Battery system, electric vehicle comprising same and method of installing same

Abstract

This disclosure relates to a battery system, an electric vehicle including the same, and a method of mounting the same, wherein the battery system includes: a battery pack (10) including a plurality of cylindrical battery cells (12) arranged in an array and having gaps (14) between adjacent battery cells (12); an electrical conductor element (20) having a main portion (16) extending along a surface of the battery pack (10) and at least one branch portion (18) branching from the main portion (16) and including at least one temperature sensor (22) for sensing the temperature of at least one of the battery cells (12), the branch portion (18) having the temperature sensor (22) extending into one of the gaps (14) between the battery cells (12); and pin elements (24, 124) inserted into the same gaps (14) as the respective branch portions such that they press the temperature sensor (22) onto at least one of the battery cells (12).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a battery system including a battery pack and a temperature sensor. The battery pack includes a plurality of cylindrical battery cells, and the temperature sensor is used to sense the temperature of at least one of the battery cells. This disclosure also relates to a method for installing the temperature sensor in such a battery pack. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, vehicles using electricity as a power source for transporting goods and people have been developed. These electric vehicles are automobiles powered by electric motors using energy stored in rechargeable batteries. Electric vehicles can be powered solely by batteries or in the form of hybrid vehicles powered by, for example, gasoline generators or hydrogen fuel cells. Furthermore, vehicles can include a combination of electric motors and conventional internal combustion engines. Generally, electric vehicle batteries (EVBs), or traction batteries, are batteries used to power the drive of battery electric vehicles (BEVs). Electric vehicle batteries differ from starter batteries, lighting batteries, and ignition batteries because they are designed to provide power for a continuous period of time. Rechargeable batteries, or secondary batteries, differ from primary batteries in that they can be repeatedly charged and discharged, while primary batteries only provide the irreversible conversion of chemical energy into electrical energy. Low-capacity rechargeable batteries are used as power sources for small electronic devices such as mobile phones, laptops, and cameras, while high-capacity rechargeable batteries are used as power sources for electric and hybrid vehicles, etc.

[0003] Generally, a rechargeable battery includes an electrode assembly, a housing containing the electrode assembly, and electrode terminals electrically connected to the electrode assembly. The electrode assembly includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator inserted between the positive and negative electrodes. An electrolyte solution is injected into the housing to enable the battery to be charged and discharged through electrochemical reactions between the positive and negative electrodes and the electrolyte solution. The shape of the housing, such as cylindrical or rectangular, depends on the intended use of the battery. Lithium-ion (and similar lithium polymer) batteries, widely known through their application in laptops and consumer electronics, dominate the latest wave of electric vehicles under development.

[0004] Rechargeable batteries can be used as battery modules formed by multiple unit battery cells connected in series and / or parallel to provide high energy content, particularly for electric motor drives in hybrid vehicles. That is, battery modules are formed by interconnecting the electrode terminals of multiple unit battery cells, depending on the required power and to achieve a high-power rechargeable battery.

[0005] Battery modules can be constructed using either a block design or a modular design. In a block design, each battery cell is connected to a common current collector structure and a common battery management system, with the units arranged within a housing. In a modular design, multiple battery cells are connected to form sub-modules, and several sub-modules are connected to form a battery module. In automotive applications, battery systems typically consist of multiple battery modules connected in series to provide a desired voltage. A battery module can include sub-modules with multiple stacked battery cells, each stack comprising either cells connected in parallel (XpYs) or multiple cells connected in series and then in parallel (XsYp).

[0006] A battery pack is a group of any number (preferably identical) battery modules. They can be configured in series, parallel, or a mixture of series and parallel to deliver a desired voltage, capacity, or power density. The components of a battery pack include individual battery modules and interconnections that provide conductivity between them.

