Compliant tip thermistor with flexible clip for monitoring the temperature of a battery cell

• US 9,452,671 B2
• Filed: 06/06/2012
• Issued: 09/27/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 12/07/2010
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Allison Transmission Incorporated (Allison Transmission Holdings Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Allison Transmission Incorporated (Allison Transmission Holdings Incorporated)
• Inventors: Bennett, Scott K., Baxter, Leonard F. II, Maskew, Brian J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Grant, Robert
• Assistant Examiner(s): Trischler, John
• Application Number:
  US13/489,797
• Publication Number:
  US 20120249079A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,574 Days
• Field of Search: 320/136, 320/150, 320/162, 374/E7.018, 374/E7.028, 374/E7.029, 374/163, 374/185, 374/E7.022, 361/27, 361/106, 361/165
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2006/4825 Electric machine connected or connectable to gearbox input shaft
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 6/28 characterised by the electric energy storing means, e.g. batteries or capacitors
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 6/48 Parallel type
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 1/003 to auxiliary motors, e.g. for pumps, compressors
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 15/2054 by controlling transmissions or clutches
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2210/10 DC to DC converters
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2210/40 DC to AC converters
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2240/26 Vehicle weight
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2240/421 Speed
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2240/545 Temperature
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2240/547 Voltage
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2240/549 Current
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2250/12 by confirmation, e.g. of the input
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2250/16 by display
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2270/145 Structure borne vibrations
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2270/20 Inrush current reduction, i.e. avoiding high currents when connecting the battery
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 3/0046 relating to electric energy storage systems, e.g. batteries or capacitors
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 3/0084 relating to control modules
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 3/108 whilst braking, i.e. ABS
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 50/16 with provision for separate direct mechanical propulsion
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 50/30 : using propulsion power stored mechanically, e.g. in fly-wheels
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 50/64 : Constructional details of batteries specially adapted for electric vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 50/66 : Arrangements of batteries
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 58/12 : responding to state of charge [SoC]
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 58/20 : having different nominal voltages
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 58/21 : having the same nominal voltage
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 58/26 : by cooling
• CPC Class Codes: B60Y 2400/112 : Batteries
• CPC Class Codes: F28F 9/00 : Casings; Header boxes; Auxiliary supports for elements; Auxiliary members within casings
• CPC Class Codes: G01K 1/146 : arrangements for moving thermometers to or from a measuring position
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/425 : Structural combination with electronic components, e.g. electronic circuits integrated to the outside of the casing printed circuits H05K1/00
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/482 : for several batteries or cells simultaneously or sequentially
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/486 : for measuring temperature
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/613 : Cooling or keeping cold
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/617 : for achieving uniformity or desired distribution of temperature
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/625 : Vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/637 : characterised by the use of reversible temperature-sensitive devices, e.g. NTC, PTC or bimetal devices; characterised by control of the internal current flowing through the cells, e.g. by switching means for preventing undesired use or discharge H01M50/572
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/6551 : Surfaces specially adapted for heat dissipation or radiation, e.g. fins or coatings
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/6554 : Rods or plates
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/6563 : with forced flow, e.g. by blowers
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/658 : by thermal insulation or shielding
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 2010/4278 : Systems for data transfer from batteries, e.g. transfer of battery parameters to a controller, data transferred between battery controller and main controller
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 2200/00 : Safety devices for primary or secondary batteries
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 2220/20 : Batteries in motive systems, e.g. vehicle, ship, plane
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 50/204 : Racks, modules or packs for multiple batteries or multiple cells
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 50/244 : Secondary casings; Racks; Suspension devices; Carrying devices; Holders characterised by their mounting method
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 50/264 : for cells or batteries, e.g. straps, tie rods or peripheral frames
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 50/271 : Lids or covers for the racks or secondary casings
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 50/289 : characterised by spacing elements or positioning means within frames, racks or packs spacing elements inside cells other than separators, membranes or diaphragms H01M50/471
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 50/30 : Arrangements for facilitating escape of gases
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 50/317 : Re-sealable arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 50/569 : Constructional details of current conducting connections for detecting conditions inside cells or batteries, e.g. details of voltage sensing terminals battery terminal connectors with integrated measuring arrangements G01R31/364
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 50/574 : Devices or arrangements for the interruption of current
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 60/10 : Energy storage using batteries
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/62 : Hybrid vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/64 : Electric machine technologies in electromobility
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/70 : Energy storage systems for electromobility, e.g. batteries
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/7072 : Electromobility specific charging systems or methods for batteries, ultracapacitors, supercapacitors or double-layer capacitors
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/72 : Electric energy management in electromobility
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 90/14 : Plug-in electric vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 903/907 : Electricity storage, e.g. battery, capacitor

