EP4728593A1

EP4728593A1 - Battery clip

Info

Publication number: EP4728593A1
Application number: EP24732609.3A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Roland Hans WIEGAND; Friedhelm Kreutz
Original assignee: F Hoffmann La Roche AG; Roche Diabetes Care GmbH
Current assignee: F Hoffmann La Roche AG; Roche Diabetes Care GmbH
Priority date: 2023-06-13
Filing date: 2024-06-10
Publication date: 2026-04-22
Also published as: KR20260023630A; TW202515028A; WO2024256335A1; CN121311998A

Abstract

A battery clip (110) for retaining at least one battery (162) to at least one battery contact pad (152) of a circuit carrier (150) is disclosed. The battery clip (110) comprises at least one housing (112). The housing (112) comprises at least one receptacle (114) for at least partially receiving the circuit carrier (150) and the battery (162). The receptacle (114) comprises at least one opening (116) through which the battery (162) and the circuit carrier (150) are at least partially insertable. The housing (112) comprises or is at least partially formed by at least one first contact spring element (166) and by at least one second contact spring element (118). The first contact spring element (166) and the second contact spring element (118) are configured for retaining the battery (162) to the battery contact pad (152) of the circuit carrier (150). The first contact spring element (166) is configured for contacting the battery (162) being arranged on a first side (168) of the circuit carrier (150) being inserted into the receptacle (114). The second contact spring element (118) is configured for contacting a second side (170) of the circuit carrier (150) being inserted into the receptacle (114), the second side (170) opposing the first side (168).

Description

Battery clip

Technical Field

The invention relates to a battery clip, a circuit carrier assembly, a medical device for detecting at least one analyte in a body fluid and to a method for assembling a circuit carrier assembly. The medical device may be applied in the field of continuous monitoring of an analyte in a body fluid of a user, specifically in the field of home care and in the field of professional care, such as in hospitals. Other applications, however, are also feasible.

Background art

Monitoring certain body functions, more particularly monitoring one or more concentrations of certain analytes such as blood glucose, plays an important role in the prevention and treatment of various diseases. Blood glucose monitoring, besides by using optical measurements, specifically may be performed by using electrochemical biosensors. In addition to so-called spot measurements, in which a sample of a body fluid is taken from a user in a targeted fashion and examined with respect to the analyte concentration, continuous measurements are increasingly becoming established. Thus, in the recent past, continuous measuring of glucose in the interstitial tissue (also referred to as continuous monitoring, CM) for example has been established as another important method for managing, monitoring and controlling a diabetes state.

In the process, an active sensor region is applied directly to a measurement site, which is generally arranged in an interstitial tissue, and, for example, converts glucose into electrical charge by using an enzyme (e.g. glucose oxidase, GOD), which charge is related to the glucose concentration and can be used as a measurement variable. Examples of such transcutaneous measurement systems are described in US 6,360,888 Bl or in US 2008/0242962 Al.

Hence, current continuous monitoring systems typically are transcutaneous systems or subcutaneous systems. This means that the actual sensor or at least a measuring portion of the sensor is arranged under the skin of the user. However, an evaluation and control part of the system (also referred to as a patch) is generally situated outside of the body of the user, outside of the human or animal body. In the process, the sensor is generally applied using an insertion instrument, which is likewise described in US 6,360,888 Bl in an exemplary fashion. Other types of insertion instruments are also known.

The sensor typically comprises a substrate, such as a flat substrate, onto which an electrically conductive pattern of electrodes, conductive traces and contact pads may be applied. In use, the conductive traces typically are isolated by using one or more electrically insulating materials. The electrically insulating material typically further also acts as a protection against humidity and other detrimental substances and, as an example, may comprise one or more cover layers such as resists.

For the purpose of operating the patch, power may be provided by a coin battery such as a CR 1220. This coin battery may be electrically connected to a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) of the patch and may be configured for supplying power to the patch during a 14- day wearing period of the continuous monitoring system. To ensure a signal integrity, an electromechanical interface is subject to special requirements. No contact interruptions should occur due to patient movements. A contact transition resistance is commonly influenced by various parameters. A major influencing factor is a contact normal force. Current solutions exemplarily provide for single-sided contacting such as with three contact points. However, such solutions commonly show the following disadvantages: One-sided contacting may lead to asymmetrical mechanical stresses. These asymmetrical mechanical stresses may be particularly critical for PCBA tracks and/or components. Further, a frictional connection may be made via a plastic housing of the patch and may create a long tolerance chain, which in turn may lead to higher contact normal forces to compensate for the tolerances. This may lead to a deformation of the plastic housing and may result in an air leakage of the device. Further, the contact normal forces may be different at each of the three contact points. There may be a direct dependency between different contact points. Thus, an independent adjustment of the contact normal force may not be possible. Further, plastic pins within the housing may be required. However, heat stacking of the plastic pins is commonly a complex process that introduces thermal stresses.

US10332623B2 describes a computer-implemented method including establishing a communications link, via a short-range wireless protocol, between a mobile computing device and a medicament delivery device. A user input selecting a motion profile of the medicament delivery device is then received in response to an input prompt. A wireless signal is received from the medicament delivery device, the wireless signal associated with an actual motion profile of the medicament delivery device. A notification is produced to indicate a motion difference between the actual motion profile and the target motion profile. In some embodiments, the method optionally includes modifying the target motion profile based on the motion profile over a time period of at least one week, the notification indicating a motion difference between the motion profile and the modified target motion profile.

EP2939224B1 describes a method including producing, from an adapter, a first wireless signal characterized by a first communication mode with a computing device when a portion of at least one of a medicament delivery device or a simulated medicament delivery is disposed within the adapter. An indication is received when the portion of the medicament delivery device or the simulated medicament delivery device is removed from the adapter. A second wireless signal characterized by a second communication mode with the computing device is produced in response to the indication. The second communication mode is different from the first communication mode. The second communication mode can be, for example, a hold mode, a sniff mode or a park mode.

EP2667916A1 describes an apparatus including a housing, a medicament container and a movable member. The medicament container is configured to move within the housing between a first position and a second position in response to a force produced by an energy storage member. A proximal end portion of the medicament container includes a flange and has a plunger disposed therein. A first shoulder of the movable member is configured to exert the force on the flange to move the medicament container from the first position to the second position. A portion of the first shoulder deforms when the medicament container is in the second position such that at least a portion of the force is exerted upon the plunger. A second shoulder of the movable member is configured to exert a retraction force on the flange to move the medicament container from the second position towards the first position.

US10765369B2 describes a simple, disposable sensing device for sensing an analyte is housed in a single case. The sensing device can transmit sensor data to monitoring device(s). The sensing device includes: a case having a lower major wall adapted to be mounted against a patient's skin, and an upper opposing major wall; a sensor extending from the case and having a distal end sensitive to the analyte to produce an electrical signal, and a proximal end within the case having electrical contacts; a printed circuit board assembly within the case supported by one of the major walls to receive the electrical signal via the electrical contacts; and an elastomeric pad disposed in the case and biased by the other major wall to urge the proximal end of the sensor into contact with the printed circuit board assembly and maintain an electrical connection between the electrical contacts and the printed circuit board assembly.

US20210067188 Al describes a wearable device having a horizontally polarized antenna and a vertically polarized antenna to gain the benefit of both types of polarization resulting in optimal signal transmission to and reception by a user's smartphone or mobile device. The wearable device includes a printed circuit board on a first plane along which plane the signal from the horizontally polarized signal will propagate. The printed circuit board includes a conductive ground plane and a trace antenna conduct! vely coupled on one end of the trace to the conductive ground plane between which the horizontally polarized field is generated when the trace antenna is excited. A vertical field enhancer, parallel to the first plane and a distance from the trace antenna, is coupled to the ground plane, such that when the trace antenna is excited, a vertically polarized field is generated between the trace antenna and the vertical field enhancer.

US20190083715A1 describes an electronic assembly which includes a casing to conduct electricity flowing between at least some electronic components disposed within the casing. The electronic components include an ultrasonic transducer coupled to emit ultrasonic signals, and a battery to provide the electricity. A controller is coupled to the ultrasonic transducer and the battery, and the controller includes logic that when executed by the controller causes the electronic assembly to perform operations, including: instructing the first ultrasonic transducer to emit the ultrasonic signals.

Despite the advantages achieved by the above-mentioned devices, several technical challenges remain. Force may be provided to the battery from one direction only. Further, protrusions at housings are required to fix a battery clip.

Problem to be solved

It is therefore desirable to provide a battery clip, a circuit carrier assembly, a medical device for detecting at least one analyte in a body fluid and a method for assembling a circuit carrier assembly which at least partially address the above-mentioned technical challenges. Specifically, a battery clip, a circuit carrier assembly, a medical device for detecting at least one analyte in a body fluid and a method for assembling a circuit carrier assembly are desirable which allow a reliable contacting and holding of a battery on a circuit carrier.

