阅读说明：本技术 电力电池组件 (Power battery assembly ) 是由 斯图尔特·坎宁安 乔希·勒沃思 斯图尔特·梅尔 约尔·西尔维斯特 于 2020-01-13 设计创作，主要内容包括：提供一种电力电池组件,其包括：具有正极端子和负极端子的电池单元；电子单元,其包括测量装置和无线发射器；支撑结构,其被配置成附接到所述电池单元,并被布置成容纳所述电子单元,所述支撑结构包括至少一个导电元件,所述至少一个导电元件被布置成将所述电子单元电联接到所述正极端子和负极端子,从而为所述无线发射器和所述测量装置提供电力；以及其中,所述测量装置被配置为测量所述电池单元的性质,并且所述无线发射器被配置为无线传输所测量的性质。(There is provided a power cell assembly comprising: a battery cell having a positive terminal and a negative terminal; an electronic unit comprising a measuring device and a wireless transmitter; a support structure configured to be attached to the battery unit and arranged to house the electronics unit, the support structure comprising at least one conductive element arranged to electrically couple the electronics unit to the positive and negative terminals to provide power to the wireless transmitter and the measurement device; and wherein the measuring device is configured to measure a property of the battery cell and the wireless transmitter is configured to wirelessly transmit the measured property.)

1. A power cell assembly comprising:

a battery cell having a positive terminal and a negative terminal;

an electronic unit comprising a measuring device and a wireless transmitter;

a support structure configured to be attached to the battery cell and arranged to house the electronics unit, the support structure comprising at least one conductive element arranged to electrically couple the electronics unit to the positive and negative terminals to provide power to the wireless transmitter and the measurement device; and

wherein the measuring device is configured to measure a property of the battery cell and the wireless transmitter is configured to wirelessly transmit the measured property.

2. The power battery assembly of claim 1, wherein the wireless transmitter is a near field communication device configured for short range communication.

3. A power battery assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the support structure is removably attached to the battery cell.

4. An electrical power assembly according to any preceding claim wherein the support structure comprises a cradle shaped towards a first end and a second end of the support structure, the cradle defining a support face between the first end and the second end, and the support face being configured to secure the electronic unit at least partially within the cradle.

5. A power battery assembly according to claim 4, including a cover, the cover and the cradle having cooperating surface profiles that attach the cover to the cradle to enclose the electronic unit and thereby restrict movement of the electronic unit relative to the surface of the battery unit.

6. A power battery assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the battery cells are cylindrical battery cells, the positive and negative terminals are located on opposite end faces of the cylindrical battery cells, respectively, and the support structure is located on a cylindrical surface of the battery cells.

7. The power battery assembly of claim 6, wherein the support structure extends in one direction along at least a portion of the height of the cylindrical battery cell.

8. A power battery assembly according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the support structure comprises a contact face arranged to contact the cylindrical surface of the cylindrical battery cell, the contact face having a surface profile that is complementary to the profile of the cylindrical surface of the cylindrical battery cell.

9. The power battery assembly of claim 8, wherein the contact face comprises an attachment member for attaching the support structure to the cylindrical surface of the cylindrical battery cell.

10. The power cell assembly of claim 9, wherein the attachment member comprises an adhesive.

11. The power battery assembly of any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the support structure comprises a grip arm extending outwardly from the support structure and arranged to grip the positive and negative terminals of the cylindrical battery cell to attach the support structure to the cylindrical battery cell by forming an interference fit with the terminals of the cylindrical battery cell.

12. The power battery assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the battery cell is a prismatic battery cell, and the positive terminal and the negative terminal protrude from the same end face of the prismatic battery cell at spaced locations on the end face.

13. The power cell assembly of claims 4 and 12 or 5 and 12, wherein the first and second ends of the bracket are configured to be attached to the positive and negative terminals, respectively.

14. The power battery assembly of claims 4 and 12, 5 and 12, or 13, wherein when the support structure is attached to the prismatic battery cells, the brace does not extend over the positive and negative terminals except for a portion of the brace that protrudes beyond distal ends of the positive and negative terminals, the portion of the brace defining a surface contour that cooperates with a surface contour of the cover to attach the cover to the brace.

15. The power battery assembly according to claims 5 and 12, 13, or 14, wherein the bracket extends no further than a periphery of an end face of the prismatic battery cell from which the positive and negative terminals protrude when the support structure is attached to the prismatic battery cell, and the cover extends no further than a periphery of the end face of the prismatic battery cell when the cover is attached to the bracket.

16. The power cell assembly of any of claims 4 and 12, 5 and 12, or 13 to 15, wherein each of the first and second ends of the bracket defines an aperture through which a respective one of the positive and negative terminals extends, whereby the bracket is attached to the positive and negative terminals.

17. A power cell assembly according to any of claims 4 and 12, 5 and 12, or 13 to 16, wherein each of the first and second ends of the cradle defines a profile that interlocks with a profile defined by a respective one of the positive and negative terminals, thereby presenting resistance to removal of the cradle from the terminals.

18. The power cell assembly of claim 17, wherein the profile defined by the terminal includes a recess toward a base of the terminal, the profile defined by the cradle being shaped to be received in the recess in the terminal.

19. The power cell assembly of claim 18, wherein the end of the bracket is shaped to provide a snap-fit attachment with the terminal.

20. A power battery assembly according to any one of claims 4 and 12, 5 and 12, or 13 to 19, wherein the cradle comprises a cradle base defining the support surface supporting the electronic unit, the shaped first and second ends of the cradle extending from opposite ends of the cradle base.

21. The power battery assembly of claim 20, wherein the cradle base defines a vent hole therethrough that is in registration with a vent opening in the end face of the prismatic battery cell when the cradle is attached to the prismatic battery cell.

22. The power battery assembly of claim 21, wherein the holder base presents a continuous surface to the end faces of the prismatic battery cells except for the vent.

23. The power cell assembly of any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein the cradle further comprises first and second walls extending upwardly 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 first and second walls having a height such that their distal ends do not extend beyond the distal ends of the positive and negative terminals.

24. The power cell assembly of claim 23, wherein each of the first and second ends of the bracket defines an aperture through which a respective one of the positive and negative terminals extends, whereby the bracket is attached to the positive and negative terminals, the apertures being defined by boundary walls that have substantially the same height as the first and second walls.

