KR20250158076A - battery assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

A device assembly (100) for retaining a removable battery module (150) within an aerosol generating device comprises a printed circuit board (102) having one or more protrusions (104) configured to contact the battery module when in use, one or more electrical contacts (105) configured to electrically connect to the battery module when in use, and a fastener (108) configured to mechanically urge the battery module in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the battery module toward the one or more protrusions when in use. The battery module may include battery cells (152) and one or more tabs (154) extending from the battery cells to contact the electrical contacts.

Description

battery assembly

The present disclosure relates to a device assembly for retaining a removable battery module within an aerosol generating device. The present disclosure also relates to a battery assembly for an aerosol generating device.

As demand for aerosol generating devices grows, so does the need for accessible, replaceable, and repairable components. In particular, it is desirable to be able to replace the power source of aerosol generating devices. Power sources, such as battery cells, often contain heavy metals and toxic chemicals. Therefore, it is important to remove and safely dispose of these battery cells.

Electrical connections between the battery cells and the PCB of an aerosol generator are typically made using one or more connectors. These connectors are located on both the PCB and the battery, and require convenient and easily accessible locations. Furthermore, the PCB must provide sufficient space for the connectors.

Battery cells are often irreversibly bonded (e.g., welded) to internal components of the aerosol generating device.

A related challenge is to provide a device that allows for a replaceable battery while maintaining proper electrical connection.

According to the present disclosure, there is provided a device assembly for holding a removable battery module within an aerosol generating device and a battery assembly for an aerosol generating device, the device assembly including features as set forth in the claims.

According to one aspect, a device assembly is provided for retaining a removable battery module within an aerosol generating device. The device assembly comprises a printed circuit board including one or more protrusions configured to contact the battery module during use. The device assembly comprises one or more electrical contacts configured to be electrically connected to the battery module during use. The device assembly comprises a fixture configured to mechanically urge the battery module toward the one or more protrusions during use.

Electrical contacts on the PCB eliminate the need for connectors, allowing for more efficient use of the device's internal space and allowing for easy battery removal. This leaves more space on the PCB for other components or to miniaturize the PCB.

High mechanical pressure is achieved by providing a fixture for mechanically pressing the battery module toward the electrical contacts of the device assembly. This, and the absence of connectors, allows the battery module to be easily inserted, removed, and removed.

The presence of protrusions on the PCB and fixture allows the device to create a lever effect on the battery module, thereby applying high pressure to the battery module through mechanical pressure. This ensures good electrical contact between the electrical contacts of the device assembly and the battery module.

Finally, the battery connection to the PCB requires no tools, making it easy for the user to remove a depleted battery and install a new one.

One or more electrical contacts may be positioned on one or more protrusions.

This ensures a good electrical connection between the electrical contacts and the battery module, as the electrical contacts are located at high pressure points.

The fixture may be configured to mechanically pressurize the battery module in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the battery module.

By providing mechanical pressure in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the battery module, increased force can be generated, thereby ensuring a secure physical and electrical connection between the device assembly and the battery assembly.

The fixture may include an elastically deformable member configured to mechanically urge the battery module toward a protrusion of the printed circuit board when in use.

Advantageously, this provides a lever effect and thus achieves a high mechanical stress connection between the PCB and the battery module.

The fixture may be a cap including a tapered surface, the tapered surface being configured to, when in use, contact an end of the battery module and mechanically urge the battery module toward a protrusion of the printed circuit board.

Advantageously, the mechanical pressure can be further reinforced by the cap, thereby simplifying the design of the device assembly. The cap also provides a means for pressing the battery module toward the protrusion, thereby providing a lever effect, while allowing for easy removal and insertion of the battery module.

The fastener may include one or more locking pins. The locking pins may be configured to engage one or more locking holes on a battery cell support of the battery module.

Advantageously, the locking pin provides mechanical pressure that forces the battery module towards the protrusion on the PCB, thus allowing a simple mechanical connection between the PCB and the battery module.

The fixture may be one or more fixtures. Each fixture may include a socket. Each socket may be configured to receive an attachment pin of the battery module.

The pin and socket arrangement allows tool-free connection/disconnection between the device and the battery module.

According to one aspect, a battery assembly for an aerosol generating device is provided. The battery assembly includes a battery module and a device assembly as described above.

