GB2401727A

GB2401727A - Electronic device with battery slot

Info

Publication number: GB2401727A
Application number: GB0311346A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Christophe Jean Bataillard
Original assignee: INQUAM
Current assignee: INQUAM
Priority date: 2003-05-16
Filing date: 2003-05-16
Publication date: 2004-11-17
Also published as: GB0311346D0; WO2004102935A1

Abstract

A battery powered electronic device 1, e.g. a communications device, has a slot 40 for insertion of a battery 30. The battery may be completely enclosed within the housing 7, and the device may include a support 20 for supporting the battery. The support 20 may be detachably attached to the battery 30, and may close off the opening to the slot when the battery is inserted.

Description

240 1 727

BATTERY CONNECTION

The present invention relates to batteries, in particular for electronic devices. Aspects of the invention relate to the connection of a battery to a wireless communications device.

The term 'communications device' preferably refers to any device used for the purpose of voice or data communication, or other kinds of communication. The term preferably refers to devices which provide communication functions for communicating over a communications network. The term 'wireless communications device' preferably refers to devices providing means for communicating over a wireless communications network.

Examples of such communication devices include mobile or handheld devices, such as wireless or mobile telephones, wireless modems, personal digital assistants (PDAs) or other devices, for example, devices comprising a combination of features of a mobile telephone and a PDA.

Batteries, including rechargeable and non-rechargeable batteries, are widely used to power electronic devices. The limited capacity of batteries is a common source of frustration for users of battery-operated devices. This frustration is particularly acute for users of mobile telephones or other mobile communication devices, since a typical mobile telephone may need to be recharged on a daily basis, or even more frequently, if it is used to make many calls of long duration. Mobile telephone users may therefore be subjected to the inconvenience of having to carry a battery charger if they are to ensure that their telephone is always charged and available for use. One solution to this problem is for the user to carry a spare battery which can be connected when the main battery has discharged. However, the current methods by which batteries are connected to mobile telephones present many problems to users.

A common means of connecting a battery to a mobile telephone is to use an externally mounted battery that is attached to a surface of the telephone by one or more releasable fixtures. This form of battery connection allows batteries to be replaced quickly and easily, but at the expense of robustness. The mechanical fixtures that secure the battery to the telephone can be easily and irreparably damaged, for example if the mobile telephone is dropped. The electrical contacts can be prone to unreliability, particularly if the mechanical fixtures permit even a small amount of relative movement of the battery with respect to the telephone.

Another common means of connecting a battery to a mobile telephone is to locate the - 2 battery within the main housing of the telephone. Although this form of battery connection generally provides superior robustness and reliability, the telephone must be partially disassembled during battery replacement which is both time-consuming and inconvenient.

The present invention seeks to overcome or mitigate one or more of these problems.

In accordance with a first aspect of the invention there is provided a battery-powered communication device comprising a housing, the device comprising a slot for the lO insertion of a battery, the housing including an opening in communication with the slot for insertion of the battery through the opening into the slot.

By arranging for the device to include a slot for the battery, it is possible to insert the battery into the device without dismantling the device.

Preferably the device is arranged such that an inserted battery is substantially completely enclosed within the housing.

This can give a neat appearance to the device. Preferably the inserted battery is substantially completely enclosed in the slot. In other arrangements, however, the battery could be only partially located in the slot, for example as discussed further below.

Preferably the area of the opening in the housing substantially corresponds to the least sectional area of the battery.

Preferably the area of the opening in the housing generally corresponds to the area of the smallest surface of the battery. Thus, preferably, the opening in the housing is as small as possible while still allowing insertion of the battery, thus leading to a neat appearance of the device and maximising availability of the surface of the housing for other purposes.

Preferably the length of the slot corresponds generally to the longest dimension of battery. In some cases, however, the slot may be shorter than the length of the battery.

Preferably the device further includes a support for the battery. - 3

ln preferred arrangements, the support includes a cradle for supporting the battery.

Such a support can facilitate the insertion of the battery into the slot in the device.

This feature is of particular importance and is provided independently. Thus, a further aspect of the invention provides a battery-powered electronic device comprising a housing, the device comprising a slot for the insertion of a battery, the housing including an opening in communication with the slot for insertion of the battery through the opening into the slot, the device I'urther including a support for supporting the battery.

