Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present subject matter is related, in general to a battery pack, and more particularly, but not exclusively to an interconnector deployed in the battery pack.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] A typical battery pack comprises of a plurality of cells which are interconnected in a series configuration or a parallel configuration or a combination of series and parallel configuration based on current, voltage and capacity requirements in the desired function. Interconnectors employed in battery packs are configured to provide a secure electrical connection between the cells deployed in the battery pack. The structural design of electrical interconnectors in battery packs critically affect the performance, cost and reliability of the battery pack.
[0003] The repercussions of an improper interconnector design for a battery pack are concomitant with cell imbalances in the battery pack and error in row-to-row voltage measurements in the battery pack. Thus, there is a requirement of an optimized mechanical design of interconnectors which will improve the performance of the battery pack whilst reducing manufacturing cost and increasing manufacturing feasibility of the battery pack. An optimized interconnector design additionally achieves uniform current distribution and uniform temperature distribution in the battery pack for alleviating the thermal stress on cells of the battery pack. Thermal stresses in the battery pack cause dire safety issues and reduced life of the battery pack.
[0004] Conventional battery packs are assembled using bulky metal plates wired using connecting wires or fusing wires to individual cells of the battery pack to serve the function of the interconnector. The connecting wires and fusing wires protect the individual cells of the battery pack against over-currents and thermal runaways. The fusing wires are fragile and are prone to breakage due to stress and vibrations encountered by the battery pack during operation. The existing design of the battery pack comprising of bulky metal plates and connecting wires results in excess weight of the battery pack, associated costs and overall complexity in the manufacturing of the battery pack. Additionally, safety and robust performance of battery packs is compromised owing to complex battery pack design.
[0005] Further limitations and disadvantages of conventional and traditional approaches will become apparent to one of skill in the art, through comparison of described systems with some aspects of the present disclosure, as set forth in the remainder of the present application and with reference to the drawings.
SUMMARY
[0006] The following summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described below, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.
[0007] According to embodiments illustrated herein, the present disclosure provides a battery pack with an interconnector. The interconnector disclosed in the present disclosure comprising at least a first metal plate and a second metal plate, wherein the first metal plate being connected to the second metal plate at a plurality of pre-defined connecting points. The interconnector is configured to connect a plurality of cells of the battery pack in a pre-determined configuration. The interconnector assembly comprises of a voltage measuring portion electrically connected to a battery management system.
[0008] According to embodiments illustrated herein, the present disclosure further provides the first metal plate being a strip connected to a voltage measuring portion of the second metal plate.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description given herein below and the accompanying drawings which are given by way of illustration only, and thus are not limitative of the present invention.
[00010] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a battery pack, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[00011] Figure 2 illustrates an interconnector assembly disposed in the battery pack, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[00012] Figure 3 depicts one or more components of an interconnector, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[00013] Figure 4 depicts one or more portions of the interconnector, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[00014] Figure 5 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the interconnector, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[00015] Figure 6 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the interconnector, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[00016] The present disclosure may be best understood with reference to the detailed figures and description set forth herein. Various embodiments are discussed below with reference to the figures. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed descriptions given herein with respect to the figures are simply for explanatory purposes as the methods and systems may extend beyond the described embodiments. For example, the teachings presented and the needs of a particular application may yield multiple alternative and suitable approaches to implement the functionality of any detail described herein. Therefore, any approach may extend beyond the particular implementation choices in the following embodiments described and shown.
[00017] References to “one embodiment,” “at least one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “one example,” “an example,” “for example,” and so on indicate that the embodiment(s) or example(s) may include a particular feature, structure, characteristic, property, element, or limitation but that not every embodiment or example necessarily includes that particular feature, structure, characteristic, property, element, or limitation. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in an embodiment” does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.
[00018] The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with different embodiments. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather those embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.
[00019] The present invention is illustrated with a battery pack. However, a person skilled in the art would appreciate that the present invention is not limited to a battery pack and certain features, aspects and advantages of embodiments of the present invention are applicable to other forms of energy storage packs or energy storage devices. The battery pack in accordance with the present disclosure is applicable to rechargeable as well as non-rechargeable variants of energy storage packs.
[00020] It is an object of the present subject matter to provide an optimized design of interconnector for a battery pack configured to minimize cell imbalances in the battery pack and errors in voltage measurement.
