Temperature sensing device

Abstract

An apparatus may include a sensing element at least partially disposed in a housing. The sensing element may be held in the housing via a locking component and a member. The locking component and the member may hold the sensing element in contact with a battery cell of the vehicle.

Description

[0001] introduction

[0002] Several devices are available for sensing the temperature of components of a vehicle. Summary of the invention

[0003] At least one aspect relates to an apparatus. The apparatus may include a sensing element at least partially disposed in a housing. The sensing element may be retained in the housing via a locking component and a member. The locking component and the member may maintain the sensing element in contact with a battery cell of a vehicle.

[0004] At least one aspect relates to a method. The method may include providing a housing. The method may include disposing a portion of a sensing element within the housing. The method may include coupling a locking component to the housing. The method may include disposing a member between the sensing element and the locking component. The locking component and the member may maintain the sensing element in contact with the battery cell.

[0005] At least one aspect relates to a vehicle. The vehicle may include a battery subassembly (e.g., a battery module). The battery subassembly may include one or more battery cells. The vehicle may include a housing assembly coupled to the battery pack subassembly. The housing assembly may include a housing. The housing assembly may include a sensing element at least partially disposed in the housing. The housing assembly may include a locking member to retain the sensing element within the housing. The housing assembly may include a member disposed between the sensing element and the locking member to maintain the sensing element in contact with the battery cells of the vehicle.

[0006] These and other aspects and implementations are discussed in detail below. The foregoing information and the following detailed description include illustrative examples of various aspects and implementations, and provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and characteristics of the protected aspects and implementations. The accompanying drawings provide illustration and further understanding of various aspects and implementations, and are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification. The foregoing information and the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings include illustrative examples and should not be considered limiting. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The drawings are not intended to be drawn to scale. Like reference numbers and names indicate similar elements in the various drawings. For clarity, not every component may be labeled in every drawing. In the drawings:

[0008] Figure 1 Depicted is a perspective view of an exemplary housing assembly according to some aspects.

[0009] Figure 2 Depicted is an exploded view of an exemplary housing assembly according to some aspects.

[0010] Figure 3Depicted is a perspective view of an exemplary sensing element according to some aspects.

[0011] Figure 4 Depicted is a perspective view of an exemplary housing according to some aspects.

[0012] Figure 5 Depicted is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary housing assembly according to some aspects.

[0013] Figure 6 Depicted is a rear view of an exemplary housing according to some aspects.

[0014] Figure 7 Depicted is a perspective view of an exemplary locking component according to some aspects.

[0015] Figure 8 Depicted is a side view of an example housing assembly according to some aspects.

[0016] Fig. 9 Depicted is a top view of an exemplary housing assembly according to some aspects.

[0017] Fig.10 Depicted is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary battery subassembly according to some aspects.

[0018] Fig.11 An electric vehicle according to some aspects is depicted.

[0019] Fig.12 Depicted are example battery packs according to some aspects.

[0020] Fig.13 Depicted is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method of assembling a housing assembly according to some aspects.

[0021] Fig.14 Depicted is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary battery subassembly 1000 according to some aspects. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] The following is a more detailed description of various concepts related to methods, devices, and systems for sensing or detecting the temperature of a battery cell and their specific implementations. The various concepts introduced above and discussed in more detail below can be implemented in any of a variety of ways.

[0023] The technical solution relates to a system and method for sensing the temperature of a target object. For example, the technical solution may include a housing assembly that can facilitate the installation of a sensing element (e.g., a battery cell thermistor) to provide accurate and robust temperature sensing of a battery pack, which can improve the functionality of the battery pack. The technology may use a spring-loaded mechanism to desensitize material changes and may include a locking component to facilitate proper installation and retention of the sensing element. The disclosed solution may facilitate the rapid connection and release of the sensing element without the need for tools for installation or removal. The housing assembly may properly position and secure the sensing element without the use of additional fasteners. The disclosed solution may reduce the number of elements used to secure the sensing element in place and may facilitate proper placement of the thermistor to provide improved and more consistent temperature sensing of the battery cells of the battery pack.

[0024] The disclosed solution may include a housing assembly. The housing assembly may include a housing, a sensing element, a locking component, and a compliance member. The housing may provide a structure that supports and positions the sensing element so that the sensing element can maintain constant contact with a target object (e.g., a battery cell). The compliance member may provide tolerance to the sensing element so that the sensing element can maintain contact regardless of material or spacing changes. The locking component may lock the sensing element in place within the housing. The locking component may be detachably coupled to the housing. The housing assembly may include an engagement prevention feature to prevent premature locking of the locking component with the housing. For example, the housing may be coupled to or partially disposed in an external element (e.g., a battery subassembly, a battery module). Before the housing is coupled to or disposed in the battery subassembly, the housing assembly may prevent the locking component from being completely locked with the housing. The housing assembly may facilitate easy engagement and disengagement between the housing and the locking component, so that the component may be easily replaced and the installation of the housing assembly may be completed without additional components or fasteners.

[0025] Figure 1 An exemplary device shown as housing assembly 100 is depicted. Housing assembly 100 can be a temperature sensing device. Housing assembly 100 can provide structural support for a sensing element (e.g., a thermistor) so that the sensing element maintains contact with a target object (e.g., a battery cell) or maintains a desired position. Proper placement of the sensing element can improve the accuracy and consistency of readings or detections performed by the sensing element. Housing assembly 100 may include at least one housing 105. Housing 105 may be made of any material capable of maintaining the structure of housing 105. The material may be an insulating material to prevent or reduce the transfer of current or voltage through housing 105. For example, housing 105 may be a plastic that is non-conductive and resistant to temperatures that may be generated around a target object.

[0026] The housing 105 may be coupled to an external component (e.g., a battery subassembly, a battery module) to provide a support structure to position the device or element relative to the external component at a desired position or location. The housing assembly 100 may include at least one sensing element 110. The sensing element 110 may be at least partially disposed in the housing 105. The sensing element 110 may be any element capable of reading, measuring, or detecting various properties, characteristics, or signals. For example, the sensing element 110 may detect temperature. The sensing element 110 may be, for example, a thermistor (e.g., a resistance thermometer, where the resistance may depend on the temperature).

