Electrical battery assembly

Abstract

To provide electric battery assemblies.SOLUTION: An electric battery assembly is provided comprising: a battery cell having a positive terminal and a negative terminal; an electronic unit comprising a measurement device and a wireless transmitter; and a support structure configured for attachment to the battery cell, and arranged to house the electronic unit, the support structure comprising at least one conducting element arranged to electrically couple the electronic unit to the positive and negative terminals to thereby provide electrical power for the wireless transmitter and the measurement device; where the measurement device is configured to measure a property of the battery cell, and the wireless transmitter is configured to wirelessly transmit the measured property.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electric battery assembly including an electronic unit that includes a battery cell and a measuring device for measuring characteristics of the battery cell. The present invention also relates to a method of forming and operating such an electric battery assembly. [Summary of the Invention]

[0002] According to an aspect of the invention, an electric battery assembly is provided, the electric battery assembly comprising a battery cell having anode and cathode terminals, an electronic unit comprising a measuring device and a wireless transmitter, and a support structure for mounting to the battery cell and disposed to house the electronic unit, the support structure comprising at least one conductive element disposed to electrically couple the electronic unit to the anode and cathode terminals, thereby providing power to the wireless transmitter and the measuring device, the measuring device being configured to measure the properties of the battery cell, and the wireless transmitter being configured to wirelessly transmit the measured properties. The measuring device of the electronic unit may be configured to measure properties of the prismatic battery cell such as current, voltage, or temperature, and the wireless transmitter may be configured to wirelessly transmit the measured properties. Advantageously, the support structure can be retrofitted to individual battery cells after manufacturing without requiring any modification to the existing manufacturing process of the battery cells. Furthermore, in some embodiments, two or more battery assemblies can be combined to form a battery referred to as a battery pack, which is interchangeable with one another, and in the battery, each battery cell is associated with an electronic unit comprising a measuring device and a wireless transmitter. In this way, the individual characteristics of each battery cell provided in the battery pack can be measured. The measured battery cell information can be used by a battery management system (BMS) to control the operation of the individual battery cells. In some embodiments, a support structure can be attached to two or more battery cells. In such embodiments, the electronic unit, and specifically the measuring device, can be configured to measure the characteristics of two or more battery cells to which the support structure is attached. Alternatively, the support structure may comprise two or more electronic units, each comprising a measuring device configured to measure one different characteristic of a battery cell to which the support structure is attached. In further embodiments, the electronic unit may comprise two or more measuring devices, each measuring device configured to measure the characteristics of a different battery cell.The electronic unit may include a single wireless transmitter configured to wirelessly transmit measurement characteristics such that they are measured by one of two or more measuring devices. A unique identifier can be associated with each data transmission from the wireless transmitter to facilitate the identification of the battery cell associated with the received measurement characteristics by a receiver such as a BMS. The unique identifier allows for the unique identification of a specific battery cell associated with the measured characteristics. This facilitates individual battery cell management.

[0003] In one embodiment, the wireless transmitter is a Near Field Communication (NFC) device configured for narrow-area communication. The signals emitted from the wireless transmitter conform to the relevant NFC standard, the details of which are known in this art. The use of an NFC device as a wireless transmitter helps reduce the risk of signal interference between different battery assemblies located in close proximity. Reducing signal interference is particularly important when multiple battery assemblies are combined with each other in a battery pack and multiple wireless transmitters transmit data measured in the vicinity to each other. In such applications, there is a significant risk of signal interference. The use of narrow-area communication signals mitigates such interference. In addition, the use of narrow-area communication signals improves security and reduces the risk of unauthorized third-party access to the transmitted data signals.

[0004] In some embodiments, the support structure can be removably attached to the battery cell. This may be advantageous for maintenance purposes when it is necessary to access the battery cell for maintenance purposes, and / or when it is necessary to access the support structure and / or electronic unit for maintenance reasons.

[0005] The support structure may include a frame shaped to face its first and second ends. The frame may define a support surface between the first and second ends, and the support surface may be configured to fix the electronic unit at least partially within the frame. The battery assembly may include a cover. The cover and frame may have a cooperative surface shape, which mounts the cover onto the frame and surrounds the electronic unit, thereby restricting the movement of the electronic unit relative to the surface of the battery cells. This configuration of the frame and cover provides a favorable mechanism for housing the electronic unit while allowing access to the electronic unit. This is advantageous for maintenance purposes.

[0006] In one embodiment, the electric battery assembly may comprise a cylindrical battery cell. The anode and cathode terminals may be located on the opposing end surfaces of the cylindrical battery cell, and the support structure may be located on the cylindrical surface of the battery cell. The support structure may be extended in a direction along at least a portion of the height of the cylindrical battery cell. In particular, the length of the support structure may be extended in a direction parallel to the height of the cylindrical battery cell. The support structure may comprise a contact surface positioned to contact the cylindrical surface of the cylindrical battery cell. The contact surface may have a surface shape complementary to the shape of the cylindrical surface of the cylindrical battery cell. This results in an improved ergonomic mounting of the support structure to the cylindrical battery cell. In some embodiments, the contact surface shape may be arc-shaped. In some embodiments, the width of the support structure may be extended in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of symmetry of the cylindrical battery cell. The cross-section of the cylindrical battery can be taken in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of symmetry, and the width of the support structure can extend along a portion of the circumference of the circular cross-section of the cylindrical battery cell, forming the length of the arc opposite the central angle θ of the circular cross-section, which is less than 90°. The central angle θ is located at the center of the circular cross-section. Advantageously, this allows two or more battery assemblies, each comprising cylindrical cells, to be combined and arranged so that the support structures of each assembly do not interfere with each other.

[0007] In some embodiments, the contact surface may include mounting means for attaching the support structure to the cylindrical surface of the cylindrical battery cell. The mounting means may include fasteners. The mounting means may include an adhesive, which enables the support structure to be attached to the cylindrical surface of the cylindrical battery cell. In some embodiments, the adhesive allows the support structure to be repeatedly removed from and reattached to the cylindrical support surface.

[0008] In one embodiment, the support structure may include a gripping arm extending outward from the support structure, which grips the anode and cathode terminals of the cylindrical battery cell, thereby attaching the support structure to the cylindrical battery cell by forming an interference fit with the terminals of the cylindrical battery cell. The gripping arm may be located at the end of the support structure.

[0009] In some embodiments, the gripping arm may be configured to extend in a plane perpendicular to the length of the support structure in order to facilitate gripping of the battery terminals.

[0010] In some embodiments, the electric battery assembly may comprise a prismatic battery cell. The anode and cathode terminals may protrude from the same end surface of the prismatic battery cell at spaced-apart positions on the end surface. The end surface of the prismatic battery cell may be substantially planar. The anode and cathode terminals may be located on the end surface facing opposite sides of the prismatic battery cell. The anode and cathode terminals may protrude from the planar end surface of the prismatic battery cell. The anode and cathode terminals may have a rectangular or circular cross-section. The interterminal space may be defined and bounded between the anode and cathode terminals in a direction spanning the entire end surface, and may be bounded between the end surface of the prismatic battery cell and the end surfaces of the anode and cathode terminals in a direction perpendicular to the end surface.