Summary This problem is addressed by a battery clip, a circuit carrier assembly, a medical device for detecting at least one analyte in a body fluid and a method for assembling a circuit carrier assembly with the features of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments which might be realized in an isolated fashion or in any arbitrary combinations are listed in the dependent claims as well as throughout the specification.

As used in the following, the terms “have”, “comprise” or “include” or any arbitrary grammatical variations thereof are used in a non-exclusive way. Thus, these terms may both refer to a situation in which, besides the feature introduced by these terms, no further features are present in the entity described in this context and to a situation in which one or more further features are present. As an example, the expressions “A has B”, “A comprises B” and “A includes B” may both refer to a situation in which, besides B, no other element is present in A (i.e. a situation in which A solely and exclusively consists of B) and to a situation in which, besides B, one or more further elements are present in entity A, such as element C, elements C and D or even further elements.

Further, it shall be noted that the terms “at least one”, “one or more” or similar expressions indicating that a feature or element may be present once or more than once typically will be used only once when introducing the respective feature or element. In the following, in most cases, when referring to the respective feature or element, the expressions “at least one” or “one or more” will not be repeated, non-withstanding the fact that the respective feature or element may be present once or more than once.

Further, as used in the following, the terms "preferably", "more preferably", "particularly", "more particularly", "specifically", "more specifically" or similar terms are used in conjunction with optional features, without restricting alternative possibilities. Thus, features introduced by these terms are optional features and are not intended to restrict the scope of the claims in any way. The invention may, as the skilled person will recognize, be performed by using alternative features. Similarly, features introduced by "in an embodiment of the invention" or similar expressions are intended to be optional features, without any restriction regarding alternative embodiments of the invention, without any restrictions regarding the scope of the invention and without any restriction regarding the possibility of combining the features introduced in such way with other optional or non-optional features of the invention.

In a first aspect of the present invention, a battery clip for retaining at least one battery, specifically at least one coin battery, to at least one battery contact pad of a circuit carrier is disclosed. The battery clip comprises at least one housing. The housing comprises at least one receptacle for at least partially receiving the circuit carrier and the battery. The receptacle comprises at least one opening through which the battery and the circuit carrier are at least partially insertable. The housing comprises or is at least partially formed by at least one first contact spring element and by at least one second contact spring element. The first contact spring element and the second contact spring element are configured for retaining the battery to the battery contact pad of the circuit carrier. The first contact spring element is configured for contacting the battery being arranged on a first side of the circuit carrier being inserted into the receptacle and the second contact spring element is configured for contacting a second side of the circuit carrier being inserted into the receptacle, the second side opposing the first side.

The term “battery” as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically relates to an arbitrary source of electric power comprising one or more electrochemical cells with external connections for powering an electrical device. When a battery supplies power, its positive terminal may be referred to as cathode and its negative terminal may be referred to as anode. The battery may specifically be a primary battery. The primary battery may be configured for being used once. The primary battery may also be referred to as single-use or disposable battery. However, alternatively, the battery may be a secondary battery. The secondary battery may be configured for being discharged and recharged multiple times using an applied electric current. The secondary battery may also be referred to as rechargable battery.

The battery may specifically be a coin battery. The coin battery may have a planar shape. The term “planar” may refer to a property of a body which comprises extensions in two dimensions, typically denoted as “surface” of the planar body, which exceed the extension in a third dimension, usually denoted as “thickness” of the planar body, by a factor of 2, at least a factor of 5, at least a factor of 10, or even at least a factor of 20 or more. Specifically, the coin battery may be shaped as a cylinder typically 5 mm to 25 mm in diameter and 1 mm to 6 mm in high. The coin battery may resemble a button. Thus, the coin battery may also be referred to as button cell. A bottom body of the coin battery may form a positive terminal of the coin battery and a top cap may form a negative terminal of the coin battery. Exemplarily, the battery may be of type CR 1120. Exemplary battery suppliers for batteries of type CR 1120 may be energizer, GB Batteries, Murata, Renata, Panasonic, Varta. However, also other types may be feasible. As will be outlined below in more detail, the battery clip may exemplarily be applied in a medical device for detecting at least one analyte in a body fluid. The coin battery may be electrically connected to a printed circuit board of the medical device and may be configured for supplying power during a 14-day wearing period of the medical device.

The term “circuit carrier” as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically relates to an arbitrary body provided for carrying at least one electronic, electrical, and/or optical element, in particular a plurality of such elements, wherein the body is designed to mechanically support and electrically connect the electronic, electrical, and/or optical elements. Specifically, the circuit carrier may be a planar circuit carrier. As defined above, the term “planar” refers to a property of a body which comprises extensions in two dimensions, typically denoted as “surface” of the planar body, which exceed the extension in a third dimension, usually denoted as “thickness” of the planar body, by a factor of 2, at least a factor of 5, at least a factor of 10, or even at least a factor of 20 or more.

Specifically, the circuit carrier may be or may comprise a printed circuit board, usually abbreviated to “PCB”, which refers to an electrically non-conductive, planar substrate, also denoted as “board”, on which at least one sheet of an electrically conductive material, in particular a copper layer, is applied, specifically laminated, to the substrate, and which, in addition, comprises one or more electronic, electrical, and/or optical elements. In the PCB, the electrically insulating substrate may comprise a glass epoxy, wherein a cotton paper impregnated with a phenolic resin, typically tan or brown, may also be used as substrate material. Depending on a number of sheets, the printed circuit board may be a single-sided PCB, a two-layer or double-sided PCB, or a multi-layer PCB, wherein different sheets may be connected with each other by using so-called “vias”.

Electrically conductive patterns or structures, such as tracks, traces, pads, vias for generating connections between adjacent sheets, or features such as solid conductive areas, may be introduced into the one or more sheets, preferably by removing a partition of the sheet, in particular by etching, silk screen printing, photoengraving, PCB milling, or laser resist ablation, at selected regions in the sheet, whereby the desired structures can be created. The etching can, preferably, be performed by using a photoresist material being coated onto the PCB which is, subsequently, exposed to light, whereby the desired pattern may be generated. Herein, the photoresist material may be adapted to protect the metal from dissolution into an etching solution. After etching, the PCB may, finally, be cleaned. By using this process, a particular PCB pattern can be mass-reproduced. However, other kinds of separation processes or connection processes may also be applicable. By way of example, a track introduced into the PCB may function as a wire being fixed at a selected position, wherein adjacent tracks can be insulated from each other, on one hand, by the substrate material and, on the other hand, by an electrically insulating fluid under conditions at which the PCB is used, specifically by air or a protective gas which may be present in a gap between the adjacent tracks. In addition, a surface of the PCB may have a coating, also denoted as a solder resist, which may be designed for protecting the metal, specifically the copper, within the at least one sheet from detrimental environmental effects, such as corrosion, thus, reducing a chance that undesired short circuits may be generated by a solder or by stray bare wires. In a multilayer PCB, only outer metal layers may be coated in this manner since inner metal layers are protected by the adjacent substrate layers.

Further, the electronic, electrical, and/or optical elements or components may be placed onto the substrate, such as by soldering, welding, or depositing, or, additionally or as an alternative, be embedded into the circuit carrier, such as by placing them into seats designated in the substrate for this purpose and/or by deliberately removing a partition of the circuit carrier. Preferably, surface mount components, specifically transistors, diodes, IC chips, resistors and capacitors, may, thus, be attached to the PCB by using electrical conductive leads which adjoin the respective component to metal tracks, traces, or areas on the same side of the substrate. As an alternative, through-hole mounting may be used, in particular, for extended or voluminous components, such as electrolytic capacitors or connectors. As a further alternative, the components may be embedded within the substrate.

The circuit carrier may be a flexible circuit carrier, specifically a flexible printed circuit board. The term “flexible printed circuit board” as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically relates to an arbitrary printed circuit board having a flexible electrically non-conductive, planar substrate. The flexible printed circuit board may be configured to be variously bent and folded according to manufacturing needs of a particular application. The substrate of the flexible printed circuit board may specifically be made of polyester resin or polyimide resin. However, also other materials may be feasible.

The circuit carrier may be a rigid circuit carrier, specifically a rigid printed circuit board.

The term “rigid printed circuit board” as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically relates to an arbitrary printed circuit board having a rigid electrically non-conductive, planar substrate. The rigid printed circuit board may be inflexible in its structure and cannot be bent. Rigid materials which may be used for the substrate are fiber-enforced plastic materials such as fiber-enforced epoxy materials like glass-fiber-enforced epoxy materials such as FR-4. Other materials may be used.

As outlined above, the first contact spring element is configured for contacting the battery being arranged on the first side of the circuit carrier being inserted into the receptacle and the second contact spring element is configured for contacting the second side of the circuit carrier being inserted into the receptacle, the second side opposing the first side. Herein, the terms “first” and “second” are considered as description without specifying an order and without excluding a possibility that other elements of that kind may be present.

