Patent Application
20220069364
The present invention relates to an electric battery assembly comprising a battery cell and an electronic unit, which comprises a measurement device measuring a property of the battery cell. The present invention also relates to a method of forming and operating such an electric battery assembly.
In accordance with an aspect of the invention there is provided an electric battery assembly comprising: a battery cell having a positive terminal and a negative terminal; an electronic unit comprising a measurement device and a wireless transmitter; a support structure for attachment to the battery cell, and arranged to house the electronic unit, the support structure comprising at least one conducting element arranged to electrically couple the electronic unit to the positive and negative terminals, to thereby provide electrical power for the wireless transmitter and the measurement device; and wherein the measurement device is configured to measure a property of the battery cell, and the wireless transmitter is configured to wirelessly transmit the measured property. The measurement device of the electronic unit may be configured to measure a property of the prismatic battery cell, such as current, voltage or temperature, and the wireless transmitter may be configured to wirelessly transmit the measured property. Advantageously, the support structure may be retrofitted to individual battery cells after manufacture, without requiring any modification to the existing manufacturing process of the battery cell. Furthermore, in some embodiments, two or more battery assemblies may be combined to form a battery, interchangeably referred to as a battery pack, in which each battery cell is associated with an electronic unit comprising a measurement device and a wireless transmitter. In this way, individual properties of each battery cell comprised within the battery pack may be measured. Measured battery cell information may be used by a battery management system (BMS) to control operation of individual battery cells. In some embodiments, a support structure may be attached to two or more battery cells. In such embodiments, the electronic unit, and specifically the measurement device, may be configured to measure a property of the two or more battery cells to which the support structure is attached. Alternatively, the support structure may comprise two or more electronic units, each electronic unit comprising a measurement device configured to measure a property of a different one of the battery cells to which the support structure is attached. In yet a further embodiment, it is envisaged that the electronic unit may comprise two or more measurement devices, each measurement device being configured to measure a property of a different battery cell. The electronic unit may comprise a single wireless transmitter configured to wirelessly transmit the measured property as measured by each one of the two or more measurement devices. In order to facilitate a receiving device, such as a BMS, to identify the battery cell associated with a received measured property, a unique identifier may be associated with each data transmission from the wireless transmitter. The unique identifier enabling the specific battery cell associated with the measured property to be uniquely identified. This facilitates individual battery cell management.
In accordance with certain embodiments, the wireless transmitter is a near-field communication (NFC) device configured for short range communication. The signals emitted by the wireless transmitter are compliant with the relevant NFC standards, the details of which are known in the art. The use of an NFC device as the wireless transmitter helps to reduce the risk of signal interference between different proximally located battery assemblies. Reducing signal interference is particularly important where a plurality of battery assemblies are combined together in a battery pack, in which a plurality of wireless transmitters are transmitting measured data in close proximity with one another. In such applications, there is a significant risk of signal interference. The use of short range communication signals mitigates for such interference. In addition, the use of short range communication signals improves security, and reduces the risk of the unauthorised third parties accessing the transmitted data signals.
In some embodiments, the support structure may be removably attached to the battery cell. This may be advantageous for maintenance purposes, both where the battery cell needs to be accessed for maintenance purposes, and/or where the support structure and/or electronic unit need to be accessed for maintenance reasons.
The support structure may comprise a cradle shaped towards first and second ends thereof. The cradle may define a support surface between the first and second ends, and the support surface may be configured to secure the electronic unit at least partly within the cradle. The battery assembly may comprise a cover. The cover and the cradle may have cooperating surface profiles, which attach the cover over the cradle to enclose the electronic unit, and thereby restrict movement of the electronic unit relative to the surface of the battery cell. This configuration of cradle and cover provide an advantageous mechanism for housing the electronic unit, whilst enabling access to the electronic unit. This is advantageous for maintenance purposes.
