Improved storage battery assembly

Abstract

A battery assembly includes a battery cell having an outer housing and first and second electrical terminals enabling power to be drawn from the battery cell, the housing being electrically coupled to the first electrical terminal and electrically insulated from the second electrical terminal; an electronic component including a measuring device; and wherein the electronic component is electrically connected to the second electrical terminal and to the housing, whereby the electronic component is electrically coupled to the first battery cell terminal via the housing, thereby enabling the measurement device to measure a property of the battery cell.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a battery assembly including a battery cell and an electronic component, wherein the electronic component includes a measuring device for measuring a property of the battery cell. In particular, a member for electrically coupling the electronic component to the battery cell is disclosed so that the measuring device can measure the property of the battery cell. In addition, a battery pack including a plurality of the aforementioned battery assemblies is disclosed. Background Art

[0002] Known battery cells may include a measuring device that is arranged to measure performance characteristics of the battery cell, such as a voltage or current output by the battery cell. Failures and non-ideal operations of the battery cell can then be inferred from the voltage, current or other measurement data of the battery cell. Typically, this requires electrically connecting the measuring device to two electrical terminals of the battery cell. To achieve this, a physical connector such as a wire is used to span the spacing distance between each terminal and the measuring device. For battery cells with smaller physical dimensions, this requirement does not present significant disadvantages during battery assembly. However, for batteries with physically larger form factors, such as but not limited to batteries with a spacing distance between battery terminals equal to or greater than 100 mm, the measurement device must be physically connected to the two terminals via physical connectors such as wiring, which increases the complexity and cost of assembly. Similar challenges are encountered when the battery terminals are located on different faces of the battery cell.

[0003] Running long wires between the battery terminals and the measuring device may present a risk of short circuits. In the case where the measuring device is also powered by the battery cell to which it is electrically connected, using long physical wires to provide the electrical connection may introduce errors in the battery voltage measurement made by the measuring device. This problem can be solved by providing a Kelvin connection. However, this requires doubling the number of wires and further increases the complexity of the assembly.

[0004] An object of at least some embodiments of the present disclosure is to address one or more shortcomings of the prior art and, in particular, to provide a more convenient means for electrically coupling electronic components including a measuring device to a battery cell, which is also suitable for use with batteries of larger form factors and batteries having electrical terminals located on different sides of the battery. Summary of the invention

[0005] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a battery assembly including a battery cell and an electronic component is provided, wherein the electronic component includes a measuring device. The battery cell includes an external housing and a first electrical terminal and a second electrical terminal that enable power to be drawn from the battery cell. The housing can be electrically coupled to the first electrical terminal and electrically insulated from the second electrical terminal. The electronic component can be electrically connected to the second electrical terminal and to the housing, thereby electrically coupling the electronic component to the first battery cell terminal via the housing, so that the measuring device can measure the properties of the battery cell. In this way, an electrical connection can be established between the electrical terminals of the battery cell and the electronic device without the need to use wires that span the spacing distance between the battery terminals and the electronic component. The electronic component can also be powered by the battery cell. This is advantageous when the electronic component is not equipped with an alternative power source. The first electrical terminal and the second electrical terminal can relate to the positive electrical terminal and the negative electrical terminal of the battery cell, respectively, or to the negative electrical terminal and the positive electrical terminal of the battery cell, respectively.

[0006] The battery assembly may include an electrical insulator configured to insulate the second electrical terminal from the housing. The electrical insulator may include a support structure configured to support the electronic component. The support structure may include a bracket configured to stabilize the electronic component at least partially within the bracket.

[0007] In some embodiments, the electrical insulator comprises a printed circuit board (PCB), and the electronic component can be fixed to the PCB. This is particularly advantageous because it reduces the amount of component parts required during the manufacture of the battery assembly. The electronic component itself will usually be fixed to the PCB. For example, the electronic component may include a microprocessor fixed to the PCB, and this PCB can also provide the functionality of the electrical insulator, thus avoiding the need for additional insulators. In addition, in some embodiments, the electrical contacts required to electrically couple the electronic component to the housing and the second electrical terminal, respectively, can be included in the PCB, thereby further simplifying the manufacture of the battery assembly and providing a more convenient retrofit solution.