The battery assembly described above eliminates the need for connectors, thus providing more efficient use of the assembly's internal space and allowing for easy removal of the battery module. This provides more space on the PCB for other components or to miniaturize the PCB.

Additionally, a large surface contact area for electrical connection may be provided, thereby allowing high currents to be drawn from the battery while avoiding overheating of the contacts.

High mechanical pressure is achieved by providing a fixture for mechanically pressing the battery module toward the electrical contacts of the device assembly. This, and the absence of connectors, allows the battery module to be easily inserted, removed, and removed.

Finally, connecting the battery module to the PCB does not require any tools.

A battery module may include a battery cell. The battery module may include one or more tabs extending from the battery cell. The tabs may be configured to contact one or more electrical contacts of a device assembly.

Advantageously, the tabs allow for a mechanical pressurized connection between the battery module and the PCB. This eliminates the need for connectors on the battery module and PCB, allowing for a simpler, tool-free design.

The tabs provide a large surface area for electrical connection, allowing high currents to be drawn from the battery module while preventing overheating of the electrical contacts.

The battery cells of the battery module may be cylindrical. The battery module may include a spacer configured to provide a square edge to the battery module. One or more tabs may be arranged at least partially on an outer surface of the spacer.

Cylindrical cells are commonly used in devices due to their simplicity and low cost. However, the use of cylindrical cells can result in a loss of available space within the device. Furthermore, restricting the orientation of cylindrical cells is difficult. By providing spacers on the cells, the lost space can be utilized while ensuring that the cell orientation is maintained. Therefore, the connection provided by mechanical pressure can be utilized.

The battery cells of the battery module may be pouches. One or more tabs may extend from an end of the pouch.

Pouch cells are easier to manipulate; therefore, the shape of the pouch cell can be adjusted to fit the device. This allows for a more compact device assembly. Additionally, the tabs can be flush with the surface of the pouch, thus facilitating a strong mechanical connection between the battery module and the PCB.

The battery module may include a battery cell support. The battery cell support may be positioned between the battery cells of the battery module and the printed circuit board.

The battery cell support provides the pouch cell with a rigid surface to which force can be applied. This eliminates the need to directly apply force to the battery cell, thus avoiding the risk of damage to the battery cell.

One or more tabs may be configured to extend around the battery cell support so as to contact one or more electrical contacts of the device assembly when in use.

The location of the tabs is advantageous in that mechanical pressure can force an electrical connection between the device assembly and the battery module.

The battery cell support may include one or more locking holes configured to engage with one or more locking pins of a fixture of the device assembly.

By providing a locking hole in the battery cell support, pressure is not directly applied to the battery cell itself. This prevents damage or deformation due to pressure. Furthermore, the pressure is applied to one or more tabs, ensuring a better electrical connection.

Finally, the locking hole provides mechanical pressure to force the battery module onto the electrical contacts of the device assembly, thus allowing a simple mechanical connection between the PCB and the battery module.

The fixture of the battery module is a cap including a tapered surface, the tapered surface being configured to contact the battery cell support to mechanically urge the battery module toward the protrusion of the printed circuit board when in use.

Advantageously, the mechanical pressure can be further reinforced by the cap, thus simplifying the design of the device assembly. The cap also provides a means for pressing the battery module against the protrusion, providing a lever effect while allowing easy removal and insertion of the battery module.

The fixture may be configured to mechanically pressurize the battery module in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the battery cells of the battery module. In other words, the mechanical pressurization may occur in a direction substantially perpendicular to the widest plane of the battery module.

Advantageously, a more secure connection between the battery module and the PCB can be provided. Additionally, by pressing the battery module in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the battery cells, no connections are required at the end of the battery module, allowing for more efficient use of space in the aerosol generating device. Furthermore, the need for additional connectors is avoided.

Advantageously, increased force can be generated, thus ensuring a secure physical and electrical connection between the device assembly and the battery assembly.

The tabs of the battery module may be non-planar.

Non-planar tabs provide a more robust connection between the electrical contacts of the battery module and the device assembly.

According to one aspect, an aerosol generating device is provided comprising a device assembly as described above.

