling of <NUM>% for the frequency of the processing device of the power receiving device according to the adjustment indication with the throttling of <NUM>%. Then, the processing unit <NUM> may continuously monitor the temperature signal to perform the operation of generating an adjustment indication with the first adjustment value or generating an adjustment indication with the second adjustment value.

When the temperature of the temperature signal is not lower than the fourth predetermined temperature, the processing unit <NUM> may determine whether the temperature of the temperature signal is lower than a fifth predetermined temperature. In the embodiment, the fifth predetermined temperature is, for example, higher than the fourth predetermined temperature. In addition, the fifth predetermined temperature is, for example, <NUM> degrees, but the embodiment of the present invention is not limited thereto.

When the temperature of the temperature signal is lower than the fifth predetermined value, for example, the temperature is between <NUM> degrees and <NUM> degrees, it indicates that the smart battery device <NUM> is at a higher temperature. Then, the processing unit <NUM> generates an adjustment indication with a third adjustment value. In the embodiment, the third adjustment value, for example, a throttling of <NUM>%, but the embodiment of the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, when the temperature is between <NUM> degrees and <NUM> degrees, the processing unit <NUM> generates, for example, the adjustment indication with the throttling of <NUM>% to the power receiving device, such that the power receiving device may perform the throttling of <NUM>% for the frequency of the processing device of the power receiving device according to the adjustment indication with the throttling of <NUM>%. Then, the processing unit <NUM> may continuously monitor the temperature signal to perform the operation of generating an adjustment indication with the second adjustment value or generating an adjustment indication with the third adjustment value.

When the temperature of the temperature signal is not lower than the fifth predetermined temperature, for example, the temperature is higher than <NUM> degrees, it indicates that the smart battery device <NUM> is at an excessively high temperature. Then, the processing unit <NUM> generates an adjustment indication with a shutdown indication. That is, when the temperature is higher than <NUM>, the processing unit <NUM> generates an adjustment indication with the shutdown indication to the power receiving device, such that the power receiving device performs the shutdown operation, so as to prevent the battery unit <NUM> from being discharged at this temperature and affecting lifespan or performance of the battery unit <NUM>. Therefore, the processing unit <NUM> generates an adjustment indication, such that the processing device of the power receiving device performs the throttling operation or the power receiving device perform the shutdown operation to avoid the over-discharge of the battery unit <NUM>, thereby effectively increasing lifespan, performance and safety of the battery unit <NUM>.

In addition, after the processing unit <NUM> receives the discharging current, the processing unit <NUM> may determine whether the C-rate of the discharging current is lower than a first predetermined C-rate. In the embodiment, the first predetermined C-rate is, for example, 1C, but the embodiment of the present invention is not limited thereto.

When the C-rate of the discharging current is lower than the first predetermined C-rate, it indicates that the C-rate of the discharging current is normal, and the processing unit <NUM> does not generate the adjustment indication. That is, the processing unit <NUM> does not generate the adjustment indication to the power receiving device, and the power receiving device does also not adjust the operation and performs the normal operation. Then, the processing unit <NUM> may continuously monitor the discharging current to perform the subsequent operation, for example, the processing unit <NUM> does not generate the adjustment indication.

When the C-rate of the discharging current is not lower than the first predetermined C-rate, the processing unit <NUM> may determine whether the C-rate of the discharging current is lower than a second predetermined C-rate. In the embodiment, the second predetermined C-rate is, for example, higher than the first predetermined C-rate. In addition, the second predetermined C-rate is, for example, <NUM>. 2C, but the embodiment is not limited thereto.

When the C-rate of the discharging current is lower than the second predetermined C-rate, for example, the C-rate of the discharging current is between 1C and <NUM>. 2C, it indicates that the C-rate of the discharging current is slightly higher. Then, the processing unit <NUM> generates an adjustment indication with a first adjustment value. In the embodiment, the first adjustment value is for example, a throttling of <NUM>%, but the embodiment of the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, when the C-rate of the discharging current is between 1C and <NUM>. 2C, the processing unit <NUM> generates, for example, the adjustment indication with the throttling of <NUM>% to the power receiving device, such that the power receiving device may perform the throttling of <NUM>% for the frequency of the processing device of the power receiving device according to the adjustment indication with the throttling of <NUM>%. Then, the processing unit <NUM> may continuously monitor the discharging current to perform the subsequent operation, such as the operation of not generating an adjustment indication or generating an adjustment indication with the first adjustment value.

