Battery with integrated electronic battery controller

Abstract

Battery system (112) for a vehicle (10), wherein the battery system (112) comprises: a battery trough (118) comprising a first bottom wall (120), a second bottom wall (122) and several side walls (124) which together define a receiving zone (132); a vent (46) which includes an inlet (52) and an outlet (54) which is open to the receiving zone (42); a battery (138); and an electronic battery controller (BEC) (135); wherein the second floor wall (122) is spaced from the first floor wall (120) by the receiving zone (132); characterized by the fact that the BEC (135) is located in the receiving zone (132) and is supported by the first floor wall (120); the battery (138) is supported by the second bottom wall (122) and is directly connected to the BEC (135) through the second bottom wall (122).

Description

INTRODUCTION

[0001] The subject matter of the disclosure relates to the technology of battery systems and in particular to battery systems with an integrated electronic battery controller for a vehicle, such as are generally known, for example, from DE 101 01 050 A1 and DE 101 10 415 A1.

[0002] Most vehicles contain batteries that provide power for starting, operating electrical components, supplying energy to the drive motors, and so on. Often, an electronic battery controller (BEC) is used to manage the power from the battery and distribute it to one or more components in the vehicle. The BEC manages the battery's load to maintain the target performance levels. Consequently, the battery is connected to the BEC by a first set of cables, and the BEC is connected to the vehicle components by another set of cables. The need for multiple cables introduces increased resistance, which can negatively impact system performance.

[0003] During operation, the battery and BEC often require cooling. The battery often incorporates a heat sink and / or is exposed to an airflow. In some cases, the airflow is directed towards the battery. Similarly, the BEC is often mounted on a heat sink and equipped with an air intake to dissipate any accumulated heat that could impair overall operational efficiency. Given the limited space available under a hood, efficiently providing thermal management for both the battery and the BEC is often challenging. Accordingly, the industry would welcome a system that eliminates the need for multiple cables and provides efficient thermal management for both the battery and the BEC. SUMMARY

[0004] The present invention is defined by the accompanying set of claims.

[0005] The following is a list of particularly relevant features of the subsequent revelation.

[0006] A battery system for a vehicle is disclosed, comprising a battery tray with a base wall, several side walls, and a cover, which together define a receiving zone. A vent includes an inlet and an outlet that is open to the battery receiving zone. A battery is supported by the base wall. An electronic battery controller (BEC) is located in the receiving zone and directly connected to the battery.

[0007] In addition to one or more of the features described above or below, or as an alternative, further embodiments could include the BEC being mounted on the bottom wall and the battery being mounted on the BEC.

[0008] In addition to one or more of the features described above or below, or as an alternative, further embodiments could include the BEC having a bottom surface containing one or more vent openings fluidically connected to the outlet.

[0009] In addition to one or more of the features described above or below, or as an alternative, further embodiments could include a top surface of the BEC that contains an air outlet fluidically connected to the vents and several raised nodes, with the battery resting on the several raised nodes.

[0010] In addition to one or more of the features described above or below, or as an alternative, further embodiments could include a cable connection attached to one of the bottom wall, the multiple side walls and the cover, wherein the cable connection is directly connected to the BEC.

[0011] In addition to one or more of the features described above or below, or as an alternative, further embodiments could include the bottom wall comprising a first bottom wall and a second bottom wall spaced apart from the first bottom wall by the receiving zone.

[0012] In addition to one or more of the features described above or below, or as an alternative, further embodiments could include the battery being supported through the second bottom wall, with the battery being directly connected to the BEC through the second bottom wall.

[0013] In addition to one or more of the features described above or below, or as an alternative, further embodiments could include the battery containing an electrical connector that engages with the BEC.

[0014] In addition to one or more of the features described above or below, or as an alternative, further embodiments could include a locking system attached to the second bottom wall, wherein the locking system secures the battery to the BEC.

[0015] In addition to one or more of the features described above or below, or as an alternative, further embodiments could include the battery being a lead-acid battery, a NiMH battery or a lithium polymer battery (LiPO).