The term “side” as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically relates to a surface of a body. As outlined above, the second side opposes the first side. As generally used, the term “opposing sides” refers to two surfaces, specifically to two planar surfaces, of a body, specifically of a flat body. Specifically, the first side and the second side are not located within a common plane. The sides may specifically extend essentially parallel to each other. One of the sides may be referred to as front side and another one of the sides may be referred to as rear side. The first side may also be referred to as battery facing side.

As outlined above, the battery is configured for retaining the battery to the battery contact pad of the circuit carrier. The term “battery contact pad” as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically relates to an arbitrary element having at least one electrically conductive surface designed for establishing an electrical contact between the battery and the circuit carrier. Specifically, the battery contact pad may comprise at least one layer of an electrically conductive material.

The term “battery clip” as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically relates to an arbitrary element which is configured for holding a battery in place on an object which may specifically be a circuit carrier and for placing the battery in electrical communication with an electronic circuit system. Specifically, the battery clip may be configured for being fixed itself on the object, specifically on the circuit carrier. Further details on the battery clip are given below in more detail.

As outlined above, the battery clip comprises the at least one housing. The term “housing” as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically relates to an arbitrary element which is configured for fully or partially enclosing at least interior space and for providing protection to the interior space, such as mechanical protection. Also other kinds of protection may be feasible. The housing may be configured for fully or partially encasing or surrounding an object being located at least partially in the interior space of the housing. The housing may specifically comprise at least one wall for fully or partially surrounding the interior space. The housing may specifically be an open housing. The housing may specifically have several sidewalls. The sidewalls may have one or more openings and/or recesses.

As outlined above, the housing comprises the at least one receptacle. The term “receptacle” as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically relates to an arbitrary partially or fully enclosed space that may be usable to contain and/or store one or more object. Specifically, the one or more objects may be at least partially receivable within the receptacle. Thus, the one or more objects may be at least partially encased or covered by walls of an element forming the receptacle. Optionally, the housing may comprise one or even more than one receptacle such as at least two receptacles. As outlined above, the receptacle is configured for at least partially receiving the circuit carrier and the battery. Thus, the circuit carrier and the battery may respectively at least partially be encased by sidewalls of the housing forming the receptacle. Specifically one portion of the circuit carrier and/or of the battery may be located outside the receptacle and another portion of the circuit carrier and/or of the battery may be located inside the receptacle. The receptacle itself may be an open receptacle.

As outlined above, the receptacle comprises the at least one opening through which the battery and the circuit carrier are at least partially insertable. The term “opening” as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically relates to an arbitrary hole or space such that one or more objects can pass through. The opening may be configured for providing access to the receptacle. The opening may be formed by or may be a recess of the sidewalls of the housing. The opening may have a shape such that the circuit carrier and the battery may respectively at least partially be insertable into the receptacle via the opening.

Specifically, the battery clip, specifically the housing of the battery clip, may have a cuboid basic shape. The battery clip, specifically the housing, may have eight essentially rectangular comers, six essentially rectangular sidewalls and twelve edges, four of which are essentially equal in length and essentially parallel to each other. As outlined above, the housing may specifically be an open housing. Thus, the term “cuboid basic shape” means that abbreviations from the cuboid shape are possible. Specifically, one sidewall of the cuboid may be missing such as for forming the opening of the receptacle. Further, the sidewalls may have one or more openings or recesses.

The housing may specifically comprise at least two opposing first sidewalls. The first sidewalls may extend essentially parallel to each other. Further, the housing may specifically comprise at least two opposing second sidewalls. The second sidewalls may extend essentially parallel to each other. Herein, the terms “first” and “second” are considered as description without specifying an order and without excluding a possibility that other elements of that kind may be present. Thereby, the term “essentially parallel” may refer to a property of the first/second sidewalls of being parallel to each other. Exemplarily, the first/second sidewalls may respectively be exactly parallel to each other. However, small deviations may be feasible. Specifically, the first/second sidewalls may respectively be arranged at an angle of +/- 20°, preferably of +/- 10°, more preferably of +/- 5° to each other. The second sidewall may be arranged transverse, specifically essentially perpendicular, to the first sidewalls. The term “essentially perpendicular” may comprise slight deviations from a perpendicular arrangement such as arrangements which deviate from a perpendicular arrangement by no more than 10 degrees, preferably by no more than 5 degrees.

The at least two opposing first sidewalls may respectively have or may be at least partially formed by the first contact spring element and by the second contact spring element. Exemplarily, the first sidewalls may respectively comprise at least one recess and the first contact spring element and the second contact spring element may be respectively arranged within the recesses. However, optionally, one of the first sidewalls may comprise the recess and one of the first contact spring element and the second contact spring element may be arranged within the recess. Further, exemplarily, the first contact spring element and/or the second contact spring element may protrude from one of the second sidewalls, specifically from an edge or a rim of the second sidewalls and may form at least a part of one of the first sidewalls. Thus, the first contact spring element and/or the second contact spring element may be arranged transverse to the second sidewalls.

One of the first sidewalls and one of the first contact spring element and the second contact element spring may be manufactured as one single piece. The housing may comprise at least one first housing part having one of the first sidewalls and one of the first contact spring element and the second contact spring element. The housing may further comprise at least one second housing part having another one of the first sidewalls and another one of the first contact spring element and the second contact spring element. The first housing part may be mounted or mountable on the second housing part or vice versa. Herein, the terms “first” and “second” are considered as description without specifying an order and without excluding a possibility that other elements of that kind may be present. The first housing part and/or the second housing part may be manufactured as one single piece. Alternatively, the housing itself may be manufactured as one single piece.

The opening may be arranged transverse, specifically essentially perpendicular, respectively to the first sidewalls and to the second sidewalls. The housing may be configured for being slid onto at least a portion of the circuit carrier such that the second sidewalls respectively contact at least one surface of the circuit carrier extending transverse, specifically essentially perpendicular, to the first side of the circuit carrier. Thus, the first sidewalls may extend essentially parallel to the first side and to the second side of the circuit carrier and the second sidewalls may respectively extend transverse, specifically essentially perpendicular, to the to the first side and to the second side of the circuit carrier. With regard to the terms “essentially perpendicular” and “essentially parallel” reference to the definitions above is made.

As outlined above, the housing comprises or is at least partially formed by the at least one first contact spring element and by the at least one second contact spring element. Herein, the terms “first” and “second” are considered as description without specifying an order and without excluding a possibility that other elements of that kind may be present. The term “contact spring element” as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically relates to an arbitrary contact element whereby a function of closing an electric circuit is achieved by probing by at least one spring-supported element. The contact spring element may have at least one contact surface configured for contacting a surface of another element such as of a battery or of a printed circuit board. The contact spring element or at least a portion of the contact spring element may be configured for storing mechanical energy through elastic deformation and for, thus, maintaining a contact with the other element.

As outlined above, the first contact spring element and the second contact spring element are configured for retaining the battery to the battery contact pad of the circuit carrier. As outlined above, the first contact spring element is configured for contacting the battery being arranged on the first side of the circuit carrier being inserted into the receptacle and the second contact spring element is configured for contacting the second side of the circuit carrier being inserted into the receptacle, the second side opposing the first side. Thus, the first contact spring element and the second contact spring element may respectively be configured for providing force onto the battery, specifically from two contrary directions.

One or both of the first contact spring element and the second contact spring element, preferably both of the first contact spring element and the second contact spring element, may provide at least one contact surface for contacting the battery or the circuit carrier. The term “contact surface” as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically relates to an arbitrary surface which is configured for establishing a direct contact to a surface of another element. Specifically, the contact surface may be configured for electrically contacting the surface of the other element.

Specifically, the housing, specifically one or both of the first contact spring element and the second contact spring element, may be made of at least one electrically conductive material. As generally used, the term “electrically conductive material” refers to a substance which is designed for conducting an electrical current through the substance. The electrically conductive material may, preferably, be selected from a noble metal, especially gold; or from an electrically conductive carbon material; however, further kinds of conductive materials may also be feasible. Further, specifically, the , the housing, specifically one or both of the first contact spring element and the second contact spring element, may be made of at least one material selected from the group consisting of: Spring steel (EN 10270-1); stainless steel, specifically 1.4310, 1.4571 or 1.4568; aluminum (Al); AlMg3, S235JR; a non-ferrous alloy such as bronze (CuSn) or brass (CuZn).

Preferably, the first contact surface and/or the second contact surface may comprise at least one layer of an electrically conductive material. Specifically, the contact surface of the first contact spring element and/or the contact surface of the second contact element spring may be coated surfaces. More specifically, the contact surface of the first contact spring element and/or the contact surface of the second contact spring element may be at least partially coated with a noble material such as with gold and/or with nickel.

