This invention relates to a device for providing an electrical connection to a battery assembly. In particular, this invention relates to a battery assembly that includes one or more batteries connected together for connection to an apparatus such as an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle which utilises electricity to provide power thereto.

Such a battery assembly includes a number of component parts which are typically assembled together on a manufacturing line in a particular order to ensure the component parts are correctly positioned and connected together. It is important that the terminals of the batteries, for example, are correctly positioned to avoid short-circuits when the terminals are connected together.

It is known for a battery assembly to include a battery management system, typically provided on a circuit board, connected to the batteries for measuring or receiving status information thereof such as temperature, current drain, voltage, managing charging of the batteries, and sending control signals for managing operation of the batteries as required. The battery terminals are connected to bus bars which are substantially plate shaped conductors. The bus bars are connected to the battery management system circuit board. Bus bars are used because they can safely conduct the large currents which are generated during use of the battery assembly. The circuit board is typically provided in a space near the terminals of the batteries. The cost of manufacturing known battery assemblies is high and it is desirable to reduce this cost. Once assembled, the battery assembly may be placed in a recess formed in a chassis of the electric vehicle. Alternatively, the battery assembly may be manufactured in situ on the chassis of the electric vehicle. It is desirable to have a battery assembly that is compact so as to occupy less space in the electric vehicle.

In the event of a battery assembly fault and / or emergency situation, e.g. the electric vehicle being involved in an accident, there is a risk of the electrical connection between the batteries short circuiting and causing a further hazard, e.g. fire. It is desirable to reduce such risks.

According to a first aspect of the invention, we provide a device for providing an electrical connection to a battery assembly, the battery assembly including a battery including a positive terminal and a negative terminal, the device including:

an electrically conductive part connectable to one of the positive and negative terminals; and

a thermally conductive part connected to the electrically conductive part and arranged to distribute heat away therefrom, wherein the electrically conductive part and the thermally conductive part are arranged such that electricity can flow therebetween.

Further features of the first aspect of the invention are set out in the dependent claims thereto which are appended hereto.

According to a second aspect of the invention, we provide a battery assembly including:

a battery including a battery cell having a positive terminal and a negative terminal;

an electrically conductive part connectable or connected to one of the positive and negative terminals; and a member for supporting a plurality of electronic components, wherein the member includes a passage through which the electrically conductive part extends. Further features of the second aspect of the invention are set out in the dependent claims thereto which are appended hereto.

According to a third aspect of the invention, we provide a battery assembly including:

a battery including a battery cell having a positive terminal and a negative terminal;

a base assembly for supporting the battery, wherein the base assembly includes:

a first electrically conductive part for connection to the positive terminal; and

a second electrically conductive part for connection to the negative terminal

wherein the first and/or second electrically conductive part is releasably connectable with its respective positive / negative terminal to complete an electrical connection therebetween.

Further features of the third aspect of the invention are set out in the dependent claims thereto which are appended hereto. According to a fourth aspect of the invention we provide a battery assembly including:

at least one battery including:

a battery cell having a positive terminal and a negative terminal; and

a battery cell housing,

a base assembly for supporting the battery; wherein the battery cell housing is releasably connectable to the base assembly.

Further features of the fourth aspect of the invention are set out in the dependent claims thereto which are appended hereto.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention we provide a battery assembly including:

a battery sub-assembly including at least one battery cell having a positive terminal and a negative terminal;

a device sub-assembly including a plurality of electronic components electrically connectable to the battery cell(s);

a base assembly having a part or parts for supporting the battery sub-assembly and the device sub-assembly, wherein the base assembly includes:

a first electrically conductive part for connection to the positive terminal; and

a second electrically conductive part for connection to the negative terminal,

wherein the device sub-assembly is releasably connectable to said part(s) of the base assembly.

Further features of the fifth aspect of the invention are set out in the dependent claims thereto which are appended hereto.

According to a sixth aspect of the invention we provide a device for providing a connection to a battery assembly according to the first aspect of the invention including one or more or all of the features of any one of the second to fifth aspects of the invention, and/or including one or more or all of the features set out in the dependent claims relating to any one of the second to fifth aspects of the invention. According to a seventh aspect of the invention we provide a battery assembly apparatus according to the second aspect of the invention including one or more or all of the features of any one of the first or third to fifth aspects of the invention, and/or including one or more or all of the features set out in the dependent claims relating to any one of the first or third to fifth

aspects of the invention.

According to an eighth aspect of the invention we provide a battery assembly according to the third aspect of the invention including one or more or all of the features of any one of the first, second or fourth to fifth aspects of the invention, and/or including one or more or all of the features set out in the dependent claims relating to any one of the first, second or fourth to fifth aspects of the invention. According to a ninth aspect of the invention we provide a battery assembly according to the fourth aspect of the invention including one or more or all of the features of any one of the first to third or fifth aspects of the invention, and/or including one or more or all of the features set out in the dependent claims relating to any one of first to third or fifth aspects of the invention.