[0027] The housing assembly 100 may include at least one locking member 115. The locking member 115 may retain the sensing element 110 within the housing 105. For example, the locking member 115 may position or orient the sensing element 110 at a specific position within the housing 105. The locking member 115 may be coupled to the housing 105. For example, the locking member 115 may be detachably coupled to the housing 105.

[0028] Figure 2 An exploded view of the housing assembly 100 is depicted. The housing assembly 100 may include at least one member 205. The member 205 may be disposed between the sensing element 110 and the locking member 115. The member 205 may keep the sensing element 110 in contact with the target object (e.g., a battery cell). The member 205 may be a compliant member 205. For example, the member 205 may be flexible or compliant to accommodate various tolerances about the housing assembly 100 and the target object. The member 205 may provide tolerance to the sensing element 110 to keep the sensing element 110 in contact with the target object (e.g., a battery cell). For example, the member 205 may be compressible or expandable. The member 205 may be a spring.

[0029] The housing assembly 100 may include at least one contact member, shown as a gasket 210. The gasket 210 may be disposed between at least a portion of the sensing element 110 and the member 205. The member 205 may be disposed between the gasket 210 and the locking member 115. The member 205 may extend between the gasket 210 and the locking member 115. The gasket 210 may provide a surface for the member 205 to apply a force on a portion of the sensing element 110 to keep the sensing element 110 in contact with the target object.

[0030] Figure 3A perspective view of the sensing element 110 is depicted. The sensing element 110 may include at least one head 305. The head 305 may contact a target object (e.g., a battery cell). The head 305 may be, for example, a box. For example, the head 305 may be a rectangular box. The sensing element 110 may include at least one conduit 310. The conduit 310 may be any element capable of facilitating the detection of a property or the transmission of a signal. For example, the conduit 310 may be a wire or multiple wires. The conduit 310 may be coupled to the head 305. For example, a portion of the conduit 310 may be disposed in the head 305. A portion of the conduit 310 may be disposed outside the head 305. For example, a portion of the conduit 310 may extend from the head 305 and be disposed outside the head 305. The conduit 310 may be coupled to a receiving component (e.g., a computing device). The receiving component may receive a signal or other data measured, read, or detected by the sensing element 110 and transmitted or carried by the conduit 310. The gasket 210 may be disposed between the head 305 and the member 205. The gasket 210 and the member 205 may be disposed around the conduit 310 .

[0031] Figure 4 A perspective view of the housing 105 is shown. The housing 105 may include at least one body 405. At least a portion of the body 405 may be inserted into an opening or receiving recess of a battery subassembly (e.g., a battery module). For example, at least a portion of the body 405 may be disposed in the battery subassembly. The body 405 may provide a support structure to position the sensing element 110 relative to the battery subassembly or a component of the battery subassembly (e.g., a battery cell) at a desired location or position.

[0032] The housing 105 may have a plurality of sides. These sides may be planar or non-planar. For example, a planar side may be flat, straight, or in a single plane. The non-planar side may be in various planes. For example, the non-planar side may have a raised section, a recessed section, a contoured section, an inclined section, or any combination thereof. The housing 105 may have a front side 410. For example, the front side 410 may be planar. The front side 410 of the housing 105 may include or define at least one front opening 415. At least a portion of the sensing element 110 may be disposed in the front opening 415. For example, the head 305 may be disposed in the front opening 415. The front side 410 may be disposed in a battery subassembly.

[0033] The front opening 415 can have any shape. For example, the shape of the front opening 415 can be based at least in part on the shape of the head 305 of the sensing element 110. For example, in particular Figure 2As shown, the shape of the front opening 415 can be the same as the shape of the head 305. The shape of the front opening 415 can be different from the shape of the head 305. For example, the front opening 415 can have a shape that defines or provides at least one gap 417 between the head 305 and the body 405 of the housing 105. For example, only a portion of the head 305 can be abutted against the perimeter of the front opening 415 of the body 405. In particular, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 As shown, the head 305 may have a square cross-sectional shape. Figure 4 As shown, the front opening 415 can have such a shape that only a portion (e.g., a corner) of the square head 305 can contact or abut the body 405, and at least one gap 417 is defined between the head 305 and other portions (e.g., sides) of the body 405. The head 305 and the front opening 415 can have any shape, so that the front opening 415 and the head 305 can have any number of contact points and there can be any number of gaps 417 between the body 405 and the head 305. The gap 417 can isolate the sensing element 110 from the housing 105. For example, the gap 417 can limit or reduce heat transfer between the sensing element 110 and the housing 105.

[0034] The housing 105 may have a rear side 420. The rear side 420 may be opposite the front side 410. For example, the rear side 420 may be non-planar. The housing 105 may have at least one housing side 425. The housing side 425 may extend between the front side 410 and the rear side 420. The housing 105 may have a plurality of housing sides 425. For example, the body 405 may have a left housing side 425 and a right housing side 425. The right and left housing sides 425 may be symmetrical or asymmetrical.

[0035] The housing side 425 may include a slot 430. The slot 430 may receive a portion of the locking member 115 to couple the locking member 115 to the housing 105. The housing side 425 may include a coupling feature, shown as a wall 435. The wall 435 may interface with a component of the locking member 115 to prevent the locking member from being separated from the housing 105.

[0036] The housing 105 may have a top side 440. The top side 440 may be non-planar. For example, the top side 440 may include at least one raised section 445 shown as an edge projection. The edge projection 445 may extend along the top side 440 between the front side 410 and the rear side 420. The edge projection 445 may be disposed at the outer edge of the top side 440. For example, the edge projection 445 may be disposed on the right or left side of the top side 440 (e.g., may extend along the upper right edge or the upper left edge of the housing 105). The top side 440 may have a plurality of edge projections 445. For example, a first edge projection 445 may extend along the outer right side of the top side 440. A second edge projection 445 may extend along the outer left side of the top side 440. The top side 440 of the housing 105 may include a housing surface 455. The housing surface 455 may extend between the first edge projection 445 and the second edge projection 445.

