Battery management system structure and battery including the same

Abstract

A battery management system structure has: a housing having a housing interior and a housing exterior; a connector housing forming an interior; and at least one conductive signal pin. The connector housing is integrally formed with the housing and positioned on the housing exterior. Each of the at least one conductive signal pin has a first elongated portion partially positioned within the connector housing interior and extending into the housing interior, a second elongated portion partially positioned within the connector housing interior and extending into the housing interior, and a shoulder portion coupling the first elongated portion with the second elongated portion. The second elongated portion is positioned within the housing interior. The shoulder portion is arranged to have a bend such that the first elongated portion is substantially orthogonal to the second elongated portion. A battery including the battery management system structure is also provided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to vehicle batteries, and in particular to a connector arrangement for a vehicle battery. Background Art

[0002] Batteries are an important component of many devices, including motor vehicles. Historically, motor vehicles have been equipped with a single battery, such as a lead-acid battery, for starting the vehicle's motor and for powering other systems of the vehicle, such as the charging system, runtime operations, lighting, accessories, etc. More recently, electric vehicles and hybrid gasoline / electric vehicles (collectively referred to herein as electric vehicles or EVs) rely on one or more lithium-ion batteries to provide energy to power the electric motor (which moves the vehicle's wheels) and to power other systems of the vehicle. This arrangement can result in a single point of failure, wherein a failure of the lead-acid battery used to provide energy for the vehicle or a failure of the lithium-ion battery can render all other vehicle systems inoperable. As a result, the driver may be unable to use emergency alarm systems, active hazard warning lights, etc.

[0003] As the importance of batteries in vehicles increases, battery monitoring has become an area of ​​focus. Battery monitoring typically employs battery monitoring hardware and software. Whether the battery monitoring hardware is integrated within the battery, external to the battery, or both, an electrical connection from the battery is required to support monitoring. However, the more points of entry into the internal housing of the battery and its components, i.e., the more openings in the battery housing, the greater the likelihood that the battery will be contaminated, leak, and fail due to environmental conditions. Vehicle batteries are used in a harsh environment due to extreme temperatures, unpredictable weather, corrosive chemicals, and moisture issues, among others. Therefore, additional openings in the battery housing that are not properly sealed may lead to premature battery and / or battery monitoring failures.

[0004] Batteries with integrated battery monitoring and / or controller components and systems are also more complex to assemble than conventional batteries (e.g., lead-acid batteries), which typically have multiple interconnected battery cells and only the positive and negative terminals protrude through the battery housing. For example, electrical connections requiring additional welding / soldering increase assembly complexity, additional points of failure, etc. compared to conventional lead-acid batteries. The complexity of assembly coupled with the number of openings required in the housing to support battery management functionality is challenging to create a reliable battery. Summary of the invention

[0005] Advantageously, some embodiments provide a connector arrangement for monitoring vehicle batteries (such as, but not limited to, non-cold start lithium-ion batteries) that is easier to assemble than current arrangements, provides a reliable electrical communication path from the outside of the battery to the inside of the battery housing, and provides an airtight seal once the corresponding connector / cable is inserted into the battery connector. Such a connector arrangement can be used for batteries (such as vehicle batteries), with a variety of battery technologies (such as lead-acid batteries and lithium-ion batteries), and with batteries with different uses (such as auxiliary batteries, backup batteries, and batteries intended to provide energy for sports). These auxiliary batteries are generally referred to herein as non-cold start batteries.

[0006] In one embodiment, a battery management system structure has: a housing having a housing interior and a housing exterior; a connector housing forming the interior; and at least one conductive signal pin. The connector housing is integrally formed with the housing and positioned on the housing exterior. Each of the at least one conductive signal pin has a first elongated portion, a second elongated portion, and a shoulder portion coupling the first elongated portion with the second elongated portion, the first elongated portion being partially positioned within the connector housing interior and extending into the housing interior, the second elongated portion being positioned within the housing interior. The shoulder portion is arranged to have a bend such that the first elongated portion is substantially orthogonal to the second elongated portion.