By providing an aerosol generating device having a device assembly, an aerosol generating device is provided that allows easy tool-free access to the battery module. This allows for quick and easy removal and/or replacement of the battery module. The provided aerosol generating device also advantageously ensures better electrical connection between the device assembly and the battery assembly.

Additional advantages, objects, and features of the present invention will be described, by way of example only, in the following description with reference to the drawings, in which similar components of different embodiments may be designated by the same reference numerals.

Now, an example of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the attached drawings.
FIG. 1a illustrates a side view of a first example of a battery module;
FIG. 1b illustrates a front view of a first example of a battery module;
FIG. 2a illustrates a side view of a first example of a device assembly;
Figure 2b illustrates a front view of a first example of a device assembly;
FIG. 3a illustrates a side view of a first example of a battery assembly;
FIG. 3b illustrates a front view of a first example of a battery assembly;
FIG. 4a illustrates a side view of a second example of a device assembly in a closed configuration;
FIG. 4b illustrates a side view of a second example of a device assembly in an open configuration;
FIG. 4c illustrates a side view of a second example of a battery assembly;
FIG. 5a illustrates a perspective view of a third example of a battery module;
FIG. 5b illustrates a side view of a third example of a battery module;
FIG. 6a illustrates a side view of a third example of a device assembly;
FIG. 6b illustrates a side view of a third example of a battery assembly;
Figure 7 illustrates a flow chart of a method of using a battery assembly.

As used herein, the terms "aerosol precursor material," "vapor precursor material," or "vaporizable material" may refer to a smokable material that may include, for example, nicotine or tobacco and a vaporizer. The aerosol precursor material is configured to emit an aerosol when heated. The tobacco may take the form of various materials, such as shredded tobacco, granulated tobacco, tobacco leaves, and/or reconstituted tobacco. The nicotine may be in the form of a nicotine salt. Suitable aerosol precursor materials include polyols, such as sorbitol, glycerol, and glycols, such as propylene glycol or triethylene glycol; non-polyols, such as monohydric alcohols; acids, such as lactic acid; glycerol derivatives; esters, such as triacetin, triethylene glycol diacetate, triethyl citrate, glycerin, or vegetable glycerin. In some instances, the aerosol precursor material is substantially liquid that retains or comprises one or more solid particles, such as tobacco.

As used herein, the term "aerosol generation device" is synonymous with "aerosol generating device" or "device" and may include a device configured to heat an aerosol precursor material to deliver an aerosol to a user. The device may be portable. "Portable" may refer to a device that can be held and used by a user. The device may be configured to generate a variable amount of aerosol that can be controlled by user input.

As used herein, the term "aerosol" may include a suspension of vaporizable material as one or more of solid particles, liquid droplets, or gases. The suspension may be in a gas, including air. The aerosol herein generally refers to/may include a vapor. The aerosol may include one or more components of the vaporizable material.

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate side and front views of a first example of a battery module (150). The battery module (150) may include a battery cell (152). The battery cell (152) may be a lithium-ion cell pouch. The battery module (150) may include one or more tabs (154) extending from the battery cell (152). The tabs (154) may each extend from an end of a battery cell (152) of the battery module (150). In some examples, the tabs (154) include a bend configured to hook onto another component. The tabs (154) may be made of a highly conductive metal or alloy. Their electrical conductivity may be enhanced by using a highly conductive coating, which may be in the form of a nickel layer.

The battery module (150) can serve as a power supply for supplying power to the aerosol generating device.

The battery module (150) may include a battery cell support (156). The battery cell support (156) may be sized and shaped to cover the surface of the battery cell (152).

The battery cell (152) may be mounted on a battery cell support (156). In this manner, the main surface of the battery cell support (156) may be larger than the main surface of the battery cell (152). The battery cell support (156) may be substantially flat. The battery cell support (156) may comprise a substantially rigid material, such as an epoxy glass material commonly used for PCB or plastic material substrates.

The battery cell support (156) may include an extension (158). The extension (158) may be at an end of the battery cell support (156). The extension (158) may be at an end of the battery module (150) that is the same as the tab (154). Alternatively, the battery cell support (156) may not include an extension.

The battery cell support (156) may further include one or more locking holes (160). The locking holes (160) may be through holes in the battery cell support (156). Alternatively, the locking holes (160) may be cut-out portions of the battery cell support (156). The locking holes (160) may be located at other ends of the battery cell support (156). That is, the locking holes (160) may be located substantially spaced from one or more of the tabs (154) and/or the extensions (158). Alternatively, the battery cell support may include locking pins.