One or both of the first contact spring element and the second contact spring element may be elongate elements. Specifically, one or both of the first contact spring element and the second contact spring element may comprise at least one first end and at least one opposing second end. The contact surface may be located at the second end. One or both of the first contact spring element and the second contact spring element may taper from the first end to the second end. The second end of the first contact spring element and/or of the second contact spring element may protrude into the interior space of the housing. The first contact spring element and/or the second contact spring element may protrude from one of the sidewalls of the housing via the first end. Specifically, the first end of the first contact spring element and/or of the second contact spring element may respectively protrude from rims of the recesses of the first sidewalls. Alternatively, the first end of the first contact spring element and/or of the second contact spring element may respectively protrude from rims of the second sidewalls. Specifically, first contact spring element and/or the second contact spring element may extend essentially perpendicular to the second sidewalls. One or both of the first contact spring element and the second contact spring element may form part of the first sidewalls.

Different shapes of the contact surface of the first contact spring element and of the second contact spring element may be possible.

Specifically, the contact surface of the first contact spring element and/or of the second contact spring element may be an elongated contact surface. The term “elongated contact surface” as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically relates to an arbitrary contact surface having an extension in a direction along the elongation which exceeds an extension perpendicular hereto by at least a factor of 2, at least a factor of 5, at least a factor of 10, or even at least a factor of 20 or more. The elongated contact surface may, thus, also be referred to as line contact surface.

The elongated contact surface may extend in a direction transverse, specifically essentially perpendicular, to an insertion direction of the circuit carrier and the battery into the receptacle. The elongated contact surface may extend in a direction transverse, specifically essentially perpendicular, to a direction of extension of the first contact spring element and/or of the second contact spring element. Exemplarily, the elongates contact surface may have a length of 0.5 mm to 3 mm, preferably of 1 mm to 2 mm and most preferably of 1.5 mm. However, also other dimension may be feasible.

Specifically, the first contact spring element and/or the second contact spring element may respectively comprise a first portion and a neighboring second portion. The second portion may form the second end of the first contact spring element or the second contact spring element and the first portion may be located between the second end and the first end of the first contact spring element or the second contact spring element. The first portion and the second portion may be arranged at an angle to each other, such as at an angle of 90° to 160°, preferably at an angle of 100° to 140°.

Further, specifically, one or both of the first contact spring element and the second contact spring element may comprise at least one protrusion protruding into the receptacle of the housing. The protrusion may be configured for contacting the battery or the circuit carrier. The protrusion may specifically have a basic shape selected from the group consisting of: a cylindrical shape, a cone shape, a truncated cone shape. However, also other kind of shapes may be possible. The protrusion may form a contact surface of the first contact spring element or of the second contact spring element. Specifically, the protrusion may form a contact surface of the first contact spring element or of the second contact spring element and may have a round basic shape. More specifically, the protrusion may form a round contact surface of the first contact spring element or of the second contact spring element. The protrusion may specifically be soldered on a surface of the first contact spring element or of the second contact spring element. The protrusion, specifically a contact area of the protrusion may have a diameter of 0.5 mm to 3 mm, preferably of 1 mm to 2 mm and most preferably of 1.2 mm. However, also other dimension may be feasible.

Specifically, the first contact spring element and the second contact spring element may be identical contact spring elements. Specifically, the contact surface of the first contact spring element and the contact surface of the second contact spring element may be identical contact surfaces. Specifically, the contact surface of the first contact spring element and the contact surface of the second contact spring element may be arranged opposite to each other. Thus, a virtual connecting line between the contact surface of the first contact spring element and the contact surface of the second contact spring element may be arranged essentially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the housing. Alternatively, the contact surface of the first contact spring element and the contact surface of the second contact spring element may be arranged offset to each other. Thus, the virtual connecting line between the contact surface of the first contact spring element and the contact surface of the second contact spring element may differ from an essentially perpendicular orientation to the longitudinal axis of the housing. Specifically, both of the first contact spring element and the second contact spring element may comprise the at least one protrusion. The protrusions of the first contact spring element and the second contact spring element may be arranged opposite to each other or may be arranged offset to each other.

Specifically, the first contact spring element and the second contact spring element may respectively be flat elements. Further, the first contact spring element and the second contact spring element may respectively protrude into the receptacle of the housing. Specifically, the contact surfaces of the first contact spring element and the second contact spring element may respectively face, specifically protrude, into the receptacle of the housing. The first contact spring element and/or the second contact spring element may form part of the first sidewalls of the housing.

The battery and the circuit carrier may be at least partially insertable into the receptacle of the housing by sliding the housing onto an assembly of the circuit carrier and the battery or vice versa. Thus, alternatively, the assembly of the circuit carrier and the battery may be slid into the receptacle of the housing.

The housing may further comprise at least one stopper. The stopper may be configured for stopping a sliding movement of the housing when the housing is slid onto the assembly of the circuit carrier and the battery. The term “stopper” as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically relates to an arbitrary element configured to limit a movement of at least one further element in at least one dimension. The housing may have at least one first side and at least one opposing second side. The opening may be located at the first side and the stopper may be located at the second side. Specifically, the stopper may protrude from one of the first sidewalls, specifically from at least one rim of the first sidewalls. Specifically, the stopper may form a third sidewall of the housing. The third sidewall may be respectively arranged transverse, specifically essentially perpendicular, to the first sidewalls and to the second sidewalls.

Specifically, the housing may comprise precisely one first contact spring element and precisely one second contact spring element. Alternatively, the housing may comprise precisely one first contact spring element and precisely two second contact spring elements. Thereby, specifically, the contact surface of the first contact spring element and the contact surface of one of the second contact spring elements may be arranged opposite to each other wherein the contact surface of the first contact spring element and the contact surface of another one of the second contact spring elements may be arranged offset to each other. Also other configurations may be possible. Alternatively, the housing may comprise precisely two first contact spring elements and precisely two second contact spring elements. Thereby, specifically, the contact surface of one of the first contact spring elements and the contact surface of one of the second contact spring elements may be arranged opposite to each other wherein the contact surface of another one of the first contact spring elements and the contact surface of another one of the second contact spring elements may be arranged opposite to each other. Also other configurations may be possible. Further, also different numbers of first contact spring elements and of second contact spring elements may be possible.

Exemplarily, the battery clip may have a length of 8 mm to 15 mm, preferably of 10 mm to 12 mm and most preferably of 11.3 mm. The length may refer to a distance between the opening and the third sidewall. Further, exemplarily, the battery clip may have a width of 8 mm to 15 mm, preferably of 12 mm to 13 mm and most preferably of 12.8 mm. The width may refer to a distance of the second sidewalls to each other. Further, exemplarily, the battery clip may have a thickness of 1 mm to 5 mm, preferably of 3 mm to 4 mm and most preferably of 3.5 mm. The thickness may refer to a distance of the first sidewalls to each other. However, also other dimensions may be possible.

In a further aspect of the present invention, a circuit carrier assembly is disclosed. The term “assembly” as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically relates to a group of at least two elements which may interact with each other in order to fulfill at least one common function. The at least two components may be handled independently or may be coupled, connectable or integrable in order to form a common device. The term “circuit carrier assembly” as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to a group of a circuit carrier and of at least one another element which may interact with each other in order to fulfill at least one common function.

The circuit carrier assembly comprises at least one battery clip as described above or as will further be described below in more detail. Thus, for possible definitions and options of the battery clip reference may be made to the disclosure of the battery clip according to the present invention. Further, the circuit carrier assembly comprises at least one circuit carrier having at least one battery contact pad. The circuit carrier is at least partially insertable into the receptacle of the housing of the battery clip. For possible definitions and options of the circuit carrier reference may be made to the disclosure of the circuit carrier according to the present invention.

The circuit carrier may comprise at least two slots being aligned essentially parallel to each other. Thereby, the term “essentially parallel” may refer to a property of slots of being parallel to each other. Exemplarily, the slots may respectively be exactly parallel to each other. However, small deviations may be feasible. Specifically, the slots may respectively be arranged at an angle of +/- 20°, preferably of +/- 10°, more preferably of +/- 5° to each other. The slots may respectively be or may comprise a recess or a cut-out within the circuit carrier. The slots may respectively extend from an outer rim or an edge of the circuit carrier, specifically towards an interior of the circuit carrier. The slots may respectively be straight slots. A thickness of the slots may essentially correspond to a thickness of the second sidewalls of the housing. Specifically, the thickness of the slots may be essentially equivalent or larger than the thickness of the second sidewalls of the housing. Further, the slots may have a length which is essentially equivalent or smaller than a length of the first sidewalls of the housing. However, also other dimensions may be possible. The housing of the battery clip may be configured for being slid onto at least a portion of the circuit carrier formed by the at least two slots. The slots may be configured for at least partially receiving the second sidewalls of the housing. A distance of the slots may be smaller than or essentially equivalent to a width of the housing or to a width of the first sidewalls. The distance of the two slots may correspond to a distance of the second sidewalls of the housing of the battery clip. The battery contact pad may be located on a surface of the circuit carrier which is at least partially located between the two slots.