[0011] The first and second ends of the mounting frame can be configured to be attached to the anode and cathode terminals of a prismatic battery cell, respectively. The mounting frame defines a support surface between the first and second ends, and the electronic unit can be supported on the support surface. The support surface can accommodate the space between the terminals. The electronic unit can be electrically coupled to the anode and cathode terminals, respectively, thereby providing power to the radio transmitter. According to some embodiments in which the battery cell comprises a prismatic battery cell, when the cover is attached to the mounting frame, the mounting frame and cover surround the electronic unit, thereby restricting the movement of the electronic unit across the entire end surface of the prismatic battery cell and in directions perpendicular to the end surface. The movement of the electronic unit across the entire end surface is restricted in directions perpendicular to the direction in which the anode and cathode terminals are separated across the entire end surface, and in directions perpendicular to the direction in which the anode and cathode terminals are separated across the entire end surface.

[0012] The mount and cover can cooperate to hold the electronic unit in the inter-terminal space and to restrict the movement of the electronic unit relative to the prismatic battery cell. Thus, the electronic unit can be held relative to the prismatic battery cell with which it operates in conjunction. Furthermore, and as described below, the electronic unit can be held to provide improved operation of the electronic unit itself, and improved operation of the electronic unit with further electronic equipment that wirelessly communicates with the electronic unit. Not only that, the electronic unit can be mounted on the prismatic battery cell without the need to modify the prismatic battery cell itself. Moreover, the position of the electronic unit in the inter-terminal space can minimize the extent to which the area occupied by the prismatic battery cell increases. Ease of housing of the electric battery assembly in larger electric battery structures, such as electric vehicles or battery packs, is thus provided.

[0013] In one embodiment, when the support structure is attached to a prismatic battery cell, the support structure cannot extend over the anode and cathode terminals. An exception to this may be a portion that protrudes beyond the ends of the anode and cathode terminals and defines a surface shape that engages with the cooperative surface shape of the cover. Thus, the area over which the support structure increases the area occupied by the prismatic battery cell is minimized.

[0014] In some embodiments, when the support structure is attached to a prismatic battery cell, the support structure cannot extend beyond the periphery of the end surface of the prismatic battery cell where the anode and cathode terminals protrude. Therefore, the area occupied by the prismatic battery cell cannot increase beyond the periphery of the end surface, thereby allowing the prismatic battery cell with the support structure attached to be accommodated in a space sufficient to accommodate a prismatic battery cell without the support structure.

[0015] Each of the first and second ends of the support structure can be shaped to fit around the anode and cathode terminals of a prismatic battery cell, respectively. More specifically, each of the first and second ends of the support structure can define an opening, and more specifically, a surrounded opening from which the anode and cathode terminals extend, respectively. The opening can be defined by a boundary wall, which cannot extend beyond the ends of the terminals.

[0016] According to several embodiments, each of the first and second ends of the support structure can be shaped to connect with a shape defined by one of the anode and cathode terminals, respectively. Such a connection provides resistance to the support structure detaching from the terminal. If the shape defined by the terminal includes a recess, such as a recess toward the bottom of the terminal, the shape defined by the end of the support structure can be shaped to accommodate the recess in the terminal. The end of the support structure can be shaped to provide a snap-fit ​​attachment to the terminal.

[0017] The mount may include a base that defines a support surface on which the electronic unit is supported. Shaped first and second ends of the mount may extend from opposing ends of the base. The base may define ventilation openings through which the ventilation openings align with the ventilation openings on the end surface of the prismatic battery cell when the mount is attached to the prismatic battery cell. Prismatic battery cells typically have ventilation openings that allow for pressure reduction in the prismatic battery cell in the event of a malfunction that causes an increase in pressure inside the prismatic battery cell. The ventilation openings in the base allow the ventilation openings in the prismatic battery cell to function by facilitating ventilation. In other cases, the base provides a continuous surface to the end surface of the prismatic battery cell.

[0018] In one embodiment, the base may further comprise first and second walls, the first and second walls extending upward from their respective opposing edges at the base, thereby extending between the anode and cathode terminals. The heights of the first and second walls may be such that their ends do not extend beyond the ends of the anode and cathode terminals. In embodiments where terminals accommodating an opening are defined by a boundary wall, the boundary wall may be substantially the same height as the first and second walls, as described above. The base and the first and second walls can define a base space for accommodating an electronic unit. The electronic unit may be shaped such that it slides into the first and second walls. Thus, the movement of the electronic unit across the entire end surface of the prismatic battery cell is restricted in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the anode and cathode terminals are separated.

[0019] In some embodiments, the frame may further include a lateral wall extending upward from the base of the frame and between the first and second walls. The lateral wall may be positioned at a distance from the ends of the base of the frame adjacent to the first and second ends of the frame. The lateral wall can provide a barrier to the movement of the electronic unit across the entire end surface of the prismatic battery cell in the direction in which the anode and cathode terminals are separated. Thus, the first and second walls and the lateral wall can restrict the movement of the electronic unit across the entire end surface in two mutually orthogonal directions. As described above, if the terminals accommodating the opening are defined by a boundary wall, the boundary wall can provide a further barrier to the movement of the electronic unit across the entire end surface in the direction in which the anode and cathode terminals are separated.

[0020] As described above, the electronic unit can be electrically coupled to each of its anode and cathode terminals via at least one conductive element, thereby supplying power to the wireless transmitter and measuring device. In some embodiments, the at least one conductive element may comprise first and second electrical conductors extending from the electronic unit, the first and second electrical conductors providing electrical conduction from the anode and cathode conductors, respectively. In some embodiments, the first and second electrical conductors may extend from opposing ends of the electronic unit.

[0021] In some embodiments, the support structure can be configured to hold first and second electrical conductors when housing an electronic unit.

[0022] The first and second electrical conductors can be electrically coupled to the anode and cathode terminals by different means. According to some embodiments, at least one end of the first and second electrical conductors may have a conductor terminal located on one of the anode and cathode terminals, respectively. In some embodiments, the conductor terminal can be welded to the terminal. In some embodiments, the conductor terminal can simply be in contact with the terminal without being welded to it. In use, the conductor terminal can be sandwiched between the terminal and the busbar, thereby allowing power to be drawn from the terminal by the electronic unit.

[0023] According to the embodiment, each of the first and second electrical conductors can be electrically coupled to a conductive fastener, which is fixed to a terminal. The conductive fastener can be located at the respective ends of the first and second electrical conductors. The conductive fastener can be shaped to fit around the terminal, and the cross-section of the terminal may be rectangular or circular. Furthermore, the conductive fastener can define a toothed portion adjacent to the terminal during use. The conductive fastener can be shaped and sized to provide an interference fit with the terminal, thereby forming a good conduction path from the terminal.

[0024] According to the embodiments, conductive fasteners can form part of a frame and, in addition to providing electrical conductivity, can attach the frame to the anode and cathode terminals. As described above, each of the first and second ends of the frame can define a shape that connects to the shape defined by each of the anode and cathode terminals. According to some embodiments, each conductive fastener can be provided in one of each of the first and second ends of the frame and can define a shape that connects to the shape defined by each of the anode and cathode terminals. The frame can be formed together with conductive fasteners that are fitted into the frame after its formation, such as from a plastic material as described below. Alternatively, the conductive fasteners can be incorporated into the frame during its formation. In some embodiments, an electronic unit can be electrically coupled to the conductive fasteners of the frame by welding or soldering each of the first and second electrical conductors to one of each of the two conductive fasteners.

