Battery assembly

Abstract

A battery assembly for a camping vehicle, comprising: a battery cell stack (2) comprising a plurality of battery cells (200), a battery positive terminal (21) and a battery negative terminal (22), where each battery cell (200) is a rechargeable lithium-based cell; an outer casing (3) and a cover plate (4) which can be applied to the outer casing (3) to define an inner volume (30) in which the stack of battery cells (2) is accommodated; a battery management system (5) comprising an electronic board (51) connected to the battery cell stack (2); a DC / DC converter (6) connected to the battery management system (5); a temperature sensor system (7) comprising a plate sensor (71) and one of the battery cells (72), the temperature sensor system for detecting a plate temperature value and a battery cell temperature value (702), respectively, where a battery management system (5) is connected to the temperature sensor system (7) for receiving the plate temperature value (701) and the cell temperature value (702), the battery management system (5) is configured for controlling the charging of the battery cell stack (2) and the DC / DC converter (6) based on the plate temperature value (701) or the cell temperature value (702), or both.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery assembly and to a method for charging the battery assembly. BACKGROUND

[0002] More specifically, the present invention relates to a battery assembly (or battery pack) for a vehicle (for example, a camper, a water vehicle or an electric vehicle).

[0003] In the field of vehicle battery assemblies, there is a need to use a standard size of a casing or housing to ensure long run time of the battery. For example, it is known in the prior art that vehicle battery assemblies use a standard L5 size of casing, thus the capacity is limited to 100 Ah; these battery assemblies limit the run time of the vehicle and require frequent charging. Therefore, planning the space inside the battery box is crucial to achieve high capacity while complying with the standard box size of the vehicle. It is also necessary to ensure that the battery assembly operates within certain safety thresholds. Examples of battery assemblies are provided in patent documents US 2007 / 087266 Al, US 2022 / 209320 Al and GB 2554747 A; however, none of these documents meet the market requirements. SUMMARY

[0004] The object of the present disclosure is to provide a battery assembly, a method for manufacturing the battery assembly, and a method for charging the battery assembly to overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks of the prior art.

[0005] More specifically, the object of the present invention is to provide a battery assembly, a method for manufacturing the battery assembly, and a method for charging the battery assembly capable of achieving high capacity, for example, up to 150 Ah.

[0006] Another object of the present invention is to provide a battery assembly that can be coupled with any battery charger.

[0007] Another object of the present invention is to provide a battery assembly that can be charged quickly and efficiently.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide a battery assembly that is easy to assemble.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide a battery assembly that can be used under any weather conditions, especially at low temperatures.

[0010] These objects are fully achieved by the battery assembly, the method for manufacturing the battery assembly, and the method for charging the battery assembly of the present disclosure as characterized in the appended claims.

[0011] More specifically, the battery assembly comprises a battery cell stack comprising a plurality of battery cells. Each battery cell of the plurality of battery cells is a rechargeable battery cell. Preferably, each battery cell of the plurality of battery cells is a lithium-based cell, for example LiFeP04. The battery cell stack comprises a positive terminal and a negative terminal.

[0012] The battery assembly comprises a box-shaped housing. The housing has a base and side walls. The side walls comprise first and second short side walls. The side walls comprise first and second long side walls. The battery assembly comprises a cover plate configured to be (operatively) coupled with the housing to define an internal volume bounded by the base and the side walls of the housing and by the cover plate. The battery assembly comprises a battery management system comprising an electronic board. The battery management system or the electronic board is connected to the battery cell stack (i.e. to the positive and negative terminals of the battery cell stack).

[0013] Preferably, the electronic board has a flat shape extending along a reference plane and a pair of main sides parallel to the reference plane. Thus, the pair of main sides of the electronic board defines a pair of faces of the electronic board.

[0014] In an example, the housing comprises a first partition element arranged in the internal volume. Preferably, the first partition element is arranged parallel to the short side walls. The first partition element can extend mainly (or completely) along an extension plane such that the first partition element is arranged in the internal volume with the extension plane parallel to the short side walls.

[0015] Preferably, the first partition element is proximal (i.e. close or relatively close) to the first short side wall and distal (i.e. far or relatively far) from the second short side wall (i.e. the first partition element is closer to the first short side wall than to the second short side wall). Thus, the first partition element divides the internal volume into a first sub-volume on one side of (i.e. adjacent to) the first short side wall and a second sub-volume on one side of (i.e. adjacent to) the second short side wall. In this way, the internal volume is divided into a first sub-volume and a second sub-volume, the first sub-volume being smaller than the second sub-volume.

[0016] Preferably, the electronic board is arranged in the first sub-volume with one of the two main sides of the electronic board facing the first short side wall (i.e. the reference plane is perpendicular to the base of the housing). Alternatively, the electronic board can be arranged in the second sub-volume with one of the two main sides facing the cover plate (i.e. the reference plane is parallel to the base of the housing).

[0017] In an example, the electronic board extends substantially (or completely) along the reference plane (such that the reference plane defines a main extension plane or a primary extension plane of the electronic board). Preferably, the electronic board is arranged in the first sub-volume with the reference plane oriented parallel to the first short side wall.

[0018] In an example, the electronic board has substantially the same extension along the reference plane as the short side wall it faces, in particular the first short side wall.

[0019] The electronic circuit (or electronic components) of the electronic board are on (located on) the electronic board along a plane parallel to the first short side wall. The electronic circuit (or electronic components) of the electronic board are mainly (or completely) located on the main side of the electronic board facing the first short side wall.

[0020] In an embodiment, the housing comprises a plurality of second partition elements. The plurality of second partition elements is configured to divide the second sub-volume into a plurality of compartments. Preferably, the battery cells of the plurality of battery cells are arranged in a plurality of groups of battery cells, and each group of battery cells is housed in a corresponding compartment of the plurality of compartments.

[0021] Thus, the function of the first partition element is to divide the internal volume into a first sub-volume housing the electronic board and a second sub-volume housing the plurality of battery cells, with one of the two main sides facing the first short side wall. Advantageously, the second partition elements divide the second sub-volume in a way that enables the plurality of battery cells to be housed in groups in the compartments. This division is particularly advantageous: for example, it is possible to use the same 150 Ah battery group, obtaining 120 Ah by simply leaving one or more compartments of the second sub-volume empty.

[0022] In an embodiment, the cover plate comprises a protrusion extending into the internal volume. For example, the cover plate can comprise a pair of handles, and each handle can comprise a protrusion extending into the internal volume. The plurality of second partition elements can comprise a short partition element arranged in the second sub-volume and parallel to the short side wall. The short partition element is preferably vertically aligned with the protrusion and is configured to create an empty space in the second sub-volume to accommodate the protrusion. In other words, the short partition element is preferably vertically aligned with the protrusion, creating an empty space in the second sub-volume to accommodate the protrusion. In yet other words, the short partition element is preferably vertically aligned with the protrusion, so that an empty space is created in the second sub-volume to accommodate the protrusion.

[0023] Each battery cell of the plurality of battery cells can be a pouch cell, or a cylindrical cell, or more preferably a prismatic cell.

