Description:A STRUCTURE FOR MOUNTING A THERMISTOR ON A BATTERY MODULE

TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter described herein relates to a structure for mounting a thermistor. In particular, the present subject matter relates to the structure for mounting a thermistor on a battery module to minimize the risk of inaccurate reading due to loose connection.

BACKGROUND
[0002] To boost the output of a battery module for an electric car or a hybrid automobile, a number of single cells (storage elements) are joined side by side. By connecting the electrode terminals of adjacent storage elements with a connecting component such as a bus bar, a multiplicity of storage elements can be connected in series or parallel.
[0003] When a battery module is operated at a high temperature, its life may get shortened. Moreover, the battery module produced by connecting a number of lithium ion batteries may catch fire when heated. As a result, a temperature sensor (thermistor) for sensing the battery temperature is linked to the battery module to avoid such a situation.
[0004] In one of the state of the art of the battery cell module, there is described an upper face of the battery cell that has a shape in which the recess is present. The thermistor, which is a module component, is disposed in the recess formed between the convex portion for housing the positive electrode tab and the convex portion for housing the negative electrode tab. The thermistor here is not in direct contact with the bus bar or the cells and is not taking their respective temperatures. Rather, it is taking the temperature of the battery case.
[0005] In another state of the art of the battery cell module, there is described a mounting structure for a thermistor which is mounted to a power storage element group formed by arranging a plurality of power storage elements next to each other. The mounting structure for the thermistor comprises of a bus bar, a bus bar holding unit, for holding the bus bar and an elastic pressing member. The elastic pressing member acts as a sping and presses the thermistor to a surface of the power storage element via restoring force. The problem with this state of art is that it is not effective in countering the vibrations due to which the readings obtained on the thermistor may not be accurate.
[0006] The problem with the thermistor fixing related to the above statement is that there occurs a disconnection during vibration (when the vehicle is moving), due to which it gets difficult to detect the temperature across the battery cells. Morerover, there will be extra cost of fasteners and consumables and as well as increased assembly tact time added with high maintainence. Further, in case of fastening, there is a need of special busbar that has insert nut with threads in it. This further leads to torque loss and there are high chances that the thermistor gets loosened. The loosed screw may then fall in the battery back and cause safety hazards.
[0007] Therefore, it is a need to monitor the accurate voltage and temperature of cells for safety and operation of the battery module and to conceive and conceptualize a supporting structure for a thermistor that eliminates the problem of loosening of the thermistor such that accurate temperature obtained between the cell terminals is provided.
OBJECTS OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0008] It forms an object of the present disclosure to overcome the aforementioned and other drawbacks/limitations in the existing solutions available in the form of related prior arts.
[0009] It is a primary object of the present disclosure to provide a structure for mounting a thermistor on a battery module to minimize the risk of inaccurate reading due to loose connection.
[0010] It is another object of the present disclosure to minimize the risk of inaccurate reading due to loose connection.
[0011] It is another object of the present disclosure to minimize the usage of fasteners.
[0012] It is yet another object of the present disclosure to check the temperature inside battery module at multiple points.
[0013] These and other objects and advantages of the present subject matter will be apparent to a person skilled in the art after consideration of the following detailed description taken into consideration with accompanying drawings in which preferred embodiments of the present subject matter are illustrated.

