WO2004102935A1 - Connexion de batterie - Google Patents

Connexion de batterie Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2004102935A1
WO2004102935A1 PCT/GB2004/002119 GB2004002119W WO2004102935A1 WO 2004102935 A1 WO2004102935 A1 WO 2004102935A1 GB 2004002119 W GB2004002119 W GB 2004002119W WO 2004102935 A1 WO2004102935 A1 WO 2004102935A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
battery
support
slot
housing
opening
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2004/002119
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Christophe Jean Bataillard
Original Assignee
Inquam (Uk) Limited
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Inquam (Uk) Limited filed Critical Inquam (Uk) Limited
Publication of WO2004102935A1 publication Critical patent/WO2004102935A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
    • H04M1/02—Constructional features of telephone sets
    • H04M1/0202—Portable telephone sets, e.g. cordless phones, mobile phones or bar type handsets
    • H04M1/026—Details of the structure or mounting of specific components
    • H04M1/0262—Details of the structure or mounting of specific components for a battery compartment
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M50/00—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
    • H01M50/20—Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders
    • H01M50/244—Secondary casings; Racks; Suspension devices; Carrying devices; Holders characterised by their mounting method
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M50/00—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
    • H01M50/20—Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders
    • H01M50/247—Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders specially adapted for portable devices, e.g. mobile phones, computers, hand tools or pacemakers
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
    • Y02E60/10—Energy storage using batteries