[0007] The battery system further includes a battery management system (BMS), which is any electronic system that manages rechargeable batteries, battery modules, and battery packs, such as by protecting batteries from the effects of operating outside their safe operating areas, monitoring their status, calculating secondary data, reporting that data, controlling its environment, validating it, and / or balancing it. For example, a BMS can monitor battery status expressed as voltage (such as the total voltage of a battery pack or battery module, or the voltage of an individual cell), temperature (such as the average temperature of a battery pack or battery module, coolant inlet temperature, coolant outlet temperature, or the temperature of an individual battery cell), coolant flow (such as flow rate, coolant pressure), and current. In addition, the BMS can calculate values ​​based on the above items, such as minimum and maximum cell voltage, state of charge (SOC) or depth of discharge (DOD) to indicate the battery's charge level, state of health (SOH; a measurement of the remaining battery capacity as a percentage of the original capacity in various definitions), state of power (SOP; the amount of electricity available within a defined time interval given current power consumption, temperature, and other conditions), state of safety (SOS), maximum charging current as charge current limit (CCL), maximum discharging current as discharge current limit (DCL), and the cell's internal impedance (to determine the open-circuit voltage).

[0008] A Battery Management System (BMS) can be centralized, where a single controller is connected to the battery cells via a large number of wires. A BMS can also be distributed, where the BMS board is mounted at each cell, with only one communication cable between the battery and the controller. Alternatively, a BMS can be a modular structure comprising several controllers, each handling a certain number of cells and communicating with each other. Centralized BMSs are the most economical but least scalable and suffer from a large number of wires. Distributed BMSs are the most expensive, simplest to install, and offer the neatest assembly. Modular BMSs offer a trade-off between the characteristics and problems of the other two topologies.

[0009] A Battery Management System (BMS) protects the battery pack from operation outside its safe operating area. Operation outside the safe operating area can be indicated by overcurrent, overvoltage (during charging), overtemperature, undertemperature, overpressure, and ground fault or leakage current detection. The BMS can prevent operation outside the battery's safe operating area by: internal switches (such as relays or solid-state devices) that open if the battery is operated outside its safe operating area; requiring devices connected to the battery to reduce or even terminate battery use; and actively controlling the environment, such as through heaters, fans, air conditioning, or liquid cooling.

[0010] To provide thermal control for the battery pack, a thermal management system is required to ensure the safe use of the at least one battery module by effectively dissipating, releasing, and / or dissipating heat generated from its rechargeable batteries. If heat dissipation / release / dissipation is not adequately performed, temperature deviations will occur between the individual battery cells, preventing the at least one battery module from generating the desired amount of electricity. Furthermore, increased internal temperatures can lead to abnormal reactions, thus degrading the charging and discharging performance of the rechargeable batteries and shortening their lifespan.

[0011] Therefore, it is important to monitor the internal temperature of the battery pack in order to determine whether the battery cells are operating within the expected temperature range or whether they are overheating, so that appropriate action can be taken. Temperature sensors used to measure the temperature of cylindrical batteries are known from, for example, US2019 / 296407A1 and US9,373,832B2.

[0012] US 2019 / 296407A1 relates to a battery pack having cylindrical battery cells, the battery pack including a multi-zone temperature monitoring system, the multi-zone temperature monitoring system including temperature probes electrically connected to the BMS via circuit boards extending along the top side of the battery pack. The temperature probes extend downwards from these circuit boards into the gaps between adjacent cells and are held in place by structural material or adhesive inserted into the gaps and cured. This structure, particularly the fixing of the temperature probes, is complex to install.

[0013] US 9,373,832 B2 discloses a pair of battery cells including a temperature sensing element that is pressed onto the outer surface of one of the two cylindrical battery cells by compression ribs of a temperature sensing element mounting portion. While this mounting of the temperature sensor is not particularly complex, it is not suitable for larger battery packs comprising arrays of many cylindrical battery cells.

[0014] The object of the present invention is to provide a battery system that is not structurally complex, particularly a battery system including a structurally simple arrangement of temperature sensors, and a method for installing temperature sensors in the battery system that is not structurally complex. Summary of the Invention

[0015] This invention is defined by the claims. The following description is subject to this limitation. Any disclosure outside the scope of the claims is for illustrative and comparative purposes only.