SUMMARY
[0014] A solution to one or more drawbacks of existing technology and additional advantages are provided through the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the technicalities of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered to be a part of the claimed disclosure.
[0015] The present disclosure offers a solution in the form of a structure for mounting a thermistor on a battery module, including a non-conductive module tray having a plurality of slots for electrode terminals of a plurality of battery cells, wherein a bus bar is placed between a pair of electrode terminals and a bridge associated with each of the plurality of slots, wherein the thermistor is in continuous contact with the bus bar when the thermistor is placed on top of the bridge and the bus bar is placed on top of the thermistor.
[0016] In an aspect of the invention, the bridge is a part of the non-conductive module tray.
[0017] In an aspect of the invention, the bridge connects one end of the slot with the other end of the slot.
[0018] In another aspect of the invention, the bridge is attached with the thermistor and the bridge rests in the non-conductive module tray when the thermistor is placed on the slot.
[0019] In another aspect of the invention, the thermistor is fastened between the bus bar and the bridge using a fastener.
[0020] In another aspect of the invention, the fastener provides support to the thermistor from the top.
[0021] In yet another aspect of the invention, the bridge is of non-conductive material.
[0022] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
[0023] It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of the present subject matter and are therefore not to be considered for limiting of its scope, for the present disclosure may admit to other equally effective embodiments. The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the figures to reference like features and components. Some embodiments of system or methods or structure in accordance with embodiments of the present subject matter are now described, by way of example, and with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:
[0024] Fig. 1 is an exploded view of battery module according to the present disclosure.
[0025] Fig. 2 is a detailed view of the bridge according to the present disclosure.
[0026] Fig. 3 is a top view of the non-conductive module tray and the bridge according to the present disclosure.
[0027] Fig. 4 is an illustrative view of the bridge on a battery module according to the present disclosure.
[0028] Fig. 5 is a section view of the bridge on a battery module according to the present disclosure.
[0029] The figures depict embodiments of the present subject matter for illustration only. A person skilled in the art will easily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
[0030] The detailed description of various exemplary embodiments of the disclosure is described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments are described herein in such details as to communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of details provided herein is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[0031] It is also to be understood that various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the present disclosure, as well as specific examples, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
[0032] It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions/acts noted may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two figures shown in succession may be executed concurrently or may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved.
[0033] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which example embodiments belong. It will be further understood that terms, e.g., those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
[0034] In the following detailed description of the embodiments of the disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the disclosure may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The following description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.
[0035] Hereinafter, a description of an embodiment with several components in communication with each other does not imply that all such components are required. On the contrary, a variety of optional components are described to illustrate the wide variety of possible embodiments of the present disclosure.The present invention relates to providing a supporting structure for a thermistor. The thermistor is provided in between a non-conductive module tray and a bus bar. The present invention provides a rigid mounting structure to the thermistor so that it remains intact despite of the vibrations and such that accurate reading of temperature is provided across the electrode terminals of a battery cell in a battery module.
[0036] Fig. 1 illustrates an exploded view of the battery module according to present disclosure. The battery module (200) is covered by a module tray (102). The module tray (102) has slots (106) that provide a specific place to house componets such as busbars (103), a harness (104) for sensing voltage and temperature, and fasteners (105). The temperature sensing harness (104) has a plurality of thermistors and voltage sensors that are arranged on top of the busbars (103) to measure the temperature of the battery cells (101) and the voltage is obtained from the electrodes of the battery cells (101).
[0037] Each of the plurality of battery cells (101) includes a positive and negative electrode terminals. Further, the battery cells (101) are connected in a series connection. In an embodiment, the plurality of battery cells (101) are connected in a parallel connection.
[0038] The non-condutive module tray (201) or module tray is of non-conductive material and includes a plurality of slots (106) for housing the electrode terminals (204) of a plurality of battery cells. The non-conductive module tray (201) supports the plurality of bus bars (203) and has harness channels to support the harness (104). Further, the non-conductive module tray (201) has a bridge (202) portion that is in association with each of the plurality of slots (106).
[0039] Further the plurality of bus bars (203) are fastened to the plurality of battery cells (101). The plurality of bus bars (203) is tightened over the plurality of battery cells (101) using the plurality of fasteners (105). The harness (104) is provided over the plurality of bus bars (203) to monitor the temperature and voltage across the electrode terminals (204). The voltage sensors on the harness (104) are attached to the electrodes of the plurality of battery cells (101) to provide voltage reading. Accordingly, the voltage sensor on the harness (104) is connected to the plurality of busbars and the electrodes of the plurality of battery cells (101) for monitioring the voltage across the plurality of battery cells (101).