[0008] In some embodiments, the surface of the housing may include a support structure configured to support the electronic component. For example, the support structure may be configured on a face of the housing from which the second battery cell terminal protrudes.

[0009] In some embodiments, a support structure may be configured on the inner surface of the housing, and the electronic components may be mounted on the support structure. The electronic components may be coated with a protective film to avoid any interference with the electrochemistry within the battery cell. Additionally, in some embodiments, the housing may include a window that allows radio frequency (RF) transmissions to pass through the housing via the window. This may be useful in the case where the electronic component includes a wireless transmitter or receiver, in which case the window enables radio frequency (RF) signals to be transmitted to and / or from the electronic component.

[0010] According to some embodiments, the electronic component may be included on a laminate wrap that is adhered to at least a portion of the outer surface of the housing. For example, the electronic component may be provided in a central portion of the laminate wrap, wherein the central portion is aligned with an end surface of the housing that includes the second battery cell terminal. This may simplify the manufacture of the battery assembly.

[0011] The electronic component may include a wireless transmitter configured to wirelessly transmit the measured properties of the battery cell. For example, the measured properties may be wirelessly transmitted to a battery management system (BMS) located remotely from the battery assembly. The received information may then be used by the BMS to manage the operation and use of the battery assembly.

[0012] According to some embodiments, the battery assembly may include a current interrupt device (CID). The CID may include a pressure detector configured to detect when the internal gas pressure of the battery cell is greater than or equal to a predetermined gas pressure. The CID may be configured to establish electrical contact with the electronic component depending on whether the internal gas pressure of the battery cell is greater than or equal to a predetermined gas pressure. In this way, the electronic component can be used to monitor the state of the CID. The electronic component may be further configured to transmit a signal to the BMS when the CID is in electrical contact with the electronic component.

[0013] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a battery or a battery pack is provided, which includes a plurality of the aforementioned battery assemblies. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] In the following part of the present disclosure, specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described as non-limiting examples only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0015] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a battery assembly according to an embodiment, the battery assembly including an electronic component electrically connected to a battery cell housing and electrically connected to a second battery cell terminal electrically insulated from the battery housing;

[0016] Figure 2 for Figure 1 an enlarged view of a second battery cell terminal and electrically connected electronic components;

[0017] Figure 3 for Figure 1 and 2 a cross-sectional side view of a second battery terminal and electrically connected electronic components;

[0018] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional side view of a second battery terminal and electrically connected electronic components according to an embodiment, wherein the electrical insulator comprises a printed circuit board (PCB);

[0019] Figure 5is an exploded perspective view of a battery assembly including a current interrupt device (CID) according to an embodiment;

[0020] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a battery assembly, wherein the electrical insulator includes a support structure configured to support an electronic component;

[0021] Figure 7 for Figure 6 An exploded perspective view of a battery assembly of , wherein the pin contacts are used to establish an electrical connection between the electronic component and the battery cell housing and the second electrical terminal of the battery cell respectively;

[0022] Figure 8 for Figure 6 A cross-sectional perspective view of a battery assembly showing pin contacts;

[0023] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a battery assembly according to an embodiment, the battery assembly including electronic components electrically connected to a substrate residing on a battery housing wall;

[0024] Fig.10 is a perspective view of a battery assembly according to an embodiment, the battery assembly including electronic components installed inside a battery housing 104 and a window exposing a portion of the electronic components;

[0025] Fig.11 for Fig.10 A cross-sectional perspective view of a battery assembly;

[0026] Fig.12 is a perspective view of a battery cell according to an embodiment, the battery cell including a laminate wrap adhered around the battery cell, the battery cell containing electronic circuitry;

[0027] Fig.13 To include in Fig.12 An enlarged view of a central portion of a laminate wrap in a battery assembly;

[0028] Fig.14 A battery assembly according to an embodiment includes a battery cell having a rectangular prismatic form factor, wherein a first battery cell terminal and a second battery cell terminal are located on opposing faces at opposing ends of the battery cell; and

[0029] Fig.15 for Fig.14 A perspective view of an end face of a battery assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] In the following illustrative description of the embodiments, like numbered reference numerals appearing in different figures will be used to refer to shared features.