One or more tabs (154) may be configured to extend around the battery cell support (156). That is, the tabs (154) may extend along a side of the battery cell support (156) opposite the side of the battery cell support (156) on which the battery cells (152) are mounted. In other words, the tabs (154) may extend from a side of the battery cell support (156) on which the battery cells (152) are mounted, and may extend around an edge of the battery cell support (156) and to the other side of the battery cell support (156). The one or more tabs (154) may be two tabs (154). One tab (154) may be present on either side of the extension (158). The tabs (154) may extend parallel to a longitudinal axis ( _LB ). The longitudinal axis ( _LB ) of the battery module may be the longitudinal axis of the battery cells (152). The longitudinal axis (L _B ) of the battery module refers to an axis extending along the main plane of the battery module (150). Mechanical pressure can cause the tab (154) to contact the electrical contact (105) of the device assembly (100).

Figures 2a and 2b illustrate side and front views of a first example of a device assembly (100). The device assembly (100) is for holding a removable battery module (150) within an aerosol generating device.

The device assembly (100) includes a printed circuit board (PCB) (102). The PCB (102) can provide sufficient rigidity to create a lever effect, as described in more detail below. The PCB (102) includes one or more protrusions (104). The protrusions (104) can be configured to contact a battery module (150) when in use. The protrusions (104) can be configured to provide a lever effect to the battery module (150). The protrusions (104) can be raised areas of the PCB (102).

The protrusion (104) may be planar. Alternatively, the protrusion (104) may be non-planar. The protrusion (104) may have any suitable shape, such as a square, a rectangle, a triangle, a circle, an oval, or any other polygonal or non-polygonal shape. The protrusion (104) may form a three-dimensional version of any of these shapes. That is, the protrusion (104) may protrude from the surface of the PCB (102).

The device assembly (100) further includes one or more electrical contacts (105). The electrical contacts (105) are configured to contact and electrically connect to the battery module (150) when in use. The electrical contacts (105) may be electrical connection points configured to electrically connect to tabs (154) of the battery module (150) when in use. The one or more electrical contacts (105) may be present on one or more protrusions (104). The electrical contacts (105) may be configured to electrically connect the battery module (150) to the device assembly (100) (e.g., the PCB (102)). That is, the electrical contacts (105) may be configured to electrically connect the battery cells (152) to the PCB (102).

The electrical contact (105) may be planar. Alternatively, the electrical contact (105) may be non-planar. The electrical contact (105) may have any suitable shape, such as a square, a rectangle, a triangle, a circle, an oval, or other polygonal or non-polygonal shape. The electrical contact (105) may form a three-dimensional version of any of these shapes. That is, the electrical contact (105) may protrude from the surface of the PCB (102) or from the protrusion (104). The electrical contact (105) may be a conductive area on the PCB (102) or on the protrusion (104), such as an area comprising a conductive material. The electrical contact (105) may be made of a non-corrosive or corrosion-resistant material.

The device assembly (100) may include a lip (106). The lip (106) may be configured to, when in use, mechanically urge the battery module (150) toward the protrusion (104) of the PCB (102). Accordingly, this may mechanically urge the battery module (150) toward the electrical contact (105). That is, an electrical connection between one or more electrical contacts (105) of the device assembly (100) and a tab (154) of the battery module (150) may be facilitated by the mechanical urging of the lip (106). In other words, the battery module (150) may be urged by the lip (106) in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (L _B ) of the battery module (150). The mechanical urging may also be in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (L _D ) of the device assembly (100).

The lip (106) may be configured to accommodate an extension (158) of the battery module (150).

The device assembly (100) includes a fastener (108). The fastener (108) may be one or more fasteners (108). The fastener (108), when in use, is configured to mechanically urge the battery module (150) toward the protrusion (104) of the PCB (102). The fastener (108) may also be configured to mechanically urge the battery module (150) toward the electrical contact (105). The fastener (108) may be a spring clip or other retaining means, such as a hook. The fastener (108) may include one or more locking pins. The locking pins may be configured to engage one or more locking holes (160) of the battery module (150) to retain the battery module (150) within the device assembly (100). The fastener (108) may be configured to retain a cover (not shown).

