Battery cover release

An assembly can include a chassis that includes a processor, a memory device with memory accessible by the processor, a battery bay and a cover seat; a cover securable in a seated state with respect to the cover seat to cover the battery bay; and an automatic release mechanism automatically actuatable by an increase in battery volume of a lithium battery disposed in the battery bay to release the cover from its seated state. Various other apparatuses, systems, methods, etc., are also disclosed.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Subject matter disclosed herein generally relates to technology and techniques for equipment including one or more batteries.

BACKGROUND

Electrochemical cells include, for example, lithium-ion cells. Where a lithium-ion cell is contained in a package, over time, the package may swell responsive to heating, generation of gas, expansion of electrode material, etc. For example, decomposition of electrolyte and reactions with impurities may cause generation of gas, heating may cause expansion of gas, and aging and degradation during cycling and extended storage may cause expansion of electrode material. Where a package is received by an electronic device or system, an increase in volume may result in damage to the device or system. Various technologies and techniques described herein may, for example, reduce risk of such damage.

SUMMARY

An assembly can include a chassis that includes a processor, a memory device with memory accessible by the processor, a battery bay and a cover seat; a cover securable in a seated state with respect to the cover seat to cover the battery bay; and an automatic release mechanism automatically actuatable by an increase in battery volume of a lithium battery disposed in the battery bay to release the cover from its seated state. Various other apparatuses, systems, methods, etc., are also disclosed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description includes the best mode presently contemplated for practicing the described implementations. This description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but rather is made merely for the purpose of describing general principles of various implementations. The scope of invention should be ascertained with reference to issued claims.

FIG. 1shows an example of an assembly110that includes two chassis112and118, which may be positionable with respect to each other via a hinge or other mechanism. In the example ofFIG. 1, the chassis112can include a top component114that mounts to a base component116(e.g., via a snap or press-fit, screws, etc.). As shown, the top component114may be shaped to accommodate a keyboard142and an input device144. Components such as one or more processors132, a memory device134with memory, etc., may be housed within the chassis112(and/or optionally the chassis118). In the example ofFIG. 1, the chassis118includes a display136, for example, for rendering information under control of at least one of the one or more processors132(e.g., a CPU, a GPU, etc.). The assembly110may include instructions stored in memory of the memory device134, for example, to instruct at least one of the one or more processors132. In turn, information may be directed to a frame buffer or other memory and rendered to the display136. As an example, a user may interact with the assembly110via the keyboard142, the input device144, the display136(e.g., as a touchscreen display), etc.

In the example ofFIG. 1, the chassis112includes a battery bay150configured to receive a battery120, for example, to power various components of the assembly110. The battery120may be a lithium-ion battery, for example, in a particular format (e.g., pouch, prismatic, etc.). As an example, the battery120may be a lithium-ion polymer battery, which may be referred to as a lithium polymer battery or a lithium-ion polymer battery or a lithium-polymer battery (e.g., “LiPo battery” or “LiPo cell”).

A lithium battery may be provided in a pouch format or a prismatic format. A lithium battery in a pouch format can include a flexible, foil-type (e.g., polymer laminate) case; whereas, a lithium battery in a prismatic format can include a rigid case. As an example, a rigid case may be configured to apply force to electrodes and separator materials for purposes of contact. As an example, for a lithium polymer battery, such applied force may not be required as electrode and separator sheets may be laminated for purposes of contact. Whether a lithium battery is in a pouch format or a prismatic format, it can experience swelling (e.g., volume increase).

A LiPo battery may include a polymer composite material such as polyethylene oxide or polyacrylonitrile that includes lithium salt. LiPo cells are sometimes referred to as laminate cells, which may be configured to be very thin or quite large depending on their intended use. One or more LiPo cells may be encased in a flexible aluminum foil laminate pouch (e.g., where the foil has a thickness on the order of about 0.1 mm). LiPo cells may include a stacked construction formed by stacking electrode and electrolyte materials in a flat sandwich (e.g., defined by length, width and height dimensions). Stacked layers may be packed in a package (see, e.g., the battery120as being in pouch package) in a flat, rolled or other configuration. LiPo cell capacities can include capacities in a range, for example of about 50 mA·hrs (e.g., for a small cell such as for a Bluetooth headset) to about 10 A·hrs or more for an electric vehicle (e.g., electric or hybrid).

As to function of a lithium-ion cell, lithium ions move from a negative electrode to a positive electrode during discharge and reversely when being charged. As an example, a LiPo cell can include a polyethylene (PE), a polypropylene (PP), a PP/PE, or other material as a separator. Some LiPo cells include a polymer gel containing an electrolyte solution, which is coated onto an electrode surface. For LiPo cells, close packing can allow for a high density.