[0031] Figure 1 A perspective view of a battery assembly 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The battery assembly 100 includes a battery cell 102 having a housing 104. The battery cell 102 includes a first electrical terminal 106 and a second electrical terminal 108. The first electrical terminal 106 and the second electrical terminal 108 may relate to a positive battery cell terminal and a negative battery cell terminal, respectively, or to a negative battery cell terminal and a positive battery cell terminal, respectively. In other words, the first electrical terminal 106 may relate to a positive battery cell terminal and the second electrical terminal 108 may relate to a negative battery cell terminal, or vice versa. Either configuration is suitable for use with the embodiments disclosed herein. The first electrical terminal 106 and the second electrical terminal 108 are connected to electrodes within the battery cell 102. The electrodes relate to an anode and a cathode. In addition, the following features are located within the battery cell 102: a separator, an electrolyte, and a current collector. In combination with the anode and the cathode, these features are sometimes referred to as an electrode stack. The battery cell 102 may include one or more electrode stacks (not shown) therein. The first electrical terminal 106 and the second electrical terminal 108 enable power to be drawn from the battery cell 102 by way of connection to one or more electrode stacks within the battery cell 102 .

[0032] The first electrical terminal 106 is electrically coupled to the housing 104. In this way, the housing 104 effectively acts as an electrical terminal of the battery cell 102. The second electrical terminal 108 is electrically insulated from the housing 104 by the electrical insulator 110. The battery assembly 100 includes an electronic component 112. The electronic component 112 includes a measurement device, and in some embodiments, may also include a wireless transmitter for communicating with, for example, an external remote battery management system (BMS) or with any other device to transmit measurement data. The electronic component 112 is electrically connected to the second electrical terminal 108 and is electrically connected to the housing 104. The electrical connection of the electronic component 112 to the housing 104 electrically couples the electronic component 112 to the first battery cell terminal 106 because the housing 104 itself is electrically coupled to the first battery cell terminal 106. In this way, an electrical coupling between the first battery cell terminal 106 and the second battery cell terminal 108 and the electronic component 112 can be established without requiring a direct physical connection between the electronic component 112 and the two battery cell terminals.

[0033] The electrical coupling of the first battery cell terminal 106 and the second battery cell terminal 108 with the electronic component 112 enables a measuring device to measure a property of the battery cell 102. For example, such measurements may include, but are not limited to, any one or more of the following: current measurement, voltage measurement, and / or temperature measurement. In addition, in certain embodiments, the electrical coupling of the first battery cell terminal 106 and the second battery cell terminal 108 with the electronic component 112 may enable power to be drawn from the battery cell 102, thereby powering the electronic component 112 and the associated measuring device. This is particularly useful in situations where the electronic component 112 is not otherwise equipped with an independent power supply.

[0034] Figure 2 for Figure 1 100, and shows a non-limiting example of how an electronic component 112 can be electrically connected to the second battery cell terminal 108 and the housing 104 according to certain embodiments. As shown, the electronic component 112 includes a first electrical contact 114 and a second electrical contact 116, connecting the electronic component 112 to the housing 104 and the second electrical terminal 108, respectively. According to some non-limiting embodiments, the first electrical contact 114 and the second electrical contact 116 can be established by any one or more of the following: welding, wire bonding, conductive adhesion, crimping, welding, press-fit contact and / or spring contact. The electronic component 112 can be directly fastened to the electrical insulator 110 by, for example, an adhesive.

[0035] Figure 3 for Figure 2 1 is a cross-sectional side view of an enlarged portion of the battery assembly 100 shown in FIG. Figure 3 An electrical insulator 110 is shown that provides a support structure for an electronic component 112. In the illustrated embodiment, the electrical insulator 110 forms a snap fit connection around the second electrical terminal 108, thereby insulating it from the housing 104. In some embodiments, the electrical insulator 110 may form an interference fit around the second electrical terminal 108. The electrical insulator 110 may be formed of any electrically insulating material. For example, in some embodiments, the electrical insulator 110 may be formed of an electrically insulating plastic material. For purposes of the present invention, the precise material of the electrical insulator 110 is not important, as long as it is an electrically insulating material. For purely non-limiting illustrative purposes, the electrical insulator 110 is not shown in FIG. Figure 3 In the embodiment, the first electrical contact 114 is oriented relative to Figure 2 The orientation in FIG. 1 is changed to illustrate the electrical connection of the electronic component 112 to the housing 104 . Figure 3 The electrode 118 coupled to the second battery cell terminal 108 is also clearly shown.