[0037] The edge projection 445 may include at least one side projection 450. The side projection 450 may engage with the locking member 115 to maintain the position of the locking member 115 relative to the housing 105. The side projections 450 may extend inwardly from the edge projection 445. For example, the side projections 450 may extend toward opposite sides of the housing 105. The first edge projection 445 may have a first side projection 450. The second edge projection 445 may have a second side projection 450. The first side projection 450 may extend toward the second edge projection 445. The second side projection 450 may extend toward the first edge projection 445.

[0038] The housing 105 may include at least one tab 460. The tab 460 may extend from the body 405. For example, the tab 460 may extend from the top side 440 (e.g., the housing surface 455). The tab 460 may be disposed at the center of the top side 440. The tab 460 may be disposed between the first and second edge protrusions 445. The tab 460 may be an elongated member. The tab 460 may extend along the housing surface 455. For example, the tab 460 may extend from a position near the front edge of the top side 440 (e.g., near the front side 410 of the housing 105). The tab 460 may extend along the housing surface 455 so that the distal end of the tab 460 is disposed near the rear side 420 of the body 405. At least a portion of the tab 460 may be disposed away from the housing surface 455. For example, the tab 460 may have a tab surface 465. The tab surface 465 may be disposed opposite to the housing surface 455. For example, the tab surface 465 can face the housing surface 455. The tab surface 465 can be disposed away from the housing surface 455.

[0039] Tab 460 may include at least one housing engagement element 470. Housing engagement element 470 may interface with a housing retention element of an external component (e.g., a battery subassembly, a battery module) to couple housing 105 to the external component. Housing engagement element 470 may extend from tab 460 in a direction away from housing surface 455. Tab 460 may include at least one stop surface 475. Stop surface 475 may be disposed at a distal end of tab 460. Stop surface 475 may prevent undesired or premature engagement between housing 105 and locking member 115.

[0040] Figure 5 A side cross-sectional view of the housing assembly 100 without the locking member 115 is depicted. Figure 6 A rear view of the housing 105 is depicted. The rear side 420 of the housing 105 may include or define at least one rear opening 505. The rear opening 505 may be aligned with the front opening 415. At least a portion of the conduit 310 may extend through the rear opening 505. The body 405 of the housing 105 may define a cavity 510. The cavity 510 may extend between the front opening 415 and the rear opening 505. A portion of the sensing element 110 may be disposed in the cavity 510. For example, the head 305 may be disposed in the front opening 415. The head 305 may extend through the front opening 415 so that a front portion of the head 305 may be disposed outside the housing 105. A rear portion of the head 305 may be disposed in the cavity 510. At least a portion of the conduit 310 may be outside the head 305. The conduit 310 may extend from the head 305, through the cavity 510, and through the rear opening 505 so that a portion of the conduit 310 may be outside the housing 105.

[0041] The housing 105 may include a support structure 515. The support structure 515 may support a portion of the conduit 310 disposed outside the housing 105. The support structure 515 may be disposed on the rear side 420 of the housing 105. The housing 105 may have a bottom side 520. The support structure 515 may extend beyond the bottom side 520 of the housing 105. The support structure 515 may have a hook-like structure. For example, the support structure 515 may define a recess 525. The conduit 310 may be disposed in the recess 525.

[0042] Figure 7 A perspective view of the locking member 115 is depicted. The locking member 115 may include at least one plate 705. The plate 705 may interface or engage with the rear side 420 of the housing 105. The plate 705 may interface with the member 205 to maintain the sensing element 110 in contact with the target object (e.g., a battery cell). The plate 705 may apply sufficient force to the target object via the member 205 to maintain the sensing element 110 in a desired position. The member 205 may provide sufficient tolerance so that the sensing element 110 remains in contact with the target object despite slight variations in spacing, position, or geometry.

[0043] The locking assembly 115 may include at least one protrusion 710. The protrusion 710 may extend from the plate 705. The protrusion 710 may extend along the top side 440 of the housing 105. The protrusion 710 may abut or engage with the top side 440 of the housing 105 or a component thereof (e.g., the tab 460). The locking member 115 may include at least one side arm 715. The side arm 715 may extend from the plate 705. The side arm 715 may extend along the housing side 425 of the housing 105. The side arm 715 may abut or engage with the housing side 425 or a component thereof (e.g., the wall 435).

[0044] The projection 710 may include at least one stop body 720. The stop body 720 may prevent undesired or premature engagement between the locking member 115 and the housing 105. For example, the stop body 720 may be positioned to abut against the stop surface 475 of the tab 460 to prevent other parts of the locking member from engaging with the housing 105. The stop body 720 may extend a first distance from the plate 705, which is shown as a stop distance 725.

[0045] The projection 710 may include at least one projection arm 730. The projection arm 730 may couple or engage the locking member 115 with the housing 105. The projection arm 730 may extend along the stop body 720. The projection arm 730 may be spaced apart from the stop body 720. The projection 710 may include a plurality of projection arms 730. For example, the projection 710 may include a first projection arm 730 and a second projection arm 730. The first projection arm 730 may be located on a first side of the stop body 720, and the second projection arm 730 may be located on a second side (e.g., an opposite side) of the stop body 720. The projection arm 730 may extend from the plate 705 a second distance, which is shown as a projection arm distance 735. The projection arm distance 735 may be greater than the stop distance 725.

[0046] The protruding arm 730 may include at least one arm protrusion 740. The arm protrusion 740 may engage with the housing 105 to maintain the position of the locking member 115 relative to the housing 105. For example, the arm protrusion 740 may dock or engage with the side protrusion 450 of the housing 105. The arm protrusion 740 may extend outward from one side of the protruding arm 730. For example, the arm protrusion 740 may extend in a direction away from the stop body 720. The protruding arm 730 may include a plurality of arm protrusions 740. For example, the protruding arm 730 may have a first arm protrusion 740a and a second arm protrusion 740b. The first arm protrusion 740a may be disposed at or near the distal end of the protruding arm 730 disposed away from the plate 705. The second arm protrusion 740b may be disposed between the first arm protrusion 740a and the plate 705. The second arm protrusion 740 b may be disposed closer to the first arm protrusion 740 a than the plate 705 .

[0047] The arm protrusion 740 can help couple the locking member 115 to the housing 105. For example, the arm protrusion 740 can be disposed on a first side of the side protrusion 450, and the plate 705 can be disposed on a second side (e.g., an opposite side) of the side protrusion 450. The arm protrusion 740 can engage with the side protrusion 450 of the housing 105 to couple the locking member 115 to the housing 105 (e.g., to prevent the locking member 115 from being decoupled from the housing 105). Based on the position of the locking member 115, the first arm protrusion 740a and the second arm protrusion 740b can facilitate the coupling.