[0007] According to one aspect of this embodiment, the first elongated portion, the second elongated portion and the shoulder portion are formed as an integral structure. According to another aspect of this embodiment, the shoulder portion is arranged to allow the first elongated portion to be staggered with the second elongated portion in the horizontal direction. According to another aspect of this embodiment, the portion of the first elongated portion extending into the interior of the housing is overmolded by the housing. According to another aspect of this embodiment, the shoulder portion is overmolded by the housing. According to another aspect of this embodiment, a portion of the second elongated portion is overmolded by the housing. According to another aspect of this embodiment, the overmolding of one or more of the first elongated portion, the second elongated portion and the shoulder portion isolates the exterior of the housing from the interior of the housing environment. According to another aspect of this embodiment, the housing and the connector housing are nylon or glass-filled nylon.

[0008] In another embodiment, the battery has a battery management system BMS and a battery management system structure. The BMS structure has: a housing having a housing interior and a housing exterior; a connector housing forming the interior; and at least one conductive signal pin. The BMS is positioned within the housing interior. The connector housing is integrally formed with the housing and positioned on the housing exterior. Each of the at least one conductive signal pin has a first elongated portion, a second elongated portion, and a shoulder portion connecting the first elongated portion with the second elongated portion, the first elongated portion being partially positioned within the connector housing interior and extending into the housing interior, the second elongated portion being positioned within the housing interior. The shoulder portion is arranged to have a bend so that the first elongated portion is substantially orthogonal to the second elongated portion.

[0009] According to one aspect of this embodiment, the first elongated portion, the second elongated portion and the shoulder portion are formed as an integral structure. According to another aspect of this embodiment, the shoulder portion is arranged to allow the first elongated portion to be staggered with the second elongated portion in the horizontal direction. According to another aspect of this embodiment, the portion of the first elongated portion extending into the interior of the housing is overmolded by the housing. According to another aspect of this embodiment, the shoulder portion is overmolded by the housing. According to another aspect of this embodiment, a portion of the second elongated portion is overmolded by the housing. According to another aspect of this embodiment, the overmolding of one or more of the first elongated portion, the second elongated portion and the shoulder portion isolates the exterior of the housing from the interior environment of the housing. According to another aspect of this embodiment, the housing and the connector housing are nylon or glass-filled nylon. According to another aspect of this embodiment, the battery management system includes at least one BMS electrical connector, each of which is arranged to be physically and electrically coupled to the second elongated portion of the corresponding conductive signal pin. According to another aspect of this embodiment, at least one BMS electrical connector is forced to squeeze the second elongated portion to achieve physical and electrical coupling. According to another aspect of this embodiment, the BMS includes at least one opening, each of the at least one opening being arranged to receive the second elongated portion of the corresponding conductive signal pin therethrough. According to another aspect of this embodiment, the battery further has at least one battery cell, the BMS being arranged to monitor at least one parameter of the at least one battery cell, and providing data corresponding to the parameter to an external system via the at least one conductive signal pin. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] A more complete understanding of the embodiments described herein and their attendant advantages and features will be more readily appreciated by reference to the following detailed description considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0011] Figure 1 is a block diagram of an example battery constructed according to the principles of the present disclosure;

[0012] Figure 2 is another diagram of an example battery constructed according to the principles of the present disclosure;

[0013] Figure 3 is a top perspective view of an example battery management system and BMS housing constructed according to the principles of the present disclosure, with the top of the BMS housing removed;

[0014] Figure 4 is another top perspective view of an example battery management system and BMS housing constructed according to the principles of the present disclosure, with the top of the BMS housing removed;

[0015] Figure 5 is a side view of an example battery management system and BMS housing constructed according to the principles of the present disclosure, showing the connector;

[0016] Figure 6 is another side view of an example battery management system and BMS housing constructed according to the principles of the present disclosure, showing a connector;

[0017] Figure 7 is a top view of an example battery management system and BMS housing constructed according to the principles of the present disclosure, with the top of the housing removed;