[0036] In some embodiments, the snap-fit ​​or interference-fit connection of the electrical insulator 110 to the second electrical terminal 108 enables the combined electrical insulator 110 and attached electronic component 112 to be retrofittable to the battery cell 102 after assembly of the battery cell 102. Such a connection also facilitates removal of the electrical insulator 110 and electronic component 112 for battery maintenance.

[0037] According to some embodiments, electrical insulator 110 may include a printed circuit board (PCB) to which electronic components 112 are electrically connected. In such embodiments, Figure 4 1 is a cross-sectional side view of the second electrical terminal 108. The second electrical terminal 108 may include a terminal cap 108A and a stud 108B. The physical connection with the cap 108A or the stud 108B is sufficient to provide an electrical connection with the second electrical terminal 108. As shown, the electrical insulator 110 includes a PCB to which the electronic component 112 is attached. The PCB may be made of a plastic material, such as FR-4. The PCB 110 may be configured with a cutout 121 ( Figure 5 The shape of the cutout is complementary to the cross-sectional shape of the stud 108B and is configured to receive the stud 108B. This enables the PCB 110 to be mounted around the stud 108B. Figure 5 As shown, the terminal cap 108A may be configured to hold the PCB 110 in place by engaging with the end of the stud 108B protruding from the cutout 121 in the PCB 110. The PCB 110 may be configured with electrical wires within its laminate so as to establish a first electrical contact 114 and a second electrical contact 116 between the housing 104, the electronic component 112, and the second electrical terminal 108. For example, the PCB 110 may include a first electrical contact 114 on its bottom surface, which is positioned to be able to establish an electrical connection with the housing 104 when the PCB 110 is in contact with the housing 104. Similarly, the PCB 110 may be configured with a second electrical contact 116 positioned at the face of the cutout 121 so that an electrical connection can be established with the second electrical terminal 108 via the stud 108B when the PCB 110 is mounted around the stud 108B.

[0038] According to some embodiments, the battery assembly 100 may include a current interrupt device (CID). Conventionally, the CID is configured to open the battery cell when the internal gas pressure is equal to or greater than a predetermined pressure. The predetermined gas pressure may relate to a threshold pressure value within the battery cell, at which continued operation of the battery cell is considered dangerous and may potentially lead to catastrophic battery failure. The CID acts as a safety device to prevent excessive gas pressure accumulation within the battery cell to reduce the possibility of catastrophic battery failure.

[0039] Figure 51 is an exploded perspective view of a battery assembly 100 including a CID 120 according to an embodiment. The CID includes a pressure detector 122 configured to detect when the internal gas pressure of the battery cell 102 is greater than or equal to a predetermined gas pressure. The CID 120 may be configured to establish electrical contact with the electronic component 112 depending on whether the internal gas pressure of the battery cell 102 is greater than or equal to the predetermined gas pressure. The electronic component 112 may be configured to transmit a signal to, for example, an external remotely located battery management system (BMS) when the CID 120 is in electrical contact with the electronic component 112. The electronic signal indicates that the internal gas pressure within the battery cell 102 is equal to or greater than the predetermined internal gas pressure, and therefore indicates that the battery cell 102 may no longer be in a safe operating state. In an embodiment where the electronic component 112 includes a wireless transmitter, the electronic signal may be transmitted to the BMS via the wireless transmitter. After receiving the electronic signal, the BMS may take any necessary action to mitigate the safety risk associated with the detected accumulation of internal gas pressure within the battery cell 102.

[0040] In some embodiments, CID 120 may operate in a conventional manner known in the art. For example, CID 120 may be connected to a fuse circuit ( Figure 5 When the pressure detector 122 detects that the internal gas pressure is equal to or greater than a predetermined gas pressure, the CID 120 blows the fuse, thereby opening the battery cell 102.

[0041] exist Figure 5 In the embodiment shown in , the pressure detector 122 may include a diaphragm configured to deform and establish electrical contact with the electronic component 112. Figure 5 As shown, the electrical insulator 110 may be a PCB. The PCB 110 may be provided with electrical contacts on its bottom face so that when the membrane is deformed and turned over, electrical contact with the electronic component 112 is established.