Further, alternatively or additionally, the circuit carrier may comprise at least one protrusion. The battery contact pad may be at least partially located on the protrusion of the circuit carrier. The housing of the battery clip may be configured for being slid onto the protrusion of the circuit carrier, specifically such that the second sidewalls respectively contact at least one surface of the protrusion of the circuit carrier extending transverse, specifically essentially perpendicular, to a battery facing surface of the circuit carrier. The term “essentially perpendicular” may comprise slight deviations from a perpendicular arrangement such as arrangements which deviate from a perpendicular arrangement by no more than 10 degrees, preferably by no more than 5 degrees. The protrusion may be at least partially receivable in the receptacle of the housing. A width of the protrusion may correspond to the distance of the second sidewalls of the housing of the battery clip. The width may be smaller than or essentially equivalent to the distance of the second sidewalls of the housing of the battery clip. The width of the protrusion may be smaller than or essentially equivalent to the width of the housing or to the width of the first sidewalls. The battery contact pad may be at least partially located on the protrusion of the circuit carrier.

Further, optionally, the circuit carrier assembly may comprise at least one battery being retainable to the battery contact pad of the circuit carrier by the first contact spring element and by the second contact spring element. The battery may be at least partially insertable into the receptacle of the housing of the battery clip. For possible definitions and options of the battery reference may be made to the disclosure of the battery according to the present invention.

As will be described in further detail below, the circuit carrier assembly may exemplarily be applied in a medical device for detecting at least one analyte in a body fluid. The medical device may specifically be configured for continuous monitoring of the analyte in the body fluid. The medical device may specifically be a single-use or disposable medical device. Thereby, an exchange of the battery may not be performed. However, there may be other applications under performance of an exchange of the battery.

In a further aspect of the present invention, a medical device for detecting at least one analyte in a body fluid is disclosed.

The term “body fluid” as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically relates to an arbitrary fluid which typically is present in a body or body tissue of a user or a patient and/or which may be produced by the body of the user or the patient. As an example for body tissue, interstitial tissue may be named. Thus, as an example, the body fluid may be selected from the group consisting of blood and interstitial fluid. However, additionally or alternatively, one or more other types of body fluids may be used, such as saliva, tear fluid, urine or other body fluids. During detection of at least one analyte, the body fluid may be present within the body or body tissue.

The term “medical device” as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to an arbitrary element or article being configured for use in the field of medical technology, specifically in the field of medical analytics or medical diagnostics. The medical device may be configured for performing at least one medical function and/or for being used in at least one medical process, such as one or more of a therapeutic process, a diagnostic process or another medical process. The medical device may be configured to be mounted on a skin site of an extremity of the user. The extremity may be selected from the group consisting of an arm, specifically an upper arm; a stomach; a shoulder; a back; hip; a leg. Specifically, the extremity may be the upper arm. However, also other applications may be feasible. The medical device may comprise at least one component which may be configured to stay outside of the body tissue. Further, the medical device comprises, as outlined above, the at least one invasive portion. The invasive portion may configured for being inserted into the body tissue of the user.

The medical device comprises:

• at least one analyte sensor having an insertable portion adapted for at least partially being inserted into a body tissue of a user;

• at least one insertion component configured for inserting the analyte sensor into the body tissue of the user; and

• at least one electronics unit, wherein the analyte sensor is operably connected to the electronics unit, wherein the electronics unit comprises the circuit carrier assembly as described above or as will further be described below in more detail.

For possible definitions and options of the circuit carrier assembly reference may be made to the disclosure of the circuit carrier assembly according to the present invention.

The analyte sensor for detecting at least one analyte in a body fluid of a user, such as in a body fluid contained in a body tissue of the user, may be configured for being used in qualitatively and/or quantitatively detecting the at least one analyte. The term “analyte” as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to a chemical and/or biological substance which takes part in the metabolism of the body of the user. Specifically, the analyte may be a metabolite or a combination of two or more metabolites. As an example, the analyte may be selected from the group consisting of glucose, lactate, triglycerides, cholesterol. Still, other analytes or combinations of two or more analytes may be detected. The body tissue specifically may be or may comprise fatty tissue and/or interstitium. Other types of body tissue, however, are feasible. The term “analyte sensor” as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to a sensor which is capable of qualitatively or quantitatively detecting the presence and/or the concentration of the at least one analyte. The analyte sensor may be an electrochemical analyte sensor. The analyte sensor may comprise at least two electrodes. Specifically, the analyte sensor may comprise at least one two-electrode sensor. The two-elec- trode sensor may comprise precisely two electrodes, such as a working electrode and at least one further electrode such as a counter electrode, in particular a working electrode and a combined counter/reference electrode. Specifically, the analyte sensor may be a needle- shaped or a strip-shaped analyte sensor having a flexible substrate and the electrodes disposed thereon. As an example, the analyte sensor may have a total length of 5 mm to 50 mm, specifically a total length of 7 mm to 30 mm.

The term “insertion component” as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to an arbitrary element which may be insertable at least partially into a body tissue, particularly in order to deliver or to transfer a further element. The insertion component may specifically be configured for supporting an insertion of the analyte sensor for detecting at least one analyte in a body fluid. The analyte sensor may remain in the body tissue of the user for the predetermined period of time whereas the insertion component may be removed from the body tissue after insertion of the analyte sensor. However, alternatively, embodiments may be feasible wherein the analyte sensor as well as the insertion component may remain in the body tissue of the user for the predetermined period of time. The insertion component may comprise a tip or a sharp end for inserting the analyte sensor into the body tissue.

The insertion component for inserting the analytical sensor into the body tissue of the user may be or may comprise an insertion cannula or an insertion needle. The term “insertion cannula” as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to a hollow needle which may be at least partially slotted. The analyte sensor may be received within the insertion cannula, such as within a lumen of the insertion cannula. The term “insertion needle” as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifi- cally may refer, without limitation, to a compact needle, specifically without a slot and without any hollow parts. The analyte sensor may be received on an outer surface of the insertion needle.

The term “electronics unit” as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to a unit, such as a unit which may be handled as a single piece, which is configured for performing at least one electronic function. The electronics unit may have at least one interface for being connected to the analytical sensor, wherein the electronics unit may provide at least one electronic function interacting with the analytical sensor, such as at least one measurement function.

The electronics unit may be configured for one or more of determining and/or controlling a detection of the analyte and/or transmitting measurement data to another component. Specifically, the electronics component may be configured for one or more of performing a measurement with the sensor, performing a voltage measurement, performing a current measurement, recording sensor signals, storing measurement signals and/or measurement data, transmitting sensor signals to another component. Thus, the electronics unit specifically may comprise at least one of: a voltmeter, an ammeter, a potentiostat, a voltage source, a current source, a signal receiver, a signal transmitter, an analog-digital converter, an electronic filter, a data storage device, an energy storage device.

The analyte sensor may be partially enclosed by the electronics unit housing. The electronics unit specifically may comprise the at least one electronics unit housing, wherein the analytical sensor, e.g. with a proximal end, may protrude into the housing and may be electrically connected with at least one electronic component within the housing. As an example, the proximal end and/or at least one contact portion of the electrochemical sensor may protrude into the electronics unit housing and, therein, may be electrically connected to the at least one electronic component, such as to at least one circuit carrier and/or at least one contact portion of the electronics unit, e.g. by one or more of a soldering connection, a bonding connection, a plug, a clamping connection or the like. The electronics unit specifically may be used as a transmitter for transmitting measurement data to at least one external device, such as to at least one receiver, e.g. wirelessly.

In a further aspect of the present invention, a method for assembling a circuit carrier assembly is disclosed. For possible definitions and options of the circuit carrier assembly reference may be made to the disclosure of the circuit carrier assembly according to the present invention.

The method comprises the steps disclosed in the following. The steps specifically may be performed in the given order. Still, a different order is possible. The method may comprise additional steps which are not mentioned. It is further possible to perform one or more of the method steps repeatedly. Further, two or more of the method steps may be performed in a timely overlapping fashion or simultaneously.

The method comprises the following steps: a) providing at least one battery; b) placing a battery on the battery contact pad of the circuit carrier; and c) inserting the circuit carrier and the battery at least partially into the receptacle of the housing of the battery clip.

For possible definitions and options of the battery reference may be made to the disclosure of the battery according to the present invention.

Specifically, in step c), the battery clip may be slid onto the circuit carrier. Alternatively, in step c), a unit formed by the battery and the circuit carrier may be slid into the receptacle of the housing of the battery clip. Specifically, the sliding may be performed such that the second sidewalls of the housing respectively contact the surface of the circuit carrier extending transverse, specifically essentially perpendicular, to the first side of the circuit carrier.

The methods and devices according to the present invention provide a large number of advantages over known methods and devices. The battery clip according to the present invention may be a cage with integrated contact spring elements slidable onto a side of a PCBA to electromechanically connect the battery. The cage may be open or closed, may be fixable mechanical at the PCB and may enable contacting and holding the battery on the PCB. The battery clip may significantly improve a battery fixation on the PCB and may be suitable for flexible and rigid PCBs.

