Battery Assembly

Abstract

A device assembly (100) for holding a removable battery module (150) within an aerosol generating device comprises a printed circuit board (102) having one or more protrusions (104) configured to abut against 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 jig (108) configured to mechanically bias the battery module toward one or more protrusions in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the battery module when in use. The battery module may comprise a battery cell (152) and one or more tabs (154) extending from the battery cell and abutting against the electrical contacts.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a device assembly for holding a removable battery module within an aerosol generating device. The present disclosure also relates to a battery assembly for an aerosol generating device.

Background Art

[0002] As the demand for aerosol generating devices increases, so does the demand for accessible, replaceable, and repairable components. In particular, it is desirable to be able to replace the power source within an aerosol generating device. Power sources such as battery cells often contain heavy metals and toxic chemicals. Therefore, the need to remove and safely dispose of these battery cells is important.

[0003] The electrical connection between a battery cell and the PCB of an aerosol generating device is typically made using one or more connectors. These connectors are present on both the PCB and the battery and require a suitable location that is easily accessible. There is also a requirement for the PCB to provide sufficient space for the connectors.

[0004] Battery cells are often irreversibly coupled (e.g., welded) to the internal components of an aerosol generating device.

[0005] The problem associated with the above is to provide a device that allows for a replaceable battery while maintaining a proper electrical connection.

[0006] U.S. Patent Application Publication 2019 / 0387618A1 describes a printed circuit board having a battery holder. Chinese Utility Model Publication 205595379U describes a battery device for an electric cigarette, including a battery tray, a battery cover, and an electrical core. U.S. Patent 11013272B2 describes an e-cigarette, including a spray assembly, a battery assembly, and a box assembly. U.S. Patent Application Publication 2003 / 0235087A1 describes a storage cell for surface mounting.

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The present disclosure provides a device assembly for holding a removable battery module within an aerosol generating device, and a battery assembly for an aerosol generating device, including the features described in the claims.

[0008] According to one embodiment, a device assembly is provided for holding a removable battery module within an aerosol generating device. The device assembly comprises a printed circuit board having one or more protrusions configured to contact the battery module when in use. The device assembly comprises one or more electrical contacts configured to electrically connect to the battery module when in use. The device assembly comprises a jig configured to mechanically bias the battery module toward one or more protrusions when in use.

[0009] Electrical contacts on the PCB eliminate the need for connectors, resulting in more efficient use of internal device space and allowing for easy battery disconnection. This provides more space on the PCB for other components or for miniaturizing the PCB.

[0010] High mechanical pressure is achieved by providing a fixture for mechanically biasing the battery module toward the electrical contacts of the device assembly. As a result, and due to the absence of a connector, the battery module can be easily inserted, disconnected, and removed.

[0011] The presence of protrusions and fixtures on the PCB allows the device to exert a levering effect on the battery module, thereby providing high pressure to the battery module through mechanical biasing. This ensures that good electrical contacts are formed between the electrical contacts of the device assembly and the battery module.

[0012] Finally, connecting the battery to the PCB requires no tools, making it easy for the user to remove a depleted battery and install a new one.

[0013] One or more electrical contacts may be located on one or more protrusions.

[0014] This ensures a good electrical connection between the electrical contacts and the battery module, due to the electrical contacts being located at a point of high pressure.

[0015] The jig may be configured to mechanically bias the battery module in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the battery module.

[0016] By providing mechanical bias in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the battery module, an increased force is generated, thus ensuring a stable physical and electrical connection between the device assembly and the battery assembly.

[0017] The jig may include an elastically deformable member configured to mechanically bias the battery module toward a protrusion on the printed circuit board when in use.

[0018] Advantageously, this provides a levering effect, thus achieving a high-pressure mechanical connection between the PCB and the battery module.

[0019] The jig may be a cap having a tapered surface, which is configured to contact the end of the battery module during use and mechanically bias the battery module toward a protrusion on the printed circuit board.

[0020] Advantageously, the mechanical biasing is additionally enhanced by the cap, and thus the design of the device assembly can be simplified. The cap enables easy removal and insertion of the battery module, and at the same time provides means for biasing the battery module towards the protrusion, thus providing the effect of a lever.