[0048] The protruding arm 730 may include at least one arm engaging element 745. The arm engaging element 745 may dock with an external component (e.g., a battery subassembly) to move the protrusion 710 between a first position and a second position. For example, the first position may be a natural position of the protruding arm 730 (e.g., a position of the protruding arm 730 without applying a force). The second position may be an unnatural or forced position of the protruding arm 730. The protrusion 710 may move between the first position and the second position based on an external component that contacts the arm engaging element 745. When the protrusion 710 is in the first position, a portion of the protrusion 710 may dock with the stop surface 475 of the tab 460 of the housing 105. For example, the stop body 720 may dock with the stop surface 475. The first position may prevent undesired engagement between the housing 105 and the locking member 115 (e.g., before the housing 105 is coupled to the battery subassembly or partially disposed in the battery subassembly). With the projection 710 in the second position, a portion of the projection 710 may be disposed between the housing surface 455 and the tab 460. For example, the stop body 720 may be disposed between the housing surface 455 and the tab surface 465. The second position may facilitate engagement between the housing 105 and the locking member 115.

[0049] The side arm 715 can couple the locking member 115 to the housing 105. For example, the side arm 715 can loosely couple the locking member 115 to the housing 105 (e.g., the locking member 115 and the housing 105 can move relative to each other but remain connected). The locking member 115 can be detachably coupled to the housing 105.

[0050] The side arm 715 may include at least one side arm protrusion 750. The side arm protrusion 750 may extend from a top surface of the side arm 715. The side arm protrusion 750 may be disposed at a distal end of the side arm 715 (e.g., disposed away from the plate 705). The side arm protrusion 750 may engage the wall 435 of the housing 105 to maintain the coupling between the housing 105 and the locking member 115. For example, to couple the locking member 115 to the housing 105, the side arm 715 may be slid along the housing side 425 of the housing 105 in a first direction until the side arm protrusion 750 slides through the slot 430 of the housing 105. With the side arm protrusion 750 passed through the slot 430, the locking member is loosely coupled to the housing 105 such that the locking member 115 may still move relative to the housing 105. If the locking member 115 is moved in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the side arm protrusion 750 may abut against the wall 435 to prevent the side arm 715 and the side arm protrusion 750 from sliding back through the slot 430 .

[0051] The locking member 115 may have a plurality of side arms 715. For example, the locking member may have a first side arm 715 and a second side arm 715. The first side arm 715 may be disposed on a first side of the protrusion 710. The second side arm 715 may be disposed on a second (e.g., opposite) side of the protrusion 710. The first side arm 715 may extend along a first housing side 425 of the housing 105 and pass through a first slot 430 of the housing 105. The second side arm 715 may extend along a second (e.g., opposite) housing side 425 of the housing 105 and pass through a second slot 430 of the housing 105.

[0052] Figure 8 A side view of the housing assembly 100 is depicted with the locking member 115 in a first position 805 and a second position 810 . Fig. 9A top view of the housing assembly 100 is depicted with the locking member 115 in a first position 805 and a second position 810. The first position 805 may be a coupled position (e.g., a loose coupled position). The second position 810 may be a locked position. The locking member 115 may be movable between the first position 805 and the second position 810 relative to the housing 105. The locking member 115 may be movable between the first position 805 and the second position 810 while coupled to the housing 105. For example, the locking member 115 may be coupled to the housing 105 with the side arm 715 extending through the slot 430 of the housing 105 such that the side arm protrusion 750 is disposed on a first side of the wall 435 and the plate 705 is disposed on a second (e.g., opposite) side of the wall 435. In the first position, the side arm protrusion 750 may abut against the wall 435. In the first position 805, the plate 705 may be disposed away from the rear side 420 of the housing 105. In the first position 805, the stop body 720 may engage the stop surface 475 of the tab 460. In the first position 805, the projection 710 may be in the first projection position. In the first position 805, the side projection 450 may be disposed between the first arm projection 740a and the second arm projection 740b.

[0053] The projection 710 can be moved from the first projecting position to the second projecting position to facilitate movement of the locking member 115 from the first position 805 to the second position 810. For example, in the first projecting position, the stop body 720 can be at least partially aligned with the tab 460 (e.g., vertically) such that the stop body 720 can engage the stop surface 475. The interaction between the stop body 720 and the stop surface 475 can prevent the locking member 115 from moving from the first position 805 to the second position 810. In the second projecting position, the stop body 720 can be offset from the tab 460 (e.g., vertically) such that the stop body 720 can be disposed between the tab 460 and the body 405 of the housing 105. For example, the stop body 720 can be disposed between the housing surface 455 and the tab surface 465.

[0054] The projection 710 can move from the first projecting position to the second projecting position based on a force applied to the arm engaging element 745. For example, the force can push the projection 710 closer to the housing surface 455 so that the stop body 720 can slide between the tab 460 and the body 405 of the housing 105. The housing 105 can be at least partially disposed in an external component so that the external component can apply a force to the arm engaging element 745. For example, the housing 105 can be disposed in a battery subassembly. The battery subassembly can apply a force to the arm engaging element 745 so that the locking member 115 can move from the first position 805 to the second position 810.

[0055] In the second position 810, the side arm projection 750 can be spaced apart from the wall 435. In the second position 810, the plate 705 can be docked with the rear side 420 of the housing 105. In the second position 810, the stop body 720 can be disposed between the tab surface 465 and the housing surface 455. In the second position 810, the projection 710 can be in a second projecting position. In the second position 810, the side projection 450 can be located between the second arm projection 740b and the plate 705. The second arm projection 740b can maintain the locking member 115 in the second position 810 (e.g., preventing the locking member 115 from moving back to the first position 805) by engaging the side projection 450.

[0056] The locking member 115 can be moved from the second position 810 to the first position 805. For example, the plate 705 can receive a force (e.g., be clamped or squeezed) so that the second arm protrusion 740b can disengage from and slide around the side protrusion 450. The locking member 115 can be decoupled from the housing 105 by adjusting the orientation of the locking member 115 so that the side arm protrusion 750 can slide back through the slot 430.