State of the art solutions usually have in common that a battery fixation is disclosed which provides force onto the battery from one direction only. Further, in the state of the art, protrusions at housings are commonly required to fix the battery clip. With such a battery clip, in comparison to the state of the art, a commonly used contact spring element with three point contacts from one side to fix the battery in a battery housing and soldering to fix the battery housing on the PCB can be avoided. This results in less bending of the PCB, a symmetrically distributed force on the PCB from top and bottom, an easier fixation of the battery on the PCB due to avoidance of hot gluing, less components for battery fixation and robustness against shock and vibration.

Conventional battery contacts commonly have a single-sided contact point. The contact normal force of the contact spring element commonly depends on a number of components making the electrical connection and on utilized manufacturing methods (e.g., soldering, welding contact lugs to the battery case, snap hooking, heat stacking, and ultrasonic welding). The more components and processes involved, the longer the tolerance chain and the larger the nominal contact normal force must be selected. The battery clip according to the present invention results in the following advantages: An assembly of battery and battery contact spring elements is self-centering. Further, a reduced number of components and processes may lead to a short tolerance chain. This allows the nominal contact normal force to be reduced, which lowers the mechanical stresses in the assembly. Further, a symmetrical arrangement of contact spring elements may result in nearly identical contact normal forces at the contact points. Further, no bending stress on the PCB but only compressive stress may be present. This means that relatively thin PCBs may be usable. Further, a simple mechanical assembly may be feasible without additional joining processes. Further, trapezoidal spring elements may be applied with defined contact points for reliable signal/current transmission. Further, due to the housing and the arrangement of the contact spring elements, the system may be robust against shock and vibration.

Summarizing and without excluding further possible embodiments, the following embodiments may be envisaged:

Embodiment 1 : A battery clip for retaining at least one battery, specifically at least one coin battery, to at least one battery contact pad of a circuit carrier, wherein the battery clip comprises at least one housing, wherein the housing comprises at least one receptacle for at least partially receiving the circuit carrier and the battery, wherein the receptacle comprises at least one opening through which the battery and the circuit carrier are at least partially insertable, wherein the housing comprises or is at least partially formed by at least one first contact spring element and by at least one second contact spring element, the first contact spring element and the second contact spring element being configured for retaining the battery to the battery contact pad of the circuit carrier, wherein the first contact spring element is configured for contacting the battery being arranged on a first side of the circuit carrier being inserted into the receptacle, wherein the second contact spring element is configured for contacting a second side of the circuit carrier being inserted into the receptacle, the second side opposing the first side.

Embodiment 2: The battery clip according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the housing comprises at least two opposing first sidewalls respectively having or being at least partially formed by the first contact spring element and by the second contact spring element.

Embodiment 3: The battery clip according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the first sidewalls extend essentially parallel to each other.

Embodiment 4: The battery clip according to any one of the two preceding embodiments, wherein the first sidewalls respectively comprise at least one recess, wherein the first contact spring element and the second contact spring element are respectively arranged within the recesses.

Embodiment 5: The battery clip according to any one of the three preceding embodiments, wherein one of the first sidewalls and one of the first contact spring element and the second contact spring element are manufactured as one single piece.

Embodiment 6: Embodiment 1 : The battery clip according to any one of the four preceding embodiments, wherein the housing comprises at least one first housing part having one of the first sidewalls and one of the first contact spring element and the second contact spring element, wherein the housing comprises at least one second housing part having another one of the first sidewalls and another one of the first contact spring element and the second contact spring element, wherein the first housing part is mounted on the second housing part or vice versa.

Embodiment 7: The battery clip according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the first housing part and/or the second housing part are r manufactured as one single piece.

Embodiment 8: The battery clip according to any one of the six preceding embodiments, wherein the housing further comprises at least two opposing second sidewalls, wherein the second sidewalls are respectively arranged transverse, specifically essentially perpendicular, to the first sidewalls. Embodiment 9: The battery clip according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the second sidewalls extend essentially parallel to each other.

Embodiment 10: The battery clip according to any one of the two preceding embodiments, wherein the opening is arranged transverse, specifically essentially perpendicular, respectively to the first sidewalls and to the second sidewalls.

Embodiment 11 : The battery clip according any one of the three preceding embodiments, wherein the housing is configured for being slid onto at least a portion of the circuit carrier such that the second sidewalls respectively contact at least one surface of the circuit carrier extending transverse, specifically essentially perpendicular, to the first side of the circuit carrier.

Embodiment 12: The battery clip according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein one or both of the first contact spring element and the second contact spring element protrude into the receptacle of the housing.

Embodiment 13: The battery clip according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the housing is an open housing.

Embodiment 14: The battery clip according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the battery clip has a cuboid basic shape

Embodiment 15: The battery clip according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein one or both of the first contact spring element and the second contact spring element provide at least one contact surface for contacting the battery or the circuit carrier.

Embodiment 16: The battery clip according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the contact surface of the first contact spring element and the contact surface of the second contact spring element are identical contact surfaces.

Embodiment 17: The battery clip according to any one of the two preceding embodiments, wherein the contact surface of the first contact spring element and the contact surface of the second contact spring element are arranged opposite to each other. Embodiment 18: The battery clip according to any one of the three preceding embodiments, wherein the contact surface of the first contact spring element and the contact surface of the second contact spring element are arranged offset to each other.

Embodiment 19: The battery clip according to any one of the four preceding embodiments, wherein the contact surface of the first contact spring a element nd/or the contact surface of the second contact spring element are coated surfaces.

Embodiment 20: The battery clip according to any one of the five preceding embodiments, wherein one or both of the first contact spring element and the second contact spring element comprise at least one first end and at least one opposing second end, wherein the contact surface is located at the second end.

Embodiment 21 : The battery clip according to the preceding embodiment, wherein one or both of the first contact spring element and the second contact spring element taper from the first end to the second end.

Embodiment 22: The battery clip according to any one of the two preceding embodiments, wherein the second end comprises an angled portion, specifically such that an elongated contact surface is formed.

Embodiment 23: The battery clip according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the housing, specifically one or both of the first contact spring element and the second contact spring element, are made of at least one electrically conductive material.

Embodiment 24: The battery clip according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the battery and the circuit carrier are at least partially insertable into the receptacle of the housing by sliding the housing onto an assembly of the circuit carrier and the battery.

Embodiment 25: The battery clip according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the housing further comprises at least one stopper, wherein the stopper is configured for stopping a sliding movement of the housing when the housing is slid onto the assembly of the circuit carrier and the battery.

Embodiment 26: The battery clip according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein one or both of the first contact spring element and the second contact spring element comprise at least one protrusion protruding into the receptacle of the housing, wherein the protrusion is configured for contacting the battery or the circuit carrier.

Embodiment 27: The battery clip according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the protrusion is soldered on a surface first contact spring element or the second contact spring element.

Embodiment 28: The battery clip according to any one of the two preceding embodiments, wherein the protrusion has a basic shape selected from the group consisting of: a cylindrical shape, a cone shape, a truncated cone shape.

Embodiment 29: The battery clip according to any one of the three preceding embodiments, wherein both of the first contact spring element and the second contact spring element comprise the at least one protrusion wherein the protrusions of the first contact spring element and the second contact spring element are arranged opposite to each other.

Embodiment 30: The battery clip according to any one of the four preceding embodiments, wherein both of the first contact spring element and the second contact spring element comprise the at least one protrusion, wherein the protrusions f the first contact spring element and the second contact spring element are arranged offset to each other.

Embodiment 31 : The battery clip according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the housing comprises precisely one first contact spring element and precisely one second contact spring element.

Embodiment 32: The battery clip according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the housing comprises precisely one first contact spring element and precisely two second contact spring elements.

Embodiment 33: A circuit carrier assembly, wherein the circuit carrier comprises:

• at least one battery clip according to any one of the preceding embodiments;

• at least one circuit carrier having at least one battery contact pad, wherein the circuit carrier is at least partially insertable into the receptacle of the housing of the battery clip.

Embodiment 34: The circuit carrier assembly according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the circuit carrier assembly further comprises at least one battery being retainable to the battery contact pad of the circuit carrier by the first contact spring element and by the second contact spring element, wherein the battery is at least partially insertable into the receptacle of the housing of the battery clip.

Embodiment 35: The circuit carrier assembly according to any one of the two preceding embodiments, wherein the circuit carrier comprises at least two slots being aligned essentially parallel to each other, wherein the housing of the battery clip is configured for being slid onto at least a portion of the circuit carrier formed by the at least wo slots.

Embodiment 36: The circuit carrier assembly according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the at least two slots respectively extend from an outer rim of the circuit carrier.

Embodiment 37: The circuit carrier assembly according to any one of the four preceding embodiments, wherein the circuit carrier comprises at least one protrusion, wherein the housing of the battery clip is configured for being slid onto the protrusion of the circuit carrier.