In accordance with certain embodiments, the electric battery assembly may comprise a cylindrical battery cell. The positive and negative terminals may be located on opposite end surfaces of the cylindrical battery cell, and the support structure may be located on the cylindrical surface of the battery cell. The support structure may extend in a direction along at least a portion of the cylindrical battery cell's height. In particular, a length of the support structure may extend in a direction parallel to the height of the cylindrical battery cell's height. The support structure may comprise a contact surface arranged to be in contact with the cylindrical surface of the cylindrical battery cell. The contact surface may have a surface profile complementary to the profile of the cylindrical surface of the cylindrical battery cell. This results in an improved ergonomic attachment of the support structure to the cylindrical battery cell. In some embodiments, the contact surface profile may be arc shaped. In some embodiments, the width of the support structure may extend in a plane orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of symmetry of the cylindrical battery cell. A cross section of the cylindrical battery may be taken in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of symmetry, and the width of the support structure may extend along a portion of the circumference of the circular-shaped cross-section of the cylindrical battery cell, forming a circular arc length subtending a central angle θ of the circular-shaped cross-section, which angle θ is less than 90°. The central angel θ being centred at the centre of the circular-shaped cross-section. Advantageously, this enables two or more battery assemblies comprising cylindrical cells to be combined and arranged in such a way that the support structures of each assembly do not interfere with each other.
In accordance with some embodiments, the contact surface may comprise attachment means for attaching the support structure to the cylindrical surface of the cylindrical battery cell. The attachment means may comprise a fastener. The attachments means may comprise an adhesive, enabling the support structure to be attached to the cylindrical surface of the cylindrical battery cell. In some embodiments, the adhesive may enable the support structure to be repeatedly removed and reattached to the cylindrical support surface.
In certain embodiments the support structure may comprise gripping arms extending outwardly from the support structure, and arranged to grip the positive and negative terminals of the cylindrical battery cell, to thereby attach the support structure to the cylindrical battery cell by forming an interference fit with the terminals of the cylindrical battery cell. The gripping arms may be configured at distal ends of the support structure.
In some embodiments, the gripping arms may be configured to extend in a plane orthogonal to the length of the support structure, in order to facilitate gripping of the battery terminals.
In some embodiments the electric battery assembly may comprise a prismatic battery cell. The positive and negative terminals may protrude from the same end surface of the prismatic battery cell at spaced apart locations on the end surface. The end surface of the prismatic battery cell may be substantially planar. The positive and negative terminals may be located on the end surface towards opposite sides of the prismatic battery cell. The positive and negative terminals may protrude from the planar end surface of the prismatic battery cell. The positive and negative terminals may be rectangular or circular in cross-section. An inter-terminal space may be defined and bounded between the positive and negative terminals in a direction across the end surface and bounded between the end surface of the prismatic battery cell and distal surfaces of the positive and negative terminals in a direction orthogonal to the to the end surface.
The first and second ends of the cradle may be configured to attach respectively to the positive and negative terminals of the prismatic battery cell. The cradle defines a support surface between the first and second ends and the electronic unit may be supported on the support surface. The support surface may be received in the inter-terminal space. The electronic unit may be electrically coupled to each of the positive and negative terminals to thereby provide electrical power for the wireless transmitter. In accordance with some embodiments in which the battery cell comprises a prismatic battery cell, when the cover is attached to the cradle, the cradle and the cover enclose the electronic unit and thereby restrict movement of the electronic unit across the end surface of the prismatic battery cell and in a direction orthogonal to the end surface. Movement of the electronic unit across the end surface is restricted in a direction orthogonal to a direction of separation of the positive and negative terminals across the end surface of: a direction orthogonal to the direction of separation of the positive and negative terminals across the end surface; and the direction of separation of the positive and negative terminals across the end surface.
The cradle and the cover may cooperate to hold the electronic unit in the inter-terminal space and to restrict movement of the electronic unit relative to the prismatic battery cell. The electronic unit may therefore be held relative to the prismatic battery cell with which it operates. Furthermore, and as described below, the electronic unit may be held so as to provide for improved operation of the electronic unit itself and for improved operation of the electronic unit with further electronics in wireless communication with the electronic unit. Aside from this, the electronic unit may be attached to the prismatic battery cell without need for modification of the prismatic battery cell per se. Furthermore, location of the electronic unit in the inter-terminal space may minimise the extent to which the footprint of the prismatic battery cell is increased. Ease of accommodation of the electric battery assembly in a larger electric battery structure, such as in an electric vehicle, or in a battery pack, is thus provided.
In certain embodiments, when the support structure is attached to the prismatic battery cell, the cradle may not extend above the positive and negative terminals.