According to a tenth aspect of the invention we provide a battery assembly according to the fifth aspect of the invention including one or more or all of the features of any one of first to fourth aspects of the invention, and/or including one or more or all of the features set out in the dependent claims relating to any one of the first to fourth aspects of the invention.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following figures, of which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a battery assembly in accordance with the present invention; Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the battery assembly of figure 1 ;

Figure 3 is a second perspective exploded view of a portion of the battery assembly of figure 1 with certain component parts not shown;

Figure 4 is a cross-sectional side view of the battery assembly of figure 1 ;

Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing certain component parts of the battery assembly of figure 1 ;

Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of an end of the battery assembly of figure 1 in a first condition;

Figure 7 is the cross-sectional view of figure 6 with the battery assembly in a second condition; and

Figure 8 is a perspective view of the battery assembly of figure 1 including a device sub-assembly. With reference to the figures, these show an embodiment of a battery assembly 10 embodying various aspects of the invention. The battery assembly 10 includes a base assembly 18 which supports a plurality of batteries 12. The batteries 12 are based on lithium technology. However, other technologies may be used. Battery assembly 10 includes a member 40 for supporting a plurality of electronic components, in the form of a printed circuit board (PCB). The batteries are generally identical in this embodiment, with certain features which differ slightly as will be explained. In other embodiments the batteries may have other differences or could be identical. For the purpose of describing the present embodiment, only one of the batteries, battery 12(a) will be described, unless otherwise stated. Battery 12(a) has an elongate axis and is generally planar in shape. Battery 12(a) has a battery cell with a connective end 13(a) which includes a positive terminal 14(a) and a negative terminal 16(a). The battery cell contains the battery fluid / material used to generate electricity and is contained within a battery cell housing 48(a). The positive terminal 14(a) and negative terminal 16(a) are positioned side-by-side on opposite sides of connective end 13(a).

Connective end 13(a) is positioned adjacent the base assembly 10 such that the battery 12(a) extends in a generally upwards direction away from the base assembly 10. The batteries 12 are positioned next to one another in a direction which is transverse to the elongate axis of the batteries 12 such that their respective terminals are generally positioned along first and second lines 17, 19 which are parallel and spaced apart. In embodiments, this need not be the case and the terminals could be positioned in other arrangements.

According to a first aspect of the invention, the embodiment includes a plurality of devices 20(a)-20(m). Devices 20(a)-20(m) share a number of common features which will now be described with reference to device 20(a) only for ease of reference. Unless otherwise stated, the reference numerals of the common features of devices 20(a)-(m) share the same numbers thereof and have a respective character (a)-(m) affixed thereto.

Device 20(a) has an electrically conductive part 22(a) connected to respective terminals of the battery cells of batteries 12(a), 12(b), 12(c) and a thermally conductive part 24(a) connected to the electrically conductive part 22(a) and arranged to distribute heat away therefrom. Electrically conductive part 22(a) and thermally conductive part 24(a) are arranged such that electricity can flow therebetween. Thus, device 20(a) is advantageously configured to perform the functions of a bus bar and a heat sink. Device 20(a) extends in a direction which is transverse to the elongate axis of the batteries 12 and parallel to an elongate axis of the base assembly 18.

Device 20(a) has an extension portion 28(a) for abutment with a formation on a remainder of the battery assembly 10. In more detail, the base assembly 18 includes a first base member 30, which is substantially planar. First base member 30 includes an opening 34(a) through which the thermally conductive part 24(a) extends. Extension portion 28(a) includes a flange portion which extends around the thermally conductive part 24(a) and abuts a peripheral portion which extends around opening 34(a). In embodiments, the electrically conductive part 22(a) may also extend through opening 34(a). First base member 30 has a plurality of such openings corresponding to the devices 20(a)-(m). First base member 30 is positioned within a central space 29 of a second base member 32 and its configuration will be described in further detail below.

Thermally conductive part 24(a) of device 20(a) has a surface area which is greater than that of the electrically conductive part 22(a) and includes a plurality of members 36(a), in the form of fins.

In this embodiment the electrically conductive part 22(a) and the thermally conductive part 24(a) are integrally formed or formed as a unitary component made from copper. In embodiments, the parts may be made from other electrically and/or thermally conductive materials. In embodiments, the parts 22(a) and 24(a) need not be integrally formed and may, instead, be separate component parts connected together. In embodiments, the electrically conductive part 22(a) is formed of a material optimised for conduction of electricity and/or the thermally conductive part 24(a) is formed of a material optimised for the conduction of thermal energy, which materials may be the same or different from each other. Device 20(a) includes a plurality of members 26(a) which are configured to connect to the respective terminals of a corresponding portion of batteries positioned in sequence alongside one another. In more detail with reference to figure 5, the polarities of the battery cell terminals alternate between three terminals of the same polarity followed by three terminals of the opposite polarity. The portion of devices 20(a)-20(g) is positioned along the first line 17 and the portion of devices 20(h)-20(k) is positioned along the second line 19. Devices 20(h)-20(k) each have six electrically conductive members 26(h)-(k). Devices 20(a) and 20(g) each have three electrically conductive members 26(a), 26(g) and are positioned at opposite ends of line 17. Devices 20(b)-(f) are positioned between devices 20(a) and 20(g), and each have six electrically conductive members 26(b)-(f). This arrangement permits a series connection between twelve sets of three cells connected in parallel, with the series connections being, in part, provided by the member 40.

Advantageously, devices 20(a)-(m) can be configured and / or the battery cells positioned differently such that a portion of the plurality of battery cells may be connected in any combination of series and/or parallel by the devices 20(a)- (m) in combination with suitable connections on the member 40.