Embodiment 38: The circuit carrier assembly according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the protrusion is at least partially receivable in the receptacle of the housing.

Embodiment 39: The circuit carrier assembly according to any one of the six preceding embodiments, wherein the battery is a coin battery.

Embodiment 40: The circuit carrier assembly according to any one of the seven preceding embodiments, wherein battery is of type CR 1120.

Embodiment 41 : The circuit carrier assembly according to any one of the eight preceding embodiments, wherein the circuit carrier is a flexible printed circuit board.

Embodiment 42: The circuit carrier assembly according to any one of the nine preceding embodiments, wherein the circuit carrier is a rigid printed circuit board.

Embodiment 43: A medical device for detecting at least one analyte in a body fluid, the medical device comprising:

• at least one insertion component configured for inserting the analyte sensor into the body tissue of the user; and • at least one electronics unit, wherein the analyte sensor is operably connected to the electronics unit, wherein the electronics unit comprises the circuit carrier assembly according to any one of the preceding embodiments referring to a circuit carrier assembly.

Embodiment 44: A method for assembling a circuit carrier assembly according to any one of the preceding embodiments referring to a circuit carrier assembly, the method comprising the following steps: a) providing at least one battery; b) placing the battery on the battery contact pad of the circuit carrier; and c) inserting the circuit carrier and the battery at least partially into the receptacle of the housing of the battery clip.

Short description of the Figures

Further optional features and embodiments will be disclosed in more detail in the subsequent description of embodiments, preferably in conjunction with the dependent claims. Therein, the respective optional features may be realized in an isolated fashion as well as in any arbitrary feasible combination, as the skilled person will realize. The scope of the invention is not restricted by the preferred embodiments. The embodiments are schematically depicted in the Figures. Therein, identical reference numbers in these Figures refer to identical or functionally comparable elements.

In the Figures:

Figures 1 A and IB show different embodiments of a battery clip according to the present invention in a perspective view;

Figures 2A to 2E show different embodiments of a circuit carrier assembly according to the present invention in different exploded views (Figures 2A and 2B), different assembled views (Figures 2C and 2E) and in a cross-sectional view (Figure 2D); and

Figure 3 shows a further embodiment of a battery clip according to the present invention in a perspective view.

Detailed description of the embodiments Figures 1A and IB show different embodiments of a battery clip 110 for retaining at least one battery (not shown in Figures 1A and IB), specifically at least one coin battery, to at least one battery contact pad of a circuit carrier not shown in Figures 1 A and IB) according to the present invention in a perspective view. In Figure IB, only one part of the battery clip 110 is shown.

The battery clip 110 comprises at least one housing 112. The housing 112 comprises at least one receptacle 114 for at least partially receiving the circuit carrier and the battery. The receptacle 114 comprises at least one opening 116 through which the battery and the circuit carrier are at least partially insertable. The housing 112 comprises or is at least partially formed by at least one second contact spring element 118 and by at least one first contact spring element 166. The second contact spring element 118 and the first contact spring element 166 are configured for retaining the battery to the battery contact pad of the circuit carrier.

Specifically, the battery clip 110, specifically the housing 112 of the battery clip, may have a cuboid basic shape. The housing 112 may specifically comprise at least two opposing first sidewalls 120. The first sidewalls 120 may extend essentially parallel to each other. Further, the housing 112 may specifically comprise at least two opposing second sidewalls 122. The second sidewalls 122 may extend essentially perpendicular to the first sidewalls 120.

The at least two opposing first sidewalls 120 may respectively have or may be at least partially formed by the second contact spring element 118 and by the second contact spring element. Exemplarily, the first sidewalls 120 may respectively comprise at least one recess 126 and the second contact spring element 118 and the first contact spring element 166 may be respectively arranged within the recesses 126. One of the first sidewalls 120 and one of the second contact spring element 118 and the first contact spring element 166 may be manufactured as one single piece. More details on the contact spring elements may be provided in Figures 2A to 2E.

The opening 116 may be arranged transverse, specifically essentially perpendicular, respectively to the first sidewalls 120 and to the second sidewalls 122. The housing 112 may further comprise at least one stopper 128. The stopper 128 may be configured for stopping a sliding movement of the housing 112 when the housing 112 is slid onto the assembly of the circuit carrier and the battery. The housing 112 may have at least one first side 130 and at least one opposing second side 132. The opening 116 may be located at the first side 130 and the stopper 128 may be located at the second side 132. Specifically, the stopper 128 may protrude from one of the first sidewalls 120, specifically from at least one rim 133 of one of the first sidewalls 120. Specifically, the stopper 128 may form a third sidewall 134 of the housing 112. The third sidewall 134 may be respectively arranged transverse, specifically essentially perpendicular, to the first sidewalls 120 and to the second sidewalls 122.

The embodiment of the housing 112 as illustrated in Figure 1 A may be manufactured as one single piece. The sidewalls of the housing 112 may be manufactured as one single planar element which may be folded afterwards such that the housing 112 is formed. One of the second sidewalls 122 may be partially formed by one first end 136 of the planar element and may be partially formed by one second end 138 of the planar element. The first end 136 and the second end 138 may respectively comprise one part of a closure element 140 for connecting the first end 136 to the second end 138.

The housing 112 as illustrated in Figure IB may comprise at least one first housing part 141 having one of the first sidewalls 120 and one of the second contact spring element 118 and the second contact spring element. The housing 112 may further comprise at least one second housing part 142 having another one of the first sidewalls 120 and another one of the second contact spring element 118 and the first contact spring element. The first housing 112 part may be mounted or mountable on the second housing part 142 or vice versa. The second sidewall 122 may have snap hooks 144 for engaging with recesses 146 in the first sidewall 120 of the first housing part 141.

Figures 2 A to 2E show different embodiments of a circuit carrier assembly 148 according to the present invention in different exploded views (Figures 2A and 2B), different assembled views (Figures 2C and 2E) and in a cross-sectional view (Figure 2D).

In Figure 2A, a top view of the components of the circuit carrier assembly 148 is illustrated and in Figure 2B a perspective view of the components of the circuit carrier assembly 148 is illustrated.

The circuit carrier assembly 148 comprises the battery clip 110. The battery clip 110 corresponds to the battery clip 110 as illustrated in Figure 1 A. Thus, reference to the description above with regard to Figure 1 A is made.

Further, the circuit carrier assembly 148 comprises at least one circuit carrier 150 having at least one battery contact pad 152. The circuit carrier 150 is at least partially insertable into the receptacle 114 of the housing 112 of the battery clip 110. Specifically, the circuit carrier 150 may be or may comprise a printed circuit board 154. In Figures 2A to 2E, the circuit carrier 150 is illustrated schematically. Thus, details of the circuit carrier 150 are not depicted.

The circuit carrier 150 may comprise at least two slots 156 being aligned essentially parallel to each other. The slots 156 may respectively be or may comprise a recess or a cut-out within the circuit carrier 150. The slots 156 may respectively extend from a pcb outline 158 or an edge of the circuit carrier 150, specifically towards an interior of the circuit carrier 150. The slots 156 may respectively be straight slots 160. A thickness t_s of the slots 156 may essentially correspond to a thickness t of the second sidewalls 122 of the housing 112 (see Figure 1A). Specifically, the thickness t_s of the slots 156 may be essentially equivalent or larger than the thickness t of the second sidewalls 122 of the housing 112. Further, the slots 156 may have a length l_s which is essentially equivalent or smaller than a length I of the first sidewalls 120 of the housing 112 (see Figure 1A). The housing 112 of the battery clip 110 may be configured for being slid onto at least a portion of the circuit carrier 150 formed by the at least two slots 156. The slots 156 may be configured for at least partially receiving the second sidewalls 122 of the housingl 12. A distance d between the slots 156 may be smaller than or essentially equivalent to a width w of the housing 112. The distance d of the two slots 156 may correspond to a distance d_s of the second sidewalls 122 of the housing 112 of the battery clip 110.

Optionally, the circuit carrier assembly 148 may comprise at least one battery 162 being retainable to the battery contact pad 152 of the circuit carrier 150 by the second contact spring element 118 and by the first contact spring element 166. The battery 162 may be at least partially insertable into the receptacle 114 of the housing 112 of the battery clip 110. The battery 162 may specifically be a coin battery 164.

Figures 2C and 2D show the circuit carrier assembly 148 in an assembled embodiment. Thereby, a perspective view is depicted in Figure 2C and a cross-sectional view (section A- A, see Figure 2C) is depicted in Figure 2D.