Abstract

An energy storage system comprising at least one energy storage module adapted to supply electrical energy to a hybrid vehicle. The energy storage module comprises an enclosure, at least one battery array located within the enclosure, and an energy storage controller module located within the enclosure and electrically connected to the battery array. The energy storage module further comprises a compliant tipped thermistor which may be installed within a flexible clip. The thermistor is positioned to monitor the temperature of one or more of the batteries within the energy storage system.

Claims

1. A thermistor assembly, comprising:

a thermistor having a thermistor tip,

a thermistor mount defining a central hole and one or more lateral holes separate and distinct from the central hole, wherein the central hole and the lateral holes are through holes;

a compliant material, the compliant material at least partially encasing the thermistor tip, and;

a clip comprising;

a central portion coupled to the thermistor, the central portion positioned in the central hole, the central portion separated from the thermistor mount by a first open space and configured to position the thermistor tip against a battery cell to achieve thermal transfer from the battery cell to the thermistor; and

one or more lateral portions extending outwardly away from the central portion, the one or more lateral portions coupled to the thermistor mount, the ends of the lateral portions positioned within the lateral holes;

wherein the lateral portions of the clip are coupled to the thermistor mount to retain the central portion and the thermistor tip against the battery cell.

2. The thermistor assembly of claim 1, wherein the compliant material is a thermoplastic elastomer.

3. The thermistor assembly of claim 1, wherein the thermistor is secured to the clip using a potting material.

4. The thermistor assembly of claim 1, wherein the thermistor is secured to the clip using an adhesive.

5. The thermistor assembly of claim 1,

wherein the battery cell has an outer surface separated from the thermistor mount by a second open space;

wherein the outer surface of the battery cell is in contact with the compliant material at least partially encasing the thermistor tip; and

wherein the one or more lateral portions of the clip are flexible and are configured to maintain the compliant material in contact with the outer surface of the battery cell as the distance between the outer surface and the thermistor mount changes.

6. The thermistor assembly of claim 1,

wherein the lateral portions are secured in the lateral holes by one or more corresponding tabs at the ends of the lateral portions;

wherein the one or more lateral portions extend outwardly from a first end of the central portion positioned adjacent a first side of the thermistor mount; and

wherein the thermistor is positioned at a second end of the central portion positioned adjacent a second side of the thermistor mount.

7. An energy storage system, comprising:

at least one battery array, the battery array having a plurality of battery cells;

a thermistor mount defining a central hole and one or more lateral holes separate and distinct from the central hole, and the lateral holes are through holes;

at least one thermistor assembly, the thermistor assembly comprising;

a thermistor having a thermistor tip positioned against a battery cell of the plurality of battery cells to achieve thermal transfer from the battery cell to the thermistor,

a compliant material, the compliant material at least partially encasing the thermistor tip, and;

a clip, comprising;

a central portion coupled to the thermistor, the central portion passing through the central hole, the central portion separated from the thermistor mount by a first open space and configured to position the thermistor tip against a battery cell to achieve thermal transfer from the battery cell to the thermistor; and

one or more lateral portions extending away from the central portion, the one or more lateral portions passing through the lateral holes and coupled to the thermistor mount;

wherein the central portion of the clip is separated from the thermistor mount to retain the thermistor tip against the battery cell.