[0042] Figure 6 Another embodiment is shown in which the electrical insulator 110 defines a support structure for receiving the electronic component 112. For example, the electrical insulator 110 may include a bracket 124 configured to at least partially receive the electronic component 112 therein. The electronic component 112 may be secured to the bracket 124 by any suitable member or device. For example, by any one or more of: adhesive tape, interference fit, and / or snap fit.

[0043] Figure 7 for Figure 6FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the battery assembly 100. The bracket 124 is clearly shown. The electronic component 112 is fastened to the bracket 124 via pin contacts 128, which also double as electrical contacts, thereby establishing an electrical connection with the second electrical terminal 108 and the housing 104. As shown, the bracket 124 defines a recess for receiving the electronic component 112.

[0044] Figure 8 for Figure 7 100. The cross section is taken along the second electrical terminal 108 in a plane parallel to the width of the battery cell 102. The first pin contact 128A establishes electrical contact with the housing 104, while the second pin contact 128B establishes electrical contact with the second electrical terminal 108. According to some embodiments, the pin contacts 128A and 128B may include spring-loaded pins configured such that when the electronic component 112 is placed in the bracket 124, the spring is compressed. The compression of the spring displaces the first pin contact 128A and the second pin contact 128B, so that electrical contact between the electronic component 112 and the housing 104 and the second electrical terminal 108 is established.

[0045] Fig. 9 Another embodiment is shown in which a face of the housing 104 includes a support structure configured to support the electronic component 112. For example, Fig. 9 As shown, the support structure can be configured on the top surface of the housing 104. This ensures that the support structure is disposed on the same surface from which the second terminal 108 protrudes. The support structure can include a substrate 126, such as a PCB to which the electronic component 112 is electrically connected. The PCB can be made of a plastic material, such as FR-4 or a metal (e.g., aluminum or copper), and the metal used to define the PCB traces can be similar or different from the metal used in the housing 104. In other words, the material of the housing 1045 does not limit the choice of material used to define the PCB traces. Fig. 9 A non-limiting example is further shown of how the electronic component 112 may be electronically connected to the second battery cell terminal 108 and the housing 104. As shown, first and second electrical contacts 114, 116 may be provided to connect the electronic component 112 to the housing 104 and the second electrical terminal 108, respectively, via the substrate 126.

[0046] Fig.10Another embodiment is shown in which the electronic component 112 is mounted internally on the inner surface of the housing 104. The electrical connection to the first battery cell terminal 106 and the second battery cell terminal 108 can be made in the same manner as previously described. The electronic component 112 can be coated to avoid any interference with the electrochemistry within the battery cell 102, that is, to ensure that there is no contamination or undesirable chemical reaction in the electrochemistry within the battery cell 102 (for example, by using a protective film, coating or conformal coating). The electronic component 112 can be attached to the inner surface of the housing 104 by any suitable means (for example, an adhesive).

[0047] In some embodiments where the electronic component 112 may include a wireless transmitter, such as a radio frequency (RF) transmitter, the housing 104 may include a window 130 configured to enable RF transmissions to pass through the housing 104. Fig.10 As shown, the window 130 can enable RF coupling between the electronic component 112 and the RF transmission line 132. For non-limiting illustrative purposes only, only a portion of the RF transmission line 132 is shown. RF transmission can be performed between the antenna inside the battery cell 102 and the antenna (e.g., transmission line 132) outside the battery cell 102 through the housing 104 via the window 130. The window 130 can be made of any type of material that allows the transmission of RF signals. In other words, any material that exhibits low loss for the transmission of RF energy. For example, different types of plastics, glass, ceramics, or other RF transparent materials can be used for the window 130.

[0048] Fig.11 For along Fig.10 A cross-sectional perspective view of the battery taken along the length of the battery cell 102 . Fig.11 The electronic component 112 is clearly shown adhered to the interior surface of the housing 104 and positioned below the window 130 to enable transmission of RF signals between the electronic component 112 and the RF transmission line 132 .