[00021] To this end, the present subject matter discloses an interconnector comprising of a first metal plate and a second metal plate connected to each other at a plurality of pre-defined connecting points. The interconnector is configured to connect a plurality of cells of the battery pack. The interconnector electrically connects at least two rows of cells with each row of cell comprising of plurality of cells in parallel configuration. Each interconnector additionally includes a voltage measuring portion at one end. As the number of cells in a row increases, an error in the voltage measurement between adjacent rows of cells increases due to increased interconnector length and distance to the voltage measuring portion. The disclosed configuration of the interconnector for a battery pack comprising of at least two metal plates connected at pre-defined connecting points reduces the error in voltage measurement in the interconnector connecting plurality of cells in parallel configuration as well as occurrences of cell imbalances in the battery pack. In accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure, the first metal plate is made of copper and the second metal plate is made of nickel.
[00022] It is a further object of the present subject matter to provide a compact battery pack layout comprising of a plurality of cells with interconnectors connecting the plurality of cells.
[00023] In conventional battery packs, bulky metal plates and connecting wires are employed to individually connect cells of the battery pack. The disposition of bulky metal plates and connecting wires increases the overall weight, component cost as well as complicates the layout of the battery pack. The drawbacks associated with conventional battery pack designs adversely affect manufacturability, serviceability, ease of assembly, accessibility and maintenance of the battery pack.
[00024] In accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure, the battery pack comprises of interconnectors, where each interconnector electrically connects a plurality of cells in a pre-determined configuration. The present disclosure negates the involvement of bulky metal plates and connecting wires, thus achieving a compact layout of the battery pack at a reduced associated cost, number of components and weight of the battery pack.
[00025] In accordance with the configuration of the interconnector, the battery pack comprising of the disclosed interconnector achieve ease of manufacturing and manufacturing feasibility of the battery pack without major revamping of conventional manufacturing processes. The disclosed subject matter enables implementation in modified versions of existing battery packs with minimal changes in the battery pack design, electrical connections in the battery pack and even the manufacturing set-up. The reduced weight, component cost further proffers the present subject matter as a cost-efficient solution addressing the limitations and drawbacks of conventional battery packs.
[00026] It is an object of the present subject matter to provide a battery pack having flexibility in size, range of power supply and battery pack capacity.
[00027] In accordance with the configuration of the disclosed subject matter, an additional advantage of the disclosed battery pack is the flexibility to manufacture variants in forms of size of the battery pack, range of power supply and capacity of the battery pack. The disclosed interconnector design can be easily implemented and modified in accordance with the electrical demands of the external electrical load.
[00028] In accordance with the configuration of the interconnector, the interconnector comprises of at least a first metal plate and a second metal plate being connected at a plurality of pre-defined connecting points. The connection between the first metal plate and the second metal plate is established using a fabrication process being at least one of laser welding, spot welding, arc welding, metal inert gas welding, gas metal arc welding and tungsten inert gas welding. The disclosed configuration of the first metal plate connected to the second metal plate by a fabrication process permits robustness of the battery pack in withstanding external shocks, vibrations and stresses which are typically encountered during a field of operation of the battery pack.
[00029] In conventional battery packs, the interconnectors comprises of bulky metal plates with connecting wires which tend to loosen upon being subjected to external shocks, vibrations and stresses. The present disclosure addresses this exact drawback of the conventional battery packs and protects the battery pack against malfunction, unprecedented halt in functioning and potential safety hazards.
[00030] In accordance with the configuration of the interconnector having an optimized design, uniform current distribution in the battery pack is achieved. The uniform current distribution enables achievement of uniform temperature distribution in the battery pack which reduces the occurrences of local temperature hotspots, thermal stresses as well as potential occurrences of thermal runaway in the battery pack.
[00031] Further, the interconnector disclosed in accordance with the present disclosure is provided with fusing units disposed on the interconnector to protect individual cells of the battery pack against over currents and thermal runaway. Thus, the present subject matter ensures safe operation of the battery pack without jeopardizing life and property.
[00032] Additionally, the counterintuitive diagnosis of potential electrical and thermal hazards in the battery pack enables achievement of longer cycle life of the battery pack and improved performance of the battery pack.
[00033] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to a battery pack along with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the present embodiments. The present subject matter is further described with reference to accompanying figures. It should be noted that the description and figures merely illustrate principles of the present subject matter. Various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, encompass the principles of the present subject matter. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and examples of the present subject matter, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
[00034] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a battery pack, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[00035] With reference to figure 1, 100 denotes a battery pack and 102 denotes an external casing of the battery pack.
