BATTERY PACK AND VEHICLE

A battery pack and a vehicle having the battery pack are capable of suppressing a reduction in the strength of the battery pack. The battery pack comprises: a housing, the housing comprising a base plate; a battery module configured on the base plate and comprising a first battery module and a second battery module, a gap provided between the first battery module and the second battery module; a low-voltage connection assembly provided in the gap and electrically connected to the battery module; a reinforcement member provided on the base plate and comprising an arch-shaped part configured in the gap and arched upward, the low-voltage connection assembly passing through the inner side of the arch-shaped part.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

Priority is claimed on Chinese Patent Application No. 202210932022.6, filed on Aug. 4, 2022, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a battery pack and a vehicle.

Description of Related Art

In electric vehicles equipped with battery packs, the safety of the battery pack is very important. In order to prevent the battery pack from catching fire or failing in case of impact, etc., the battery pack is usually equipped with a reinforcement member inside the housing. In addition, there is a cable bundle inside the housing. Regarding to the configuration of the cable bundle and the reinforcement member, in a currently existing example of such a structure, for example, in order to reduce the space occupation, the cable bundle is placed in the gap between multiple battery modules, while in order not to interfere with the cable bundle, the reinforcement member is provided with a breach for the cable bundle to pass through or the reinforcement member is disconnected.

However, providing a breach in the reinforcement member or disconnecting the reinforcement member in such a way that the strength of the reinforcement member is degraded in turn causes the strength of the battery pack to be degraded.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a battery pack and a vehicle that can enhance the strength of the battery pack.

According to the first aspect of the invention, provided is a battery pack comprising: a housing comprising a base plate; a battery module configured on the base plate and comprising a first battery module and a second battery module, a gap provided between the first battery module and the second battery module; a low-voltage connection assembly provided in the gap and electrically connected to the battery module; a reinforcement member provided on the base plate and comprising an arch-shaped part provided in the gap and arched upward, the low-voltage connection assembly passing through the inner side of the arch-shaped part.

With the above structure, due to the arch-shaped part, the low-voltage connection assembly passes through the inner side of the arch-shaped part, so that it is possible to suppress interference between the reinforcement assembly and the low-voltage connection assembly, and thus the low-voltage connection assembly can be easily disposed in the gap between the first battery module and the second battery module, making the structure compact. In addition, the arch-shaped part can effectively disperse the force, for example, by suppressing the degradation of the strength of the reinforcement member compared with the arrangement of breach and the like, therefore the strength of the battery pack can be enhanced to be able to better cope with collisions.

As a possible implementation of the first aspect, the battery pack further comprises a first connection member and a second connection member provided on the base plate, the first connection member and the second connection member extending in the extension direction of the base plate, the two ends of the reinforcement member secured on each of the first connection member and the second connection member.

With the above structure, the reinforcement member, the first connection member and the second connection member constitute the reinforcement assembly, and the reinforcement member, the first connection member and the second connection member can be molded separately, thereby enabling easy fabrication of a reinforcement assembly that is generally longer overall. In addition, it is also possible to easily assemble or disassemble the reinforcement assembly.

As a possible implementation of the first aspect, the battery pack further comprises a control means provided in the gap and electrically connected to the battery module via the low-voltage connection assembly.

With the above structure, the reinforcement member with the arch-shaped part is provided independently of the first and second connection members, making it possible to easily form the reinforcement member with a more complex shape.

As a possible implementation of the first aspect, the reinforcement member comprises the arch-shaped part and an upright part, the upright part extending downwards from the two ends of the arch-shaped part, and the upright part overlapping with the first connection member and/or the second connection member when viewed from the extension direction of the first connection member and the second connection member.

With the above structure, the upright part is provided to overlap the first connection member or the second connection member when viewed from the extension direction of the first connection member and the second connection member (which is understood to be the extension direction of the reinforcement assembly as a whole), that is, the upright part faces the first connection member or the second connection member, so that the force applied to the first connection member or the second connection member can be easily transferred to the arch-shaped part by the upright part, and the ability of the reinforcement member to resist impact can be improved and the strength of the battery pack can be enhanced.

As a possible implementation of the first aspect, the arch-shaped part is provided with a plurality of recesses.

With the above structure, it is possible to reduce the weight of the arch-shaped part while maintaining the strength of the arch-shaped part, thus reducing the weight of the battery pack.

As a possible implementation of the first aspect, the reinforcement member comprises a secure part, a bolt passing through the secure part and the first connection member or the second connection member in sequence and secured on the base plate.

With the above structure, it is possible to simplify the structure and improve the installation efficiency by sharing (sharing bolts, etc.) the secure structure of the first and second connection members secured on the base plate and the secure structure of the connection members secured on the first and second connection members.

As a possible implementation of the first aspect, the battery pack further comprises a first high-voltage connection assembly, the base plate provided with a receiving section, the first high-voltage connection assembly accommodated in the receiving section.

With the above structure, the first high-voltage assembly is provided in the receiving section inside the base plate, which, on the one hand, makes the structure of the battery pack more compact and improves the utilization of space inside the battery pack; on the other hand, it is possible to suppress the deformation or breakage of the high-voltage cable bundle caused by the moving battery module impacting or squeezing the high-voltage cable bundle in the event of a lateral collision of the vehicle in the case of installation on the vehicle, which improves the safety and reliability of the battery pack.

As a possible implementation of the first aspect, the base plate is provided with a coolant channel.

With such a structure, the base plate is provided with coolant channels, and therefore the base plate needs to have a certain thickness. In the embodiment of the present invention, such a base plate is provided with the receiving section to receive the electrical connection members, which does not increase the thickness of the base plate and facilitates the miniaturization of the battery pack.

As a possible implementation of the first aspect, the reinforcement member is provided over the base plate.

With the above structure, it is possible to prevent the reinforcement member from interfering with the coolant channel.

As a possible implementation of the first aspect, the part of the coolant channel distant from the centerline of the base plate is upstream along the liquid flow and the part of the coolant channel closer to the centerline of the base plate is downstream along the liquid flow, wherein the centerline extends in the extension direction of the base plate.

With the above structure, since the part of the battery module on the outer part is more susceptible to external influence, cooling the part on the outer part first can provide good cooling to the battery module.

As a possible implementation of the first aspect, the housing is provided with a first connector and a second connector at the front and rear ends, respectively; and the battery pack further comprises a power distribution unit provided over the individual battery module and electrically connected to the battery module, electrically connected to the first connector via the first high-voltage connection assembly, as well as electrically connected to the second connector via the second high-voltage connection assembly.

With the above structure, the power distribution box is positioned above the battery module to reduce the overall space occupied by the battery pack and increase the energy density of the battery pack.

As a possible implementation of the first aspect, the first high-voltage connection assembly comprises a high-voltage cable bundle and a high-voltage cable bundle support, the high-voltage cable bundle disposed in the receiving section, the high-voltage cable bundle support covering the high-voltage cable bundle from above and forming a ceiling of the receiving section.

With the above structure, the receiving section is formed by the recess and the support to receive the high-voltage cable bundle, which not only makes reasonable use of the space of the housing, but also ensures the strength of the housing.

As a possible implementation of the first aspect, a cushioning member is provided between the high-voltage cable bundle support and the reinforcement member.

With the above structure, the pressure of the reinforcement member on the high-voltage cable bundle support and the noise generated by the crash against the high-voltage cable bundle support can be reduced.

As a possible implementation of the first aspect, the low-voltage connection assembly comprises a low-voltage cable bundle and a low-voltage cable bundle support, the low-voltage cable bundle secured on the high-voltage cable bundle support via the low-voltage cable bundle support.

With the above structure, the low voltage cable bundle is secured on the high-voltage cable bundle support by the low-voltage cable bundle support, thus enabling the high-voltage cable bundle and low-voltage cable bundle to be treated as a whole for easy assembly and management. In addition, it is possible to reduce space occupation and provide space utilization inside the housing.

As a possible implementation of the first aspect, the battery module comprises a first battery module and a second battery module, a gap provided between the first battery module and the second battery module, the low-voltage connection assembly provided in the gap, the battery pack further comprising a control means, the control means provided in the gap, located between the control means and the second battery module and located below the control means.

With the above structure, the control means is provided in the gap between the first battery module and the second battery module, and thus the gap between the first battery module and the second battery module is used to provide the control means, which enables a compact structure of the battery pack and facilitates miniaturization of the battery pack, thereby increasing the energy density of the battery pack, and also facilitating assembly. In addition, for example, the height position of the control means can be decreased compared to the structure in which the control means is provided above the battery module, so that the height dimension of the housing of the battery pack is smaller in the part where the control means is received, thereby facilitating the miniaturization of the battery pack.

In addition, with the above structure, the low-voltage connection assembly and the control means are arranged together in the gap between the first battery module and the second battery module, which can further enable the structure to be compact and facilitate the miniaturization of the battery pack.

Furthermore, in the gap, the low-voltage connection assembly is positioned between the control means and the second battery module, i.e., the low-voltage connection assembly and the control means are configured misaligned when viewed in the up-down direction, thus allowing the operator to easily operate both the control means and the low-voltage connection assembly, avoiding mutual interference between the operations of the two.

In addition, the low-voltage connection assembly is positioned below the control means, thus enabling stable positioning and reliable performance of the low-voltage connection assembly.

As a possible implementation of the first aspect, the control means is secured on the base plate via the control means support. The control means support comprises a main part and a base part. The main part is configured vertically with respect to the base plate, holding the control means. The base part is bent from the lower end of the main part and mounted on the base plate.

With the above structure, the control means support is formed into an L-shaped support, and the upper part of the L-shaped support occupies less space, which improves the space utilization inside the battery pack, and achieves a firm and reliable connection at the bottom.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, provided is a vehicle comprising a battery pack of any one of the structures according to the first aspect.

With the vehicle according to the second aspect, the same technical performance can be obtained as in the first aspect, which is not repeatedly described here.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE REFERENCE SYMBOLS

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Some embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, directions such as forward, backward, left, right, up and down are defined in terms of the driver in the vehicle; however, these directions are defined for ease of description and are not a limitation of the present invention. In addition, these directions are also indicated in some of the accompanying drawings.