When the C-rate of the discharging current is not lower than the second predetermined C-rate, the processing unit <NUM> may determine whether the C-rate of the discharging current is lower than a third predetermined C-rate. In the embodiment, the third predetermined C-rate is, for example, higher than the second predetermined C-rate. In addition, the third predetermined C-rate is, for example, <NUM>. 4C, but the embodiment of the present invention is not limited thereto.

When the C-rate of the discharging current is lower than the third predetermined C-rate, for example, the C-rate of the discharging current is between <NUM>. 2C and <NUM>. 4C, it indicates that the C-rate of the discharging current is high. Then, the processing unit <NUM> generates an adjustment indication with a second adjustment value. In the embodiment, the second adjustment value is, for example, higher than the first adjustment value. In addition, the second adjustment value is, for example, a throttling of <NUM>%, but the embodiment of the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, when the C-rate of the discharging current is between <NUM>. 2C and <NUM>. 4C, the processing unit <NUM> generates, for example, the adjustment indication with the throttling of <NUM>% to the power receiving device, such that the power receiving device may perform the throttling of <NUM>% for the frequency of the processing device of the power receiving device according to the adjustment indication with the throttling of <NUM>%. Then, the processing unit <NUM> may continuously monitor the discharging current to perform the subsequent operation, such as the operation of generating an adjustment indication with the first adjustment value or generating an adjustment indication with the second adjustment value.

When the C-rate of the discharging current is not lower than the third predetermined C-rate, the processing unit <NUM> may determine whether the C-rate of the discharging current is lower than a fourth predetermined C-rate. In the embodiment, the fourth predetermined C-rate is, for example, higher than the third predetermined C-rate. In addition, the fourth predetermined C-rate is, for example, <NUM>. 5C, but the embodiment of the present invention is not limited thereto.

When the C-rate of the discharging current is lower than the fourth predetermined C-rate, for example, the C-rate of the discharging current is between <NUM>. 4C and <NUM>. 5C, it indicates that the C-rate of the discharging current is higher. Then, the processing unit <NUM> generates an adjustment indication with a limit indication. That is, when the C-rate of the discharging current is between <NUM>. 4C and <NUM>. 5C, the processing unit <NUM> generates an adjustment indication with the limit indication to the power receiving device, such that the power receiving device performs a limit operation for the frequency of the processing device of the power receiving device according to the adjustment indication with the limit indication. For example, the frequency of the processing device of the power receiving device may be limited to, for example, the throttling of <NUM>%. Then, the processing unit <NUM> may continuously monitor the discharging current to perform the subsequent operation, such as the operation of generating an adjustment indication with the second adjustment value or generating an adjustment indication with the limit indication.

When the C-rate of the discharging current is not lower than the fourth predetermined C-rate, for example, the C-rate of the discharging current is higher than <NUM>. 5C, it indicates that the C-rate of the discharging current is too high. Then, the processing unit <NUM> generates an adjustment indication with a shutdown indication. That is, when the C-rate of the discharging current is higher than <NUM>. 5C, the processing unit <NUM> generates an adjustment indication with the shutdown indication to the power receiving device, such that the power receiving device may perform a shutdown operation according to the adjustment indication with the shutdown indication. Therefore, the processing unit <NUM> generates an adjustment indication, such that the processing device of the power receiving device performs the throttling operation or the power receiving device perform the shutdown operation to avoid the over-discharge of the battery unit <NUM>, thereby effectively increasing lifespan, performance and safety of the battery unit <NUM>.

According to the above-mentioned description, the embodiment of the present invention additionally provides an operation method of a smart battery device. <FIG> is a flowchart of an operation method of a smart battery device according an embodiment of the present invention. In step S202, the method involves sensing the ambient temperature to generate a temperature signal. In step S204, the method involves in a charging mode, receiving the temperature signal and obtaining the power capacity of the battery unit. In step S206, the method involves setting the full capacity according to the temperature signal, and generating an indication flag when the power capacity of the battery unit reaches full capacity, wherein the indication flag is used to indicate that the battery unit is in the fully charged state. In step S208, the method involves sensing the discharging current of the battery unit. In step S210, the method involves in a discharging mode, receiving the temperature signal and the discharging current. In step S212, the method involves generating an adjustment indication according to the temperature signal or the C-rate of the discharging current, wherein the adjustment indication is used to indicate a power receiving device to adjust an operation.