[0018] Figure 8 is another top view of an example battery management system and BMS housing constructed according to the principles of the present disclosure, with the top of the housing removed;

[0019] Fig. 9 is a top perspective view of an example connector signal pin constructed according to the principles of the present disclosure;

[0020] Fig.10 is a side cross-sectional view of a portion of an example battery management system housing and connector constructed according to the principles of the present disclosure;

[0021] Fig.11 is a top perspective cutaway view of a portion of an example battery management system housing and connector constructed according to the principles of the present disclosure, illustrating internal electrical connection points for connector signal pins;

[0022] Fig.12 is a front cutaway view of a portion of an example battery management system housing and connector constructed according to the principles of the present disclosure, illustrating electrical connections between the connector and a BMS circuit board; and

[0023] Fig.13is another top perspective cutaway view of a portion of an example battery management system housing and connector constructed according to the principles of the present disclosure, illustrating internal electrical connection points for connector signal pins. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Before describing the exemplary embodiments in detail, it should be noted that the embodiments reside primarily in a combination of apparatus components and process steps associated with an electrical connector for monitoring a vehicle battery (e.g., a non-starting lithium-ion battery). Accordingly, system and method components are represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the accompanying drawings, which show only those specific details relevant to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the present disclosure with details that would be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

[0025] As used herein, relational terms such as "first" and "second", "top" and "bottom", etc. may be used only to distinguish one entity or element from another entity or element, and do not necessarily require or imply any physical or logical relationship or order between these entities or elements. The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and are not intended to limit the concepts described herein. As used herein, the singular forms "a / an" and "the" are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that when the term "comprises / comprising / includes / including" is used herein, it specifies the presence of stated features, wholes, steps, operations, elements and / or parts, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, wholes, steps, operations, elements, parts and / or groups thereof.

[0026] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical terms and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as those commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs. It should be further understood that, unless explicitly defined herein, the terms used herein should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with the context of this specification and the meaning in the relevant field, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense.

[0027] In the embodiments described herein, connection terms such as "in communication with..." may be used to indicate electrical communication or data communication, which may be implemented, for example, by physical contact, induction, electromagnetic radiation, radio signaling, infrared signaling, or optical signaling. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that multiple components may interoperate, and that modifications and changes to the implementation of electrical and data communications are possible.

[0028] Referring now to the drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like elements, Figure 1 and Figure 2 1 shows a battery 10 constructed according to the principles of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the battery 10 may be a lithium-ion battery. In other embodiments, the battery 10 may be a lead-acid battery. The battery 10 includes a housing 12 in which one or more battery cells 14 (such as lithium-ion battery cells) are disposed. The battery cells 14 may be electrically interconnected, such as via a conductive bus bar system ( Figure 1 and Figure 2 ), the conductive bus bar system electrically interconnects the battery cells 14 in electrical series, electrical parallel, or a combination of electrical series and electrical parallel, the connection method depending on the expected voltage and current requirements.

[0029] A battery management system (BMS) 16 may be included. In some embodiments, the BMS may control certain aspects of the operation of the battery 10, wherein control signals are transmitted to and from external system components via a monitoring connector 18, and / or the BMS 16 measures certain battery parameters (e.g., voltage) and provides data to an external system via the monitoring connector 18. Thus, the BMS 16 may utilize a monitoring connector 18 that allows external electrical connection to a data bus or some other communication device of the vehicle. In some embodiments, the monitoring connector 18 may be integrated with the housing 12, such as in a cover 20 of the housing 12 and / or as part of a BMS housing (discussed below). The battery 10 also includes terminals, such as a negative terminal 22a and a positive terminal 22b (collectively referred to as terminals 22), to provide contact points for electrically connecting the battery 10 to the vehicle to provide power (e.g., auxiliary power, starting power, locomotive power, etc.) to the vehicle. The terminal 22 is arranged to protrude through the housing 12, such as through the cover 20. Terminals 22 may be electrically connected to bus bars inside housing 12 and / or directly connected to battery cells 14 (not shown). In some embodiments, housing 12 includes one or more vents 23 to allow ventilation from one or more battery cells 14 (e.g., lithium-ion battery cells). Battery 10 may be arranged to provide a number of power capacities and physical sizes, and to operate under a variety of parameters and parameter ranges.