[0021] The jig may comprise one or more locking pins. The locking pins may be configured to engage with one or more locking holes on the battery cell support of the battery module.

[0022] Advantageously, the locking pins provide mechanical biasing that presses the battery module towards the protrusion of the PCB, thus enabling a simple mechanical connection between the PCB and the battery module.

[0023] The jig may be one or more jigs. Each jig may comprise a socket. Each socket may be configured to accommodate the mounting pins of the battery module.

[0024] The configuration by pins and sockets enables tool-free connection / disconnection between the device and the battery module.

[0025] According to one aspect, a battery assembly for an aerosol generating device is provided. The battery assembly comprises a battery module and a device assembly as described above.

[0026] The battery assembly as described above eliminates the need for a connector, thus resulting in more efficient use of the internal space of the assembly and enabling easy disconnection of the battery module. Thus, more space is provided on the PCB for other components or for miniaturizing the PCB.

[0027] In addition, a large surface contact portion for electrical connection is provided, thereby enabling drawing of a large current from the battery while avoiding overheating of the contact portion.

[0028] By providing a jig for mechanically biasing the battery module toward the electrical contact portion of the device assembly, high mechanical pressure is achieved. Due to this and due to the absence of connectors, the battery module can be easily inserted, disconnected, and removed.

[0029] Finally, the connection of the battery module to the PCB does not require any tools.

[0030] The battery module may comprise battery cells. The battery module may comprise one or more tabs extending from the battery cells. The tabs may be configured to abut against one or more electrical contact portions of the device assembly.

[0031] Advantageously, the tabs enable a mechanically biased connection between the battery module and the PCB. The tabs eliminate the need for connectors on the battery module and the PCB, thereby enabling a simpler and tool - free design.

[0032] The tabs provide a large surface area for electrical connection, thereby enabling drawing a large current from the battery module while avoiding overheating of the electrical contact portions.

[0033] The battery cells of the battery module may be cylindrical. The battery module may comprise a spacer configured to provide a square edge to the battery module. One or more tabs may be disposed at least partially on the outer surface of the spacer.

[0034] Cylindrical cells are often used in devices due to their simplicity and low cost. Using cylindrical cells can lead to a loss of usable space within the device. In addition, it is difficult to limit the orientation of cylindrical cells. By providing a spacer on the cell, the lost space is utilized while reliably maintaining the orientation of the cell. Thus, the connection provided by mechanical pressure can be utilized.

[0035] The battery cells of a battery module may be in a pouch. One or more tabs may extend from the edge of the pouch.

[0036] Pouch cells are easier to handle, and therefore the shape of the pouch cell can be adjusted to fit into the device. Consequently, the device assembly can be smaller. In addition, since the tabs can be coplanar with the surface of the pouch, a strong mechanical connection between the battery module and the PCB is facilitated.

[0037] The battery module may include a battery cell support. The battery cell support may be located between the battery cells of the battery module and the printed circuit board.

[0038] The battery cell support provides a rigid surface to the pouch cell to which force can be applied. The force does not need to be applied directly to the battery cell, thus avoiding the risk of damage to the battery cell.

[0039] One or more tabs may be configured to extend around the battery cell support during use and contact one or more electrical contacts of the device assembly.

[0040] The location of the tabs is advantageous because it allows mechanical pressure to enforce the electrical connection between the device assembly and the battery module.

[0041] The battery cell support may have one or more locking holes configured to engage with one or more locking pins of a fixture for the device assembly.

[0042] By providing locking holes in the battery cell support, pressure is not applied directly to the battery cell itself. Therefore, damage or deformation due to pressure is avoided. Furthermore, the pressure is applied to one or more tabs, thus ensuring better electrical connection.

[0043] Finally, the locking holes provide mechanical bias that presses the battery module against the electrical contacts of the device assembly, thus enabling a simple mechanical connection between the PCB and the battery module.

[0044] The jig for the battery module is a cap with a tapered surface, which is configured to contact the battery cell support during use and mechanically bias the battery module toward the protrusion on the printed circuit board.