As shown inFIGS.2to4, etc., in one embodiment of the present invention, provided is a battery pack100comprising: a housing10comprising a base plate11; a battery module20configured on the base plate11and comprising a battery module20L and a battery module20R, a gap S provided between the battery module20L and the battery module20R; and a low-voltage connection assembly60provided in the gap S and electrically connected to the battery module20.

In addition, as shown inFIGS.6to8andFIGS.10to12, the battery pack100further comprises a reinforcement member72provided on the base plate11and comprising an arch-shaped part72a(part or all of it) provided in the gap S and arched upward, the low-voltage connection assembly60passing through the inner side of the arch-shaped part72a. Optionally, in one embodiment, when the base plate11is provided with a horizontal beam (not shown), the reinforcement member72may be provided on the horizontal beam, in which case the portion of the horizontal beam opposite the gap S is provided with a recess, and the reinforcement member72is located over the recess.

With the above structure, as the reinforcement member72is provided with the arch-shaped part72a, the low-voltage connection assembly60passes through the inner side of the arch-shaped part72a, so that it is possible to suppress interference between the reinforcement assembly70and the low-voltage connection assembly60, so that the low-voltage connection assembly60can be easily disposed in the gap S between the battery module20L and the battery module20R, enabling the structure to be compact. In addition, the arch-shaped part72acan effectively disperse the force, for example, by suppressing the degradation of the strength of the reinforcement assembly70compared with the breach and the like, so that the strength of the battery pack100can be enhanced to be able to better cope with impacts.

As will be described later, the arch72acan be formed independently of other parts such as the first connection member71and the second connection member73. However, they may also be formed in integral form.

Optionally, in one embodiment, as shown inFIGS.6to8andFIGS.10to12, As a possible implementation of the first aspect, the battery pack100further comprises a first connection member71and a second connection member73. The first connection member71and the second connection member73extend in the extension direction of the base plate11, and the ends of the reinforcement member72are secured on each of the first connection member71and the second connection member73. The first connection member71, the reinforcement member72and the second connection member73as a whole form the reinforcement assembly70.

With the above structure, the first connection member71, the reinforcement member72and the second connection member73can be formed separately, thereby enabling easy fabrication of a reinforcement assembly70that is generally longer overall. In addition, it is also possible to easily assemble or disassemble the reinforcement assembly70.

With regard to the way the reinforcement member72is secured on the first connection member71and the second connection member73, for example, a bolt may be used for securing, or riveting, welding, snap-fitting, etc. may also be used. It will be understood that the reinforcement member72, the first connection member71and the second connection member73can also be formed as a whole to form a single reinforcement member.

Optionally, in one embodiment, as shown inFIGS.3,12and15a, the battery pack100further comprises a control means41provided in the gap S and electrically connected to the battery module20via the low-voltage connection assembly60. As shown inFIGS.6to8and10to12, the reinforcement member72is provided with an arch-shaped part72a, and the low-voltage connection assembly60is electrically connected to the battery module20via the inner side of the arch-shaped part72a. The reinforcement member72is formed separately from the first connection member71and the second connection member73.

With the above structure, the reinforcement member72with the arch-shaped part72ais provided independently of the first connection member71and the second connection member73, making it possible to easily form the reinforcement member72with a more complex shape.

Optionally, in one embodiment, as shown inFIG.12, etc., the reinforcement member72comprises the arch-shaped part72aand an upright part72b. The upright part72bextends downwards from the two ends of the arch-shaped part. The upright part72boverlaps with the first connection member71and/or the second connection member73when seen from the extension direction of the first connection member71and the second connection member73.

With the above structure, the upright part72bis provided so that the upright part72boverlaps with the first connection member71and the second connection member73when seen from the extension direction of the first connection member71and the second connection member73, that is, the upright part72bfaces the first connection member71and the second connection member73, so that the force applied to the first connection member71or the second connection member73can be easily transferred to the arch-shaped part72aby the upright part72b, and the ability of the reinforcement assembly70to resist impact can be improved and the strength of the battery pack100can be enhanced.

The present invention is not limited to this, and the above-mentioned upright part72bcan be omitted.

Optionally, in one embodiment, as shown inFIG.12, etc., the arch-shaped part72ais provided with a plurality of recesses72d.

With the above structure, it is possible to reduce the weight of the arch-shaped part72awhile ensuring the strength of the arch-shaped part72a, thus reducing the weight of the battery pack100.

Optionally, in one embodiment, as shown inFIG.12, etc., the reinforcement member72comprises a secure part72c. The bolts16dpass through the secure part72cand the first connection member71or the second connection member73in sequence and are secured on the base plate11.

With the above structure, it is possible to simplify the structure and improve the installation efficiency by sharing the secure structure of the first and second connection members71and73secured on the base plate11and the secure structure of the reinforcement member72secured on the first and second connection members71and73.

It will be understood that the present invention is not limited to this and that instead of securing the reinforcement member72by means of bolts16d, it can be secured on the first connection member71or the second connection member73using other secure structures.

Optionally, in one embodiment, as shown inFIG.3, the battery pack100further comprises a high-voltage connection assembly50, the base plate11provided with a receiving section, the high-voltage connection assembly50accommodated in the receiving section113.

With the above structure, the high-voltage assembly50is provided in the receiving section113inside the base plate, which, on the one hand, makes the structure of the battery pack100more compact and improves the utilization of space inside the battery pack100; on the other hand, it is possible to suppress the deformation or breakage of the high-voltage cable bundle caused by the moving battery module20impacting or squeezing the high-voltage cable bundle in the event of a lateral collision of the vehicle in the case of installation on the vehicle, which improves the safety and reliability of the battery pack100.

Optionally, in one embodiment, the lower end72b1of the upright part72bgoes down into the receiving section113as shown inFIG.12.

Accordingly, for example, when the vehicle is subjected to a lateral impact, the receiving section113is deformed by contraction in the left-right direction, and in this case, the left-right side walls of the receiving section113(i.e., the left-right side walls of the recess) are in contact with the lower end72b1of the upright part72b, so that the external force in the left-right direction is held by the reinforcement member72and the strength of the base plate11in the left-right direction is improved.

Optionally, in one embodiment, as shown inFIGS.11,13and14, the base plate11is provided with a coolant channel115.

With such a structure, the base plate11is provided with coolant channels115, so the base plate11needs to have a certain thickness to arrange the coolant channels115. In the embodiment of the present invention, such a base plate11is provided with the receiving section113to receive the electrical connection components, which does not increase the thickness of the base plate11and facilitates the miniaturization of the battery pack100.

Optionally, in one embodiment, as shown inFIG.12, the reinforcement member72is provided over the base plate11.

With the above structure, the reinforcement member72can be prevented from interfering with the coolant channels115.

Optionally, in one embodiment, as shown inFIG.11, in the coolant channels115, the part distant from the centerline X (FIG.8) of the base plate11is upstream along the liquid flow and the part closer to the centerline X of the base plate11is downstream along the liquid flow, wherein the centerline X extends in the extension direction of the base plate.

With the above structure, since the part of the battery module20on the outer part is more susceptible to external influence, cooling the part on the outer part first can provide good cooling to the battery module20in this embodiment.

Optionally, in one embodiment, as shown inFIG.2, as a possible implementation of the first aspect, the housing10is provided with a connector52and a connector53at the front and rear ends, respectively; the battery pack100further comprises a power distribution unit31provided over the individual battery module20and electrically connected to the battery module20, electrically connected to the connector52via the high-voltage connection assembly50, as well as electrically connected to the connector53via the high-voltage connection assembly55.

With the above structure, the power distribution unit31is positioned over the battery module20to reduce the overall space occupied by the battery pack100and increase the energy density of the battery pack100.

Optionally, in one embodiment, as shown inFIGS.3,12,15a,16and17, the high-voltage connection assembly50comprises a high-voltage cable bundle51and a high-voltage cable bundle support112. The high-voltage cable bundle51is disposed in the receiving section113. The high-voltage cable bundle support112covers the high-voltage cable bundle from above and forms a ceiling of the receiving section113.

With the above structure, the receiving section113is formed by the recess and support to receive the high-voltage cable bundle, which not only makes reasonable use of the space of the housing10, but also ensures the strength of the housing10.

Optionally, in one embodiment, as shown inFIG.21c, a cushioning member74is provided between the high-voltage cable bundle support112and the reinforcement member72.

With the above structure, the pressure of the reinforcement member72on the high-voltage cable bundle support112and the noise generated by the crash against the high-voltage cable bundle support112can be reduced.

Optionally, in one embodiment, as shown inFIGS.3,12and15a, the low-voltage connection assembly60comprises a low-voltage cable bundle61and a low-voltage cable bundle support62. The low-voltage cable bundle61is secured on the high-voltage cable bundle support112via the low-voltage cable bundle support62.

With the above structure, the low voltage cable bundle61is secured on the high-voltage cable bundle support112by the low-voltage cable bundle support62, thus enabling the high-voltage cable bundle and low-voltage cable bundle to be treated as a whole for easy assembly and management. In addition, it is possible to reduce space occupation and provide space utilization inside the housing10.

Optionally, in one embodiment, as shown inFIGS.3,12and15a, the battery module20comprises a battery module20L and a battery module20R. A gap S is provided between the battery module20L and the battery module20R. The low-voltage connection assembly60is provided in the gap S. The battery pack100further comprises a control means41. The control means41is provided in the gap S, located between the control means41and the battery module20R and located below the control means41.

With the above structure, the control means41is provided in the gap S between the battery module20L and the battery module20R, and thus the gap S between the battery module20L and the battery module20R is used to provide the control means41, which enables a compact structure of the battery pack100and facilitates miniaturization of the battery pack100, thereby increasing the energy density of the battery pack100, and also facilitating assembly. In addition, for example, the height position of the control means41can be decreased compared to the structure in which the control means41is provided over the battery module, so that the height dimension of the housing10of the battery pack100is smaller in the part where the control means41is received, thereby facilitating the miniaturization of the battery pack100.

In addition, with the above structure, the low-voltage connection assembly60and the control means41are arranged together in the gap S between the battery module20L and the battery module20R, which can further make the structure compact and facilitate the miniaturization of the battery pack100.