[0024] In an example, the plurality of second partition elements comprises a long partition element arranged parallel to the first and second long side walls. Preferably, the long partition element is equidistant to the first and second long side walls. Alternatively, the long partition element can be proximal to the first (or second) long side wall and distal to the second (or first) long side wall. In an example where each battery cell is a prismatic battery cell, each cell has a rectangular top face in a plane parallel to the base of the housing, and the top face has a first edge and a second edge. At least one of the plurality of compartments has a first length defined parallel to the short side walls, and a second length defined parallel to the long side walls. The first length can be an integer multiple of the length of the first edge. The second length can be an integer multiple of the length of the second edge. In another example, the first length can be an integer multiple of the length of the second edge, and the second length can be an integer multiple of the length of the first edge.

[0025] In an example where each battery cell is a cylindrical battery cell, each cell has a circular top face in a plane parallel to the base of the housing, the top face having a diameter. At least one of the plurality of compartments has a first length defined parallel to the short side walls, and a second length defined parallel to the long side walls. The first length of at least one of the plurality of compartments can be an integer multiple of the length of the diameter. The second length of at least one of the plurality of compartments can be an integer multiple of the length of the diameter.

[0026] In an embodiment, the housing is manufactured as one piece together with the plurality of second partition elements and / or together with the first partition element. In other words, the housing is provided as one piece together with the plurality of second partition elements and / or together with the first partition element.

[0027] In an embodiment, the first and second long side walls have a length of 375 mm, and the first and second short side walls have a length of 175 mm, and the height of the long and short side walls is each 190 mm, wherein the height is defined along a plane parallel to the base of the housing.

[0028] Preferably, each of the plurality of battery cells has a height defined along a plane parallel to the base of the housing, and the height of each battery cell is substantially equal to the height of each long side wall and each short side wall of the housing.

[0029] In an example, the battery assembly comprises a DC / DC converter. Preferably, the battery management system is connected to the DC / DC converter to control the DC / DC converter. More specifically, the electronic board can comprise the DC / DC converter. Preferably, the DC / DC converter (or the battery management system through the DC / DC converter) is configured to manage a charging mode of the battery assembly. In the charging mode, the battery cell stack can be coupled with a battery charger to receive a charging current or voltage by which the battery cell stack is charged.

[0030] In an example, the DC / DC converter is configured to adapt or adjust the current or voltage fed to the battery cell stack (i.e. to the positive and negative terminals of the battery cell stack) in the charging mode. This way, the battery cell stack can be charged with a battery charger that is not specific for lithium battery cells (e.g. a car battery or lead / acid battery charger).

[0031] In an example, the battery management system is programmed to detect the type of power supply (specifically from the battery charger) and connect the DC / DC converter to adapt it to the detected power supply. For example, the battery management system (or a voltage or current sensor of the battery management system) is configured to detect the input voltage or current value fed to the battery cell stack and the DC / DC converter is configured to adapt the input voltage or current value fed to the battery cell stack based on the input voltage or current value detected by the battery management system. In an example, the DC / DC converter comprises an inductor for regulating the feeding voltage or current. In an example, the battery assembly comprises a positive electrode connected to the positive terminal of the battery and a negative electrode connected to the negative terminal of the battery. The positive and negative electrodes are externally accessible to the internal volume.

[0032] In an embodiment, the battery assembly comprises a bypass system. The bypass system is configured to divert the current. For example, the bypass system can comprise a bypass switch, more preferably a MOSFET switch. The bypass system can operate in an open configuration and a closed configuration. For example, in the closed configuration, the bypass system connects the positive electrode to the positive terminal and bypasses the DC / DC converter. In the open configuration, the bypass system connects the positive electrode to the positive terminal via the DC / DC converter.

[0033] Preferably, the battery management system is configured to switch the bypass system from the closed configuration to the open configuration (or vice versa) in response to a detected parameter compared to a reference value, for example based on a predetermined condition. The detected parameter can comprise temperature, current or voltage. Preferably, the bypass system or bypass switch is connected in parallel to the DC / DC converter.

[0034] In embodiments, the battery assembly or the bypass system or more preferably the DC / DC converter comprises a switch configured to electrically connect and disconnect the DC / DC converter with the positive electrode when the bypass system is in the open configuration. The switch can be operated in a closed configuration, wherein the switch electrically connects the positive terminal to the positive electrode through the DC / DC converter. The switch can be operated in an open configuration, wherein the switch electrically disconnects the positive terminal from the DC / DC converter and the positive electrode. To this end, the switch can be connected in series to the DC / DC converter. In an example, the battery management system is configured to commutate the switch between the closed configuration and the open configuration based on, for example, a drive signal. The drive signal can be generated by a user interacting with a software application, for example, with a digital switch or by a user interacting with a switch that is externally accessible from the battery pack.

[0035] In example embodiments, the battery management system, i.e. the electronic board, comprises a balancer circuit. The balancer circuit can be of the active type or more preferably of the passive type. The balancer circuit is configured to balance the charge of the plurality of battery cells. In an example, the DC / DC converter is configured to force the application of a charging current during a maintenance mode of balancing the charge of the plurality of battery cells. In this way, the battery cell stack can be fully charged quickly.

[0036] In example embodiments, the electronic board comprises a high power electrical connector. The high power electrical connector comprises a positive connector connected to the positive terminal and a negative connector connected to the negative terminal of the battery cell stack. Preferably, the positive connector is located on a first edge of one major side of the electronic board and the negative connector is located on a second edge of the same major side of the electronic board, wherein the second edge is opposite to the first edge. By positioning the power connectors on opposite edges of the electronic board, both power and signal connections can be placed on the same electronic board.

[0037] In embodiments, the electronic board comprises a plurality of shunt resistors configured to sense the current. The shunt resistors can be arranged parallel to each other along one major side of the electronic board. In this way, the heat generated by the current passing through these shunt resistors can be more efficiently dissipated. Each shunt resistor of the plurality of shunt resistors has a low resistance value, for example, between 10 mOhm and 1 mOhm, more preferably 5 mOhm, and a high supported power value, for example, between 5 W and 1 W, more preferably 3 W. Preferably, the shunt resistors are positioned adjacent to the negative connector.

[0038] In embodiments, the electronic board comprises a plurality of aluminum plates (connected to the electronic board) configured to dissipate heat. Preferably, the plurality of aluminum plates comprises a first aluminum plate positioned adjacent to the positive connector. The plurality of aluminum plates can comprise a second aluminum plate positioned adjacent to the negative connector.

[0039] In an embodiment, the electronic board comprises a plurality of MOSFETs. Preferably, the plurality of MOSFETs forms a bypass system. For example, the plurality of MOSFETs is positioned adjacent to the positive connector or the second aluminum plate, more preferably, between the positive connector and the second aluminum plate. Preferably, the MOSFETs are arranged parallel to each other along one major side of the electronic board. In this way, heat generated by the current passing through these MOSFETs is more efficiently dissipated.

[0040] The battery assembly of the present disclosure constitutes a device that can communicate with other devices (e.g., another battery assembly, a display, a battery charger, and other devices).