The housing 112 comprises or is at least partially formed by the at least one first contact spring element 166 and by the at least one second contact spring element 118. The first contact spring element 166 and the second contact spring element 118 are configured for retaining the battery 162 to the battery contact pad 152 of the circuit carrier 150. The first contact spring element 166 is configured for contacting the battery 162 being arranged on a first side 168 of the circuit carrier 150 being inserted into the receptacle 114 and the second contact spring element 118 is configured for contacting a second side 170 of the circuit carrier 150 being inserted into the receptacle 114, the second side 170 opposing the first side 168. The first side 168 may also be referred to as battery facing side 172. The first side 168 may be referred to as front side 174 and the second side 170 may be referred to as opposing rear side 176. The first side 168 and the second side 170 may extend essentially parallel to each other. The first contact spring element 166 and the second contact spring element 118 may respectively be configured for providing force onto the battery 162, specifically from two contrary directions.

One or both of the first contact spring element 166 and the second contact spring element 118, preferably both of the first contact spring element 166 and the second contact spring element 118, may provide at least one contact surface 178 for contacting the battery 162 or the circuit carrier 150, Specifically, the housing 112, specifically one or both of the first contact spring element 166 and the second contact spring element 118, may be made of at least one electrically conductive material.

In Figure 2E, a more detailed view on the first contact spring element 166 is shown.

Specifically, one or both of the first contact spring element 166 and the second contact spring element 118 may comprise at least one first end 180 and at least one opposing second end 182. The contact surface 178 may be located at the second end 182. The first contact spring element 166 may taper from the first end 180 to the second end 182. The second end 180 of the first contact spring element 166 may protrude into the interior space of the housing 122 (also see Figure 2D). The first end 180 of the first contact spring element 166 may protrude from a rim 184 of the recess 126 of the first sidewall 120. The first contact spring element 166 may form part of the first sidewalls 120

In Figure 2E two enlarged views of two different embodiments of the contact surface 178 is shown.

The left enlarged view shows that the contact surface 178 is formed by a protrusion 186, specifically by an embossed contact point 187, of the first contact spring element 166 protruding into the receptacle 114 of the housing 112. The embossed contact point 186 may be configured for contacting the battery 162 or the circuit carrier 150. The embossed contact point 186 may specifically have a basic shape selected from the group consisting of a cylindrical shape, a cone shape, a truncated cone shape. However, also other kind of shapes may be possible.

The right enlarged view shows an elongated contact surface 188, specifically a line contact point 189, of the first contact spring element 166. Specifically, the first contact spring element 166 may comprise a first portion 190 and a neighboring second portion 192. The second portion 192 may form the second end 182 of the first contact spring element 166 and the first portion 190 may be located between the second end 182 and the first end 180 of the first contact spring element 166. The first portion and the second portion may be arranged at an angle a to each other, such as at an angle of 90° to 160° (also see Figure 2D).

The second contact spring element 118 may be embodied identical to the first contact spring element 166.

Figure 3 shows a further embodiment of the battery clip 110 according to the present invention in a perspective view.

The battery clip 110 corresponds at least partially to the battery clip 110 according to Figure 1 A. Thus, reference is made to the description of Figure 1 A above.

Whereas the battery clip 110 according to Figure 1A comprises precisely one first contact spring element 166 and precisely one second contact spring element 118, the battery clip 110 according to Figure 3 comprises precisely one first contact spring element 166 and precisely two second contact spring elements 118. The first sidewall 120 having the first contact spring element 166 of the battery clip 110 according to Figure 3 may be embodied similar to the first sidewall 120 having the first contact spring element 166 of the battery clip 110 according to Figure 1 A. Thus, reference is made to the description above.

The first ends 180 of the second contact spring elements 118 may respectively protrude from rims 194 of the second sidewalls 122. Specifically, the second contact spring elements 118 may extend essentially perpendicular to the second sidewalls 122. Both of the second contact spring elements 118 may form part of one of the first sidewalls 120. The second contact spring elements 118 may respectively be arranged transverse to the first contact spring element 166. List of reference numbers battery clip housing receptacle opening second contact spring element first sidewall second sidewall recess stopper first side second side rim third sidewall first end second end closure element first housing part second housing part snap hook recess circuit carrier assembly circuit carrier battery contact pad printed circuit board slot pcb outline straight slot battery coin battery first contact spring element first side second side battery facing side front side rear side contact surface first end second end rim protrusion embossed contact point elongated contact surface line contact point first portion second portion rim

Claims

1. A battery clip (110) for retaining at least one battery (162) to at least one battery contact pad (152) of a circuit carrier (150), wherein the battery clip (110) comprises at least one housing (112), wherein the housing (112) comprises at least one receptacle (114) for at least partially receiving the circuit carrier (150) and the battery (162), wherein the receptacle (114) comprises at least one opening (116) through which the battery (162) and the circuit carrier (150) are at least partially insertable, wherein the housing (112) comprises or is at least partially formed by at least one first contact spring element (166) and by at least one second contact spring element (118), the first contact spring element (166) and the second contact spring element (118) being configured for retaining the battery (162) to the battery contact pad (152) of the circuit carrier (150), wherein the first contact spring element (166) is configured for contacting the battery (162) being arranged on a first side (168) of the circuit carrier (150) being inserted into the receptacle (114), wherein the second contact spring element (118) is configured for contacting a second side (170) of the circuit carrier (150) being inserted into the receptacle (114), the second side (170) opposing the first side (168).

2. The battery clip (110) according to the preceding claim, wherein the housing (112) comprises at least two opposing first sidewalls (120) respectively having or being at least partially formed by the first contact spring element (166) and by the second contact spring element (118).

3. The battery clip (110) according to the preceding claim, wherein the housing (112) further comprises at least two opposing second sidewalls (122), wherein the second sidewalls (122) are respectively arranged transverse to the first sidewalls (120), wherein the housing (112) is configured for being slid onto at least a portion of the circuit carrier (150) such that the second sidewalls (122) respectively contact at least one surface of the circuit carrier (150) extending transverse to the first side (168) of the circuit carrier (150).

4. The battery clip (110) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein one or both of the first contact spring element (166) and the second contact spring element (118) protrude into the receptacle (114) of the housing (112).

5. The battery clip (110) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein one or both of the first contact spring element (166) and the second contact spring element (118) provide at least one contact surface (178) for contacting the battery (162) or the circuit carrier (150).

6. The battery clip (110) according to the preceding claim, wherein the contact surface (178) of the first contact spring element (166) and the contact surface (178) of the second contact spring element (118) are arranged opposite to each other.

7. The battery clip (110) according to any one of the two preceding claims, wherein one or both of the first contact spring element (166) and the second contact spring element (118) comprise at least one first end (180) and at least one opposing second end (182), wherein the contact surface (178) is located at the second end (182), wherein the second end (182) comprises an angled portion such that an elongated contact surface (188) is formed.

8. The battery clip (110) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the battery (162) and the circuit carrier (150) are at least partially insertable into the receptacle (114) of the housing (112) by sliding the housing (112) onto an assembly of the circuit carrier (150) and the battery (162), wherein the housing (112) further comprises at least one stopper (128), wherein the stopper (128) is configured for stopping a sliding movement of the housing (112) when the housing (112) is slid onto the assembly of the circuit carrier (150) and the battery (162).

9. The battery clip (110) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein one or both of the first contact spring element (166) and the second contact spring element (118) comprise at least one protrusion (186) protruding into the receptacle (114) of the housing (112), wherein the protrusion (186) is configured for contacting the battery (162) or the circuit carrier (150).

10. A circuit carrier assembly (148), wherein the circuit carrier assembly (148)com- prises:

• at least one battery clip (110) according to any one of the preceding claims;

• at least one circuit carrier (150) having at least one battery contact pad (152), wherein the circuit carrier (150) is at least partially insertable into the receptacle (114) of the housing (112) of the battery clip (110).

11. The circuit carrier assembly according to the preceding claim, wherein the circuit carrier (150) comprises at least two slots (156) being aligned essentially parallel to each other, wherein the housing (112) of the battery clip (110) is configured for being slid onto at least a portion of the circuit carrier (150) formed by the at least two slots (156).

12. The circuit carrier assembly according to any one of the two preceding claims, wherein the circuit carrier (150) comprises at least one protrusion, wherein the housing (112) of the battery clip (110) is configured for being slid onto the protrusion of the circuit carrier (150).

13. The circuit carrier assembly according to any one of the three preceding claims, wherein the circuit carrier (150) is a flexible circuit carrier or a rigid circuit carrier.

14. A medical device for detecting at least one analyte in a body fluid, the medical device comprising:

• at least one electronics unit, wherein the analyte sensor is operably connected to the electronics unit, wherein the electronics unit comprises the circuit carrier assembly (148) according to any one of the preceding claims referring to a circuit carrier assembly (148).

15. A method for assembling a circuit carrier assembly (148)according to any one of the preceding claims referring to a circuit carrier assembly (148), the method comprising the following steps: a) providing as least one battery (162); b) placing the battery (162) on the battery contact pad (152) of the circuit carrier (150); and c) inserting the circuit carrier (150) and the battery (162) at least partially into the receptacle (114) of the housing (112) of the battery clip (110).