[0025] In some embodiments, the cover can be sized such that, when mounted on a frame, it does not extend beyond the perimeter of the end surfaces of the prismatic battery cells where the anode and cathode terminals protrude. Thus, the area occupied by the prismatic battery cells cannot increase beyond the end surfaces, thereby allowing the covered prismatic battery cells to be accommodated in sufficient space to accommodate uncovered prismatic battery cells.

[0026] In some embodiments, the cover can be sized such that, when mounted on the frame, it extends to the anode terminal at a first end and to the cathode terminal at an opposing second end. Thus, the anode and cathode terminals are not covered by the cover, thereby allowing them to be electrically coupled to something like a busbar. In other cases, the cover can cover the frame space with the exception of at least one opening extending through the cover to allow ventilation holes for the prismatic battery cell to function.

[0027] As described above, the cover and the frame may have a cooperative surface shape for mounting the cover onto the frame. The surface shape of the cover can be defined by openings extending outwards from the periphery of the cover and is shaped to accommodate the respective projections extending upward from the frame. Each opening and each projection can be connected to provide a snap-fit ​​attachment of the cover to the frame.

[0028] In some embodiments, the cover can define a first surface that faces the pedestal when the cover is attached to the pedestal, and a second planar surface that faces away from the pedestal when the cover is attached to the pedestal. At least one antenna arrangement can be defined on the second planar surface. The antenna arrangement can be shaped to hold an antenna that wirelessly communicates with a wireless transmitter of an electronic unit. The antenna can be provided in a battery assembly. The wireless transmitter can comprise an electronic unit antenna. Therefore, the pedestal and the cover can cooperate to hold the electronic unit and provide an appropriate relative arrangement between the wireless transmitter held by the cover in the antenna arrangement and the antenna. The antenna arrangement can define a groove that accommodates the antenna. In some embodiments, the groove can extend over the entire cover in a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the anode and the cathode terminal are separated. As described herein, when there are a plurality of electric battery assemblies, the plurality of electric battery assemblies can be positioned adjacent to each other, whereby their antenna accommodation grooves can be aligned in position, whereby a single antenna, such as a transmission line that operates as an antenna, can be accommodated in the grooves so that the single antenna extends over the plurality of electric battery assemblies. Accordingly, each cover of an electric battery assembly can provide wireless communication between each wireless transmitter and the single antenna, and can provide appropriate arrangement of the single antenna relative to each wireless transmitter with respect to at least one of separation, thus isolation, and orientation.

[0029] The electronic unit may comprise a printed circuit board, more specifically a rigid printed circuit board. In an embodiment, the printed circuit board may be flexible. The wireless transmitter can be constituted by electronic components mounted on the printed circuit board. Further electronic components can be mounted on the printed circuit board. Such further electronic components can form at least part of a measuring apparatus, and can include such as a microprocessor

[0030] According to an embodiment, the support structure can be integrally formed from a plastic material such as polypropylene, and the plastic material can be filled with glass in a range of 10 to 20%. The cover can be integrally formed from a plastic material such as polypropylene.

[0031] The battery cell may comprise a container, more specifically a rigid container. In those embodiments comprising prismatic battery cells, the container may comprise one or more pouch cells. When the container comprises a plurality of pouch cells, anode terminals of the plurality of pouch cells can be electrically coupled, and cathode terminals of the plurality of pouch cells can be electrically coupled. In those embodiments comprising prismatic battery cells, the container may overall, and more specifically, be substantially in the shape of a rectangular cuboid. The container can define first and second end surfaces facing in opposite directions, and a side surface extending between the first and second end surfaces and extending around the container. The anode and cathode terminals can protrude from the same one of the first and second end surfaces. When the container is in the shape of a cuboid, more specifically when it is in the shape of a rectangular cuboid, the side surfaces can comprise first to fourth side surfaces having first and third surfaces facing in opposite directions and second and fourth surfaces facing in opposite directions. The first and third surfaces may be far larger in area than the second and fourth surfaces. In those embodiments comprising cylindrical battery cells, the container is cylindrical in shape and comprises a cylindrical surface having two end surfaces each representing a different one of an anode or a cathode battery terminal. The two end surfaces are arranged substantially parallel to each other, and the cylindrical surface extends longitudinally between them.

[0032] A battery cell may comprise at least one electrochemical device. The electrochemical device may comprise a lithium-ion electrochemical device, more specifically a lithium-ion polymer electrochemical device. If the battery cell comprises a prismatic battery cell, each at least one electrochemical device may be housed in a pouch cell container, more specifically in a sealed pouch cell container that can be flexible, thereby allowing the pouch cell container to expand.

[0033] According to another aspect of the invention, an electric vehicle is provided, comprising at least one electric battery assembly relating to any one or more of the above aspects and embodiments of the invention, and an electric motor that drives the electric vehicle depending on the power received from the at least one electric battery assembly.

[0034] According to a further aspect of the invention, a stationary or portable generator, such as an uninterruptible power supply, is provided, the generator comprising at least one electric battery assembly relating to any one or more of the above aspects and embodiments of the invention, and a charger input for charging the at least one electric battery assembly.

[0035] A further aspect of the invention provides a method for forming and operating an electric battery assembly, the electric battery assembly comprising a battery cell having anode and cathode terminals, an electronic unit comprising a measuring device and a wireless transmitter, and a support structure configured for mounting to the battery cell, the method comprising: mounting the support structure to the battery cell by first and second ends of the support structure which are shaped to be mounted to the anode and cathode terminals, respectively; supporting the electronic unit, which, when supported, is electrically coupled to the anode and cathode terminals, respectively, and thereby provides power to the wireless transmitter and the measuring device, on a support surface defined by the support structure between the first and second ends; measuring the properties of the battery cell with the measuring device; and wirelessly transmitting the measured properties by the wireless transmitter.

[0036] In some embodiments, the support structure may include a pedestal, which is shaped toward its first and second ends, and the pedestal defines a support surface between the first and second ends, and the method may include mounting a cover on the pedestal by the cooperative surface shape of the cover and the pedestal to surround the electronic unit, thereby restricting the movement of the electronic unit relative to the surface of the battery cell.

[0037] Embodiments of any aspect of the invention may have one or more features of other aspects of the invention. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0038] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become clear from the specific description below, which is given for illustrative purposes only, and from the accompanying drawings.