[0045] Advantageously, the mechanical biasing is further enhanced by the cap, thus simplifying the design of the device assembly. The cap allows for easy removal and insertion of the battery module, while also providing a means for biasing the battery module toward the protrusion, thus providing a lever effect.

[0046] The fixture may be configured to mechanically bias 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 bias may occur in a direction substantially perpendicular to the maximum plane of the battery module.

[0047] Advantageously, a more stable connection can be provided between the battery module and the PCB. In addition, by biasing the battery module in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the battery cells, connections are not required at the ends of the battery module, which can lead to more efficient use of space with the aerosol generating device. Furthermore, the need for additional connectors is avoided.

[0048] Advantageously, increased force is generated, thus ensuring a stable physical and electrical connection between the device assembly and the battery assembly.

[0049] The tabs on the battery module may be non-planar.

[0050] The non-planar tab provides a more robust connection between the battery module and the electrical contacts of the device assembly.

[0051] According to one embodiment, an aerosol generating device is provided that includes the device assembly described above.

[0052] By providing a device assembly for the aerosol generating device, an aerosol generating device is provided that allows for easy, tool-free access to the battery module. This enables 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.

[0053] Further advantages, objectives, and features of the present invention will be described in the following description, with reference to the drawings, as examples only. In the drawings, similar components in different embodiments may be denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0054] Herein, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0055] [Figure 1a] A side view of the first example of a battery module is shown. [Figure 1b] A front view of the first example of a battery module is shown. [Figure 2a] A side view of the first example of a device assembly is shown. [Figure 2b] A front view of the first example of a device assembly is shown. [Figure 3a] A side view of the first example of a battery assembly is shown. [Figure 3b] A front view of the first example of a battery assembly is shown. [Figure 4a] A side view of a second example of a device assembly in a closed configuration is shown. [Figure 4b]A side view of a second example of a device assembly in an open configuration is shown. [Figure 4c] A side view of a second example of a battery assembly is shown. [Figure 5a] A perspective view of a third example of a battery module is shown. [Figure 5b] A side view of a third example of a battery module is shown. [Figure 6a] A side view of a third example of a device assembly is shown. [Figure 6b] A side view of a third example of a battery assembly is shown. [Figure 7] A flowchart illustrating how to use the battery assembly is shown. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0056] As used herein, the terms “aerosol precursor material,” “vapor precursor material,” or “vaporable material” may refer to, for example, a smokeable material that may contain nicotine or tobacco and a vaporizer. The aerosol precursor material is configured to release an aerosol when heated. Tobacco may take the form of various materials such as shredded tobacco, granular tobacco, tobacco leaves, and / or reconstituted tobacco. Nicotine may be in the form of a nicotine salt. Suitable aerosol precursor materials include polyols (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 examples, the aerosol precursor material is a substantial liquid that holds or contains one or more solid particles, such as tobacco.

[0057] As used herein, the term “aerosol generating device” is synonymous with “aerosol generating device” or “device,” and may include a device configured to heat an aerosol precursor material and deliver an aerosol to a user. The device may be portable. “Portable” may mean a device used when held by a user. The device may be adapted to generate a variable amount of aerosol that can be controlled by user input.

[0058] As used herein, the term “aerosol” may include suspended matter of a vaporizable material as one or more solid particles, droplets, or gases. The suspended matter may be in a gas, including air. In general, aerosols as used herein may refer to / include vapors. Aerosols may contain one or more components of a vaporizable material.

[0059] Figures 1a and 1b show a side view and a front view of a first example of a battery module 150. The battery module 150 may comprise a battery cell 152. The battery cell 152 may be a lithium-ion cell pouch. The battery module 150 may comprise one or more tabs 154 extending from the battery cell 152. Each tab 154 may extend from the end of the battery cell 152 of the battery module 150. In some examples, the tabs 154 have bends configured to hook onto another component. The tabs 154 may be made of a highly conductive metal or alloy. Their conductivity may be enhanced using a highly conductive coating, which may be in the form of a nickel layer.

[0060] The battery module 150 can function as a power source to supply power to the aerosol generation device.