An exception in this regard may be in respect of portions which protrude beyond the distal ends of the positive and negative terminals and which define surface profiles that engage with cooperating surface profiles of the cover. An extent to which the footprint of the prismatic battery cell is increased by the support structure is thus minimised.
In certain embodiments, when the support structure is attached to the prismatic battery cell, the cradle may not extend beyond a periphery of the end surface of the prismatic battery cell from which the positive and negative terminals protrude. The footprint of the prismatic battery cell may thus not be increased beyond the periphery of the end surface whereby the prismatic battery cell with support structure attached may be received in a space sufficient to accommodate the prismatic battery cell without the support structure.
Each of the first and second ends of the cradle may be shaped to fit around a respective one of the positive and negative terminals of the prismatic battery cell. More specifically, each of the first and second ends of the cradle may define an aperture and more specifically an enclosed aperture through which a respective one of the positive and negative terminals extends. The aperture may be defined by a boundary wall. The boundary wall may extend no further than a distal end of a terminal.
In accordance with some embodiments, each of the first and second ends of the cradle may define a profile which interlocks with a profile defined by a respective one of the positive and negative terminals. Such interlocking presents resistance to removal of the cradle from the terminal. Where the profile defined by the terminal comprises a recess, such as a recess towards a base of the terminal, the profile defined by the end of the cradle may be shaped to be received in the recess in the terminal. The end of the cradle may be shaped to provide for snap fit attachment to the terminal.
The cradle may comprise a cradle base which defines the support surface on which the electronic unit is supported. The shaped first and second ends of the cradle may extend from opposite ends of the cradle base. The cradle base may define a vent aperture therethrough, which is in registration with a vent in the end surface of the prismatic battery cell when the cradle is attached to the prismatic battery cell. A prismatic battery cell typically has a vent to allow for depressurisation of the prismatic battery cell in the event of malfunction of the prismatic battery cell, which causes an increase in pressure internal to the prismatic battery cell. The vent aperture in the cradle base allows the vent in the prismatic battery cell to function, by assisting with ventilation. Otherwise, the cradle base presents a continuous surface to the end surface of the prismatic battery cell.
In certain embodiments, the cradle may further comprise first and second walls, which extend up from respective opposite edges of the cradle base, and such that each of the first and second walls extends between the positive and negative terminals. The height of the first and second walls may be such that their distal ends extend no further than distal ends of the positive and negative terminals. In embodiments where a terminal receiving aperture is defined by a boundary wall, as described above, the boundary wall may be substantially the same height as the first and second walls. The cradle base and the first and second walls may define a cradle space for receiving the electronic unit. The electronic unit may be shaped such that it is a snug fit between the first and second walls. Movement of the electronic unit across the end surface of the prismatic battery cell may thus be restricted in a direction orthogonal to a direction of separation of the positive and negative terminals.
In some embodiments, the cradle may further comprise a transverse wall which extends up from the cradle base and between the first and second walls. The transverse wall may be spaced apart from an end of the cradle base adjacent the first or second end of the cradle. The transverse wall may present a barrier to movement of the electronic unit across the end surface of the prismatic battery cell in a direction of separation of the positive and negative terminals. The first and second walls and the transverse wall may thus restrict movement of the electronic unit across the end surface in two mutually orthogonal directions. Where a terminal receiving aperture is defined by a boundary wall, as described above, the boundary wall may present a further barrier to movement of the electronic unit across the end surface in a direction of separation of the positive and negative terminals.
As described above, the electronic unit may be electrically coupled to each of the positive and negative terminals via at least one conducting element, to thereby provide electrical power for the wireless transmitter and the measurement device. In some embodiments, the at least one conducting element may comprise first and second electrical conductors extending from the electronic unit, the first and second electrical conductors providing for electrical conduction from the positive and negative conductors respectively. In some embodiments, the first and second electrical conductors may extend from opposite ends of the electronic unit.
In some embodiments, the support structure may define formations which hold the first and second electrical conductors, when housing the electronic unit.
The first and second electrical conductors may be electrically coupled to the positive and negative terminals by different means. According to some embodiments, a distal end of at least one of the first and second electrical conductors may comprise a conductor terminal, which lies over a respective one of the positive and negative terminals. In some embodiments, the conductor terminal may be welded to the terminal. In some embodiments, the conductor terminal may simply be in contact with the terminal, without being welded thereto. In use, the conductor terminal may be sandwiched between the terminal and a busbar, whereby electrical power may be drawn from the terminal by the electronic unit.