[0016] A vehicle is also disclosed that includes a body defining a passenger compartment, an electrical component, and a battery system operationally connected to the electrical component. The battery system comprises a battery tray with a bottom wall, several side walls, and a cover, which together define a receiving zone. A vent includes an inlet and an outlet open to the battery receiving zone. A battery is supported by the bottom wall, with an electronic battery controller (BEC) located in the receiving zone and directly connected to the battery.

[0017] In addition to one or more of the features described above or below, or as an alternative, further embodiments could include the BEC being mounted on the bottom wall and the battery being mounted on the BEC.

[0018] In addition to one or more of the features described above or below, or as an alternative, further embodiments could include the BEC having a bottom surface containing one or more vent openings fluidically connected to the outlet.

[0019] In addition to one or more of the features described above or below, or as an alternative, further embodiments could include the bottom wall comprising a first bottom wall and a second bottom wall spaced apart from the first bottom wall by the receiving zone.

[0020] In addition to one or more of the features described above or below, or as an alternative, further embodiments could include the battery being supported through the second bottom wall, with the battery being directly connected to the BEC through the second bottom wall.

[0021] In addition to one or more of the features described above or below, or as an alternative, further embodiments could include a locking system attached to the second bottom wall, the locking system securing the battery to the BEC.

[0022] Furthermore, a method for ventilating a vehicle battery system is disclosed, which includes directly connecting a battery to an electronic battery controller (BEC), carrying the battery and the BEC in a battery tray, introducing an airflow into a channel connected to the battery tray, and directing the airflow over the battery and the BEC.

[0023] In addition to one or more of the features described above or below, or as an alternative, further embodiments could include the direct connection of the battery to the BEC involving the insertion of a terminal on the battery into a terminal receptacle on the BEC.

[0024] In addition to one or more of the features described above or below, or as an alternative, further embodiments could include directing the airflow over the battery and the BEC through a gap between the battery and the BEC.

[0025] In addition to one or more of the features described above or below, or as an alternative, further embodiments could include directing the airflow over the battery and the BEC, as well as directing the airflow through the BEC into the gap.

[0026] The above features and advantages and other features and advantages of the disclosure are readily apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Further features, advantages and details appear in the following detailed description only as examples, the detailed description referring to the drawings; they show: Fig. 1 a vehicle with a battery system that includes a battery with an integrated electronic battery controller (BEC), according to a non-restrictive example; Fig. 2 a partial cross-sectional side view of the battery system according to Fig. 1 according to a non-restrictive example; Fig. 3 a sub-view of the BEC according to a non-restrictive example; Fig. 4. A top view of the BEC according to a non-restrictive example; Fig. 5. A side view of the BEC according to a non-restrictive example; Fig. 6 a partial cross-sectional side view of the battery system according to Fig. 1 according to another non-restrictive example; Fig. 7 a partial cross-sectional side view of the battery system according to Fig. 1 according to a further non-restrictive example; Fig. 8 a bottom view of the BEC of the battery system after Fig. 7 according to a non-restrictive example; Fig. 9 a top view of the battery system according to Fig. 7 according to a non-restrictive example; Fig. 10 a locking system of the battery system according to Fig. 7 in an open, unlocked state according to a non-restrictive example; and Fig. 11 the locking system according to Fig. 10 in a locked state according to a non-restrictive example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The following description is merely exemplary and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, its application, or uses. It should be recognized that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals denote identical or corresponding parts and features.

[0029] A vehicle according to a non-restrictive example is in Fig. 1 generally specified at 10. The vehicle 10 contains a body 12, which is supported by several wheels, generally specified at 14. The body 12 contains a passenger compartment 16 and a battery compartment 18. A battery system 20 is arranged in the battery compartment 18. The battery system 20 is connected to one or more electrical components 22 in the vehicle 10, such as power systems, accessories, starters, and / or the like. At this point, it should be recognized that the battery compartment 18 may be located in various places, including in the center of the vehicle 10 or in a rear section of the vehicle 10, whereas it is shown as being positioned in a front section of the vehicle 10.