For lithium-ion cells, when cell voltage drops to a low value (e.g., about 1.5 V), reactions at an anode can produce gas (e.g., over-discharge or “OD”). If voltage continues to drop (e.g., under about 1 V), copper of a copper-based anode current collector can start to dissolve and may short out a cell. When cell voltage increases to a high value (e.g., about 4.6 V), gassing may occur at a cathode as electrolyte may start to decompose (e.g., overcharge or “00”). As an example, a lithium-ion cell or cells may be connected to an external thermal fuse for overcharge protection (e.g., in addition to the control by management circuitry). A normal operating range may lie between an overcharge region (OC) and an over-discharge region (OD); noting that cell damage may occur in the 00 region or the OD region.

In the example ofFIG. 1, the assembly110may be a computer (e.g., optionally a “netbook” or other type of information handling assembly) where the battery bay150is not intended to be end-user accessible, for example, for user servicing or user replacement of the battery120. Where the top and base components114and116of the chassis112are fixedly connected and substantially rigid, expansion of the battery120in the battery bay150(e.g., due to gas generation) may result in the battery120increasing in volume and applying pressure to the top and base components114and116of the chassis112. If the applied pressure exceeds a critical pressure, the chassis112may deform, split, break, etc.

As an example, consider the battery120ofFIG. 1as being a LiPo battery with a pouch of about six inches in length (yB), about three inches in width (xB) and about half an inch in height (zB); the battery120being rated at about 4200 mA·hrs at about 7.3 V. In such an example, the battery bay150of the chassis112may have a height (zb) slightly more than that of the battery120. As shown inFIG. 1, in response to gas generation, the pouch of the LiPo battery120increases in volume to a height well beyond that of the battery bay150. For purposes of illustrating the extent of the increase in height, the chassis112is shown in two views with the top component114as well as the keyboard142removed. In such an example, the pressure exerted by the battery120in its gas enlarged state is greater than a critical pressure of the chassis112and hence the chassis112deforms, splits, breaks, etc.

An assembly that includes an embedded battery (e.g., one that is not intended to be customer replaceable) can disappoint consumers who do not expect the assembly to be damaged by swelling of the embedded battery, especially after expiration of a warranty period. As an example, to avoid damage due to battery swelling, an assembly can include a mechanism that is activated in response to battery swelling. For example, a mechanism may respond to change in one or more dimensions, pressure, etc., caused by swelling to activate the mechanism where the mechanism acts to open a cover of an assembly, which may avoid damage to the assembly (e.g., non-elastic deformation, splitting, breaking, etc. of one or more components).

FIG. 2shows an example of an assembly210that includes two chassis212and218, which may be positionable with respect to each other via a hinge or other mechanism. In the example ofFIG. 2, the chassis212can include a top component214that mounts to a base component216. The top component214may be shaped to accommodate a keyboard242and an input device244. Components such as one or more processors232, a memory device234with memory, etc., may be housed within the chassis212(and/or optionally the chassis218). In the example ofFIG. 2, the chassis218includes a display236, for example, for rendering information under control of at least one of the one or more processors232(e.g., a CPU, a GPU, etc.). The assembly210may include instructions stored in memory of the memory device234, for example, to instruct at least one of the one or more processors232. In turn, information may be directed to a frame buffer or other memory and rendered to the display236. As an example, a user may interact with the assembly210via the keyboard242, the input device244, the display236(e.g., as a touchscreen display), etc.

In the example ofFIG. 2, the chassis212includes a battery bay250configured to receive a battery220, for example, to power various components of the assembly210. The battery220may be a lithium-ion battery such as, for example, a lithium-ion polymer battery, which may be referred to as a lithium-ion battery or a lithium-ion polymer battery or a lithium-polymer battery (e.g., “LiPo battery” or “LiPo cell”). As an example, the battery220may be in a pouch format or a prismatic format.

To avoid damage due to swelling of the battery220, the assembly210includes a mechanism that includes a cover assembly280that cooperates with a cover seat260and receptacles264and265of the top component214. As shown in the example ofFIG. 2, the cover assembly280includes a cover282with a longitudinal groove283and groove bridges284and285and includes a bar286with fasteners287and289, where the bar286may be elastically deformable and where the fasteners287and289may be T-shaped (e.g., T-shaped hooks, grasps, etc.). As to the receptacles264and265, each is shaped for receipt of a respective one of the fasteners287and289and to allow for longitudinal movement of a respective one of the fasteners287and289therein between a locked state and an unlocked state. As to the bridges284and285, these can provide for retaining the bar286with respect to the cover282and, for example, applying points of contact between the bar286and the cover282. As an example, one or both of the bridges284and285may be formed integrally with the cover282or configured for attachment to the cover282(e.g., via press-fit, adhesive, welding, etc.).