[0057] Fig.10 A top view of a portion of a battery subassembly 1000 is depicted with the housing assembly 100 coupled to the battery subassembly 1000. The battery subassembly 1000 may include at least one housing, which is shown as a cell carrier 1005. The battery subassembly 1000 may include at least one energy storage device, which is shown as a battery cell 1010. The battery cell 1010 may be disposed in the cell carrier 1005. The battery subassembly 1000 may include a plurality of battery cells 1010. The housing assembly 100 may facilitate proper positioning of the sensing element 110 so that the sensing element 110 may detect the temperature of the battery cell 1010. For example, the cell carrier 1005 may include at least one housing receptacle 1015. The housing receptacle 1015 may extend through a wall of the cell carrier 1005 to provide access for the housing assembly 100 to contact the battery cell 1010. At least a portion of the housing assembly 100 may be disposed in the housing receptacle 1015 of the cell carrier 1005. The cell carrier 1005 may include any number of housing receptacles 1015 to accommodate any number of housing assemblies 100 . The housing assembly 100 may facilitate continuous contact between the sensing element 110 and the battery cell 1010 .

[0058] The housing assembly 100 may be coupled to a cell carrier 1005 of a battery subassembly 1000. For example, the housing 105 may be coupled to the cell carrier 1005 battery subassembly. The battery subassembly 1000 may include at least one retaining element 1020. The retaining element 1020 may be disposed in the cell carrier 1005 or may be a part of the cell carrier. For example, the retaining element 1020 may be a part of the housing receptacle 1015. The retaining element 1020 may engage the housing engagement element 470 of the housing 105 to couple the housing 105 to the battery subassembly 1000. A portion of the housing 105 may be disposed in the housing receptacle 1015 of the cell carrier 1005 battery subassembly such that the housing engagement element 470 may engage the retaining element 1020. A plurality of housing assemblies 100 may be coupled to the battery subassembly 1000. For example, the first housing assembly 100 may be coupled to the battery subassembly 1000 so that the first sensing element 110 contacts the first battery cell 1010 to detect the temperature of the first battery cell 1010. The second housing assembly 100 may be coupled to the battery subassembly 1000 so that the second sensing element 110 contacts the second battery cell 1010 to detect the temperature of the second battery cell 1010.

[0059] The housing 105 can prevent the locking member 115 from moving to the second position 810 until the housing 105 is coupled to the battery subassembly 1000. For example, a portion of the cell carrier 1005 can contact the arm engagement element 745 to move the projection 710 between the first projecting position and the second projecting position. With the projection 710 in the second projecting position, the locking member 115 can move to the second position 810.

[0060] Fig.14 A side cross-sectional view of a battery subassembly 1000 is depicted. The battery subassembly 1000 may include a plurality of battery cells 1010 disposed in a cell carrier 1005. The battery cells 1010 may have a first end (shown as a top end 1405) and a second end (shown as a bottom end 1410). The battery cells 1010 may include a battery sidewall 1415. The battery sidewall 1415 may extend between the top end 1405 and the bottom end 1410.

[0061] The sensing element 110 may interface with the battery sidewall 1415 to sense the temperature of the battery cell 1010. For example, the head 305 of the sensing element 110 may contact the battery sidewall 1415 to sense the temperature of the battery cell 1010. The sensing element 110 may contact the battery cell 1010 at any position along the battery sidewall 1415. For example, the sensing element 110 may contact the battery sidewall 1415 at a position closer to the bottom end 1410 than the top end 1405. The sensing element 110 may contact the battery sidewall 1415 at a position closer to the top end 1405 than the bottom end 1410. The sensing element 110 may contact the battery sidewall 1415 at a position close to the center between the top end 1405 and the bottom end 1410. The housing receptacle 1015 may be disposed at any position of the cell carrier 1005 to provide a desired positioning of the housing assembly 100 relative to the battery cell 1010.

[0062] At least one of the battery subassembly 1000 or the housing assembly 100 may include at least one shielding feature to prevent material (e.g., potting material, adhesive, etc.) from entering between the sensing element 110 and the battery cell 1010. For example, the cell carrier 1005 may include a first shielding feature, which is shown as a barrier 1420. The barrier 1420 may be disposed at or near an edge (e.g., a top edge) of the housing receptacle 1015. The barrier 1420 may prevent material from entering the housing receptacle 1015. The barrier 1420 may prevent material from being disposed between the sensing element 110 and the battery cell 1010. For example, the barrier 1420 may extend into the cell carrier 1005 toward the battery cell 1010 to block material from flowing to a position between the sensing element 110 and the battery cell 1010. The barrier 1420 may extend to contact the battery sidewall 1415 to create a shield so that material cannot reach the sensing element 110. The barrier 1420 may extend around all sides or a subset of the sides of the housing receiving portion 1015. For example, the barrier 1420 may extend along the top side of the housing receiving portion 1015.

[0063] The cell carrier 1005 may include a second shielding feature, which is shown as a lip 1425. The lip 1425 may be disposed at or near an edge (e.g., a bottom edge) of the housing 1015. The lip 1425 may prevent material from entering the housing 1015. The lip 1425 may extend from the cell carrier 1005 into the housing 1015. The lip 1425 may extend around all sides or a subset of the sides of the housing 1015. For example, the lip 1425 may extend along the bottom side of the housing 1015.

[0064] The housing assembly 100 may include a shielding feature. For example, the housing 105 may include a shielding feature extending from the body 405 (e.g., the front side 410). The sensing element 110 may include a shielding feature extending from the head 305. For example, the housing 105 or the sensing element 110 may include at least one of the stopper 1420 or the lip 1425.

