Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention relates to an interconnector for a battery pack and more particularly to an interconnector for connecting battery cells of a battery pack.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] The widespread adoption of batteries is on the rise in contemporary society, providing energy for diverse sectors such as automotive, aerospace, consumer electronics, and renewable energy. The industry is continually striving to enhance battery capacity. Battery packs typically consist of multiple cells organized in series and parallel arrangements depending upon the voltage and current requirements of a user.
[003] It is known in the art to electrically connect the battery cells through interconnectors which connects terminals of individual battery cells to achieve the desired parallel or series configuration of the battery pack. It has been observed that during the discharge process, individual cells may exhibit varying internal resistances, leading to uneven discharge and consequently reduce life of the battery pack life. Further, it has been observed that the existing design and/or configuration of the interconnectors exacerbates this effect and leads to reduce the performance and life of the battery pack.
[004] In existing interconnectors, the current is typically drawn from one end of the interconnector. This configuration poses significant challenges for battery cells located farther from the interconnector end, as they experience higher electrical resistance while discharging the current and as a result, these distant battery cells tend to charge and discharge more unevenly, contributing to cell imbalance, reduced cell efficiency and shortening the overall life span of the battery pack.
[005] In existing interconnectors, owing to their configuration and structural limitations, different battery cells encounter a different resistance in their current flow path which imposes uneven charging and discharging of battery cells and creates parallel imbalance between groups of battery cells.
[006] Therefore, there is a need for an interconnector for a battery pack that addresses the issues associated with existing battery pack systems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[007] In one aspect of the present invention, an interconnector for a battery pack is disclosed. The interconnector includes a plate configured to face terminals of battery cells of the battery pack. The plate includes a plurality of electrical contact members. Each of the plurality of electrical contact members extends in a longitudinal direction of the battery cells. Each of the plurality of electrical contact members includes a proximal end and a distal end. Each of the distal ends being configured to contact one of the terminals of each of the battery cells.
[008] In an embodiment, the interconnector includes a connection member interconnected to the plurality of electrical contact members of the plate. The interconnector protrudes outwardly from a middle portion of one of peripheral sides of the plate and extends towards one of terminals of the battery pack. The connection member includes an attachment portion being disposed on the plate at a location being equidistant from each of the terminals of the plurality of battery cells connected to the electrical contact members of the plate.
[009] In an embodiment, the connection member being a L-shaped structure.
[010] In an embodiment, the plate includes a plurality of openings. Each of the plurality of openings being configured to correspond to a position of one of the terminals of each of the battery cells.
[011] In an embodiment, the plurality of electrical contact members includes a first set of electrical contact members and a second set of electrical contact members.
[012] In an embodiment, at least one of the proximal ends of the first set of electrical contact members being positioned at a middle portion of one of an inner sides of the opening.
[013] In an embodiment, at least one of the proximal ends of the second set of electrical contact members being positioned at one of peripheral sides of the plate.
[014] In an embodiment, each of the distal ends of the plurality of electrical contact members being oriented in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the battery cells.
[015] In an embodiment, each of the distal ends of the plurality of electrical contact members being configured to contact one of the terminals of each of the battery cells at a pre-determined position.
[016] In another aspect, a battery pack is disclosed. The battery pack includes a plurality of casings, a plurality of battery cells and a plurality of interconnectors. The plurality of battery cells being disposed inside the cell holders of the plurality of casings. Each of the plurality of interconnectors includes a plate configured to face terminals of the plurality of battery cells. The plate includes a plurality of electrical contact members. Each of the plurality of electrical contact members extends in a longitudinal direction of the battery cells. Each of the plurality of electrical contact members includes a proximal end and a distal end. Each of the distal ends of the plurality of electrical contact members being configured to contact one of the terminals of each of the battery cells.
[017] In an embodiment, one of the plurality of interconnectors includes a connection member. The connection member being interconnected to the plurality of electrical contact members of the plate. The connection member protrudes outwardly from a middle portion of one of peripheral sides of the plate and extends towards one of terminals of the battery pack.
[018] In an embodiment, the connection member includes an attachment portion being disposed on the plate at a location being equidistant from each of the terminals of the plurality of battery cells connected to the electrical contact members of the plate.
[019] In an embodiment, the connection member being a L-shaped structure.
[020] In an embodiment, the plate includes a plurality of openings. Each of the plurality of openings being configured to correspond to a position of one of the terminals of each of the battery cells.
[021] In an embodiment, the plurality of electrical contact members includes a first set of electrical contact members and a second set of electrical contact members.
[022] In an embodiment, at least one of the proximal ends of the first set of electrical contact members being positioned at a middle portion of one of an inner sides of the opening.
[023] In an embodiment, at least one of the proximal ends of the second set of electrical contact members being positioned at one of peripheral sides of the plate.
[024] In an embodiment, each of the distal ends of the plurality of electrical contact members being oriented in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the battery cells.
[025] In an embodiment, each of the distal ends of the plurality of electrical contact members being configured to contact one of the terminals of each of the battery cells at a pre-determined position.
[026] In an embodiment, each of the distal ends of the plurality of electrical contact members being configured to contact one of the terminals of each of the battery cells at a pre-determined position.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[027] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.
Figure 1a illustrates a perspective view of a battery pack in an assembled state, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 1b illustrates an exploded view of the battery pack in a dismantled state, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 illustrates the configuration of an interconnector of the battery back, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3a-3c illustrates top, perspective, and side views of the interconnector of the battery back, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[028] Various features and embodiments of the present invention here will be discernible from the following further description thereof, set out hereunder.
[029] The present invention relates to a battery pack having interconnectors for connecting multiple battery cells in series and/or parallel configuration. The interconnector comprises electrical contact members which are configured to homogenize electrical distance between battery cells and terminals of the battery pack in order to equalize the resistance across connected battery cells, thereby facilitating uniform charging, and discharging of the battery cells.
[030] Figure 1a illustrates a perspective view of a battery pack 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1b illustrates an exploded view of the battery pack 10 in a dismantled state, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in Figures 1a, 1b, the battery pack 10 includes a housing (not shown) and a plurality of casings 12, 14. The plurality of casings 12, 14 includes an upper casing 12 and a lower casing 14. Each of the upper casing 12 and the lower casing 14 includes a plurality of cell holders 19 extending in multiple parallel rows configuration. Each of the upper casing 12 and the lower casing 14 comprises mounting holes to receive the fasteners (X) for assembling the battery pack 10. Depending upon the usage and requirements, the battery pack 10 includes a plurality of battery cells 20 disposed inside the cell holders 19 of the plurality of casings 12, 14. The battery cells 20 includes, but not limited to, rechargeable Lithium-ion cylindrical cells.
