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WO2023019306A1 - Battery conditioner, battery for a vehicle and lid thereof - Google Patents

Battery conditioner, battery for a vehicle and lid thereof Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2023019306A1
WO2023019306A1 PCT/AU2022/050908 AU2022050908W WO2023019306A1 WO 2023019306 A1 WO2023019306 A1 WO 2023019306A1 AU 2022050908 W AU2022050908 W AU 2022050908W WO 2023019306 A1 WO2023019306 A1 WO 2023019306A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
battery
conditioner
lid
vehicle
voltage
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/AU2022/050908
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Theo Brown
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Digital Pulse Systems Pty Ltd
Original Assignee
Digital Pulse Systems Pty Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Digital Pulse Systems Pty Ltd filed Critical Digital Pulse Systems Pty Ltd
Publication of WO2023019306A1 publication Critical patent/WO2023019306A1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M50/00—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
    • H01M50/20—Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders
    • H01M50/284—Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders with incorporated circuit boards, e.g. printed circuit boards [PCB]
    • H01M50/287—Fixing of circuit boards to lids or covers
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M10/00—Secondary cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M10/42—Methods or arrangements for servicing or maintenance of secondary cells or secondary half-cells
    • H01M10/425—Structural combination with electronic components, e.g. electronic circuits integrated to the outside of the casing
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M10/00—Secondary cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M10/42—Methods or arrangements for servicing or maintenance of secondary cells or secondary half-cells
    • H01M10/48—Accumulators combined with arrangements for measuring, testing or indicating the condition of cells, e.g. the level or density of the electrolyte
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M50/00—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
    • H01M50/20—Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders
    • H01M50/256—Carrying devices, e.g. belts
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M50/00—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
    • H01M50/20—Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders
    • H01M50/271—Lids or covers for the racks or secondary casings
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M50/00—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
    • H01M50/50—Current conducting connections for cells or batteries
    • H01M50/569—Constructional details of current conducting connections for detecting conditions inside cells or batteries, e.g. details of voltage sensing terminals
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M50/00—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
    • H01M50/50—Current conducting connections for cells or batteries
    • H01M50/572—Means for preventing undesired use or discharge
    • H01M50/574—Devices or arrangements for the interruption of current
    • H02J7/875—
    • H02J7/92—
    • H02J7/96—
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01R—MEASURING ELECTRIC VARIABLES; MEASURING MAGNETIC VARIABLES
    • G01R19/00—Arrangements for measuring currents or voltages or for indicating presence or sign thereof
    • G01R19/165—Indicating that current or voltage is either above or below a predetermined value or within or outside a predetermined range of values
    • G01R19/16533—Indicating that current or voltage is either above or below a predetermined value or within or outside a predetermined range of values characterised by the application
    • G01R19/16538—Indicating that current or voltage is either above or below a predetermined value or within or outside a predetermined range of values characterised by the application in AC or DC supplies
    • G01R19/16542—Indicating that current or voltage is either above or below a predetermined value or within or outside a predetermined range of values characterised by the application in AC or DC supplies for batteries
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01R—MEASURING ELECTRIC VARIABLES; MEASURING MAGNETIC VARIABLES
    • G01R31/00—Arrangements for testing electric properties; Arrangements for locating electric faults; Arrangements for electrical testing characterised by what is being tested not provided for elsewhere
    • G01R31/36—Arrangements for testing, measuring or monitoring the electrical condition of accumulators or electric batteries, e.g. capacity or state of charge [SoC]
    • G01R31/364—Battery terminal connectors with integrated measuring arrangements
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M10/00—Secondary cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M10/42—Methods or arrangements for servicing or maintenance of secondary cells or secondary half-cells
    • H01M10/425—Structural combination with electronic components, e.g. electronic circuits integrated to the outside of the casing
    • H01M2010/4271—Battery management systems including electronic circuits, e.g. control of current or voltage to keep battery in healthy state, cell balancing
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M2220/00—Batteries for particular applications
    • H01M2220/20—Batteries in motive systems, e.g. vehicle, ship, plane
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M50/00—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
    • H01M50/50—Current conducting connections for cells or batteries
    • H01M50/543—Terminals
    • H01M50/547—Terminals characterised by the disposition of the terminals on the cells
    • H01M50/55—Terminals characterised by the disposition of the terminals on the cells on the same side of the cell
    • H02J7/80—
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
    • Y02E60/10—Energy storage using batteries