[0030] Figure 3 and Figure 4 is a top perspective view of an example BMS and BMS housing constructed according to the principles of the present disclosure, with the top of the BMS housing removed. Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, the BMS 16 is positioned inside the interior volume formed by the BMS housing 24. The BMS structure 25 is formed by the BMS housing 24 and the connector 18. The BMS housing 24 includes a housing interior 27 and a housing exterior 29. The BMS 16 is positioned within the housing interior 27. The connector 18 includes a connector housing 26 and one or more conductive connector signal pins 28 positioned in the interior volume of the connector housing 26. The connector housing 26 can be formed as an integral unit (e.g., molded), but formed outside the BMS housing 24 such that there is no opening or gap between the exterior of the connector housing 26 and the BMS housing 24. In other words, by forming the connector housing 26 as part of the BMS housing 24, an environmental barrier is formed between the exterior of the connector housing 26 and the BMS housing 24. Although Figure 3 and Figure 4 The BMS housing 24 mentioned is separate from the previous discussion about the battery housing 12, but it should be understood that the BMS housing 24 can be formed together with the integral housing 12 or formed as part of the integral housing. The BMS housing 24 is shown and described separately from the housing 12 only to help understand the concepts disclosed herein, and is not intended to limit or imply that the housing 12 is physically separated from the BMS housing 24. The connector 18 may also include one or more alignment tabs 32 (discussed below). In some embodiments, the BMS housing 24 (and / or housing 12) may be made of nylon or other suitable thermoplastic polymers. In some embodiments, glass fillers may be used with nylon. In some embodiments, the thermoplastic polymer may be all or part of recycled post-consumer waste.

[0031] It should be noted that the embodiments herein are described with respect to a BMS, a BMS housing, and a BMS structure, but it should be understood that the description provided with reference to BMS16, BMS housing 24, and BMS structure 25, as well as the BMS as a whole, is for ease of understanding. Implementations are not limited to battery management system hardware (e.g., circuit boards), and circuit board arrangements that perform other battery-related functions may be used in place of circuit boards and hardware / software / firmware that specifically provides BMS functions. Therefore, as used herein, the term BMS16 is intended to refer to the circuit board and the hardware / software / firmware of a device associated with performing a certain battery-related function.

[0032] The conductive signal pins 28 provide an electrical signal path from the exterior of the BMS housing 24 to the BMS 16 positioned within the BMS housing 24. In operation, a complementary connector (e.g., a female connector) is inserted into and mated with the connector housing 26, and is retained by the connector housing 26 by, for example, retaining tabs 30. Although not shown, the female connector may include one or more gaskets around the connector housing so that when coupled with the connector housing 26, an airtight seal is provided between the interior 27 of the BMS housing 24 and the exterior 29 of the BMS housing 24 (when the cover is sealed to the BMS housing 24 to form a constrained volume). The female connector has a complementary electrical connection socket to receive a corresponding conductive connector signal pin 28, thereby allowing a signal to the BMS 16, or from the BMS to an external signal information source / user. Figure 4 Shown with Figure 3 , but in which the BMS housing 24 and the connector housing 26 are transparently shown to help understand the relationship between the conductive connector signal pin 28 and the BMS 16 when the conductive connector signal pin 28 enters the interior 27 of the BMS housing 24 from the exterior 29 of the BMS housing 24. In some embodiments, the connector signal pin is made of a brass alloy. Of course, other suitable metals can be used based on design needs as long as the metal can carry signals under conditions such as the intended frequency, amplitude, DC voltage, etc. The BMS 16 is arranged to monitor at least one parameter of at least one battery cell 14 and provide data corresponding to the parameter to an external system via at least one conductive signal pin 28.