A broad aspect of the invention provides a battery-powered electronic device comprising a housing and a support for supporting the battery wherein the support is connectable to the housing.

Preferably at least part of the support is adapted to be inserted into the slot in the device.

The support may extend along the length of the battery to be inserted into the slot, for example providing a cradle containing the battery which is inserted into the slot. In this way, the support can assist in the insertion of the battery into the correct position in the slot. In other arrangements, the support can, for example, simply support the base of the battery as it is inserted into the slot, for example such that the user does not need to touch the battery itself on insertion or removal.

Where comments are made herein regarding the insertion of a battery into the device, it will be understood that, where the arrangement is such that the battery is removable, similar considerations will often apply to the removal of the battery from the device.

Preferably the support is such that the battery can be detachably attached to the support.

While in some cases the battery may be integral with the support, in some arrangements it will be preferable for the battery to be removably attachable to the support. In this way it would be possible for a battery in the device to be replaced by a spare battery. For example, a user may carry a spare charged battery with him for the event where the main battery loses power. By arranging for the battery to be removable from the support, the replacement battery arrangement carried by the user can be smaller. Also, by using a support which can releasably hold a battery, it can be possible for different types of battery to be used in the support. In some existing arrangements, it is necessary for a particular type or make of battery to be used in a device, in particular for a mobile telephone. By having a support, different types or makes of battery might be used.

Preferably the device includes means for releasably retaining the support in the device.

Preferably the support is releasably connectable to the housing.

In this way, a more secure arrangement can be achieved. Any suitable mechanism may be used to connect the support in the device.

Preferably the device includes a pair of cooperating formations on the support and the housing to retain the support in the housing.

For example, a spigot and corresponding detent may be provided on the support and housing respectively, or vice versa. The spigot may be integral with the support or the spigot may be mounted on a button which is attached to the support. In the case in which the spigot is mounted on a button, the button may be rotatably attached to the support and a biasing mechanism, for example a spring, may be provided to encourage the spigot to engage with a detent on the housing.

In some arrangements a cover may be provided over the opening in the housing, which can serve to protect the battery when installed in the device.

Preferably the support is adapted to close the opening in the housing.

In preferred arrangements, the support forms a part of the housing of the device. The cover over the battery opening in the housing can then be provided by the support.

In preferred arrangements, an external surface of the support is matched or faired in to other external surfaces of the device, giving a better appearance to the product.

Preferably the support includes features to facilitate manipulation of the battery support.

For example, the support may include ridges or dimples to aid gripping of the support - 5 by the user.

Preferably the support is shaped such that the battery may only be inserted into the support in a preferred orientation. s

Preferably the support includes a mating formation for cooperation with a corresponding mating formation on the battery.

Thus the correct insertion of the battery in the device can be facilitated. Furthermore, the risk of damage to the device and/or the battery that may be caused by inserting the battery in an incorrect orientation is reduced.

Preferably the device further includes a contact for establishing electrical contact with a contact of the battery, wherein the arrangement is such that, when the battery is IS inserted into the slot, the contacts are urged together.

Thus better electrical contact between the battery and the device can be obtained.

The battery support may exert a force on the battery in order to urge the battery against the electrical contact of the device. This can help to reduce motion of the battery against the contact and thus promote better electrical contact between the battery and the device.

Preferably the contact of the device is biassed to the contact position.

This biassing may be provided, for example by a spring or other resilient member which acts to urge the contact towards the battery, when installed.

Preferably the arrangement is such that the biassing force acts substantially perpendicular to planes of abutting surfaces of the contacts on the battery and the device.

Preferably the biassing force acts substantially along a direction along the length of the slot. Thus the act of pushing the battery into the slot leads to establishment of electrical contact between the battery and the device.

Preferably the device is a mobile telephone. - 6

Preferably the device comprises a keypad and/or a display, wherein the arrangement is such that the battery is insertable into the slot generally in a direction parallel to plane of the keypad and/or display.

Where the device includes a keypad and a display, preferably the opening in the housing is arranged near to the keypad and remote from the display. For example, for a mobile telephone, preferably the battery is loaded from the bottom of the telephone, which may be more convenient than other arrangements.