<FIG> is a detailed flowchart of step S206 in <FIG>. In step S302, the method involves determining whether the temperature of the temperature signal is lower than the first predetermined temperature. When the temperature of the temperature signal is lower than the first predetermined temperature, the method performs step S304. In step S304, the method involves controlling the smart battery device to enter a protection mode.

When the temperature of the temperature signal is not lower than the first predetermined temperature, the method performs step S306. In step S306, the method involves determining whether the temperature of the temperature signal is lower than a second predetermined temperature. When the temperature of the temperature signal is lower than the second predetermined temperature, the method performs step S308. In step S308, the method involves setting the full capacity to a first predetermined value and generating an indication flag when the power capacity of the battery unit reaches the first predetermined value.

When the temperature of the temperature signal is not lower than the second predetermined temperature, the method performs step S310. In step S310, the method involves determining whether the temperature of the temperature signal is lower than a third predetermined temperature. When the temperature of the temperature signal is lower than the third temperature, the method performs step S312. In step S312, the method involves setting the full capacity to a second predetermined value and generating an indication flag when the power capacity of the battery unit reaches the second predetermined value. When the temperature of the temperature signal is not lower than the third predetermined temperature, the method performs step S314. In step S314, the method involves determining whether the temperature of the temperature signal is lower than a fourth predetermined temperature.

When the temperature of the temperature signal is lower than the fourth predetermined temperature, the method performs step S316. In step S316, the method involves setting the full capacity to a third predetermined value and generating an indication flag when the power capacity of the battery unit reaches the third predetermined value. When the temperature of the temperature signal is not lower than the fourth predetermined temperature, the method performs step S318. In step S318, the method involves controlling the smart battery device to enter the protection mode. In the embodiment, the second determined temperature is higher than the first predetermined temperature, the third determined temperature is higher than the second determined temperature, the fourth determined temperature is higher than the third determined temperature, the second predetermined value is lower than the first predetermined value, and the third predetermined value is lower than the second predetermined value.

<FIG> and <FIG> are a detailed flowchart of step S212 in <FIG>. In step S402, the method involves determining whether the temperature of the temperature signal is lower than the first predetermined temperature. When the temperature of the temperature signal is lower than the first predetermined temperature, the method performs step S404. In step S404, the method involves controlling the smart battery device to enter a protection mode. When the temperature of the temperature signal is not lower than the first predetermined temperature, the method performs step S406. In step S406, the method involves determining whether the temperature of the temperature signal is lower than the second predetermined temperature.

When the temperature of the temperature signal is lower than the second predetermined temperature, the method performs step S408. In step S408, the method involves not generating an adjustment indication. After performing step S408, the method may return to step S402 to perform the subsequent operation.

When the temperature of the temperature signal is not lower than the second predetermined temperature, the method performs step S410. In step S410, the method involves determining whether the temperature of the temperature signal is lower than a third predetermined temperature. When the temperature of the temperature signal is lower than the third predetermined temperature, the method performs step S412. In step S412, the method involves generating an adjustment indication with a first adjustment value. After performing step S412, the method may return to step S406 to perform the subsequent operation.

When the temperature of the temperature signal is not lower than the third predetermined temperature, the method performs step S414. In step S414, the method involves determining whether the temperature of the temperature signal is lower than a fourth predetermined temperature. When the temperature of the temperature signal is lower than the fourth predetermined temperature, the method performs step S416. In step S416, the method involves generating an adjustment indication with a second adjustment value. After performing step S416, the method may return to step S410 to perform the subsequent operation.

When the temperature of the temperature signal is not lower than the fourth predetermined temperature, the method performs step S418. In step S418, the method involves determining whether the temperature of the temperature signal is lower than a fifth predetermined temperature. When the temperature of the temperature signal is lower than the fifth predetermined temperature, the method performs step S420. In step S420, the method involves generating an adjustment indication with a third adjustment value. After performing S420, the method may return to step S414 to perform the subsequent operation.