25. A power battery assembly according to claim 23 or 24, wherein the cradle base and the first and second walls define a cradle space for receiving the electronic unit, the electronic unit being shaped such that it is a snug fit between the first and second walls.

26. The power battery assembly of claim 25, wherein the cradle further comprises a transverse wall extending upwardly from the cradle base and from the first wall to the second wall, the transverse wall being spaced from an end of the cradle base adjacent the first or second terminal so as to present an obstacle to movement of the electronic unit across the end face of the prismatic battery cell.

27. A power battery assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one conductive element comprises first and second electrical conductors extending from opposite ends of the electronic unit, the first and second electrical conductors providing electrical conduction from the positive and negative terminals, respectively, to provide power to the wireless transmitter.

28. The power battery assembly of claim 27, wherein the support structure defines a configuration that retains the first and second electrical conductors when the electronics unit is received.

29. The power battery assembly of claim 27 or 28, wherein the distal end of at least one of the first and second electrical conductors comprises a wire terminal located above a respective one of the positive and negative terminals.

30. The power battery assembly of any of claims 27-29, wherein at least one of the first and second electrical conductors is electrically coupled to an electrically conductive fastener shaped to fit around and thereby be fastened to a respective one of the positive and negative terminals, the electrically conductive fastener defining teeth against the terminals, whereby the electrically conductive fastener provides an interference fit with the terminals.

31. The power cell assembly of claims 5 and 30, wherein each electrically conductive fastener is included in a respective one of the first and second ends of the bracket, and each electrically conductive fastener defines a profile that interlocks with a profile defined by a respective one of the positive and negative terminals, whereby the electrically conductive fastener further attaches the bracket to the positive and negative terminals to provide electrical conduction.

32. A power battery assembly according to any one of claims 5 and 6 to 31, wherein the cover defines a first surface that faces toward the cradle when the cover is attached to the cradle and a second planar surface that faces away from the cradle when the cover is attached to the cradle, at least one antenna formation being defined on the second planar surface, the antenna formation holding an antenna configured to wirelessly communicate with an electronics unit antenna included in the wireless transmitter of the electronics unit.

33. A power cell comprising a plurality of power cell assemblies, each of the plurality of power cell assemblies according to claim 32, the antenna configuration of each power cell assembly defining an antenna retention slot extending across the cover and retaining the antenna, the plurality of power cell assemblies being positioned adjacent to one another whereby the antenna retention slots of the plurality of power cell assemblies are in registry, whereby a single antenna is received in and extends over the plurality of power cell assemblies.

34. The power cell of claim 33, wherein the antenna retention slot extends across the cover in a direction orthogonal to the direction of separation of the positive and negative terminals.

Technical Field

The invention relates to a power battery assembly comprising a battery cell and an electronic unit comprising measuring means for measuring properties of the battery cell. The invention also relates to a method of forming and operating such a power cell assembly.

Disclosure of Invention

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a power cell assembly comprising: a battery cell having a positive terminal and a negative terminal; an electronic unit comprising a measuring device and a wireless transmitter; a support structure for attachment to the battery unit and arranged to house the electronics unit, the support structure comprising at least one conductive element arranged to electrically couple the electronics unit to the positive and negative terminals to provide power to the wireless transmitter and the measurement device; and wherein the measuring 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 can be retrofitted to individual battery cells after manufacture without requiring any modification to the existing manufacturing process of the battery cells. Further, in some embodiments, two or more battery assemblies may be combined to form a battery, which may be interchangeably referred to as a battery pack, wherein each battery cell is associated with an electronics unit that includes a measurement device and a wireless transmitter. In this way, individual properties of each battery cell included in the battery pack may be measured. A Battery Management System (BMS) may control the operation of the individual battery cells using the measured battery cell information. In some embodiments, the support structure may be attached to two or more battery cells. In such embodiments, the electronic unit, in particular 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 plurality of battery cells to which the support structure is attached. In yet another embodiment, it is contemplated that the electronic unit may include two or more measurement devices, each configured to measure a property of a different battery cell. The electronic unit may comprise a single wireless transmitter configured to wirelessly transmit the measurement property measured by each of the two or more measurement devices. To facilitate the receiving device (e.g., BMS) identifying the battery cell associated with the received measured property, a unique identifier may be associated with each data transmission from the wireless transmitter. The unique identifier enables unique identification of the particular battery cell associated with the measured property. This facilitates the management of the individual battery cells.

According to some embodiments, the wireless transmitter is a Near Field Communication (NFC) device configured for short-range communication. The signals transmitted by the wireless transmitter conform to the relevant NFC standard, the details of which are known in the art. The use of an NFC device as a wireless transmitter helps to reduce the risk of signal interference between different battery components that are located close together. Reducing signal interference is particularly important in situations where multiple battery packs are combined together in a battery pack, where multiple wireless transmitters transmit measurement data in close proximity to each other. In such applications, there is a significant risk of signal interference. The use of short-range communication signals mitigates this interference. Furthermore, the use of short-range communication signals improves security and reduces the risk of unauthorized 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, in case access to the battery unit is needed for maintenance purposes, and/or for maintenance reasons, in case access to the support structure and/or the electronic unit is needed.

The support structure may include a bracket shaped toward the first and second ends thereof. The bracket may define a support surface between the first end and the second end, and the support surface may be configured to at least partially secure the electronic unit within the bracket. The battery assembly may include a cover. The cover and the bracket may have cooperating surface profiles that attach the cover to the bracket to enclose the electronic unit and thereby limit movement of the electronic unit relative to the surface of the battery unit. This configuration of the bracket and the cover provides an advantageous mechanism for accommodating the electronic unit while enabling access to the electronic unit. This is advantageous for maintenance purposes.