Definitions

  • the present patent specification discloses an improved battery conditioner for vehicle batteries.
  • the specification also discloses a battery such as a battery for a vehicle and a lid thereof. I n particular, there is disclosed a battery lid in which a battery conditioner can be stored, and a vehicle battery having said lid.
  • Battery conditioners can be used to improve the life of vehicle batteries, primarily by delivering high-frequency pulses to combat the build-up of electrically resistive materials, such as sulphate, on spark plugs.
  • An embodiment and functionality of a battery conditioner are described in the patent specification of Australian patent no. 2007100937.
  • battery conditioners Despite the benefits of battery conditioners, many consumers simply do not know about battery conditioners and/or choose not to purchase and install them. Consequently, the use of battery conditioners is not widely adopted and thus the batteries of many vehicles around the world lack and thus do not benefit from battery conditioners.
  • FIG. 1 (a) A commercially available battery conditioner 2 is shown in Figure 1 (a) ; the conditioner 2 is shown secured to a car battery 4 in Figure 1 (b) .
  • the conditioner 2 is purchased separately from the battery 4 and must be manually installed. This often results in a somewhat improvised arrangement wherein the battery conditioner 2 simply sits atop the battery 4 or perhaps dangles therefrom.
  • battery conditioners 2 can reduce battery life. This has been discovered in cases where a vehicle is parked for extended periods. This is because the battery conditioner 2 will continue to draw power from the battery 4 to deliver high-frequency pulses, despite the battery 4 not having the opportunity to recharge during operation of the vehicle.
  • a battery conditioner for electrical connection to a vehicle battery, the conditioner comprising a voltage sensing means for sensing a voltage of the battery, the conditioner being operable between :
  • a battery lid securable to a battery case to form a battery for a vehicle, the lid comprising a recess for housing a battery conditioner which is electrically communicable with the battery’s terminals and powerable by the battery.
  • the lid further comprises a cover for, in use, covering at least a portion of the battery conditioner.
  • the cover comprises a means via which a state of the battery conditioner can be indicated.
  • the recess comprises: a head end associated with a first battery terminal for housing a printed circuit board of the battery conditioner; and a tail end for housing a wire of the battery conditioner, wherein a first end of the wire is connectible to a terminal of the battery and a second end of the wire is connectible to the printed circuit board of the battery conditioner.
  • the lid is configured such that a contact of each terminal protrudes into respective ends of the recess, each contact being configured for electrical connection to the battery conditioner.
  • a battery lid according to a second aspect of the invention comprising an integrated battery conditioner.
  • the integrated battery conditioner is a battery conditioner according to a first aspect of the invention.
  • a vehicle battery comprising a battery lid according to a second or third aspects of the invention.
  • Figure 1 (a) is a top view of a prior art battery conditioner
  • Figure 1 (b) is a top view of the battery conditioner of Figure 1 (a) secured to a vehicle battery;
  • Figure 2 is a top perspective view of a commercially available vehicle battery;
  • Figure 3 is an exploded top perspective view of a battery lid according to embodiments of the present invention, along with an embodiment of a battery conditioner;
  • FIG 4 is another exploded top perspective view of the battery lid of Figure 3, the battery conditioner being received in a recess thereof ;
  • Figure 5 shows a top perspective view of the battery lid of Figure 3, along with a close-up cross-sectional side perspective view of an interface between the lid and a terminal;
  • Figure 6 is a top view of a vehicle battery fitted with a lid and battery conditioner according to embodiments of the present invention.
  • Figure 7 is a top view of a battery conditioner according to embodiments of the present invention.
  • Figure 2 shows a commercially available car battery 6 comprising known features, including a case 8, a lid 10, terminals 12, a handle 14, and a battery status indicator 16. During the process of battery manufacture, the lid 10 is applied to the case 8 to seal the contents of the battery 6.
  • the present specification discloses a new battery lid 18 in which a battery conditioner 20 (e.g., one with a voltage sensor, for later discussion) can be integrated.
  • a battery conditioner 20 e.g., one with a voltage sensor, for later discussion
  • the new lid 18, with the integrated conditioner 20, can be readily adapted to existing battery manufacturing and assembly processes.
  • the new battery lid 18 enables the mass production of vehicle batteries with integrated battery conditioners 20 without impacting (or minimally impacting) existing battery manufacturing and assembly processes.