[0041] In an example embodiment, the battery assembly comprises a port configured to receive a connector. The battery assembly can comprise a second port configured to receive a connector. The first port and the second port can be connected in series or in parallel, such that a signal received at the first port is transmitted to the second port, and vice versa. The first port and / or the second port are configured to connect the battery assembly to an external device, for example, through a bus comprising a connector, to allow exchange of signals between the battery assembly and the external device.

[0042] The present disclosure also provides a system. In an example, the system comprises a plurality of devices. Preferably, one of the devices of the plurality of devices is a battery assembly according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. Each device comprises a control unit (e.g. the battery management system can define the control unit for the battery assembly). In an example, each device is operable in a master configuration and a slave configuration. In an example, the plurality of devices comprises a battery assembly and a display, and the battery assembly and the display are operable in a master configuration and a slave configuration. Each device can comprise a first port and a second port, wherein the first port and the second port can be connected in parallel to each other such that a signal received at the first port is transmitted to the second port and vice versa. The first port and the second port can each be configured to receive a connector. The plurality of devices can be interconnected by a bus interconnecting the ports of the devices. Preferably, the interconnected plurality of devices define a network. Preferably, the interconnected devices are connected in parallel to each other. The interconnected devices can exchange signals according to a LIN communication protocol. In other words, the control unit of each interconnected device manages the communication between the ports of the interconnected devices according to the LIN communication protocol. Each device of the plurality of devices comprises an address for uniquely identifying the device when the device is connected to another device of the plurality of devices. Preferably, the address is associated with the device during the production of the device. For example, the plurality of devices can comprise a pair of devices of the same type (e.g. a first battery assembly and a second battery assembly); in this case, the first device (or first battery assembly) of the pair comprises a first sub-address and the second device (or second battery assembly) of the pair comprises a second sub-address. Preferably, each control unit is configured to associate a sub-address with each device when connecting a plurality of devices of the plurality of devices. Preferably, each port has a plurality of pins. Preferably, each bus has a plurality of cables.

[0043] The plurality of pins and the plurality of cables can define a first channel for exchanging signals between the devices. The plurality of pins and the plurality of cables can define a second channel. In an example, for each device, the control unit is configured to receive and send commands through the second channel, in particular to set the device in a master configuration or in a slave configuration. In other words, the plurality of devices defines a device in a master configuration and a group of devices in a slave configuration. Thus, the system defines a master-slave network, that is to say, the network comprises a master device and a plurality of slave devices, wherein the master device is configured to poll the plurality of slave devices to receive signals or data. Each slave device is configured to transmit signals or data to the master device based on a request (or poll) from the master device.

[0044] In an example embodiment, the system is configured to define a master device and a plurality of slave devices from the plurality of devices. Preferably, the plurality of devices is configured to be interconnected and the system defines the master device and the plurality of slave devices from the plurality of interconnected devices (that is to say, at the moment of connecting the plurality of devices). In an example embodiment, the system is configured to define a master device and a plurality of slave devices from the plurality of devices. Preferably, the plurality of devices is configured to be interconnected and the system defines the master device and the plurality of slave devices from the plurality of interconnected devices (that is to say, at the moment of connecting the plurality of devices).

[0045] More specifically, the plurality of pins comprises a first pin, a second pin and a third pin, and the plurality of cables comprises a first cable, a second cable and a third cable. Preferably, the first and second pins and the first and second cables define a first channel, and the third pin and the third cable define a second channel. Each pin of the plurality of pins is operable between a high configuration in which the state of the corresponding pin is high (or 12V) and a low configuration in which the state of the corresponding pin is low (or 0V). For each device, the control unit is configured to toggle one pin of the plurality of pins from the high configuration to the low configuration and vice versa. More specifically, when one device of the plurality of devices is turned on, or when the plurality of devices are connected to each other, the control unit (for each of these interconnected devices) is programmed to set the pin, preferably the third pin of the corresponding device, to the low configuration. The control unit is configured to toggle the third pin from the low configuration to the high configuration based on a standby time (i.e. at the end of), wherein the standby time is a characteristic of each device and is measured from the moment the third pin is set to the low configuration. In other words, the control unit is configured to set (i.e. force) the third pin to the low configuration for a length of time equal to the standby time characteristic of the respective device, and preferably to toggle the third pin from the low configuration to the high configuration when this time has elapsed. Each control unit is configured to read the state of the third pin of each device of the plurality of devices and to set (its own or the corresponding) device to a master configuration or a slave configuration based on the reading of the state. More specifically, for each device, the control unit can set the device to the master configuration based on the high state of each device of the plurality of devices. For each device, the control unit can set the device to the slave configuration based on the low state of at least one of the plurality of devices.

[0046] In an example embodiment, one device of the plurality of devices (e.g. the battery assembly) comprises a Bluetooth transceiver configured to exchange radio signals between the device (or the battery assembly) and a mobile device in which a software application is installed. The software application is preferably configured to receive data from the device (or from the battery assembly) and to display these data, wherein the data are related to the devices of the plurality of devices and wherein the devices can be interconnected.

[0047] The device set to the master configuration can be configured to receive and transmit data related to the plurality of devices from and to the software application, preferably through the Bluetooth transceiver (preferably set to the slave configuration). In an embodiment, the device set to the slave configuration can be configured to receive and transmit data related to the plurality of devices, preferably through the Bluetooth transceiver.

[0048] The present disclosure also provides a method for manufacturing a battery assembly, wherein the battery assembly is preferably manufactured according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

[0049] The method comprises a step of assembling a stack of battery cells, wherein the stack of battery cells comprises one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

[0050] The method comprises a step of providing a housing, wherein the housing is manufactured according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The method comprises a step of providing a cover plate, wherein the cover plate is manufactured according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

[0051] In an embodiment, the method comprises a step of providing the housing with a first partitioning element, which is manufactured according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The first partitioning element can extend mainly (or completely) along an extension plane, such that the first partitioning element is arranged in the internal volume, wherein the extension plane is parallel to the short side wall.

[0052] The method can comprise a step of providing an electronic board having a flat shape extending along a reference plane and a pair of main sides parallel to the reference plane; and arranging the electronic board in the first sub-volume, wherein one of the main sides of the electronic board faces the first short side wall. The electronic board can be arranged in the first sub-volume, wherein the reference plane is perpendicular to the base of the housing.

[0053] In an example, the electronic board extends substantially (or completely) along the reference plane (such that the reference plane defines a main extension plane or a primary extension plane of the electronic board). Preferably, the electronic board is arranged in the first sub-volume, wherein the reference plane is oriented parallel to the first short side wall.

[0054] In an example, the electronic board has substantially the same extension along the reference plane as the faced short side wall (in particular, the first short side wall).

[0055] The electronic circuit (or electronic components) of the electronic board are on (or located on) the electronic board along a plane parallel to the first short side wall. The electronic circuit (or electronic components) of the electronic board are mainly (or completely) located on the main side of the electronic board facing the first short side wall.