8. The energy storage system of claim 7, wherein the compliant material is a thermoplastic elastomer.

9. The energy storage system of claim 7, wherein the thermistor is secured to the clip using a potting material.

10. The energy storage system of claim 7, wherein the thermistor is secured to the clip using an adhesive.

11. The energy storage system of claim 7,

wherein the battery cell has an outer surface separated from the thermistor mount by a second open space;

wherein the outer surface of the battery cell is in contact with the compliant material at least partially encasing the thermistor tip; and

wherein the one or more lateral portions of the clip are flexible and are configured to maintain the compliant material in contact with the outer surface of the battery cell as the distance between the outer surface and the thermistor mount changes.

12. The energy storage system of claim 7 further comprising:

a voltage sense board coupled to the battery array;

wherein the clip is mounted to the voltage sense board.

13. The energy storage system of claim 7,

wherein the lateral portions include tabs;

wherein the lateral portions are secured in the lateral holes by the tabs;

wherein the one or more lateral portions extend outwardly from a first end of the central portion positioned adjacent a first side of the thermistor mount; and

wherein the thermistor is positioned at a second end of the central portion positioned adjacent a second side of the thermistor mount.

14. An energy storage system comprising:

at least one energy storage module adapted to supply electrical energy to a hybrid vehicle, the energy storage module comprising;

a primary enclosure;

at least one battery array located within the primary enclosure, the battery array comprising;

a plurality of battery cells;

a voltage sense board defining a central hole and one or more lateral holes separate and distinct from the central hole, wherein the central hole and the lateral holes are through holes;

a plurality of bus bars disposed within the voltage sense board, the bus bars connecting a positive terminal of a first battery cell to a negative terminal of a second battery cell;

at least one thermistor assembly comprising;

a thermistor having a thermistor tip disposed to monitor the temperature of a battery cell of the plurality of battery cells,

a clip, comprising;

a central portion coupled to the thermistor, the central portion positioned in the central hole and separated from the voltage sense board by a first open space, the thermistor tip positioned against a battery cell to achieve thermal transfer from the battery cell to the thermistor; and

one or more lateral portions extending away from the central portion, the one or more lateral portions coupled to the voltage sense board at the lateral holes; and

an energy storage controller module located within the primary enclosure and electrically connected to the battery array, the energy storage controller module further connected to a hybrid control module of the hybrid vehicle by a low voltage connecter.

15. The energy storage system of claim 14, wherein the thermistor is mounted to the voltage sense board using the clip, the clip being configured to retain the thermistor against at least one of the battery cells.

16. The energy storage system of claim 14, wherein the thermistor further comprises a compliant material, the compliant material at least partially encasing a tip of the thermistor.

17. The energy storage system of claim 14, wherein the thermistor is secured to the clip using a potting material.

18. The energy storage system of claim 14, wherein the thermistor is secured to the clip using an adhesive.

19. The thermistor assembly of claim 14:

wherein the battery cell has an outer surface separated from the thermistor mount by a second open space;

wherein the outer surface of the battery cell is in contact with a compliant material that at least partially encloses the thermistor tip; and

wherein the one or more lateral portions of the clip are flexible and are configured to maintain the compliant material in contact with the outer surface of the battery cell as the distance between the outer surface and the thermistor mount changes.

20. The energy storage system of claim 14,

wherein the lateral portions include tabs configured to secure the lateral portions in the lateral holes.

21. The energy storage system of claim 20,

wherein the one or more lateral portions of the thermistor assembly extend outwardly from a first end of the central portion positioned adjacent a first side of the voltage sense board;

and

wherein the thermistor is positioned at a second end of the central portion positioned adjacent a second side of the voltage sense board.