  • the new battery lid 18 is shown in Figures 3 to 6. Like existing battery lids 10, the present lid 18 comprises a generally rectangular body 22 and has provisions for battery terminals 12, a recess 24 for the handle, an opening 26 via which the battery status indicator 16 can be viewed, and openings 28 via which water can be added to the battery.
  • FIGS 3 and 4 also show an embodiment of the battery conditioner 20 to be integrated with the battery lid 18.
  • the conditioner 20 comprises a printed circuit board (PCB) 30 and a wire 32.
  • a first end of the wire is connectible to a first terminal 12a of the battery.
  • the opposite end of the wire 32 is connected to the PCB 30, which itself is connectible to a second terminal 12b of the battery.
  • the battery conditioner 20 may be provided with a status indicator 34, such as a small light on the PCB 30, via which a user can visually inspect an operational state of the battery conditioner 20.
  • the lid 18 is formed with a correspondingly shaped recess 36 in which the conditioner 20 can be secured.
  • the recess 36 comprises a head end 38 associated with the first terminal 12a.
  • the head end 38 is shaped and sized to receive the PCB 30 of the battery conditioner 20.
  • the recess 36 also comprises a tail end 40 for housing the wire 32 of the battery conditioner 20.
  • the lid 18 may include a cover 42 for securing over the battery conditioner 20.
  • a cover 42 is shown in Figures 3 and 4.
  • the cover 42 is shaped to fit to or over the recess 36 in which the battery conditioner 20 is housed. I n certain embodiments, the cover 42 may be fixed to a floor of the recess 36.
  • the cover 42 may be ultrasonically welded to the floor of the recess 36 and around the battery conditioner 20 housed therein.
  • the cover 42 helps contain the battery conditioner 20 and retain it within the recess 36.
  • the cover 42 also protects the conditioner 20 from the elements, such as moisture.
  • the cover 42 may comprise an opening 44 through which the status indicator 34 of the PCB 30 can be seen.
  • the opening 44 may be further sealed (e.g., against moisture) via, for example, a sticker 46, which sticker 46 may comprise a transparent window 48 through which the status indicator 34 of the PCB 30 can be seen.
  • the cover 42 itself may have a transparent window via which the status indicator 34 of the PCB 30 can be seen, rather than the opening 44.
  • FIG. 5 shows how the generally rectangular body 22 of the battery lid 18 is overmoulded around the terminals 12. It can be seen that each terminal 12 comprises an exposed contact 50 that protrudes into respective ends of the recess 36. A first contact 50a protrudes into the head end 38 of the recess 36, while a second contact 50b protrudes through and into the opposite tail end 40 of the recess 36. It is via these exposed contacts 50 that the conditioner 20 is connectible to the terminals and thus powerable by the battery.
  • Figure 6 shows a top view of a fully assembled battery 52 comprising the present lid 18, the integrated battery conditioner 20 of which is protected by the cover 42.
  • FIG. 7 shows a top view of a battery conditioner 20 according to embodiments of the invention.
  • the present battery conditioner 20 comprises a voltage sensing means for sensing a voltage of the battery to which it is connected.
  • the present conditioner 20 is configured to be operable between an active state and an inactive state. I n the active state, when the sensed voltage of the battery is above a predetermined level, the conditioner is configured to draw electricity from the battery to produce high-frequency pulses to combat a build-up of electrically resistive material.
  • the conditioner 20 may be configured so that it only draws power from the battery if the voltage thereof is above approximately 12.6 volts.
  • the conditioner 20 is also configured to assume the inactive state wherein it no longer drains energy from the battery if the sensed voltage is below a predetermined level. For example, if the battery voltage drops to approximately 12.6 volts, the battery conditioner will be rendered inactive and stop draining electricity from the battery. I n this way, the present conditioner 20 will not continue to deplete power from a vehicle battery when it is below a certain voltage. As such, even in use cases where a vehicle is parked for extended periods such that the battery thereof has not had a chance to recharge, the present battery conditioner 20 will not cause continued depletion of the battery because the conditioner 20 is configured to stop draining power from the battery when the sensed voltage thereof drops below a predetermined level.
  • the figures show a standard car battery, it is envisaged that the teachings of the present patent specification can be similarly applied to other vehicle batteries such that a wide range of vehicles can benefit from batteries with integrated battery conditioners.
  • the battery may be of the type used in vehicles, it may be used in other energy storage applications such as for storing power from solar cells for example. I n such applications, the battery may have a capacity of up to 200 amp hours for example.