[0049] Fig.12 1 is a perspective view of another embodiment in which the electronic component 112 is included in a laminate wrap 140. The laminate wrap 140 is adhered to the battery cell 102. As with the previously described embodiments, the electronic component 112 may be included on a flexible PCB. The laminate wrap 140 may include a thermally conductive sheet that interfaces with one or more surfaces of the housing 104, thereby providing a thermal interface for cooling or heating. The laminate wrap 140 may include an electrically insulating sheet, thereby insulating the battery cell 102 from adjacent cells. The laminate wrap 140 may wrap at least a portion of the outer surface of the housing 104 or the entire circumference of the housing 104, such as Fig.12As shown. The laminate wrap 140 can be made of any flexible material having the desired thermal and adhesive properties. For example, any type of plastic or polymer, such as acrylic, vinyl, polyurethane, polyester, or PVC. Another advantage of using a laminate wrap is that, depending on the material selected, the laminate wrap 140 can act as a flame retardant to increase safety.

[0050] Fig.13 for Fig.12 108. A plan view of the unfolded laminate wrap 140. According to the illustrated embodiment, the electronic component 112 is disposed in a central portion of the laminate wrap 140, disposed on a portion of the laminate wrap 140 that is aligned with an end surface of the housing 104 including the second battery cell terminal 108. A first electrical contact 114 (not shown) and a second electrical contact 116 configured to connect the electronic component 112 to the housing 104 and the second electrical terminal 108, respectively, may be included in the laminate wrap 140. For example, the first electrical contact 114 may be located below the electronic component 112, passing through the laminate wrap 140, thereby establishing an electrical connection between the electronic component 112 and the housing 104; the second electrical contact 116 may be embedded in the laminate wrap 140 structure and may include an annular protrusion 146, which is provided to establish an electrical connection with the second battery cell terminal 108, as shown. Fig.12 shown. Figures 12 to 13 One of the benefits of the embodiment shown in is that no additional design is required when the battery cell 102 is shipped. In other words, the laminate structure described herein is retrofittable and applicable to a wide range of battery cell types.

[0051] The means and embodiments disclosed herein for electrically coupling electronic components to electrical terminals of a battery cell are particularly convenient for use with battery cells having a form factor in which the spacing distance between the electrical terminals is large and / or in which the electrical terminals are located on different faces of the battery cell. As previously mentioned, electrically coupling one of the battery terminals to the battery housing effectively causes the housing to double as one of the battery terminals. Thus, all that is required to establish an electrical circuit between the battery terminal and the electronic component is an electrical connection between the electronic component and the electrical terminal of the cell that is electrically insulated from the housing, and an electrical connection between the electronic component and the housing. This can significantly reduce the amount of wires required to electrically couple the electronic component to the battery cell.

[0052] Fig.14 and 15 are examples of battery cells having different form factors where use of the means disclosed herein for electrically coupling electronic components 112 to the battery cells may be particularly advantageous. Fig.14A rectangular prismatic cell is shown having a length greater than its width, with first and second electrical terminals 106, 108 located on opposite faces of the battery cell 102. More specifically, the first and second electrical terminals 106, 108 are located on opposite end faces of the battery cell 102, the end faces being located at opposite ends of the cell length. Coupling the electronic component 112 to the housing 104 and the second electrical terminal 108 as previously disclosed facilitates assembly of the battery assembly 100 for the reasons previously disclosed. Fig.15 To include Fig.14 A perspective view of an end face of a battery cell 102 showing a second electrical terminal 108 and an electronic component 112 is shown.

[0053] It should be understood that according to embodiments of the present disclosure, the electronic component may be positioned at any location on the housing as it is sufficient to electrically couple the electronic component to the first electrical terminal. For convenience only, the attached illustrated embodiments depict the electronic component being positioned on the battery cell face including the second electrical terminal as this minimizes the length of the electrical contact required to electrically couple the electronic component to the second electrical terminal.

[0054] It should also be understood that the first electrical terminal 106 and the second electrical terminal 108 may be related to the positive battery cell terminal and the negative battery cell terminal, respectively, or to the negative battery cell terminal and the positive battery cell terminal, respectively. In other words, it does not matter which electrical terminal the electrical terminal housing 104 is electrically coupled to and which electrical terminal is electrically insulated from the housing 104.