Alternatively, in an example where the battery cell support may include a locking pin, the fastener (108) may be one or more locking holes.

The lip (106) or fixture (108) may include an elastically deformable member configured to mechanically press the battery module (150) toward the protrusion (104) of the PCB (102) when in use.

The device assembly (100) may include a frame (110). A PCB (102) may be mounted on the frame (110). The lip (106) and/or the fastener (108) may be integral with the frame (110). The lip (106) and/or the fastener (108) may be mounted on and/or protrude from the frame (110). Alternatively, the lip (106) and/or the fastener (108) may be integral with or protrude from the PCB (102). The lip (106) and/or the fastener (108) may be integral with or protrude from any portion of the device assembly (100).

The frame (110) may comprise a plastic or metal material. The frame (110) may provide an outer casing to the device assembly (100).

The frame (110) may have a similar shape to the PCB (102) so that the PCB (102) can be mounted on the frame (110). In this manner, the main surface of the frame (110) may be larger than the main surface of the PCB (102). The frame (110) may be substantially flat.

The electrical contacts (105) may be present on any portion of the device assembly (100). The electrical contacts (105) may be present on the PCB (102), the protrusion (104), the fastener (108), the lip (106), and/or the frame (110). The electrical contacts (105) may be present on any combination of different locations within the device assembly (100). That is, the electrical contacts (105) may be present at any location that allows the electrical contacts (105) to electrically connect the PCB (102) to the battery module (150).

The cover may be configured to cover the battery module (150) when the battery module (150) is accommodated in the device assembly (100). The cover may provide additional mechanical pressure toward the electrical contacts (105) of the battery module (150) of the PCB (102). The cover may be substantially the same size as the frame (110) of the device assembly (100).

The cover may include one or more cover locking holes (not shown). The cover locking holes may be configured to receive, during assembly, fasteners (108). That is, if the one or more fasteners (108) are one or more locking pins, the one or more locking pins may be configured to engage with one or more cover locking holes. Alternatively, the one or more fasteners (108) may be one or more device locking holes, and the cover may include one or more cover locking pins. In other words, the fasteners (108) may be configured to engage with both one or more locking holes (160) of the battery module (150) and one or more cover locking holes of the cover.

Alternatively, the cover locking hole can be engaged away from the fixture (108) so that the cover does not interact with the fixture (108).

Figures 4a and 4b illustrate a first example of a battery assembly (180). The battery assembly includes a device assembly (100) and a battery module (150). During assembly, the battery module (150) is releasably held by the device assembly (100).

As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the extension (158) may be received by the lip (106). Alternatively, a portion of the end of the battery cell support (156) may be received by the lip (106). The fastener (108) may be received by the locking hole (160). Either or both of the lip (106) or the fastener (108) may mechanically urge the battery module (150) toward the protrusion (104) of the PCB (102). Additionally or alternatively, the interaction between the fastener (108) and the cover may provide a force that mechanically urges the battery module (150) toward the protrusion (104) of the PCB (102). The mechanical urge occurs perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (L _B ) of the battery module. The mechanical urge may cause the tab (154) to contact the electrical contact (105).

In FIGS. 3A and 3B, the longitudinal axis (L _B ) of the battery module (150) is aligned with the longitudinal axis (L _D ) of the device assembly (100). However, the longitudinal axis (L _B ) of the battery module (150) may not be aligned with the longitudinal axis (L _D ) of the device assembly (100) depending on the design and shape of the device assembly (100). That is, the battery module (150) may be in any orientation within the device assembly (100).

Mechanical pressurization can also occur perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the device assembly (L _D ).

In use, the battery cell support (156) can be positioned between the battery cell (152) of the battery module (150) and the PCB (102) of the device assembly (100). The tab (154) can be fitted between the protrusion (104) of the PCB (102) and the battery cell support (156). In an example where the electrical contact (105) is present on the protrusion (105), the tab (154) can be fitted between the electrical contact (105) of the device assembly (100) and the battery cell support (156).

Additional electrical components may be present on the battery cell support (156) and/or the PCB (102). These components may advantageously be positioned so that when the battery assembly (180) is assembled, the components are accommodated in the space between the battery cell support (156) and the PCB (102).