[00036] In an aspect, the battery pack 100 is provided with an external casing 102 to secure the internal components of the battery pack 100 and protect the internal components of the battery pack 100 against external environmental factors such as dust, wind, external shocks, vibrations, etc.
[00037] In an aspect, the battery pack 100 disclosed in relation to the present subject matter includes any electrical energy storage device or system configured to store electrical energy and may include an energy storage pack, a plurality of battery cells, a plurality of battery modules and other forms of electrical energy storage equipment. The battery pack can be of rechargeable as well as non-rechargeable variant and is configured to have a charged and discharged state. In a charged state of the battery pack, the battery pack supplies the stored electrical energy to an external electrical load, an electrical or electronic equipment, electric or hybrid vehicle as and when required.
[00038] In an embodiment, the battery pack comprises of lithium-ion cells. Lithium-ion batteries are characterized by high energy density, high power density, excellent cycle performance and environmental friendliness. The apprehension in usage of Lithium-ion cells is the uncontrolled exothermic reaction occurring in thermal runaway of Lithium-ion cells are fast, violent and self-accelerating.
[00039] In an embodiment, the external casing 102 is composed of a material and the material is a metal being composed of at least one of nickel, aluminium, copper, steel, zinc. In another embodiment, the external casing 102 is composed of a plastic material.
[00040] Figure 2 illustrates an interconnector assembly disposed in the battery pack, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[00041] Figure 2 illustrates an arrangement of interconnectors in the battery pack where the interconnector connect a plurality of cells of the battery pack 100 in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[00042] In an aspect, an interconnector 202 established electrical connection between the cells or even the modules of the battery pack 100, in accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure.
[00043] In a battery pack 100, based on the current, voltage and capacity requirements of the battery pack a configuration of the cells of the battery pack 100 are established. The cells of the battery pack 100 are electrically connected in a series configuration, a parallel configuration or a combination of series and parallel configuration. An interconnector 202 is a connecting unit configured to establish electrical connection between the cells of the battery pack in view of achieving the desired current, voltage and capacity requirements of the battery pack 100.
[00044] In an aspect of the present invention, the electrical connection of the cells of the battery pack 100 established by the interconnector 202 in series or parallel is based on the sector in which the battery pack 100 is utilised, and the energy demands of the external electrical load, electrical or electronic equipment or the electric vehicle. The difference in series configuration and parallel configuration of the cells of the battery pack 100 is the impact the same holds on the output voltage of the battery pack 100 and the capacity of the battery pack 100.
[00045] In an aspect of the present invention, the cells of the battery pack 100 are connected in a parallel configuration when the current flowing through the battery pack 100 is to be distributed in the entire battery pack 100.
[00046] In an aspect, each cell of the plurality of cells are disposed in a cell holder, where each cell holder secures a position of the cell on the battery pack 100 and facilitates a compact layout and robust functioning of the battery pack 100. In an embodiment, the cell holders are placed apart from each other at a range of 1 millimetre to 3 millimetre.
[00047] In an embodiment, the cell holder for the cells of the battery pack 100 is composed of a plastic material.
[00048] In an aspect, an air gap is established between the external casing 102 of the battery pack 100 and the cell holders disposed in the battery pack 100. In an embodiment the air gap between the cell holder and the outer casing 102 of the battery pack 100 is of a range of 1 millimetre to 5 millimetre.
[00049] In an aspect, each interconnector comprises of one or more rows of cells where each row comprises of a plurality of cells 204. The electrical connection between each cell of the plurality of cells 204 in each row is in parallel configuration. The one or more row of the interconnector are connected in series. Thus, the battery pack illustrated in accordance with the present disclosure comprises of a plurality of cells of a row connected in parallel with the rows of the interconnectors being connected in series.
[00050] In an embodiment, the interconnector 202 is configured to connect a plurality of cells 204 of the battery pack 100 in a pre-determined configuration. The pre-determined configuration is when the plurality of cells 204 disposed in each row of the one or more rows of the interconnector 202 are electrically connected in a parallel configuration.
[00051] In an aspect, Figure 2 illustrates each interconnector 202 connecting at least 9 cells comprising the plurality of cells 204 in parallel configuration. An increase in the number of cells in parallel configuration subsequently increases the axial length of the interconnector 202.
[00052] Figure 3 depicts one or more components of an interconnector, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[00053] With reference to Figure 3, 302 denotes a first metal plate, 304 denotes a second metal plate and 306 denotes a voltage measuring plate of the interconnector 202.