[0016] The present invention relates to a battery system comprising: a battery pack including a plurality of cylindrical battery cells arranged in an array with gaps between adjacent battery cells; an electrical conductor element having a main portion extending along a surface of the battery pack and at least one branch portion branching from the main portion and including at least one temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of at least one battery cell, the branch portion with the temperature sensor extending into one of the gaps between the battery cells; the battery system further comprising a pin element inserted into the same gap as the corresponding branch portion, such that the pin element presses the temperature sensor onto at least one battery cell.

[0017] The present invention further relates to a method for installing at least one temperature sensor in a battery pack comprising a plurality of cylindrical battery cells, wherein the method includes the following steps:

[0018] a) Provide a battery pack comprising a plurality of cylindrical battery cells arranged in an array, with gaps between adjacent battery cells;

[0019] b) Arrange the main portions of the electrical conductor elements along the surface of the battery pack;

[0020] c) Inserting at least one branch of an electrical conductor element into one of the gaps between battery cells, the branch branching off from the main portion and including a temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of at least one battery cell;

[0021] d) Insert the pin element into the same gap as the corresponding branch portion, such that it presses the temperature sensor onto at least one of the battery cells.

[0022] Using the method according to the invention, a temperature sensor can be installed in a battery pack to realize the battery system according to the invention. Therefore, the battery system according to the invention can be manufactured by this method. The battery system, the method, and its implementation will be described below. The description of the battery system also applies to the method, and vice versa.

[0023] Cylindrical battery cells are arranged in an array, i.e., in a regular manner as rows and columns of cells, preferably in a space-saving manner. However, due to the cylindrical shape of the battery cells, gaps remain between adjacent cells, especially between cells in adjacent rows. For example, a battery pack may include multiple rows of cylindrical battery cells, each second row offset from the first row by approximately half the diameter of one of the cells. Thus, a gap is defined by three cells. The array may include more than two cells, particularly at least three cells. According to the invention, at least one temperature sensor is inserted into at least one of such gaps. Multiple temperature sensors may be arranged within one of the gaps, for example at different depths. Furthermore, multiple gaps may provide one or more temperature sensors.

[0024] According to the invention, the at least one temperature sensor is connected to an electrical conductor element that provides an electrical connection between the temperature sensor and, for example, a battery management system (BMS), such that the BMS can provide a temperature value determined by the temperature sensor. This allows for the determination and monitoring of the internal temperature of the battery pack. The at least one temperature sensor is arranged at a branch portion of the electrical conductor element, which branches from the main portion of the electrical conductor element into one of the gaps. The main portion extends along the surface of the battery pack, or in other words, along the end side of the battery cell. In the installation location of the battery system inside an electric vehicle, this surface may be particularly the upper surface of the battery pack, i.e., the top side of the cell. The electrical conductor element may further serve as an electrical connection of one or more battery cells to the BMS. When installing the temperature sensor, the main portion of the electrical conductor element is placed on the surface of the battery pack. Simultaneously or sequentially, the branch portion with the temperature sensor can be inserted into the gap, i.e., steps b) and c) can be performed in combination. However, preferably, as will be described in detail below, the branch portion with the temperature sensor is inserted into the gap via a pin element.

[0025] Due to the branching portion, the temperature sensor extends sufficiently into the gap to allow for meaningful temperature measurement. Specifically, the temperature sensor can be arranged at the branching portion such that the temperature sensor in the insertion position is positioned at or near the hottest point of the corresponding battery cell. The temperature sensor can also be arranged at the free end of the branching portion. According to the invention, a pin element in the insertion gap acts on the at least one temperature sensor, such that the pin element presses the at least one temperature sensor onto at least one cell defining the gap. The at least one temperature sensor is secured in its position within the corresponding gap by the pin element, which presses the sensor onto at least one of the battery cells. The pin element allows for simple and reliable fixation of the temperature sensor within the gap. When the pin element presses the sensor against the outer cylindrical surface of the cell, sufficient heat transfer from the cell to the sensor is achieved. Therefore, reliable temperature measurement can be performed.