[0061] The battery module 150 may include a battery cell support 156. The battery cell support 156 may be sized and molded to cover the surface of the battery cell 152.

[0062] The battery cell 152 may be mounted on the battery cell support 156. In this way, 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 include a substantially rigid material, such as epoxy glass material commonly used for PCBs or plastic material substrates.

[0063] The battery cell support 156 may include an extension 158. The extension 158 may be located at the end of the battery cell support 156. The extension 158 may be located at the same end as the tab 154 of the battery module 150. Alternatively, the battery cell support 156 may not include an extension.

[0064] The battery cell support 156 may further comprise 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 in the battery cell support 156. The locking holes 160 may be located at the other end of the battery cell support 156; that is, the locking holes 160 may be located substantially away from one or more tabs 154 and / or extensions 158. Alternatively, the battery cell support may comprise locking pins.

[0065] One or more tabs 154 may be configured to extend around the battery cell support 156. That is, a tab 154 may extend along the side of the battery cell support 156 opposite to the side on which the battery cell 152 rests. In other words, a tab 154 may extend from the side of the battery cell support 156 to which the battery cell 152 is attached, through the edge of the battery cell support 156, to the other side of the battery cell support 156. One or more tabs 154 may be two tabs 154. One tab 154 may be present on either side of the extension 158. A tab 154 may extend parallel to the longitudinal axis LB. The longitudinal axis LB of the battery module may be the longitudinal axis of the battery cell 152. The longitudinal axis LB of the battery module refers to the axis extending along the main plane of the battery module 150. Mechanical biasing allows the tab 154 to come into contact with the electrical contact portion 105 of the device assembly 100.

[0066] Figures 2a and 2b show a side view and a front view of a first example of the device assembly 100. The device assembly 100 is for holding a removable battery module 150 within the aerosol generating device.

[0067] The device assembly 100 includes a printed circuit board (PCB) 102. The PCB 102 may provide sufficient rigidity to produce a levering effect, as will be described in more detail below. The PCB 102 includes one or more protrusions 104. The protrusions 104 may be configured to contact the battery module 150 when in use. The protrusions 104 may be configured to provide a levering effect to the battery module 150. The protrusions 104 may be raised regions of the PCB 102.

[0068] The projection 104 may be planar. Alternatively, the projection 104 may be non-planar. The projection 104 may be any suitable shape, such as a square, rectangle, triangle, circle, ellipse, or other polygonal or non-polygonal shape. The projection 104 may form a three-dimensional version of any of these shapes. That is, the projection 104 may protrude from the surface of the PCB 102.

[0069] The device assembly 100 further comprises 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. One or more electrical contacts 105 may be located 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., PCB 102). That is, the electrical contacts 105 may be configured to electrically connect the battery cells 152 to the PCB 102.

[0070] The electrical contact portion 105 may be planar. Alternatively, the electrical contact portion 105 may be non-planar. The electrical contact portion 105 may be any suitable shape, e.g., square, rectangle, triangle, circle, ellipse, or other polygonal or non-polygonal shape. The electrical contact portion 105 may form a three-dimensional version of any of these shapes. That is, the electrical contact portion 105 may protrude from the surface of the PCB 102 or from the projection 104. The electrical contact portion 105 may be a conductive area on the PCB 102 or on the projection 104, e.g., an area containing conductive material. The electrical contact portion 105 may be made of a non-corrosive or corrosion-resistant material.

[0071] The device assembly 100 may include a lip 106. The lip 106 may be configured to mechanically bias the battery module 150 toward the protrusion 104 of the PCB 102 when in use. Thus, the lip can mechanically bias the battery module 150 toward the electrical contact 105. That is, the electrical connection between one or more electrical contacts 105 of the device assembly 100 and the tab 154 of the battery module 150 can be facilitated by the mechanical bias of the lip 106. In other words, the battery module 150 can be biased by the lip 106 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LB of the battery module 150. The mechanical bias can also be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LD of the device assembly 100.

[0072] The lip 106 may be configured to accommodate the extension 158 of the battery module 150.