In the example ofFIG. 2, consider an example scenario where an increase in height of the battery220to an actuation height (za) of the bar286may cause the bar286to elastically deform and elongate such that the fasteners287and289translate outwardly in their respective receptacles264and265of the top component214. For a sufficient, optionally predetermined, amount of height increase of the battery220, the fasteners287and289may translate to the unlocked state whereby the cover282may be released from the cover seat260of the top component214. Accordingly, the cover282may transition from a seated state with respect to the cover seat260to an unseated state with respect to the cover seat260via the mechanism in response to a change in volume of the battery220as located in the battery bay250.

In the example ofFIG. 2, the assembly210may include receptacle covers such as the receptacle cover295, which is configured to cover the receptacle265of the top component214of the chassis212. As an example, the receptacle cover295may prevent debris from entering a receptacle, provide for a smooth upper surface (e.g., flush surface) for the top component214, etc. As an example, a receptacle cover295may be press-fit into a receptacle via application of pressure. In such an example, the receptacle cover295may be unfit (e.g., popped-off) by pressure applied to the receptacle cover295by a fastener, etc., of a mechanism. For example, upon swelling of the battery220, upward pressure may be transferred to the fastener289in the receptacle265where, in turn, the fastener289applies pressure to the receptacle cover295to pop it off or otherwise unseat it (e.g., to allow for unseating of the cover282from the cover seat260).

In the example ofFIG. 2, the cover seat260may be formed with tabs, a rim, etc., to seat the cover282, for example, along an edge or edges of the cover282. As an example, a cover and a cover seat may cooperate via one or more hinges, for example, such that one edge of the cover remains connected to the cover seat via a hinge. In such an example, the cover may rotate (e.g., swing) open to an unseated state in response to an increase in volume of a battery located in a battery bay of a chassis. As an example, a cover seat may act to seat (e.g., support) a cover such that in a seated state the cover is not susceptible to falling into an interior space of a device.

While the example ofFIG. 2shows the cover282as being next to a keyboard (e.g., on a top surface), an assembly may include a cover in a cover seat of a base portion. As an example, an assembly may include more than one cover, for example, with a cover seated with respect to a top surface and another cover seated with respect to a base surface, multiple top surface covers, multiple base surface covers, etc.

In the example ofFIG. 2, the bar286may apply some pressure to the battery220, which may, for example, act to locate the battery220in the battery bay250. As an example, a bar286may bias a battery220with sufficient force to overcome mass of the battery220under acceleration of gravity (e.g., F>mBg, where mBis mass of the battery220). In such an example, if the assembly210is rotated, the bar286may prevent flopping of the battery220in the battery bay250as orientation of the assembly210with respect to gravity changes. In such an example, a mechanism may provide for stabilizing a battery in a bay as well as releasing a cover in response to swelling of the battery in the bay.

As an example, an assembly can include a chassis that includes a processor, a memory device with memory accessible by the processor, a battery bay and a cover seat; a cover securable in a seated state with respect to the cover seat to cover the battery bay; and an automatic release mechanism automatically actuatable by an increase in battery volume of a lithium battery (e.g., a LiPo battery or other type of lithium battery) disposed in the battery bay to release the cover from its seated state.

As an example, an assembly may include a manual release mechanism to release a cover from its seated state. For example, a manual release mechanism may include a member selected from a group consisting of a bolt, a screw, a lever, a knob, a button, and a latch.

As an example, an automatic release mechanism may include a movable connector connectable for movement responsive to an increase in battery volume of a lithium battery. In such an example, the automatic release mechanism can include a cover fastener translatable by movement of the movable connector to release a cover from its seated state.

As an example, an automatic release mechanism can include an elastic connector that connects a cover to a chassis. In such an example, the elastic connector may apply a biasing force to bias the cover in its seated state, the biasing force being less than an expansion force associated with an increase in battery volume of a lithium battery disposed in a battery bay.

As an example, an automatic release mechanism can include an elastic bar elastically deformable responsive to an expansion force associated with an increase in battery volume of a lithium battery disposed in a battery bay. In such an example, the elastic bar can include a fastener and a chassis can include a receptacle where deformation of the elastic bar translates the fastener in the receptacle for release of the fastener from the receptacle.

As an example, an assembly may include a strain gauge positioned to sense strain responsive to an increase in battery volume of a lithium battery disposed in a battery bay. In such an example, the assembly may include circuitry to issue a trigger based at least in part on a sensed strain signal.

As an example, an assembly can include a chassis where the chassis includes a mechanical keyboard (e.g., with depressible keys). As an example, a chassis may include a touchscreen display (e.g., to be powered by a battery such as a LiPo battery). As an example, an assembly can include one or more electric motors. For example, an assembly may be a power tool, a vehicle, a toy, etc.

As an example, an assembly may include an automatic release mechanism that is automatically actuatable by a predetermined increase in battery volume of a lithium battery disposed in a battery bay to release a cover from its seated state.