According to some embodiments, the power cell assembly may include a cylindrical battery cell. The positive and negative terminals may be located on opposite end faces of the cylindrical battery cell, and the support structure may be located on a cylindrical surface of the battery cell. The support structure may extend in one direction along at least a portion of the height of the cylindrical battery cell. In particular, the length of the support structure may extend in a direction parallel to the height of the cylindrical battery cell. The support structure may include a contact surface disposed to contact a cylindrical surface of the cylindrical battery cell. The contact surface may have a surface profile that is 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 arcuate. In some embodiments, the width of the support structure may extend in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of symmetry of the cylindrical battery cell. The cross-section of the cylindrical battery cell 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 cross-section of the cylindrical battery cell forming an arc length opposite a central angle θ of the circular cross-section, the angle θ being less than 90 °. The center angle θ is centered on the center of the circular cross-section. Advantageously, this enables two or more battery assemblies comprising cylindrical cells to be combined and arranged such that the support structures of each assembly do not interfere with each other.

According to some embodiments, the contact face may comprise an attachment member for attaching the support structure to the cylindrical surface of the cylindrical battery cell. The attachment member may comprise a fastener. The attachment member may include an adhesive such that the support structure can 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 include a grip arm extending outwardly from the support structure and arranged to grip the positive and negative terminals of the cylindrical battery cell, thereby attaching the support structure to the cylindrical battery cell by forming an interference fit with the terminals of the cylindrical battery cell. The grasping arm may be configured at a distal end 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 to facilitate gripping of the battery terminals.

In some embodiments, the power cell assembly may include prismatic battery cells. The positive and negative terminals may protrude from the same end face of the prismatic battery cell at spaced apart locations on the end face. The end faces of the prismatic battery cells may be substantially flat. The positive and negative terminals may be positioned on the end faces toward opposite sides of the prismatic battery cell. The positive and negative terminals may protrude from the flat end surfaces of the prismatic battery cell. The positive and negative terminals may be rectangular or circular in cross section. An inter-terminal space (inter-terminal space) may be defined and bounded between the positive and negative terminals in a direction across the end faces and between the end faces of the prismatic battery cells and distal surfaces of the positive and negative terminals in a direction orthogonal to the end faces.

The first and second ends of the bracket may be configured to be attached to positive and negative terminals, respectively, of the prismatic battery cell. The bracket defines a support surface between the first end and the second end, and the electronic unit can 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 provide power for the wireless transmitter. According to some embodiments, wherein the battery cell comprises a prismatic battery cell, when the cover is attached to the bracket, the bracket and the cover enclose the electronic unit, thereby restricting movement of the electronic unit across an end face of the prismatic battery cell and movement in a direction orthogonal to the end face. Movement of the electronic unit across the end face is restricted in a direction orthogonal to a direction in which the positive terminal and the negative terminal are spaced across the end face: a direction orthogonal to a direction in which the positive electrode terminal and the negative electrode terminal are spaced across the end faces; and is limited in the direction in which the positive and negative terminals are spaced across the end faces.

The bracket and the cover may cooperate to retain the electronic unit in the inter-terminal space and to limit movement of the electronic unit relative to the prismatic battery cell. Thus, the electronic unit may be retained relative to the prismatic battery cell in which it operates. Further, and as described below, the electronic unit may be retained to provide improved operation of the electronic unit itself as well as improved operation of the electronic unit with additional electronic devices in wireless communication with the electronic unit. In addition to this, the electronic unit can be attached to the prismatic battery cell without modifying the prismatic battery cell itself. Furthermore, the position of the electronic unit in the inter-terminal space can minimize the extent to which the footprint of the prismatic battery cell increases. Thus, it is made easy to accommodate the power cell assembly in a larger battery structure (e.g., in an electric vehicle or in a battery pack).

In certain embodiments, the brace may not extend above the positive and negative terminals when the support structure is attached to the prismatic battery cell. An exception to this may be with respect to the portion that protrudes beyond the distal ends of the positive and negative terminals and defines a surface profile that engages with a cooperating surface profile of the cover. Accordingly, the extent to which the footprint of the prismatic battery cell is increased by the support structure is minimized.

In certain embodiments, the support may not extend beyond the perimeter of the end faces of the prismatic battery cells from which the positive and negative terminals protrude when the support structure is attached to the prismatic battery cells. Accordingly, the footprint of the prismatic battery cell may not increase beyond the perimeter of the end face, whereby the prismatic battery cell with the support structure attached thereto may be accommodated in a space sufficient to accommodate a prismatic battery cell without a support structure.

Each of the first and second ends of the bracket 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 bracket may define an aperture, and more specifically a closed 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 the distal end of the terminal.

According to some embodiments, each of the first and second ends of the bracket may define a profile that interlocks with a profile defined by a respective one of the positive and negative terminals. This interlocking provides resistance to removal of the bracket from the terminal. Wherein the profile defined by the terminal comprises a recess, for example towards the base of the terminal, the profile defined by the end of the bracket may be shaped to be received in the recess in the terminal. The ends of the bracket may be shaped to provide a snap-fit attachment with the terminals.

The stand may include a stand base defining a support surface for supporting the electronic unit. The shaped first and second ends of the bracket may extend from opposite ends of the bracket base. The holder base may define vent apertures (vent apertures) therethrough that register with vent openings in the end faces of the prismatic battery cells when the holder is attached to the prismatic battery cells. The prismatic battery cells typically have vents to allow the prismatic battery cells to decompress upon failure of the prismatic battery cells, which results in an increase in pressure inside the prismatic battery cells. Vent holes in the holder base allow the vent holes in the prismatic cells to function by assisting ventilation. In addition, the holder base presents a continuous surface to the end face of the prismatic battery cell.

In certain embodiments, the cradle may further include first and second walls extending upwardly 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 first and second walls may have a height such that their distal ends do not extend beyond the distal ends of the positive and negative terminals. In embodiments where the terminal receiving apertures are defined by a boundary wall, as described above, the boundary wall may be substantially the same height as the first and second walls. The rack base and the first and second walls may define a rack space for receiving the electronic unit. The electronic unit may be shaped such that it is a snug fit (snug fit) between the first wall and the second wall. Therefore, it is possible to restrict movement of the electronic unit across the end face of the prismatic battery cell in a direction orthogonal to the direction of separation of the positive electrode terminal and the negative electrode terminal.

In some embodiments, the bracket may further include a transverse wall extending upwardly from the bracket base and extending between the first wall and the second wall. The transverse wall may be spaced from the end of the bracket base adjacent the first or second end of the bracket. The transverse wall may provide an obstacle to movement of the electronic unit across the end face of the prismatic battery cell in the direction of separation of the positive and negative terminals. Thus, the first and second walls and the transverse wall may limit movement of the electronic unit in two mutually orthogonal directions across the end face. In the case where the terminal receiving hole is defined by the boundary wall, as described above, the boundary wall may provide a further obstacle to the movement of the electronic unit across the end face in the direction of separation of the positive and negative terminals.