[0026] The pin element is preferably a separate element, i.e., separate from the temperature sensor, and more preferably also separate from the rest of the battery system, such as from the electrical conductor element. The pin element is preferably made of a non-conductive material. The temperature sensor (arranged at a branch of the electrical conductor element) is inserted into the gap by inserting the pin element into the gap. The pin element can be inserted into the gap after the branch with the temperature sensor has been inserted. However, preferably, the branch with the temperature sensor is inserted into the gap via the pin element. Therefore, steps c) and d) can be performed in combination. The pin element is adapted to press the at least one temperature sensor onto at least one of the cells defining the gap. In particular, when inserted into the gap, the pin element can be adapted to deform, particularly elastically, by adjacent / proximity to the battery cells. In this way, the pin element can press the temperature sensor onto the at least one battery cell. The pin element may include a pin head and a pin insertion portion extending substantially perpendicularly from the pin head, which, as illustrated, is inserted into the gap and presses the temperature sensor onto the cell.

[0027] Securing the temperature sensor in the gap via a pin element is particularly simple because no additional components are required, such as adhesives that must be cured. However, since the pin element presses the temperature sensor onto at least one of the units whose temperature is to be measured, reliable or even improved temperature measurement can be achieved.

[0028] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the installation of the temperature sensor is particularly simple if the pin element guides the branch portion and thus the temperature sensor into the gap when the pin element is inserted into the gap. Thus, by inserting the pin element, the at least one branch portion, along with the temperature sensor, is inserted into the gap. In other words, the pin element pushes the branch portion into the gap, and thus the temperature sensor into the gap. As described above, steps c) and d) can therefore be performed simultaneously in a single operating step. Therefore, with respect to the battery system, the pin element can be adapted to guide the branch portion into the gap when it is inserted. According to a corresponding aspect of this disclosure, the pin element can therefore include a guide surface that guides the branch portion into the gap when the pin element is inserted into the gap. When the pin element is inserted, the guide surface can act as an actuator, bringing the branch portion into the gap and thus the temperature sensor into the gap. The guide surface can correspond to the branch portion formation and can, for example, have the same width. This aspect allows for particularly simple installation because the insertion and fixation of the temperature sensor are achieved in a single step.

[0029] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the pin element guides the branch portion into the gap by bending it from an initial position where the branch portion is arranged parallel to the main portion to a branch position where the branch portion branches off from the main portion. Therefore, the branch portion can be adapted to bend from its initial position where it is arranged parallel to the main portion to a branch position where it branches off from the main portion and enters the gap via the pin element. At the branch position, the branch portion is no longer arranged parallel to the main portion but is inclined relative to it, for example, at an angle of approximately 90 degrees. Thus, in other words, the pin element can branch off the branch portion of the electrical conductor element from the main portion of the electrical conductor element, and can carry the branch portion along with the temperature sensor on its way into the gap. Therefore, according to this aspect, when the main portion is arranged along the surface of the battery pack according to step b), the branch portion can also be arranged along the surface of the battery pack. Subsequently, the branch portion is branched / bent by the pin element and inserted into the gap. This is particularly simple because it simplifies the electrical conductor element.

[0030] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the electrical conductor element is a flexible electrical conductor element, particularly a flexible flat cable, comprising a plurality of isolated wires, wherein branch portions are formed by at least two isolated wires connected to the at least one temperature sensor. The main portion may be formed by the remaining wires of the plurality of isolated wires. Thus, the electrical conductor element may be, in particular, a flexible flat cable disposed on the surface of the battery pack and comprising one or more temperature sensors, which are connected to the BMS. Upon insertion of the pin element, the wire supplying power to the respective temperature sensor can be separated from the remaining wires by the pin element, causing a branch portion to branch off from the main portion, and the branch portion having the temperature sensor is thus inserted into the gap via the pin element.

[0031] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the pin element includes a pin head that secures an electrical conductor element, particularly the main portion of the electrical conductor element, to the surface of the battery pack / cell. As described above, the pin element may include a pin head and a pin insertion portion extending substantially perpendicularly from the pin head, which, as illustrated, is inserted into a gap and presses a temperature sensor onto the cell. By pressing the main portion against the surface of the battery pack in a planar manner, the pin head can specifically press the main portion disposed on the surface of the battery pack. Therefore, the pin element can serve not only as a securing device for branch portions within the gap but also as a securing device for the main portion. The pin element providing this dual function is particularly effective and simplifies installation. In particular, any further securing devices for the electrical conductor element can be omitted.