[00054] In an aspect, an interconnector 202 for a battery pack 100 comprises of at least a first metal plate 302 and a second metal plate 304, where the first metal plate 302 is connected to the second metal plate 304 at a plurality of pre-defined connecting points.
[00055] The present disclosure provides an optimized interconnector 202 design comprising of a first metal plate 302 and a second metal plate 304 connected to each other by at least one of laser welding, spot welding, arc welding, metal inert gas welding, gas metal arc welding and tungsten inert gas welding.
[00056] In an aspect, the pre-defined connecting points between the first metal plate 302 and the second metal plate 304 are chosen based on at least one of a plurality of conditions. The plurality of conditions in defining the connecting points include a region of contact where minimal contact resistance is evaluated and a region of metal-metal bonding between the first metal plate 302 and the second metal plate 304 where the resistance of the metal-metal bonding region is evaluated to be minimal.
[00057] In an embodiment, the connection between the first metal plate 302 and the second metal plate 304 is achieved using any form of metal-metal bonding fabrication processes.
[00058] In an aspect, the interconnector comprises of a voltage measuring portion 306. The voltage measuring portion is a signal tapping portion where the voltage is measured between adjacent rows of cells of the interconnector and the voltage measured is transmitted to a battery management system of the battery pack 100 for diagnosis, monitoring and controlling purposes.
[00059] An increase in the number of cells of each row of the interconnector 202 connected in parallel configuration consequently increases the length of the interconnector 202. Further, the voltage measuring portion 306 of the interconnector 202 is typically provided at one end of the interconnector 202. The disclosed configuration creates a distance between one or more cells of the plurality of cells 204 in parallel configuration with the voltage measuring portion 306 due to increased length of the interconnector 202. The increased length of the interconnector 202 thus leads to error in voltage measurements at the voltage measuring portion 306 which are transmitted to the battery management system. An error in voltage measurement consequently leads to misdiagnosis of cell imbalances in the battery pack 100.
[00060] In accordance with the above-disclosed interconnector 202 configuration comprising of a first metal plate 302 and a second metal plate 304 being connected to each other, the interconnector 202 achieves improved performance of the battery pack 100 with reduced cell imbalances and reduced error in voltage measurement with uniform distribution of current in the battery pack 100.
[00061] In an embodiment, the first metal plate 302 is made of copper and the second metal plate 304 is made of nickel, and the copper plate is connected to the nickel plate.
[00062] In an embodiment, the first metal plate 302 is configured to have a thickness in the range of 0.2 millimetre and 0.8 millimetre.
[00063] Figure 4 depicts one or more portions of the interconnector, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[00064] With reference to figure 4, 402 denotes a top portion of the interconnector 202, 404 denotes a middle portion of the interconnector 202, 406 denotes a bottom portion of the interconnector 202 and 408 denotes a portion of the interconnector 202 between the middle portion 404 and the bottom portion 406 of the interconnector 202.
[00065] In an embodiment, the voltage measuring portion 306 is disposed in a top portion 402 of the interconnector 202.
[00066] In an embodiment, an optimum position for the disposition of the voltage measuring portion 306 on the interconnector 202 at which error in voltage measurement can be minimized would be a middle portion of the interconnector 202. However, the change in design of the interconnector 202 to have a voltage measuring portion 306 disposed in the middle would lead to significant changes in design of external casing 102 and cell holders of the battery pack 100 and require major revamping of manufacturing processes.
[00067] In an aspect, the interconnector 202 comprising of the first metal plate 302 being connected to the second metal plate 304 at a plurality of pre-defined connecting points.
[00068] In an embodiment, the plurality of pre-defined connecting points having at least five welding joints.
[00069] In an embodiment, at least a first connecting point of the plurality of pre-defined connecting points being at the top portion 402 of the interconnector 202.
[00070] In an embodiment, at least a second connecting point of the plurality of pre-defined connecting points being at a bottom portion 406 of the interconnector 202.
[00071] In an embodiment, at least a third and a fourth connecting point of the plurality of pre-defined connecting points being at a middle portion 404 of the interconnector 202.
[00072] In an embodiment, at least a fifth connecting point of the plurality of pre-defined connecting points being in a portion 408 between the middle portion 404 and the bottom portion 406.
[00073] Figure 5 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the interconnector, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[00074] With reference to figure 5, 502 denotes a strip of a metal plate.