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the connection of a battery, in particular in relation to electronic devices. Aspects of the invention relate to the connection of a battery to a wireless communication device.
  • the term 'communication 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 communication 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.
  • 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.
  • PDAs personal digital assistants
  • 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 abattery 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.
  • the current method ' s 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 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.
  • a battery-powered communication device comprising a housing, the device comprising a slot for the insertion of a battery and a support for the battery, the housing including an opening in communication with the slot for insertion of the battery through the opening into the slot, the sectional area of the opening being less than the greatest sectional area of the slot, wherein the support is adapted to support the battery for insertion into the slot.
  • Providing a slot, into which a battery can be inserted through a relatively small opening may reduce the area of the housing that is required to accommodate a battery. This may allow more available space on the surface of the housing to include, for example, additional or enhanced functionality (such as additional user-operable controls (such as buttons or switches), larger and more easily manipulated user- operable controls, larger/additional display screens and/or larger/additional loudspeakers). Reducing the area of the housing that is required to accommodate a battery may also allow the overall dimensions of the communication device to be reduced and/or may allow the communication device to have a desired aesthetic appearance.
  • additional or enhanced functionality such as additional user-operable controls (such as buttons or switches), larger and more easily manipulated user- operable controls, larger/additional display screens and/or larger/additional loudspeakers). Reducing the area of the housing that is required to accommodate a battery may also allow the overall dimensions of the communication device to be reduced and/or may allow the communication device to have a desired aesthetic appearance.
  • a slot preferably includes reference to any cavity or recess in the device suitable for the insertion of a battery.
  • the slot may have one or more internal walls defined in the device and/or the slot may simply comprise a space in the device, for example between the components of the device without actual walls being provided. In this case, the dimensions of the slot can preferably be considered having reference to the space occupied by the battery when inserted into the device.
  • the support may assist a user to manipulate the battery when it is inserted and/or removed from the slot.
  • the support is shaped to prevent the battery, once attached to the support, from being fully or partially inserted into the slot when the support is not oriented in a preferred orientation with respect to housing.
  • the support has an asymmetric shape; preferably, the support has arotationally asymmetric shape.
  • the area of the opening in the housing substantially corresponds to the least sectional area of the slot.
  • the device is arranged such that an inserted battery is substantially completely enclosed within the housing.
  • the inserted battery is substantially completely enclosed in the slot.
  • the battery could be only partially located in the slot, for example as discussed further below.
  • the area of the opening in the housing substantially corresponds to the least sectional area of the battery.
  • the area of the opening in the housing generally corresponds to the area of the smallest surface of the battery.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • At least part of the support is adapted to be inserted into the slot in the device.
  • the support is adapted to be inserted through the opening.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the support is such that the battery can be detachably attached to the support.
  • 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.
  • the device includes means (such as a cooperating spigot and detent, for example) for releasably retaining the support in the device.
  • means such as a cooperating spigot and detent, for example
  • the support is releasably connectable to the housing.
  • Any suitable mechanism may be used to connect the support in the device.
  • the device includes a pair of cooperating formations on the support and the housing to retain the support in the housing.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the support is adapted to be released from the device by an applied force.
  • the support is adapted to be released from the device by an impact to the support and/or the housing.
  • Such an impact may occur if, for example, the device is dropped.
  • the battery is retained within the battery support when the battery support is released by the impact, such that the both the battery and battery support may move away from the device following the impact.
  • the detachment of the battery and battery support reduces the mass of the remaining device, which may reduce the magnitude of the force experienced during any subsequent impacts by the part of the device including, for example, the majority of the electrical components of the device.
  • Such subsequent impacts may occur if the device were to bounce following the first impact and make contact with another object or surface. This may help to reduce damage to the device caused by such impacts, and may thus reduce the extent (and associated cost) of any subsequent repairs to the device.
  • the support and housing may be designed so as to become detached from each other on an impact of a particular type or above a particular magnitude.
  • the design is such that the device is sufficiently robust to withstand a small impact without causing detachment of the support and housing.
  • a cover may be provided over the opening in the housing, which can serve to protect the battery when installed in the device.
  • the support is adapted to close the opening in the housing.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the support includes features to facilitate manipulation of the battery support.
  • the support may include ridges or dimples to aid gripping of the support by the user.
  • the support is shaped such that the battery may only be inserted into the support in a preferred orientation.
  • a surface of the support, the battery and/or the housing may contain instructions (such as a diagram, a series of diagrams or a written description) to explain to a user the correct procedure for inserting the battery into the support and/or inserting the support into the device. This may assist a user to insert the battery and support into the device in the preferred orientation, and may reduce the likelihood of damage being caused to the device by inserting the battery in an incorrect orientation.
  • the instructions are provided on a label attached to the battery support.
  • the support includes a mating formation for cooperation with a corresponding mating formation on the battery.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the contact of the device is biassed to a contact position in which the contact device is in electrical contact with the contact of the battery.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the biassing force acts substantially along a direction along the length of the slot.
  • the act of pushing the battery into the slot leads to establishment of electrical contact between the battery and the device.
  • the support is connectable to the housing and the contact of the device is arranged so that the device is adapted to resist connection of the support to the housing when the battery is inserted into the slot in a non-preferred orientation.
  • the battery may comprise a contact that is recessed into a surface of the battery.
  • the contact of the device abuts the recessed contact of the battery, and the support is able to connect to the housing (by means of cooperating spigots and detents on the housing and battery support, for example).
  • the contact of the device abuts the surface of the battery, rather than the recessed contact, which prevents the battery being fully inserted into the slot; this may resist, or even prevent, the connection of the support to the housing (by preventing a cooperating spigot and detent from engaging, for example). This can warn a user that the battery is being inserted in an incorrect orientation, and may thus prevent damage to the device caused by incorrect insertion of the battery.
  • the device comprises a plurality of electrical contacts for establishing electrical contact with a plurality of corresponding electrical contacts on a battery.
  • the device comprises an asymmetric contact arrangement, which can reduce the possibility of damage being caused to the device by insertion of the battery in incorrect orientation.
  • the device further includes a contact for establishing electrical contact with a contact of the battery, wherein the contact is located within the housing.
  • the contact is substantially completely enclosed within the housing.
  • the contact of the device is located on an internal surface of the slot that is remote from the opening in the housing. More preferably, the contact of the device is located on or adjacent the internal surface of the slot that is most remote from the opening in the housing. Enclosure of the contact in the housing may reduce the risk of the contact being damaged or contaminated by moisture, a user's fingers, or by being knocked by another object. The small area of the opening into the slot relative to the sectional area and length of the slot can also help to protect the contact from damage or contamination.
  • the device is a mobile telephone.
  • 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.
  • the opening in the housing is arranged near to the keypad and remote from the display.
  • the battery is loaded from the bottom of the telephone, which may be more convenient than other arrangements.