[0033] Figure 5 and Figure 6 is a side view of an example battery management system and BMS housing 24 showing connector 18 . Figure 6 Shown with Figure 5 , but with the BMS housing 24 and connector housing 26 transparently shown to aid in understanding the relationship between the conductive connector signal pins 28 and the BMS 16 as the conductive connector signal pins 28 enter the interior 27 of the BMS housing 24 from the exterior 29 of the BMS housing 24. Figure 5 and Figure 6 It can be seen that in some embodiments, the connector 18 also includes an alignment tab 32 to help align the female connector (not shown) with the connector 18 and ensure proper orientation of the female connector (not shown) and the connector 18 when the female connector is inserted into the connector 18.

[0034] Figure 7 and Figure 8 is a top view of an example battery management system and BMS housing 24 constructed according to the principles of the present disclosure, with the top of the BMS housing 24 removed. Figure 7An overmoulding 31 is shown, inside which is a corresponding part of the first elongated portion 36 . Figure 8 Shown with Figure 7 , but with the connector housing 26 transparently shown to help understand the relationship between the conductive connector signal pins 28 and the BMS 16 as the conductive connector signal pins 28 enter the interior 27 of the BMS housing 24 from the exterior 29 of the BMS housing 24. Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the BMS 16 includes one or more BMS electrical connectors 34. The BMS electrical connectors 34 are arranged to mate with corresponding ones of the conductive connector signal pins 28 when the BMS 16 is inserted into the BMS housing 34, thereby providing an electrical signal path from the outside of the BMS housing 24 to components of the BMS 16.

[0035] Fig. 9 3 is a top perspective view of an example conductive signal pin 28. The conductive signal pin 28 includes a first elongated portion 36, a shoulder portion 38, and a second elongated portion 40, the first elongated portion being continuous with the shoulder portion, and the shoulder portion being continuous with the second elongated portion. The shoulder portion 38 includes a bend of approximately 90 degrees, so that the first elongated portion 36 and the second elongated portion 40 are orthogonal to each other. In other words, in one orientation, the first elongated portion 36 can be horizontal and parallel to the BMS 16 when installed, while the second elongated portion 40 is vertical and perpendicular to the longitudinal plane of the BMS 16 when installed. In some embodiments, the shoulder portion 38 is arranged to allow the first elongated portion 36 to be offset relative to the second elongated portion 40 in the horizontal direction (i.e., coplanar with the first elongated portion 36). In some embodiments, the portion 36, the portion 38, and the portion 40 can be formed as a single metal piece, i.e., an integral structure, by, for example, stamping or molding.

[0036] Fig.10 is a side cross-sectional view of a portion of an example battery management system housing 24 and connector 18 constructed according to the principles of the present disclosure. Specifically, Fig.10 The first elongated portion 36 is shown protruding into an interior portion of the BMS housing 24, and the second elongated portion 40 is coupled with the BMS electrical connector 34. In one embodiment, the portion of the first elongated portion 36 that is interior to the outer wall of the BMS housing 24 and the portion of the second elongated portion 40 (as well as the shoulder portion 38) can be overmolded with the BMS housing 24, thereby holding the conductive signal pins 28 in place to facilitate assembly of the BMS 16.

[0037] Fig.11is a top perspective cutaway view of a portion of an example battery management system housing 24 and connector 18 constructed in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure, showing the internal electrical connection points of the connector signal pins. As shown in the partially transparent view, the arrangement and orientation of the various portions of the conductive connector signal pins 28 can be seen, including portions of the first elongated portion 36 that are overmolded with the BMS housing 24 and portions of the second elongated portion 40. Overmolding also facilitates environmental isolation of the connector 18 between the exterior of the BMS housing 24 and the interior of the BMS housing 24. For example, the portion of the first elongated portion 36 that is exterior to the battery management system housing 24 (i.e., positioned within the connector housing 26) can be sealed within the overmolded portion of the BMS housing 24 so that although the conductive signal pins 28 protrude through the wall forming the BMS housing 24, the interior 27 of the BMS housing 24 remains environmentally isolated from the exterior 29 of the BMS 24. In another embodiment, the conductive connector signal pins 28 (e.g., at least a portion of one or more of the first elongated portion 36, the shoulder portion 38, and the second elongated portion 40) can be attached to the BMS housing 24 rather than being integrated with the BMS housing 24 via overmolding. In such a case, the attachment can be achieved by glue or using a non-conductive (e.g., thermoplastic polymer) cover / strip to hold the conductive connector signal pins 28 in place.