[0073] The device assembly 100 includes a fixture 108. The fixture 108 may be one or more fixtures 108. The fixture 108 is configured to mechanically bias the battery module 150 toward the protrusion 104 of the PCB 102 when in use. The fixture 108 may also be configured to mechanically bias the battery module 150 toward the electrical contact portion 105. The fixture 108 may be other retaining means such as a spring clip or a hook. The fixture 108 may include one or more locking pins. The locking pins may be configured to engage with one or more locking holes 160 of the battery module 150 in order to hold the battery module 150 within the device assembly 100. The fixture 108 may be configured to hold a cover (not shown).

[0074] Alternatively, in examples where the battery cell support may have locking pins, the jig 108 may have one or more locking holes.

[0075] The lip 106 or jig 108 may include an elastically deformable member configured to mechanically bias the battery module 150 toward the protrusion 104 of the PCB 102 when in use.

[0076] The device assembly 100 may include a frame 110. The PCB 102 may be mounted on the frame 110. The lip 106 and / or fixture 108 may be integrated with the frame 110. The lip 106 and / or fixture 108 may be mounted on the frame 110 and / or protrude from the frame 110. Alternatively, the lip 106 and / or fixture 108 may be integrated with the PCB 102 and / or protrude from it. The lip 106 and / or fixture 108 may be integrated with any part of the device assembly 100 and / or protrude from it.

[0077] The frame 110 may include plastic or metal material. The frame 110 may provide an external casing to the device assembly 100.

[0078] Frame 110 may have a similar shape to PCB 102 so that PCB 102 can be mounted on frame 110. In this way, the main surface of frame 110 may be larger than the main surface of PCB 102. Frame 110 may be substantially flat.

[0079] The electrical contacts 105 may be located on any part of the device assembly 100. The electrical contacts 105 may be located on the PCT 102, the projection 104, the fixture 108, the lip 106, and / or the frame 110. The electrical contacts 105 may be located on a combination of different locations within the device assembly 100. That is, the electrical contacts 105 may be located in any position that allows the PCB 102 to be electrically connected to the battery module 150.

[0080] The cover may be configured to cover the battery module 150 when it is housed within the device assembly 100. The cover may provide additional mechanical bias to the battery module 150 toward the electrical contacts 105 of the PCB 102. The cover may be substantially the same size as the frame 110 of the device assembly 100.

[0081] The cover may have one or more cover lock holes (not shown). The cover lock holes may be configured to accommodate fixtures 108 when assembled. That is, if one or more fixtures 108 are one or more lock pins, one or more lock pins may be configured to engage with one or more cover lock holes. Alternatively, one or more fixtures 108 may be one or more device lock holes, and the cover may include one or more cover lock pins. In other words, the fixtures 108 may be configured to engage with both one or more lock holes 160 of the battery module 150 and one or more cover lock holes of the cover.

[0082] Alternatively, the cover lock hole may be engaged away from the jig 108 so that the cover does not interact with the jig 108.

[0083] Figures 4a and 4b show a first example of a battery assembly 180. The battery assembly includes a device assembly 100 and a battery module 150. When assembled, the battery module 150 is releasably held by the device assembly 100.

[0084] As shown in Figures 3a and 3b, the extension 158 may be accommodated by the lip 106. Alternatively, a portion of the end of the battery cell support 156 may be accommodated by the lip 106. The fixture 108 may be accommodated by the locking hole 160. Either or both of the lip 106 or the fixture 108 may mechanically bias the battery module 150 toward the projection 104 of the PCB 102. In addition or alternatively, the interaction between the fixture 108 and the cover may provide a force that mechanically biases the battery module 150 toward the projection 104 of the PCB 102. The mechanical bias occurs perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LB of the battery module. The mechanical bias may cause the tab 154 to contact the electrical contact 105.

[0085] In Figures 3a and 3b, the longitudinal axis LB of the battery module 150 is aligned with the longitudinal axis LD of the device assembly 100. However, depending on the design and shape of the device assembly 100, the longitudinal axis LB of the battery module 150 may not be aligned with the longitudinal axis LD of the device assembly 100. That is, the battery module 150 can be in any orientation within the device assembly 100.