Figures 4a and 4b illustrate side views of a second example of a device assembly (200). Figure 4c illustrates a side view of a second example of a battery assembly (280). The battery assembly (280) includes a device assembly (200) and a second example of a battery module (250).

In FIGS. 4A to 4C, the reference numerals used are similar to the reference numerals used in FIGS. 1 to 3B, and the similar reference numerals are increased from '100' to '200'. For example, the protrusion in FIG. 4A has the reference numeral (204) compared to the protrusion (104) in FIGS. 1 to 3B.

If the features of the second example of the device assembly (200), the battery module (250), and the battery assembly (280) are not described in detail, it can be assumed that they share similar features to the features of the first example of the device assembly (100), the battery module (150), and the battery assembly (180).

The second example of the battery module (250) may be substantially identical to the first example of the battery module (150). Alternatively, the battery module (250) may be substantially identical to the third example of the battery module (350), which will be described in more detail later.

As illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B, a device assembly (200) for holding a removable battery module (250) (illustrated in FIG. 4C) within an aerosol generating device includes a PCB (202). The PCB (202) includes one or more protrusions (204). The protrusions (204) are configured to contact the battery module (250) when in use.

The device assembly (200) further includes an electrical contact (205). The electrical contact (205) is configured to be electrically connected to the battery module (250) when in use. The electrical contact (205) may be positioned on the protrusion (204). The device assembly (200) may further include a lip (206). The lip (206) may be configured to mechanically urge the battery module (250) toward the protrusion (204) of the PCB (202) when in use.

The device assembly (200) may include a body (212). The body (212) may accommodate a PCB (202) and a frame (210). The body (212) may be integral with the frame (210). That is, the body (212) and the frame (210) may be the same component.

The device assembly (200) includes a fixture (208). The fixture (208) is configured to, when in use, mechanically pressurize the battery module (250) toward the protrusion (204) of the PCB (202). The mechanical pressurization may press the battery module (250) toward the electrical contact (205). The fixture (208) may be a part of the body (212) or the frame (210). The fixture (208) may be a cap, for example, an end cap. The end cap (208) may be configured to allow the battery module (250) to be inserted into and removed from the device assembly (200).

Figure 4a illustrates a device assembly (200) having an end cap (208) in a closed configuration. Figure 4b illustrates a device assembly (200) having an end cap (208) in an open configuration.

The end cap (208) may be attached to the body (212) or frame (210) by a hinge. The hinge may allow the end cap (208) to rotate about a pivot point.

The end cap (208) may include an inner tapered surface (214). The tapered surface (214) may be configured to, when in use, contact an end of the battery module (250) and mechanically urge the battery module (250) toward the protrusion (204) of the PCB (202). The end cap (208) is configured such that, when in the closed position, the tapered surface (214) of the end cap (208) provides a force to the battery module (250) that urges the battery module (250) toward the protrusion (204) of the PCB (202). In other words, the force provided by the end cap (208) may be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis ( _LB ) of the battery module. The force may be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis ( _LD ) of the device assembly.

Figure 4c illustrates a second example of a battery assembly (280). During assembly, the battery module (250) is captured and held by the device assembly (200).

As illustrated in FIG. 4C, the end cap (208) may provide mechanical pressure to the battery cell support (256) of the battery module (250). Alternatively, the end cap (208) may provide mechanical pressure to the battery cell (252) of the battery module (250). The end cap (208) may contact an end of the battery module (250) that is spaced from one or more tabs (254). In this example, the battery cell (252) may not include a locking hole. The lip (206), when in use, may accommodate the extension (258).

Figures 5a and 5b illustrate a third example of a battery module (350). In Figures 5a and 5b, the reference numerals used are similar to those used in Figures 1 to 3b, and the similar reference numerals are increased from '100' to '300'. For example, the tab in Figure 5a has the reference numeral (354) compared to the tab (154) in Figure 1a.

If the features of the third example of the battery module (350) are not described in detail, it can be assumed that they share similar features with the features of the first example of the battery module (150).