[0055] The description of various embodiments of the present disclosure has been presented for the purpose of illustration, but the description is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the scope of the present disclosure. Many modifications and variations of the disclosed embodiments will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments disclosed herein without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The terms used herein to disclose embodiments of the present disclosure are selected to best explain the principles of the embodiments, practical applications, or technical improvements to technologies found in the marketplace, or to enable those of ordinary skill in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0056] It should be understood that, for clarity, certain features of the disclosure described in the context of separate embodiments may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, for simplicity, different features of the disclosure described in the context of a single embodiment may also be provided individually or in any suitable sub-combination or, where appropriate, in any other described embodiment of the disclosure. Certain features described in the context of different embodiments should not be considered essential features of those embodiments, unless the embodiments do not function without those elements.

[0057] Although the present disclosure has been described in conjunction with the specific embodiments of the present disclosure, it is apparent that many alternatives, modifications and variations are apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, it is intended to cover all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A battery assembly comprising: a battery cell having an external housing and first and second electrical terminals to enable power to be drawn from the battery cell, the housing being electrically coupled to the first electrical terminal and electrically insulated from the second electrical terminal; An electronic component comprising a measuring device; and wherein The electronic component is electrically connected to the second electrical terminal and to the housing, thereby electrically coupling the electronic component to the first battery cell terminal via the housing, thereby enabling the measurement device to measure a property of the battery cell.

2. The battery assembly according to claim 1, comprising: An electrical insulator is configured to insulate the second electrical terminal from the housing.

3. The battery assembly of claim 2, wherein the electrical insulator comprises a support structure configured to support the electronic component.

4. The battery assembly of claim 3, wherein the electrical insulator includes a bracket configured to secure the electronic component at least partially within the bracket.

5. A battery assembly according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the electrical insulator comprises a printed circuit board (PCB) and the electronic components are fixed to the PCB.

6. The battery assembly of any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the electrical insulator comprises a first contact and a second contact, the first contact being configured to electrically couple the electronic component to the housing, and the second contact being configured to electrically couple the electronic component to the second electrical terminal.

7. The battery assembly of claim 6, wherein the first contact and the second contact are configured to secure the electronic component to the electrical insulator.

8. The battery assembly of claim 1 or 2, wherein a surface of the housing comprises a support structure configured to support the electronic component.

9. The battery assembly according to claim 8, wherein the support structure is arranged on an inner surface of the housing, and the electronic component is mounted on the support structure.

10. The secondary battery according to claim 9, wherein the electronic component is coated with a protective film.

11. A battery assembly according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the housing includes a window to enable RF transmission to pass through the window.

12. The battery assembly of claim 1 or 2, wherein the electronic component is included on a laminate wrap adhered to at least a portion of an outer surface of the housing.

13. The battery assembly of any one of claims 8 to 12, comprising a first contact and a second contact, the first contact being configured to electrically couple the electronic component to the housing, and the second contact being configured to electrically couple the electronic component to the second electrical terminal.

14. A battery assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the electronic components are configured to draw power from the battery cells.

15. A battery assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic component comprises a wireless transmitter configured to wirelessly transmit the measured property of the battery cell.

16. The battery assembly according to claim 14 or 15, comprising a current interrupt device (CID), the CID comprising a pressure detector, the pressure detector being configured to detect when the internal gas pressure of the battery cell is greater than or equal to a predetermined gas pressure, the CID being configured to establish electrical contact with the electronic component depending on the internal gas pressure of the battery cell being greater than or equal to the predetermined gas pressure; and wherein The electronic component is configured to transmit a signal to a battery management system when the CID is in electrical contact with the electronic component.

17. The battery assembly of claim 16, wherein the pressure detector includes a diaphragm configured to deform and establish the electrical contact with the electronic component.

18. The battery assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first electrical terminal and the second electrical terminal are respectively the positive electrical terminal and the negative electrical terminal of the battery cell, or respectively the negative electrical terminal and the positive electrical terminal of the battery cell.

19. The battery assembly of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the battery cell is a prismatic battery cell.

20. The battery assembly of claim 19, wherein the first electrical terminal and the second electrical terminal are located at different faces of the prismatic cell.

21. The battery assembly of claim 20, wherein the first electrical terminal and the second electrical terminal are located on opposite faces of the prismatic cell.

22. A storage battery comprising a plurality of storage battery assemblies according to any one of claims 1 to 21.

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