[0039] [Figure 1] This is an exploded perspective view of an electric battery assembly according to an embodiment, in which an electronic unit is attached to a prismatic battery cell via a removable support structure. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a prismatic battery cell to which a removable support structure for the electric battery assembly is attached. [Figure 3A] This is a diagram of a prismatic battery cell with a removable support structure attached, and an electronic unit housed in a fixed position on the support structure. [Figure 3B] Figure 3A is a detailed view of one terminal of the prismatic battery cell of the device shown. [Figure 4A] This illustrates how to establish an electrical connection between the terminals of a prismatic battery cell and an electronic unit according to an embodiment. [Figure 4B] This also shows how to establish an electrical connection between the circular terminals of a prismatic battery cell and an electronic unit according to another embodiment. [Figure 4C]Further embodiments illustrate how to establish an electrical connection between a terminal and an electronic unit. [Figure 5] The cover of the electric battery assembly shows a prismatic battery cell attached to a support structure. [Figure 6A] This is a perspective view of an electric battery assembly according to an embodiment, in which an electronic unit is attached to a cylindrical battery cell via a removable support structure. [Figure 6B] Figure 6A is an exploded perspective view of the battery assembly. [Figure 6C] This is a cross-sectional view of the battery assembly shown in Figure 6A, in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the battery cell. [Figure 7A] This is a perspective drawing of a battery assembly containing multiple cylindrical battery cells. [Figure 7B] Figure 7A is a plan view of the battery assembly. [Figure 8] This is a perspective view of a battery comprising a plurality of cylindrical battery cells sharing a single support structure, according to an embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0040] The inventors of the present invention have designed an electric battery that may comprise a plurality of electric battery cells and a plurality of electronic units, each of which measures one characteristic of each of the plurality of electric battery cells. In such an electric battery, it is desirable that each electronic unit be mounted on the electric battery cell in which it operates. Furthermore, it is desirable that each electronic unit be mounted on the electric battery cell in such a manner that it provides proper operation of the electronic unit while minimizing the impact on the easy use of the electric battery cells. It is also desirable that each electronic unit be mounted on the electric battery cell in which it operates without modifying the electric battery cell.

[0041] Accordingly, at least some object of the embodiments disclosed herein is to provide an electric battery assembly comprising a battery cell and an electronic unit having a measuring device for measuring the characteristics of the battery cell, wherein the electronic unit is attached to the battery cell. At least some further object of the embodiments disclosed herein is to provide a method for forming and operating such an electric battery assembly.

[0042] According to embodiments of the invention, a support structure for mounting to a battery cell is provided. The support structure can be configured to be removable and retrofitted to the battery cell. The support structure can be configured to house an electronic unit, the electronic unit comprising at least one conductive element arranged to be electrically coupled to the anode and cathode terminals of an electric battery cell, thereby enabling power to be supplied to the electronic unit. The electronic unit comprises a measuring device configured to measure the properties of the battery cell and a wireless transmitter configured to transmit the measured properties wirelessly. The wireless transmitter may comprise a near-field communication (NFC) device configured for narrow-range wireless communication. Since the operating characteristics of NFC devices are well known in this art, no further details are provided here, and it is only stated that the wireless transmitter conforms to all relevant NFC operating standards. The use of near-field communication reduces the risk of signal interference between wireless transmitters located in close proximity.

[0043] The removable support structure may comprise different methods for attaching itself to the battery cell, which may depend on the shape factor of the battery cell. In particular, according to one embodiment, the support structure may consist of means for attachment to a battery cell having a prismatic shape factor, such a battery cell is often referred to in this art as a prismatic battery cell. Similarly, in an alternative embodiment, the support structure may consist of means for attachment to a cylindrical battery cell. In the context of this disclosure, the terms prismatic and cylindrical relate only to the geometric shape of the battery cell as determined by its housing, and not to its internal chemical properties.

[0044] To facilitate the reader's understanding of the present invention, embodiments in which the support structure is configured for mounting to prismatic and cylindrical battery cells will be described in turn. In both cases, reducing the impact of the support structure's installation on the battery cell's occupied area helps to minimize the impact on the battery cell's existing occupied area. In this context, the term battery occupied area is used to refer to the volume of space occupied by the battery cell. Reducing the impact of the support structure's installation on the battery cell's occupied area helps to ensure that the support structure is retrofittable and can be incorporated into existing applications of battery cells. In particular, the disclosed support structure does not impose any geometric and / or volumetric impediments to combining multiple battery cells to form a battery or battery pack. This is achieved by positioning the support structure in a volume of space adjacent to the battery cell that does not have any significant impact on the battery cell's existing useful geometric occupied area. For example, with respect to a prismatic battery cell having spaced-out anode and cathode terminals extending from a shared battery surface, the volume of such space can be defined between the terminals. Further details according to this embodiment are described below. In most practical applications, the space between the terminals of a prismatic battery cell is not used for any purpose. In particular, this space is not used when multiple prismatic battery cells are put together to form a battery pack. Therefore, the ability to combine the prismatic battery cells by positioning the support structure in the volume of this space is not affected. With respect to cylindrical battery cells, a similar effect can be achieved by positioning the support structure on a portion of the cylindrical surface such that the support structure is located in the gap formed between adjacent cylindrical cells when multiple cylindrical cells are combined to form a battery pack. Again, further details of this embodiment are also disclosed below. A further advantage of the embodiments disclosed herein is that no modification of existing battery cell manufacturing processes is required to accommodate the support structure.

[0045] Figure 1 shows an exploded view of an electric battery assembly 10 according to an embodiment of the invention. The electric battery assembly 10 comprises a prismatic battery cell 12, a support structure 14, an electronic unit 16, and a cover 18. The support structure 14 can be shaped like a cradle and, in the following description, is simply referred to as the cradle 14, interchangeably. The shaped cradle is intended to provide the support structure with a volume of space suitable for housing the electronic unit 16, such as a recess. The prismatic battery cell 12 has a known shape and function and therefore comprises a rigid container that can contain a plurality of pouch cells, each capable of housing a lithium-ion polymer electrochemical device. The anode terminals of the plurality of pouch cells can be connected together and led to the anode terminal 20 of the prismatic battery cell, and the cathode terminals of the plurality of pouch cells can be connected together and led to the cathode terminal 20 of the prismatic battery cell. The anode and cathode terminals 20 protrude upward from the same end surface of the prismatic battery cell 12. The interterminal space is defined and bounded between the anode and cathode terminals 20 in a direction spanning the entire end surface, and between the end surface of the prismatic battery cell and the end surfaces of the anode and cathode terminals in a direction perpendicular to the end surface. Ventilation holes 22 can be provided on the end surface of the prismatic battery cell 12 between the anode and cathode terminals 20. Roughly speaking, the frame 14 is attached to the prismatic battery cell 12, and the electronic unit 16 is placed on the frame 14. The electronic unit 16 is electrically coupled to the anode and cathode terminals 20. The cover 18 can be attached to the frame 14 such that the electronic unit 16 is surrounded between the cover and the frame.

[0046] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a prismatic battery cell 12 to which a frame 14 of an electric battery assembly is attached. The frame comprises a frame base 32, which defines a support surface 34 on which an electronic unit 16 is supported. The frame base 32 defines a ventilation opening 36 through which the ventilation opening 36 can be aligned with ventilation holes 22 on the end surface of the prismatic battery cell 12 to assist in the ventilation of the prismatic battery cell. The frame 14 may further comprise first and second walls 38, which extend upward from their respective opposing edges of the frame base 32, with each of the first and second walls extending between the anode and cathode terminals 20. The height of the first and second walls 38 is such that their ends do not extend further beyond the ends of the anode and cathode terminals 20. The frame 14 may further include lateral walls 40, which extend upward from the frame base 32 and between the first and second walls 38. The lateral walls 40 can be positioned at intervals from each end of the frame base 32.