[0056] In an example, the method comprises a step of providing a plurality of second partitioning elements. The second partitioning elements can be configured to divide the second sub-volume into a plurality of compartments. The method can comprise a step of arranging the plurality of battery cells into a plurality of groups of battery cells. The method can comprise a step of housing each group of battery cells in a corresponding compartment.

[0057] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the method comprises a step of manufacturing the housing as an integral piece with the plurality of second partitioning elements.

[0058] In an embodiment, the method can include a step of providing a DC / DC converter, wherein the DC / DC converter is manufactured according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. Preferably, the method includes a step of arranging the DC / DC converter in the first sub-volume. The method can include a step of connecting the positive electrode to the battery positive terminal and connecting the negative electrode to the battery negative terminal, wherein the positive electrode and the negative electrode are externally accessible to the internal volume.

[0059] In an example, the method includes a step of providing a bypass system according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. Preferably, the bypass system is controlled by the battery management system to commutate between an open configuration, in which the bypass system connects the positive electrode to the battery positive terminal via the DC / DC converter, and a closed configuration, in which the bypass system connects the positive electrode to the battery positive terminal and bypasses the DC / DC converter.

[0060] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a battery assembly includes a battery cell stack according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The battery assembly includes a housing and a cover plate that can be applied to (operatively coupled to) the housing to define an internal volume that houses the battery cell stack. The battery assembly includes a battery management system including an electronic board connected to the battery cell stack, and a DC / DC converter connected to the battery management system.

[0061] In an embodiment, the battery assembly includes a temperature sensor system. The temperature sensor system can include a board sensor. The board sensor is preferably coupled with the electronic board to detect a temperature value of the board. The temperature sensor system can include a battery cell sensor. The battery cell sensor is preferably coupled with the battery cell stack to detect a temperature value of the battery cells. The battery cell sensor can include a first battery cell sensor located on one of the plurality of sensors.

[0062] The battery management system is connected to the temperature sensor system. The battery management system can receive the board temperature value and / or the battery cell temperature value. The battery management system can be configured to control charging of the battery cell stack. The DC / DC converter (or the battery management system through the DC / DC converter) can be configured to manage a charging mode of the battery assembly, for example, based on the board temperature value and / or the battery cell temperature value. In an example, the DC / DC converter can be configured to adapt or adjust a current or voltage to be fed to the battery cell stack, for example, based on the board temperature value and / or the battery cell temperature value. The system can be configured to control the DC / DC converter based on the board temperature value or the battery cell temperature value, or both. The battery management system can be configured to control discharging of the battery cell stack.

[0063] In embodiments, the DC / DC converter is configured to limit the input charging current fed to the stack of battery cells. For example, the converter limits the input charging current based on a drive signal processed by the battery management system. The drive signal can be processed based on the board temperature value or the battery cell temperature value or both. More specifically, the battery management system can be configured to compare the board and / or battery cell temperature value to a predetermined threshold value of the board and / or battery cell temperature in order to process the drive signal based on this comparison. In examples, the threshold value of the battery cell temperature can be between 40°C and 50°C; preferably, the temperature threshold value is 45°C. For example, the DC / DC converter is configured to limit the charging current to a value between 2A and 0.5A, preferably 1A.

[0064] In examples, the battery management system is programmed to monitor the temperature sensor system and to generate an alert signal, for example in response to certain conditions, based on signals detected by the temperature sensor system.

[0065] In examples, the battery management system is configured to process the alert signal based on the threshold value of the battery cell temperature and to send the alert signal to application software usable by a user to display an alert notification. Additionally or alternatively, the battery management system processes the alert signal based on the threshold value of the battery cell temperature and sends the alert signal to an LED indicator to emit a light signal, wherein the LED indicator is located on the housing of the battery assembly. Additionally or alternatively, the battery management system processes the alert signal based on the threshold value of the battery cell temperature and sends the alert signal to a display to display an alert notification, wherein the display is located on the short side wall or the long side wall of the battery pack housing.

[0066] In examples, the threshold value of the battery cell temperature is greater than 60°C. In examples, the threshold value of the battery cell temperature is less than -20°C.

[0067] In embodiments, the battery assembly comprises a heating system. The heating system comprises a set of heating elements. The set of heating elements is coupled with the stack of battery cells to heat the stack of battery cells. The battery management system can be connected to the heating system to control the heating system, for example based on the threshold value of the battery cell temperature.

[0068] In an example, the set of heating elements comprises a first heating element arranged between the first long side wall of the housing and the stack of battery cells. In an example, the set of heating elements comprises a second heating element arranged between the second long side wall of the housing and the stack of battery cells. In an example, the set of heating elements comprises a third heating element arranged between the battery cells of the plurality of battery cells. More specifically, the third heating element is arranged at the second partition element, e.g. at the long partition element or at the short partition element. In an example, one or more (or all of them) of the heating elements comprise (or consist of) one or more heating films or strips. The heating films are thin (relative to their surface area) and are preferably flexible, i.e. deformable.

[0069] In an embodiment, the temperature sensor system comprises a heating element sensor. The heating element sensor is coupled with the set of heating elements to detect temperature values of the heating elements of the set of heating elements. For example, the heating element sensor comprises a first sensor located on the first heating element. The heating element sensor can comprise a second sensor located on the second heating element and / or a third sensor located on the third heating element.

[0070] In an embodiment, the battery management system controls the temperature of the set of heating elements in response to the temperature values of the heating elements. More specifically, the battery management system controls the temperature of the first heating element and / or the second heating element and / or the third heating element (preferably independently) in response to the temperature values of the respective heating elements.

[0071] In an example, the battery management system is configured to compare the values of the heating elements (the first heating element and / or the second heating element and / or the third heating element) with threshold temperature values of the heating elements. For example, the battery management system is programmed for controlling the heating elements to avoid that the temperature sensed by the heating element sensor exceeds the threshold temperature values (e.g. the threshold temperature values are set to values ranging from 55 °C to 65 °C, in particular the threshold temperature values can be set to 60 °C).

[0072] In an example, the battery management system is programmed to derive a temperature difference between each temperature value of the heating elements (the first heating element and / or the second heating element and / or the third heating element) and the battery cell temperature value. The battery management system can be programmed to control the heating elements in such a way that the temperature difference does not exceed a predetermined threshold, preferably ranging between 25 °C and 35 °C, in particular the threshold can be 30 °C.

[0073] Furthermore, the battery management system comprises an activation threshold; the battery management system is programmed for starting to heat the cells in response to the sensed cell temperature being below the activation threshold. For example, the heating elements can be activated if the cell temperature is below 0 °C.

[0074] In an embodiment, the battery management system is configured to adjust the input power supplied to the heating elements by modulating the pulse width (PWM). More specifically, the battery management system can adjust the input power to the heating elements based on the available power from the battery charger. The battery management system can adjust the input power to the heating elements by changing the power dissipated by the heating elements (by the first, second, and third heating elements).

[0075] In an example, the temperature sensor system (board sensor) comprises a MOSFET temperature sensor located in a plurality of MOSFETs of the electronic board for detecting a MOSFET temperature value of the plurality of MOSFETs.