Battery assembly 10 includes a fluid flow path which extends through the central space 29 and passages 38 formed in side walls of the second base member 32. The passages 38 can be connected to ambient atmosphere or be used to introduce cooling / heating fluid therefrom into the central space 29. The fluid may include air or another gas, or be a liquid. The fluid flow path is in communication with a portion of the device 20(a), i.e. the thermally conductive part 24(a), which extends into the central space 29, so as to cool or heat the portion through contact thereof. The use of the fluid flow path can be used to control the temperature of the parts 22(a), 24(a) so as to optimise the current conduction properties, e.g. capacity, of the device 20(a). In embodiments, the fluid flow path may be configured differently and could communicate with any other portion of the device 20(a). In embodiments, the fluid flow path may be in communication with the opening 34(a) in which the device 20(a) is positioned. In embodiments, the battery assembly 10 includes a housing or similar arrangement which seals the electrically conductive part 22(a) in a fluid-tight manner from the thermally conductive part 24(a) to permit separate cooling / heating of the parts 22(a) and 24(a). In embodiments, the thermally conductive part 24(a) or other portion of device 20(a) may be cooled through contact with another solid which is at a lower temperature. Device 20(a) is releasably connectable to the respective terminals of the battery cells of the batteries 12 and the battery assembly 10 includes a further device 69 for disengaging device 20(a) from the respective terminals of the battery cells. This will be described in more detail below. A second aspect of the invention will now be described. Member 40 includes passages 43 through which the electrically conductive parts 22(a)-(m) extend. With respect to the present aspect of the invention, the electrically conductive parts 22(a)-(m) can be any shape / form and need not be formed as part of the devices 20(a)-(m), and neither are other features of devices 20(a)-(m) necessary. All that is required is that the battery assembly 10 includes electrically conductive parts which are connectable to or connected to one or more of the respective terminals of the battery cells of the batteries 12 and one or more of the electrically conductive parts extend through one or more passages of the member 40.

Passages 43 are apertures which are shaped so as to match the shape of the members 26(a)-(m) of the electrically conductive parts 22(a)-(m). In embodiments, passages 43 may be a recess, formed around a peripheral portion of the member 40, for example. Passages 42 may take other forms and all that is required is that the electrically conductive parts 22(a)-(m) extend through a plane in which the member 40 is positioned towards the respective terminals of the battery cells. The member 40 thus surrounds the electrically conductive parts 22(a)-(m). The member 40 is fixed to the first base member 30 through screws made from a plastics material which is an electric insulator. In embodiments, other types of attachment may be employed.

Substantially all of the electronic components are positioned only on one side of the member 40. In particular, member 40 includes a first side 42 which faces towards the battery cells and a second side 44 facing away from the battery cells, and all or substantially all of the electronic components are positioned on the second side 42 (see figure 3), in a common plane, in a central recess 31 of the first base member 30. This permits a compact design as there is then no need to space the member 40 away from the connective ends 13(a)-(m) of the battery cells 12 to accommodate the electronic components therein. First base member 30 protects the electronic components thereby and also seals the electric components from the remainder of the battery assembly 10 so as to isolate the operational / environmental conditions therein from the remainder of the battery assembly 10. In embodiments, the electronic components are positioned on the first side 42. This permits for the electronic components to be sealed / isolated from the second side 44, allowing for separate respective operational / environmental conditions to be maintained in the spaces on either side of the member 40. For example, it may be desirable to have the temperature higher / lower in the space above the member 40, i.e. closer to the battery cells than the temperature in the space below the second side 44, i.e. further from the battery cells. Similarly, it may be desirable to introduce cooling / heating fluid in the space below the member 40 and to keep that fluid away from the space above the member 40. In embodiments, the temperature of the electrically conductive parts 22(a)-(m) and/or the thermally conductive parts 22(a)-(m) is sensed by sensors provided on the member 40 and used for controlling heating / cooling of the batteries 12 and/or another portion of the battery assembly 10.

In embodiments, spring connectors are used to connect sensors which monitor the state of the battery cells of batteries 12, e.g. voltage or temperature sensors, to an external device or to the member 40. The sensors may be provided as part of the battery cells of batteries 12 or on the member 40.

In this embodiment, the second side 44 includes a plurality of electrically conductive contacts 46, in the form of spring connectors, positioned along second side 44 of the member 40 for abutment with respective surfaces of the electrically conductive parts 22(a)-(m) which face in a direction towards the batteries 12. In embodiments, conductive contacts may be provided in the passages 43 and extend radially inwardly thereof in a direction towards the electrically conductive parts 22(a)-(m) or provided elsewhere on the member 40, e.g. on its first side 42. The electrically conductive contacts 46 are electrically connected to the electronic components supported by the member 40 and touch the electrically conductive parts 22(a)-(m) so as to provide an electrical connection between the electronic components and the electrically conductive parts 22(a)-(m).

This configuration is advantageous as the manufacturing process for the battery assembly does not require adding the electrical connections to the electrically conductive parts 22(a)-(m) to connect the electronic components on member 40 thereto. Instead, the electrically conductive contacts 46 are part of the member 40 which is manufactured separately from the battery assembly 10. The use of spring connectors is advantageous as it allows for manufacturing tolerances in, for example, the vertical or horizontal dimensions of the member 40 and devices 20(a)-(m). In embodiments, the passages 43 provide the electrical connection through the use of one or more of the following: touch contacts, laser welding, ultrasonic welding and/or soldering. The components supported by the member 40 are configured to provide one or more battery management functions, such as charging of the batteries 12, monitoring status information of each or a portion of the batteries 12, and controlling the operational / environmental conditions of the batteries 12, for example. Information gathered by member 40, for example temperature information of the batteries, may be used to control operation of a heating / cooling system for the battery assembly 10. In embodiments, the member 40 may not include circuitry for completing a connection between one or more of the respective terminals of the battery cells of batteries 12. In embodiments, the member 40 may be modular in design such that a plurality of modular members is releasably connectable therebetween to form the member 40. The modular members may be connected together through wires extending therebetween or a direct contact between respective connectors of the modular members. In embodiments, the modular members may be stacked above one another in a direction parallel to the elongate axes of the batteries and the electrically conductive parts 22(a)-(m) pass through respective passages of one or more or all of the modular members. In embodiments, the modular members may be positioned alongside one another so as to lie in a common plane which is generally parallel to a plane in which the connective ends 13(a)-(m) are positioned.

A third aspect of the invention will now be described. The battery cell housings 48 are releasably connectable to the base assembly 18. In more detail with reference to battery 12(a), battery cell housing 48(a) includes a first connection formation 50(a) and the base assembly 18 includes a second connection formation 52(a) releasably connectable to the first connection formation 50(a). It will be appreciated that the features described hereinbefore with reference to other aspects of the invention are not necessary for the present aspect of the invention.

