Abstract:
A battery for a mobile communication terminal including: a battery cell, a protection circuit assembly connected to the battery cell and configured to stabilize a current when the battery cell is charged or discharged, a protection cover configured to cover the protection circuit assembly, and a coupling unit configured to couple the protection cover to the battery cell.

Description:
[0001]     This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2004-0091613 filed in Korea on Nov. 10, 2004, the entire contents of which is incorporated in its entirety.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0003]     The present invention relates to a battery for a mobile communication terminal, and more particularly to a battery for a mobile communication terminal that is easy to assemble and which includes components that are firmly coupled together.  
         [0004]     2. Description of the Related Art  
         [0005]     A mobile communication terminal can be carried with a user allowing the user to call another party wherever the user is located. Further, the mobile terminal generally includes a detachable battery for supplying power to the terminal. The battery can also be recharged.  
         [0006]     Generally, a lithium cell is used for the mobile terminal battery. In the lithium cell, lithium ions are generated from an anode formed of a lithium oxide by an oxidation process. Then, the lithium ions are moved by an electrolyte to be deoxidized at a cathode formed of carbon, etc., thereby generating electric energy. The mobile terminal is then operated using the generated electric energy.  
         [0007]     For example,  FIG. 1  is a perspective view showing one example of a related art battery, and  FIG. 2  is a perspective view showing the related art battery having no cover member. As shown in these figures, the battery includes a hexahedron-shaped cell  100  filled with electrolyte, etc. and a protection circuit assembly  200  connected to one side of the cell  100 . The protection circuit assembly  200  stabilizes a current when the battery is charged or discharged. Further, the battery also includes a protection cover  300  for covering the protection circuit assembly  200 .  
         [0008]     In addition, the cell  100  is formed of an aluminum material and is hermetically sealed. Ports  210  of the protection circuit assembly  200  are respectively connected to corresponding ports of the cell  100 . The protection cover  300  is also formed of a nylon-based resin.  
         [0009]     The protection circuit assembly  200  and the protection cover  300  are coupled to the cell  100  as follows. As shown in  FIG. 3 , the protection circuit assembly  200  is attached to one side surface of the cell  100  using a spot welding or a laser welding method. Further, the protection cover  300  is formed over the protection circuit assembly  200  using a nylon-based molded resin.  
         [0010]     However, in the related art battery, because the protection cover  300  is attached to the aluminum cell  100  using a molded resin, the cell  100  and the protection cover  300  become easily separated from each other when the battery is dropped or when an external force is applied to the battery. Therefore, a gap between the cell  100  and the protection cover  300  is generated.  
         [0011]     Another example of coupling the protection circuit assembly  200  and the cover  300  to the cell  100  is shown in  FIG. 4 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , a nylon-based resin is insert-molded to form the protection cover  300  so the protection circuit assembly  200  can be positioned therein. The protection cover  300  is then attached to one side surface of the cell  100  using a bonding process.  
         [0012]     However, the related art battery has the following problems. First, it is difficult to bond the protection cover  300  having the protection circuit assembly  200  therein to the cell  100 . Also, because the protection cover  300  formed of a nylon-based resin is hardened by a bonding material, it is easily damaged when the battery is dropped or an external impact is applied thereto.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0013]     Accordingly, one object of the present invention is to address the above-noted and other problems.  
         [0014]     Another object of the present invention is to facilitate an assembly of a cell and other components of the battery and to firmly maintain a coupled state therebetween.  
         [0015]     To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the present invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, there is provided a battery for a mobile communication terminal. The battery according to an aspect of the present invention includes a battery cell, a protection circuit assembly connected to the battery cell and configured to stabilize a current when the battery cell is charged or discharged, a protection cover configured to cover the protection circuit assembly, and a coupling unit configured to couple the protection cover to the battery cell.  
         [0016]     According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing a battery for a mobile communication terminal, which includes forming a battery cell having a power source for providing power to the mobile terminal, forming a protection circuit assembly for stabilizing the power source of the battery cell when the battery cell is charged or discharged, forming a protection cover for covering the protection circuit assembly, and forming a coupling unit for coupling the protection cover to the battery cell.  
         [0017]     Further scope of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0018]     The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description given hereinbelow and the accompanying drawings, which are given by illustration only, and thus are not limitative of the present invention, and wherein:  
         [0019]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view showing a related art battery for a mobile communication terminal;  
         [0020]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view showing a protection circuit assembly of the related art battery for a mobile communication terminal;  
         [0021]      FIGS. 3 and 4  are perspective views respectively showing a coupling structure of the related art battery for the mobile terminal;  
         [0022]      FIGS. 5 and 6  are respectively a perspective view and a disassembled perspective view showing a battery for a mobile communication terminal according to a first embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0023]      FIG. 7  is a sectional view showing an assembly of the battery for a mobile communication terminal according to the present invention;  
         [0024]      FIGS. 8 and 9  are plane views showing a connection port unit included in the battery for a mobile communication terminal according to the present invention;  
         [0025]      FIG. 10  is a sectional view showing a coupling structure of a battery for a mobile communication terminal according to a second embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0026]      FIGS. 11 and 12  are respectively a perspective view and a disassembled perspective view showing a battery for a mobile communication terminal according to a third embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0027]      FIG. 13  is a sectional view showing an assembly of the battery for a mobile communication terminal according to the present invention; and  
         [0028]      FIG. 14  is a sectional view showing a coupling structure of a battery for a mobile communication terminal according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0029]     Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.  