FIG. 3shows an example of an assembly310that includes a chassis312that may include one or more processors332, one or more memory devices334, etc. In the example ofFIG. 3, the assembly310includes a battery bay350-1and a battery bay350-1. As shown, a battery320-1is located in the battery bay350-1and a battery320-2is located in the battery bay350-2where each of the batteries320-1and320-2has dimensions (e.g., in an x, y, z Cartesian coordinate system).

In the example ofFIG. 3, the chassis316has a floor315and a surrounding wall316(or walls), which may define a chassis depth (e.g., with respect to a z-axis). As shown, the floor315has an opposing side or bottom318which includes a cover seat360for seating a cover382that covers the battery bays350-1and350-2. In the example ofFIG. 3, the cover382includes feet319-1and319-2, for example, to support the chassis312on a surface such as a surface of a table, a desk, etc. Also shown inFIG. 3are screw holes317, for example, for securing one or more components to the chassis312. The screw holes may be screw holes that extend through respective bosses, for example, that extend from the floor315, the wall316, etc., of the chassis312. As an example, the chassis312may be a base component configured for receipt of a top component such as, for example, a top component to mount a keyboard, a display, a touchscreen display, etc.

As an example, the cover382may be releasable via one or more release mechanisms that respond to a change in a battery or batteries disposed in a battery bay or battery bays. For example, the assembly310ofFIG. 3may include a mechanism that includes one or more of the features described with respect toFIG. 2; noting that the assembly310may optionally include one or more features described with respect to other examples herein (see, e.g., examples ofFIGS. 4,5,6, and9).

FIG. 4shows an example of an assembly410in two different states. In the example ofFIG. 4, a chassis412includes walls414and416, a battery bay450for receipt of a battery420, a cover seat460, a cover release mechanism470and a cover482configured to be seated in a seated state with respect to the cover seat460and in an unseated state upon release of the cover482by the cover release mechanism470. In the example ofFIG. 4, the cover482is hinged via a hinge mechanism463such that the cover482may rotate about a hinge axis (e.g., between a seated state and an unseated state).

As to the cover release mechanism470, it may be an automatic release mechanism automatically actuatable by an increase in battery volume of the battery420disposed in the battery bay450to release the cover482from its seated state with respect to the cover seat460. In the example ofFIG. 4, the mechanism470includes a mount471for mounting a translatable latch472that includes an extension474that extends from the latch472to engage a socket484of the cover482to secure the cover482in a seated state with respect to the cover seat460and that includes an end surface or nose476.

Also shown inFIG. 4is a connector475that extends between a fixed surface (e.g., a surface of the wall416, a surface of the mount471, etc.) and a moveable surface (e.g., a surface of the battery, etc.) where the movable surface moves upon swelling of the battery420(e.g., an increase in volume) in the battery bay450. As an example, upon swelling of the battery420, the connector475can move, and through contact with the nose476of the latch472, cause the latch472to translate in the mount471such that the extension474translates away from the cover482to disengage from the socket484of the cover482. Once the extension474of the latch472is disengaged from the socket484of the cover482, the cover482can swing outwardly about the hinge axis of the hinge mechanism463to accommodate swelling of the battery420(e.g., increase in volume of the battery420). As an example, one or more other connectors such as a connector477may also be included (e.g., to direct, stabilize, etc., movement of the battery420in the battery bay450).

Various dimensions are shown in the example ofFIG. 4, including a battery bay dimension (zb), a battery dimension (zB), a battery differential (ΔzB) and a latch differential (Δya). As an example, a predetermined battery differential may correspond to a latch differential sufficient for release of the cover482(e.g., disengagement of a side of the cover482). As an example, where a battery bay may accommodate one or more types of batteries that may differ in dimension, one or more shims may be introduced to adjust a release mechanism to provide for release of a cover in response to a certain battery differential (e.g., swelling, volume, etc.).

As shown inFIG. 4, the battery bay450has a larger dimension than that of the battery420(e.g., zb>zB). In such an example, movement of the battery420may occur in response to swelling to move the battery420towards the wall414, which causes the connector475to orient at an angle sufficient to translate the latch472and release a side of the cover482. While the example ofFIG. 4shows a single mechanism, an assembly may include more than one mechanism (e.g., consider two or more of the mechanisms470).

As an example, a battery bay may include a basket for receipt of a battery such that the basket moves in response to swelling of the battery. For example, referring toFIG. 4, the rectangular box representing the battery420may be a basket for carrying a LiPo battery in the battery bay450. In such an example, one end of the connector475may be connected to the basket and another end of the connector475may be connected to the wall416(e.g., as running along a side of the latch472).