[0065] Fig.11 An exemplary cross-sectional view of an electric vehicle 1105 with at least one battery pack 1110 installed is depicted. The electric vehicle 1105 may include an electric truck, an electric sport utility vehicle (SUV), an electric van, an electric car, an electric sedan, an electric motorcycle, an electric scooter, an electric passenger car, an electric passenger or commercial truck, a hybrid vehicle or other vehicle, such as a sea or air vehicle, an airplane, a helicopter, a submarine, a ship, or a drone, among other possibilities. However, it should also be noted that the battery pack 1110 may also be used as an energy storage system to power a building, such as a residential or commercial building. The electric vehicle 1105 may be fully electric or partially electric (e.g., a plug-in hybrid), and further, the electric vehicle 1105 may be fully autonomous, partially autonomous, or unmanned. The electric vehicle 1105 may also be manually operated or non-autonomous. The electric vehicle 1105 (such as an electric truck or car) may include an on-board battery pack 1110, a battery subassembly 1000, or a battery cell 1010 to power the electric vehicle. The electric vehicle 1105 may include a chassis 1125 (e.g., a frame, an internal frame, or a support structure). The chassis 1125 may support various components of the electric vehicle 1105. The chassis 1125 may span a front portion 1130 (e.g., a hood or lid portion), a body portion 1135, and a rear portion 1140 (e.g., a luggage compartment, payload, or trunk portion) of the electric vehicle 1105. The battery pack 1110 may be mounted or placed within the electric vehicle 1105. For example, the battery pack 1110 may be mounted within one or more of the front portion 1130, the body portion 1135, or the rear portion 1140 on the chassis 1125 of the electric vehicle 1105. The battery pack 1110 may include or be connected to at least one bus bar, such as a current collector element. For example, the first bus bar 1145 and the second bus bar 1150 may include conductive materials to connect or otherwise electrically couple the battery subassembly 1000 or battery cell 1010 to other electrical components of the electric vehicle 1105 to power various systems or components of the electric vehicle 1105 .

[0066] The electric vehicle 1105 may include at least one housing assembly 100. The housing assembly 100 may be coupled to a battery subassembly 1000 of the electric vehicle 1105. A plurality of housing assemblies 100 may be coupled to the battery subassembly 1000. The electric vehicle 1105 may include a plurality of battery subassemblies 1000.

[0067] Fig.12 An exemplary battery pack 1110 is depicted. With particular reference to Fig.12 , the battery pack 1110 can provide power to the electric vehicle 1105. The battery pack 1110 may include any arrangement or network of electrical, electronic, mechanical, or electromechanical devices to power any type of vehicle, such as the electric vehicle 1105. The battery pack 1110 may include at least one battery pack housing 1205. The battery pack housing 1205 may include at least one battery subassembly 1000 or at least one battery cell 1010 and other battery pack components. The battery subassembly 1000 may be or may include one or more groups of prismatic cells, cylindrical cells, pouch cells, or other form factors of battery cells 1010. The battery pack housing 1205 may include a shield on or below the bottom of the battery subassembly 1000 to protect the battery subassembly 1000 and / or the battery cell 1010 from external conditions, for example, when the electric vehicle 1105 is traveling on rough terrain (e.g., off-road sites, ditches, rocks, etc.). The battery pack 1110 may include at least one cooling line 1210, which may be part of a heat / temperature control or heat exchange system that may also include at least one thermal component (e.g., cold plate) 1215 to distribute fluid through the battery pack 1110. The thermal component 1215 may be located relative to the top submodule and the bottom submodule, such as between the top submodule and the bottom submodule, among other possibilities. The battery pack 1110 may include any number of thermal components 1215. For example, there may be one or more thermal components 1215 per battery pack 1110 or per battery subassembly 1000. The at least one cooling line 1210 may be coupled to, partially coupled to, or independent of the thermal component 1215.

[0068] The thermal component 1215 may control the temperature of the battery subassembly 1000. For example, the thermal component 1215 may control the temperature of the battery subassembly 1000 based on at least one temperature detected or determined by the sensing element 110 of the housing assembly 100. For example, the first sensing element 110 may determine a first temperature of the first battery cell 1010. The second sensing element 110 may determine a second temperature of the second battery cell 1010. The thermal component 1215 may control the temperature of the battery subassembly 1000 based on the first temperature and the second temperature.

[0069] Fig.13A flow chart of an exemplary method 1300 for assembling housing assembly 100 is depicted. Method 1300 may include providing housing 105 (act 1305). Housing 105 may be configured to couple with an external component (e.g., a battery subassembly) to provide a support structure to position a device or element relative to the external component at a desired position or location. Housing 105 may include front opening 415 and rear opening 505. Housing 105 may define cavity 510. Cavity 510 may extend between front opening 415 and rear opening 505.

[0070] Method 1300 may include disposing sensing element 110 in housing 105 (act 1310). Sensing element 110 may have a head 305 and a conduit 310 disposed at least partially outside of head 305. Sensing element 110 may be disposed at least partially in housing 105. For example, head 305 may be disposed in front opening 415 of housing 105. A front portion of head 305 may be disposed outside of housing 105, and a rear portion of head 305 may be disposed in cavity 510. Act 1310 may include extending conduit 310 from the rear portion of head 305 through rear opening 505. Act 1310 may include supporting a portion of conduit 310 disposed outside of housing via support structure 515 of housing 105.

[0071] Method 1300 may include disposing member 205 in housing 105 (act 1315). Member 205 may be flexible or compliant to accommodate various tolerances regarding housing assembly 100 and the target object. Act 1315 may include disposing member 205 around conduit 310 of sensing element 110. Member 205 may be disposed in cavity 510. Act 1315 may include disposing gasket 210 in housing 105. Gasket 210 may be disposed between member 205 and head 305 of sensing element 110. Member 205 may contact gasket 210 to apply force to sensing element 110 to keep sensing element 110 in contact with the target object (e.g., battery cell 1010). Member 205 may be disposed around conduit 310.

[0072] Method 1300 may include coupling locking member 115 to housing 105 (act 1320). Locking member 115 and member 205 may hold sensing element 110 in contact with battery cell 1010. Member 205 may be disposed between sensing element 110 (e.g., head 305 of sensing element 110) and locking member 115. Housing 105 may have a front side 410 and a rear side 420. The housing may have an upper side 440 with a housing surface 455. Housing surface 455 may extend between front side 410 and rear side 420. Housing 105 may include tab 460 extending from housing surface 455. Housing 105 may have an edge protrusion 445 extending along a top edge of housing 105 between front side 410 and rear side 420. Housing 105 may have housing side 425. Housing side 425 may have groove 430 and wall 435.