[0038] Fig.12 is a front cutaway view of a portion of an example battery management system housing 24 and connector 18 constructed in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure, illustrating the electrical connections between the connector and the BMS circuit board. Fig.12 The second elongated portion 40 is shown protruding through an opening 42 in the BMS 16 (specifically, a circuit board portion of the BMS 16 ). This arrangement allows the second elongated portion 40 of the conductive signal pin 28 to physically and electrically couple with a corresponding BMS electrical connector 24 of the BMS 16 .

[0039] Compared with the conventional technology of welding or soldering the signal pin to the corresponding connector on the BMS circuit board, this arrangement also simplifies assembly. According to the present disclosure and in one embodiment, the BMS 16 is installed in the BMS housing 24 by aligning the opening 42 with the corresponding second elongated portion 40 of the conductive connector signal pin 28, and inserting the BMS 16 into the BMS housing 24 so that the second elongated portion 40 is received through the corresponding opening 42. When fully inserted into the BMS housing 24, the second elongated portion 40 is contacted with the corresponding BMS electrical connector 34 and physically and electrically connected to the BMS electrical connector. The BMS electrical connector 34 is arranged so that the opposite sides of the BMS electrical connector are biased to squeeze the corresponding opposite sides of the second elongated portion 40. Advantageously, this arrangement allows the BMS electrical connector 34 to be electrically connected to the conductive connector signal pin 28 without welding, welding, etc. Once installed, one or more fasteners (e.g., screws, rivets, adhesives, etc.) can be used to keep the BMS 16 in the BMS housing 24.

[0040] Fig.13 Another top perspective cutaway view of a portion of an example battery management system housing 24 and connector 18 illustrating internal electrical connection points of the conductive connector signal pins 28 , particularly exposed portions of the second elongated portion 40 that may be used to couple with the BMS electrical connector 34 . Fig.13 Also shown are example attachment points 44 to which a circuit board of the BMS 16 may be attached, such as by screws protruding through corresponding openings in the BMS 16 circuit board.

[0041] In one embodiment, the battery management system structure 25 has a housing 24 having a housing interior 27 and a housing exterior 29; a connector housing 26 forming the interior; and at least one conductive signal pin 28. The connector housing 26 is integrally formed with the housing 24 and positioned on the housing exterior 29. Each of the at least one conductive signal pin 28 has a first elongated portion 36, a second elongated portion 40, and a shoulder portion 38 coupling the first elongated portion 36 with the second elongated portion 40, the first elongated portion being partially positioned within the connector housing 26 interior and extending into the housing interior 27, the second elongated portion being positioned within the housing interior 27. The shoulder portion 38 is arranged to have a bend such that the first elongated portion 36 is substantially orthogonal to the second elongated portion 40.

[0042] According to one aspect, the first elongated portion 36, the second elongated portion 40, and the shoulder portion 38 are formed as a unitary structure. According to another aspect of this embodiment, the shoulder portion 38 is arranged to allow the first elongated portion 36 to be offset relative to the second elongated portion 40 in a horizontal direction. According to another aspect of this embodiment, the portion of the first elongated portion 36 extending into the housing interior 27 is overmolded by the housing 24. According to another aspect of this embodiment, the shoulder portion 38 is overmolded by the housing 24. According to another aspect of this embodiment, a portion of the second elongated portion 40 is overmolded by the housing 24. According to another aspect of this embodiment, the overmolding of one or more of the first elongated portion 36, the second elongated portion 40, and the shoulder portion 38 isolates the housing exterior 29 from the housing interior 27 environment. According to another aspect of this embodiment, the housing 24 and the connector housing 26 are nylon or glass-filled nylon.