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  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Electrochemistry (AREA)
  • General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Microelectronics & Electronic Packaging (AREA)
  • Secondary Cells (AREA)
  • Battery Mounting, Suspending (AREA)

Abstract

A battery conditioner for electrical connection to a vehicle battery, the conditioner comprising a voltage sensing means for sensing a voltage of the battery, the conditioner being operable between: (a) an active state, wherein when the sensed voltage of the battery is above a predetermined level, the conditioner is configured to draw electricity from the battery to produce high-frequency pulses to combat a build-up of electrically resistive material; and (b) an inactive state when the sensed voltage of the battery is below a predetermined level.

Description

BATTERY CONDITI ONER, BATTERY FOR A VEHI CLE AND LI D THEREOF
Fl ELD OF THE I NVENTI ON
The present patent specification discloses an improved battery conditioner for vehicle batteries. The specification also discloses a battery such as a battery for a vehicle and a lid thereof. I n particular, there is disclosed a battery lid in which a battery conditioner can be stored, and a vehicle battery having said lid.
BACKGROUND
Battery conditioners can be used to improve the life of vehicle batteries, primarily by delivering high-frequency pulses to combat the build-up of electrically resistive materials, such as sulphate, on spark plugs. An embodiment and functionality of a battery conditioner are described in the patent specification of Australian patent no. 2007100937.
Despite the benefits of battery conditioners, many consumers simply do not know about battery conditioners and/or choose not to purchase and install them. Consequently, the use of battery conditioners is not widely adopted and thus the batteries of many vehicles around the world lack and thus do not benefit from battery conditioners.
I n use, the installation of battery conditioners is less than ideal. A commercially available battery conditioner 2 is shown in Figure 1 (a) ; the conditioner 2 is shown secured to a car battery 4 in Figure 1 (b) . The conditioner 2 is purchased separately from the battery 4 and must be manually installed. This often results in a somewhat improvised arrangement wherein the battery conditioner 2 simply sits atop the battery 4 or perhaps dangles therefrom.
Notwithstanding the above, the integration of a battery conditioner into vehicle batteries is far from straightforward. The mass manufacture, assembly and testing of vehicle batteries are complex and cannot be readily modified or disrupted to incorporate battery conditioners into existing manufacturing processes and/or assembly lines. More recently, it has been surprisingly discovered that in certain use cases, battery conditioners 2 can reduce battery life. This has been discovered in cases where a vehicle is parked for extended periods. This is because the battery conditioner 2 will continue to draw power from the battery 4 to deliver high-frequency pulses, despite the battery 4 not having the opportunity to recharge during operation of the vehicle.
There is a need to address the above, and/or at least provide a useful alternative.
SUMMARY
According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a battery conditioner for electrical connection to a vehicle battery, the conditioner comprising a voltage sensing means for sensing a voltage of the battery, the conditioner being operable between :
(a) an active state, wherein when the sensed voltage of the battery is above a predetermined level, the conditioner is configured to draw electricity from the battery to produce high-frequency pulses to combat a build-up of electrically resistive material; and
(b) an inactive state when the sensed voltage of the battery is below a predetermined level.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a battery lid securable to a battery case to form a battery for a vehicle, the lid comprising a recess for housing a battery conditioner which is electrically communicable with the battery’s terminals and powerable by the battery.
I n embodiments of the invention, the lid further comprises a cover for, in use, covering at least a portion of the battery conditioner. I n embodiments of the invention, the cover comprises a means via which a state of the battery conditioner can be indicated.
I n embodiments of the invention, the recess comprises: a head end associated with a first battery terminal for housing a printed circuit board of the battery conditioner; and a tail end for housing a wire of the battery conditioner, wherein a first end of the wire is connectible to a terminal of the battery and a second end of the wire is connectible to the printed circuit board of the battery conditioner.
I n embodiments of the invention, the lid is configured such that a contact of each terminal protrudes into respective ends of the recess, each contact being configured for electrical connection to the battery conditioner.
According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a battery lid according to a second aspect of the invention comprising an integrated battery conditioner.
I n embodiments of the invention, the integrated battery conditioner is a battery conditioner according to a first aspect of the invention.
According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a vehicle battery comprising a battery lid according to a second or third aspects of the invention.
BRI EF DESCRI PTI ON OF THE DRAWI NGS
An embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 (a) is a top view of a prior art battery conditioner;
Figure 1 (b) is a top view of the battery conditioner of Figure 1 (a) secured to a vehicle battery; Figure 2 is a top perspective view of a commercially available vehicle battery;
Figure 3 is an exploded top perspective view of a battery lid according to embodiments of the present invention, along with an embodiment of a battery conditioner;
Figure 4 is another exploded top perspective view of the battery lid of Figure 3, the battery conditioner being received in a recess thereof ;
Figure 5 shows a top perspective view of the battery lid of Figure 3, along with a close-up cross-sectional side perspective view of an interface between the lid and a terminal;
Figure 6 is a top view of a vehicle battery fitted with a lid and battery conditioner according to embodiments of the present invention; and
Figure 7 is a top view of a battery conditioner according to embodiments of the present invention.
DETAI LED DESCRI PTI ON