A further aspect of the invention provides a battery support for a device as herein described.

A further aspect of the invention provides a battery support for insertion into a battery-powered telecommunications device, the support being adapted to hold the battery, and further comprising a formation for use in connecting the support to the device.

Preferably the support is shaped such that the battery may only be inserted into the support in a preferred orientation.

Preferably the support includes a supporting member extending perpendicular to the surface of least sectional area of the battery.

The cage formed by the supporting members may constrain the motion of the battery within the slot, helping to promote better electrical contacts by reducing movement of the battery relative to the electrical contacts of the device.

Preferably the support includes a means of reducing vibration of the battery within the support.

A broad aspect of the invention provides a mobile telephone comprising a casing having a slot formed therein for receiving a battery for the telephone, means (such as - 7 a support) for holding the battery, and means for releasably securing the holding means to the casing when a battery held thereby is inserted into the slot.

Preferably, the battery is releasably held in the means for holding the battery.

Alternatively, the battery may be integrally formed with the holding means.

A further aspect of the invention provides a method of inserting a battery into a battery-powered electronic device comprising a housing, the device comprising a slot for the insertion of a battery, the housing including an opening in communication with lO the slot, the method comprising the steps of inserting the battery in a battery support, and inserting the battery in the support into the slot through the opening in the housing.

A further aspect of the invention provides a battery-powered device being substantially as herein described having reference to and/or as illustrated in any one or more of the accompanying figures.

A further aspect of the invention provides a battery support being substantially as herein described having reference to and/or as illustrated in any one or more of the accompanying figures.

A further aspect of the invention provides a method of inserting or removing a battery from a battery-powered device, the method being substantially as herein described having reference to any one or more of the accompanying figures.

A further aspect of the invention provides a method being substantially as herein described having reference to any of the accompanying drawings.

A further aspect of the invention provides any feature or component being substantially as herein described with reference to and as illustrated in any of the accompanying drawings.

Any feature in one aspect of the invention may be applied to other aspects of the invention, in any appropriate combination. In particular, method aspects may be applied to apparatus aspects, and vice versa.

Preferred features of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1A is a front elevation of a mobile telephone; Figure:I B is a left side elevation of the mobile telephone shown in Figure 1A; Figure IC is a right side elevation of the mobile telephone shown in Figure 1A; Figure ID is a rear elevation of the mobile telephone shown in Figure 1A; Figure 2A is a rear elevation of a battery; Figure 2B is a right side elevation of the battery shown in Figure 2A; Figure 2C is a bottom elevation of the battery shown in Figure 2A; Figure 2D is a front elevation of the battery shown in Figure 2A; Figure 2E is a left side elevation of the battery shown in Figure 2A; Figure 2F is a top elevation of the battery shown in Figure 2A; Figure 3A is a top elevation of a battery support; Figure 3B is a front elevation of the battery support shown in Figure 3A; Figure 3C is a front elevation of the battery support shown in Figure 3A and a battery; Figure 3D is a rear elevation of the battery support shown in Figure 3A and a battery; Figure 4A is a rear cross-sectional view through the mobile telephone shown in Figure 1A; Figure 4B is a rear cross-sectional view through the mobile telephone shown in Figure 1A and a battery support; Figure 4C is a bottom view of a mobile telephone with the battery support removed; Figure 4D is a partial left side view of a mobile telephone with the battery support removed; Figure SA is a partial rear elevation of a telephone comprising an alternative battery support; Figure 5B is a partial rear perspective view of the telephone shown in Figure SA; Figure 5C is a partial left side elevation of the telephone shown in Figure 5A; Figure 5D is a partial rear perspective view of the telephone shown in Figure 5A with the battery support detached; Figure 6A is a rear elevation of a battery comprising mating formations; Figure 6B is a right side elevation of the battery shown in Figure 6A; Figure 6C is a bottom elevation of the battery shown in Figure 6A; Figure 6D is a front elevation of the battery shown in Figure 6A; Figure 6E is a left side elevation of the battery shown in Figure 6A; Figure 6F is a top elevation of the battery shown in Figure 6A; Figure 7A is a top elevation of a battery support adapted for use with the battery shown in Figures 6A to 6F; Figure 7B is a rear elevation of the battery support shown in Figure 7A and the battery shown in Figures 6A to 6F; and Figure 7C is a right side elevation of the battery support shown in Figure 7A and the battery shown in Figures 6A to 6F.