[031] Each battery cell 20 includes terminals 22, 28 (i.e., a positive terminal and a negative terminal). The battery pack 10 includes a plurality of interconnectors 100 for electrically connecting the plurality of battery cells 20 with terminals of the battery pack 10. The interconnectors 100 being configured to be mounted on the plurality of casings 12, 14. The plurality of interconnectors 100 is configured to connect the plurality of battery cells 20 in series and/or parallel combination to obtain the desired current and/or voltage from the battery pack 10.
[032] As shown in Figure 1b, the plurality of interconnectors 100 includes a plate 102 configured to face terminals 22, 28 of the plurality of battery cells 20. Each plate 102 includes a plurality of electrical contact members 110. Each of the plurality of electrical contact members 110 extends towards the terminals of the battery cells 20 in a longitudinal direction of the battery cells 20. Each of the plurality of electrical contact members 110 comprises a proximal end 111 (shown in Figure 3b) attached to the plate 102 and a distal end 118 (shown in Figure 3b) extending away from the proximal end 111. The distal ends 118 of the plurality of contact members 110 are oriented in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the battery cells 20. Each of the distal ends 118 of the plurality of electrical contact members 110 being configured to contact one of the terminals 22, 28 of each of the battery cells 20 at a pre-determined position. The pre-determined position depends upon the requirement of connecting the terminals 22, 28 of the battery cells 20 with the electrical contact members 110 at same electrical distance in order to equalize the electrical resistances thereof. Also, the pre-determined position depends on the factors of space available between the electrical contact members 110 and the corresponding terminals 22, 28 of the battery cells 20 to carryout connection via. tapping and/or welding, wire bonding etc.
[033] In an embodiment, each of the distal ends 118 of the plurality of electrical contact members 110 are placed at same pre-determined position from the terminals 22, 28 of the battery cells 20 to equalize the electrical resistance generated among groups or parallel rows of battery cells 20.
[034] In an embodiment, the plate 102 includes a plurality of openings 108. The plurality of openings 108 corresponds to positions of the terminals 22, 28 of the plurality of battery cells (20). Such openings enable accessing the terminals 22, 28 of the battery cells 20 to connect with the corresponding plurality of electrical contact members 110 of the interconnectors 100.
[035] In an embodiment, the plurality of electrical contact members 110 includes a first set of electrical contact members 110a and a second set of electrical contact members 110b. Depending upon the desired series and/or parallel connection requirements of the battery cells 20, the first set of electrical contact members 110a and the second set of electrical contact members 110b may be connected to terminals 22, 28 of the battery cells 20 by interchanging the orientation of battery cells inside the cell holders 19 of the casings 12, 14. Accordingly, the polarity of the first set of electrical contact members 110a and the second set of electrical contact members 110b can be varied by changing the orientation of the terminals 22, 28 of the battery cells 20.
[036] In an embodiment, one of the plurality of interconnectors 100 of the battery pack 10 comprises a connection member 120 interconnected or joined to each of the plurality of electrical contact members 110 of the same plate 102. The connection member 120 protrudes outwardly from a middle portion of one of peripheral sides 102a, 102b (shown in Figure 2) of the plate 102 and extending towards one of terminals (not shown) of the battery pack 10. In a non-limiting example, the connection member 120 being a L-shaped structure and may include other shapes depending on the size and requirements of the battery pack 10.
[037] Figure 2 illustrates the configuration of the interconnector 100 of the battery back, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the interconnector 100 is a metal conductive plate 102 consisting of, but not limited to, a copper. In a non-limiting example, the interconnector 100 is an integrally formed structure. The plate 102 extends longitudinally between ends 101a, 101b. The interconnector 102 extends between peripheral sides 102a, 102b. The plate 102 being formed of a structure having the plurality of openings 108 which are punched out holes and/or portions configured to accommodate each of the first set of electrical contact members 110a. The proximal ends 111 of the first set of electrical contact members 110a being integrally attached to the middle portion of one of an inner sides 108a of the openings 108.
[038] In an embodiment, one of the peripheral side 102b of the plate 102 being configured to receive the proximal ends 111 of the second set of electrical contact members 110b.
[039] In an embodiment, the plate 102 includes the connection member 120. The connection member 120 includes an attachment portion 121 being attached to an integral portion 103 (shown in Figure 3a) of the plate 102 . The integral portion 103 being interconnected or joined to each of the first and second set of electrical contact members 110a, 110b. The attachment portion 121 being disposed on the plate 102 at a location being equidistant from each of the terminals 22, 28 of the plurality of battery cells 20 connected to the plurality of electrical contact members 110a, 110b of the plate 102.
[040] In an embodiment, the connection member 120 extends towards one of the terminal of the battery pack 10 (shown in Figure 1a) and configured to be connected to the terminal of the battery pack 10 thereof. Such configuration of the connection member 120 of the interconnector 100 helps in connecting the terminals of the battery pack 10 with the terminals 22, 28 of the battery cells 20 to have the uniform resistance between each of the terminals 22, 28 of the battery cells 20 and the terminals of the battery pack 10 which enables the battery pack 10 to have an equal charging and/or discharging of the battery cells 20 while maintaining individual cell balance thereof. Such configuration also equalizes the electrical resistance between the parallel rows of battery cells 20 connected in series.
[041] In an embodiment, the plate 102 includes a pair of mounting holes (M1, M2).The mounting holes (M1, M2) being configured to receive fasteners for attaching the plate 102 on the casings 12, 14 (shown in Figure 1b).
[042] Figure 3a-3c illustrates top, perspective, and side views of the interconnector 100 of the battery back, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The connection member 120 includes a leg 125 extending away from the attachment portion 121. The leg 125 includes a connection end 129. The connection end 129 being configured to be attached to one of terminals of the battery pack 10 (shown in Figure 1a).
[043] Advantageously, the present invention provides a battery pack having cell holders configured to store plurality of battery cells arranged in series and/or parallel configuration with a plurality of interconnectors. The present invention provides a simple configuration of assembling a battery pack with provisions of interconnecting the battery cells in series or parallel configuration through the interconnectors. The present invention provides an interconnector having a plurality of electrical contact members being configured to which homogenize electrical distance between battery cells and terminals of the battery pack which results into equalizing the resistance across connected battery cells, thereby facilitating uniform charging, and discharging of the battery cells.
[044] The present invention provides a significant advantage by effectively reducing cell imbalance in battery packs. The configuration of electrical contact members and the connection member of the interconnectors with the terminals of the battery pack ensures a uniform resistance between the terminals of the battery pack and the battery cells which increases the overall efficiency and stability of the battery pack and further increases the life of the battery pack. The present invention increases the durability of the battery pack. The present invention has a simple configuration of a battery pack with interconnectors connection with the battery cells and allows serviceability or repairment of the battery pack with ease.
[045] While the present invention has been described with respect to certain embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modification may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