[0047] Each of the first and second ends of the frame 14 can be shaped to fit around one anode and one cathode terminal 20, respectively. Further consideration of the first and second ends of the frame 14, each of the first and second ends of the frame can define an opening into which one anode and one cathode terminal 20 can extend. The opening is defined by a boundary wall 42, the height of which the boundary wall 42 is the same as that of the first and second walls 38, such that the boundary wall 42 does not extend beyond the end of the terminal 20. The frame base 32, the first and second walls 38, and portions of the boundary wall 42 at each of the first and second ends define recesses that are equivalently referred to as frame spaces for housing the electronic unit 16. Furthermore, as will be evident from the following description, a portion of the boundary wall 42 at one of the first and second ends, and the lateral wall 40, provide a barrier to the movement of the electronic unit 16 across the entire end surface of the prismatic battery cell in the direction in which the anode and cathode terminals 20 are separated.

[0048] Figure 3A shows a prismatic battery cell 12 to which a mounting base 14 is attached, and an electronic unit 16 positioned appropriately on the mounting base. The electronic unit 16 comprises a measuring device and a wireless transmitter, which consist of electronic components mounted on a rigid printed circuit board 44. The measuring device of the electronic unit is configured to measure properties of the prismatic battery cell, such as current, voltage, or temperature, and the wireless transmitter transmits the measured properties wirelessly. For example, in one embodiment, the measured properties can be transmitted wirelessly to a battery management system (BMS). According to one embodiment, the wireless transmitter is a near-field communication (NFC) device configured for narrow-range communication. This helps reduce interference between nearby wireless transmitters, which can occur when multiple battery assemblies, each having a separate wireless transmitter, operate in close proximity, for example, within a battery having multiple battery assemblies. In such applications, reducing interference is essential to ensure accurate data transmission. Measurement of current, voltage, or temperature follows conventional practices. The form and function of the wireless transmitter may be as described in WO 2018 / 002667 A1, which is incorporated herein by reference. The printed circuit board 44 further includes a microprocessor along with conventional form and function support circuits. The microprocessor processes measurements from the measuring device and forms data packets for wireless transmission of data from the electronic unit 16.

[0049] As can be seen in Figure 3A, the printed circuit board 44 is housed in a frame space defined by the frame 14, and the printed circuit board is slide-fitted between the first and second walls 38 and between a portion of the boundary wall 42 at one end of the frame and the lateral wall 40. Thus, the movement of the electronic unit 16 across the entire end surface of the prismatic battery cell 12 is restricted in two mutually orthogonal directions. The first and second electrical conductors 46 extend from opposing ends of the printed circuit board 44. The frame 14 can define first and second configurations that hold the first and second electrical conductors, respectively. Each of the first and second configurations has the shape of a simple beam 48 positioned at a distance from the frame base 32, supported at a first end from either the first or second wall 38 and at a second end from the frame base. The electrical conductor 46 can be fitted under a simple beam 48 to keep the electrical conductor in place and guide it toward each terminal 20.

[0050] A detailed view of one terminal of the prismatic battery cell in the configuration shown in Figure 3A is shown in Figure 3B. As can be seen from Figure 3B, the boundary wall 42 defines a lip-shaped portion 50 on its internal surface and at its lower edge. Furthermore, the terminal 20 defines a recess 52 around its periphery and toward its bottom. The mount 14 is attached to the prismatic battery cell 12 by positioning it on the prismatic battery cell 12 such that the anode and cathode terminals 20 are accommodated through the respective openings defined by the boundary wall 42. The mount 14 is then pressed against the resistance provided by the lip-shaped portions 50 to each terminal 20 until the lip-shaped portions are accommodated in the recesses 52 at the terminals 20. Thus, the lip-shaped portions 50 and recesses 52 provide a snap-fit ​​for attaching the mount 14 to the prismatic battery cell 12.

[0051] The first and second electrical conductors 46 can be electrically coupled to the anode and cathode terminals 20 by one of different means. For example, referring to Figures 3B and 4A (Figure 4A is Figure 3B rotated 180 degrees), according to one embodiment, each end of the first and second electrical conductors 46 is provided with a conductor terminal 54 that is located on and in contact with one of the anode and cathode terminals 20, respectively. The conductor terminals 54 can be welded to the terminals 20 to maintain the electrical conductors 46 in contact with the respective terminals 20. In use, when the electric battery assembly is electrically coupled to an external device, the conductor terminals 54 can be sandwiched between the terminals 20 and the busbar. When both the first and second electrical conductors 46 are electrically coupled to the anode and cathode terminals 20, power for the electronic unit 16 is drawn from the prismatic battery cell 12 by the anode and cathode terminals 20.

[0052] It should be recognized that the use of welding represents one non-limiting method for maintaining electrical conductors in contact with their respective terminals. Alternative means for maintaining electrical conductors in contact with their respective terminals are also conceivable. For example, referring to Figure 4B, according to another embodiment, conductive fasteners 62 can be provided at one end each of the first and second electrical conductors 46. The conductive fasteners 62 are shaped to fit around the terminals 20 and maintain contact with them. This can be achieved by determining the dimensions of the conductive fasteners 62 to be complementary in shape and size to the cross-sectional shape and size of the terminals 20, so that an interference fit with the terminals 20 is formed when the conductive fasteners 62 are placed around the terminals 20. The terminals 20 may have a rectangular or circular cross-section, but other cross-sectional shapes are also conceivable. In one embodiment, where the terminal 20 has a circular cross-section, the conductive fastener 62 may include a push-on fixing washer, such as one provided by Springmasters Ltd Arthur Street, Redditch, B98 8LF, United Kingdom. In one embodiment, for terminals having a rectangular or circular cross-section, the conductive fastener 62 may define a toothed portion, which is adjacent to the terminal 20 during use, and the conductive fastener is shaped and sized to provide an interference fit with the terminal 20, thereby forming a good conduction path from the terminal.

[0053] In a further embodiment, referring to Figure 4C, the conductive fastener 72, in addition to providing electrical conductivity, can form part of the frame 14 and allow the frame to be attached to the anode and cathode terminals 20. As described above with reference to the embodiment in Figure 3B, the lip-shaped portion 50 defined by the boundary wall 42 connects to the recesses 52 in the anode and cathode terminals 20. According to this embodiment, each conductive fastener 72 can be provided on one of the first and second ends of the frame 14, defining a projection that connects to the recess 52 in one of the anode and cathode terminals 20. The frame 14 in Figure 4C can be attached to the prismatic battery cell 12 in the same manner as described with reference to the embodiment in Figure 3A, so that the projection defined by the conductive fastener 72 provides a snap fit to the recesses 52 in the anode and cathode terminals 20. The frame 14 can be formed from a plastic material by casting or other means as described below, and the conductive fasteners 72 are fitted to the frame after its formation. Alternatively, the conductive fasteners 72 can be incorporated into the frame during casting. The electronic unit 16 can be electrically coupled to the conductive fasteners of the frame by welding or soldering each of the first and second electrical conductors to one exposed portion 74 of each of the two conductive fasteners 72.