[0073] The locking member 115 may have a plate 705. The locking member 115 may have a protrusion 710 and a side arm 715 extending from the plate 705. The protrusion 710 may have a stop body 720 and a protruding arm 730. The protruding arm 730 may have an arm protrusion 740 and an arm engaging element 745. The side arm 715 may have a side arm protrusion 750.

[0074] Coupling the locking member 115 with the housing 105 may include disposing a side arm 715 along a first side (e.g., housing side 425) of the housing 105 and disposing a protruding arm 730 along a second side (e.g., top side 440) of the housing 105. The side arm 715 may couple the locking member 115 with the housing 105. The protruding arm 730 may facilitate movement of the protrusion 710 between the first protruding position and the second protruding position to move the locking member 115 to the locked position relative to the housing 105.

[0075] Action 1320 may include preventing the locking member 115 from moving to the locked position when the housing 105 is disconnected from the battery subassembly 1000. For example, preventing the locking member 115 from moving to the locked position may include abutting the stop body 720 with the stop surface 475 of the tab 460. With the protrusion 710 in the first protruding position, at least a portion of the stop body 720 may be aligned with the tab 460 (e.g., vertically). The tab 460 may prevent the locking member 115 from moving to the locked position (e.g., the second position 810).

[0076] Action 1320 may include locking the locking member 115 with the housing 105. Action 1320 may include moving the protrusion 710 from the first protruding position to the second protruding position via a force applied by an external component (e.g., the battery subassembly 1000). The battery subassembly 1000 may dock with the arm engagement element 745 to move the protrusion 710. With the protrusion in the second protruding position, the locking member 115 may move from the first position 805 to the second locked position 810. Locking the locking member 115 may include positioning the stop body 720 between the tab 460 and the housing surface 455. Locking the locking member 115 may include docking the plate 705 with the rear side 420 of the housing 105.

[0077] Although operations are depicted in a particular order in the drawings, these operations need not be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, and not all illustrated operations need be performed. The actions described herein may be performed in a different order.

[0078] Now that some exemplary implementations have been described, it is apparent that the foregoing is illustrative rather than restrictive and has been presented by way of example. Specifically, although many of the examples presented herein relate to specific combinations of method actions or system elements, these actions and these elements may be combined in other ways to achieve the same purpose. The actions, elements, and features discussed in conjunction with one implementation are not intended to be excluded from similar roles in other implementations.

[0079] The words and terms used herein are for descriptive purposes and should not be construed as limiting. The use of "including," "comprising," "having," "containing," "involving," "characterized by," and variations thereof herein is intended to encompass the items listed thereafter, their equivalents and additional items, and alternative implementations consisting solely of the items listed thereafter. In one implementation, the systems and methods described herein consist of one, each combination of more than one, or all of the elements, acts, or components described.

[0080] Any specific implementation or element or action of the system and method mentioned in the singular form herein may also include a specific implementation comprising a plurality of these elements, and any plural form of any specific implementation or element or action herein may also include a specific implementation comprising only a single element. Reference in the singular or plural form is not intended to limit the currently disclosed system or method, its parts, actions or elements to a single or multiple configurations. Reference to any action or element based on any information, action or element may include a specific implementation in which the action or element is based at least in part on any information, action or element.

[0081] Any implementation disclosed herein may be combined with any other implementation or embodiment, and references to "an implementation," "some implementations," "an implementation," etc. are not necessarily mutually exclusive, but are intended to indicate that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in conjunction with an implementation may be included in at least one implementation or embodiment. Such terms as used herein do not necessarily all refer to the same implementation. Any implementation may be combined, inclusively or exclusively, with any other implementation in any manner consistent with the aspects and implementations disclosed herein.

[0082] References to "or" may be interpreted as inclusive, such that any term described using "or" may indicate any of a single, more than one, and all of the terms. References to at least one of a conjunctive list of terms may be interpreted as inclusive OR to indicate any of a single, more than one, and all of the terms. For example, references to "at least one of 'A' and 'B'" may include only "A," only "B," and both "A" and "B." Such references used in conjunction with "including" or other open-ended terms may include additional items.

[0083] Where a technical feature in the drawings, detailed description or any claims is followed by a reference numeral, the reference numeral is included to enhance the intelligibility of the drawings, detailed description and claims. Therefore, the presence or absence of a reference numeral has no limiting effect on the scope of any claim element.

[0084] Without departing substantially from the teachings and advantages of the subject matter disclosed herein, modifications may be made to the elements and actions, such as changes in size, dimensions, structure, shape and proportion, parameter values, mounting arrangements, use of materials, color, orientation of the various elements. For example, an element shown as being integrally formed may be composed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise changed, and the nature or number or position of discrete elements may be changed or varied. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the disclosed elements and operations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0085] For example, the description of positive and negative electrical characteristics can be reversed. For example, the description of top and bottom, front and back, or left and right can be reversed or interchanged. An element described as a negative element can be configured as a positive element, while an element described as a positive element can be configured as a negative element. For example, an element described as having a first polarity can have a second polarity, while an element described as having a second polarity can have a first polarity. Further relative parallel, vertical, vertical or other positioning or orientation descriptions include changes within + / -10% or + / -10 degrees of pure vertical, parallel or vertical positioning. Unless otherwise expressly stated, references to "approximately", "substantially" or other degree terms include changes of + / -10% with a given measurement, unit or range. The connected elements can be electrically connected, mechanically connected or physically connected to each other directly or through an intermediate element. Therefore, the scope of the system and method described herein is indicated by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description, and changes falling within the meaning and scope of the equivalents of the claims are included therein.

Claims

1. A device comprising: a sensing element, the sensing element being at least partially disposed in the housing; The sensing element is retained in the housing via locking features and members which hold the sensing element in contact with a battery cell of the vehicle.

2. The device according to claim 1, comprising: The housing comprises: Shell surface; and a tab, at least a portion of which is disposed away from the housing surface, the tab including a stop surface; The locking component comprises: Board; and a projection extending from the plate; The protrusion moves between a first position, wherein the protrusion abuts the stop surface to prevent undesired engagement between the housing and the locking member, and a second position, wherein the protrusion is disposed between the housing surface and the tab, and wherein the plate abuts the housing with the protrusion in the second position to maintain the sensing element in contact with the battery cell.