[00075] In an embodiment, the first metal plate 302 of the interconnector 202 is a strip 502 and the strip 502 is connected to the voltage measuring portion 306 of the second metal plate 304 of the interconnector.
[00076] In an embodiment, strip 502 of the first metal plate 302 is made of copper and the second metal plate 304 is made of nickel.
[00077] Figure 6 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the interconnector, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[00078] With reference to figure 6, 602 denotes an extended portion of the interconnector 202.
[00079] In an aspect, the interconnector 202 for the battery pack 100 comprises of the first metal plate 302 only and the first metal plate 302 is provided with an extended portion 602. The extended portion 602 has a larger surface area and is disposed in the top portion 402 of the interconnector 202. The extended portion 602 connects the middle portion 404 to the voltage measuring portion 306.
[00080] In an aspect, the extended portion 602 has a first edge connected to the middle portion 404 and a second edge connected to the voltage measuring portion 306. The first edge is larger than the second edge and is provided a pre-defined tapered angle to connect a corner of the first edge to a corner of the second edge along the periphery of the extended portion 602.
[00081] In an embodiment, the interconnector 202 comprising of the first metal plate 302 with an extended portion 602 is made of nickel.
[00082] The following test elucidated in the upcoming paragraphs illustrate a methodology in determining the interconnector for a battery pack, in accordance with the present disclosure, which achieves minimal error in voltage determination at the voltage measuring portion.
[00083] In keeping with the purpose of the test, variant designs of interconnectors were developed, manufactured and studied in drawing an inference pertaining to error in voltage difference in row to row configuration of cells in a battery pack where each row comprises of a plurality of cells electrically connected in parallel configuration. The error in voltage difference is directly measured in terms of cell imbalances in the interconnector connected to the cells of the battery pack.
[00084] A base interconnector design comprises of a single metal plate with one or more rows of cells, with each row of cell comprising of a plurality of cells being connected in parallel configuration. The base interconnector design is a generic interconnector already known in the art. In an embodiment the base interconnector design comprises of nickel metal.
[00085] A first interconnector design comprises of a strip of first metal plate made of copper being added to the second metal plate made of nickel at the voltage measuring portion as illustrated in Figure 5 of the present disclosure.
[00086] A second interconnector design comprises of a first metal plate only made of nickel being provided with an extended portion connecting the middle portion of the interconnector to the voltage measuring portion as illustrated in Figure 6 of the present disclosure. In an aspect, the increased surface area provided by the extended portion improves current density distribution.
[00087] A third interconnector design comprises of a first metal plate and a second metal plate being connected in pre-defined connecting points where the first metal plate is composed of copper of 0.2mm thickness and is connected to nickel.
[00088] A fourth interconnector design comprises of first metal plate and a second metal plate being connected in pre-defined connecting points where the first metal plate is composed of copper of 0.8mm thickness is connected to nickel.
[00089] As part of the test, a current of 3 Ampere was passed through the base interconnector design, the first interconnector design, the second interconnector design, the third interconnector design and the fourth interconnector design. The proposed designs were fabricated, connected and tested under same test conditions for measuring row to row voltage difference by discharging with high-rate discharge current and capturing the voltage of each row of cells.
[00090] A target cell imbalance value was proposed to be 50mV when a 3A current be passed through the base interconnector design, the first interconnector design, the second interconnector design, the third interconnector design and the fourth interconnector design of the battery pack.
[00091] The measured cell imbalance values for the base interconnector design, the first interconnector design, the second interconnector design, the third interconnector design and the fourth interconnector design are tabulated below in the bar graph 1A. As illustrated in the bar graph 1A, the third interconnector design and the fourth interconnector design achieve reduced cell imbalance values than the targeted value of 50mV.

Graph 1A

[00092] However, concerns of manufacturing feasibility, raw material cost, reduced cell imbalance, performance based on low row to row voltage difference the third interconnector design is concluded to have an optimized design over the fourth interconnector design which achieves desired uniform current distribution, uniform thermal distribution, interconnector mechanical strength with improved life and durability of the battery pack.
[00093] The above test has been provided for clarity purposes to demonstrate appositely the object of the present disclosure and the same shall not be construed in any way to limit, hinder or invalidate the scope of the present subject matter.
[00094] The terms “an embodiment”, “embodiment”, “embodiments”, “the embodiment”, “the embodiments”, “one or more embodiments”, “some embodiments”, and “one embodiment” mean “one or more (but not all) embodiments of the invention(s)” unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “including”, “comprising”, “having” and variations thereof mean “including but not limited to”, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “a”, “an” and “the” mean “one or more”, unless expressly specified otherwise.