A mobile telephone is described with reference to Figures 1A to ID, which respectively show front, left side, right side and rear elevations of a mobile telephone.

The mobile telephone 1 has a bottom surface and a top surface. For convenience, "downwards" used in the following description refers to the direction generally towards the bottom surface 5 and "upwards" refers to the direction generally towards the top surface 7. It will, of course, be understood, however, that the telephone can be in any orientation when removing or replacing the battery. The mobile telephone 1 comprises a front housing 2, a rear housing 4 and a battery support 20, which together define the exterior profile of the mobile telephone I when the battery support 20 is located at the bottom rear of the telephone 1. The front housing 2 and rear housing 4 are rigidly connected to each other by screw or clasp fittings.

The front housing 2 comprises a display 6 and a keypad 8, in which the keypad 8 comprises several buttons 10. The keypad 8 allows data, particularly alphanumeric characters, to be manually entered into the telephone. The display 6 provides visual information to a user of the telephone and comprises, for example, an array of liquid crystal or lightemitting diode elements.

The mobile telephone I comprises several electronic components (not shown) located within the internal volume defined by the front housing 2, rear housing 4 and battery support 20, including, for example: an antenna; a modulator; a demodulator; a radio frequency (RF) amplifier; a central processing unit, such as a microprocessor or microcontroller, programmed with appropriate software; memory; and a power source, such as a battery. These electronic components cooperate to allow the mobile telephone to transmit and receive data (including data representing voice communications) with a telecommunications network as is known. Communication between the mobile telephone 1 and the telecommunications network may be achieved, for example, by Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM), General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), CDMA2000, or any other suitable communication system.

The battery support 20 is affixed to the front and rear housings 2, 4 by a semi- permanent fixture, for example a cooperating spigot and detent as denoted in Figure - 10 4B by the reference numerals 24 and 44 respectively, that allows the battery support to be conveniently detached and reattached. Detachment of the battery support 20 is achieved by releasing the fixture and then pulling the battery support in a downwards direction away from the front and rear housings 2, 4. The battery support 20 is reattached by aligning the battery support with the aperture defined by the bottom edges of the front and rear housings 2, 4 and pushing the battery support in an upwards direction towards the front and rear housings until the fixture engages.

Manipulation of the battery support 20 is facilitated by several projecting ridges 22a to 22f located on the left and right surfaces of the battery support. In another example, l0 depressions on the exterior surfaces of the battery support 20 may be provided to assist manipulation.

Figures 2A to 2F respectively show rear, right, bottom, front, left and top elevations of an example of a battery for a mobile telephone. The battery 30 is approximately shaped like a rectangular prism. The top surface of the battery 30 comprises three flat coplanar rectangular contacts 32a, 32b, 32c. Each contact 32 comprises electrically conducting material, such as gold. The battery provides a bipolar DC voltage supply, in which contact 32a is a positive supply terminal, contact 32b is a ground supply terminal and contact 32c is a negative supply terminal. The battery 30 may be a rechargeable battery comprising Nickel Cadmium (NiCd), Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH), Lithium Ion (LION) or any other suitable rechargeable battery technology, or the battery 30 may be a disposable battery comprising zinc carbon, alkaline, lithium or any other suitable disposable battery technology. The battery 30 may, for example, be a rechargeable battery manufactured by Panasonic (for example, product number CGA-7/104) or Sanyo (for example, product number lUF653450R-1402).

The contacts 32 may be recessed into the top surface of the battery 30 to reduce the risk of accidental connection.