List of Reference Numerals
10 – Battery Pack
12 – Casing (Upper Casing)
14 – Casing (Lower Casing)
19 – Cell Holders
20 – Battery Cells
22, 28 – Terminals of Battery Cells
100 – Interconnector
102 – Plate of Interconnector
102a, 102b – Peripheral sides of the plate
103 –Integral portion of the plate
108 – Plurality of Openings
108a – Inner side of the openings
110 – Plurality of Electrical contact members
110a – First set of electrical contact members
110b – Second set of electrical contact members
111 – Proximal end of electrical contact members
118 – Distal end of electrical contact members
120 – Connection Member
121– Attachment portion of connection member
125 – Leg of connection member
129 – Connection end of connection member
M1, M2 – Mounting holes of the plate
X – Fasteners
, Claims:1. An interconnector (100) for a battery pack (10), the interconnector (100) comprising:
a plate (102) configured to face terminals (22, 28) of battery cells (20) of the battery pack (100), the plate (102) comprises a plurality of electrical contact members (110), each of the plurality of electrical contact members (110) extends in a longitudinal direction of the battery cells (20) and comprises a proximal end (111) and a distal end (118), each of the distal ends (118) being configured to contact one of the terminals (22, 28) of each of the battery cells (20).

2. The interconnector (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprises a connection member (120) interconnected to the plurality of electrical contact members (110) of the plate (102) and protruding outwardly from a middle portion of one of a peripheral sides (102a, 102b) of the plate (102) and extending towards one of terminals of the battery pack (10).