The first connection formation 50(a) is formed as an overmoulding onto the battery cell of battery cell 12(a) and made from one or more of a thermoplastic material, a thermosetting plastic material, and a curing plastic material. The first connection formation 50(a) may be formed from a material having a low melting point. In embodiments, the first connection formation 50(a) may be formed by injection moulding or integrally formed as part of the battery cell.

As seen more clearly in figure 4, the first connection formation 50(a) has an increased width around the perimeter of connective end 13(a) and at an opposite end of battery 12(a) the battery cell housing 48(a) is also of increased width around the perimeter thereof. This arrangement causes adjacent battery cells being spaced apart from one another such that air or other heating / cooling fluids can pass therethrough. This is beneficial as it allows for heating / cooling of the battery cells of the batteries 12 through introduction of such fluids therethrough for contact with the battery cells. In embodiments, the batteries may be spaced apart by other means. In embodiments, thermal and/or electrical insulation may be placed between the battery cells.

The first connection formation 50(a) is positioned at the connective end 13(a) and includes first and second projections 54(a), 56(a) positioned on opposite sides of the connective end 13(a). The projections 54(a), 56(a) extend in a direction towards the base assembly 18.

The second connection formation 52(a) extends around a peripheral portion of the central space 29. The second connection formation 52(a) includes first and second passages 58(a), 60(a) positioned along respective side walls of the second base member 32 so as to be aligned with the corresponding first and second projections 54(a), 56(a). First and second passages 58(a), 60(a) receive the first and second projections 54(a), 56(a) respectively therein. The projections 54(a), 56(a) terminate at free ends which have a pre-determined shape which can only fit into the correspondingly shaped passages 58(a), 60(a), if the free ends are in the correct orientation. Thus, battery cell housing 48(a) can only be connected to the base assembly 18 in a pre-determined orientation relative to the base assembly 18, which effectively fixes the orientation of the positive and negative terminals of battery cell 12(a) in a predetermined orientation. This is advantageous as it means that the battery cell 12(a) is always connected correctly as required by the particular battery assembly design, e.g. for a series or a parallel connection to other battery cells. The other battery cell housings similarly have first connection formations which may or may not have the same shape as those of battery cell housing 48(a) so as to match the shape of their corresponding second connection formations on the base assembly 18.

Other types of first and second connection formations may be used in embodiments. For example, the first connection formation may be one of any type of male or female connector and the second connection may be the other of the male or female connector. The male and female connectors may include a magnetic material to aid in easier connection / engagement therebetween, or other methods.

In embodiments, the first and second connection formations are entirely provided by magnets that are attracted to each other so as to provide a connection therebetween and have a magnetic polarity which matches the polarity of the terminal positioned adjacent it. In this embodiment the first connection formation is formed separately from the battery cell housing, in other embodiments it may be integrally formed as part of the battery cell housing. The connection arrangement described is advantageous as it allows the batteries 12 to be assembled into the battery assembly 10 without requiring any threaded or similar connection that requires use of a tool, thus reducing manufacturing times and/or resource.

In embodiments, a part or parts of the battery assembly may be formed as part of the apparatus, e.g. electric vehicle, which will obtain power therefrom. For example, the base assembly 18 may be formed in the apparatus, e.g. the structural components thereof such as the vehicle chassis, and the remainder of the battery assembly is connected thereto. In embodiments, the base assembly 18 may include a number of parts rather than be a one piece component.

A fourth aspect of the invention will now be described with particular reference to figures 4, and 6 to 7. The respective terminals of the battery cells of batteries 12 are releasably connectable, in this embodiment, engageable with their respective electrically conductive parts 22(a)-(m) of the base assembly 18 so as to complete an electrical connection therebetween. It will be appreciated that the features described hereinbefore with reference to other aspects of the invention are not necessary for the present aspect of the invention.

The configuration is substantially identical for all the battery cells 12(a) and so for the purpose of the description, reference will only be made to battery cell 12(a). In more detail, positive and negative terminals 14(a), 16(a) each include a passage having a resilient conductive member therein 14'(a), 16'(a), in the form of a biasing member, which presses against a female electrical connection formation 62(a), 63(a) to provide an electrical connection therebetween. The biasing member is a spring so as to maintain adequate contact pressure between the terminal and the female electrical connection formation 62(a), 63(a). In embodiments, other types of biasing member or no biasing member may be used. The terminals 14(a), 16(a) have an extended length so as to optimise the contact area, and hence pressure, with the female electrical connection formation 62(a), 63(a).

The female electrical connection formation 62(a) receives a male electrical connection formation 64(a) of the electrically conductive part 22(a). The male and female electrical connection formations of the battery assembly 10 are identical, and so only one set of formations, 62(a), 64(a) will be described here. Female connection formation 62(a) extends downwardly away from terminal 14(a) and its free end receives the male electrical connection formation 64(a). In this embodiment, the male electrical connection formation 64(a) corresponds to a respective member 26(a) of the electrical conductive part 22(a) of the device 20(a) for terminal 14. The female electrical connection formation 62(a) is substantially Y-shaped with its stem received in the terminal passage 14(a) and its free end includes a plurality of members which provide a channel 66(a). The channel 66(a) tapers as it extends away from terminal 14(a) to act as a clip into which the male electrical connection formation 64(a), which is substantially plate-like, can slide into and be gripped thereby.

The device 20(a), together with devices 20(b)-(m), is supported on the first base member 30. The first base member 30 is connected to the second base member 32 through a plurality of biasing members 67, in the form of springs. The biasing members 67 are positioned at regular intervals in first and second parallel lines that extend lengthwise of the first base member.