An example of a battery support will now be described in detail with reference to Figures 3A to 3D. Figures 3A and 3B respectively show top and front views of the battery support in the absence of a battery, while Figures 3C and 3D respectively show front and rear views of the battery support with a battery attached. The battery support 20 comprises a battery seat 26 and two spigots 24a, 24b. The battery seat 26 is an open box-like structure of rectangular cross-section that extends into the battery support 20 in a downwards direction. The cross-sectional area of the battery seat 26 is slightly larger than that of the battery 30, such that the battery may be partially inserted into the battery seat and held therein by friction between the exterior surface of the battery and the interior surface of the battery seat. A rubber pad 60 is optionally adhered to an internal surface of the battery seat 26 to reduce vibration of the battery 30.

The spigots 24a and 24b are respectively located on the right and left sides of the battery support 20 and each comprises an upwardly extending arm 25 that is terminated by an outwardly extending finger 23. Each spigot 24a, 24b is integrally formed with a button 66a, 66b respectively. Each button 66a, 66b is rotatably mounted upon a pivot 64a, 64b respectively. Springs 62, positioned between an external surface 67 of the battery seat 26 and a button 66, bias each button in an lO outwards direction, away from the battery seat 26. The biasing provided by the springs 62 encourages the spigots 24 to engage with corresponding detents (denoted by the reference numeral 44 in Figures 4A and 4B) on the telephone 1. Each spigot 24a, 24b can be caused to move in an inwards direction, towards the battery 30, by the application of an inwards force to the buttons 66a, 66b respectively. The spigots 24 return to their original positions upon removal of this inwards force, due to the biassing force provided by the springs 62. The buttons 66a, 66b comprise projecting ridges 22a to 22f, which assist the user in depressing the buttons and manipulating the battery support 20.

In another example, shown in Figures 7A to 7C and described in more detail below, the spigots are integrally formed with the battery support.

The arrangement by which the mobile telephone 1 accommodates the battery support and battery 30 will now be described with reference to Figures 4A and 4B. Figures 4A and 4B show rear views of a cross-section through the mobile telephone 1, in which internal components that do not pertain to the accommodation of the battery have been omitted for the sake of clarity. Figure 4A shows the mobile telephone I in the absence of the battery support 20 and battery 30, while Figure 4B shows the mobile telephone 1 with the battery support 20 and battery 30 attached.

The mobile telephone 1 comprises a slot 40, three contacts 42a, 42b, 42c and two detents 44a, 44b. The slot 40 extends upwards into the telephone and has an approximately rectangular cross-section. The dimensions of the slot 40 are such that the internal volume defined by the battery seat 26 and the slot 40 is sufficient to enclose the battery 30 when the battery support 20 is located in position in the front and rear housings 2, 4.

The contacts 42 extend from the top surface of the slot 40 in a downwards direction - 12 and comprise an electrically conducting material, such as gold. Contact 42a is a positive terminal, contact 42b is a ground terminal and contact 42c is a negative terminal, and these contacts 42 are electrically connected to the electrical components of the telephone I in an appropriate manner. The positions of the contacts 42a, 42b, S 42c of the telephone 1 correspond to the positions of the contacts 32a, 32b, 32c of the battery 30 respectively, such that the two respective sets of contacts 42,32 abut when the battery is inserted into the telephone. In an example, the contacts 42 are able to accommodate motion in the vertical direction and a biassing mechanism, such as a spring, is provided to urge the contacts 42 of the telephone 1 against the corresponding contacts 32 on the battery 30.

The right and left surfaces of the slot 40 respectively comprise a detent 44a, 44b. The shapes and locations of the detents 44a, 44b correspond to the shapes and locations of the respective spigot 24a, 24b, such that the spigots engage with the detents when the battery support 20 abuts the front and rear housings 2,4. When the detents 44 and spigots 24 are engaged, their shapes also minimise motion of the battery support 20 when a force is applied to the battery support in the downwards direction.

To load a battery 30 into the telephone 1, the following steps are performed: Step 1: The battery support 20 is removed by the simultaneous application of inwards and downwards forces to the buttons 66. The inwards forces cause inwards motion of the spigots 24 and hence cause the spigots to disengage from the detents 44; the downwards force causes motion of the battery support 20 away from the front housing 2 and rear housing 4.

Step 2: The battery 30 is first oriented with respect to the telephone 1 and battery support 20, such that the position of each contact 32 of the battery 30 is such that it will make contact with the appropriate contact 42 of the telephone when inserted into the telephone. Without changing its orientation relative to the telephone 1, the battery 30 is then pushed into the battery seat 26.