FIG. 5shows two perspective views of the assembly410ofFIG. 4. In one perspective view, the mechanism470along with the wall416including the cover seat460and the cover482seated in the cover seat460. As shown, the mechanism470can include a guide bar473that guides movement of the latch472in the mount471. Thus, as the nose476encounters force, it is guided by the guide bar473in slots478of the mount471such that the latch472translates in a direction determined by the slots478. For example, as the connector475may rise angularly (e.g. to a predetermined angle, etc.) and apply force to the nose476of the latch472, the guide bar473and the slots478can help to ensure that the force translates the latch472(e.g., rather than substantially tipping the nose476of the latch472).

FIG. 6shows an example of an assembly610with a mechanism670for release of a cover682where the mechanism670includes a deformable member672, which may be elastically deformable or inelastically deformable. As shown, a wall614includes a cover seat660that includes a notch663configured to cooperate with a notch683of the cover682.

In the example ofFIG. 6, a sideways pointing arrow represents a direction of force applied by a swelling battery. In response, the member672deforms such that the cover682can transition from a seated state to an unseated state with respect to the cover seat660. For example, the member672may be secured at one end to the wall614and at another end to the cover682where deformation of the member672allows movement of the cover682sufficient to disengage the notch683of the cover682from the notch663of the cover seat660(e.g., as defined by a portion of the wall614).

As an example, the member672may be a spring (e.g., metal, synthetic, wound, spiral, etc). As an example, the member672may be defined with respect to a spring constant where, for example, the spring constant is selected based at least in part on one or more characteristics of a lithium battery (e.g., a LiPo battery, etc.). As an example, an assembly may include multiple members such as the member672, which may be arranged along one or more sides of a cover seat and cover.

As an example, the member672may be operatively coupled to a sensor675such as, for example, a strain sensor. In such an example, the sensor may provide a signal (e.g., impedance, active signal, etc.) that corresponds to a level of strain, a strain differential, etc. An assembly may include circuitry to receive a sensor signal and to optionally respond to such a signal. For example, upon swelling of a battery, a strain sensor of an assembly may provide an indication (e.g., visual, audible, etc.) that swelling has or is occurring and that a user may wish to have the assembly serviced.

As an example, an assembly may include one or more contact switches. As an example, a contact switch may rely on contact between a cover and a cover seat such that unseating of the cover from the cover seat causes an interruption in the contact switch. Such a switch may be to electrically disconnect a battery or batteries from one or more circuits of an assembly (e.g., to prevent use of a battery, charging of a battery, etc.). As an example, a deformable member may include an electrically connector that disconnects in response to deformation (e.g., deformation beyond a certain limit, etc.). In such a manner, swelling of a battery may deform the deformable member and electrically disconnect the battery from one or more circuits of an assembly (e.g., to prevent use of the battery, charging of the battery, etc.). As an example, a switch may cause (e.g., directly or indirectly) issuance of an alarm (e.g., to indicate swelling has occurred or is occurring). In such an example, the alarm may be audible, visual, communicated via a network connection (e.g., via email, etc.).

FIG. 7shows various approximate profiles for examples of one or more LiPo batteries in a normal state and in a swelled state. As shown, a LiPo battery in a normal state710may swell to increasing dimension in a swelled state715. In another example, a LiPo battery in a normal state720is anchored such that the battery in a swelled state725rises at an angle due to the anchor. In yet another example, two LiPo batteries are stacked and shown in a normal state730where swelling of the two LiPo batteries increase in dimension in a swelled state735. Another example shows two LiPo batteries that are stacked and anchored in a normal state740such that the batteries in a swelled state745rise at angles due to the anchors.

As an example, a mechanism to release a cover may account for how a battery or batteries are mounted in a battery bay. For example, where a battery is anchored at one side, a release mechanism may respond to movement of another unanchored side of the battery. Further, where batteries are stacked and anchored along a side, a release mechanism may respond to movement of another unanchored side of an upper most or lower most of the batteries.

FIG. 8shows some examples of assemblies800that may be powered by a lithium-ion cell or cells, for example, optionally in the form of one or more lithium polymer batteries. As shown inFIG. 8, for example, a cell phone, a tablet, a camera, a GPS device, a notebook computer, or other device may be powered by a lithium-ion cell or cells. As to other devices, a device may be an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle. A device may be an automobile, a power tool, a toy, a remote control device (e.g., a bomb sniffers, drones, etc.), etc. A device may include one or more processors802, memory804, one or more network interfaces806, one or more displays808and, as a power source, one or more lithium-ion cells810(e.g., provided as one or more lithium batteries).