[0054] Figure 5 shows a prismatic battery cell 12 with a cover 18 of an electric battery assembly mounted on a stand, according to an embodiment. The size of the cover 18 is such that, when mounted on the stand 14, the cover does not extend beyond the periphery of the end surfaces of the prismatic battery cell 12 and does not extend above the first and second walls 38. Furthermore, the size of the cover 18 can be such that, when mounted on the stand 14, the cover extends to the anode terminal at the first end and to the cathode terminal at the opposing second end. Thus, the anode and cathode terminals 20 are not covered by the cover 18, thereby allowing the anode and cathode terminals to be electrically coupled to something like a busbar. In another case, the cover 18 can be configured to cover the stand space, with the exception of at least one opening 82 extending through the cover to allow the ventilation holes 22 of the prismatic battery cell 12 to function.

[0055] The cover 18 and the mount 14 may have a cooperative surface shape for attaching the cover to the mount. The surface shape of the cover 18 is defined by openings 84 extending toward the periphery of the cover and is shaped to accommodate projections 86 that are located within the mount and extend upward from the mount. Each opening 84 and each projection 86 are connected to provide a snap-fit ​​attachment of the cover to the mount. The cover 18 defines a first surface that faces toward the mount when the cover is attached to the mount 14, and a second planar surface 88 that faces away from the mount when the cover is attached to the mount. Two parallel grooves 90 are defined on the second planar surface 88. The grooves 90 extend across the entire cover in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the anode and cathode terminals 20 are separated from each other. Each groove 90 accommodates and holds the respective cables of a twin-cable antenna (not shown). In use, the twin cable antenna is in wireless communication with the electronic unit antenna located within the wireless transmitter of the electronic unit 16.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the frame can be integrally formed from polypropylene filled with 10-20% glass. The cover can be integrally formed from polypropylene.

[0057] As described above, according to an alternative embodiment, the support structure 100 can be configured for mounting to a cylindrical battery cell 102, as illustrated in the battery assembly 103 of Figure 6A. In contrast to a prismatic battery cell, the terminals of the cylindrical battery cell are provided on the opposing end surfaces of the cylindrically shaped battery cell. Figure 6B is an exploded perspective view of the battery assembly 103 of Figure 6A. The support structure 100 of this embodiment can be in the form of a cradle, as in the previously described embodiment, and is interchangeably referred to as a cradle, as in the previously described embodiment. A notable difference between the cradle 100 of this embodiment and the cradle of the previously disclosed embodiment is that one of the first and second ends of the cradle each includes a gripping arm 104 positioned to grip one of the anode and cathode cylindrical battery cell terminals 106, respectively, enabling the cradle 100 to be mounted to the cylindrical battery cell 102. The cradle 100 is positioned to support the electronic unit 16 in substantially the same manner as described above in relation to the above embodiment.

[0058] Unless otherwise stated, it should be recognized that support structures intended for use with cylindrical battery cells share the same features as the support structures disclosed above, as described for use with prismatic battery cells. For example, the support structures may include a cover and antenna configuration, as disclosed above. To avoid repetition, not all shared features will be listed, and the following descriptions of embodiments with cylindrical battery cells will focus on describing notable differences with respect to prismatic battery cell embodiments.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the support frame 100 may include a contact surface that, when attached to the battery cell 102, is positioned to contact at least a portion of the cylindrical surface 108 of the cylindrical battery cell 102. The contact surface may have a surface shape complementary to at least a portion of the shape of the cylindrical surface 108. In particular, the surface shape of the contact surface may have a radius of curvature complementary to the radius of curvature of the cylindrical surface 108 of the cylindrical battery cell 102. When attached to the cylindrical battery cell 102, the support frame 100 extends in a direction along at least a portion of the height of the battery cell, as illustrated in Figure 6A.

[0060] Figure 6C is a cross-sectional plan view of the battery assembly 103 of Figure 6A in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis z of the cylindrical battery cell 102. The longitudinal axis z is the longitudinal axis of symmetry of the cylindrical battery cell 102. The contact surface 110 is clearly visible in Figure 6C. The width of the contact surface 110 defines the arc length proportional to the radius r of the cylindrical battery cell 102 and the angle θ. The angle θ represents the angle opposite to the arc length and represents the width of the contact surface and, equivalently, the width of the mount 100. According to embodiments of this disclosure, the width of the mount 100 is selected to ensure that it faces an angle θ less than 90°. This helps to minimize any interference with other adjacent cylindrical battery cells when multiple cylindrical battery cells are assembled into a battery pack.

[0061] As illustrated in Figures 6A and 6B, the gripping arms 104 extend in a direction perpendicular to the length of the support structure 100. According to some embodiments, the separation distance d between the gripping arms 104 (see Figure 6B) is selected to ensure that each gripping arm 104 grips its respective battery cell terminal 106 with sufficient force to form a tight interference fit with the terminal 106 of the cylindrical battery cell 102. One way this can be achieved is to make the separation distance d slightly shorter than the height h of the cylindrical battery. The gripping arms 104 can be constructed from a material that allows for some bending of the arms. When the gripping arms 104 are bent to fit around their respective battery terminals, a restorative force acts against the direction of the bend, helping to ensure that a tight interference fit is formed for each terminal 106.

[0062] In an alternative embodiment, the support structure 100 may be provided with mounting means for attaching the support structure 100 to the cylindrical surface 108 of the cylindrical battery cell 102. For example, one such mounting means may comprise an adhesive strip. The adhesive strip may be placed on the contact surface 110, allowing the support structure 100 to be bonded to the cylindrical surface 108 of the battery cell 102. Alternative mounting means can also be considered, which would allow the support structure 100 to be fixed to the cylindrical surface 108 of the battery cell 102.

[0063] In common with the embodiments disclosed above, the support structure 100 may include at least one conductive element arranged to electrically couple the electronic unit 16 to the battery cell terminals 106. In the embodiments illustrated in Figures 6A and 6B, the at least one conductive element comprises first and second electrical conductors 110, which extend from opposing ends of the electronic unit 16, specifically from opposing ends of a printed circuit board provided within the electronic unit 16, in a manner similar to that described in relation to the preceding embodiments. The first and second electrical conductors 110 extend to a gripping arm 104, which is positioned to allow at least portions of the ends of the first and second electrical conductors 110 to form electrical contact with the respective battery terminals 106. In some embodiments, the ends of the first and second electrical conductors 110 may be located on the inner surface of the gripping arm 104 that is in contact with the respective battery terminals 106. In this way, the interference fit formed between the gripping arm 104 and the battery terminal also helps to establish an electrical connection between the first and second electrical conductors 110 and the battery terminal 106. For example, each gripping arm may have a cavity (not shown) through which the first and second electrical conductors 110 can pass, allowing the ends of the first and second electrical conductors 110 to be located on the inner surface of the gripping arm 104. In one embodiment, the gripping arm 104 may have holes configured to accommodate the ends of the first and second electrical conductors 110, through which an electrical connection to the respective battery terminal 106 can be established.

[0064] Figure 7A is a perspective view of a battery pack 112, simply referred to as a battery, which is interchangeable with one another and comprises several battery assemblies 103, as illustrated in Figures 6A-6C. Figure 7B is a plan view of the battery pack 112 of Figure 7A. Each battery assembly 103 comprises a support structure 100 to which cylindrical battery cells 102 are attached. Figures 7A and 7B clearly highlight how the battery assemblies 103 can be positioned relative to each other without the support structures 100 of adjacent assemblies interfering with each other, by limiting the width of the support structures to the length of arcs facing each other at angles less than 90°. This can be understood by considering the gaps 114 that naturally form between the cylindrical battery cells when they are joined together and in contact with their cylindrical surfaces, as illustrated in Figure 7B.