As described above, the electronics unit may be electrically coupled to each of the positive and negative terminals via at least one conductive element to provide power to the wireless transmitter and the measurement device. In some embodiments, the at least one electrically conductive element may include first and second electrical conductors extending from the electronic unit that provide electrical conduction from the positive and negative conductors, respectively. In some embodiments, the first electrical conductor and the second electrical conductor may extend from opposite ends of the electronics unit.

In some embodiments, the support structure may define a configuration (format) that retains the first and second electrical conductors when the electronic unit is received.

The first and second electrical conductors may be electrically coupled to the positive and negative terminals by different means. According to some embodiments, the distal end of at least one of the first and second electrical conductors may comprise a wire terminal located over a respective one of the positive and negative terminals. In some embodiments, the wire terminals may be soldered to the terminals. In some embodiments, the wire terminals may only be in contact with the terminals, without being soldered to the terminals. In use, the wire terminals may be sandwiched between the terminals and a busbar (busbar), whereby power may be drawn from the terminals by the electronics unit.

According to one embodiment, each of the first and second electrical conductors may be electrically coupled to an electrically conductive fastener, the electrically conductive fastener being fastened to the terminal. An electrically conductive fastener may be located at a distal end of each of the first and second electrical conductors. The conductive fastener may be shaped to fit around a terminal, which may be rectangular or circular in cross-section. Furthermore, the electrically conductive fastener may define teeth which, in use, abut the terminal. The conductive fastener may be shaped and sized to provide an interference fit with the terminal to form a good conductive path from the terminal.

According to one embodiment, the electrically conductive fasteners may form part of the bracket and, in addition to providing electrical conduction, may attach the bracket to the positive and negative terminals. As described above, each of the first and second ends of the bracket may define a profile that interlocks with a profile defined by a respective one of the positive and negative terminals. According to some embodiments, each electrically conductive fastener may be included in a respective one of the first and second ends of the bracket and may define a profile that interlocks with a profile defined by a respective one of the positive and negative terminals. The bracket may be formed, for example, from a plastic material as described below, with the conductive fastener being assembled to the bracket after it is formed. Alternatively, the conductive fasteners may be incorporated into the bracket during formation of the bracket. In some embodiments, the electronic unit may be electrically coupled to the electrically conductive fasteners of the bracket by welding or soldering each of the first and second electrical conductors to a respective one of the two electrically conductive fasteners.

According to some embodiments, the cover may have a size such that, when it is attached to the bracket, the cover extends no more than a periphery of an end face of the prismatic battery cell from which the positive and negative terminals protrude. Therefore, the occupied space of the prismatic battery cell may not be increased beyond the end faces, whereby the prismatic battery cell with the lid attached thereto may be accommodated in a space sufficient to accommodate the prismatic battery cell without the lid.

In some embodiments, the cover may have dimensions such that when it is attached to the bracket, the cover extends straight to the positive terminal at a first end and to the negative terminal at an opposite second end. Therefore, the positive and negative terminals may not be covered by the cover, whereby the positive and negative terminals may be electrically coupled to the bus bar or the like. In addition, the cover may cover the rack space except for at least one hole extending through the cover to allow the vent of the prismatic battery cell to function.

As described above, the cover and bracket may have cooperating surface profiles that attach the cover to the bracket. The surface profile in the cover may be defined by an aperture towards the periphery of the cover and shaped to receive a corresponding protrusion extending upwardly from the bracket. Each aperture and corresponding protrusion may interlock to provide a snap-fit attachment of the cover to the bracket.

In some embodiments, the cover may define a first surface that faces toward the bracket when the cover is attached to the bracket and a second flat surface that faces away from the bracket when the cover is attached to the bracket. At least one antenna configuration (antenna formation) may be defined on the second planar surface. The antenna configuration may be shaped to maintain an antenna in wireless communication with a wireless transmitter of the electronic unit. The antenna may be included in the battery assembly. The wireless transmitter may include an electronics unit antenna. Thus, the bracket and cover may cooperate to hold the electronics unit and provide a proper relative arrangement of the wireless transmitter and the antenna held in the antenna configuration by the cover. The antenna configuration may define a slot for receiving the antenna. In some embodiments, the groove may extend across the cover in a direction orthogonal to the direction of separation of the positive and negative terminals. In the presence of multiple power battery assemblies as described herein, the multiple power battery assemblies may be positioned adjacent to one another such that their antenna receiving slots may be registered such that a single antenna (such as a transmission line operable as an antenna) may be received in the slots such that the single antenna extends over the multiple power battery assemblies. Thus, the cover of each of the power cell assemblies may provide wireless communication between each wireless transmitter and the single antenna, and provide proper placement of the single antenna relative to each wireless transmitter with respect to at least one of separation, and thus isolation and orientation.

The electronic unit may comprise a printed circuit board, more particularly a rigid printed circuit board. In some embodiments, the printed circuit board may be flexible. The wireless transmitter may be formed from electronic components mounted on a printed circuit board. Additional electronic components may be mounted on the printed circuit board. Such further electronic components may form at least part of the measuring device and may comprise similar components of a microprocessor.

According to some embodiments, the support structure may be integrally formed from a plastic material, such as polypropylene, which may be glass filled to the extent of 10% -20%. The cover may be integrally formed from a plastics material such as polypropylene.

The battery cell may comprise a container, more particularly a rigid container. In those embodiments that include prismatic battery cells, the container may include one or more pouch cells (pouch cells). Where the container includes 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 that include prismatic battery cells, the container may be in the form of a generally, and more specifically, substantially rectangular cuboid. The container may define a first end face and an oppositely directed second end face and a side face extending between the first end face and the second end face 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. In the case where the container is in the form of a rectangular parallelepiped, and more particularly in the form of a rectangular cuboid, the side face may include first to fourth side surfaces, wherein the first and third surfaces are oppositely oriented and the second and fourth surfaces are oppositely oriented. The first and third surfaces may be substantially larger than the second and fourth surfaces. In those embodiments that include a cylindrical battery cell, the container is cylindrically shaped, comprising a cylindrical surface having two end faces, each end face representing a different one of the positive or negative battery terminals. The two end faces are arranged generally parallel with the cylindrical surface extending longitudinally therebetween.