The battery assembly 10 includes a further device 69 in the form of a plurality of solenoids 70-73 positioned at either side of first and second ends of the second base member 32. The solenoids 70-73 extend through respective passages of the second base member 30 and respective portions 69 of the solenoids extend into the central space 29 and so as to support the first base member 30 thereon.

The first base member 30 is biased by the biasing members 67 to a first position shown in figure 6 in which the first base member is closer to the second base member 32 than it is to the batteries 12. In the first position, male electrical connection formation 64(a) of the device 20(a) is not in contact with female electrical connection formation 62(a). However, the solenoids 70- 73 hold the first member 30 in a second position shown in figure 7 in which the first base member 30 is closer to the batteries 12 than it is to the second base member 32. In the second position, the male electrical connection formation 64(a) of the device 20(a) is in contact with female electrical connection formation 62(a). The respective portions 69 of solenoids 70-73 thus prevent the first base member 30 from moving downwards from the second position to the first position.

In normal operation the first base member 30 is in the second position such that the male electrical connection formations of the devices 20(a)-(m) are connected to their respective female electrical connection formations. This enables electricity to flow from the battery cells of batteries 12 for use downstream in the apparatus to which the battery assembly 10 is connected.

However, in the event of a fault being sensed in the battery assembly 10, e.g. one or more of the battery cells by, for example, the electronic components on the member 40, or in the event of an emergency condition of the apparatus, i.e. an accident involving the electric vehicle, a control signal is sent to the further device 69. In response to the signal, the further device 69 is arranged to disengage the devices 20(a)-(m) from their respective positive and negative terminals. This is achieved by the solenoids 70-73 moving to a retracted state in which they do not extend into the central space 29. The solenoids then no longer support the first base member 30 in the second position and so the first base member 30 moves to the first position under the force exerted by the biasing members 67. The male electrical connection formations are thus no longer in contact with their respective female connection formations and the battery cells 12 are disconnected. This stops any current being drawn from the battery assembly 10 and thus lessens the battery assembly 10 from overheating any further and melting, for example, or causing sparks which may ignite any flammable material in the vicinity of the battery assembly 10 in the event of an accident. The battery assembly 10 will then have to be serviced in order to fix any fault thereof and move the first base member to the second position for normal operation. In embodiments, a different arrangement may be employed to cause disengagement of the battery cells. For example, the further device 69 may be manually actuated. In embodiments, an arrangement may be employed that allows a portion of the battery cells to be disengaged rather than only all of them.

A fifth aspect of the invention will now be described with reference to figure 8. In comparison to the battery assembly 10 configurations shown in figures 1 to 7, the battery assembly configuration shown in figure 8 differs in that a portion of the batteries has been removed from one end of an elongate axis of the battery assembly 10. The remainder of the batteries form a battery subassembly 80 and the removed batteries have been replaced by a device subassembly 82 including a plurality of electronic components electrically connectable to the battery cells of the battery sub-assembly 80. The device sub-assembly 82 has a housing which is releasably connectable to the base assembly 18 in the same manner as the battery cell housings of the battery sub-assembly 80 batteries. The device sub-assembly 82 also includes a plurality of pairs of positive and negative terminals that are releasably connectable to respective electrically conductive parts in the base assembly 18 in the same manner as that described in relation to the batteries 12 hereinbefore. In embodiments, different forms of connection may be employed for the device sub-assembly 82 in comparison to the battery subassembly 80. It will be appreciated that the features described hereinbefore with reference to other aspects of the invention are not necessary for the present aspect of the invention. One or more or all of the battery cells positive terminals are connected or connectable together to a positive terminal of the device sub-assembly 82 and one or more or all of the battery cell negative terminals are connected or connectable to together to a negative terminal of the device sub-assembly 82 by means of the circuitry on member 40 having suitable switchable connections therein. In embodiments, the switchable connections may be provided directly between the device sub-assembly 82 and the respective electrically conductive parts connected to or connectable to the terminals of the battery cells of batteries 12. The device sub-assembly 82 can include or be configured to do one or more of the following: charging and / or discharging of one or more or all of the battery cells, diagnostic testing of one or more or all of the battery cells, and disconnection of power from the battery sub-cell assembly. The device subassembly 82 is electrically connected to the member 40 which includes monitoring components for generating status information relating to one or more or all of the battery cells. The device sub-assembly 82 may be configured for monitoring, requesting, obtaining, and processing the status information. The device sub-assembly 82 may further be configured to transmit control signals for controlling operation of the battery cells of batteries 12 through the components provided on the member 40. In embodiments, the device sub-assembly 82 is configured to transmit output signals to a device external to the battery assembly. Such an external device may be a computer or other electronic device. In embodiments, the battery assembly 10 may include more than one battery sub-assembly. In embodiments, the device sub-assembly 82 is configured to act as manual service disconnect. In embodiments, the device sub-assembly 82 contains means, e.g. an opening or removable / moveable cover, to make it accessible when the battery assembly 10 is contained in the apparatus to which the battery assembly 10 provides power. In embodiments, the device sub- assembly 82 is configured to act as a central battery management system control. The device sub-assembly 82 may be capable of taking current measurements from one or more or all of the battery cells of battery assembly 13, preferably by isolating the battery assembly 10 from the apparatus so as to function as an isolation tester. The device sub-assembly 82 may contain one or more fuses of the battery assembly 10, or a pre-charge system. The device sub-assembly 82 may also function as a DC to DC converter, contain a battery charger, or battery heating / cooling controls including any associated switching components. The device sub-assembly 82 may include a DC interface for fast charging of the batteries 12. The device sub-assembly 82 may also include an apparatus interface, i.e. vehicle interface, which utilises one or more or all of the following protocols: CAN, LIN, SPI, flexray, and / utilise one or more of the following data transfer links: RF, optical interconnection, ethernet and USB. In embodiments, the device sub-assembly 82 has a housing including a handle or grip integrally moulded thereto or fixed thereto. The handle may be used to lock or retain the device sub-assembly to the apparatus, e.g. electric vehicle, and or the remainder of the battery assembly 10. In embodiments, the device sub-assembly includes an output connector, e.g. a power connector, to interface to an external system, and preferably this is achieved by use of a spring connector to provide the connection thereto. In embodiments, the battery assembly 10 may include one or more additional battery sub-assemblies arranged to provide corresponding auxiliary voltages which are different to the other battery sub-assembly. The auxiliary voltages may be utilised for use with an auxiliary function of the apparatus, e.g. vehicle cooling or air conditioning