[0030] Now, when describing the battery system 20 according to a non-restrictive example, the following is referred to: Fig. Reference is made to Figures 2-5. The battery system 20 comprises a battery tray 30 with a bottom wall 32 and several side walls 35. The several side walls 35 include a first side wall 36 and a second side wall 38, as well as a third and fourth side wall (which are not shown). The bottom wall 32 and the several side walls 35 define a receiving zone 42 that can accommodate one or more components of the battery system, as described in detail here. A cover 44 may be provided on the battery tray 30.

[0031] In a non-restrictive example, a venting system 46 is connected to the battery tray 30. The venting system 46 includes a duct 50 with an inlet 52 and an outlet 54. The inlet 52 may, for example, be located near a (not separately labeled) radiator grille of the vehicle 10. The outlet 54 opens into the receiving area 42. In a non-restrictive example, an electronic battery controller (BEC) 60 is mounted on the bottom wall 32. The BEC 60 is electrically connected to a cable connection 62 provided on the second side wall 38. A cable 64 is connected to the cable connection 62. The cable 64 supplies power to one or more (not shown) vehicle components, such as a starter, a hybrid power unit, or an electric motor that provides power to one or more of the multiple wheels 14.

[0032] In a non-restrictive example, the BEC 60 comprises a top 66 and a bottom 68. The bottom 68 is separated from the bottom wall 32 by a gap or channel 70 and contains several vents 72 that can receive an airflow from the outlet 54. The direction and flow paths taken by the airflow can vary. The top 66 contains several air outlets 74, as shown in Fig. 4 is shown. In a non-restrictive example, the top surface 66 can also contain several raised nodes 78, as shown in Fig. 5 is shown.

[0033] A battery 82 is arranged in the receiving area 42 and supported on the top surface 66 of the BEC 60 by the multiple raised nodes 78. In this way, a gap or channel 84 is defined between the top surface 66 and the battery 82. In a non-restrictive example, the battery 82 includes an electrical connector 86 that is directly inserted into a connector receptacle 88 in the BEC 60. The battery 82 can take the form of a lithium polymer battery (LiPo battery). It should be understood that the battery 82 can have one of several battery chemistries, including lead-acid, nickel-metal hydride (NiMH), and the like.

[0034] In a non-restrictive example, the venting system 46 provides an airflow that flows through channel 70 into the BEC 60, into channel 84, and then around the battery 82 in a heat exchange relationship. By integrating the BEC 60 and the battery 82, a single venting system can provide a desired airflow that reduces the operating temperatures of both battery system components (e.g., the battery 82 and the BEC 60). Furthermore, by providing a battery that can be plugged directly into the BEC 60, users can easily purchase and replace a battery without requiring assistance.

[0035] Now, when describing the battery system 20 according to another non-restrictive example, the following applies: Fig. 6. Reference is made to the BEC 60, which is mounted on top of the battery 82. The BEC 60 is directly connected to the battery 82 by an electrical connection 94 that protrudes from the battery 82. The BEC 60 is connected to a cable connector 97 provided on the cover 44. The cable connector 97 is electrically connected to a cable 99 that supplies power from the battery 82 via the BEC 60 to other (not shown) vehicle components.

[0036] Now, when describing a battery system 112 according to another non-restrictive example, reference is made to the Fig. Reference is made to 7-11. The battery system 112 includes a battery trough 118, which contains a first bottom wall 120, a second bottom wall 122, and several side walls 124 that extend between and connect the first bottom wall 120 and the second bottom wall 122. The several side walls 124 include a first side wall 127, a second side wall 128, a third side wall 129 ( Fig. 9) and a fourth side wall 130. The first bottom wall 120, the second bottom wall 122 and the multiple side walls 124 define a receiving zone 132.