The battery cell may comprise at least one electrochemical arrangement. The electrochemical arrangement may comprise a lithium-ion electrochemical arrangement, more specifically a lithium-ion polymer electrochemical arrangement. Where the battery cell comprises a prismatic battery cell, each of the at least one electrochemical arrangements may be contained within a pouch battery container, more particularly a sealed pouch battery container, which may be flexible, whereby expansion of the pouch battery container may be permitted.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided an electric vehicle comprising at least one power battery assembly according to the above aspect of the invention and any one or more embodiments thereof, and an electric motor driving the electric vehicle according to power received from the at least one power battery assembly.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a stationary or portable power generator, such as an uninterruptible power supply, comprising at least one power battery assembly according to the above aspect of the invention and any one of its embodiments, and a charger input for charging the at least one power battery assembly.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of forming and operating a power battery assembly comprising a battery cell having a positive terminal and a negative terminal, an electronics 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 through first and second ends of the support structure, the support structure shaped to be attached to the positive and negative terminals, respectively; supporting an electronics unit on a support surface defined by the support structure between the first and second ends, the electronics unit, when so supported, being electrically coupled to each of the positive and negative terminals to thereby provide power to the wireless transmitter and the measurement device; measuring a property of the battery cell with a measuring device; and wirelessly transmitting the measured property via a wireless transmitter.

In some embodiments, the support structure may comprise a bracket shaped towards its first and second ends, the bracket defining a support surface between the first and second ends, and the method may comprise: the cover is attached to the bracket by cooperating surface profiles of the cover and the bracket to enclose the electronic unit and thereby limit movement of the electronic unit relative to the surface of the battery cell.

Embodiments of any aspect of the invention may include one or more features of other aspects of the invention.

Drawings

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a power battery assembly in accordance with one embodiment, wherein an electronic unit is attached to a prismatic battery cell via a removable support structure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the prismatic battery cell of FIG. 1 with a removable support structure of a power cell assembly attached;

fig. 3A is a view of a prismatic battery cell with a removable support structure attached and an electronic unit in place on the support structure;

FIG. 3B is a detailed view of one terminal of a prismatic battery cell surrounding the arrangement of FIG. 3A;

fig. 4A illustrates how electrical connections are made between terminals of a prismatic battery cell and an electronic unit, according to one embodiment;

fig. 4B illustrates how an electrical connection is made between a rounded terminal of a prismatic battery cell and an electronic unit, according to another embodiment;

fig. 4C shows how electrical connections are made between terminals and an electronic unit according to yet another embodiment;

FIG. 5 shows a prismatic battery cell having a cover of a power cell assembly attached to a support structure;

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a power cell assembly according to one embodiment in which an electronics unit is attached to a cylindrical battery via a removable support structure;

FIG. 6B is an exploded perspective view of the battery assembly of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 6C is a cross-sectional view of the battery assembly of FIG. 6A taken on a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the battery cell;

fig. 7A is a perspective view of a battery assembly including a plurality of cylindrical battery cells;

FIG. 7B is a plan perspective view of the battery assembly of FIG. 7A; and

fig. 8 is a perspective view of a battery including a plurality of cylindrical battery cells sharing a single support structure according to an embodiment.

Detailed Description

The present inventors have devised a power battery that may include a plurality of power battery cells and a plurality of electronic units, wherein each of the plurality of electronic units measures a property of a respective one of the plurality of power battery cells. In such power batteries, it is desirable to attach each electronic unit to the power battery unit on which it operates. Furthermore, it is desirable to attach each electronic unit to its respective power cell unit in a manner that provides proper operation of the electronic unit, while reducing the impact on the ease of use of the power cell unit. Moreover, it is desirable to attach each electronic unit to its respective power cell unit without changing the power cell unit.

It is therefore an object of at least some of the embodiments disclosed herein to provide a power battery assembly comprising a battery cell and an electronic unit, the electronic unit comprising a measurement device to measure a property of the battery cell, wherein the electronic unit is attached to the battery cell. It is another object of at least some of the embodiments disclosed herein to provide a method of forming and operating such a power cell assembly.

According to an embodiment of the invention, a support structure for attachment to a battery cell is provided. The support structure may be configured to be removable and retrofittable to the battery cell. The support structure may be configured to receive an electronic unit and include at least one conductive element arranged to electrically couple the electronic unit to positive and negative terminals of the power cell unit such that power can be provided to the electronic unit. The electronic unit comprises a measuring device configured to measure a property of the battery unit and a wireless transmitter configured to wirelessly transmit the measured property. The wireless transmitter may include 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, further details are not provided herein, merely to illustrate that the wireless transmitter conforms to all relevant NFC operating standards. The use of near field communication reduces the risk of signal interference between closely located wireless transmitters.

The removable support structure may include different ways of attaching itself to the battery cell, which may depend on the form factor of the battery cell. In particular, according to certain embodiments, the support structure may be configured with means for attaching to a battery cell having a prismatic form factor, which is commonly referred to in the art as a prismatic battery cell. Similarly, in alternative embodiments, the support structure may be configured with a member for attachment to a cylindrical battery cell. In the context of the present disclosure, the terms prismatic and cylindrical refer only to the geometry of the battery cell dictated by its housing, and not to its internal chemistry.