As an example, a power tool may be a drill, a saw, or other type of motorized tool. As an example, a power tool can include a battery bay for receipt of a lithium battery where a release mechanism acts to release a battery bay cover in response to an increase in volume of a lithium battery disposed in the battery bay of the power tool. As an example, a power tool may include a detachable chassis that includes a battery bay. In such an example, the detachable chassis may include a release mechanism that acts to release a battery bay cover in response to an increase in volume of a lithium battery disposed in the battery bay of the detachable chassis. As an example, a user may have two or more detachable chassis where if a battery in one of the detachable chassis as attached to a power tool becomes discharged, the user may swap out that detachable chassis for another with a charged battery. Where swelling occurs during storage, a cover release mechanism may release a cover (e.g., transition the cover from a seated to an unseated state) and thereby avoid or mitigate damage to the detachable chassis.

An assembly (e.g., a device) may include or operably connect to power cell circuitry812. The power cell circuitry812includes circuitry for charging one or more power cells such as one or more lithium-ion cells. The power cell circuitry812may be provided as charger circuitry820, cell pack circuitry830or cell pack circuitry and host circuitry840. As an example, the charger circuitry820may include one or more of grid power supply circuitry822for connection to a power grid; fuel generator circuitry824for connection to a fuel-powered electricity generator (e.g., oil, ethanol, sun, gas, etc.); and mechanical generator circuitry826for connection to mechanical equipment such as a wind generator, a regenerative generator (e.g., as in regenerative braking), a shaking generator (e.g., as in a hand motion actuated generator), or other generator (e.g., crank, etc.). As an example, the cell pack circuitry830may include one or more of circuitry internal to a cell pack or external to a cell pack. As an example, the cell pack circuitry and host circuitry840may include one or more of digital communication circuitry842for communicating via 1 wire, 2 wires, etc.; wireless digital communication circuitry844; and analog communication circuitry846(e.g., wired, wireless or both).

FIG. 8shows an example of an assembly860that includes an electric motor862, circuitry864, a battery bay868for a battery870and a release mechanism880for releasing a cover that can cover the battery bay868. As an example, the assembly860may be a power tool, a vehicle, a toy, etc.

As an example, an assembly can include a processor; a memory device with memory accessible by the processor; a display accessible by the processor; a chassis that includes a battery bay and a cover seat; a lithium battery disposed in the battery bay; a cover securable in a seated state with respect to the cover seat to cover the battery bay; and an automatic release mechanism automatically actuatable by an increase in battery volume of the lithium battery disposed in the battery bay to release the cover from its seated state.

As an example, an assembly may include a smart battery system (SBS). As an example, a SBS can include a smart battery, an AC-DC converter, a smart battery charger, a bus, a system power supply, a system power controller, and a system host. As an example, a smart battery charger can include charging circuitry that can provide the smart battery with charging current and charging voltage. As an example, a system host can include circuitry operable with a bus that allows for signals to be received from circuitry of a smart battery, signals to be transmitted to the circuitry of the smart battery, signals to be transmitted to a smart battery charger, etc. As an example, a system host may include a SMBus host (e.g., “2 wire”) or a so-called “1 wire” host that can request information from circuitry of a smart battery, receive information responsive to the request, and transmit the received information to appropriate circuitry of a host.

FIG. 9shows an example of an arrangement900that includes a host902and a smart battery910. In the example ofFIG. 9, the host902includes host circuitry903, an operating system904(e.g., executable using one or more processors and memory), an advanced configuration and power interface embedded controller (ACPI EC)980and an ACPI layer990.

The ACPI layer990may be provided as a software-based interface that defines a power management and configuration mechanism for hardware and operating systems. The ACPI layer990may provide for power management such as OS-directed power management (OSPM). The ACPI layer990may operate according to states (e.g., as a state machine). The ACPI layer990may operate according to one or more policies (e.g., set by a policy manager) that provide rules for one or more states and provide for interaction with one or more device drivers, for example, to provide commands, instructions, etc., related to one or more devices (e.g., including a smart battery). Such an approach may provide a state machine where relevant information causes a change in state, for example, according to one or more policies.

As to the embedded controller (EC)980, it may provide for control of various equipment (e.g., human interaction equipment), one or more background tasks, etc. For example, the EC980may be circuitry of a notebook computer that manages traffic across one or more buses for peripheral, built-in or other devices. The EC980may operate according to firmware, which may be associated with particular BIOS. As an example, EC firmware may be altered (e.g., upgraded, etc.) via information transmitted via a network connection, loaded via a computer-readable storage medium, etc.

As an example, an EC may be mounted on a motherboard of an information handling system (e.g., a computer, a tablet, a cellular communication device, a ECU of a vehicle, etc.) and include functionality for power management (e.g., for a battery charger, a smart battery, one or more cooling fans, etc.). As an example, communication may occur between a chipset and an EC via a low pin count (LPC) host. As an example, communication may occur between an EC and a device via an I2C bus (e.g., a SMBus).

A so-called SMBus control method interface (CMI) allows an EC to act via an ACPI layer, for example, via ACPI control methods where a driver allows for use of SMBus CMI objects by an operating system, system software (e.g., hypervisor or other), user applications, etc. As an example, a SMBus CMI can allow for device control via EC-based or non-EC-based SMBus host controller hardware.