[0032] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the pin element is made of plastic so as to be non-conductive. The complete pin element, i.e., the pin head and the pin insertion portion, can be made of plastic material.

[0033] According to another aspect of the invention, the pin element deforms through adjacent battery cells defining the gap. Specifically, the pin element can be elastically deformed. When the pin element deforms, it presses the at least one temperature sensor onto at least one of the adjacent battery cells defining the gap. According to a corresponding aspect of this disclosure, the pin element includes elastic ribs arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the pin element, which are adapted to deform (elastically) through adjacent battery cells when the pin element is inserted into the gap. The elastic ribs are continuously arranged along the longitudinal extension of the pin element, i.e., along the pin insertion portion. When the pin element is inserted, the elastic ribs can deform, particularly through all adjacent cells defining the gap in which the pin is inserted, thus contacting all adjacent cells. Such a pin element can be a so-called pine tree pin. This pin element can securely hold the branch portion and the temperature sensor in the gap.

[0034] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the branch extends into the gap so far that the temperature sensor is located approximately half the length of the axis of the cylinder of the battery cell it presses against. Thus, the temperature sensor is positioned approximately in the middle of the battery cell relative to its longitudinal extension, which is typically the hottest spot in the cell. Meaningful temperature measurements can then be performed.

[0035] The present invention further relates to electric vehicles including the battery system described above.

[0036] Other aspects of this disclosure may be learned from the dependent claims or the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0037] Features will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the detailed description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0038] Figure 1A and Figure 1B A schematic perspective view of the electrical conductor elements of a battery system according to one embodiment is shown.

[0039] Figure 2A , Figure 2B and Figure 2C It shows Figure 1A and Figure 1B A schematic perspective view of the electrical conductor elements, pin elements, and battery pack.

[0040] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a pin element according to another embodiment is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0041] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The effects and features of exemplary embodiments and methods of implementation thereof will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals denote the same elements, and redundant descriptions are omitted. However, this disclosure may be implemented in a variety of different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments shown herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided as examples so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the aspects and features of this disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0042] Therefore, processes, elements, and techniques that are not considered essential for a person skilled in the art to fully understand the aspects and features of this disclosure may be omitted. In the accompanying drawings, the relative dimensions of elements, layers, and regions may be exaggerated for clarity.

[0043] In describing embodiments of this disclosure, the use of "may" means "one or more embodiments of this disclosure." In the following and foregoing description of embodiments of this disclosure, singular terms may include plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Expressions such as "at least one of..." modify the entire column of elements when following a column of elements, without modifying individual elements of that column. When used herein, the terms "substantially," "approximately," and similar terms are used as approximate terms rather than terms of degree, intended to describe the inherent bias of measured or calculated values ​​that will be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art. Furthermore, if the term "substantially" is used in conjunction with a feature that can be expressed numerically, the term "substantially" indicates a range of + / -5% of the value centered on that value.

[0044] It will be further understood that the terms “comprising,” “including,” “including…” or “containing…” indicate properties, areas, fixed quantities, steps, processes, elements, components, and combinations thereof, but do not exclude other properties, areas, fixed quantities, steps, processes, elements, components, and combinations thereof. It will also be understood that when a membrane, area, or element is referred to as being “above” or “on” another membrane, area, or element, it may be directly on the other membrane, area, or element, or intermediate membranes, areas, or elements may also be present.

[0045] Here, the terms "upper" and "lower" are defined according to the z-axis. For example, the upper cover is located at the upper part of the z-axis, while the lower cover is located at the lower part of the z-axis. In the accompanying drawings, the dimensions of the components may be enlarged for clarity. For example, in the figures, the dimensions or thickness of each component may be arbitrarily shown for illustrative purposes, and therefore the embodiments of this disclosure should not be construed as limited thereto.

[0046] In the following description of embodiments of this disclosure, singular terms may include plural terms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0047] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) shall have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in common dictionaries, shall be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant field and / or the present specification, and shall not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense, unless expressly defined herein.