To facilitate the reader's understanding of the present invention, embodiments will be described in turn in which the support structure is configured to be attached to prismatic and cylindrical battery cells. In both cases, reducing the impact of the attachment of the support structure on the footprint of the battery cell helps to minimize the impact on the existing footprint of the battery cell. In this context, the term battery footprint is used to denote the volume of space occupied by the battery cells. Reducing the impact of the attachment of the support structure on the footprint of the battery unit helps to ensure that the support structure is retrofittable and can be incorporated into existing applications of the battery unit. In particular, the disclosed support structure does not provide any geometric and/or volumetric impediment to combining multiple cells together to form a battery or battery pack. This is achieved by positioning the support structure in a volume of space adjacent the battery cell that does not have any substantial effect on the existing useful geometric footprint of the battery cell. For example, with respect to prismatic battery cells that include 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 according to the present embodiment are given below. In most practical applications, the space between the terminals of the prismatic battery cells is not used for any purpose. In particular, when a plurality of prismatic battery cells are packed together to form a battery pack, the space is not used. Thus, by positioning the support structure in this volume of space, the ability to bring the prismatic cells together is not affected. With respect to cylindrical battery cells, a similar effect may be achieved by positioning a support structure on a portion of a cylindrical surface such that the support structure is positioned in a gap formed between adjacent cylindrical cells when a plurality of cylindrical cells are combined to form a battery pack. Likewise, further details of the present embodiment are disclosed below. Another advantage of the embodiments disclosed herein is that no modifications to existing battery cell manufacturing processes are required to accommodate the support structure.

Fig. 1 shows an exploded view of a power cell assembly 10 according to an embodiment of the invention. The power cell assembly includes a prismatic battery cell 12, a support structure 14, an electronics unit 16, and a cover 18. The support structure 14 may be a cradle-like shape and will be referred to interchangeably simply as cradle 14 in the description that follows. By bracket shaped, it is meant that the support structure comprises a volume of space, e.g. a recess, adapted to receive the electronic unit 16. The prismatic battery cell 12 is of known form and function and therefore comprises a rigid container that can house a plurality of pouch cells, each of which can comprise a lithium-ion polymer electrochemical arrangement. The positive terminals of the plurality of pouch cells may be connected together and lead out to the positive terminal 20 of the prismatic battery cell, and the negative terminals of the plurality of pouch cells may be connected together and lead out to the negative terminal 20 of the prismatic battery cell. The positive and negative terminals 20 protrude upward from the same end face of the prismatic battery cell 12. An inter-terminal space is defined and bounded between the positive and negative terminals 20 in a direction across the end faces and between the end faces of the prismatic battery cells and distal faces of the positive and negative terminals in a direction orthogonal to the end faces. The vent 22 may be disposed in an end face of the prismatic battery cell 12 between the positive and negative terminals 20. In general terms, the bracket 14 is attached to the prismatic battery cell 12 and the electronic unit 16 is placed on the bracket 14. The electronics unit 16 is electrically coupled to positive and negative terminals 20. The cover 18 may be attached to the bracket 14 such that the electronics unit 16 is enclosed between the cover and the bracket.

A perspective view of the prismatic battery cell 12 with the bracket 14 of the electronic battery assembly attached is shown in fig. 2. The stand includes a stand base 32 that defines a support surface 34 that supports the electronics unit 16. The holder base 32 defines a vent hole 36 therethrough, and the vent hole 36 may be registered with the vent opening 22 in the end face of the prismatic battery cell 12 to assist in venting the prismatic battery cell. The holder 14 may also include first and second walls 38 extending upwardly from respective opposite edges of the holder base 32 and such that each of the first and second walls extends between the positive and negative terminals 20. The first and second walls 38 are of a height such that their distal ends do not extend beyond the distal ends of the positive and negative terminals 20. The rack 14 may also include a transverse wall 40 extending upwardly from the rack base 32 and extending between the first and second walls 38. The transverse wall 40 may be spaced from each end of the bracket base 32.

Each of the first and second ends of the holder 14 may be shaped to fit around a respective one of the positive and negative terminals 20. Considering further the first and second ends of the bracket 14, each of the first and second ends of the bracket may define a hole through which a respective one of the positive and negative terminals may extend. The aperture is defined by a boundary wall 42, the height of the boundary wall 42 being such that it does not extend beyond the distal end of the terminal 20 and is the same as the first and second walls 38. The cradle base 32, the first and second walls 38, and a portion of the boundary wall 42 at each of the first and second ends define a recess, equivalently referred to as a cradle space, for receiving the electronic unit 16. Furthermore, as will be apparent from the following description, a portion of the boundary wall 42 at one of the first and second ends and the transverse wall 40 constitute an obstacle to movement of the electronic unit 16 across the end faces of the prismatic battery cell in the direction of separation of the positive and negative terminals 20.

A view of the prismatic battery cell 12 with the bracket 14 attached and the electronics unit 16 in place on the bracket is shown in fig. 3A. The electronic unit 16 comprises a measuring device and a wireless transmitter, which are constituted by electronic components mounted on a rigid printed circuit board 44. The measurement device of the electronic unit is configured to measure a property of the prismatic battery cell, such as current, voltage, or temperature, and the wireless transmitter wirelessly transmits the measured property. For example, in certain embodiments, the measured property may be wirelessly transmitted to a Battery Management System (BMS). According to some embodiments, the wireless transmitter is a Near Field Communication (NFC) device configured for short-range communication. This helps reduce interference between closely located wireless transmitters, which may occur when multiple battery assemblies (each of which includes a separate wireless transmitter) are operating in close proximity, such as within a battery that includes multiple battery assemblies. In such applications, reducing interference is necessary to ensure faithful transmission of data. The measurement of current, voltage or temperature is carried out as is conventional. The form and function of the wireless transmitter may be as described in WO2018/002667a1, which is incorporated herein by reference. The printed circuit board 44 further includes a microprocessor and supporting circuitry in a conventional form and function. The microprocessor processes the measurements made by the measuring means and forms data packets for wireless transmission of data from the electronic unit 16.

As shown in fig. 3A, the printed circuit board 44 is received in the cradle space defined by the cradle 14 and is a snug fit (snug fit) between the first and second walls 38 and between a portion of the boundary wall 42 at one end of the cradle and the transverse wall 40. Thus, movement of the electronic unit 16 across the end faces of the prismatic battery cell 12 is restricted in two mutually orthogonal directions. First and second electrical conductors 46 extend from opposite ends of the printed circuit board 44. The bracket 14 may define first and second configurations that retain the first and second electrical conductors, respectively. Each of the first and second formations has the form of a simple beam 48 spaced from the stand base 32 and supported at a first end by the first or second wall 38 and at a second end by the stand base. The electrical conductors 46 may fit under a simple beam 48 to hold the electrical conductors in place and guide them toward their respective terminals 20.