[0086] Mechanical biasing can also occur perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LD of the device assembly.

[0087] During use, the battery cell support 156 may be located between the battery cell 152 of the battery module 150 and the PCB 102 of the device assembly 100. The tab 154 may be sandwiched between the protrusion 104 of the PCB 102 and the battery cell support 156. In cases where the electrical contact 105 is located on the protrusion 105, the tab 154 may be sandwiched between the electrical contact 105 of the device assembly 100 and the battery cell support 156.

[0088] Additional electrical components may be present on the battery cell support 156 and / or PCB 102. These components may be arranged such that, advantageously, they are housed within the space between the battery cell support 156 and the PCB 102 when the battery assembly 180 is assembled.

[0089] Figures 4a and 4b show side views of a second example of the device assembly 200. Figure 4c shows a side view of a second example of the battery assembly 280. The battery assembly 280 comprises the device assembly 200 and a second example of the battery module 250.

[0090] In Figures 4a to 4c, the reference numbers used are the same as those used in Figures 1 to 3b, but the same reference numbers are increased from "100" to "200". For example, the protrusion in Figure 4a has reference number 204 compared to the protrusion 104 in Figures 1 to 3b.

[0091] If the features of the second example of device assembly 200, battery module 250, and battery assembly 280 are not described in detail, it can be assumed that they share similar features to those of the first example of device assembly 100, battery module 150, and battery assembly 180.

[0092] A second example of battery module 250 may be substantially identical to the first example of battery module 150. Alternatively, battery module 250 may be substantially identical to a third example of battery module 350, which will be described in more detail later.

[0093] As shown in Figures 4a and 4b, the device assembly 200 for holding a removable battery module 250 (shown in Figure 4c) within the aerosol generating device includes a PCB 202. The PCB 202 is provided with one or more protrusions 204, which are configured to contact the battery module 250 when in use.

[0094] The device assembly 200 further comprises an electrical contact 205, which is configured to electrically connect to the battery module 250 during use. The electrical contact 205 may be located on the projection 204. The device assembly 200 may further comprise a lip 206, which may be configured to mechanically bias the battery module 250 toward the projection 204 of the PCB 202 during use.

[0095] The device assembly 200 may include a body 212. The body 212 may house a PCB 210 and a frame 202. The body 212 may be integrated with the frame 210. That is, the body 212 and the frame 210 may be the same component.

[0096] The device assembly 200 includes a fixture 208. The fixture 208 is configured to mechanically bias the battery module 250 toward a projection 204 of the PCB 202 when in use. The mechanical bias may bias the battery module 250 toward an electrical contact 205. The fixture 208 may be part of the main body 212 or frame 210. The fixture 208 may be a cap, such as 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.

[0097] Figure 4a shows the device assembly 200 with the end cap 208 in a closed configuration. Figure 4b shows the device assembly 200 with the end cap 208 in an open configuration.

[0098] The end cap 208 can be attached to the main body 212 or frame 210 by a hinge. The hinge may allow the end cap 208 to rotate about a pivot point.

[0099] The end cap 208 may include an inwardly tapered surface 214. The tapered surface 214 may be configured to contact one end of the battery module 250 when in use, mechanically biasing the battery module 250 toward the projection 204 of the PCB 202. When the end cap 208 is in the closed position, the tapered surface 214 of the end cap 208 is configured to provide force to the battery module 250 so that it presses the battery module 250 toward the projection 204 of the PCB 202. In other words, the force provided by the end cap 208 may be perpendicular to the LB of the battery module. The force may be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LD of the device assembly.

[0100] Figure 4c shows a second example of the battery assembly 280. Once assembled, the battery module 250 is held in a constrained state by the device assembly 200.

[0101] As shown in Figure 4c, the end cap 208 may provide mechanical bias to the battery cell support 256 of the battery module 250. Alternatively, the end cap 208 may provide mechanical bias to the battery cells 252 of the battery module 250. The end cap 208 may contact the end of the battery module 250 in a direction away from one or more tabs 254. In this example, the battery cells 252 may not have locking holes. The lip 206 may receive the extension 258 when in use.