[00095] In light of the above-mentioned advantages and the technical advancements provided by the disclosed interconnector for a battery pack, the claimed steps as discussed above are not routine, conventional, or well understood in the art, as the claimed steps enable the following solutions to the existing problems in conventional technologies. Further, the claimed steps clearly bring an improvement in the functioning of the device itself as the claimed steps provide a technical solution to a technical problem.
[00096] A description of an embodiment with several components in communication with another 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 invention,
[00097] Finally, the language used in the specification has been principally selected for readability and instructional purposes, and it may not have been selected to delineate or circumscribe the inventive subject matter and is therefore intended that the scope of the invention be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by any claims that issue on an application based here on. Accordingly, the embodiments of the present invention are intended to be illustrative, but not limiting, of the scope of the invention, which is set forth in the following claims.
[00098] While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.
[00099] A person with ordinary skills in the art will appreciate that the systems, modules, and sub-modules have been illustrated and explained to serve as examples and should not be considered limiting in any manner. It will be further appreciated that the variants of the above disclosed system elements, modules, and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be combined to create other different systems or applications.
[000100] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that any of the aforementioned steps and/or system modules may be suitably replaced, reordered, or removed, and additional steps and/or system modules may be inserted, depending on the needs of a particular application.
[000101] While the present disclosure has been described with reference to certain embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from its scope. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed, but that the present disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.
, Claims:I/We claim:
1. An interconnector (202) for a battery pack (100), the interconnector (202) comprising:
at least a first metal plate (302) and a second metal plate (304),
wherein the first metal plate (302) being connected to the second metal plate (304) at a plurality of pre-defined connecting points, and
wherein the interconnector (202) being configured to connect a plurality of cells (308) of the battery pack (100) in a pre-determined configuration.
2. The interconnector (202) for the battery pack (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the interconnector (202) comprising a voltage measuring portion (306) disposed in a top portion (402) of the interconnector (202).
3. The interconnector (202) for the battery pack (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the interconnector (202) being configured to electrically connect one or more rows of the plurality of cells (308), and
wherein the pre-determined configuration being when plurality of cells (308) in each row of the one or more rows being electrically connected in a parallel configuration.
4. The interconnector (202) for the battery pack (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein a voltage measurement being made between adjacent row of the plurality of cells (308).
5. The interconnector (202) for the battery pack (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the voltage measuring portion (306) being electrically connected to a battery management system of the battery pack (100).
6. The interconnector (202) for the battery pack (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first metal plate (302) being made of copper, and wherein the second metal plate (304) being made of nickel.
7. The interconnector (202) for the battery pack (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of pre-defined connecting points having at least five welding joints.
8. The interconnector (202) for the battery pack (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least a first connecting point of the plurality of pre-defined connecting points being at the top portion (402) of the interconnector (202).
9. The interconnector (202) for the battery pack (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least a second connecting point of the plurality of pre-defined connecting points being at a bottom portion (406) of the interconnector (202).
10. The interconnector (202) for the battery pack (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least a third and a fourth connecting point of the plurality of pre-defined connecting points being at a middle portion (404) of the interconnector (202).
11. The interconnector (202) for the battery pack (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least a fifth connecting point of the plurality of pre-defined connecting points being in a pre-defined portion (408) between the middle portion (404) and the bottom portion (406).
12. The interconnector (202) for the battery pack (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first metal plate (302) having a thickness in the range of 0.2 millimeter and 0.8 millimeter.
13. The interconnector (202) for the battery pack (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first metal plate (302) being connected to the second metal plate (304) by at least one of laser welding, spot welding, arc welding, metal inert gas welding, gas metal arc welding and tungsten inert gas welding.
14. The interconnector (202) for the battery pack (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first metal plate (302) being a strip (502) connected to the voltage measuring portion (306) of the second metal plate (304).
15. The interconnector (202) for the battery pack (100) as claimed in claim 14, wherein the strip (502) of first metal plate (302) being made of copper, and wherein the second metal plate (304) being made of nickel.
16. The interconnector (202) for the battery pack (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the interconnector (202) comprising of only a first metal plate (302) and wherein the first metal plate (302) being provided with an extended portion (602) having a larger surface area in the top portion (402) of the interconnector (202).
17. The interconnector (202) for the battery pack (100) as claimed in claim 16, wherein the first metal (302) being nickel.