Furthermore, in the gap S, the low-voltage connection assembly60is positioned between the control means41and the battery module20R, i.e., the low-voltage connection assembly60and the control means41are configured misaligned when viewed in the up-down direction, thus allowing the operator to easily operate both the control means41and the low-voltage connection assembly60, avoiding mutual interference between the operations of the two.

In addition, the low-voltage connection assembly60is positioned below the control means41, thus enabling stable positioning and reliable performance of the low-voltage connection assembly60.

Optionally, in one embodiment, as shown inFIGS.15aand17, the control means41is secured on the base plate11via the control means support42. The control means41support comprises a main part42aand a base part42b. The main part42ais configured vertically with respect to the base plate11, holding the control means41. The base part42bis bent from the lower end of the main part42aand mounted on the base plate11.

With the above structure, the control means41support is formed into an L-shaped support, and the upper part of the L-shaped support occupies less space, which improves the space utilization inside the battery pack100, and achieves a solid and reliable connection at the bottom.

As shown inFIG.1, in embodiments of the present invention, provided also is a vehicle200comprising a battery pack100.

With the vehicle200, the same technical performance can be obtained as with battery pack100, which is not repeated here.

FIGS.1to29illustrate an embodiment of the present invention, which is described in detail below.

FIG.1is a schematic diagram of a vehicle related to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown inFIG.1, vehicle200is an electric vehicle comprising a battery pack100, motors210and220, and wheels201to204. The battery pack100supplies electrical energy to the motors210and220. The motor210is configured at the front of the vehicle200, in front of the battery pack100, and is used to drive the two front wheels201and203. The motor220is located at the rear of the vehicle200, behind the battery pack100, and is used to drive the two back wheels202and204. When the driver is driving manually or the vehicle200is driving automatically, the battery pack100supplies power to the motor210and/or the motor220which drives the wheels201and203and/or the wheels202and204to move the vehicle200forward or backward.

There are no special restrictions on the type of the vehicle200, for example, it can be a car, a truck, a passenger bus or a sport utility vehicle (SUV), etc.

In addition, the vehicle200shown inFIG.1is a purely electric vehicle. However, the present invention is not limited to this and can also be applied in hybrid vehicles.

Further, in the vehicle200illustrated inFIG.1, the two motors210and220are included at the front and rear, however, the number and configuration of motors in the present invention is not limited to this, for example, four hub motors or wheel side motors may be included, or three motors may be included, etc. When three motors are included, there may be, for example, one motor at the front of the vehicle200and two motors at the rear of the vehicle200.

<Battery Pack as a Whole>

FIG.2is a schematic diagram of the principle of a battery pack related to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown inFIG.2, the battery pack100includes a housing10, battery modules20L and20R, high-voltage connection assemblies50and55, and a power distribution unit31. The housing10accommodates the battery modules20L and20R, with the battery module20L configured in the left side area of the housing10and the battery module20R configured in the right side area of the housing10. Furthermore, the battery modules20L and20R are spaced apart in the left-right direction, and a gap S is provided between them so that the housing10has an intermediate area between the left area where the battery module20R is configured and the right area where the battery module20R is configured. In this document, the letters L and R in the reference symbols “20L and20R” indicate left and right, respectively, and when no distinction is made between left and right, they are referred to as battery module20.

The power distribution unit31is used to be responsible for transferring or transmitting electrical energy from the battery pack100to other high voltage systems such as the motors210and220or an air conditioning compressor (not shown), etc.

In addition, as shown inFIG.2, the connector52and the connector53are provided at the front and rear portions of the housing10, respectively. All of the battery modules20are connected in series and then are electrically connected to the power distribution unit31. The power distribution unit31is electrically connected to the connector52at the front via the high voltage connection assembly50. The front connector52is used to electrically connect to the motor210at the front. In addition, the power distribution unit31is electrically connected to the connector53at the rear via the high voltage connection assembly55. The connector53is used to electrically connect to the motor220at the rear.

Here, the electrical connection between the connectors52and53and the motors210and220may be a direct electrical connection or an indirect electrical connection. For example, the electrical connection can be made via an on-board AC/DC power charger, an on-board DC/DC power converter, a vehicle high voltage connection hub, etc. In addition, the voltage of the high-voltage connection assemblies50and55is, for example, 400 V, 500 V, etc.

In addition, as shown inFIG.2, in this embodiment, the high voltage connection assembly50extends from the vicinity of the power distribution unit31via the aforementioned intermediate area of the housing10towards the front to the vicinity of the connector52. This will be described in more detail later.

FIG.3is a schematic diagram of a structure of a battery pack100, showing a partial structure near the central portion in the left-right direction. As shown inFIG.3, the battery pack100also includes a plurality of control means41and a low-voltage connection assembly60of the battery management system (BMS). the plurality of control means41are used to intelligently manage and maintain the individual battery modules20L,20R, to prevent overcharging and overdischarging, to extend the service life, and to monitor the battery status, etc. The low-voltage connection assembly60is used to electrically connect the control means41to the battery modules20L and20R. The voltage of the low-voltage cable bundle61is, for example, 12 V.

In addition, both the high voltage connection assembly50and the low voltage connection assembly60are electrical connection assemblies in this application.

The structure of each component of the battery pack100will be described in detail below.

FIG.4is a schematic diagram of the structure of a battery pack;FIG.5is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the battery pack ofFIG.4in a state with the top cover removed;FIG.6is a schematic diagram of the structure of the battery pack ofFIG.4in a top view with the top cover removed;FIG.7is a schematic diagram of a portion of the structure of the housing of the battery pack ofFIG.4; andFIG.8is a schematic diagram of the structure inFIG.7in a state with the high-voltage cable bundle removed.

As shown inFIGS.4,7and8, the housing10of the battery pack100has an overall flat rectangular shape and includes a base plate11, side plates12, a top cover13, and lugs14. The base plate11is substantially rectangular in shape with the length direction thereof aligning with the front-back direction. In this embodiment, the base plate11has a center line X extending in the front-back direction and is substantially left-right symmetrical in shape with respect to the center line X. In addition, in this embodiment, the center line X is also the center line of the housing10, which means that the housing10is also substantially left-right symmetrical in shape. The top cover13is approximately the same rectangular shape as the base plate11and is configured opposite to the base plate11vertically. The side plates12extend upward from the peripheral edges of the base plate11to the top cover13. The base plate11, the top cover13, and the side plate12together form a space that can accommodate a plurality of battery modules20. In this embodiment, the side plate12is secured on the base plate11and the top cover13is mounted on the side plate12in a removable manner. It is understood that the shape of the battery pack100and the like herein are merely an illustration and do not constitute a limitation of the present invention.

As shown inFIGS.4,5and6, lugs14protrude from the outer wall surface of the side plate12. By means of the lugs14, the housing10and the battery pack100are mounted on the bodywork of the vehicle200.

In addition, as shown inFIG.4, a window plate15is mounted at the front of the top cover13and at the center in the left-right direction. The window portion (not shown) on the top cover13is opened by removing the window plate15, so that the interior of the housing10can be seen. Before disassembling the battery pack100for maintenance, etc., the window plate15can be opened to disconnect the high-voltage circuit, and then the entire battery pack100can be disassembled, thus ensuring safe operation, etc.

In addition, as shown inFIG.8, a reinforcement assembly70is provided in the housing10, as shown inFIG.15b, etc., and the bottom plate11is provided with a receiving section113and a coolant channel115, etc. These structures will be described in detail later.

Further, as shown inFIGS.7and8, the front portion and the rear portion of the housing10are provided with a connection port102and a connection port101, respectively, with the connection port102being used to configure a connector52(FIG.2) to be able to connect the motor210at the front. The connection port101is used to configure the connector53(FIG.2) to be able to connect the motor220at the rear. In this embodiment, the connection port101and the connection port102are located on the side plate12. In other embodiments, they can also be located on the top cover13or on the bottom plate11. Further, in this embodiment, the connection port101and the connection port102are configured in the central part of the housing10in the left-right direction. In other embodiments, the connection port101and the connection port102can also be provided in other positions.

<Battery Modules and Related Structures>

As shown inFIGS.2,3,5and6, there are a plurality of battery modules20L and battery modules20R arranged on the base plate11(specifically, the plate116) in a front-back direction. Also, the battery module20L and the battery module20R have a gap S between them in the left-right direction. In addition, each battery module20L and20R has a rectangular shape with its height direction aligned with the up-down direction, its short side direction aligned with the front-back direction, and its long side direction aligned with the left-right direction. In other words, the plurality of battery modules20L and the plurality of battery modules20R are each arranged in such a way that the long sides are adjacent to each other and the short sides are aligned.

In addition, as shown inFIGS.2and5, the positive and negative terminals of each battery module20are located at the two ends in the left-right direction, respectively. Also, in the plurality of battery modules20L on the left side and the plurality of battery modules20R on the right side, the positive and negative terminals of adjacent battery modules20are configured opposite to each other. That is, for example, if one left battery module20L (or right battery module20R) has the positive terminal at the left end and the negative terminal at the right end, then another left battery module20L (or right battery module20R) adjacent to that left battery module20L has the positive terminal at the right end and the negative terminal at the left end. In this way, the length of the cables between the battery modules can be shortened by referring to the cables between the adjacent left battery modules20L (or right battery modules20R) inFIG.2.

Alternatively, between the plurality of battery modules20L and the plurality of battery modules20R, the positive and negative terminals of the adjacent or correctly opposed battery modules20are configured opposite each other. That is, for example, if a left battery module20L has a positive terminal at the left end and a negative terminal at the right end, then a right battery module20R adjacent to that left battery module20L, or right-opposed to that left battery module20L, also has a positive terminal at the left end and a negative terminal at the right end. Thus, for example, the cable length between the battery modules20L and20R can be shortened by referring to the cables between the two foremost battery modules20L and20R inFIG.2.

FIG.25is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of a battery module related to this embodiment. In addition,FIG.25shows a battery module20L on the left side, but the battery module20R on the right side has the same structure except that it is configured in a different direction. As shown inFIG.25, the battery module20is roughly rectangular in shape, with the long side in the left-right direction and the short side in the front-back direction, and the height direction is consistent with the up-down direction. The battery module20has a main body20awith a plurality of mounting holes20b. By passing a plurality of bolts21(FIGS.22aand15a) through each of the mounting holes20b, the battery module20can be secured on the base plate11of the housing10.