[0065] Figure 8 shows an alternative configuration of the support structure 100, in which three different cylindrical battery cells 102 share the same support structure 116 to form a battery pack 115. One cylindrical battery cell 102a is made transparent to better show the shape of the shared support structure 116. In such an embodiment, it can be considered that the shared support structure 116 may comprise multiple electronic units (not shown), each electronic unit assigned to measure one different characteristic of the cylindrical battery cells mounted on the shared support structure 116. Alternatively, it can be considered that the shared support structure 116 may comprise a single electronic unit arranged to measure one characteristic of each of the coupled cylindrical battery cells 102.

[0066] While exemplary embodiments have been described herein, the scope of this application encompasses any and all embodiments having equivalent elements, modifications, omissions, combinations (e.g., combinations of aspects across various embodiments), adaptations, or variations based on this disclosure. The elements enumerated in the claims should be interpreted broadly based on the terminology adopted herein and not limited to the examples described herein or during the exercise of application, and such examples should be interpreted non-exclusively. Furthermore, the steps in the disclosed methods can be modified in any way, including by changing the order of the steps by inserting or deleting steps. Accordingly, the specification and examples should be considered illustrative only, and the true scope and spirit are shown by the entire scope of the claims below and their equivalents. The inventions disclosed herein include the following embodiments: <Aspect 1> Electric battery assembly, A battery cell having an anode terminal and a cathode terminal, An electronic unit equipped with a measuring device and a wireless transmitter, A support structure configured for mounting to the battery cell and arranged to house the electronic unit, comprising at least one conductive element arranged to electrically couple the electronic unit to the anode and cathode terminals, thereby supplying power to the wireless transmitter and the measuring device, An electric battery assembly characterized in that the measuring device is configured to measure the characteristics of the battery cell, and the wireless transmitter is configured to transmit the measured characteristics wirelessly. <Aspect 2> The electric battery assembly according to embodiment 1, characterized in that the wireless transmitter is a short-range wireless communication device configured for narrow-area communication. <Aspect 3> An electric battery assembly according to any prior embodiment, characterized in that the support structure is removably attached to the battery cell. <Aspect 4> An electric battery assembly according to any prior embodiment, characterized in that the support structure comprises a frame shaped toward first and second ends thereof, the frame defining a support surface between the first and second ends, and the support surface being configured to fix the electronic unit at least partially within the frame. <Aspect 5> The electric battery assembly according to embodiment 4, further comprising a cover, wherein the cover and the frame have a cooperative surface shape that mounts the cover on the frame to surround the electronic unit, thereby restricting the movement of the electronic unit with respect to the surface of the battery cell. <Aspect 6> An electric battery assembly according to any earlier embodiment, characterized in that the battery cell is a cylindrical battery cell, the anode and cathode terminals are located on opposite end surfaces of the cylindrical battery cell, and the support structure is located on the cylindrical surface of the battery cell. <Aspect 7> The electric battery assembly according to embodiment 6, characterized in that the support structure extends in a direction along at least a portion of the height of the cylindrical battery cell. <Aspect 8> The electric battery assembly according to embodiment 6 or 7, characterized in that the support structure comprises a contact surface disposed to contact the cylindrical surface of the cylindrical battery cell, and the contact surface has a surface shape complementary to the shape of the cylindrical surface of the cylindrical battery cell. <Pattern 9> The electric battery assembly according to embodiment 8, characterized in that the contact surface is provided with mounting means for attaching the support structure to the cylindrical surface of the cylindrical battery cell. <Aspect 10> The electric battery assembly according to embodiment 9, characterized in that the mounting means includes an adhesive. <Aspect 11> An electric battery assembly according to any one of embodiments 6 to 8, characterized in that the support structure comprises a gripping arm that extends outward from the support structure and grips the anode and cathode terminals of the cylindrical battery cell, thereby attaching the support structure to the cylindrical battery cell by forming an interference fit with the terminals of the cylindrical battery cell. <Aspect 12> The electric battery assembly according to any one of embodiments 1 to 5, characterized in that the battery cell is a prismatic battery cell, and the anode and cathode terminals protrude from the same end surface of the prismatic battery cell at positions spaced apart on the end surface. <Aspect 13> The electric battery assembly according to embodiments 4 and 12, or 5 and 12, characterized in that the first and second ends of the frame are configured to be attached to the anode and cathode terminals, respectively. <Aspect 14> The electric battery assembly according to embodiments 4 and 12, 5 and 12, or 13, characterized in that when the support structure is attached to the prismatic battery cell, the frame does not extend over the anode and cathode terminals, with the exception of the portion of the frame that protrudes beyond the ends of the anode and cathode terminals, and the portion of the frame defines the surface shape that cooperates with the surface shape of the cover for attaching the cover to the frame. <Aspect 15> The electric battery assembly according to embodiments 5 and 12, 13, or 14, characterized in that when the support structure is attached to the prismatic battery cell, the frame does not extend beyond the periphery of the end surface of the prismatic battery cell on which the anode and cathode terminals protrude, and when the cover is attached to the frame, it does not extend beyond the periphery of the end surface of the prismatic battery cell. <Aspect 16> An electric battery assembly according to any one of embodiments 4 and 12, 5 and 12, or 13 to 15, characterized in that each of the first and second ends of the frame defines an opening through which one of the anode and cathode terminals extends, thereby the frame is attached to the anode and cathode terminals. <Aspect 17> An electric battery assembly according to any one of embodiments 4 and 12, 5 and 12, or 13 to 16, characterized in that each of the first and second ends of the frame is connected to a shape defined by one of the anode and cathode terminals, thereby defining a shape that provides resistance to the frame detaching from the terminals. <Aspect 18> The electric battery assembly according to embodiment 17, characterized in that the shape defined by the terminals includes a recess toward the bottom of the terminals, and the shape defined by the base is a shape that is accommodated in the recess of the terminals. <Aspect 19> The electric battery assembly according to embodiment 18, characterized in that the end of the mounting frame is shaped to provide a snap-fit ​​attachment to the terminal. <Aspect 20> The electric battery assembly according to any one of embodiments 4 and 12, 5 and 12, or 13 to 19, characterized in that the frame comprises a frame base defining the support surface on which the electronic unit is supported, and the first and second shaped ends of the frame extend from opposing ends of the frame base. <Aspect 21> The electric battery assembly according to embodiment 20, characterized in that the base of the base defines a ventilation opening that penetrates the base, which aligns with the ventilation holes on the end surface of the prismatic battery cell when the base is attached to the prismatic battery cell. <Aspect 22> The electric battery assembly according to embodiment 21, characterized in that the base of the frame, with the exception of the ventilation opening, provides a continuous surface to the end surface of the prismatic battery cell. <Aspect 23> The electric battery assembly according to any one of embodiments 20 to 22, wherein the frame further comprises first and second walls, the first and second walls extending upward from their respective opposing edges at the bottom of the frame so as to extend between the anode and cathode terminals, and the height of the first and second walls is such that their ends do not extend beyond the ends of the anode and cathode terminals. <Aspect 24> The electric battery assembly according to embodiment 23, characterized in that each of the first and second ends of the frame defines an opening through which one of the anode and cathode terminals extends, thereby attaching the frame to the anode and cathode terminals, the opening being defined by a boundary wall, the boundary wall being approximately the same height as the first and second walls. <Aspect 25> The electric battery assembly according to embodiment 23 or 24, characterized in that the base of the base and the first and second walls define a base space for housing the electronic unit, and the electronic unit is shaped to slide between the first and second walls. <Aspect 26> The electric battery assembly according to embodiment 25, wherein the frame further comprises a lateral wall extending upward from the bottom of the frame and extending from the first wall to the second wall, the lateral wall being positioned at a distance from the end of the bottom of the frame adjacent to the first or second terminal, thereby providing a barrier to the movement of the electronic unit across the entire end surface of the prismatic battery cell. <Aspect 27> The electric battery assembly according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the at least one conductive element comprises first and second electrical conductors extending from opposing ends of the electronic unit, and the first and second electrical conductors provide electrical conduction from the anode and cathode terminals, respectively, thereby providing power to the wireless transmitter. <Aspect 28> The electric battery assembly according to embodiment 27, characterized in that the support structure defines a configuration for holding the first and second electrical conductors when the electronic unit is housed within it. <Aspect 29> The electric battery assembly according to embodiment 27 or 28, characterized in that at least one end portion of the first and second electrical conductors is provided with a conductor terminal located on one of the anode and cathode terminals, respectively. <Aspect 30> An electric battery assembly according to any one of embodiments 27 to 29, characterized in that at least one of the first and second electrical conductors is electrically coupled to a conductive fastener which is shaped to fit around one of the anode and cathode terminals and thereby be fixed to one of the anode and cathode terminals, the conductive fastener defines a toothed portion that rests against the terminal, thereby the conductive fastener provides an interference fit with the terminal. <Aspect 31> The electric battery assembly according to embodiments 5 to 30, wherein each conductive fastener is provided in one of the first and second ends of the frame, and each conductive fastener defines a shape that connects with a shape defined by one of the anode and cathode terminals, thereby the conductive fastener attaches the frame to the anode and cathode terminals to further provide electrical conductivity. <Aspect 32> Embodiment 5, characterized in that the cover defines a first surface that faces toward the mount when the cover is attached to the mount, and a second planar surface that faces away from the mount when the cover is attached to the mount, and at least one antenna configuration is defined on the second planar surface, the antenna configuration holding an antenna configured to communicate wirelessly with an electronic unit antenna provided in the wireless transmitter of the electronic unit, and the electric battery assembly according to any one of Embodiments 6 to 31. <Aspect 33> An electric battery comprising a plurality of electric battery assemblies, each of which is one of the plurality of electric battery assemblies described in embodiment 32, wherein the antenna configuration of each electric battery assembly extends over the entire cover and defines an antenna retaining groove for holding the antenna, the plurality of electric battery assemblies are located adjacent to each other so that their antenna retaining grooves are aligned so that a single antenna is housed in the plurality of antenna retaining grooves, and the single antenna extends over the plurality of electric battery assemblies. <Aspect 34> The electric battery according to embodiment 33, characterized in that the antenna retaining groove extends across the entire cover in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the anode and cathode terminals are separated.