[0076] In an example, the temperature sensor system (board sensor) comprises a shunt temperature sensor located in a plurality of shunt resistors of the electronic board for detecting a shunt temperature value of the plurality of shunt resistors.

[0077] In an example, the temperature sensor system (board sensor) comprises a DC / DC temperature sensor located on a DC / DC converter of the electronic board for detecting a DC / DC temperature value of the DC / DC converter.

[0078] In an example, the temperature sensor system (board sensor) comprises a main board temperature sensor located on one of two main sides of the electronic board for detecting a circuit temperature value of a printed circuit on the main side, wherein the electronic board has a flat shape extending along a reference plane and the two main sides are parallel to the reference plane.

[0079] In an example embodiment, the battery assembly comprises a switch configured to electrically connect or disconnect the positive terminal from the positive electrode according to one or more of the following conditions:

[0080] - a predetermined condition in response to a detected value of the battery cell temperature compared to a reference value of the battery cell temperature;

[0081] - a predetermined condition in response to a detected value of the MOSFET temperature compared to a reference value of the MOSFET temperature;

[0082] - a predetermined condition in response to a detected value of the shunt temperature compared to a reference value of the shunt temperature;

[0083] - a predetermined condition in response to a detected value of the DC / DC temperature compared to a reference value of the DC / DC temperature;

[0084] - a predetermined condition in response to a detected value of the circuit temperature compared to a reference value of the circuit temperature.

[0085] The present disclosure also provides a method for charging a battery assembly, wherein the battery assembly is manufactured according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. More specifically, the battery assembly comprises a battery cell stack comprising a plurality of battery cells, wherein each battery cell of the plurality of battery cells is a rechargeable lithium battery cell; a positive terminal and a negative terminal; a housing and a cover plate that can be applied to the housing (operatively coupled to the housing) to define an internal volume that accommodates the battery cell stack; a battery management system comprising an electronic board connected to the battery cell stack; a DC / DC converter connected to the battery management system.

[0086] The method can comprise a step of detecting, by a board sensor, a board temperature value. The board sensor can be coupled with the electronic board to detect the board temperature value. The method can comprise a step of detecting, by a battery cell sensor, a battery cell temperature value. The battery cell sensor is preferably coupled with the battery cell stack to detect the temperature value of the battery cells. The method can comprise a step of receiving, by the battery management system, the board temperature value and the battery cell temperature value. The DC / DC converter (or the battery management system through the DC / DC converter) can manage or control the charging mode of the battery assembly, for example, based on the board temperature value and / or the battery cell temperature value. In other words, the method can comprise a step of managing or controlling, by the DC / DC converter (or by the battery management system through the DC / DC converter), the charging of the battery assembly, for example, based on the board temperature value and / or the battery cell temperature value. In an example, the DC / DC converter can adapt or adjust the current or voltage to be fed to the battery cell stack, for example, based on the board temperature value and / or the battery cell temperature value. In other words, the method can comprise a step of adapting or adjusting, by the DC / DC converter, the current or voltage to be fed to the battery cell stack, for example, based on the board temperature value and / or the battery cell temperature value. The method can comprise a step of controlling, by the battery management system, the charging and / or discharging of the battery cell stack and / or the DC / DC converter based on the board temperature value or the battery cell temperature value or both.

[0087] In an embodiment, the method comprises a step of detecting, by a heating element sensor, a temperature value of the heating elements of the set of heating elements, in which the heating sensor is coupled with the set of heating elements. The method can comprise a step of receiving, by the battery management system, the heating element temperature value. The method can comprise a step of controlling, by the battery management system, the temperature of the set of heating elements, for example, based on the temperature value of the battery cells and / or based on the temperature value of the heating elements, for example, by modulating the pulse width of the input power supplied to the heating elements.

[0088] In an embodiment, the method comprises a step of controlling the bypass system or the switch based on one or more of the following conditions:

[0089] - A predetermined condition that responds to a comparison between the detected value of the battery cell temperature and a reference value of the battery cell temperature;

[0090] - A predetermined condition in response to a comparison of the detected MOSFET temperature value with a reference MOSFET temperature value;

[0091] - A predetermined condition in response to a comparison of the detected value of the shunt temperature with a reference value of the shunt temperature;

[0092] - A predetermined condition that responds to the comparison of the detected value of DC / DC temperature with a reference value of DC / DC temperature;

[0093] - A predetermined condition in response to a comparison of the detected circuit temperature value with a reference circuit temperature value.

[0094] In the example, the method includes the steps of transmitting and receiving signals between a first port and a second port, wherein the first port and the second port are each configured as receiving connectors, and wherein the first port and the second port are connected in parallel with each other. The method may include the steps of connecting a battery assembly to an external device via a bus including connectors, performed by the first port and the second port. The method may include the steps of exchanging signals between the battery assembly and the external device. Attached Figure Description

[0095] This and other features will become clearer from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment, which is illustrated by way of example only in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0096] - Figures 1 to 7 The illustration shows a battery assembly 1 according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure;

[0097] - Figure 8 An electronic board 51 according to one or more aspects of this disclosure is illustrated;

[0098] - Figure 9 and Figure 10 The illustration shows a system 100 according to one or more aspects of this disclosure;

[0099] - Figure 11 The diagram illustrates a series of steps in using System 100 according to an operational example. Detailed Implementation

[0100] The number 1 in the figures represents a battery assembly. The battery assembly 1 comprises a box-like casing 3. The casing 3 comprises a base 31 and side walls 32. The side walls 32 comprise a first short side wall 321a, a second short side wall 321b, a first long side wall 322a and a second long side wall 322b. The battery assembly 1 comprises a cover plate 4 (operatively) coupled with the casing 3 to define an inner volume 30 delimited by the base 31 and the side walls 32 (the first short side wall 321a, the second short side wall 321b, the first long side wall 322a and the second long side wall 322b).

[0101] The casing 3 preferably has the dimensions of a standard L5 chassis. More specifically, the first long side wall 322a and the second long side wall 322b have a length of 375 mm, and the first short side wall 321a and the first short side wall 321b have a length of 175 mm. The long side walls 322a, 322b and the short side walls 321a, 321b each have a height of 190 mm, the height being defined along a plane B parallel to the base 31 of the casing 3.

[0102] The casing 3 comprises a first partition element 33, which is located in the inner volume 30 and arranged parallel to the first short side wall 321a and the second short side wall 321b. More specifically, the first partition element 33 is closer to the first short side wall 321a than to the second short side wall 321b. In this way, the first partition element 33 divides the inner volume 30 of the battery assembly 1 into a first sub-volume 301 and a second sub-volume 302, wherein the first sub-volume 301 is smaller than the second sub-volume 302.

[0103] The battery assembly 1 comprises a battery cell stack 2 comprising a plurality of battery cells 200. Each battery cell 200 is a rechargeable LiFeP04 battery cell, preferably prismatic. Each battery cell 200 has a rectangular top face in a plane B parallel to the base 31 of the casing 3, and the top face has a first edge 200a and a second edge 200b. Each battery cell 200 also has a height (or third edge) 200c, which is defined along the plane B parallel to the base 31 and equal to the height of the long side walls 322a, 322b and the short side walls 321a, 321b.