In addition, as shown in thisFIGS.25and15a, a lead port20cis provided on one of the left and right ends of the main body20afor electrically connecting the connector66of the low-voltage connection assembly60(FIGS.18to20), which in turn electrically connects the control means41(FIG.15, etc.). In this embodiment, as shown inFIG.25, in case the battery module is the battery module20L on the left side, the lead port20cis located at the right end of the battery module20L, and in the case the battery module is the battery module20R on the right side, the lead port20cis located at the left end of the battery module20R. In other words, the lead port20cis located at the end of the battery module20close to the center, and close to the gap S between the left-hand battery module20L and the right-hand battery module20R. In this way, since the control means41is located in the gap S, it is possible to configure the lead port20cclose to the control means41and shorten the cable length between the control means41and the battery module20.

As shown inFIGS.5and6, a jumper support17is provided between the two frontmost battery modules20L,20R. The jumper support17is bridge-shaped and protrudes upward into an arch shape, with one end connected to the left battery module20L and the other end connected to the right battery module20R. The jumper support17is shaded near the top of the terminal block58that will be described below, and the window plate15described above covers the top of the jumper support17. The jumper support17acts as a switch (a manually maintaining switch) for the high voltage system circuit inside the battery pack100. Before disassembling the battery pack100for maintenance, etc., the window plate15can be opened and then the jumper support17can be removed so that the high voltage circuit cannot generate conduction and is disconnected, thus allowing safe maintenance work to be performed on the high voltage system.

The battery module20may include a plurality of battery cores (single cores) which may be housed within a rectangular shaped battery module housing arranged in the direction of the long side of the battery module housing. It is apparent that the number of battery cores does not constitute a limitation to the present invention, and even if the battery module20has only one battery core, it does not affect the implementation of the present invention.

<High-Voltage Connection Assembly and Related Structures>

FIG.9is a schematic diagram of the structure of the high-voltage cable bundle related to this embodiment;FIG.11is a cross-sectional schematic view of the structure inFIG.6;FIG.12is a partially enlarged view of the structure inFIG.11;FIG.13is another cross-sectional schematic view of the structure inFIG.6;FIG.14is a partially enlarged view of the structure inFIG.13;FIG.15ais another partially enlarged view of the structure inFIG.13;FIG.16is a schematic diagram of the assembled state of the low-voltage connection assembly and control means and its surrounding structures related to this embodiment;FIG.17is a schematic diagram of the structure inFIG.16in a disassembled state;FIG.21ais a schematic diagram of the structure of the assembled state of the high-voltage harness support and the control means support related to this embodiment;FIG.21bis a partially enlarged view of the structure illustrated inFIG.21a;FIG.21cis another partially enlarged view of the structure illustrated inFIG.21a; andFIG.21dis yet another partially enlarged view of the structure illustrated inFIG.21a.

As shown inFIGS.3,12,15a,16and17, the high-voltage connection assembly50includes a high-voltage cable bundle51, a terminal block58(an example of a connector), and a high-voltage cable bundle support112. The high-voltage cable bundle51is an elongated component for transmitting electrical energy. Two terminal blocks58are provided, with each provided at an end of the high-voltage cable bundle51, one for electrical connection to the power distribution unit31and the other for electrical connection to the connector52(FIG.2). The high-voltage cable bundle51is mounted on the high-voltage cable bundle support112, which is mounted on the base plate11, i.e., the high-voltage cable bundle51is mounted on the base plate11through the high-voltage cable bundle support112.

It is understood that the “cable bundle” may be made of multiple wires, or it may be made of a single wire.

As shown inFIGS.2,3,9,12and15a, the high-voltage cable bundle51has a flat shape in a cross section, specifically in this embodiment, a substantially flat rectangular cross section. Here, the cross section is the cross section perpendicular to the cable length direction of the high-voltage cable bundle51; “flat” means that the size in one dimension is smaller than the size in another dimension, for example, in the state inFIG.12, the height of the high-voltage cable bundle51(the size in the up-down direction) is smaller than the width size (the size in the left-right direction). Thus, the height direction of the high-voltage cable bundle51is also the thickness direction. It will be appreciated that a flat cable can be reduced in size in one direction compared to a round cable or a square cable with the same electrical conductivity. For example, referring to the round low-voltage cable bundle61and the flat high-voltage cable bundle51shown inFIG.12, the size of the high-voltage cable bundle51is significantly smaller in the up-down direction than the low-voltage cable bundle61. Also, it should perhaps be noted that the comparison between the low-voltage cable bundle61and the high-voltage cable bundle51is intended to illustrate the characteristics of the flat high-voltage cable bundle51and does not imply that the conductivity of the low-voltage cable bundle61and the high-voltage cable bundle51need to be the same.

Referring toFIGS.3and12, the high-voltage cable bundle51includes a conductive member51aand a covering layer51bcovering the conductive member51a. The conductive member51ais made of a metal, and as an example of its material, copper may be used, i.e., the conductive member51ais a copper bar. It goes without saying that other conductive materials can be used for the conductive member51a. As an example, the covering layer51bis an insulating layer, which can be made of a plastic. It goes without saying that other materials, such as rubber, can be used for the covering layer51b.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, there are two conductive members51a, each of which is covered by a covering layer51b, so that a short circuit between the two conductive members51ais reliably avoided by the covering layer51b. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the conductive member51ahas a substantially rectangular cross section and the covering layer51bhas a substantially flat rectangular cross section, with the long sides of the rectangles of the two oriented parallel to each other and the short sides oriented parallel to each other.

As shown inFIGS.3,12and15a, a receiving section113is provided on the base plate11, and the high-voltage connection assembly50is configured in the receiving section113.

As shown inFIGS.3,12,15a, and15b, the base plate11of the housing10includes a plate111and a plate116, the plate111and the plate116are configured opposite each other vertically and spaced apart, the plate116is located over the plate111, and the battery module20is located over the plate116. The receiving section113is configured in the up-down direction within a height range between the plate111and the plate116.

Thus, for example, when the vehicle is subjected to a lateral collision, the battery pack100is deformed and the battery module20moves horizontally. However, the high-voltage connection assembly50is configured in the base plate11below the battery module20. As a result, the battery module20does not easily impact the high-voltage connection assembly50, thereby inhibiting the occurrence of problems such as deformation, breakage, fracture, leakage, and damage to the electrical connection (including poor contact or electrical connection failure) of the high-voltage connection assembly50, thereby improving the safety and reliability of the battery pack100.

In this embodiment, the base plate11and the plates111and116are configured horizontally with their extension direction substantially in the horizontal direction and their thickness direction substantially in the up-down direction.

In addition, as shown inFIGS.11,13and14, in this embodiment, a plurality of coolant channels115are formed between the plate111and the plate116. That is, the receiving sections113are located between the plate111and the plate116along with the coolant channels115, so that the coolant channels115can be easily used to cool the high voltage connection assembly50(high voltage cable bundle51).

Furthermore, the coolant channels115are configured directly below the battery modules20L and20R, and the coolant channels115overlap with the battery module20L or battery module20R when viewed in the up-down direction. That is, the coolant channels115are configured in the horizontal direction opposite the battery modules20L and20R, and are configured close to the battery modules20L and20R so that they can effectively cool the battery modules20L and20R.

As shown inFIGS.13and15a, etc., the receiving section113(and the high-voltage connection assembly50therein) is configured in the horizontal direction at a position misaligned with the battery modules20L and20R, as viewed in the up-down direction. In this way, it is possible to use the part of the base plate11that is not provided with a coolant channel115to configure the receiving section113, effectively utilizing the space of the base plate11and making the battery pack100more compact and easily miniaturized. On the one hand, affecting the cooling performance of the battery module20can be avoided. On the other hand, by keeping the receiving section113as far away from the battery modules20L and20R as possible, electromagnetic waves from the high-voltage cable bundle51can be suppressed from interfering with the battery modules20L and20R.

Further, in this embodiment, the battery module20L is configured in the left side of the base plate11, the battery module20R is configured in the right side of the base plate11, a receiving section113is provided in the middle part between the left side and the right side, and the high-voltage connection assembly50is configured in the receiving section113. In other words, in the base plate11, the receiving section113is horizontally configured between the battery module20L on the left side and the battery module20R on the right side, opposite the gap S, and coincides with the gap S when viewed in the up-down direction. In this way, it is possible to reduce the impact force on the high-voltage cable bundle51during a collision, for example, and suppress damage to the high-voltage cable bundle51, etc., compared to the position of the receiving section113near the outer part of the base plate11close to the left and right directions.

Further, as shown inFIGS.3,12and15a, etc., in this embodiment, the high-voltage cable bundle51, like the high-voltage connection assembly50, is also flat in a cross section and is accommodated in the receiving section113with its thickness direction substantially consistent with the thickness direction of the base plate11, i.e., the high-voltage connection assembly50and the high-voltage cable bundle51are placed flat in the housing113. In this way, the height of the high-voltage cable bundle51can be reduced as much as possible on the basis of ensuring that the high-voltage cable bundle51can effectively transmit electrical energy. Thus, it is possible to effectively suppress the impact of the high-voltage cable bundle51on the battery module20and improve the safety of the battery pack100. As mentioned above, flat means a shape in which the size in one dimension is smaller than the size in another dimension. On this basis, it is understood that the thickness direction of the flat high-voltage cable bundle51is the direction in which the relatively smaller size of the two aforementioned dimensions is located, which in this embodiment is substantially consistent with the up-down direction.

As shown inFIG.15b, the upper side of the receiving section113has an opening116a, which may also be described as an opening formed in the plate116. During assembly, the high voltage connection assembly50can be placed into the receiving section113through this opening116a. In addition, a carrying part113bis provided inside the receiving section113to carry and secure the high-voltage cable bundle support112, which in this embodiment is in the form of a step, and the high-voltage cable bundle support112is supported by the upper surface of the step. Also, the carrying part113bcan be provided on each of the left and right sides of the receiving section113. In addition, as shown inFIG.15b, the housing10also includes a plate110, which covers the bottom of the plate111and may, for example, serve as a protection against the plate111. In addition, in this embodiment, the receiving section113is formed as a long slot extending in a front-back direction and has an opening116afacing upwards.