[0048] Figure 1A and Figure 1B This is a schematic perspective view showing an electrical conductor element 20, which in this embodiment is a flexible flat cable (FFC) and includes a plurality of isolated wires (not shown) disposed together in an insulating material. The electrical conductor element 20 includes a main portion 16 and at least one branch portion 18, wherein the branch portion 18 is formed by at least two of the plurality of isolated wires connected to a temperature sensor 22, the temperature sensor 22 being arranged at the free end of the branch portion 18.

[0049] Figure 1A The diagram shows the branch portion 18 of the electrical conductor element 20 in its initial position before the temperature sensor 22 is installed in the battery pack. In this initial position, the branch portion 18 is arranged parallel to the main portion 16. Figure 1BThe diagram shows a branch portion 18 in a branching position, where it branches off from and extends substantially vertically downward from the main portion 16. To achieve this branching position, the branch portion 18 separates from the main portion 16 along a separation line A and bends downward at approximately 90 degrees around a bend line B. By branching the branch portion 18, the two wires included in the branch portion 18 are separated from the main portion 16 by tearing open the joint at the separation line A.

[0050] Branch 18 via, as can be Figure 2A The pin element 24, as seen in the diagram, moves from its initial position to its branch position. First, the electrical conductor element 20 is arranged on the upper surface of the battery pack 10, i.e., the top side of the cylindrical battery cell 12, as shown... Figure 2C As shown. With Figure 2C In comparison, branch 18 is first in a position where it can Figure 2A The initial position seen above. In the next step, the pin element 24, including the pin head 28 and the pin insertion portion 26, is inserted into the gap 14 between adjacent battery cells 12 of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 12. The pin element 24 separates the branch portion 18 from the main portion 16 of the electrical conductor element 20, and, on its way into the gap 14, carries the branch portion 18, and thus the temperature sensor 22 attached to the branch portion 18, via the guide surface 25. At the branch position (which can be Figure 2B and 2C As seen in the image, branch portion 18 bends downward from main portion 16, and temperature sensor 22 is pressed onto one of battery cells 12 (not shown) by pin insertion portion 26 of pin element 24.

[0051] The pin element 24 allows for simple and reliable securing of the temperature sensor 22 within the gap 14. Specifically, no additional components, such as adhesives, are required. Sufficient heat transfer from the battery cell 12 to the temperature sensor 22 is achieved when the pin element 24 presses the temperature sensor 22 against the cylindrical outer surface of one of the battery cells 12. Therefore, reliable temperature measurements can be performed. The length of the branch portion 18 and the arrangement of the temperature sensor 22 on the branch portion 18 can be selected such that the temperature sensor 22 extends downwards into the gap far enough to approach the hottest point of the cell it is pressed against. Specifically, the branch portion 18 can extend so far into the gap 14 that the temperature sensor 22 is located approximately half the length of the longitudinal axis of the battery cell. At such a location, meaningful temperatures can be measured.

[0052] Furthermore, the inserted pin element 24, via its pin head 28, holds / presses the main portion 16 in place, as can be Figure 2CAs seen on the upper side / surface, the electrical conductor element 20, especially the main part 16, is fixed to the surface of the battery pack 10, that is, fixed to the upper side of the battery cell 12. Therefore, the pin element 24 can perform a dual function, not only as a fixing device for the branch part 18 in the gap and thus as a fixing device for the temperature sensor 22 in the gap, but also as a fixing device for the main part 16 on the top of the battery cell 12.

[0053] Figure 3 An alternative embodiment of pin element 124 is shown, which can replace pin element 24 in the battery system described above.

[0054] The pin element 124 includes a resilient rib 127, which is continuously arranged along the longitudinal extension L of the pin element 124, i.e., along the pin insertion portion 26. The resilient rib 127 extends orthogonally outward from the pin insertion portion 26 and is adapted to elastically deform through adjacent battery cells when the pin element 124 is inserted into the gap 14. This pin element is also called a pine pin. This pin element can particularly securely hold the branch portion and temperature sensor in the gap.