[0104] The casing comprises a plurality of second partition elements 34, including a short second partition element 341 and a long second partition element 342. The short second partition element 341 is arranged in the second sub-volume 302, parallel to the first and second short side walls 321a and 321b, close to the second short side wall 321b and far from the first short side wall 321a. More specifically, the cover plate 4 comprises a pair of handles 41a and 41b. One handle of this pair 41a and 41b comprises a protrusion 411 extending into the inner volume 30, and the short partition element 341 is vertically aligned with the protrusion 411, so as to leave space in the second sub-volume 302 and accommodate the protrusion 411. The long second partition element 342 is arranged in the second sub-volume 302, parallel to the first and second long side walls 322a and 322b, and equidistant from the first and second long side walls 322a and 322b. Thus, the short and long second partition elements 341 and 342 are arranged perpendicularly to each other and divide the second sub-volume 302 into a plurality of compartments 303, in particular four compartments 303. More specifically, the battery cells 200 are arranged in a plurality of battery cell groups 20, in particular four battery cell groups 20, and each battery cell group 20 is accommodated in a compartment 303.

[0105] More specifically, the battery cells 200 are arranged so that the height 200c of the battery cells 200 is perpendicular to a plane B parallel to the base 31 of the casing 3.

[0106] The compartments 303 have a first length defined parallel to the short side walls 321a and 321b and which is an integer multiple of the length of the first edge 200a. The compartments 303 have a second length defined parallel to the long side walls 322a and 322b and which is an integer multiple of the length of the second edge 200b.

[0107] The battery assembly 1 comprises a battery management system 5 for managing the process of charging and discharging the stack of battery cells 2. The battery management system 5 comprises an electronic board 51. The electronic board 51 has a flat shape extending along a reference plane P and a pair of main sides 511a parallel to the reference plane P. The electronic board 51 is arranged in the first sub-volume 301 and one of the pair of main sides 511a faces the first short side wall 321a. More specifically, the first partition element 33 defines a seat 311 for the electronic board 51, which is partially inserted therein. Preferably, both the first partition element 33 and the plurality of second partition elements 34 are made in one piece with the casing 3.

[0108] The battery cell stack 2 comprises a positive terminal 21 and a negative terminal 22, which are connected to the positive electrode 11 and the negative electrode 12 of the battery assembly, respectively, which electrodes are accessible from the outside to the internal volume 30. The positive electrode 11 and the negative electrode 12 can be coupled with an external battery charger to receive charging power.

[0109] The battery assembly 1 comprises a temperature sensor system 7. The temperature sensor system 7 comprises a board sensor 71 and a battery cell sensor 72. The board sensor 71 is located on the electronic board 51 to detect a board temperature. The battery cell sensor 72 is located on the battery cell stack 2, in particular on a top face of one of the plurality of battery cells 200, to detect a battery cell temperature 72a representative of a temperature of the battery cell stack 2.

[0110] The electronic board 51 comprises a positive connector 510a connected to the battery positive terminal 21 and a negative connector 510b connected to the battery negative terminal 22. More specifically, the positive connector 510a and the negative connector 510b are located on a first edge 514 and a second edge 513 of the main side 511a, respectively.

[0111] The electronic board 51 comprises a plurality of shunt resistors 515 arranged along the main side 511a of the board 51. Each shunt resistor 515 has a resistance value of 5 mOhm and supports a power of 3 W. The shunt resistors 515 are positioned adjacent to the negative connector 510b and are configured to detect a current.

[0112] The electronic board 51 comprises a DC / DC converter 6. The electronic board 51 comprises a plurality of MOSFETs 517 arranged along the main side 511a of the board 51 adjacent to the positive connector 510a.

[0113] The plurality of MOSFETs 517 constitutes a bypass system 13. More specifically, the bypass system 13 is connected in parallel to the DC / DC converter 6 and is operable in an open configuration and a closed configuration. In the closed configuration of the bypass system 13, the bypass system 13 connects the positive electrode 11 to the battery positive terminal 21 and bypasses the DC / DC converter 6. In the open configuration of the bypass system 13, the bypass system 13 connects the positive electrode 11 to the battery positive terminal 21 via the DC / DC converter 6. The DC / DC converter 6 comprises a switch 61 connected in series to the DC / DC converter 6 and is operable in an open configuration and a closed configuration. In the open configuration of the bypass system 13, the battery management system 5 is configured to commutate the switch 61 between the closed configuration, in which the switch connects the positive terminal 21 of the battery cell stack 2 to the positive electrode 11 through the DC / DC converter 6, and the open configuration, in which the switch disconnects the battery positive terminal 21 from the positive electrode 11 to interrupt a current in the battery assembly 1.

[0114] The electronic board 51 comprises a plurality of aluminum plates 516, including a first aluminum plate 516a arranged adjacent to the plurality of MOSFETs 517, and a second aluminum plate 516b arranged adjacent to the plurality of shunt resistors 515. The electronic board 51 comprises drivers 518 for the plurality of MOSFETs 517, positioned adjacent to the plurality of MOSFETs 517 to control the MOSFETs. The electronic board 51 comprises an interface connector 519 for connecting the electronic board 51 to an external interface board available to the user. The electronic board 51 comprises a bus cable communication zone 520 and a plurality of auxiliary connection zones 521. The electronic board 51 comprises a heating element management system 522 for managing the temperature of the heating element 80. The electronic board 51 comprises a current management system 523 for managing the current measurement performed by the shunt resistors 515, wherein the current management system is positioned adjacent to the plurality of shunt resistors 515. The electronic board 51 comprises a connection area for a current sensor 523 for measuring the current from the plurality of battery cells 200 and from the heating element 80.

[0115] The electronic board 51 comprises a microcontroller 525 for controlling the components of the electronic board 51. The electronic board 51 comprises a data storage device 526 connected with the microcontroller 525 through an SPI connection and configured to store information about the operation of the battery assembly 1 and alarm conditions, if any.

[0116] The electronic board 51 comprises a plurality of balancing resistors 527 to constitute a balancer circuit of the battery cell stack 2.

[0117] The board sensor 71 comprises MOSFET temperature sensors 71a positioned on the plurality of MOSFETs 517 of the electronic board 51 for detecting the value of the MOSFET temperature of the plurality of MOSFETs 517.

[0118] The board sensor 71 comprises shunt temperature sensors 71b positioned on the plurality of shunt resistors 515 of the electronic board 51 for detecting the value of the shunt temperature 711b of the plurality of shunt resistors 515.

[0119] The board sensor 71 comprises DC / DC temperature sensors 71c positioned on the DC / DC converter 6 of the electronic board 51 for detecting the value of the DC / DC temperature 711c of the DC / DC converter 6.

[0120] The board sensor 71 comprises a main board temperature sensor 71d positioned on the main side 511a of the pair of main sides 511a, 511b of the electronic board 51 for detecting the value of the circuit temperature 711d of the printed circuit on the main side 511a.