A detailed view of one of the terminals of the prismatic battery cell of the arrangement of fig. 3A is shown in fig. 3B. As can be seen in fig. 3B, the boundary wall 42 defines a lip (lip)50 on its inner surface and at its lower edge. Further, the terminal 20 defines a recess 52 around its perimeter and toward its base. The bracket 14 is attached to the prismatic battery cell 12 by positioning the bracket 14 on the prismatic battery cell 12 such that the positive and negative terminals 20 are received through the respective apertures defined by the boundary walls 42. The brackets 14 are then depressed against the resistance presented by the lips 50 to their respective terminals 20 until the lips are received in the recesses 52 in the terminals 20. Thus, the lip 50 and the recess 52 provide a snap fit that attaches the bracket 14 to the prismatic battery cell 12.

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 fig. 3B and 4A (which is a 180 degree rotation of fig. 3B), and according to one embodiment, the distal end of each of the first and second electrical conductors 46 includes a wire terminal 54 that is positioned over and in contact with a respective one of the positive and negative terminals 20. To maintain the electrical conductors 46 in contact with the respective terminals 20, the wire terminals 54 may be soldered to the terminals 20. In use, when the power cell assembly is electrically coupled to an external device, the wire terminals 54 may be sandwiched between the terminals 20 and the bus bars. When both the first and second electrical conductors 46 are electrically coupled to the positive and negative terminals 20, power for the electronic unit 16 is drawn from the prismatic battery cell 12 through the positive and negative terminals 20.

It should be understood that the use of welding represents one non-limiting way of maintaining electrical conductors in contact with corresponding terminals. Alternative means for maintaining the electrical conductors in contact with the respective terminals are also contemplated. For example, referring to fig. 4B, according to another embodiment, an electrically conductive fastener 62 may be disposed at an end of each of the first and second electrical conductors 46. The conductive fasteners 62 are shaped to fit around the terminals 20 and maintain contact with the terminals 20. This may be accomplished by sizing the conductive fastener 20 to be complementary in shape and size to the cross-sectional shape and size of the terminal 2 so as to form an interference fit with the terminal 20 when the conductive fastener 62 is placed around the terminal 20. The cross-section of the terminal 20 may be rectangular or circular, but other cross-sectional shapes are also contemplated. In certain embodiments in which the terminal 20 has a circular cross-section, the conductive fastener 62 may comprise a push on fastening washer, such as that provided by spring masters ltd of the asian street, B988 LF, redbitch, uk. In certain embodiments, the conductive fastener 62 for a rectangular or circular cross-section terminal may define teeth that abut the terminal 20 in use, wherein the conductive fastener is shaped and dimensioned to provide an interference fit with the terminal 20, thereby forming a good conductive path from the terminal.

According to another embodiment, and referring to fig. 4C, in addition to providing electrical conduction, electrically conductive fasteners 72 may form part of the bracket 14 and attach the bracket to the positive and negative terminals 20. As described above with reference to the embodiment of fig. 3B, the lip 50 defined by the boundary wall 42 interlocks with the recess 52 in the positive and negative terminals 20. According to this embodiment, each electrically conductive fastener 72 may be included in a respective one of the first and second ends of the bracket 14 and define a protrusion that interlocks with the recess 52 in the respective one of the positive and negative terminals. The bracket 14 of fig. 4C may be attached to the prismatic battery cell 12 in the same manner as described above with reference to the previous embodiment (with particular reference to the embodiment of fig. 3A), whereby the protrusions defined by the electrically conductive fasteners 72 provide a snap fit with the recesses 52 in the positive and negative terminals 20. The bracket 14 may be formed, for example, by molding from a plastic material as described below, with the conductive fastener 72 being assembled to the bracket after it is formed. Alternatively, the conductive fasteners 72 may be incorporated into the bracket during molding of the bracket. The electronic unit 16 may be electrically coupled to the conductive fasteners of the rack by welding or soldering each of the first and second electrical conductors to the exposed portion 74 of a respective one of the two conductive fasteners 72.

According to one embodiment, a prismatic battery cell 12 having a cover 18 attached to a power cell assembly of a rack is shown in fig. 5. The cover 18 may have dimensions such that when it is attached to the bracket 14, the cover extends no further than the perimeter of the end faces of the prismatic battery cell 12 and over the first and second walls 38. Further, the cover 18 may have dimensions such that when it is attached to the bracket 14, the cover extends straight to the positive terminal at a first end and to the negative terminal at an opposite second end. Therefore, the positive and negative terminals 20 are not covered by the cover 18, whereby the positive and negative terminals can be electrically coupled to the bus bar or the like. In addition thereto, the cover 18 may be configured to cover the rack space, except for at least one hole 82 extending through the cover to allow the vent 22 of the prismatic cell 12 to function.

The cover 18 and the bracket 14 may include cooperating surface profiles that attach the cover to the bracket. The surface contour in the cover 18 is defined by an aperture 84 facing the periphery of the cover and shaped to receive a corresponding tab 86 included in and extending upwardly from the bracket. Each aperture 84 and corresponding protrusion 86 interlock to provide a snap-fit attachment of the cover to the bracket. The cover 18 defines a first surface that faces toward the bracket 14 when the cover is attached to the bracket and a second flat surface 88 that faces away from the bracket when the cover is attached to the bracket. Two parallel grooves 90 are defined in the second planar surface 88. The groove 90 extends across the cover in a direction orthogonal to the direction of separation of the positive and negative terminals 20. Each slot 90 receives and retains a respective cable of a dual cable antenna (not shown). In use, the dual cable antenna is in wireless communication with an electronics unit antenna contained in a wireless transmitter of the electronics unit 16.

According to certain embodiments, the stent may be integrally formed from 10% -20% glass filled polypropylene. The cover may be integrally formed of polypropylene.

As previously described, according to alternative embodiments, the support structure 100 may be configured to be attached to a cylindrical battery cell 102, as shown in the battery assembly 103 of fig. 6A. Unlike prismatic cells, the terminals of cylindrical cells are included on opposite end faces of cylindrical cells. Fig. 6B is an exploded perspective view of the battery assembly 103 of fig. 6A. The support structure 100 of the present embodiment may be bracket-shaped as in the previously described embodiments, and will be interchangeably referred to as a bracket as in the previously described embodiments. A significant difference between the cradle 100 of the present embodiment and the previously disclosed embodiments is that each of the first and second ends of the cradle includes a gripping arm 104, the gripping arms 104 being arranged to grip a respective one of the positive and negative terminals 106 of the cylindrical battery cell so that the cradle 100 can be attached to the cylindrical battery cell 102. The stand 100 is arranged to support the electronic unit 16 in substantially the same manner as previously described with respect to the previous embodiments.