In accordance with an embodiment, each of the first and second electrical conductors may be electrically coupled to a conductive fastener, which fastens to a terminal. A conductive fastener may be at a distal end of each of the first and second electrical conductors. The conductive fastener may be shaped to fit around the terminal, which may be rectangular or circular in cross-section. Furthermore, the conductive fastener may define teeth which in use abut against the terminal. The conductive fastener may be shaped and sized to provide an interference fit with the terminal to thereby form a good conductive path from the terminal.
According to an embodiment, the conductive fasteners may form part of the cradle, and may attach the cradle to the positive and negative terminals in addition to providing for electrical conduction. As described above, each of the first and second ends of the cradle may define a profile which interlocks with a profile defined by a respective one of the positive and negative terminals. In accordance with some embodiments, each conductive fastener may be comprised in a respective one of the first and second ends of the cradle, and may define a profile which interlocks with a profile defined by a respective one of the positive and negative terminals. The cradle may be formed, such as from a plastics material as described below, with the conductive fasteners being fitted to the cradle after its formation. Alternatively, the conductive fasteners may be incorporated in the cradle during formation of the cradle. In some embodiments, the electronic unit may be electrically coupled to the conductive fasteners of the cradle by welding or soldering of each the first and second electrical conductors to a respective one of the two conductive fasteners.
In accordance with some embodiments, the cover may be of a size such that when it is attached to the cradle the cover extends no further than a periphery of the end surface of the prismatic battery cell from which the positive and negative terminals protrude. The footprint of the prismatic battery cell may thus not be increased beyond the end surface whereby the prismatic battery cell with cover attached may be received in a space sufficient to accommodate the prismatic battery cell without the cover.
In some embodiments, the cover may be of a size such that when it is attached to the cradle the cover extends at a first end up to the positive terminal and at a second opposite end up to the negative terminal. The positive and negative terminals may therefore be uncovered by the cover whereby the positive and negative terminals may be electrically coupled to the like of bus bars. Otherwise, the cover may cover the cradle space with the exception of at least one aperture extending through the cover to allow the vent of the prismatic battery cell to function.
As described above, the cover and the cradle may have cooperating surface profiles which attach the cover over the cradle. Surface profiles in the cover may be defined by apertures towards a periphery of the cover and which are shaped to receive a respective protrusion extending up from the cradle. Each aperture and a respective protrusion may interlock to provide for snap fit attachment of the cover to the cradle.
In some embodiments, the cover may define a first surface which is directed towards the cradle when the cover is attached to the cradle and a second planar surface which is directed away from the cradle when the cover is attached to the cradle. At least one antenna formation may be defined on the second planar surface. The antenna formation may be shaped to hold an antenna which is in wireless communication with the wireless transmitter of the electronic unit. The antenna may be comprised in the battery assembly. The wireless transmitter may comprise an electronic unit antenna. The cradle and cover may thus cooperate to hold the electronic unit and to provide for proper relative disposition of the wireless transmitter and the antenna held by the cover in the antenna formation. The antenna formation may define a groove which receives the antenna. In some embodiments, the groove may extend across the cover in a direction orthogonal to a direction of separation of the positive and negative terminals. Where there are a plurality of electric battery assemblies as described herein, the plurality of electric battery assemblies may be positioned adjacent each other, whereby their antenna receiving grooves may be in registration whereby a single antenna, such as a transmission line operative as an antenna, may be received in the grooves such that the single antenna extends over the plurality of electric battery assemblies. The cover of each of the electric battery assemblies may therefore provide for wireless communication between each wireless transmitter, and the single antenna, and for proper disposition of the single antenna relative to each wireless transmitter in respect of at least one of separation, and hence isolation, and orientation.
The electronic unit may comprise a printed circuit board, and more specifically a rigid printed circuit board. In certain embodiments, the printed circuit board may be flexible. The wireless transmitter may be constituted by electronic components mounted on the printed circuit board. Further electronic components may be mounted on the printed circuit board. Such further electronic components may form at least a part of the measurement device, and may include the like of a microprocessor.