FIG. 9also shows a diagram of the arrangement900with some additional details such as physical interfaces for connection to a power source for charging the smart battery910(e.g., an AC/DC power adapter, a DC/DC power adapter, etc.) and for connection to the smart battery910(e.g., as disposed in a battery bay of an assembly). As shown, the ACPI EC980can include EC circuitry and a bus host. The EC circuitry may include data registers, control and status circuitry while the bus host provides for communication via an interface of the smart battery910.

FIG. 9also shows an example of a method930that includes a provision block932for providing an assembly, an increase block934for increasing volume of a battery, an issue block936for issuing an notice as to the increasing volume of the battery and an actuation block938for actuating a release mechanism to release a cover that covers a battery bay that includes the battery.

As an example, the arrangement900may be configured to implement a method such as the method930. In such an example, the method may include receiving a signal from a sensor, measuring a state of a sensor, responding to an impedance of a sensor, etc. For example, one or more of the components in the arrangement900may provide for managing charging of one or more cells of the smart battery910where a sensor provides an indication that swelling of a battery (e.g., increase in volume) has occurred or is occurring.

As an example, a smart battery may be provided with a strain gauge where information indicative of strain may be communicated from the smart battery to a host. As an example, a release mechanism may be provided with a strain gauge where information indicative of strain may be communicated from the release mechanism to a host. As an example, a host may include features of the host902ofFIG. 9where information indicative of strain may be used to manage one or more operations associated with a battery or batteries (e.g., issuing a notification, a trigger, etc.).

As an example, a release mechanism may optionally be actuatable via a signal in response to strain or other sensed information indicative of an increase in volume of a battery. As an example, a signal may cause release of a cover that covers a battery bay of an assembly and may also disconnect the battery from one or more circuits of the assembly.

As an example, a method can include providing an assembly that includes a processor, a memory device with memory accessible by the processor, a battery bay, a lithium battery disposed in the battery bay to power at least the processor and the memory device, a cover seat, a cover secured in a seated state with respect to the cover seat to cover the battery bay and the lithium battery, and an automatic release mechanism automatically actuatable by an increase in battery volume of the lithium battery to release the cover from its seated state; increasing battery volume of the lithium battery; and responsive to the increasing, automatically actuating the automatic release mechanism and releasing the cover from its seated state. In such an example, the provided assembly can include a display where the method includes sensing an increase in battery volume and issuing a notification for display to the display based at least in part on the sensing.

As an example, such a method may include recharging the lithium battery. As an example, a method may include generating gas during recharging, during discharging or both to cause increasing battery volume of a battery.

In the various examples described herein, a battery may be a lithium battery (e.g., a lithium polymer battery or other type of lithium battery). In the various examples described herein, a battery may be, for example, in a pouch format or a prismatic format (e.g., or other format that may experience an increase in volume).

The term “circuit” or “circuitry” is used in the summary, description, and/or claims. As is well known in the art, the term “circuitry” includes all levels of available integration, e.g., from discrete logic circuits to the highest level of circuit integration such as VLSI, and includes programmable logic components programmed to perform the functions of an embodiment as well as general-purpose or special-purpose processors programmed with instructions to perform those functions. Such circuitry may optionally rely on one or more computer-readable media that includes computer-executable instructions. As described herein, a computer-readable medium may be a storage device (e.g., a memory card, a storage disk, etc.) and referred to as a computer-readable storage medium.

While various examples of circuits or circuitry have been discussed,FIG. 10depicts a block diagram of an illustrative computer system1000. The system1000may be a desktop computer system, such as one of the ThinkCentre® or ThinkPad® series of personal computers sold by Lenovo (US) Inc. of Morrisville, N.C., or a workstation computer, such as the ThinkStation®, which are sold by Lenovo (US) Inc. of Morrisville, N.C.; however, as apparent from the description herein, a satellite, a base, a server or other machine may include other features or only some of the features of the system1000. As described herein, a device such as one of the assemblies800ofFIG. 8may include at least some of the features of the system1000.

As shown inFIG. 10, the system1000includes a so-called chipset1010. A chipset refers to a group of integrated circuits, or chips, that are designed (e.g., configured) to work together. Chipsets are usually marketed as a single product (e.g., consider chipsets marketed under the brands INTEL®, AMD®, etc.).

In the example ofFIG. 10, the chipset1010has a particular architecture, which may vary to some extent depending on brand or manufacturer. The architecture of the chipset1010includes a core and memory control group1020and an I/O controller hub1050that exchange information (e.g., data, signals, commands, etc.) via, for example, a direct management interface or direct media interface (DMI)1042or a link controller1044. In the example ofFIG. 10, the DMI1042is a chip-to-chip interface (sometimes referred to as being a link between a “northbridge” and a “southbridge”).