  • a broad aspect of the invention provides 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.
  • This broad aspect of the invention may preferably have one or more of the features of the previously-described aspect.
  • the device further includes a support for the battery.
  • a further broad 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 further including a support for supporting the battery.
  • This broad aspect of the invention may preferably have one or more of the features of either of the previously-described aspects.
  • a further 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.
  • 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 communication device, the support being adapted to hold the battery, and further comprising a formation for use in connecting the support to the device.
  • a further aspect of the invention provides a battery support for a battery-powered communication device, the support being adapted to receive a battery arranged in the support such that a side of greatest length of the battery extends outwards from the support, wherein the support is further adapted to support the battery for insertion in the communication device.
  • the battery support can hold the battery and thereby facilitate its insertion into a small slot in the communication device.
  • the battery support can hold the battery by its shortest edge and provide sufficient support to enable the insertion (and/or removal) of the battery into the device.
  • a further aspect of the invention provides a battery support for a battery-powered communication device, the support being adapted to receive a battery such that the area of the surface of the battery presented to the support is less than the area of the largest surface of the battery, wherein the support is adapted to support the battery for insertion in the communication device.
  • the surface of the battery presented to the support is that of least surface area.
  • the support includes features to facilitate manipulation of the battery support.
  • the support is shaped such that the battery may only be inserted into the support in a preferred orientation.
  • the support includes a mating formation for cooperation with a corresponding mating formation on the battery.
  • 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 contact by reducing movement of the battery relative to the electrical contacts of the device.
  • the support includes a means (for example a pad of deformable material, such as rubber, or one or more ridges) for reducing vibration of the battery within the support.
  • a means for example a pad of deformable material, such as rubber, or one or more ridges for reducing vibration of the battery within the support.
  • the support is adapted to be released from the device by an impact to the support and/or the device.
  • the battery is retained in the support when the support is released from the device by an impact.
  • 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 a support) for holding the battery, and means (such as a cooperating spigot and detent, for example) for releasably securing the holding means to the casing when a battery held thereby is inserted into the slot.
  • the battery is releasably held in the means for holding the battery.
  • the battery may be integrally formed with the holding means.
  • a further aspect of the invention provides a battery for a device as herein described.
  • a further aspect of the invention provides a battery for a battery support as herein described.
  • 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 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 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 sectional area of the opening being less than the greatest sectional area of 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.
  • Figure 1 A is a front elevation of a mobile telephone
  • Figure IB is a left side elevation of the mobile telephone shown in Figure 1 A
  • Figure 1C 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 1 A
  • 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 3 A is a top elevation of a battery support;
  • Figure 3B is a front elevation of the battery support shown in Figure 3 A
  • 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 3 A and a battery
  • Figure 3E is a top elevation of a battery support
  • 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 1 A 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 5A 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 5 A
  • 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 6 A 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 6 A
  • 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 7 A and the battery shown in Figures 6
  • 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.
  • “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 1 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 light-emitting diode elements.
  • the mobile telephone 1 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.
  • GSM Global System for Mobile Communication
  • GPRS General Packet Radio Service
  • UMTS Universal Mobile Telecommunications System
  • CDMA2000 Code Division Multiple Access 2000
  • 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 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, depressions on the exterior surfaces of the battery support 20 may be provided to assist manipulation.
  • a semi- permanent fixture for example a cooperating spigot and detent as denoted in Figure 4B by
  • FIGS 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 1UF653450R-1402).
  • the contacts 32 may be recessed into the top surface of the battery 30 to reduce the risk of accidental connection, or to reduce the risk of the battery being inserted into the telephone 1 in an incorrect orientation.
  • the contacts 32 may have an asymmetric arrangement, such as that shown in Figure 2F to reduce the likelihood of inserting the battery 30 into the telephone 1 in an incorrect orientation, which reduces the likelihood of any resulting damage to the battery and/or the telephone.
  • FIGS 3 A and 3B respectively show top and front views of the battery support in the absence of a battery
  • 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.
  • Figure 3E is a top view of another example of a battery support 20a; the front view of this battery support in the absence of a battery corresponds to that shown for battery support 20 shown in Figure 3B, while the front and rear views of the battery support with a battery attached correspond to those shown for battery support 20 in
  • ridges 61 are integrally formed with an internal surface of the battery support 20a, which abut the battery 30.
  • the battery 30 is gripped by the ridges 61 and the other internal surfaces of the support 20a, thus allowing the battery 30 to be removed from the telephone 1 along with the support
  • the ridges 61 retain the battery 30 in the support 20a during the normal insertion and removal of the battery from the telephone, and also when the battery support 20a detaches from the rest of the telephone 1 due to the telephone and/or the support receiving an impact (as described in more detail below).
  • 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 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 4 A 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.
  • the spigots are integrally formed with the battery support.
  • Figures 4 A 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 1 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.
  • An opening 41 in the housing 4 is in communication with the slot 40.
  • 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 and comprise an electrically conducting material, such as gold.
  • Contact 42a is a positive terminal
  • contact 42b is a ground terminal
  • contact 42c is a negative terminal
  • these contacts 42 are electrically connected to the electrical components of the telephone 1 in an appropriate manner.
  • the positions of the contacts 42a, 42b, 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.
  • 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 contacts 42 may have an asymmetric arrangement, such as that shown in Figures 4A and 4B, to reduce the likelihood of a battery 30 (having a corresponding asymmetric contact arrangement) being inserting into the telephone 1 in an incorrect orientation, which reduces the likelihood of any resulting damage to the telephone and/or the battery.
  • 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.
  • their shapes also minimise motion of the battery support 20 when a force is applied to the battery support in the downwards direction.
  • 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.
  • 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 1 with the battery support removed.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • FIGS. 5A to 5D show a rear view, a rear perspective view, an exploded rear perspective view and a left side view of a mobile telephone 101.
  • 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 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.
  • FIGS 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.
  • the female mating formations 234 have an approximately cubic shape.
  • 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.
  • 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 1 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.
  • the battery support and telephone are detachable from each other in the event of the battery and/or the telephone receiving an impact, such as if the telephone is dropped onto a hard surface.
  • the battery is preferably retained within the battery support when the battery support is detached by the impact, such that the both the battery and battery support are able to move away from the telephone following the impact.
  • the battery support may detach from the telephone due to deformation of components of the telephone (such as the battery support, the telephone casing and/or the spigots that attach the support to the telephone) resulting from the impact force.
  • a resulting deflection of the button 66 may cause one or both of the spigots 24 to detach from the cooperating detents 44 on the telephone 1.