Additionally, as shown inFIGS.12,15aand17, in this embodiment, the high-voltage cable bundle51is mounted from below on the high-voltage cable bundle support112, which covers the opening116aand forms the ceiling of the receiving section113. During assembly, the high-voltage cable bundle51can be mounted on the high-voltage cable bundle support112first, however, the high-voltage cable bundle support112with the high-voltage cable bundle51can be mounted on the base plate11. In this way, the high-voltage cable bundle51can be easily mounted and positioned.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the bottom of the receiving section113is formed by a plate111.

Further, in this embodiment, the receiving section113extends from the front end of the base plate11to the rear end, and the high-voltage cable bundle support112, which is long in shape, extends from the front end of the base plate11(or the plate116) to the rear end, covering substantially the entire receiving section in the front-back direction. Thus, the strength of the base plate11in the front-back direction can be enhanced by the high-voltage cable bundle support112. In addition, the high-voltage cable bundle support112is long in shape and the high-voltage cable bundle51is long in shape, and both are configured to be the same in the length direction, such that the high-voltage connection assembly50is also long in shape and extends from the front end of the base plate11(or the plate116) to the rear end.

Further, in this embodiment, the high-voltage cable bundle51is secured on the high-voltage cable bundle support112by securing the covering layer51bon the high-voltage cable bundle support112. In this way, the covering layer51bboth ensures the insulation of the conductive member51aand secures the conductive member51aon the high-voltage cable bundle support112.

As a more specific structure, as shown inFIG.9, a protrusion51cis provided on each side surface of the covering layer51bof the high-voltage cable bundle51in the width direction, and the high-voltage cable bundle51is secured on the high-voltage cable bundle support112by the protrusion51c. Specifically, for example, a through-hole may be provided in the protrusion51cthrough which a rivet or screw119(FIG.21b) passes to secure the high-voltage cable bundle51on the high-voltage cable bundle support112. In addition, the present invention is not limited to this, for example, a bayonet can be provided on the high-voltage cable bundle support112so that the protrusions51csnap into the bayonet, thereby securing the high-voltage cable bundle51on the high-voltage cable bundle support112. In addition, in this embodiment, a plurality of protrusions51care provided on each side in the width direction of the covering layer51b, and the plurality of protrusions51care arranged in the length direction of the high-voltage cable bundle51. In this way, the high-voltage cable bundle51is secured on the high-voltage cable bundle support112at multiple locations in the length direction, thereby enhancing the bonding strength of the high-voltage cable bundle51and the high-voltage cable bundle support112and enhancing the strength of the high-voltage connection assembly50, for example by effectively resisting impact forces from the front-back direction.

Additionally, in this embodiment, the protrusion51cis integrally formed with the covering layer51b.

Additionally, the receiving section113may pass through the plate116in the front-back direction, may not pass through the plate116, or may pass through one end while not passing through the other end.

As shown inFIGS.12and15a, etc., in this embodiment, the height of the high-voltage cable bundle support112is lower than the plate116, i.e., the high-voltage cable bundle support112is lower than the plate116in the up-down direction. Additionally, as other embodiments, the height of the high-voltage cable bundle support112may be substantially the same as the plate116, or may also be higher than the plate116.

In this embodiment, the high-voltage cable bundle support112is made of a metal, so that the electromagnetic waves of the high-voltage cable bundle51can be shielded, and the electromagnetic waves of the high-voltage cable bundle51can be suppressed from interfering with the battery module20, etc. The high-voltage cable bundle support112is, for example, a sheet metal. In other embodiments, the high-voltage cable bundle support112can be made of other materials, such as a plastic.

By making the height of the high-voltage cable bundle support112lower than or substantially equal to the plate116, it is possible to reliably suppress the battery module20from impacting or crushing the high-voltage connection assembly50and the high-voltage cable bundle51therein during horizontal movement of the battery module20.

As shown inFIGS.3,12,15aand16, etc., a low-voltage connection assembly60is provided in the gap S over the high-voltage cable bundle support112. The low-voltage connection assembly60is used to electrically connect the control means41to the battery module20. This enables the low-voltage connection assembly60to be configured close to the high-voltage connection assembly50, enabling a compact structure and efficient use of space, and more efficient use of space in the battery pack100.

In addition, in this embodiment, a reinforcement assembly70is provided transversely above the plate116, so that the overall strength of the housing10can be strengthened, in addition, the configuration of the coolant channels115is not affected (the configuration of the coolant channels115can be provided without considering the avoidance of the protrusions).

In this embodiment, as shown inFIG.11, there are a plurality of coolant channels115, and the plurality of coolant channels115are arranged from the middle to the outer portion in the left-right direction as viewed from the front-back direction. Among them, the coolant channel115anear the outer part is upstream along the liquid flow, and the coolant channel115bnear the middle is downstream along the liquid flow. In other words, in the coolant channels115, the part farther from the center line X of the base plate11, i.e., the coolant channel115a, is downstream along the liquid flow, and the part closer to the center line of the base plate11, i.e., the coolant channel115b, is upstream along the liquid flow, and the coolant flows in from the coolant channel115aand out from the coolant channel115b. Accordingly, the coolant cools the portion of the battery module20close to the outside first, so that the battery module20can be cooled well. Specifically, the portion of the battery module20close to the outside is more susceptible to external influences. Therefore, in this embodiment, cooling the portion of the battery module20close to the outside first can cool the battery module20well.

In addition, in this embodiment, one coolant channel115is provided near the periphery of the receiving section113so that the high voltage connection assembly50(high-voltage cable bundle51) can be effectively cooled.

Additionally, the high voltage connection assembly50may be fully housed in the receiving section113, or partially housed in the receiving section113. In this embodiment, the high voltage cable bundle51is housed as a whole in the receiving section113, with the terminal blocks58at each end partially protruding above the high voltage cable bundle support112, allowing for easier operation of the cable.

As shown inFIG.15b, in order to maintain stable spacing between the plate111and the plate116, protrusions11amay be provided on either or both of them to protrude from one toward the other, and the protrusions11amay be provided in a plurality. In this embodiment, the plate111and the plate116are formed separately and assembled together by bolting or welding, etc. In other embodiments, the plate111and the plate116may also be formed integrally. In this embodiment, the protrusions11aare formed as long, convex ribs extending in a front-back direction.

As shown inFIGS.12,15a,16,17and21a, the high-voltage cable bundle support112includes a main part112aand a bulging part112b, with the main part112abeing substantially rectangular in shape and having a substantially horizontal plate orientation so as to cover the opening116aof the receiving section113well. The bulging part112bbulges upward from the main part112aand is used to secure the main cable611of the low-voltage cable bundle61(FIG.16). This will be described in more detail later.

As shown inFIGS.8and29, a bayonet part114is provided on the left and right side wall surfaces113a(FIG.15b) of the receiving section113, which protrudes from the left and right side wall surfaces113aof the receiving section113and has a recess recessed toward the root side (the opening of the recess faces the middle in the left-right direction of the receiving section113), and the high-voltage cable bundle support112is embedded in the recess, thereby limiting the movement in the up-down direction and the left-right direction thereof. In addition, a plurality of bayonet parts114are provided on the left and right side walls of the housing113, arranged in the front-back direction. In this way, the position of the high-voltage cable support112can be reliably kept stable.

As shown inFIG.21b, notch112cis provided on both edges of the main part112ain the width direction, the number of notches112cis the same as that of the bayonet part114(FIG.8) on the base plate11, and the notch112ccan accommodate the bayonet part114. When assembling the high voltage cable bundle support112on the base plate11, each notch112cis first aligned with the bayonet114so that the bayonet part114enters the notch112c. In this state, the high-voltage cable bundle support112is moved in the front-back direction so that the edge of the main part112ais inserted into the bayonet part114, and the bayonet part114limits the upward and downward movement of the high-voltage cable bundle support112.

Further, in this embodiment, in order to easily insert the edge of the main part112ainto the bayonet part114, the opening range of the bayonet part114(i.e., the opening size in the up-down direction) is greater than the thickness of the main part112a, for example, 1.5 times or more than 2 times the thickness of the main part112a.

In addition, as a modification, only one of the left and right side wall surfaces can be provided with a bayonet part114.

As shown inFIG.21d, a positioning part112dis provided at the edge in the width direction of the main part112a, and the positioning part112dhas an edge112d1and an edge112d2, with the edge112d1extending in a straight line in the length direction of the main part112aand the edge112d2extending in a straight line in the width direction of the main part112a. The base plate11of the housing10is provided with a positioning portion (not shown) that fits the positioning portion112d, and the positioning part on the base plate11matches the shape of the positioning part112dso that the high-voltage cable bundle support112can be positioned in the front-back direction and the left-right direction.

As shown inFIGS.21band21d, a plurality of mounting holes (not shown) are provided in the main part112a, and by mounting bolts117in these mounting holes, the high-voltage cable bundle support112can be secured on the base plate11. In addition, in this embodiment, mounting holes are provided at the front and rear ends of the main part112a.

When mounting the high-voltage cable bundle support112, each notch112cis aligned with the bayonet part114, and then the high-voltage cable bundle support112is moved slightly downward so that the bayonet part114enters the notch112c. In this state, the high-voltage cable bundle support112is moved in the front-back direction so that the positioning part112don the main part112ais abutted against the positioning part on the base plate11in the front-back direction, and then the high-voltage cable bundle support112is adjusted so that the positioning part112dis abutted against the positioning part on the base plate11in the left-right direction, thereby achieving the positioning of the high-voltage cable bundle support112in the front-back direction and the left-right direction. At the same time, the left and right edges of the main part112aare inserted into the bayonet part114of the base plate11, so that the movement of the high-voltage cable bundle support112in the up-down direction is limited by the bayonet part114. In this state, the bolts117are inserted through the mounting holes in the main part112ato secure the high-voltage cable bundle support112on the base plate11.