The battery module (350) includes a battery cell (352). The battery cell (352) may be substantially cylindrical, and thus, the battery module (350) is a quasi-cylindrical battery module (350). The battery cell (352) may be a lithium-ion battery cell encapsulated in a steel can, or a prismatic cell. The battery module (350) may include a spacer (362). The spacer (362) may be configured to provide a square edge to the battery module (350). That is, the spacer (362) may be a prism, and a face of the prism is a right triangle with a curved hypotenuse. That is, one side of the prism is shaped so as to be coplanar with the cylindrical battery cell (352), thereby providing a square edge to the battery cell (352).

One or more tabs (354) may extend from an end of a battery cell (352). One or more tabs (354) may extend from both ends of the battery cell (352). One or more tabs (354) may be arranged to extend at least partially over an outer surface of a spacer (362).

Figure 6a illustrates a side view of a third example of a device assembly (300). Figure 6b illustrates a side view of a third example of a battery assembly (380). The battery assembly (380) includes the device assembly (300) and the third example of a battery module (350).

In FIGS. 6A and 6B, the reference numerals used are similar to the reference numerals used in FIGS. 1 to 3B, and the similar reference numerals are increased from '100' to '300'. For example, the protrusion in FIG. 6A has the reference numeral (304) compared to the protrusion (104) in FIGS. 1 to 3B.

If the features of the third example of the device assembly (300) and the battery assembly (380) are not described in detail, it can be assumed that they share similar features to the features of the first example of the device assembly (100) and the battery assembly (180).

As illustrated in FIG. 6A, the device assembly (300) is configured to hold a removable battery module (350) within the aerosol generating device. The device assembly (300) includes a PCB (302). The PCB (302) includes one or more protrusions (304). The protrusions (304) are configured to contact the battery module (350) when in use. The device assembly (300) includes one or more electrical contacts (305). The electrical contacts (305) are configured to contact and electrically connect to the battery module (350) when in use.

The device assembly (300) may include a fixture (308). The fixture (308) may be configured to mechanically press the battery module (350) toward the protrusion (304) of the PCB (302) when in use.

The fixture (308) may include an elastically deformable member configured to, when in use, mechanically urge the battery module (350) toward the protrusion (304) of the PCB (302). This can be seen in FIG. 6B, which illustrates the battery assembly (380). The square edges created by the spacers (362) allow the cylindrical battery module (350) to be urged toward the protrusion (304) in a distinct orientation. This allows one or more tabs (354) to exert force toward the protrusion (304), and in some examples, the electrical contact (305). In these examples, the force from the fixture (308) is provided in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (L _B ) of the battery cell. The force may also be substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (L _D ) of the device assembly.

The end of the battery cell (352) of the battery module (350) can be accommodated by the lip (306) of the device assembly (300).

The battery module (150, 250, 350) may be configured to provide electrical energy to the aerosol generating device, providing a voltage in the range of 1 V to 5 V. Preferably, the battery module (150, 250, 350) may be configured to provide electrical energy to the aerosol generating device (300), providing a voltage in the range of 3 V to 4.2 V. Most preferably, the battery module (150, 250, 350) may be configured to provide electrical energy to the aerosol generating device (300), providing a voltage of, for example, 3.6 V or 3.7 V. Such voltage sources are particularly advantageous for modern aerosol generating devices in terms of rechargeability, high energy density, and large capacity. The battery module (150, 250, 350) may include a lithium-ion battery cell (152, 252, 352).

More generally, a battery assembly (180, 280, 380) is provided in which two conductors may be used. A first conductor (i.e., an electrical contact (105, 205, 305)) may be provided in the device assembly (100, 200, 300). A second conductor (i.e., a tab (154, 254, 354)) may be provided on a battery cell (152, 252, 352) of a battery module (150, 250, 350). These two conductors may be brought into contact with each other by mechanical pressure. The mechanical pressure may be provided by a combination of a fastener (108, 208, 308) and a protrusion (104, 204, 304) to create a lever effect.

The battery assembly (180, 280, 380) may be for use in an aerosol generating device or may be part of an aerosol generating device. For example, an aerosol generating device comprising a device assembly (100, 200, 300) may be provided.