[0055] Figure Labels

[0056] 10 battery packs

[0057] 12 cylindrical battery cells

[0058] 14 gaps

[0059] 16. Main components of an electrical conductor element

[0060] 18. Branches of electrical conductor elements

[0061] 20 Electrical conductor elements

[0062] 22 Temperature Sensor

[0063] 24 pin components

[0064] 25. Guide surface of pin component

[0065] 26. Pin insertion portion of pin element

[0066] 28. Pin head of pin component

[0067] 124 pin components

[0068] 127 Elastic Ribs

[0069] A Separation Line

[0070] B Curved line

[0071] L Longitudinal extension

Claims

1. A battery system, comprising: The battery pack (10) includes a plurality of cylindrical battery cells (12) arranged in an array, wherein there is a gap (14) between adjacent battery cells (12). An electrical conductor element (20) has: a main portion (16) extending along the surface of the battery pack (10); and at least one branch portion (18) branching off from the main portion (16), and including at least one temperature sensor (22) for sensing the temperature of at least one of the battery cells (12), wherein the branch portion (18) having the temperature sensor (22) extends into one of the gaps (14) between the battery cells (12); and Pin elements (24, 124) are inserted into the same gap (14) as the corresponding branch portion, such that they press the temperature sensor (22) onto at least one of the battery cells (12). As the pin element (24, 124) is inserted into the gap (14), the branch portion (18) bends from the initial position to the branch position by the guidance of the pin element. In the initial position, the branch portion (18) is arranged parallel to the main portion (16). In the branch position, the branch portion (18) branches out from the main portion (16) and enters the gap (14).

2. The battery system according to claim 1, wherein, The pin element (24, 124) includes a guide surface (25) that guides the branch portion (18) into the gap (14) when the pin element (24, 124) is inserted into the gap (14).

3. The battery system according to claim 1, wherein, The electrical conductor element (20) is a flexible electrical conductor element comprising a plurality of isolated wires, wherein the branch portion (18) is formed by at least two isolated wires of the isolated wires connected to the at least one temperature sensor (22).

4. The battery system according to claim 3, wherein, The electrical conductor element (20) is a flexible flat cable.

5. The battery system according to claim 1, wherein, The pin element (24, 124) includes a pin head (28) that secures the electrical conductor element (20) to the surface of the battery pack (10).

6. The battery system according to claim 1, wherein, The pin elements (24, 124) are made of plastic.

7. The battery system according to claim 1, wherein, When the pin element (124) is inserted into the gap (14), the pin element (124) deforms by the adjacent battery cell (12) that defines the gap (14).

8. The battery system according to claim 7, wherein, The pin element (124) includes an elastic rib (127) arranged perpendicular to a longitudinal extension of the pin element (124), wherein the elastic rib (127) deforms through the adjacent battery cell (12) when the pin element (124) is inserted into the gap (14).

9. The battery system according to claim 1, wherein, The branch portion (18) extends into the gap (14) such that the temperature sensor (22) is located at approximately half the length of the longitudinal axis of the battery cell (12) pressed by the branch portion.

10. An electric vehicle comprising a battery system according to any one of claims 1-9.

11. A method for mounting at least one temperature sensor (22) in a battery pack (10) comprising a plurality of cylindrical battery cells (12), wherein the method comprises the following steps: a) Provide a battery pack (10) comprising a plurality of cylindrical battery cells (12) arranged in an array and having gaps (14) between adjacent battery cells (12). b) Arrange the main portion (16) of the electrical conductor element (20) along the surface of the battery pack (10); c) Inserting at least one branch (18) of the electrical conductor element (20) into one of the gaps (14) between the battery cells (12), the at least one branch branching out from the main portion (16) and including a temperature sensor (22) for sensing the temperature of at least one of the battery cells (12). d) Insert the pin elements (24, 124) into the same gap (14) as the corresponding branch portion, such that they press the temperature sensor (22) onto at least one of the battery cells (12). As the pin element (24, 124) is inserted into the gap (14), the branch portion (18) bends from the initial position to the branch position by the guidance of the pin element. In the initial position, the branch portion (18) is arranged parallel to the main portion (16). In the branch position, the branch portion (18) branches out from the main portion (16) and enters the gap (14).

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