Figure 2 shows a commercially available car battery 6 comprising known features, including a case 8, a lid 10, terminals 12, a handle 14, and a battery status indicator 16. During the process of battery manufacture, the lid 10 is applied to the case 8 to seal the contents of the battery 6.
The present specification discloses a new battery lid 18 in which a battery conditioner 20 (e.g., one with a voltage sensor, for later discussion) can be integrated. The new lid 18, with the integrated conditioner 20, can be readily adapted to existing battery manufacturing and assembly processes. As such, the new battery lid 18 enables the mass production of vehicle batteries with integrated battery conditioners 20 without impacting (or minimally impacting) existing battery manufacturing and assembly processes.
The new battery lid 18 is shown in Figures 3 to 6. Like existing battery lids 10, the present lid 18 comprises a generally rectangular body 22 and has provisions for battery terminals 12, a recess 24 for the handle, an opening 26 via which the battery status indicator 16 can be viewed, and openings 28 via which water can be added to the battery.
Figures 3 and 4 also show an embodiment of the battery conditioner 20 to be integrated with the battery lid 18. The conditioner 20 comprises a printed circuit board (PCB) 30 and a wire 32. A first end of the wire is connectible to a first terminal 12a of the battery. The opposite end of the wire 32 is connected to the PCB 30, which itself is connectible to a second terminal 12b of the battery. The battery conditioner 20 may be provided with a status indicator 34, such as a small light on the PCB 30, via which a user can visually inspect an operational state of the battery conditioner 20.
So that the conditioner 20 can be readily integrated with the lid 18, the lid 18 is formed with a correspondingly shaped recess 36 in which the conditioner 20 can be secured. To this end, the recess 36 comprises a head end 38 associated with the first terminal 12a. The head end 38 is shaped and sized to receive the PCB 30 of the battery conditioner 20. The recess 36 also comprises a tail end 40 for housing the wire 32 of the battery conditioner 20.
The lid 18 may include a cover 42 for securing over the battery conditioner 20. Such a cover 42 is shown in Figures 3 and 4. The cover 42 is shaped to fit to or over the recess 36 in which the battery conditioner 20 is housed. I n certain embodiments, the cover 42 may be fixed to a floor of the recess 36. For example, the cover 42 may be ultrasonically welded to the floor of the recess 36 and around the battery conditioner 20 housed therein. The cover 42 helps contain the battery conditioner 20 and retain it within the recess 36. The cover 42 also protects the conditioner 20 from the elements, such as moisture.
Referring to Figures 3 and 4, the cover 42 may comprise an opening 44 through which the status indicator 34 of the PCB 30 can be seen. I n such embodiments, the opening 44 may be further sealed (e.g., against moisture) via, for example, a sticker 46, which sticker 46 may comprise a transparent window 48 through which the status indicator 34 of the PCB 30 can be seen. I n other embodiments, the cover 42 itself may have a transparent window via which the status indicator 34 of the PCB 30 can be seen, rather than the opening 44.
Figure 5 shows how the generally rectangular body 22 of the battery lid 18 is overmoulded around the terminals 12. It can be seen that each terminal 12 comprises an exposed contact 50 that protrudes into respective ends of the recess 36. A first contact 50a protrudes into the head end 38 of the recess 36, while a second contact 50b protrudes through and into the opposite tail end 40 of the recess 36. It is via these exposed contacts 50 that the conditioner 20 is connectible to the terminals and thus powerable by the battery.
Figure 6 shows a top view of a fully assembled battery 52 comprising the present lid 18, the integrated battery conditioner 20 of which is protected by the cover 42.
Figure 7 shows a top view of a battery conditioner 20 according to embodiments of the invention. The present battery conditioner 20 comprises a voltage sensing means for sensing a voltage of the battery to which it is connected. The present conditioner 20 is configured to be operable between an active state and an inactive state. I n the active state, when the sensed voltage of the battery is above a predetermined level, the conditioner is configured to draw electricity from the battery to produce high-frequency pulses to combat a build-up of electrically resistive material. For example, the conditioner 20 may be configured so that it only draws power from the battery if the voltage thereof is above approximately 12.6 volts.
The conditioner 20 is also configured to assume the inactive state wherein it no longer drains energy from the battery if the sensed voltage is below a predetermined level. For example, if the battery voltage drops to approximately 12.6 volts, the battery conditioner will be rendered inactive and stop draining electricity from the battery. I n this way, the present conditioner 20 will not continue to deplete power from a vehicle battery when it is below a certain voltage. As such, even in use cases where a vehicle is parked for extended periods such that the battery thereof has not had a chance to recharge, the present battery conditioner 20 will not cause continued depletion of the battery because the conditioner 20 is configured to stop draining power from the battery when the sensed voltage thereof drops below a predetermined level.
Many modifications of the above embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, while the figures show a recess 36 shaped and sized to receive the depicted battery conditioner 20, the battery lid 18 can be similarly modified to be integrated with battery conditioners of other shapes, sizes and configurations.
Additionally, although the figures show a standard car battery, it is envisaged that the teachings of the present patent specification can be similarly applied to other vehicle batteries such that a wide range of vehicles can benefit from batteries with integrated battery conditioners. Furthermore, although the battery may be of the type used in vehicles, it may be used in other energy storage applications such as for storing power from solar cells for example. I n such applications, the battery may have a capacity of up to 200 amp hours for example.
Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise”, and variations such as “comprises” and “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.
The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it) , or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.