FIG. 7 illustrates a flow diagram of a method (700) that may include a first step (710) of inserting a battery module (150, 250, 350) into a device assembly (100, 200, 300). The method (700) may include a second step (720) of securing a fixture (108, 208, 308) to mechanically press the battery module (150, 250, 350) toward a protrusion (104, 204, 304) of a PCB (102, 202, 302). The second step (720) may occur during the first step (710). That is, the fixture (108, 208, 308) can automatically and mechanically press the battery module (150, 250, 350) toward the protrusion (104, 204, 304) when the battery module (150, 250, 350) is inserted. Due to the mechanical pressing of the battery module (150, 250, 350) toward the protrusion (104, 204, 304) of the PCB (102, 202, 302), the battery module (150, 250, 350) can be electrically connected to the electrical contact (105, 205, 305).

The method (700) may include a third step (730) of removing the battery module (150, 250, 350) from the device assembly (100, 200, 300).

While preferred embodiments have been illustrated and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims and as set forth above.

Claims (14)

As a device assembly (100, 200, 300) for holding a removable battery module within an aerosol generating device,
A printed circuit board (102, 202, 302) comprising one or more protrusions (104, 204, 304) configured to contact the battery module when in use;
One or more electrical contacts (105, 205, 305) configured to be electrically connected to the battery module when in use; and
When in use, it comprises a fixture (108, 208, 308) configured to mechanically press the battery module toward the one or more protrusions (104, 204, 304),
The device assembly (100, 200, 300) is configured such that the above fixture (108, 208, 308) mechanically presses the battery module in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the battery module. In the first paragraph, the device assembly (100, 200, 300) wherein the one or more electrical contacts (105, 205, 305) are positioned on the one or more protrusions (104, 204, 304). A device assembly (100, 300) in claim 1 or 2, wherein the fixture (108, 308) comprises an elastically deformable member configured to mechanically press the battery module toward the protrusion (104, 304) of the printed circuit board (102, 302) when in use. A device assembly (200) in claim 1 or 2, wherein the fixture (208) is a cap including a tapered surface (214), wherein the tapered surface (214) is configured to, when in use, contact an end of the battery module and mechanically press the battery module toward the protrusion (204) of the printed circuit board (202). A device assembly (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the fastener (108) includes one or more locking pins, the locking pins being configured to engage with one or more locking holes on the battery cell support of the battery module. As a battery assembly (180, 280, 380) for an aerosol generating device,
Battery modules (150, 250, 350), and
A battery assembly (180, 280, 380) comprising a device assembly (100, 200, 300) of any one of claims 1 to 5. In the sixth paragraph, the battery module (150, 250, 350)
Battery cells (152, 252, 352); and
A battery assembly (180, 280, 380) comprising one or more tabs (154, 254, 354) extending from the battery cell (152, 252, 352), the tabs (154, 254, 354) being configured to contact one or more electrical contacts (105, 205, 305) of the device assembly (100, 200, 300). In the seventh paragraph, a battery assembly (380) in which the battery cell (352) of the battery module (350) is cylindrical, the battery module (350) includes a spacer (362) configured to provide a square edge to the battery module (350), and the one or more tabs (354) are at least partially arranged on an outer surface of the spacer (362). In the seventh paragraph, the battery cell (152, 252) of the battery module (150, 250) is a pouch, and the one or more tabs (154, 254) extend from an end of the pouch, a battery assembly (180, 280). In the 9th paragraph, the battery module (150, 250) includes a battery cell support (156, 256), and the battery cell support (156, 256) is positioned between the battery cells (152, 252) of the battery module (150, 250) and the printed circuit board (102, 202) when in use, a battery assembly (180, 280). A battery assembly (180, 280) in claim 10, wherein the one or more tabs (154, 254) are configured to extend around the battery cell support (156, 256) so as to contact one or more electrical contacts (105, 205) of the device assembly (100, 200) when in use. A battery assembly (180) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the battery cell support (156) includes one or more locking holes (160) configured to engage with one or more locking pins of a fastener (108) of the device assembly (180). A battery assembly (280) in claim 10 or 11, wherein the fastener (208) of the battery module (200) is a cap including a tapered surface (214), the tapered surface (214) being configured to contact the battery cell support (256) to mechanically press the battery module (250) toward the protrusion (204) of the printed circuit board (202) when in use. A battery assembly (180, 280, 380) in any one of claims 6 to 13, wherein the fixture (108, 208, 308) is configured to mechanically press the battery module (150, 250, 350) in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (L _B ) of the battery module (150, 250, 350).