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  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Electrochemistry (AREA)
  • General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Biophysics (AREA)
  • Computer Hardware Design (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Telephone Set Structure (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un dispositif de communication à batterie (1) comprenant un boîtier (4). Ce dispositif comprend également une fente (40) destinée à l'insertion d'une batterie (30) et le boîtier comprend une ouverture (41) qui communique avec la fente, permettant ainsi l'insertion de la batterie (30) dans la fente (40) par cette ouverture (41). La zone en coupe de l'ouverture est inférieure à la plus grande zone en coupe de la fente (40), et le support est destiné à supporter la batterie (30) lors de son insertion dans la fente. Dans les exemples préférés, cette configuration peut maximiser la disponibilité de la surface du boîtier (4) à d'autres fins.
PCT/GB2004/002119 2003-05-16 2004-05-17 Connexion de batterie WO2004102935A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0311346.1 2003-05-16
GB0311346A GB2401727A (en) 2003-05-16 2003-05-16 Electronic device with battery slot

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2004102935A1 true WO2004102935A1 (fr) 2004-11-25

Family

ID=9958250

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB2004/002119 WO2004102935A1 (fr) 2003-05-16 2004-05-17 Connexion de batterie

Country Status (2)

Country Link
GB (1) GB2401727A (fr)
WO (1) WO2004102935A1 (fr)

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20050158621A1 (en) * 2003-09-30 2005-07-21 Benoit Stephen A. Battery with flat housing

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0344988A2 (fr) * 1988-05-31 1989-12-06 Nec Corporation Structure de terminal de connexion d'un équipement électronique
US5637417A (en) * 1995-11-07 1997-06-10 Medtronic, Inc. Quick change battery drawer for external electrical stimulator
US5843595A (en) * 1995-07-28 1998-12-01 Mitsumi Electric Co., Ltd. Battery holder attachment structure
JP2003068258A (ja) * 2001-08-29 2003-03-07 Kenwood Corp バッテリ保持構造およびそのバッテリ保持構造を組込んだ電子機器
WO2003034696A1 (fr) * 2001-10-16 2003-04-24 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Appareil electronique a element frontal amovible

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4880712A (en) * 1989-03-08 1989-11-14 Motorola, Inc. Battery housing
JPH0820919B2 (ja) * 1989-05-16 1996-03-04 株式会社東芝 ハンディターミナル
FR2703203B1 (fr) * 1993-03-23 1995-04-28 Alcatel Radiotelephone Terminal radiotéléphonique portatif compact.
JP3612744B2 (ja) * 1994-09-09 2005-01-19 ソニー株式会社 蓋装置
US5896277A (en) * 1996-12-12 1999-04-20 Motorola, Inc. Slidable cover for a battery housing
US6496685B2 (en) * 1998-06-15 2002-12-17 Qualcomm, Incorporated Portable phone with imbedded battery

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0344988A2 (fr) * 1988-05-31 1989-12-06 Nec Corporation Structure de terminal de connexion d'un équipement électronique
US5843595A (en) * 1995-07-28 1998-12-01 Mitsumi Electric Co., Ltd. Battery holder attachment structure
US5637417A (en) * 1995-11-07 1997-06-10 Medtronic, Inc. Quick change battery drawer for external electrical stimulator
JP2003068258A (ja) * 2001-08-29 2003-03-07 Kenwood Corp バッテリ保持構造およびそのバッテリ保持構造を組込んだ電子機器
WO2003034696A1 (fr) * 2001-10-16 2003-04-24 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Appareil electronique a element frontal amovible

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
PATENT ABSTRACTS OF JAPAN vol. 2003, no. 07 3 July 2003 (2003-07-03) *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB0311346D0 (en) 2003-06-25
GB2401727A (en) 2004-11-17

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