[0040] Generally, batteries used in battery module (200) of an electric vehicle are lithium-ion battery and the lithium-ion batteries are sensitive to temperature. Therefore continious montionring of temperature of lithium-ion batteries is required. In the instant disclosure, the montiring of temperature of lithium-ion batteries is done by use of a plurality of thermistors (301). The thermistors (301) are a part of the harness (104) and are connected on the plurality of bus bars (203) to provide average temperature of the electrode terminals (204). Therefore, a single thermistor (301) is provided on each of the bus bar. In an embodiment, the plurality of thermistors (301) are arranged on the plurality of bus bars (203).
[0041] Further, in a complete aspect, the non-conductive module tray (201) is placed on top of the battery module (200), and the plurality of bus bars are housed in the slots of the non-conductive module tray (201). Further, the plurality of bus bars (203) is connected to the electrodes of the battery cells (101) at both of its ends using the plurality of fasteners (105). The bridge (202) is located on the plurality of slots of the non-conductive module tray (201).
[0042] Referring to Fig. 2, the non-conductive module tray (201) has the bridge (202) provided in between each of the plurality of slots (106). The bridge (202) joins one end of the slot with the other end of the slot of each of the plurality of slots (106). The thermistor (301) rests on the surface of the bridge (202).
[0043] The bus bar (203) further lays on top of the thermistor (301). Since, the bus bar (203) is connected firmly at both ends of the electrode terminals (204) by the plurality of fasteners (105), the non-conductive module tray (201) and the bus bar (203) is able to sandwich the thermistor (301), firmly such that it does not get loosened and the connection remains intact, which ultimately result in accurate monitoring of the temperature of the battery module (200).
[0044] Referring to Fig. 3, the bus bar (203) is connected to the electrode terminals (204) of the battery cells (101) by the plurality of fasteners (105). The harness (104) having the voltage sensors is also connected to the electrode terminals (204) to determine voltage across the ends of the electrode terminals (204). The bridge (202) is located on the non-conductive module tray (201) and the bridge (202) is positioned between the plurality of slots (106) at one end to the other end.
[0045] The thermistor (301) is placed over the bridge (202) and is slightly pushed downwards. The bus bar (203) comes over the thermistor (301) from the top and the thermistor (301) is sandwiched or pressed between the bridge (202) of the non-conductive module tray (201) and the bus bar (203). Since, the bus bar (203) is already tightened at its end by the fasteners (105), consequently, the thermistor (301) gets firmly pressed between the the bridge (202) of the non-conductive module tray (201) and the bus bar (203). Due to this, there is no need for additional fasteners or adhesive to stick the thermistor (301).
[0046] Referring to Fig. 4, The bridge (202) is a part of the non-conductive module tray (201) and is also made up of non-conductive material to provide accurate temperature. The bridge (202) joins one end of the slot with the other end of the slot of the non-conductive module tray (201) to provide a space to place the thermistor (301). The non-conductive module tray (201) is given a slight depression in the plurality of slots (106) and therby forms the bridge (202) on which the thermistor (301) rests on its top surface.
[0047] The thermistor (301) captures the temperature of the electrode terminals (204) across the electrode terminals (204) of the plurality of battery cells (101) of the battery module (200). The thermistor (301) is connected to the harness (104). The harness (104) comprises of multiple thermistors (301) that capture the temperature at the plurality of battery cells (101) of the battery module (200) .
[0048] The bus bar (203) connects the electrode terminals (204) of the plurality of battery cells (101) of the battery module (200). The bus bar (203) has holes provided on its ends through which it gets connected to the electrode terminals (204) via the plurality of fasteners (105). In the present invention, the thermistor (301) is kept in continuous contact with the bus bar (203) when the thermistor (301) is placed on top of the bridge (202) and the bus bar (203) is placed on top of the thermistor (301). This inturn presses the thermistor (301) so that it is unable to move and remains intact. Moreover, when the bus bar (203) gets loosened, it is able to get detected proactivelty because of discrepencies in temperature reading, which are continuously monitored.
[0049] The thermistor (301) is provided a support or rest from beneath by the bridge (202). Since the busbar (203) is fixed to the electrode terminals (204) at both ends, the thermistor (301) is securely fastened with a help of the fastener (105) from the top such that the contact with bus bar (203) can be assured firmly. For this purpose, the thermistor (301) is placed in small interference. The connection of the thermistor (301) with the bus bar (203) fails only when the bus bar (203) is loose or there is some disconnection during the vibrations. This further helps in identifying the loose bus bar (203) and the thermistor (301) and an early detection mechanism is attained to look for any abnormality across the electrode terminals (204).
[0050] Referring Fig. 5 of the present invention, the plurality of battery cells (101) of the battery module (200) organized in series is disclosed. Each battery module (101) has the positive and the negative electrode terminal. The plurality of bus bars (203) are fastened to the electrode terminals (204) by the plurality of fasteners (105). The module tray (201) is non-conductive. The non-conductive module tray (201) has the plurality of slots (106) for housing the electrode terminals (204) of the plurality of battery cells (101).
[0051] The battery module (200) has the non-conductive module tray (201) that has the bridge (202) provided in between a plurality of slots (106). The thermistors (301) lays on the bridge (202) and are supported by the plurality of bus bars (203) from the top such that the thermistors (301) stays in place and accurate reading of the temperature is obtained.