Claims

1. An electric battery assembly, A cylindrical battery cell having an anode terminal and a cathode terminal, wherein the anode and cathode terminals are located on the opposing end surfaces of the cylindrical battery cell, An electronic unit equipped with a measuring device and a wireless transmitter, A support structure configured for mounting the cylindrical battery cell onto a cylindrical surface and arranged to house the electronic unit, the support structure includes at least one conductive element arranged to electrically couple the electronic unit to the anode and cathode terminals, the at least one conductive element includes first and second electrical conductors extending from opposing ends of the electronic unit, the first and second electrical conductors providing electrical conduction from the anode and cathode terminals, respectively, thereby providing power to the wireless transmitter and the measuring device, the support structure comprises a cradle shaped toward its first and second ends, the cradle defining a support surface between the first and second ends, the support surface configured to fix the electronic unit, at least partially, within the cradle, A cover comprising: a cover and a frame having a cooperative surface shape that mounts the cover on the frame to surround the electronic unit and thereby restricts the movement of the electronic unit with respect to the surface of the battery cell; At least one of the first and second electrical conductors is electrically coupled to a conductive fastener which is fitted around one of the anode and cathode terminals and is thereby shaped to be fixed to one of the anode and cathode terminals, the conductive fastener defines a toothed portion that rests against the terminal, and thereby the conductive fastener provides an interference fit with the terminal. An electric battery assembly comprising a measuring device configured to measure the characteristics of the cylindrical battery cell, and a wireless transmitter configured to wirelessly transmit the measured characteristics.

2. The electric battery assembly according to claim 1, wherein the wireless transmitter is a short-range wireless communication device configured for narrow-area communication.

3. The electric battery assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the support structure is removably attached to the battery cell.

4. The electric battery assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the support structure extends in a direction along at least a portion of the height of the cylindrical battery cell.

5. The electric battery assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the support structure comprises a contact surface disposed to contact the cylindrical surface of the cylindrical battery cell, and the contact surface has a surface shape complementary to the shape of the cylindrical surface of the cylindrical battery cell.

6. The electric battery assembly according to claim 5, wherein the contact surface is provided with mounting means for attaching the support structure to the cylindrical surface of the cylindrical battery cell.

7. The electric battery assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the support structure includes a gripping arm that extends outward from the support structure and grips the anode and cathode terminals of the cylindrical battery cell, thereby attaching the support structure to the cylindrical battery cell by forming an interference fit with the terminals of the cylindrical battery cell.

8. The electric battery assembly according to claim 1, wherein the support structure comprises beams for holding the first and second electrical conductors when housing the electronic unit.

9. The electric battery assembly according to claim 1 or 8, wherein at least one end of the first and second electrical conductors is provided with a conductor terminal located on one of the anode and cathode terminals, respectively.

10. The electric battery assembly according to claim 1, wherein each conductive fastener is provided in one of the first and second ends of the frame, and each conductive fastener defines a shape that connects with a shape defined by one of the anode and cathode terminals, thereby the conductive fastener attaches the frame to the anode and cathode terminals to further provide electrical conductivity.

11. The electric battery assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the cover defines a first surface that faces toward the mount when the cover is attached to the mount, and a second planar surface that faces away from the mount when the cover is attached to the mount, and at least one antenna configuration is defined on the second planar surface, the antenna configuration holding an antenna configured to communicate wirelessly with an electronic unit antenna provided in the wireless transmitter of the electronic unit.

12. An electric battery comprising a plurality of electric battery assemblies, wherein one of the plurality of electric battery assemblies is the electric battery assembly described in claim 11, the antenna configuration of each electric battery assembly extends over the entire cover and defines an antenna retaining groove for holding the antenna, the plurality of electric battery assemblies are located adjacent to one another so that their antenna retaining grooves are aligned so that a single antenna is housed in the plurality of antenna retaining grooves, and the single antenna extends over the plurality of electric battery assemblies.

13. The electric battery according to claim 12, wherein the antenna retaining groove extends across the entire cover in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the anode and cathode terminals are separated.

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