Step 3: The top surface of the battery 30 is inserted into the slot 40 and the battery support is pushed towards the slot until the spigots 24 engage with the detents 44 and the two sets of contacts 32, 42 abut. - 13

Similarly, the battery 30 can be removed by repeating Step 1 and then pulling the battery out of the battery seat 26.

Figures 4C and 4D respectively show bottom and left side views of an example of a mobile telephone I with the battery support removed. In this example, the front surface of the slot 40 comprises a plurality of rails 69, which extend along the length of the slot and taper towards the bottom of the telephone 1. The tapering ends of the rails 69 assist the user to slide a battery into the slot and towards the contacts 42. In this example, the bottom surface of the rear housing 4 comprises a curved lip 68. The lip 68 is adapted to fit inside the battery support 20 when the battery support abuts the rear housing 4, in order to improve the security of the attachment of the battery support to the mobile telephone 1.

An alternative example of a battery support will now be described with reference to Figures 5A to 5D, which show a rear view, a rear perspective view, an exploded rear perspective view and a left side view of a mobiletelephone 101. As with the previous example, the telephone 101 comprises a front housing 102, a rear housing 104, a battery support 120 and a battery 130. Two arms 156a, 156b extend vertically from the right and left edges of the battery support 120 and a trunk 160 extends vertically from the centre edge of the battery support. The arms 156 and trunk 160 are joined by a horizontal brace 158, in order to form a cage with internal dimensions similar to the external dimensions of a battery 130. The cage formed by the members 156a, 156b and 160 and a depression of rectangular cross-section in the base of the battery support (not shown in Figures 5A to 5D, but similar to the battery seat 26 in Figure 3A) cooperate to releasably secure a battery 130 in the battery support 120.

The lower part of the rear housing 104 of the mobile telephone 101 comprises an elliptical hole 154. The trunk 160 comprises a resilient elliptical spigot 150, the location of which is such that the spigot 150 engages with the hole 154 when the battery support abuts the rear housing 104. The battery support 120 can be detached from the telephone 101 by applying a force to the spigot 150 (directed towards the battery 130) in order to disengage the spigot 150 from the hole 154, whilst simultaneously pulling the battery support 120 in a vertical direction away from the rear housing 104. The battery support 120 can be reattached by pushing it in a vertical direction towards the rear housing 104. The battery support 120 also comprises three raised surface features of hemispherical shape 152a, 152b, 152b, which assist with manipulation of the battery support. - ]4

Figures 6A to 6F respectively show rear, right, bottom, front, left and top elevations of a further example of a battery for a mobile telephone. The battery 230 is approximately shaped like a rectangular prism. The top surface of the battery 230 comprises three flat coplanar rectangular electrically conducting contacts 232a, 232b, 232c, which are respectively the positive, ground and negative supply terminals. The two bottom rear corners each comprise a female mating formation 234a, 234b. The female mating formations 234a, 234b collectively define a preferred orientation of the battery 230 in order to assist with inserting the battery into the mobile telephone 1 in the correct manner. In a particular example, the female mating formations 234 have an approximately cubic shape.

A battery support for use with this battery 230 will now be described with reference to Figures 7A to 7C. The battery support 220 comprises a battery seat 226, two male mating formations 228a, 228b and two spigots 224a, 224b. The battery seat 226 is a depression of rectangular cross- section that extends into the battery support 220 in a downwards direction. The male mating formations 228a and 228b respectively extend into the right and left bottom corners of the battery seat 226. The shapes of the male mating formations 228 correspond to the shapes of the female mating formations 234 located on the battery 230. The male mating formations 228 engage with the female mating formations 234 when a battery 230 is inserted into the battery seat 226 in the preferred orientation, as illustrated in Figures 7B and 7C. Thus, the mating formations 228, 234 cooperate to assist a user with orienting the battery 230, such that each electrical contact 232 of the battery is connected to the appropriate electrical contact 42 of the telephone I when the battery is inserted.