It should be understood that, unless otherwise noted, it is contemplated that the support structures used with cylindrical battery cells share the same features as previously disclosed support structures described for use with prismatic battery cells. For example, the support structure may include a cover and antenna configuration as previously described. To avoid repetition, not all shared features will be recited, but rather the following description of embodiments including cylindrical battery cells will focus on describing significant differences relative to prismatic battery cell embodiments.

According to certain embodiments, the bracket 100 may include a contact surface arranged to contact 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 that is complementary to at least a portion of the profile of the cylindrical surface 108. In particular, the surface profile of the contact surface may include a radius of curvature that is complementary to a radius of curvature of the cylindrical surface 108 of the cylindrical battery cell 102. When attached to a cylindrical battery cell 102, the bracket 100 extends in one direction along at least a portion of the height of the battery cell, as shown in fig. 6A.

Fig. 6C is a cross-sectional plan view of the battery assembly 103 of fig. 6A taken in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis z of the cylindrical battery cell 102. The longitudinal axis z is symmetrical to the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical battery cell 102. The contact surface 110 is clearly visible in fig. 6C. The width of the contact surface 110 defines an arc length that is proportional to the radius r and the angle θ of the cylindrical cell 102. The angle θ represents the angle subtended by the arc length, which represents the width of the contact surface and corresponds to the width of the stent 100. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the width of the bracket 100 is selected to ensure that it subtends an angle θ of less than 90 °. This helps minimize any interference with other adjacent cylindrical battery cells when a plurality of cylindrical battery cells are combined into a battery pack.

As shown in fig. 6A and 6B, the grasping arm 104 extends in a direction orthogonal to the length of the support structure 100. According to some embodiments, the spacing distance d (see fig. 6B) between the gripping arms 104 is selected to ensure that each gripping arm 104 grips its respective battery cell terminal 106 with sufficient force to form a tight interference fit with the terminal 106 of the cylindrical battery cell 102. One way in which this can be achieved is to dimension the spacing distance d slightly less than the height h of the cylindrical cell. The gripping arm 104 may be constructed of a material that enables the arm to bend somewhat. When the gripping arms 104 are bent to fit around the corresponding battery terminals, the restoring force opposes the bending direction and helps ensure a tight interference fit with the corresponding terminals 106.

In alternative embodiments, it is contemplated that the support structure 100 may be provided with attachment members for attaching the support structure 100 to the cylindrical surface 108 of the cylindrical battery cell 102. For example, one such attachment member may comprise an adhesive tape. Adhesive tape may be placed on the contact surface 110 so that the support structure 100 can be adhered to the cylindrical surface 108 of the battery cell 102. Alternative attachment members are also contemplated that enable support structure 100 to be secured to cylindrical surface 108 of battery cell 102.

As with previously disclosed embodiments, the support structure 100 may include at least one conductive element configured to electrically couple the electronic unit 16 to the battery cell terminals 106. In the embodiment shown in fig. 6A and 6B, the at least one conductive element includes first and second electrical conductors 110, the first and second electrical conductors 110 extending from opposite ends of the electronics unit 16, and in particular from opposite ends of a printed circuit board included in the electronics unit 16, in a manner similar to that described in the previous embodiments. The first and second electrical conductors 110 extend to the grip arm 104, and the grip arm 104 is arranged such that at least a portion of the distal ends of the first and second electrical conductors 110 can make electrical contact with the respective battery terminals 106. In some embodiments, the distal ends of the first and second electrical conductors 110 may be located on the inner surface of the grip arm 104 that is in contact with the respective battery terminal 106. In this manner, the interference fit formed between the grip arms 104 and the battery terminals also facilitates establishing an electrical connection between the first and second electrical conductors 104 and the battery terminals 106. For example, the grip arms may each include a cavity (not shown) through which the first and second electrical conductors 110 may pass to enable the distal ends of the first and second electrical conductors 110 to be located on the inner surface of the grip arm 104. In certain embodiments, the grip arms 104 can be provided with apertures configured to receive the distal ends of the first and second electrical conductors 104 and can establish electrical connection with the respective battery terminals 106 through the apertures.

Fig. 7A is a perspective view of a battery pack 112, interchangeably referred to simply as a battery, that includes a plurality of battery assemblies 103 as shown in fig. 6A-6C. Fig. 7B is a plan view of the battery pack 112 of fig. 7A. Each battery assembly 103 includes a support structure 100 attached to a cylindrical battery cell 102. Fig. 7A and 7B readily emphasize how by limiting the width of the support structure to an arc length subtended by an angle less than 90 ° it is ensured that the cell assemblies 103 can be arranged relative to one another without causing the support structures 100 of adjacent assemblies to interfere with one another. This can be understood by considering the gaps 114 that naturally form between the cylindrical battery cells when they are brought together and contacted on their cylindrical surfaces as shown in fig. 7B.

Fig. 8 is an alternative configuration of the support structure 100 in which three different cylindrical battery cells 102 share the same support structure 116 to form a battery pack 115. One cylindrical cell 102 is shown as transparent to better enable visualization of the shape of the shared support structure 116. In such embodiments, it is contemplated that the shared support structure 116 may include a plurality of electronic units (not shown), each of which is assigned to measure a property of a different one of the cylindrical battery cells attached to the shared support structure 116. Alternatively, it is contemplated that the shared support structure 116 may include a single electronic unit arranged to measure properties of each of the coupled cylindrical battery cells 102.

Although illustrative embodiments have been described herein, the scope of the present application includes any and all embodiments based on the disclosure having equivalent elements, modifications, omissions, combinations (e.g., across various aspects of the embodiments), adaptations or alterations. 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 specification or during the prosecution of the application, which examples are to be construed as non-exclusive. Further, the steps of the disclosed methods may be modified in any manner, including by reordering steps in an insert delete step. Therefore, it is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims and their full scope of equivalents.