3. The device according to claim 1, comprising: The locking component comprises: Board; and a projection extending from the plate, the projection comprising a stop body and a projection arm, the projection arm comprising an arm engagement element to interface with a battery subassembly, the battery subassembly comprising a battery cell; The housing comprises a housing surface and a tab, the tab comprising: a housing engagement element that interfaces with a housing retention element of the battery subassembly; a tab surface disposed opposite to the housing surface; and a stop surface disposed at an end of the tab; The protrusion moves between a first position and a second position based on the battery subassembly contacting the arm engaging element, and the stop body of the protrusion docks with the stop surface when the protrusion is in the first position, and the stop body is arranged between the shell surface and the tab surface when the protrusion is in the second position.

4. The device according to claim 1, comprising: The housing comprises a housing side surface and a top side surface; The locking component moves between a first position and a second position relative to the housing, and the locking component includes: plate; a side arm extending from the plate along a side of the housing, the side arm coupling the locking member to the housing when the locking member is in the first position; and A protruding arm extends from the plate along the top side, the protruding arm moving from a first arm position to a second arm position to facilitate movement of the locking member from the first position and the second position.

5. The device according to claim 1, comprising: The housing includes a housing engagement element to couple the housing to a battery subassembly including the battery cell in which a portion of the housing is disposed.

6. The device according to claim 1, comprising: The locking component is detachably coupled to the housing; as well as The locking member moves relative to the housing between a first position and a second position.

7. The device according to claim 1, comprising: The member is a compliant member that provides tolerance to the sensing element to maintain the sensing element in contact with the battery cell of the vehicle.

8. The device according to claim 1, comprising: The sensing element includes a head and a catheter, a portion of the catheter is disposed outside the head; as well as The housing includes a first opening, a second opening in which the head is disposed and through which the portion of the conduit extends, and a support structure that supports the portion of the conduit.

9. The device according to claim 1, comprising: The sensing element includes a head and a conduit, the head contacting the battery cell; as well as A washer is disposed between the head and the member, the washer and the member are disposed around the conduit, and the member extends between the washer and the locking component.

10. The device according to claim 1, comprising: The sensing element includes a head; as well as The housing includes an opening through which the head extends, and a portion of the head is disposed outside the housing to contact the battery cell to detect a temperature of the battery cell.

11. A method comprising: providing a housing; disposing a portion of the sensing element within the housing; placing a component in the housing; as well as A locking component is coupled to the housing, the member is disposed between the sensing element and the locking component, and the locking component and the member enable the sensing element to maintain contact with the battery cell.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein: The housing includes a tab, a rear side, and a housing surface, and the locking member includes a plate and a stop body, the method comprising: abutting the stop body against the stop surface of the tab when the locking member is in the first position; disposing the stop body between the tab and the housing surface when the locking member is in the second position; and With the locking member in the second position, the plate is brought into abutment with the rear side of the housing.

13. The method according to claim 11, comprising: The locking member is prevented from moving to the locked position when the housing is disconnected from the battery subassembly.

14. The method according to claim 11, comprising: When the protrusion of the locking member is in the first protruding position, preventing the locking member from moving from the first position to the second position relative to the housing; moving the projection from the first projecting position to a second projecting position via a battery subassembly, the battery subassembly abutting against an arm engaging element of the projection to move the projection; as well as With the protrusion in the second protruding position, the locking member is moved from the first position to the second position.

15. The method according to claim 11, comprising: a first arm of the locking member disposed along a first side of the housing; as well as a second arm of the locking member disposed along a second side surface of the housing; The first arm couples the locking member to the housing; as well as The second arm facilitates movement of the locking member between the first position and the projection.

16. The method according to claim 11, comprising: Disposing a head of the sensing element in the first opening of the housing; extending a portion of a conduit of the sensing element from the head and through a second opening of the housing; as well as A gasket is disposed between the member and the head of the sensing element, and the gasket and the member are disposed around the portion of the conduit.

17. A vehicle comprising: A battery subassembly, the battery subassembly comprising a battery cell; and A housing assembly, the housing assembly being coupled to the battery subassembly, the housing assembly comprising: case; a sensing element, the sensing element being at least partially disposed in the housing; a locking member for retaining the sensing element in the housing; and A member is provided between the sensing element and the locking member to keep the sensing element in contact with the battery cell of the vehicle.

18. The vehicle of claim 17, comprising: The battery subassembly includes a plurality of battery cells, the plurality of battery cells include a first battery cell and a second battery cell, the battery cell is the first battery cell; a plurality of housing assemblies, the plurality of housing assemblies comprising a first housing assembly and a second housing assembly, the housing assembly being the first housing assembly, the first housing assembly comprising a first sensing element, and the second housing assembly comprising a second sensing element, the first sensing element contacting the first battery cell to determine a first temperature of the first battery cell, the second sensing element contacting the second battery cell to determine a second temperature of the first battery cell; as well as A thermal component controls a temperature of the battery subassembly based on the first temperature and the second temperature.

19. The vehicle of claim 17, comprising: The housing assembly comprises: The housing comprises: Shell surface; and a tab, at least a portion of which is disposed away from the housing surface, the tab including a stop surface; The locking component comprises: Board; and a projection extending from the plate; The locking member moves between a first position and a second position, wherein when the locking member is in the first position, the protrusion abuts against the stop surface to prevent undesired engagement between the housing and the locking member when the housing assembly is separated from the battery subassembly, and wherein when the locking member is in the second position, the protrusion is disposed between the housing surface and the tab and the plate abuts against the wall to maintain the sensing element in contact with the battery cell.

20. The vehicle of claim 17, comprising: The battery subassembly includes a retaining element; as well as The housing assembly comprises: The locking component comprises: Board; and a projection extending from the plate, the projection comprising a stop body and a projection arm, the projection arm comprising an arm engagement element to interface with the battery subassembly; The housing comprises a housing surface and a tab, the tab comprising: an engaging element, the engaging element abutting against the retaining element; a tab surface disposed opposite to the housing surface; and a stop surface disposed at an end of the tab; The battery subassembly moves the protrusion between a first position and a second position via the arm engaging element, the stop body docks with the stop surface when the protrusion is in the first position, and the stop body is disposed between the shell surface and the tab surface when the protrusion is in the second position.

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