[0102] Figures 5a and 5b show a third example of the battery module 350. In Figures 5a and 5b, the reference numbers used are the same as those used in Figures 1 to 3b, but the same reference numbers are incremented from "100" to "300". For example, the tab in Figure 5a has reference number 354, compared to tab 154 in Figure 1a.

[0103] If the features of the third example of battery module 350 are not described in detail, it can be assumed that they share similar features to those of the first embodiment of battery module 150.

[0104] The battery module 350 comprises a battery cell 352. The battery cell 352 may be substantially cylindrical so that the battery module 350 becomes a pseudo-cylindrical battery module 350. The battery cell 352 may be a lithium-ion battery cell enclosed in a steel can or a prism cell. The battery module 350 may also comprise 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 the face of the prism is a right triangle with a curved hypotenuse. That is, one side of the prism is shaped to be coplanar with the cylindrical battery cell 352, and thus can provide a square edge to the battery cell 352.

[0105] One or more tabs 354 may extend from the end of the 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 positioned to extend at least partially onto the outer surface of the spacer 362.

[0106] Figure 6a shows a side view of a third example of the device assembly 300. Figure 6b shows a side view of a third example of the battery assembly 380. The battery assembly 380 comprises the device assembly 300 and a third example of the battery module 350.

[0107] In Figures 6a and 6b, the reference numbers used are the same as those used in Figures 1 to 3b, with the same reference numbers increasing from "100" to "300". For example, the protrusion in Figure 6a has reference number 304, compared to the protrusion 104 in Figures 1 to 3b.

[0108] If the features of the third example of device assembly 300 and battery assembly 380 are not described in detail, it can be assumed that they share similar features to those of the first example of device assembly 100 and battery assembly 180.

[0109] As shown in Figure 6a, the device assembly 300 is for holding a removable battery module 350 within the aerosol generating device. The device assembly 300 includes a PCB 302, which has one or more protrusions 304, configured to contact the battery module 350 when in use. The device assembly 300 also includes one or more electrical contacts 305, configured to contact and electrically connect with the battery module 350 when in use.

[0110] The device assembly 300 may include a fixture 308. The fixture 308 may be configured to mechanically bias the battery module 350 toward the protrusion 304 of the PCB 302 when in use.

[0111] The fixture 308 may include an elastically deformable member configured to mechanically bias the battery module 350 toward the projection 304 of the PCB 302 when in use. This can be seen in Figure 6b, which shows the battery assembly 380. The square rim constructed by the spacer 362 allows the cylindrical battery module 350 to be biased toward the projection 304 in a distinct orientation. This allows one or more tabs 354 to be pushed toward the projection 304 and, in some examples, toward the electrical contact 305. In this example, the force from the fixture 308 is provided in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LB of the battery cell. The force may also be substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LD of the device assembly.

[0112] The ends of the battery cells 352 of the battery module 350 can be accommodated by the lip 306 of the device assembly 300.

[0113] Battery modules 150, 250, and 350 may be configured to supply electrical energy to the aerosol generating device, providing a voltage in the range of 1V to 5V. Preferably, battery modules 150, 250, and 350 may be configured to supply electrical energy to the aerosol generating device 300, providing a voltage in the range of 3V to 4.2V. Most preferably, battery modules 150, 250, and 350 may be configured to supply electrical energy to the aerosol generating device 300, providing a voltage of, for example, 3.6V or 3.7V. Such voltage sources are particularly advantageous for modern aerosol generating devices in terms of rechargeability, high energy density, and large capacity. Battery modules 150, 250, and 350 may comprise lithium-ion battery cells 152, 252, and 352.

[0114] More generally, battery assemblies 180, 280, 380 are provided in which two conductors may be used. The first conductor (i.e., electrical contacts 105, 205, 305) may be provided within the device assemblies 100, 200, 300. The second conductor (i.e., tabs 154, 254, 354) may be provided on the battery cells 152, 252, 352 of the battery modules 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 fixtures 108, 208, 308 and protrusions 104, 204, 304 to produce a lever effect.