The battery sub-assembly 80 and device sub-assembly 82 are positioned along an axis which is transverse to the elongate axis of the batteries 12. The battery sub-assembly 80 and device sub-assembly 82 have a respective elongate axis which extends in a direction which is transverse, in this case perpendicular, to a plane in which the base assembly 18 is positioned. In particular, the battery sub-assembly 80 and device sub-assembly 82 are positioned side-by-side when they are supported on the base assembly 18. The battery sub-assembly batteries and their respective terminals are positioned in the same side-by-side configuration as the battery sub-assembly 80 and device sub-assembly 82. Similarly, the electrically conductive parts of the base assembly 18 are positioned in the same side-by-side configuration as the battery sub-assembly 80 and the device sub-assembly 82. In embodiments, the terminals may be positioned differently.

In the embodiment shown, the battery sub-assembly 80 and the device subassembly 82 are substantially the same shape, i.e. cuboid, but they may be different shapes and/or sizes in other embodiments.

The battery and device sub-assemblies have respective connective ends which include the electrical connectors thereof and which respective connective ends are generally positioned in a common plane when the subassemblies are connected together. In embodiments, this may not be the case. A part of the base assembly thus supports the battery sub-assembly 80 and the device sub-assembly 82 and the base assembly includes other parts which provide the electrical connection to the batteries of the battery sub-assembly 80. All that is required is that there is a base assembly including one or more parts to which the battery and device sub-assemblies can be releasably connected.

The battery assembly 10 is advantageously a modular system for which a number of configurations are possible using, for example, any number or positional arrangement of batteries 12 and/or a device having electronic components electrically connectable to the batteries. Thus various configurations of battery assembly can be made from a set of modular component pieces. Thus a single manufacturing line can be used to assemble more than one type of battery assembly configuration with minimal effort.

Further features of one or more aspects of the invention are set out in the numbered clauses provided below.

CLAUSES

1 . A device for providing an electrical connection to a battery assembly, the battery assembly including a battery including a positive terminal and a negative terminal, the device including:

an electrically conductive part connectable to one of the positive and negative terminals; and

a thermally conductive part connected to the electrically conductive part and arranged to distribute heat away therefrom, wherein the electrically conductive part and the thermally conductive part are arranged such that electricity can flow therebetween. 2. A device according to clause 1 , wherein the at least one thermally conductive part has a surface area which is greater than that of the at least one electrically conductive part. 3. A device according to clause 1 or 2, wherein the device includes an extension portion for abutment with a formation on the battery assembly.

4. A device according to clause 3, wherein the extension portion includes a flange portion which at least partially extends around the at least one thermally conductive part.

5. A device according to any one of clauses 1 to 4, wherein the thermally conductive part includes a plurality of members, preferably fins. 6. A device according to any preceding clause, wherein the electrically conductive part is formed of material optimised for conduction of electricity and/or the thermally conductive part is formed of material optimised for the conduction of thermal energy. 7. A device according to any preceding clause, wherein, when the battery assembly includes a plurality of said batteries, the electrically conductive part of the device includes a plurality of members connectable to one or more or all of the positive or negative terminals of said batteries. 8. A device according to any preceding clause, wherein the electrically conductive part and the thermally conductive part are integrally formed or formed as a unitary component.

9. A battery assembly including a battery cell including a positive terminal and a negative terminal, and a device according to any preceding clause connected to one of the positive and negative terminals. 10. A battery assembly according to clause 9, wherein the device is releasably connectable to the one of the positive and negative terminals.

1 1 . A battery assembly according to clause 9 or 10, including a further device for disengaging the device for providing an electrical connection to a battery assembly from the one of the positive and negative terminals.

12. A battery assembly according to any one of clauses 9 to 1 1 , wherein the battery assembly includes a housing which seals the electrically conductive part of the device, preferably in a fluid-tight manner, from the thermally conductive part of the device.

13. A battery assembly according to any one of clauses 9 to 12 including a plurality of batteries each with a respective positive and negative terminal, and one or more said devices connected to one or more respective positive and/or negative terminals of the batteries.

14. A battery assembly according to clause 13, wherein a portion of the plurality of batteries are connected in series by the one or more devices.

15. A battery assembly according to clause 13 or 14, wherein a portion of the

plurality of batteries are connected in parallel by the one or more devices. 16. A battery assembly according to any one of clauses 9 to 15, including a base assembly for supporting the device(s), wherein the base assembly includes at least one opening through which the thermally conductive part and/or the electrically conductive part extends. 17. A battery assembly according to any one of clauses 9 to 16, including a fluid flow path in communication with a portion of the device(s) so as to provide cooling or heating through contact thereof. 18. A battery assembly according to clause 17 when dependent on clause 16

wherein the fluid flow path is in communication with the opening(s).

19. A battery assembly according to clause 17 or 18, wherein the fluid flow path is in fluid communication with a portion of the thermally conductive part(s). 20. A battery assembly according to any preceding clause wherein the battery assembly includes components for sensing the temperature of the electrically conductive part(s) and/or thermally conductive part(s).