As shown inFIG.21c, a cushioning member74may be placed on each of the left and right sides of the main part112aat the bulging part112b, and the cushioning member74is clamped by the main part112aand the reinforcement member72of the reinforcement assembly70that will be described later (FIG.12), for cushioning the pressure of the reinforcement assembly70or reinforcement member72on the high-voltage cable bundle support112. The material of the cushioning part74is not particularly limited and can be, for example, a metal, rubber, plastic or felt.

In this embodiment, the high-voltage cable bundle support112is secured on the high-voltage cable bundle51, thereby enabling enhanced strength of the base plate11in the front-back direction. In addition, the flat high-voltage cable bundle51is secured while overlapping the plate-shaped high-voltage cable bundle support112, which can further enhance the strength.

<Power Distribution Unit and Related Structures>

As shown inFIGS.2,5, and6, the power distribution unit31is mounted in the housing10.

As described above, the power distribution unit31is used to transfer or transmit electrical energy from the battery pack100to other high voltage systems such as the motors210and220or an air conditioning compressor (not shown), etc. In this embodiment, as shown inFIGS.2,5and6, etc., the power distribution unit31is configured on the rearmost battery module20L of the plurality of battery modules20L. The power distribution unit31may include a relay, a current sensor, a fuse, a pre-charge resistor, etc., wherein the relay may be considered as a high current switch that cuts off the current flowing through the busbar and electrically isolates the high voltage battery from the rest of the high voltage system. The current sensor is used to detect the current flowing through the circuit. The pre-charge resistor is used to protect the system from damage caused by electrical surge power.

In this embodiment, the power distribution unit31is mounted at the rear inside the housing10. In this way, maintenance and replacement of the power distribution unit31can be carried out easily compared to mounting the power distribution unit31in the middle.

Further, as shown inFIG.2, a connector53is provided at the rear of the housing10, and the power distribution unit31is configured at the rear of the housing10near the connector53, allowing the cable length between the power distribution unit31and the connector53to be shorter and to be easily wired. Specifically, due to the proximity of the power distribution unit31to the connector53, the high-voltage connection assembly50connecting the power distribution unit31to the connector53is shorter, and thus can be less susceptible to impact or squeezing by the battery module20without being set in the base plate11. In this way, the complex assembly operation configured in the base plate11can be performed for only one of the high-voltage connection assembly50and the high-voltage connection assembly55, and without the complex assembly operation configured in the base plate11for the other one, thus enabling easy wiring and reducing assembly time.

As shown inFIG.4, a protrusion13ais provided on the upper surface of the rear of the top cover13of the housing10, and the inner side of the protrusion13ais a concave part for accommodating the power distribution unit31. In this embodiment, the power distribution unit31is configured near the connector53so that the protrusion13aaccommodating the power distribution unit31is arranged at the rear of the housing10, so as to have no larger protrusion at the front of the housing10of the battery pack100, thereby allowing more space in the vehicle cabin corresponding to the location of the battery pack100to accommodate the feet of the passengers.

Additionally, the power distribution unit31is mounted on the battery module20from above. In this way, it is possible to reduce the size of the gap S, reduce the size of the battery pack100in the left-right direction, and increase the energy density of the battery pack100compared to configuring the power distribution unit31in the gap S.

In addition, the power distribution unit31is mounted on a single battery module20. In this way, it is possible to improve the ease of assembly of the power distribution unit31and also improve the stability of the power distribution unit and reduce the overall space occupied by the power distribution unit31as compared to the power distribution unit31being connected across two or more battery modules20.

In this embodiment, the power distribution unit31is mounted on a single battery module20L, and that battery module20L on which the power distribution unit31is mounted is the rearmost of the plurality of battery modules20L. Also, as other embodiments, the power distribution unit31is not limited to the rearmost battery module20L, but may also be configured on other battery modules20at the rear. Further, as other embodiments, the power distribution unit31may also be mounted on the battery module20R.

FIG.22ais a schematic diagram of a three-dimensional structure of an assembled state of a battery module, a power distribution unit support and a power distribution unit related to this embodiment;FIG.22bis a top schematic view of the structure inFIG.22a;FIG.23is a schematic structural view of the structure ofFIG.22ain a disassembled state; andFIG.24is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of a power distribution unit support related to one embodiment.

As shown inFIGS.22aand22b, the power distribution unit31is mounted on the battery module20L by the power distribution unit support32. In this way, a special support is provided to mount the power distribution unit31, which can improve the stability of the power distribution unit.

As shown inFIGS.22aand24, the power distribution unit support32includes a top321and a side322. The top321is substantially plate-shaped and is used to cover the upper surface of the battery module20. The side322has two portions extending downward from the front and rear ends of the top321to cover the side surfaces of the battery module20, respectively. By forming such a shape, the top321of the distribution unit support32plies-up the upper surface of the battery module20and the side322plies-up the side surfaces of the battery module20, thereby, on the one hand, enhancing the connection strength and keeping the power distribution unit31in a stable position, and on the other hand, enabling the compact structure of the power distribution unit support32and the battery module20, avoiding the excessive size of the distribution unit support32, reducing the occupied space, and facilitating the miniaturization of the battery pack100.

As other embodiments, only one side322may be provided.

Additionally, a plurality of mounting holes32aare provided in the side322for mounting the power distribution unit support32on the battery module20.

More specifically, as shown inFIGS.23and25, a plurality of mounting holes20bare provided in the battery module20, and as shown inFIGS.15aand22a, the bolts21are passed through the mounting holes32aand20bin sequence and screwed into the nuts22provided in the base plate11, so that the structure (the bolts21and the nuts22) for mounting the battery module20on the base plate11can be used to mount the power distribution unit support32on the battery module20, thereby simplifying the structure and reducing the manufacturing cost, without placing a mounting structure on the battery module20separately.

In this embodiment, the mounting hole32ais located above the mounting hole20b, however, in other embodiments, the mounting hole32amay also be located below the mounting hole20b, i.e., the part of the power distribution unit support32with the mounting hole32ais inserted between the battery module20and the base plate11. It can be seen that “the bolt21passes through the mounting hole32aand the mounting hole20bin sequence” is not limited to the bolt21passing through the mounting hole32aand then the mounting hole20b, but means that the bolt21passes through one of the mounting hole32aand the mounting hole20band then the other.

Further, as shown inFIGS.22a,22b,23and24, a plurality of bolts33are provided on the upper surface of the top321of the power distribution unit support32for mounting the power distribution unit31on the power distribution unit support32. Specifically, by passing the bolts33through the mounting holes31ain the power distribution unit31and screwing the nuts34on the portion that has passed through, the distribution unit can be mounted on the power distribution unit support32.

As shown inFIGS.22aand26, lead terminals31b,31c, and31dare provided on the power distribution unit31, and there are two of each of the lead terminals31b,31c, and31d. The lead terminals31bare used to electrically connect the connector53at the rear through the high-voltage connection assembly55so as to electrically connect the motor220at the rear; the lead terminals31care used to electrically connect a series connected battery module20; and the lead terminals31dare used to electrically connect the connector52at the front through the high-voltage connection assembly50so as to electrically connect the motor210at the front.

As shown inFIG.22b, the front-back and left-right dimensions of the power distribution unit support32are substantially the same as those of the battery module20, and the front-back and left-right dimensions of the power distribution unit31are smaller than those of the power distribution unit support32and the battery module20. In this way, the mounting points of the power distribution unit support32can be better arranged so that the power distribution unit support is more stably secured above the battery module.

As shown inFIGS.22aand22b, the power distribution unit31is configured in the left-right direction near the right end of the power distribution unit support32, that is, near the center in the left-right direction of the housing10or the base plate11. In this way, it is possible to shorten the cable length between the power distribution unit31and the connector53, or between the power distribution unit31and the high-voltage cable bundle51, thereby saving costs and facilitating wiring.

More specifically, one or more bolts33for mounting the power distribution unit31are provided at the right end of the power distribution unit support32, so that the power distribution unit31can be configured at the right end of the power distribution unit support32in the left-right direction.

In addition, in this embodiment, the bolts33are secured on the upper surface of the power distribution unit support32by welding or a one-piece molding, etc., and the mounting of the power distribution unit31is implemented by screwing in the nuts34from the side of the power distribution unit31. In this way, there is no need to leave space for providing nuts34, etc. on the lower surface side of the top321of the power distribution unit support32, so that the top321can ply-up the battery module20well, which helps to improve the stability of the power distribution unit support32and reduce the space occupied by the power distribution unit support32.

Further, as shown inFIGS.22a,22band24, etc., a stiffener321ais provided on the power distribution unit support32, so that the strength of the power distribution unit support32can be enhanced and the stability of the power distribution unit31can be improved. In addition, the stiffener321ais provided at a location on the top321that avoids the area where the power distribution unit31is configured, so that, for example, the power distribution unit31can be firmly secured on the power distribution unit support32. In this embodiment, there are multiple stiffeners321a, each extending in a straight line in the front-back direction. It is understood that other forms of stiffener can also be provided, such as stiffeners extending in the left-right direction, or curved stiffeners.

<Control Means and Related Structures>

As shown inFIGS.3,12, and15a, the control means41of the battery management system (BMS) and the low-voltage cable bundle61are configured in the gap S between the battery module20L and the battery module20R in the housing10.

As shown inFIG.5, a plurality of control means41A,41B and41C (collectively referred to as control means41in the description herein when the plurality of control means are not distinguished) of the battery management system are configured between the battery module20L and the battery module20R in the housing10. The control means41A,41B, and41C are arranged in sequence from front to back. The control means41A,41B and41C may be of electronic control units (ECUs). In this embodiment, the control means41A and41B are battery information collectors (BICs) and the control means41C is a battery management unit (BMU). These control means41A,41B and41C constitute a battery management system for intelligently managing and maintaining each battery module, preventing overcharging and overdischarging, extending service life, monitoring battery performance, etc.

It will be understood that the number and form of the control means described above are merely illustrative and do not constitute a limitation of the present invention.

FIG.28ais a schematic diagram of a three-dimensional structure of a control means in this embodiment;FIG.28bis a schematic side view of the control means;FIG.28cis a schematic elevation view of the control means;FIG.28dis another schematic diagram of a three-dimensional structure of the control means. As shown inFIGS.15a,16,17,28a,28b,28c, and28d, the control means41is substantially rectangular in shape, with the thickness direction approximately consistent with the left-right direction, the long side in the front-back direction, and the short side in the up-down direction.