In accordance with certain embodiments, the support structure may be integrally formed from a plastics material such as polypropylene, which may be glass filled to the extent of 10 to 20%. The cover may be integrally formed from a plastics material such as polypropylene.
The battery cell may comprise a container, and more specifically a rigid container. In those embodiments comprising a prismatic battery cell, the container may comprise one or more pouch cells. Where the container comprises a plurality of pouch cells, the positive terminals of the plurality of pouch cells may be electrically coupled and the negative terminals of the plurality of pouch cells may be electrically coupled. In those embodiments comprising a prismatic battery cell, the container may be of generally, and more specifically, substantially rectangular cuboid form. The container may define first and second oppositely directed end surfaces, and a side surface extending between the first and second end surfaces and extending around the container. The positive and negative terminals may protrude from one, and the same one of the first and second end surfaces. Where the container is of cuboid form and more specifically of rectangular cuboid form, the side surface may comprise first to fourth side surfaces with the first and third surfaces being oppositely directed and the second and fourth surfaces being oppositely directed. The first and third surfaces may be of much larger extent than the second and fourth surfaces. In those embodiments comprising a cylindrical battery cell, the container is of a cylindrical shape, comprising a cylindrical surface having two end surfaces, each end surface representing a different one of the positive or negative battery terminals. The two end surfaces are generally arranged in parallel, with the cylindrical surface extending lengthwise therebetween.
The battery cell may comprise at least one electrochemical arrangement. The electrochemical arrangement may comprise a lithium-ion electrochemical arrangement and more specifically a lithium-ion polymer electrochemical arrangement. Where the battery cell comprises a prismatic battery cell, each at least one electrochemical arrangement may be contained within a pouch cell container, and more specifically a sealed pouch cell container, which may be pliable whereby swelling of the pouch cell container may be allowed for.
According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided an electric vehicle comprising at least one electric battery assembly according to the aforementioned aspect of the invention and any one or more of its embodiments, and an electric motor which drives the electric vehicle in dependence on electric power received from the at least one electric battery assembly.
According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a stationary or portable electricity generator, such as an uninterruptible power supply, comprising at least one electric battery assembly according to the aforementioned aspect of the invention and any one of more of its embodiments, and a charger input for charging the at least one electric battery assembly.
According to yet a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of forming and operating an electric battery assembly, the electric battery assembly comprising a battery cell having a positive terminal and a negative terminal, an electronic unit comprising a measurement device and a wireless transmitter, and a support structure configured for attachment to the battery cell, the method comprising: attaching the support structure to the battery cell by way of first and second ends of the support structure, which are shaped to attach respectively to the positive and negative terminals; supporting the electronic unit on a support surface defined by the support structure between the first and second ends, the electronic unit being electrically coupled to each of the positive and negative terminals when so supported to thereby provide electrical power for the wireless transmitter and the measurement device; measuring a property of the battery cell with the measurement device; and wirelessly transmitting the measured property by way of the wireless transmitter.
In some embodiments the support structure may comprise a cradle shaped towards first and second ends thereof, the cradle defining a support surface between the first and second ends, and the method may comprise: attaching the cover over the cradle by way of cooperating surface profiles of the cover and cradle, to enclose the electronic unit and thereby restrict movement of the electronic unit relative to the surface of battery cell.
Embodiments of any aspect of the invention may comprise one or more features of other aspects of the invention.
Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following specific description, which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
The present inventors have designed an electric battery, which may comprise a plurality of electric battery cells, and a plurality of electronic units, with each one of the plurality of electronic units measuring a property of a respective one of the plurality of electric battery cells. In such an electric battery it is desirable to attach each electronic unit to the electric battery cell on which it operates. Furthermore, it is desirable to attach each electronic unit to its respective electric battery cell in a way that provides for proper operation of the electronic unit while reducing impact on the ease of use of the electric battery cell. Also, it is desirable to attach each electronic unit to its respective electric battery cell without modification of the electric battery cell.
It is therefore an object of at least some of the herein disclosed embodiments to provide an electric battery assembly comprising a battery cell, and an electronic unit, which comprises a measurement device measuring a property of the battery cell, in which the electronic unit is attached to the battery cell. It is a further object of at least some of the herein disclosed embodiments, to provide a method of forming and operating such an electric battery assembly.