The core and memory control group1020include one or more processors1022(e.g., single core or multi-core) and a memory controller hub1026that exchange information via a front side bus (FSB)1024. As described herein, various components of the core and memory control group1020may be integrated onto a single processor die, for example, to make a chip that supplants the conventional “northbridge” style architecture.

The memory controller hub1026interfaces with memory1040. For example, the memory controller hub1026may provide support for DDR SDRAM memory (e.g., DDR, DDR2, DDR3, etc.). In general, the memory1040is a type of random-access memory (RAM). It is often referred to as “system memory”.

The memory controller hub1026further includes a low-voltage differential signaling interface (LVDS)1032. The LVDS1032may be a so-called LVDS Display Interface (LDI) for support of a display device1092(e.g., a CRT, a flat panel, a projector, etc.). A block1038includes some examples of technologies that may be supported via the LVDS interface1032(e.g., serial digital video, HDMI/DVI, display port). The memory controller hub1026also includes one or more PCI-express interfaces (PCI-E)1034, for example, for support of discrete graphics1036. Discrete graphics using a PCI-E interface has become an alternative approach to an accelerated graphics port (AGP). For example, the memory controller hub1026may include a 16-lane (×16) PCI-E port for an external PCI-E-based graphics card. A system may include AGP or PCI-E for support of graphics. As described herein, a display may be a sensor display (e.g., configured for receipt of input using a stylus, a finger, etc.). As described herein, a sensor display may rely on resistive sensing, optical sensing, or other type of sensing.

The I/O hub controller1050includes a variety of interfaces. The example ofFIG. 10includes a SATA interface1051, one or more PCI-E interfaces1052(optionally one or more legacy PCI interfaces), one or more USB interfaces1053, a LAN interface1054(more generally a network interface), a general purpose I/O interface (GPIO)1055, a low-pin count (LPC) interface1070, a power management interface1061, a clock generator interface1062, an audio interface1063(e.g., for speakers1094), a total cost of operation (TCO) interface1064, a system management bus interface (e.g., a multi-master serial computer bus interface)1065, and a serial peripheral flash memory/controller interface (SPI Flash)1066, which, in the example ofFIG. 10, includes BIOS1068and boot code1090. With respect to network connections, the I/O hub controller1050may include integrated gigabit Ethernet controller lines multiplexed with a PCI-E interface port. Other network features may operate independent of a PCI-E interface.

The interfaces of the I/O hub controller1050provide for communication with various devices, networks, etc. For example, the SATA interface1051provides for reading, writing or reading and writing information on one or more drives1080such as HDDs, SDDs or a combination thereof. The I/O hub controller1050may also include an advanced host controller interface (AHCI) to support one or more drives1080. The PCI-E interface1052allows for wireless connections1082to devices, networks, etc. The USB interface1053provides for input devices1084such as keyboards (KB), one or more optical sensors, mice and various other devices (e.g., microphones, cameras, phones, storage, media players, etc.). On or more other types of sensors may optionally rely on the USB interface1053or another interface (e.g., I2C, etc.). As to microphones, the system1000ofFIG. 10may include hardware (e.g., audio card) appropriately configured for receipt of sound (e.g., user voice, ambient sound, etc.).

In the example ofFIG. 10, the LPC interface1070provides for use of one or more ASICs1071, a trusted platform module (TPM)1072, a super I/O1073, a firmware hub1074, BIOS support1075as well as various types of memory1076such as ROM1077, Flash1078, and non-volatile RAM (NVRAM)1079. With respect to the TPM1072, this module may be in the form of a chip that can be used to authenticate software and hardware devices. For example, a TPM may be capable of performing platform authentication and may be used to verify that a system seeking access is the expected system.

The system1000, upon power on, may be configured to execute boot code1090for the BIOS1068, as stored within the SPI Flash1066, and thereafter processes data under the control of one or more operating systems and application software (e.g., stored in system memory1040). An operating system may be stored in any of a variety of locations and accessed, for example, according to instructions of the BIOS1068. Again, as described herein, a satellite, a base, a server or other machine may include fewer or more features than shown in the system1000ofFIG. 10. Further, the system1000ofFIG. 10is shown as optionally include cell phone circuitry1095, which may include GSM, CDMA, etc., types of circuitry configured for coordinated operation with one or more of the other features of the system1000. Also shown inFIG. 10is battery circuitry1097, which may provide one or more battery, power, etc., associated features (e.g., optionally to instruct one or more other components of the system1000). A SMBus may be operable via a LPC (see, e.g., the LPC interface1070), via an I2C interface (see, e.g., the SM/I2C interface1065), etc.

CONCLUSION

Although examples of methods, devices, systems, etc., have been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed as examples of forms of implementing the claimed methods, devices, systems, etc.