Since the size in the thickness direction is the smallest, followed by the short side direction, and the largest in the long side direction, it is possible to reduce the size in the left-right direction of the gap S by making the thickness direction consistent with the left-right direction, thus miniaturizing the battery pack100.

In addition, having the short side configured in the up-down direction enables the height of the control means41to be reduced compared to having the long side configured in the up-down direction, thereby suppressing the size of the battery pack100in the up-down direction and facilitating miniaturization.

Moreover, since the gap S is longer in size in the front-back direction (the direction in which the plurality of battery modules20L or20R are arranged), even if the long side of the control means41is configured in the front-back direction, it does not cause the battery pack100to increase in size in the front-back direction, which facilitates miniaturization.

As shown inFIGS.15aand17, the control means41is mounted on the high-voltage cable bundle support112by means of the control means support42. In this way, the control means41is mounted using the high-voltage cable bundle support112of the high-voltage cable bundle51, which enables a simple and compact structure and facilitates the miniaturization of the battery pack100. As an example of the mounting manner, in this embodiment, the control means41is secured on the control means support42by bolts43as shown inFIG.15a.

As shown inFIG.15a, the control means support42includes a main part42aand a base part42b. The main part42ais provided upright for mounting the control means41, and the base part42bis bent from the lower end of the main part42aso as to extend in the left-right direction for mounting on the high-voltage cable bundle support112. For example, the base part42bis secured on the high-voltage cable bundle support112by bolts that are not shown. It will be appreciated that the base part42bmay also be secured on the high-voltage cable bundle support by other means, such as by welding.

In this way, the control means support42overall has approximately an L shape (in this embodiment, the L shape is seen from the rear), thereby having the technical effect of taking up less space and improving the space utilization inside the battery pack100. In addition, the base part42b, which extends from the lower end of the main part42ain the left-right direction, makes it possible to firmly mount the control means support42on the high-voltage cable bundle support112.

As shown inFIGS.28cand28d, the control means41has a connector41ethat is disposed in a lower portion of the control means41and (interface) faces downwards. In other words, the control means41is configured with the connector41efacing downwards. The connector65on the low-voltage cable bundle61that will be described later is mated to the connector41efrom below to collect voltage, temperature information, etc. from the battery module20. By positioning the connector41ein the lower portion of the control means41, it is possible to have a good waterproof effect. Specifically, due to the heating and cooling of the battery module20, the interior of the housing10is prone to dew condensation, and dew droplets will form in and around the control means41, and understandably, the dew droplets will flow downward. Therefore, by positioning the connector41ein the lower portion of the control means41facing downwards, it is possible to prevent the water generated by the dew from flowing into the connector41eand causing problems such as corrosion of the connector41e.

Here, the connector41efaces downwards in the sense that it is not limited to facing strictly downwards, but may be angled downwards, with the connector41efacing downwards and at an angle greater than or equal to 0 but less than or equal to 90 degrees from the horizontal. As other embodiments, the angle may also be greater than or equal to 0 but less than or equal to 10 degrees, or greater than or equal to 0 but less than or equal to 30 degrees, 45 degrees, or 60 degrees. It is understood that the closer the angle is to the horizontal, the more effective the waterproofing. Also, the connector41emay be at an angle of 0 degrees to the horizontal. Further, in the example ofFIG.28c, the control means41has a plurality of connectors41e, and it is understood that the number of connectors41emay vary depending on the function of the control means41.

In addition, as shown inFIGS.15a,17and21a, a cable bundle securing part42cis provided in the middle in the up-down direction of the main part42aof the control means support42for securing the branch cable612of the low-voltage cable bundle61that will be described later. The cable bundle securing part42cextends from the middle in the up-down direction of the main part42ain the front-back direction, and is provided with a through-hole into which an inserted part of the ring support44, which is attached to the cable bundle612, is embedded, thereby securing the branch cable612on the cable bundle securing part42c.

In this way, on the one hand, since the branch cable612of the low-voltage cable bundle61is secured in the middle in the up-down direction of the main part42a, it is possible to ensure a stable position and maintain a stable connection with the battery module20so that the battery pack100has stable performance; on the other hand, since the control means support42is used to secure the low-voltage cable bundle61, it is possible to simplify the structure and make the structure compact, which is advantageous for the arrangement of the control means41and the low-voltage connection assembly60in a limited space and is advantageous for the miniaturization of the battery pack100.

In this embodiment, the branch cable612of the plurality of branch cables612that is electrically connected to the battery module20R on the right side is secured by the cable bundle securing part42c.

As shown inFIG.15a, etc., the control means support42(base part42b) is secured to the right of the high-voltage cable bundle support112, such that the control means41is configured substantially off to the right from the middle in the gap S.

<Low-Voltage Connection Assembly and Related Structures>

Referring toFIGS.3,12and15a, the low-voltage connection assembly60is configured in the gap S between the battery module20L and the battery module20R in the housing10, as described above.

The low voltage connection assembly60includes a low voltage cable bundle61with a low voltage cable bundle support62, etc. The low voltage cable bundle61is mounted on the base plate11by mounting the low voltage cable bundle support62on the high voltage cable bundle support112and is located above the high voltage cable bundle support112. Since the low-voltage cable bundle61is mounted on the high-voltage cable bundle support112via the low-voltage cable bundle support62, i.e., the low-voltage cable bundle61is mounted using the high-voltage cable bundle support112of the high-voltage cable bundle51, the structure can be simple and compact, which facilitates the miniaturization of the battery pack100. Further, during assembly, the low-voltage cable bundle61and the high-voltage cable bundle51, etc. can be mounted together and treated as a whole, thus enabling easy assembly.

As other embodiments, the low voltage cable bundle support62may also be mounted directly on the base plate11.

As shown inFIG.16, etc., the low-voltage connection assembly60is configured in the left-right direction to the left of the control means41. That is, the control means41is configured in the gap S approximately off to the right from the middle, and the low-voltage connection assembly60is configured in the gap S approximately off to the left from the middle, with the control means41configured between the battery module20R and the low-voltage connection assembly60(low-voltage cable bundle61) on the right side, and the low-voltage connection assembly60configured between the control means41and the battery module20L on the left side in the left-right direction. It is understood that, as other embodiments, the left and right positions of the low-voltage connection assembly60and the control means41may be interchangeable.

Further, as shown inFIGS.12and16, etc., the low-voltage connection assembly60is configured in the up-down direction at a lower position than the control means41. In other words, in this embodiment, the low-voltage connection assembly60is configured at the lower left side of the control means41. Also, referring toFIGS.12and16, etc., the low-voltage cable bundle61has a bent part near the reinforcement member72of the reinforcement assembly70, which is bent to the right (or convex to the right) so that this part of the low-voltage cable bundle61is biased to the right with respect to the part adjacent thereto, in order to avoid interference with the reinforcement member72. Thus, for example, it is possible to obtain the technical effect of avoiding interference between the reinforcement member72and the low-voltage cable bundle61and avoiding the abrasion of the low-voltage cable bundle61by the reinforcement member72.

Further, in this embodiment, the high-voltage connection assembly50is configured in the receiving section113and the low-voltage connection assembly60is configured outside of the receiving section113, thereby, for example, enabling the limited space in the base plate11to be used to improve the security of the battery pack100as efficiently as possible.

As shown inFIG.18, etc., the low-voltage cable bundle61includes a main cable611and a plurality of branch cables612. The main cable611is arranged to extend in a front-back direction. The plurality of branch cables612are electrically connected to the main cable611. Specifically, the main cable611and the plurality of branch cables612are arranged between the control means41and the battery module20, and the connector65is arranged under the control means41. In this way, there is more space to arrange the connection between the branch cables612and the connector65, so that the branch cables612are not easily broken and the life of the branch cables612is prolonged. In addition, only space for the connector is required under the control means41, and the branch cables612do not occupy the space under the control means41, so that the height of the control means41can be lowered and the shell of the battery pack has a reduced height when receiving the control means41, thereby facilitating the miniaturization of the battery pack.

The connectors65are used to connect the control means41; the connectors66are used to connect the battery module20. The lead port20cof the battery module20is provided at the upper part of the battery module20, at a higher position, so that the branch cables612with the connector66extend upward to enable the connector66to be plugged into the lead port20cof the battery module20.

The connector65is supported on the low voltage cable bundle support62so that it can be kept in a stable position.

As shown inFIGS.18and19, etc., there are two low-voltage cable bundle supports62, namely, a low-voltage cable bundle support62F and a low-voltage cable bundle support62R, both of which are arranged in the front-back direction. In particular, the low-voltage cable bundle support62F is configured in front of the reinforcement assembly70and the low-voltage cable bundle support62R is configured at the rear of the reinforcement assembly70, with the low-voltage cable bundle support62F and the low-voltage cable bundle support62R spaced apart to give way to the reinforcement assembly70and to prevent the reinforcement assembly70from causing a larger opening72e(FIG.12) to give way to the low-voltage cable bundle support62, and thus causing degradation in strength. The rearward low-voltage cable bundle support62R is relatively long and corresponds to the low-voltage cable bundle61of both control means41; the forward low-voltage cable bundle support62F is relatively short and corresponds to the low-voltage cable bundle61of one control means41. Here, the “F” and “R” in reference symbols “62F” and “62R” are used to indicate “front” and “rear”, respectively, and the low-voltage cable bundle support62is collectively referred to when no distinction is made between front and rear.

The low-voltage cable bundle support62includes a main part621and a cable bundle securing part623. The main part621is in the form of a plate and is arranged substantially horizontally to support the main cable611and the connector65of the low-voltage cable bundle61. The cable bundle securing part623bends upward from the left and right ends (in this embodiment, the left end) of the main part621and extends upward to secure a portion of a plurality of branch cables612of the low-voltage cable bundle61. Specifically, the branch cable612of the plurality of branch cables612that is electrically connected to the battery module20L on the left side can be secured, with specific securing means, for example, by providing a through-hole in the cable bundle securing part623into which an inserted part of the ring support64which is attached to the branch cable612is embedded, thereby securing the branch cable612on the cable bundle securing part623.