Claims

- 8 - CLAIMS:
1 . A battery conditioner for electrical connection to a vehicle battery, the conditioner comprising a voltage sensing means for sensing a voltage of the battery, the conditioner being operable between:
(a) an active state, wherein when the sensed voltage of the battery is above a predetermined level, the conditioner is configured to draw electricity from the battery to produce high-frequency pulses to combat a build-up of electrically resistive material; and
(b) an inactive state when the sensed voltage of the battery is below a predetermined level.
2. A battery lid securable to a battery case to form a battery for a vehicle, the lid comprising a recess for housing a battery conditioner which is electrically communicable with the battery’s terminals and powerable by the battery.
3. The lid of claim 2, further comprising a cover for, in use, covering at least a portion of the battery conditioner.
4. The lid of claim 3, wherein the cover comprises a means via which a state of the battery conditioner can be indicated.
5. The lid of any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the recess comprises: a head end associated with a first battery terminal for housing a printed circuit board of the battery conditioner; and a tail end for housing a wire of the battery conditioner, wherein a first end of the wire is connectible to a terminal of the battery and a second end of the wire is connectible to the printed circuit board of the battery conditioner. - 9 -
6. The lid of claim 5, configured such that a contact of each terminal protrudes into respective ends of the recess, each contact being configured for electrical connection to the battery conditioner.
7. A battery lid according to any one of the preceding claims comprising an integrated battery conditioner.
8. The battery lid of claim 7, wherein the integrated battery conditioner is the battery conditioner of claim 1 .
9. A vehicle battery comprising a battery lid of any one of claims 2 to 8.
PCT/AU2022/050908 2021-08-18 2022-08-17 Battery conditioner, battery for a vehicle and lid thereof Ceased WO2023019306A1 (en)

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AU2021105803A AU2021105803A4 (en) 2021-08-18 2021-08-18 Battery conditioner, battery for a vehicle and lid thereof
AU2021105803 2021-08-18

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WO2023019306A1 true WO2023019306A1 (en) 2023-02-23

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Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0571383B1 (en) * 1990-04-04 1996-11-20 Baton Labs, Inc. Battery protection system
US20180041052A1 (en) * 2016-08-05 2018-02-08 Gs Yuasa International Ltd. Power storage apparatus, method for controlling power storage apparatus, and vehicle
WO2020087161A1 (en) * 2018-11-02 2020-05-07 Gbatteries Energy Canada Inc. Balancing a battery pack with pulse charging

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0571383B1 (en) * 1990-04-04 1996-11-20 Baton Labs, Inc. Battery protection system
US20180041052A1 (en) * 2016-08-05 2018-02-08 Gs Yuasa International Ltd. Power storage apparatus, method for controlling power storage apparatus, and vehicle
WO2020087161A1 (en) * 2018-11-02 2020-05-07 Gbatteries Energy Canada Inc. Balancing a battery pack with pulse charging

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