The spigots 224a and 224b are integrally formed with the right and left sides of the battery support 220 respectively. Each spigot 224 comprises an upwardly extending arm 225 that is terminated by an outwardly extending finger 223. The battery support 220 comprises plastics material, such that the structure and constituent material of the spigots 224 allows the spigots to exhibit resilient behaviour. Each spigot 224a, 224b can be caused to move in an inwards direction, towards the battery 230, by applying an inwards force to the right and left surfaces of the battery support 220 respectively.

The spigots 224 return to their original positions upon removal of this force.

It will be understood that the present invention has been described above purely by way of example, and modifications of detail can be made within the scope of the invention. -

Each feature disclosed in the description, and (where appropriate) the claims and drawings may be provided independently or in any appropriate combination.

Reference numerals appearing in the claims are by way of illustration only and shall have no limiting effect on the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A battery-powered communication device comprising a housing, the device comprising a slot for the insertion of a battery, the housing including an opening in communication with the slot for insertion of the battery through the opening into the slot.

2. A device according to claim l wherein the device is arranged such that an inserted battery is substantially completely enclosed within the housing.

3. A device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the area of the opening in the housing substantially corresponds to the least sectional area of the battery.

4. A device according to any preceding claim, further including a support for the 1 5 battery.

5. A battery-powered electronic device comprising a housing, the device comprising a slot for the insertion of a battery, the housing including an opening in communication with the slot for insertion of the battery through the opening into the slot, the device further including a support for supporting the battery.

6. A device according to claim 4 or claim 5, wherein at least part of the support is adapted to be inserted into the slot in the device.

7. A device according to any of claims 4 to 6, wherein the support is such that the battery can be detachably attached to the support.

8. A device according to any of claims 4 to 7, including means for releasably retaining the support in the device.

9. A device according to claim 8, wherein the support is releasably connectable to the housing.

1O. A device according to claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the device includes a pair of cooperating formations on the support and the housing to retain the support in the housing. - 17

I 1. A device according to any of claims 4 to l O, wherein the support is adapted to close the opening in the housing.

12. A device according to any of claims 4 to 11, wherein the support includes features to facilitate manipulation of the battery support.

13. A device according to any of claims 4 to 12, wherein the support is shaped such that the battery may only be inserted into the support in a preferred orientation.

14. A device according to claim 13, wherein the support includes a mating formation for cooperation with a corresponding mating formation on the battery.

is

15. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the device further includes a contact for establishing electrical contact with a contact of the battery, wherein the arrangement is such that, when the battery is inserted into the slot, the contacts are urged together.

16. A device according to claim 15, wherein the contact of the device is biassed to the contact position.

17. A device according to claim 16, wherein the arrangement is such that the biassing force acts substantially perpendicular to planes of abutting surfaces of the contacts on the battery and the device.

18. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the device is a mobile telephone.

19. A device according to any preceding claim comprising a keypad and/or a display, wherein the arrangement is such that the battery insertable into the slot generally in a direction parallel to plane of the keypad and/or display.

20. A battery support for a device according to any of claims 4 to l9.

21. A battery support for insertion into a battery-powered telecommunications device, the support being adapted to hold the battery, and further comprising a formation for use in connecting the support to the device. - l8

22. A battery support according to claim 21, wherein the support includes features to facilitate manipulation of the battery support.

23. A battery support according to claim 21 or claim 22, wherein the support is S shaped such that the battery may only be inserted into the support in a preferred orientation.

24. A battery support according to claim 23, wherein the support includes a mating formation for cooperation with a corresponding mating formation on the battery.

25. A battery support according to any of claims 21 to 24, wherein the support includes a supporting member extending perpendicular to the surface of least sectional area of the battery.

26. A method of inserting a battery into a battery-powered electronic device comprising a housing, the device comprising a slot for the insertion of a battery, the housing including an opening in communication with the slot, the method comprising the steps of inserting the battery in a battery support, and inserting the battery in the support into the slot through the opening in the housing.

27. A battery-powered device being substantially as herein described having reference to and/or as illustrated in any one or more of the accompanying figures.

28. A battery support being substantially as herein described having reference to and/or as illustrated in any one or more of the accompanying figures.

29. A method of inserting or removing a battery from a battery-powered device, the method being substantially as herein described having reference to any one or more of the accompanying figures.