In accordance with embodiments of the invention, a support structure is provided for attachment to a battery cell. The support structure may be configured to be removable, and retrofittable to the battery cell. The support structure may be configured to house an electronic unit, and comprises at least one conducting element arranged to electrically couple the electronic unit to positive and negative terminals of the electric battery cell, enabling electrical power to be provided to the electronic unit. The electronic unit comprises a measurement device configured to measure a property of the battery cell, and a wireless transmitter configured to wirelessly transmit the measured property. The wireless transmitter may comprise a near-field communication (NFC) device configured for short range wireless communication. Since the operating characteristics of NFC devices are well known in the art, no further details are provided herein, suffice to say that the wireless transmitter is compliant with all relevant NFC operating standards. The use of near-field communication reduces the risk of signal interference between wireless transmitters located in close proximity.
The removable support structure may comprise different ways of attaching itself to the battery cell, which may be dependent on the form factor of the battery cell. In particular, in accordance with certain embodiments, the support structure may be configured with means for attachment to a battery cell having a prismatic form factor, which are often referred to as prismatic battery cells in the art. Similarly, in alternative embodiments the support structure may be configured with means for attachment to a cylindrical battery cell. Within the context of the present disclosure, the terms prismatic and cylindrical only relate to the geometrical form of the battery cell dictated by its housing, and not to its internal chemistry.
In order to facilitate the reader's understanding of the present invention, embodiments will be described in turn, in which the support structure is configured for attachment to a prismatic battery cell and to a cylindrical battery cell. In both cases, reducing the impact of the attachment of the support structure with respect to the footprint of the battery cell helps to minimise the impact to the battery cell's existing footprint. Within the present context the term battery footprint is used to denote the volume of space occupied by the battery cell. Reducing the impact attachment of the support structure has to the footprint of the battery cell, helps to ensure that the support structure is retrofittable, and may be incorporated into existing applications of the battery cell. In particular, the disclosed support structures do not provide any geometric and/or volumetric obstruction to combining a plurality of battery cells together to form a battery or battery pack. This is achieved by locating the support structure in a volume of space proximate to the battery cell that does not have any material impact on the battery cell's existing useful geometrical footprint. For example, with regard to prismatic battery cells comprising spaced apart positive and negative terminals extending from a shared battery surface, such a volume of space may be defined between the terminals. Further details in accordance with this embodiment are set out below. In most practical applications the space between the terminals of a prismatic battery cell are not used for any purpose. In particular, this space is not used when packing a plurality of prismatic battery cells together to form a battery pack. Thus, by locating the support structure in this volume of space, the ability to combine the prismatic battery cells together is unaffected. With regard to cylindrical battery cells, a similar effect may be achieved by locating the support structure on a portion of the cylindrical surface, such that when a plurality of cylindrical cells are combined to form a battery pack, the support structure is located in the gaps formed between adjacent cylindrical cells. Again, further details of this embodiment are also disclosed below. Yet a further advantage of the herein disclosed embodiments, is that no modification of the existing battery cell manufacturing process is required to accommodate the support structure.
An exploded view drawing of an electric battery assembly 10 according to an embodiment of the invention is shown in
A perspective view of the prismatic battery cell 12 with the cradle 14 of the electric battery assembly attached, is shown in
Each one of the first and second ends of the cradle 14 may be shaped to fit around a respective one of the positive and negative terminals 20. Considering the first and second ends of the cradle 14 further, each of the first and second ends of the cradle may define an aperture through which a respective one of the positive and negative terminals may extend. The aperture is defined by a boundary wall 42 which is of a height such that it extends no further than a distal end of a terminal 20 and like the first and second walls 38. The cradle base 32, the first and second walls 38, and part of boundary wall 42 at each of the first and second ends, define the recess, equivalently referred to as a cradle space, for receiving the electronic unit 16. Furthermore, as will become clear from the description below, a part of the boundary wall 42 at one of the first and second ends, and the transverse wall 40, present a barrier to movement of the electronic unit 16 across the end surface of the prismatic battery cell, in a direction of separation of the positive and negative terminals 20.