TECHNICAL ADVANTAGES
[0052] With the help of the solution as proposed herein in the context of the present disclosure, the supporting structure is able to confine the thermistor such that accurate temperature of the terminals are obtained.
[0053] The present disclosure further provides for easy detection of any loose busbar or bolts proactively by continious monitoring of the temperature reading. This helps in identifying and correcting the specific bus bar in case of abnormality.
[0054] The present disclosure further provides no additional fasteners are added thereby reducing the extra cost of fasteners and consumables.
[0055] It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation, no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to disclosures containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. Also, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general, such construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances, where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general, such construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”
[0056] It will be further appreciated that functions or structures of a plurality of components or steps may be combined into a single component or step, or the functions or structures of one-step or component may be split among plural steps or components. The present disclosure contemplates all of these combinations. Unless stated otherwise, dimensions and geometries of the various structures depicted herein are not intended to be restrictive of the disclosure, and other dimensions or geometries are possible. Also, while a feature of the present disclosure may have been described in the context of only one of the illustrated embodiments, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of other embodiments, for any given application. It will also be appreciated from the above that the fabrication of the unique structures herein and the operation thereof also constitute methods in accordance with the present disclosure. The present disclosure also encompasses intermediate and end products resulting from the practice of the methods herein. The use of “comprising” or “including” also contemplates embodiments that “consist essentially of” or “consist of” the recited feature.

Claims:

We claim:
1. A structure for mounting a thermistor (301) on a battery module (200), the structure comprising:
a non-conductive module tray (201) having a plurality of slots (106), wherein a bus bar (203) is placed between a pair of electrode terminals (204) of a plurality of battery cells (101); and
a bridge (202) associated with each of the plurality of slots (106), wherein the thermistor (301) is in continuous contact with the bus bar (203) when the thermistor (301) is placed on top of the bridge (202) and the bus bar (203) is placed on top of the thermistor (301).

2. The structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bridge (202) is a part of the non-conductive module tray (201).

3. The structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bridge (202) connects one end of the slot with the other end of the slot.

4. The structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bridge (202) is attached with the thermistor (301) and the bridge (202) rests in the non-conductive module tray (201) when the thermistor (301) is placed on the slot.

5. The structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein the thermistor (301) is fastened between the bus bar and the bridge (202) using a fastener.

6. The structure as claimed in claim 6, wherein the fastener provides support to the thermistor (301) from the top.

7. The structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bridge (202) is of non-conductive material.