         [0030]     Turning first to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , which are respectively a perspective view and a disassembled perspective view showing a battery for a mobile communication terminal according to a first embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the battery includes a cell  400 , a protection circuit assembly  500  connected to the cell  400  for stabilizing a current when the battery is charged and discharged, a protection cover  600  covering the protection circuit assembly  500 , and a coupling unit  700  for coupling the protection cover  600  to the cell  400 .  
         [0031]     Further, the cell  400  preferably has a hexahedron shape, is formed of aluminum, and contains an electrolyte, etc. Ports  410  are also provided at one side of the cell  400 . In addition, the protection circuit assembly  500  and the protection cover  600  are integrally formed using an insertion-molding method. Preferably, the protection cover  600  is formed of a nylon-based resin, and the protection circuit assembly  500  includes ports  510  to be connected to the ports  410  of the cell  400 .  
         [0032]     Further, as shown in  FIG. 6 , the coupling unit  700  shown in  FIG. 5  includes a plurality of hooks  420  protruding from one side of the cell  400 , and fixing holes  610  formed on a corresponding position of the protection cover  600  so as to lock and fix in the fixing holes  610 . Also shown is a bracket  440  protruding from one side of a body  430  of the cell  400 .  
         [0033]     In addition, the hooks  420  are preferably formed on the bracket  440  with a certain gap existing between the hooks  420 . The bracket  440  is also preferably formed as a closed curved line for covering the ports  410  of the cell  400  at a side where the ports  410  are located. As shown in  FIG. 6 , the hooks  420  are formed at an outer side surface of the bracket  440 .  
         [0034]     In addition, as shown in  FIG. 7 , an extended portion  630  having a length corresponding to a length of the bracket  440  is formed at one side of a body  620  of the protection cover  600 . The fixing holes  610  are penetratingly-formed at the extended portion  630  and are located at positions to be engaged with the fixing hooks  420 . Further, when the protection cover  600  is coupled to the cell  400 , the bracket  440  is inserted into the extended portion  630  so the extended portion  630  covers the bracket  440 , and the hooks  420  are respectively fitted into the fixing holes  610 .  
         [0035]     In addition, as shown in  FIG. 8 , when the protection cover  600  has been coupled to the cell  400 , a connection port unit  800  for connecting the ports  510  of the protection circuit assembly  500  to the ports  410  of the cell  400  is provided between the protection circuit assembly  500  and the cell  400 . In the example of  FIG. 8 , the connection port unit  800  is a bent conductive elastic member respectively attached to the ports  410  of the cell  400 . That is, one side of the conductive elastic member is respectively attached to the ports  410  of the cell  400 . The conductive elastic member may also be respectively attached to the ports  510  of the protection circuit assembly  500 .  
         [0036]     Another example of the connection port unit  800  is shown in  FIG. 9 . As shown therein, the connection port unit  800  may include a conductive compression member  810  respectively attached to the ports  410  of the cell  400 , and a conductive fit member  820  respectively attached to the ports  510  of the protection circuit assembly  500  thus to be fitted into the conductive compression member  810 . The member  810  may also be formed on the ports  510  and the member  820  formed on the ports  410 .  
         [0037]     Turning now to a second embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIG. 10 . As shown in  FIG. 10 , the battery includes a plurality of hooks  640  protrudingly-formed at an inner side surface of the extended portion  630  of the protection cover  600 , and a plurality of fixing holes  450  penetratingly-formed at the bracket  440  of the cell  400  to engage the hooks  640 . The protection cover  600  and the cell  400  are coupled to each other when the hooks  640  are fitted into the stopping holes  450  of the bracket  440 . Note, this structure is substantially opposite to the structure shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 .  
         [0038]     Next, a third embodiment of the present invention is shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12 . As shown in these figures, the battery includes the cell  400 , the protection circuit assembly  500 , the protection cover  600 , and the coupling unit  700  for coupling the protection cover  600  to the cell  400 . Further, in this embodiment, and as shown in  FIG. 12 , the coupling unit  700  shown in  FIG. 11  includes through holes  650  formed on the protection cover  600 , screw holes  460  formed at one side of the cell  400 , and coupling screws  710  respectively inserted into the through holes  650  to be coupled to the screw holes  460 .  