[0043] In another embodiment, the battery 10 has a battery management system (BMS) 16 and a battery management system structure 25. The BMS structure 25 has a housing 24 having a housing interior 27 and a housing exterior 29; a connector housing 26 forming the interior; and at least one conductive signal pin 28. The BMS 16 is positioned within the housing interior 27. The connector housing 26 is integrally formed with the housing 24 and positioned on the housing exterior 29. Each of the at least one conductive signal pin 28 has a first elongated portion 36, a second elongated portion 40, and a shoulder portion 38 coupling the first elongated portion 36 with the second elongated portion 40, the first elongated portion being partially positioned within the connector housing 26 interior and extending into the housing interior 27, the second elongated portion being positioned within the housing interior 27. The shoulder portion 38 is arranged to have a bend such that the first elongated portion 36 is substantially orthogonal to the second elongated portion 40.

[0044] According to one aspect, the first elongated portion 36, the second elongated portion 40, and the shoulder portion 38 are formed as a unitary structure. According to another aspect of this embodiment, the shoulder portion 38 is arranged to allow the first elongated portion 36 to be offset relative to the second elongated portion 40 in a horizontal direction. According to another aspect of this embodiment, the portion of the first elongated portion 36 extending into the housing interior 27 is overmolded by the housing 24. According to another aspect of this embodiment, the shoulder portion 38 is overmolded by the housing 24. According to another aspect of this embodiment, a portion of the second elongated portion 40 is overmolded by the housing 24. According to another aspect of this embodiment, the overmolding of one or more of the first elongated portion 36, the second elongated portion 40, and the shoulder portion 38 isolates the housing exterior 29 from the housing interior 27 environment. According to another aspect of this embodiment, the housing 24 and the connector housing 26 are nylon or glass-filled nylon.

[0045] According to another aspect of the embodiment, the battery management system 16 includes at least one BMS electrical connector 34, each of the at least one BMS electrical connector 34 is arranged to be physically and electrically connected to the second elongated portion 40 of the corresponding conductive signal pin 28. According to another aspect of the embodiment, at least one BMS electrical connector 34 is biased to squeeze the second elongated portion 40, thereby achieving physical and electrical connection. According to another aspect of the embodiment, the BMS16 includes at least one opening 42, each of the at least one opening 42 is arranged to receive the second elongated portion 40 of the corresponding conductive signal pin 28 passing therethrough. According to another aspect of the embodiment, the battery 10 further has at least one battery cell 14, and the BMS16 is arranged to monitor at least one parameter of the at least one battery cell 14, and provide data corresponding to the parameter to an external system via at least one conductive signal pin 28.

[0046] As described above, embodiments are not limited to battery management system hardware (e.g., circuit boards), and circuit boards arranged to perform other battery-related functions may be used in place of circuit boards and hardware / software / firmware that specifically provides BMS functions. In other words, electrical connectors 34 may be provided on a circuit board that provides functions other than BMS functions, such that this circuit board may be connected to conductive signal pins 28 using the techniques and arrangements described herein.

[0047] It should be understood that all specification values ​​shown and described herein are non-limiting examples of embodiments of the battery 10 and the connector 18 constructed according to the principles of the present disclosure provided herein. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present embodiment is not limited to what has been specifically shown and described above. In addition, unless otherwise mentioned above, it should be noted that all drawings are not drawn to scale. In view of the above teachings, various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A battery management system structure (25), the battery management system structure (25) comprising: a housing (24) having a housing interior (27) and a housing exterior (29); forming an interior connector housing (26) formed integrally with the housing (24) and positioned on the housing exterior (29); and At least one conductive signal pin (28), each conductive signal pin of the at least one conductive signal pin (28) having: a first elongated portion (36) positioned partially within the connector housing interior and extending into the housing interior (27); a second elongated portion (40) positioned within the housing interior (27); and A shoulder portion (38) coupling the first elongated portion (36) to the second elongated portion (40), the shoulder portion (38) being arranged with a bend such that the first elongated portion (36) is substantially orthogonal to the second elongated portion (40).