21 . A battery assembly according to clause 20, when dependent directly or indirectly on clause 17, wherein the sensed temperature is used to control the cooling or heating provided by the fluid flow path to the portion of the device(s), and preferably, to other component parts of the battery assembly, more preferably, to the battery or batteries. 22. A battery assembly including:

a battery including a battery cell having a positive terminal and a negative terminal;

an electrically conductive part connectable or connected to one of the positive and negative terminals; and

a member for supporting a plurality of electronic components, wherein the member includes a passage through which the electrically conductive part extends.

23. A battery assembly according to clause 22, wherein the passage is a recess. 24. A battery assembly according to clause 22, wherein the passage is an aperture.

25. A battery assembly according to any one of clauses 22 to 24, wherein all or substantially all of the electronic components are positioned only on one side of the member.

26. A battery assembly according to any one of clauses 22 to 25, wherein the member includes a first side which faces towards the battery and second side facing away from the battery, and wherein all or substantially all of the electronic components are positioned on the second side.

27. A battery assembly according to clause 26, wherein the second side includes one or more electrically conductive contacts for abutment with a surface of the electrically conductive part.

28. A battery assembly according to clause 27, wherein the surface, or a portion thereof, faces in a direction towards the battery cells. 29. A battery assembly according to any one of clauses 22 to 28, wherein the passage provides an electrical connection between the electrically conductive part and the electronic components.

30. A battery assembly according to any one of clauses 22 to 29, wherein the electronic components are positioned in or substantially in a common plane and the electrically conductive part extends through said common plane towards one of the terminals.

31 . A battery assembly according to any one of clauses 22 to 30, wherein the member includes a plurality of passages, and the battery assembly includes a plurality of said batteries and a plurality of said electrically conductive parts connectable or connected to one or more respective positive and negative terminals of the battery cells; and wherein one or more or all of the electrically conductive parts extend through the passage(s). 32. A battery assembly according to any one of clauses 22 to 31 , wherein the electrically conductive part(s) is provided by a device(s) according to any one of clauses 1 to 8.

33. A battery assembly according to any one of clauses 22 to 32 including one or more or all of the features of clauses 9 to 21 .

34. A battery assembly according to any one of clauses 22 to 33, wherein the electrically conductive part(s) is releasably connectable to the one of the positive or negative terminals.

35. A battery assembly according to clause 34, including a device for disengaging the electrically conductive part(s) from the positive or negative terminals. 36. A battery assembly including:

a battery including a battery cell having a positive terminal and a negative terminal;

a base assembly for supporting the battery, wherein the base assembly includes:

a first electrically conductive part for connection to the positive terminal; and

a second electrically conductive part for connection to the negative terminal

wherein the first and/or second electrically conductive part is releasably connectable with its respective positive / negative terminal to complete an electrical connection therebetween. 37. A battery assembly according to clause 36, including one of a

male or female electrical connection formation connected to or connectable to the positive or negative terminal, with the respective first or second electrically conductive part including the other of the male or female connection formation.

38. A battery assembly according to clause 36 or 37, including a

plurality of said batteries and said electrically conductive parts releasably connectable to respective terminals of the said batteries.

39. A battery assembly according to clause 38, wherein one or more or all of the respective positive terminals of the battery cells are electrically connected together to a common positive terminal and/or one or more or all of the respective negative terminals of the battery cells are electrically connected together to a common negative terminal; wherein the common positive and negative terminals are connectable to an apparatus for providing power thereto.

40. A battery assembly according to clauses 36 to 39 including a device for disengaging the electrically conductive part(s) from the positive or negative terminal(s).

41 . A battery assembly according to clause 40, wherein the device is arranged to disengage a portion of the battery cell terminals.

42. A battery assembly according to clause 40 or 41 , wherein the device is manually actuated.

43. A battery assembly according to clause 40 or 41 , wherein the device is actuated in response to a signal. 44. A battery assembly according to clause 43, wherein the signal is generated in response to a battery assembly fault, preferably a battery fault, and / or emergency condition. 45. A battery assembly according to any one of clauses 36 to 44, wherein the electrically conductive parts are provided by a device(s) according to any one of clauses 1 to 8.

46. A battery assembly including:

at least one battery including:

a battery cell having a positive terminal and a negative terminal; and

a battery cell housing,

a base assembly for supporting the battery;

wherein the battery cell housing is releasably connectable to the base assembly.

47. A battery assembly according to clause 46, wherein the battery cell housing can only be connected to the base assembly in pre-determined orientations relative thereto, preferably only in a pre-determined orientation of the positive and negative terminals of the battery cell.

48. A battery assembly according to clause 46 or 47, wherein the battery cell housing includes a first connection formation and the base assembly includes a second connection formation releasably connectable to or engageable with the first connection formation.

49. A battery assembly according to clause 48, wherein the first connection formation is integrally formed as part of the battery cell housing.

50. A battery assembly according to clause 48 or 49, wherein the first and second connection formations are magnetically attracted to each other.

51 . A battery assembly according to any one of clauses 46 to 50, including a member supporting a plurality of electronic components, and wherein the base assembly includes a central space in which the member is positioned.

52. A battery assembly according to clause 51 , when directly or indirectly dependent on clause 48, wherein the second connection formation extends around at least a peripheral portion of the central space.

53. A battery assembly according to clause 51 or 52, wherein the member supporting the plurality of electronic components is a substantially planar circuit board, preferably a printed circuit board. 54. A battery assembly according to any one of clauses 46 to 53, including electrically conductive parts provided by a device(s) according to any one of clauses 1 to 8 connected to or connectable to the positive and negative terminals.. 55. A battery assembly including:

a battery sub-assembly including at least one battery cell having a positive terminal and a negative terminal;

a device sub-assembly including a plurality of electronic components electrically connectable to the battery cell(s);

a base assembly having a part or parts for supporting the battery sub-assembly and the device sub-assembly, wherein the base assembly includes:

a first electrically conductive part for connection to the positive terminal; and

a second electrically conductive part for connection to the negative terminal, wherein the device sub-assembly is releasably connectable to said part(s) of the base assembly.