         [0039]     Also, as noted above, the protection circuit assembly  500  and the protection cover  600  are integrally formed using an insertion-molding method, the protection cover  600  is formed of a nylon-based resin, and the protection circuit assembly  500  includes ports  510  connected to the ports  410  of the cell  400 .  
         [0040]     Further, as shown in  FIG. 12 , the bracket  440  protrudes from one side of the body  430  of the cell  400 . The plural screw holes  460  are also preferably formed on the bracket  440  with a certain gap therebetween. The bracket  440  is also preferably formed as a closed curved line for covering the ports  410  at a side where the ports  410  are formed.  
         [0041]     In addition, as shown in  FIG. 13 , the extended portion  630  having the length corresponding to a length of the bracket  440  is formed at one side of a body  620  of the protection cover  600 , and the through holes  650  are penetratingly-formed at the extended portion  630  with a certain gap therebetween. As shown in  FIG. 13 , when the protection cover  600  is coupled to the cell  400 , the bracket  440  is inserted into the extended portion  630  so that the extended portion  630  covers the bracket  440 .  
         [0042]     Accordingly, the through holes  650  of the protection cover  600  are coupled to the screw holes  460  of the cell  400 . Then, the coupling screws  710  are respectively coupled to the through holes  650  and the screw holes  460 . In addition, when the protection cover  600  has been coupled to the cell  400 , the connection port unit  800  shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9  are provided between the protection circuit assembly  500  and the cell  400 .  
         [0043]     Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be discussed with reference to  FIG. 14 . As shown therein, an extension portion  660  is formed at one side of the body  620  of the protection cover  600 , and a plurality of screw holes  670  are formed at the extension portion  660  with a certain gap therebetween. Further, a bracket  470  having a certain length and thickness corresponding to a length and thickness of the extension portion  660  is formed at one side of the body  430  of the cell  400 .  
         [0044]     Through holes  480  having a number corresponding to the number of the screw holes  670  are formed on the bracket  470 . When the extension portion  660  is coupled to the bracket  470 , the extension portion  660  is inserted into the bracket  470  of the cell  400 . Further, when the through holes  480  are made to correspond to the screw holes  670 , the coupling screws  710  are respectively coupled to the through holes  480  and the screw holes  670 . Note, this structure is substantially opposite to the structure shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13 .  
         [0045]     In the first to fourth embodiments, the protection circuit assembly  500  and the protection cover  600  can be separated from each other or can be integrally formed using an insertion-molding method. Further, the protection cover  600  has a shape for covering the protection circuit assembly  500 .  
         [0046]     In addition, the protection circuit assembly  500  can be attached to the cell  400  by welding, etc. Also, the protection cover  600  is coupled to the cell  400  so as to cover the protection circuit assembly  500 . In addition, the protection circuit assembly  500  is coupled to the cell  400  as the ports  510  thereof are coupled to the ports  410  of the cell  400 . The protection cover  600  and the cell  400  are coupled to each other as discussed above.  
         [0047]     Hereinafter, an operation of the battery for a mobile communication terminal according to the present invention will be explained. The battery according to the present invention is detachably mounted at a body of the mobile communication terminal. Electric energy generated from the cell  400  of the battery is stably supplied to the terminal body through the protection circuit assembly  500 . When the battery has been discharged, the battery is detached from the terminal body and then is charged. The charged battery is then mounted on the terminal body thus to be re-used.  
         [0048]     In the first and second embodiments of the present invention, the cell  400  and the protection cover  600  are coupled to each other via the hooks  420  and  640  engaging the stopping holes  450  and  610 , thereby facilitating an assembly operation. Thus, the coupled state between the cell  400  and the protection cover  600  is firmly maintained.  
         [0049]     In the third and fourth embodiments of the present invention, the cell  400  and the protection cover  600  are coupled to each other via the coupling screws  710 , thereby facilitating an assembly operation. Thus, the coupled state between the cell  400  and the protection cover  600  is firmly maintained.  
         [0050]     As aforementioned, in the battery for a mobile communication terminal according to the present invention, an assembly of the cell and the protection cover constituting the battery is facilitated, which enhance an assembly productivity. Furthermore, because the coupled state of the battery is firmly maintained, the battery is prevented from being damaged when the battery is dropped or an external impact is applied to the battery. Accordingly, the reliability of the battery for the mobile communication terminal is improved.  
         [0051]     As the present invention may be embodied in several forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof, it should also be understood that the above-described embodiments are not limited by any of the details of the foregoing description, unless otherwise specified, but rather should be construed broadly within its spirit and scope as defined in the appended claims, and therefore all changes and modifications that fall within the metes and bounds of the claims, or equivalence of such metes and bounds are therefore intended to be embraced by the appended claims.