A view of a prismatic battery cell 12 with the cradle 14 attached, and an electronic unit 16 in place on the cradle, is shown in
As can be seen from
A detailed view of one terminal of the prismatic battery cell of the arrangement of
The first and second electrical conductors 46 may be electrically coupled to the positive and negative terminals 20 by one of different means. For example, referring to
It is to be appreciated that the use of welding represents one non-limiting way of maintaining the electrical conductors in contact with the respective terminals. Alternative means for maintain the electrical conductors in contact with the respective terminals are also envisaged. For example, and with reference to
According to a further embodiment, and with reference to
A prismatic battery cell 12 with the cover 18 of the electric battery assembly attached to the cradle, in accordance with an embodiment, is shown in
The cover 18 and the cradle 14 may comprise cooperating surface profiles, which attach the cover over the cradle. The surface profiles in the cover 18 are defined by apertures 84 towards a periphery of the cover and which are shaped to receive a respective protrusion 86 comprised in and extending up from the cradle. Each aperture 84 and a respective protrusion 86 interlock to provide for snap fit attachment of the cover to the cradle. The cover 18 defines a first surface which is directed towards the cradle when the cover is attached to the cradle 14 and a second planar surface 88 which is directed away from the cradle when the cover is attached to the cradle. Two parallel grooves 90 are defined on the second planar surface 88. The grooves 90 extend across the cover in a direction orthogonal to a direction of separation of the positive and negative terminals 20. Each groove 90 receives and holds a respective cable of a twin cable antenna (not shown). In use, the twin cable antenna is in wireless communication with an electronic unit antenna comprised in the wireless transmitter of the electronic unit 16.
In accordance with certain embodiments, the cradle may be integrally formed from 10-20% glass filled polypropylene. The cover may be integrally formed from polypropylene.
As mentioned previously, in accordance with alternative embodiments, the support structure 100 may be configured for attachment to a cylindrical battery cell 102, as illustrated in the battery assembly 103 of
It is to be appreciated that unless stated otherwise, the support structure envisaged for use with cylindrical battery cells shares the same features as the previously disclosed support structure, described for use with prismatic battery cells. For example, the support structure may comprise a cover and antenna formations as previously disclosed. To avoid repetition, all shared features will not be recited, instead the below description of embodiments comprising cylindrical battery cells will focus on describing the noticeable differences with respect to the prismatic battery cell embodiments.
In accordance with certain embodiments, the cradle 100 may comprise a contact surface arranged to be in contact with at least a portion of the cylindrical surface 108 of the cylindrical battery cell 102, when attached to the battery cell 102. The contact surface may have a surface profile complementary to at least a portion of the profile of the cylindrical surface 108. In particular, the surface profile of the contact surface may comprise a radius of curvature complementary to the radius of curvature of the cylindrical surface 108 of the cylindrical battery cell 102. When attached to the cylindrical battery cell 102, the cradle 100 extends in a direction along at least a portion of the battery cell's height, as illustrated in
As illustrated in
In alternative embodiments it is envisaged that the support structure 100 may be provided with attachment means for attaching the support structure 100 to the cylindrical surface 108 of the cylindrical battery cell 102. For example, one such attachment means may comprise an adhesive strip. The adhesive strip may be placed on the contact surface 110, enabling the support structure 100 to be adhered to the cylindrical surface 108 of the battery cell 102. Alternative attachment means are also envisaged, which enable the support structure 100 to be fixated to the cylindrical surface 108 of the battery cell 102.
In common with previously disclosed embodiments, the support structure 100 may comprise at least one conducting element arranged to electrically couple the electronic unit 16 to the battery cell terminals 106. In the embodiment illustrated in
While illustrative embodiments have been described herein, the scope of the present application comprises any and all embodiments having equivalent elements, modifications, omissions, combinations (e.g. of aspects across various embodiments), adaptations or alterations based on the present disclosure. The elements recited in the claims are to be interpreted broadly based on the language employed in the claims, and not limited to examples described in the present specification or during prosecution of the application, which examples are to be construed as non-exclusive. Further, the steps of the disclosed methods can be modified in any manner, including by reordering steps in inserting of deleting steps. It is intended, therefore, that the specification and examples be considered as example only, with a true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims and their full scope of equivalents.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1900417.5 | Jan 2019 | GB | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/EP2020/050734 | 1/13/2020 | WO | 00 |