2. The battery management system structure (25) as claimed in claim 1, wherein: The first elongated portion (36), the second elongated portion (40), and the shoulder portion (38) are formed as a unitary structure.

3. The battery management system structure (25) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The shoulder portion (38) is arranged to allow the first elongated portion (36) to be offset in a horizontal direction relative to the second elongated portion (40).

4. The battery management system structure (25) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The portion of the first elongate portion (36) extending into the housing interior (27) is over-moulded by the housing (24).

5. The battery management system structure (25) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The shoulder portion (38) is overmolded by the housing (24).

6. The battery management system structure (25) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: A portion of the second elongated portion (40) is overmolded by the housing (24).

7. The battery management system structure (25) according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein: Overmolding of one or more of the first elongated portion (36), the second elongated portion (40), and the shoulder portion (38) environmentally isolates the housing exterior (29) from the housing interior (27).

8. The battery management system structure (25) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The housing (24) and the connector shell (26) are nylon or glass-filled nylon.

9. A battery (10), comprising: Battery Management System BMS (16); as well as A battery management system structure (25), wherein the battery management system structure (25) comprises: a housing (24) having a housing interior (27) and a housing exterior (29), the BMS being positioned within the housing interior (27); forming an interior connector housing (26) formed integrally with the housing (24) and positioned on the housing exterior (29); and At least one conductive signal pin (28), each conductive signal pin of the at least one conductive signal pin (28) having: a first elongated portion (36) positioned partially within the connector housing (26) interior and extending into the housing interior (27); a second elongated portion (40) positioned within the housing interior (27); and A shoulder portion (38) coupling the first elongated portion (36) to the second elongated portion (40), the shoulder portion (38) being arranged with a bend such that the first elongated portion (36) is substantially orthogonal to the second elongated portion (40).

10. The battery according to claim 9, wherein The first elongated portion (36), the second elongated portion (40), and the shoulder portion (38) are formed as a unitary structure.

11. The battery according to claim 9 or 10, wherein The shoulder portion (38) is arranged to allow the first elongated portion (36) to be offset in a horizontal direction relative to the second elongated portion (40).

12. The battery according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein The portion of the first elongate portion (36) extending into the housing interior (27) is over-moulded by the housing (24).

13. The battery according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein The shoulder portion (38) is overmolded by the housing (24).

14. The battery according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein A portion of the second elongated portion (40) is overmolded by the housing (24).

15. The battery according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein Overmolding of one or more of the first elongated portion (36), the second elongated portion (40), and the shoulder portion (38) environmentally isolates the housing exterior (29) from the housing interior (27).

16. The battery according to any one of claims 9 to 15, wherein The housing (24) and the connector shell (26) are nylon or glass-filled nylon.

17. The battery according to any one of claims 9 to 16, wherein The battery management system includes at least one BMS electrical connector (34), each of the at least one BMS electrical connector (34) being arranged to be physically and electrically coupled to a second elongated portion (40) of a corresponding conductive signal pin (28).

18. The battery according to claim 17, wherein The at least one BMS electrical connector (34) is biased to compress the second elongated portion (40) to achieve physical and electrical connection.

19. The battery according to any one of claims 12 to 18, wherein The BMS (16) includes at least one opening, each of the at least one opening being arranged to receive the second elongated portion (40) of a corresponding conductive signal pin (28) therethrough.

20. The battery according to any one of claims 12 to 19, further comprising at least one battery cell (14), the BMS (16) being arranged to monitor at least one parameter of the at least one battery cell (14) and to provide data corresponding to the parameter to an external system via the at least one conductive signal pin (28).

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