When the temperature of the temperature signal is not lower than the fifth predetermined temperature, the method performs step S422. In step S422, the method involves generating an adjustment indication with a shutdown indication. In the embodiment, the second predetermined temperature is higher than the first predetermined temperature, the third predetermined temperature is higher than the second predetermined temperature, the fourth predetermined temperature is higher than the third predetermined temperature, the fifth predetermined temperature is higher than the fourth predetermined temperature, the second adjustment value is higher than the first adjustment value, and the third adjustment value is higher than the second adjustment value.

<FIG> is another detailed flowchart of step S212 in <FIG>. In step S502, the method involves determining whether the C-rate of the discharging current is lower than a first predetermined C-rate. When the C-rate of the discharging current is lower than the first predetermined C-rate, the method performs step S504. In step S504, the method involves not generating an adjustment indication.

When the C-rate of the discharging current is not lower than the first predetermined C-rate, the method performs step S506. In step S506, the method involves determining whether the C-rate of the discharging current is lower than a second predetermined C-rate. When the C-rate of the discharging current is lower than the second predetermined C-rate, the method performs step S508. In step S508, the method involves generating an adjustment indication with a first adjustment value. After performing step S508, the method may return to step S502 to perform the subsequent operation.

When the C-rate of the discharging current is not lower than the second predetermined C-rate, the method performs step S510. In step S510, the method involves determining whether the C-rate of the discharging current is lower than a third predetermined C-rate. When the C-rate of the discharging current is lower than the third predetermined C-rate, the method performs step S512. In step S512, the method involves generating an adjustment indication with a second adjustment value. After performing step S512, the method may return to step S506 to perform the subsequent operation.

When the C-rate of the discharging current is not lower than the third predetermined C-rate, the method performs step S514. In step S514, the method involves determining whether the C-rate of the discharging current is lower than a fourth predetermined C-rate. When the C-rate of the discharging current is lower than the fourth predetermined C-rate, the method performs step S516. In step S516, the method involves generating an adjustment indication with a limit indication. After performing step S516, the method may return to step S510 to perform the subsequent operation.

When the C-rate of the discharging current is not lower than the fourth predetermined C-rate, the method performs step S518. In step S518, the method involves generating an adjustment indication with a shutdown indication. In the embodiment, the second predetermined C-rate is higher than the first predetermined C-rate, the third predetermined C-rate is higher than the second predetermined C-rate, the fourth predetermined C-rate is higher than the third predetermined C-rate, and the second adjustment value is higher than the first adjustment value.

It should be noted that the order of the steps of <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG> is only for illustrative purposes, and is not intended to limit the order of the steps of the present invention. The user may change the order of the steps above according the requirement thereof. The flowcharts described above may add additional steps or use fewer steps without departing from the scope of the present invention.

In summary, according to the smart battery device and the operation method thereof disclosed by the embodiment of the present invention, the temperature-sensing unit senses the ambient temperature to generate the temperature signal. In the charging mode, generates an indication flag according to the temperature signal and the power capacity of the battery unit, wherein the indication flag is used to indicate that the battery unit is in the fully charged state. In addition, the embodiment of the present invention may further include the current-sensing unit to sense the discharging current of the battery unit. In the discharging mode, the processing unit generates an adjustment indication according to the temperature signal of the C-rate of the discharging current, wherein the adjustment indication is used to indicate the power receiving device to adjust the operation. Therefore, the smart battery device may be effectively managed, so as to increase lifespan, performance and safety of the battery unit.

Claim 1:
A smart battery device (<NUM>), comprising:
a battery unit (<NUM>);
a temperature-sensing unit (<NUM>), configured to sense an ambient temperature to generate a temperature signal; and
a processing unit (<NUM>), coupled to the battery unit (<NUM>) and the temperature-sensing unit (<NUM>), wherein
in a charging mode, the processing unit (<NUM>) is configured to receive the temperature signal and obtain a power capacity of the battery unit (<NUM>), characterized in that in the charging mode, the processing unit (<NUM>) is configured to set a full capacity according to the temperature signal, and generate an indication flag when the power capacity of the battery unit (<NUM>) reaches the full capacity, wherein the indication flag is used to indicate that the battery unit (<NUM>) is in a fully charged state.