3. The interconnector as claimed in claim 2, wherein the connection member (120) comprises an attachment portion (121) being disposed on the plate (102) at a location being equidistant from each of the terminals (22, 28) of the plurality of battery cells (20) connected to the electrical contact members of the plate (102).

4. The interconnector (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the connection member (120) being a L-shaped structure.

5. The interconnector (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plate (102) comprises a plurality of openings (108), each of the plurality of openings (108) being configured to correspond to a position of one of the terminals (22, 28) of each of the battery cells (20).

6. The interconnector (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of electrical contact members (110) comprises a first set of electrical contact members (110a) and a second set of electrical contact members (110b).

7. The interconnector (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein at least one of the proximal ends (111) of the first set of electrical contact members (110a) being positioned at a middle portion of one of an inner sides (108a) of the opening (108).

8. The interconnector (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein at least one of the proximal ends (111) of the second set of electrical contact members (110b) being positioned at one of a peripheral sides (102a,102b) of the plate (102).

9. The interconnector (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the distal ends (118) of the plurality of electrical contact members (110) being oriented in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the battery cells (20).

10. The interconnector (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the distal ends (118) of the plurality of electrical contact members (110) being configured to contact one of the terminals (22, 28) of each of the battery cells (20) at a pre-determined position.

11. A battery pack (10) comprising:
a plurality of casings (12, 14), each of the plurality of casings (12, 14) having cell holders (19);
a plurality of battery cells (20) disposed inside the cell holders (19) of each of the plurality of casings (12, 14); and
a plurality of interconnectors (100), each interconnector (100) having a plate (102) configured to face terminals (22, 28) of the plurality of battery cells (20), the plate (102) comprises a plurality of electrical contact members (110), whereby each of the plurality of electrical contact members (110) extends in a longitudinal direction of the battery cells (20) and comprises a proximal end (111) and a distal end (118), each of the distal ends (118) being configured to contact one of the terminals (22, 28) of each of the battery cells (20).

12. The battery pack (10) as claimed in claim 11, wherein at least one of the plurality of interconnectors (100) comprises a connection member (120) interconnected to the plurality of electrical contact members (110) of the plate (102) and protruding outwardly from a middle portion of one of a peripheral sides (102a, 102b) of the plate (102) and extending towards one of terminals of the battery pack (10).

13. The battery pack as claimed in claim 12, wherein the connection member (120) comprises an attachment portion (121) being disposed on the plate (102) at a location being equidistant from each of the terminals (22, 28) of the plurality of battery cells (20) connected to the electrical contact members of the plate (102).

14. The battery pack (10) as claimed in claim 12, wherein the connection member (120) being a L-shaped structure.

15. The battery pack (10) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the plate (102) comprises a plurality of openings (108), each of the plurality of openings (108) being configured to correspond to a position of one of the terminals (22, 28) of each of the battery cells (20).

16. The battery pack (10) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the plurality of electrical contact members (110) comprises a first set of electrical contact members (110a) and a second set of electrical contact members (110b).

17. The battery pack (10) as claimed in claim 16, wherein at least one of the proximal ends (111) of the first set of electrical contact members (110a) being positioned at a middle portion of one of an inner sides (108a) of the opening (108).

18. The battery pack (10) as claimed in claim 16, wherein at least one of the proximal ends (111) of the second set of electrical contact members (110b) being positioned at one of a peripheral sides (104) of the plate (102).

19. The battery pack (10) as claimed in claim 11, wherein each of the distal ends (118) of the plurality of electrical contact members (110) being oriented in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the battery cells (20).

20. The interconnector (100) as claimed in claim 11, wherein each of the distal ends (118) of the plurality of electrical contact members (110) being configured to contact one of the terminals (22, 28) of each of the battery cells (20) at a pre-determined position.