[0115] Battery assemblies 180, 280, and 380 may be for use within an aerosol generating device or may be part of an aerosol generating device. For example, an aerosol generating device comprising device assemblies 100, 200, and 300 may be provided.

[0116] Figure 7 shows a flowchart of Method 700, which may include a first step 710 of inserting battery modules 150, 250, and 350 into device assemblies 100, 200, and 300. Method 700 may include a second step 720 of fixing fixtures 108, 208, and 308 to mechanically bias the battery modules 150, 250, and 350 toward the protrusions 104, 204, and 304 of PCBs 102, 202, and 302. The second step 720 may be performed during the first step 710. That is, the fixtures 108, 208, and 308 may automatically mechanically bias the battery modules 150, 250, and 350 toward the protrusions 104, 204, and 304 once the battery modules 150, 250, and 350 have been inserted. The mechanical biasing of the battery modules 150, 250, and 350 toward the protrusions 104, 204, and 304 of PCBs 102, 202, and 302 allows the battery modules 150, 250, and 350 to be electrically connected to the electrical contacts 105, 205, and 305.

[0117] Method 700 may include a third step 730 of removing battery modules 150, 250, and 350 from device assemblies 100, 200, and 300.

[0118] While preferred embodiments have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims and described above.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device comprising a device assembly (100, 200, 300) for holding a removable battery module within the aerosol generating device, wherein the device assembly (100, 200, 300) is A printed circuit board (102, 202, 302) having one or more protrusions (104, 204, 304) configured to contact the battery module when in use, Electrical contacts (105, 205, 305) configured to be electrically connected to the battery module when in use, and The system includes a jig (108, 208, 308) configured to mechanically bias the battery module toward one or more protrusions (104, 204, 304) when in use, The jigs (108, 208, 308) are configured to mechanically bias the battery module in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the battery module, The aerosol generating device wherein the electrical contact portions (105, 205, 305) are located on one or more protrusions (104, 204, 304).

2. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the device assembly (100, 200, 300) comprises a lip (106) configured to mechanically bias the battery module (150) toward one or more protrusions (104).

3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the jig (108, 308) comprises an elastically deformable member configured to mechanically bias the battery module toward the protrusions (104, 304) of the printed circuit board (102, 302) when in use.

4. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the jig (208) is a cap having a tapered surface (214), and the tapered surface (214) is configured to contact the end of the battery module when in use and mechanically bias the battery module toward the protrusion (204) of the printed circuit board (202).

5. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the jig (108) comprises 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.

6. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, comprising battery modules (150, 250, 350).

7. The aforementioned battery modules (150, 250, 350) are Battery cells (152, 252, 352), and The aerosol generating device according to claim 6, comprising one or more tabs (154, 254, 354) extending from the battery cells (152, 252, 352), which are configured to contact the electrical contact portions (105, 205, 305) of the device assembly (100, 200, 300).

8. The aerosol generating device according to claim 7, wherein the battery cell (352) of the battery module (350) is cylindrical, the battery module (350) comprises a spacer (362) configured to provide a square edge to the battery module (350), and one or more tabs (354) are at least partially located on the outer surface of the spacer (362).

9. The aerosol generating device according to claim 7, wherein the battery cells (152, 252) of the battery module (150, 250) are pouches, and one or more tabs (154, 254) extend from the ends of the pouches.

10. The aerosol generating device according to claim 9, wherein the battery module (150, 250) comprises 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.

11. The aerosol generating device according to 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 the electrical contact portions (105, 205) of the device assembly (100, 200) when in use.

12. The aerosol generating device according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the battery cell support (156) comprises one or more locking holes (160) configured to engage with one or more locking pins of the jig (108) of the device assembly (100).

13. The aerosol generating device according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the jig (208) of the battery module (250) is a cap having a tapered surface (214), and the tapered surface is configured to contact the battery cell support (256) during use and mechanically bias the battery module (250) toward the protrusion (204) of the printed circuit board (202).

14. The aerosol generating device according to claim 6, wherein the fixtures (108, 208, 308) are configured to mechanically bias the battery modules (150, 250, 350) in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (LB) of the battery modules (150, 250, 350).

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