[0121] In an embodiment, the battery assembly 1 comprises a heating system 8 comprising a set of heating elements 80. The set of heating elements 80 has a planar shape extending along the plane P. The set of heating elements 80 is configured to heat the battery cell stack 2. The set of heating elements 80 comprises a first heating element 801 arranged between the first long side wall 321b and the battery cell stack 2, a second heating element 802 arranged between the second long side wall 322b and the battery cell stack 2, and a third heating element 803 arranged between one or more sets of cells 20, preferably at the long second separation element 342.

[0122] The temperature sensor system 7 comprises heating element sensors 73 coupled with the set of heating elements 80. More specifically, the heating element sensors 73 are configured to detect heating element temperatures 73a and comprise a first sensor located on the first heating element 801, a second sensor located on the second heating element 802, and a third sensor located on the third heating element 803 for detecting the temperature of the first heating element 801, the second heating element 802, and the third heating element 803, respectively.

[0123] The battery management system 5 is configured for managing the charging process and the discharging process of the battery cell stack 2 based on the current value (e.g., detected by the shunt resistor 515) and / or based on the temperature values detected by the temperature sensor system 7 and / or based on the voltage value.

[0124] Operatively, the bypass system 13 is in a closed configuration to connect the positive terminal 21 to the positive electrode 11, allowing the current to pass between the positive terminal 21 and the positive electrode 11. In case of failure (i.e., if the current value or the voltage value or the temperature value is outside the threshold range), the battery management system 5 switches the bypass system 13 to an open configuration to connect the positive terminal 21 to the positive electrode 11 through the DC / DC converter 6. The battery management system 5 processes the control signal 91 for the DC / DC converter 6 to adjust the current intensity of the DC / DC converter 6.

[0125] The battery management system 5 receives the current value or the voltage value from an external battery charger and compares the value with the threshold value of the current or voltage. Based on this comparison, the battery management system processes the control signal 91 and switches the bypass system 13 to the open configuration, and the DC / DC converter 6 limits (or adapts) the current or voltage value to the threshold value while the battery cell stack 2 is being charged in order to charge the battery cells 200.

[0126] During the charging of the battery cell stack 2, when the battery cell temperature 72a detected by the battery cell sensor 72 is greater than or equal to 45°C, the battery management system 5 commutates the bypass system 13 to the open configuration and processes the control signal 91 for the DC / DC converter 6; the DC / DC converter 6 limits the charging current to 1 A. If the heating system 8 is not present, when the battery cell temperature 72a is less than 0°C, the battery management system 5 processes the alarm signal 92 and sends it to the external interface 93 or to a software application 94 available to the user, or sends the control signal 91 to the LED indicator 95 to turn it on.

[0127] During the charging of the battery cell stack 2, when the battery cell temperature 72a detected by the battery cell sensor 72 is less than or equal to 0°C, the battery management system 5 activates the heating elements 80; the battery management system 5 regulates the temperature of the heating elements 80 by modulating the pulse width to regulate the input power. More specifically, the power dissipated by the first heating element 801, the second heating element 802 and the third heating element 803 varies from 0 W to 50 W for each heating element 80. During the charging process, when the battery cell temperature 72a is less than or equal to 0°C, the battery management system 5 diverts the charging current from the battery cell stack 2 to the heating elements 80, so as not to allow the charging of the battery cell stack 2.

[0128] During the charging of the battery cell stack 2, the battery management system 5 derives the temperature difference between each temperature value of the first heating element 801, the second heating element 802 and the third heating element 803 and the battery cell temperature 72a. Preferably, the battery management system 5 manages the input power to the heating elements 80 on the basis of the power available from the battery charger.

[0129] During the discharging of the battery cell stack 2, when the temperature of the battery cell 72 is greater than or equal to 60°C or less than -20°C, the battery management system 5 processes the alarm signal 92 and sends it to the external interface 93 or to a software application 94 available to the user, or sends the control signal 91 to the LED indicator 95 to turn it on.

[0130] If the shunt temperature 711b or MOSFET temperature 711a is greater than or equal to 92°C, or the circuit temperature 711d is greater than or equal to 75°, the battery management system 5 commutates the bypass system 13 to the open configuration and the battery management system 5 processes an alarm signal 92 and sends it to an external interface 93 or a software application 94 available to the user, or sends a control signal 91 to an LED indicator 95 to turn it on. If the DC / DC temperature 711c of the DC / DC converter 6 is greater than or equal to 80°C, the battery management system 5 commutates the switch 130 of the DC / DC converter 6 to the open configuration to prevent the passage of current and processes an alarm signal 92 and sends it to an external interface 93 or a software application 94 available to the user, or sends a control signal 91 to an LED indicator 95 to turn it on.

[0131] During the step of balancing the charge of the battery cell stack 2, the balancer circuit, in particular the balancing resistor 527, dissipates the excess energy of the cells 200 (that is, by a passive system for balancing the cells 200) to compensate for the voltage imbalance between the cells 200. During the charge maintenance step, the DC / DC converter 6 forces the charge current to restart balancing the battery cells 200.

[0132] In the open configuration of the bypass system 13, the battery management system 5 receives the charge current value. If the charge current value exceeds a predetermined charge threshold (for example, the predetermined charge threshold can be equal to the maximum charge supported by the DC / DC converter 6), the battery management system 5 commutates the bypass system 13 from the closed configuration to the open configuration so that the required current is delivered by the battery cells 200 and not by the DC / DC converter 6.

[0133] The battery assembly 1 can form part of a system 100. The system 100 comprises a plurality of devices 101. The plurality of devices 10 can comprise the battery assembly 1. Each device 101 comprises a control unit. Each device 101 can be arranged in a master configuration 101a or in a slave configuration 101b, more preferably, the plurality of devices 101 comprises a group of devices, wherein each device 101 of the group can be arranged in a master configuration 101a or in a slave configuration 101b. For example, the group of devices 101 can comprise a battery assembly and / or a display. Each device 101 comprises a first port 102 and a second port 103. The first port 102 and the second port 103 are preferably RJ12 ports and are configured to receive an RJ12 connector. The first port 102 and the second port 103 are connected in parallel and are configured to connect the plurality of devices 101 to each other, that is to say, to allow the exchange of signals 105 between the plurality of devices 101. Preferably, the signals 105 exchanged between the devices 101 follow a LIN communication protocol. The ports 102, 103 of different devices are connected to each other by a bus 104 interconnecting the ports 102, 103 of the devices 101. Each port 102, 103 has a plurality of pins and a corresponding plurality of cables.

[0134] The plurality of pins comprises a first pin configured to be connected to ground, a second pin configured to receive a power supply, and a third pin. The first pin and the second pin define a first communication channel. The third pin defines a second communication channel. Each pin, in particular the third pin, can be operated between a high configuration, in which the state of the pin is high (12V), and a low configuration, in which the state of the pin is low (0V).