[0037] In the receiving area 132, a BEC 135 is arranged and supported on the first bottom wall 120. A battery 138 contains a base 140, which is supported on the second bottom wall 122. The battery 138 can take the form of a LiPo battery. However, as indicated here, the battery 138 can have different battery chemistries. A gap or channel 142 is defined between the base 140 and the second bottom wall 122, while another gap or channel 144 is defined between the BEC 135 and the first bottom wall 120. An opening 146 is defined in the second bottom wall 122. The opening 146 fluidically connects the receiving zone 132 to the channel 142. The opening 146 allows the air flowing through the venting system 46, which flows in and around the BEC 135, to flow into the channel 142 to cool the battery 138.The opening 146 also provides a way that allows an electrical connector 150 on the battery 138 to be plugged directly into the BEC 135.

[0038] In one in the Fig. 7 and Fig. In the non-restrictive example shown in Figure 8, the BEC 135 comprises a top 153 and a bottom 155, which contains the vent openings 157 that are fluidically connected to (not shown) air outlets on the top 153. In this arrangement, air can flow not only around but also through the BEC 135 to improve heat exchange and reduce operating temperatures, thereby increasing operational efficiency. Furthermore, according to the example shown in Figure 8, the BEC 135 can be further cooled by a vent opening 157. Fig. In the non-restrictive example shown in Figure 7, a cable connector 160 is attached to the second side wall 128 and operationally connected to the BEC 135. The cable connector 160 carries a cable 162 that supplies power from the battery 138 via the BEC 135 to one or more (not shown) vehicle components. The battery system 112 may also include an external charging and / or jump-start connection 165, which may be attached to the first side wall 127.

[0039] In a non-restrictive example, which in Fig. 10 and Fig. 11 with continued reference to Fig. As shown in Figure 7, the battery system 112 also includes a locking system 170 that releasably secures the battery 138 to the second bottom wall 122. The locking system 170 includes several locking elements, such as those shown in Figure 177, on the first side wall 127. The locking system 170 can include a locking element on each of the multiple side walls 124. Each locking element 177 includes a base engagement section 179 and a locking engagement section 180. The base engagement section 179 is clamped to the base 140 of the battery 138. The locking engagement section 180 is connected to a locking stop 182, which holds the locking element 177 in a locked position. Fig. 11) and prevents over-rotation of the locking element 177 in an open state ( Fig. 10).

[0040] At this point, it should be recognized that the non-restrictive examples discussed here describe an integrated battery system that not only allows a single vent to cool both a battery and a BEC, but also eliminates the need for cables connecting the battery and the BEC, while simultaneously simplifying maintenance for operators. That is, an operator can easily replace the battery and / or the BEC without the need for professional intervention. While one non-restrictive example shows the inlet open to the environment to direct a cooling airflow into the battery tray, in another non-restrictive example, the inlet may also be located in the power unit compartment to supply a warming airflow into the battery tray.

[0041] While the above disclosure has described exemplary embodiments, it is recognized by those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made and their elements can be replaced by equivalents without departing from the scope of protection defined by the claims.

Claims

[1] Battery system (112) for a vehicle (10), wherein the battery system (112) comprises: a battery trough (118) comprising a first bottom wall (120), a second bottom wall (122) and several side walls (124) which together define a receiving zone (132); a vent (46) which includes an inlet (52) and an outlet (54) which is open to the receiving zone (42); a battery (138); and an electronic battery controller (BEC) (135); wherein the second floor wall (122) is spaced from the first floor wall (120) by the receiving zone (132); characterized by , that the BEC (135) is located in the receiving zone (132) and is supported by the first floor wall (120); the battery (138) is supported by the second bottom wall (122) and is directly connected to the BEC (135) through the second bottom wall (122). [2] Battery system (112) according to claim 1, wherein the battery (138) includes an electrical connector (150) which engages with the BEC (135). [3] Battery system (112) according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a locking system (170) attached to the second bottom wall (122), wherein the locking system (170) secures the battery (138) to the BEC (135). [4] Vehicle (10) comprising: a body (12) that defines a passenger compartment (16); an electrical component (22); and a battery system (112) according to one of the preceding claims, which is operationally connected to the electrical component (22).

Images