56. A battery assembly according to clause 55, wherein the first and/or second electrically conductive parts is releasably connectable to its respective positive / negative terminal to complete an electrical connection therebetween.

57. A battery assembly according to clause 55 or 56, wherein the device sub-assembly includes at least one pair of positive and negative terminals and the base assembly includes third and fourth electrically conductive parts that are releasably connectable to the at least one pair of positive and negative terminals respectively.

58. A battery assembly according to clause 55, 56 or 57, wherein the battery sub-assembly includes a plurality of battery cells with respective positive and negative terminals, and the base assembly includes respective electrically conductive parts that are releasably connectable to the respective positive and negative terminals. 59. A battery assembly according to clause 57 or 58, wherein the device sub-assembly includes a plurality of said terminal pairs and the base assembly includes respective electrically conductive parts that are releasably connectable to the respective positive and negative device sub-assembly terminals.

60. A battery assembly according to any one of clauses 55 to 59, wherein the battery cell sub-assembly and device sub-assembly are positioned side- by-side when they are supported on the base assembly. 61 . A battery assembly according to clause 60, wherein the battery sub- assembly includes a plurality of said batteries and wherein their respective terminals are positioned in the same side-by-side configuration as the battery sub-assembly and device sub-assembly. 62. A battery assembly according to clause 60 or 61 , wherein the

electrically conductive parts of the base assembly are positioned in the same side-by-side configuration as the battery sub-assembly and the device subassembly. 63. A battery assembly according to any one of clauses 55 to 62, wherein the battery sub-assembly and the device sub-assembly are substantially the same shape, preferably cuboid.

64. A battery assembly according to clause 63, wherein the battery sub- assembly is a different size to the device sub-assembly.

65. A battery assembly according to any one of clauses 55 to 64, wherein the battery assembly has an elongate axis with first and second ends, and wherein the device sub-assembly is positioned at one of the ends.

66. A battery assembly according to any one of clauses 55 to 66, wherein the battery and device sub-assemblies have respective connective ends which include electrical connectors thereof and which respective connective ends are generally positioned in a common plane when the sub-assemblies are connected together.

67. A battery assembly according to any one of clauses 55 to 66, wherein one or more or all of the battery cell(s) positive terminals are connected or connectable to together to a positive terminal of the device sub-assembly, and wherein one or more or all of the battery cell(s) negative terminals are connected or connectable to together to a negative terminal of the device subassembly.

68. A battery assembly according to any one of clauses 55 to 67, wherein the device assembly is configured for or contains one or more of the following: charging of the battery cell(s), diagnostic tests of the battery cell(s), and disconnection of power from the battery sub-assembly.

69. A battery assembly according to any one of clauses 55 to 68, wherein the device sub-assembly is configured for one or more or all of the following: monitoring, requesting, obtaining, and processing status information related to at least one of the battery cell(s).

70. A battery assembly according to clause 69, including a monitoring device connected to or connectable to the device sub-assembly for generating the status information.

71 . A battery assembly according to any one of clauses 55 to 70, wherein the device sub-assembly is configured to transmit control signals for controlling operation of the battery cell(s).

72. A battery assembly according to any one of clauses 55 to 71 , wherein the device sub-assembly is configured to transmit output signals to a device external to the battery assembly.

73. A battery assembly according to any one of clauses 55 to 72, including a further said device sub-assembly.

74. A battery assembly according to any one of clauses 55 to 73, wherein the battery sub-assembly is releasably connectable to said part(s) of the base assembly. 75. A device, battery or battery assembly according to any one of clauses 1 to 21 (1 ) including one or more or all of the features as set out in any one of the clauses:- i) 22 to 35 (2); and/or

ii) 36 to 45 (3); and/or

iii) 46 to 54 (4); and/or

iv) 55 to 74 (5). 76. A device, battery or battery assembly according to any one of clauses 22 to 35 (2) including one or more or all of the features as set out in any one of clauses:- i) 1 to 21 (1 ); and/or

ii) 36 to 45 (3); and/or

iii) 46 to 54 (4); and/or

iv) 55 to 74 (5)

77. A device, battery or battery assembly according to any one of clauses 36 to 45 (3) including one or more or all of the features as set out in any one of clauses:- i) 1 to 21 (1 ); and/or

ii) 22 to 35 (2); and/or

iii) 46 to 54 (4); and/or

iv) 55 to 74 (5).

78. A device, battery or battery assembly according to any one of clauses 46 to 54 (4) including one or more or all of the features as set out in any one of clauses:- i) 1 to 21 (1 ); and/or

ii) 22 to 35 (2); and/or

iii) 36 to 45 (3); and/or iv) 55 to 74 (5).

79. A device, battery or battery assembly according to any one of clauses 55 to 74 (5) including one or more or all of the features as set out in any one of clauses:- i) 1 to 21 (1 ); and/or

ii) 22 to 35 (2); and/or

iii) 36 to 45 (3); and/or

iv) 46 to 54 (4).

80. A device, battery or battery assembly according to any preceding clause for use in providing power to an electric vehicle, preferably an electric automobile. 81 . An apparatus including a device, battery or battery assembly

according to any preceding clause.

82. An electric vehicle, preferably an electric automobile, including a device, battery or battery assembly according to any preceding clause.

83. A device, battery or battery assembly substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.

84. Any novel feature or novel combination of features described herein and/or in the accompanying drawings.

When used in this specification, claims and clauses, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components. The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.