[0135] Operatively, when a device 101 is switched on, the control unit of each device 101 is configured to force, that is to say, to set, the third pin to the low configuration (step A). Next, the control unit can set the standby time characteristic of the device (step B). More specifically, each device of the plurality of devices has a characteristic standby time representing an order of priority of the device. For example, a device having a longer standby time has a higher priority than a device having a shorter standby time (for example, the battery assembly can have a characteristic standby time of 500ms and a play forming part of the plurality of devices can have a characteristic standby time of 200ms). If the system comprises two devices having the same standby time, each of these devices comprises a switch, for example a SIP switch, configured to set one of the two devices, preferably manually, to the slave configuration.

[0136] After setting the third pin to the low configuration, the control unit waits for a length of time equal to the characteristic standby time of its device (step C). At the end of the standby time, the control unit forces the third pin into the high configuration (step D).

[0137] At the end of the standby time, the control unit is configured to read the state of the third pin of the other devices. If at least one of all the other third pins is in low configuration (condition E), the control unit sets its device in slave configuration (step F). As an alternative to steps A-F, the device can be set in slave configuration at power on (step A') or when the device is connected to the network.

[0138] At the end of the standby time, if all the third pins of the other devices are in high configuration (condition G), the control unit keeps the third pin of its device in high configuration and sets the device in master configuration (step H). Thus, the plurality of devices 101 defines a device in master configuration 101a and a group of devices in slave configuration 101b.

[0139] One device, preferably the battery assembly 1, of the plurality of devices 101 comprises a Bluetooth transceiver configured to exchange radio signals 106 with a mobile device comprising a software application 94. The device 101 comprising the Bluetooth transceiver can be in master configuration 101a (in which case it exchanges Bluetooth signals 106 directly with the mobile device) or it can be in slave configuration 101b (in which case it receives commands from the device in master configuration 101a to send radio signals 106 to the mobile device). The radio signals 106 comprise a plurality of data items, wherein each data item is related to a corresponding device 101 of the plurality of interconnected devices 101. The mobile device is configured to display the data.

Claims

1. A battery assembly (1) for a camper van, the battery assembly comprising: - a battery cell stack (2) comprising: a plurality of battery cells (200), wherein each battery cell (200) of the plurality of battery cells (200) is a rechargeable lithium-based cell, and a battery positive terminal (21) and a battery negative terminal (22); - a housing (3) and a cover plate (4) couplable to the housing (3) to define an internal volume (30) housing the battery cell stack; - a battery management system (5) comprising an electronic board (51) connected to the battery cell stack (2); - a DC / DC converter (6) connected to the battery management system (5); - a temperature sensor system (7) comprising: a board sensor (71) coupled to the electronic board (51) for detecting a board temperature value (701), and a cell sensor (72) coupled to the battery cell stack (2) for detecting a cell temperature value (702), wherein the battery management system (5) is connected to the temperature sensor system (7) for receiving the board temperature value and the cell temperature value, the battery management system (5) being configured for controlling the charging of the battery cell stack (2) and the DC / DC converter (6) based on one or both of the board temperature value and the cell temperature value.

2. The battery assembly (1) according to claim 1, comprising a heating system (8) comprising a set of heating elements (80) coupled to the battery cell stack (2) for heating the battery cell stack (2), wherein, The battery management system (5) is connected to the heating system (8) for controlling the heating system (8) based on the cell temperature value.

3. The battery assembly (1) according to claim 2, wherein The temperature sensor system (7) comprises a heater sensor (73) coupled to the set of heating elements (80) for detecting a heating temperature value (703) of the set of heating elements (80), and wherein the battery management system (5) further controls the temperature of the set of heating elements (80) in response to the heating temperature value (703).

4. The battery assembly (1) according to claim 3, wherein The battery management system (5) is configured for deriving a temperature difference between each heating temperature value (703) and the cell temperature value (702); controlling the heating elements (80) such that the temperature difference does not exceed a threshold value.

5. The battery assembly (1) according to claim 4, wherein The battery management system (5) is configured for regulating the input power supplied to the heating elements (80) by pulse width modulation.

6. The battery assembly (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein, The heating elements (80) comprise one or more heating films.

7. The battery assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The DC / DC converter is configured for limiting the input charging current supplied to the battery cell stack (2) to a threshold current value based on the cell temperature value.

8. The battery assembly of any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The temperature sensor system (7) comprises: - a MOSFET temperature sensor placed on a plurality of MOSFETs (518) of the electronic board (51) for detecting a MOSFET temperature value of the plurality of MOSFETs (518); - a shunt resistance temperature sensor placed on a plurality of shunt resistances (515) of the electronic board (51) for detecting a shunt resistance temperature value of the plurality of shunt resistances (515); - a DC / DC temperature sensor placed on a DC / DC converter (6) of the electronic board (51) for detecting a DC / DC temperature value of the DC / DC converter (6); - a main board sensor placed on one main side (511a) of a pair of main sides (511a) of the electronic board (51) for detecting a circuit temperature value of a printed circuit on the main side (511a), wherein the electronic board (51) has a flat shape developing along a reference plane (P) and the pair of main sides is parallel to the reference plane (P).

9. The battery assembly (1) according to claim 8, comprising: a positive electrode (11) connected to the battery positive terminal (21) and a negative electrode (12) connected to the battery negative terminal (22), the positive electrode (11) and the negative electrode (12) being externally accessible to the internal volume (30); a bypass system (13) configured for electrically connecting and disconnecting the battery positive terminal (21) from the positive electrode (11) according to one or more of the following conditions: - in response to a predetermined condition of the detected cell temperature value compared to a reference cell temperature value; - in response to a predetermined condition of the detected MOSFET temperature value compared to a reference MOSFET temperature value; - in response to a predetermined condition of the detected resistance temperature value compared to a reference resistance temperature value; - in response to a predetermined condition of the detected DC / DC temperature value compared to a predetermined DC / DC temperature value; - in response to a predetermined condition of the detected board temperature value compared to a predetermined board temperature value.

10. The battery assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The battery management system (5) is programmed for monitoring the temperature sensor system and for generating an alarm signal in response to a certain condition based on the signals detected by the temperature sensor system.

11. The battery assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The battery management system is programmed for sensing the type of power supply and for connecting the DC / DC converter so that the DC / DC converter is adapted to the sensed power supply.

12. The battery assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a first port and a second port, each of the first and second ports being adapted for receiving a connector, wherein, The first port and the second port are mutually connected in parallel through a connection inside the battery assembly, so that a signal received at the first port is transmitted at the second port and vice versa, and the first port and the second port are configured for connecting the battery assembly to an external device through a bus comprising the connector, to allow the exchange of signals between the battery assembly and the external device.

13. A system comprising a plurality of devices, wherein, One of the plurality of devices is a battery assembly (1) according to any of the preceding claims, and wherein each of the plurality of devices comprises a control unit and is operable in a master configuration and a slave configuration, and comprises a first port and a second port, such that the plurality of devices are interconnected by buses connected at said ports, and wherein each port has a plurality of pins and each bus has a corresponding plurality of wires, the plurality of pins and the plurality of wires defining a first channel for exchanging signals between said devices, and further defining a second channel, wherein for each device the control unit is programmed for receiving and sending commands over the second channel to set the device in the master configuration or the slave configuration.

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