In this way, the branch cable612of the low-voltage cable bundle61is secured at the upwardly extending location of the cable bundle securing part623, and thus it is able to keep its position stable and keep its connection to the battery module20stable, so that the battery pack100has stable performance

Referring toFIG.16, a bulging part112bis provided on the high-voltage cable bundle support112, which is located in an up-down direction opposite the gap between the front low-voltage cable bundle support62and the rear low-voltage cable bundle support62. The part of the main cable611of the low voltage cable bundle61between the front low voltage cable bundle support62and the rear low voltage cable bundle support62is supported by, and is also secured on, the bulging part112b. Specifically, the bulging part112bis provided with a through-hole, and an inserted part of the ring support63over the central part of the main cable611(specifically, the curved part described above) is embedded in the through-hole, thereby securing the main cable611on the high-voltage cable bundle support112.

In this way, the main cable611is supported by the bulging part112bof the high voltage cable bundle support112at the position where it cannot be supported by the low voltage cable bundle support62, thus effectively keeping the low voltage cable bundle61(main cable611) in a stable position and improving the safety and performance stability of the battery pack100.

The ring supports44,63and64may be made of a metal, or may be made of a plastic.

In addition, as other embodiments, the low-voltage cable bundle61may also be secured on the high-voltage cable bundle support112.

<Reinforcement Members and Related Structures>

As shown inFIGS.6to8, a reinforcement assembly70is provided in the housing10, which is configured in the middle in the front-back direction in the housing10and extends in the left-right direction, mainly for strengthening the housing10in the left-right direction. For example, when the vehicle200is subjected to a lateral impact, the reinforcement assembly70can resist the lateral impact force, prevent deformation of the housing10, and prevent the battery module20inside the housing10from being damaged by the impact. In this embodiment, one reinforcement assembly70is provided, however, as other embodiments, a plurality of reinforcement assemblies may be provided, which are spaced apart and arranged in a front-back direction. In this embodiment, the reinforcement assembly70may also be referred to as a beam.

In this embodiment, the reinforcement assembly70is carried on the upper surface of the base plate11, i.e., over the base plate11. Thus, it is possible to avoid interference of the reinforcement assembly70with the receiving section113or the coolant channel115in the base plate11. Compared with a structure in which the reinforcement member is provided below the plate116or at approximately the same height, it is not necessary to provide a shunning part on the reinforcement assembly70or on the holding part113and the coolant channel115to avoid interference, thus making it possible to simplify the structure and reduce manufacturing costs. Also, as described above, in this embodiment, the receiving section113is formed in the form of a long slot extending in the front-back direction, and the reinforcement assembly70extends in the left-right direction, thereby extending intersectionally with the receiving section113. Also, the reinforcement assembly70may be described as extending in the extension direction of the plate116or extending along the upper surface of the plate116.

FIG.10is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the reinforcement member related to an embodiment. As shown inFIGS.6to8andFIGS.10to12, the reinforcement assembly70includes a first connection member71, a second connection member73, and a reinforcement member72. The first connection member71is supported on the base plate11of the housing10and extends from the left side plate12toward the middle in the left-right direction. The second connection member73is supported on the base plate11and extends from the right side plate12towards the middle in the right-left direction. A spacer is provided between the first connection member71and the second connection member73. The reinforcement member72extends in the left-right direction, and is connected between the first connection member71and the second connection member73, as well as having an upwardly protruding arch structure to avoid the low-voltage cable bundle61, etc., configured in the gap S. One ends of the first connection member71and the second connection member73are connected to the reinforcement member72, and the other ends may be connected to the side plate12of the housing10.

By providing an arch-shaped reinforcement member72, for example, it is possible to ensure the strength of the reinforcement assembly70while avoiding the low-voltage cable bundle61, etc., compared to providing a breach in the reinforcement member to avoid the low-voltage cable bundle.

As shown inFIG.12, the reinforcement72overall has a generally inverted U shape and includes an arch-shaped part72a, upright parts72b, and a secure part72c. The arch-shaped part72ais equivalent to the middle part of the U shape, and its upper and lower surfaces are bent upward and arched upward so as to have an arch shape. There are two upright parts72b, which extend downward from the left and right ends of the arch-shaped part72a, respectively, opposite to the first connection part71and the second connection part73in the left-right direction. That is, when viewed in the left-right direction, the upright part72boverlaps with the first connection part71and the second connection part73. In this way, when the vehicle is subjected to a lateral impact, for example, the upright portion72babuts the first connection member71and the second connection member73from the left-right direction, reliably conveys the force from one of the first connection member71or the second connection member73to the arch-shaped part72aabove, and from the arch-shaped part72ato the other of the first connection member71or the second connection member73, thereby enabling effective enhancement of the strength of the reinforcement assembly70as a whole, i.e., the ability of the reinforcement assembly70to resist external forces.

An opening72eis formed by the inner surface of the arch-shaped part72aand the two upright parts72b, and accommodates the low-voltage cable bundle61and the bulging part112bof the high-voltage cable bundle support112.

There are two secure parts72c, which protrude from the connection position of the arch-shaped part72aand the upright part72bto the outer part in the left-right direction, and are secured on the first connection member71and the second connection member73by bolts16d. In this way, when the vehicle is subjected to a lateral impact, for example, the force can be effectively conveyed by the first connection member71or the second connection member73to the arch-shaped part72a, and the overall strength of the reinforcement assembly70can be effectively enhanced, i.e., the ability of the reinforcement assembly70to resist external forces can be enhanced.

The bolt16dis provided upright and passes through the secure part72c, the first connection part71and the second connection part73, and the plate116, and the lower end that has passed through is screwed with the nut16e, so that not only is the secure part72csecured on the first connection part71and the second connection part73, but also the first connection part71and the second connection part73are secured on the base plate11. In this way, the reinforcement member72is secured on the first connection part71and the second connection part73by the structure of securing the first connection part71and the second connection part73on the base plate11, thereby simplifying the structure and reducing the cost, as well as making the structure compact and facilitating the miniaturization of the battery pack100.

In addition, a plurality of recesses72dare provided on the arch-shaped part72aand the upright part72b, and specifically, the recesses72dare triangular recesses. Thus, the weight of the reinforcement member72is reduced while the strength of the reinforcement member72is guaranteed.

In this embodiment, as shown inFIG.12, the lower end72b1of the upright part72bextends downward into the receiving section113so that, for example, when the vehicle is laterally impacted, the receiving section113shrinks and deforms in the left-right direction, and then the left and right side walls of the receiving section113(i.e., the left and right side walls of the recess) contact the lower end72b1of the upright part72b, so that the reinforcement member72can withstand the external force in the left-right direction and enhance the strength of the base plate11in the left-right direction.

Further, in this embodiment, the side portions of this lower end portion71b1are in contact with the left and right edges of the receiving section113(the edges of the opening116aof the plate116, referring toFIG.15b), thereby enabling reliable enhancement of the strength of the base plate11in the left-right direction. Here, the edges of the openings116aare part of the side walls of the receiving section113, and it is understood that the lower end portion71b1of the upright portion71bcan be further extended downward while increasing the contact area or contactable area with the side walls of the receiving section113to further enhance the strength of the base plate11.

In addition, as described above, the reinforcement member72is pressed against the high-voltage cable bundle support112, specifically the lower end72b1of the upright part72bof the reinforcement member72is pressed against the middle of the length of the main part112aof the high-voltage cable bundle support112, thereby preventing movement or deformation of the high-voltage cable bundle support112in the up-down direction.

Furthermore, as described above, the reinforcement member72is pressed against the main part112aof the high-voltage harness holder112by the cushioning member74(FIG.21c), and specifically the lower end72b1of the upright part72bis pressed against the main part112aof the high-voltage cable bundle support112by the cushioning member74, so that damage to the high-voltage cable bundle support112can be prevented.

In this embodiment, the reinforcement member72is molded separately from the first connection member71and the second connection member73, however, the invention is not limited to this, for example, the reinforcement member72may also be molded integrally with the first connection member71and/or the second connection member73.

FIG.30is a schematic diagram of the structure of a battery pack related to another embodiment of the present invention. The difference between the embodiment shown inFIG.30and the above embodiment is that, in the above embodiment, an opening116ais provided in the plate116, whereas inFIG.30, instead of the structure of the plate116, a plate118is provided (an example of the first plate), which is approximately equal in size to the plate111in the left-right direction, which does not have an opening at the position opposite the receiving section113, and which forms the ceiling of the receiving section113. In addition, the receiving section113runs through the front and/or rear portions of the base plate11, i.e., in this embodiment, the receiving section113is formed in the form of a long hole extending in the front-back direction. During assembly, the high-voltage cable bundle51can be inserted into the receiving section113from the front or the rear through the opening of the receiving section113(the long hole). Also, in this embodiment, the high-voltage cable bundle support112in the above embodiment is omitted. Furthermore, in this embodiment, in the state where the high voltage cable bundle51is inserted into the receiving section113, the high-voltage cable bundle51has a portion that is horizontally exposed outside the receiving section113, and this portion can be secured on the base plate11to secure the high-voltage cable bundle51on the base plate11.

FIGS.31ato31fillustrate some examples of a base plate and a receiving section in the base plate by way of a partial cross-sectional schematic. InFIG.31a, the housing10of the battery pack100has a base plate18A with a receiving section181A comprising a cavity in the base plate18A. In addition, in this structure, the thickness of the base plate18A is thicker (larger than the size in the up-down direction of the receiving section181B), or, alternatively, a thickening section can be provided on the base plate18A with the thickness of the thickening section being greater than the thickness of the part adjacent thereto, and the receiving section181A can be provided in the thickening section181A.

InFIG.31b, the housing10has a base plate18B, and a recess (not shown) can be provided on the upper surface of the base plate18B, and can form the receiving section181B. In this structure, the thickness of the base plate18B is thicker (larger than the size in the up-down direction of the receiving section181B), or, alternatively, a thickening part can be provided on the base plate18B with a thickness greater than the thickness of the part adjacent thereto, and a receiving section181B can be provided in the thickening part. Similarly, a recess (not shown) can be provided on the lower surface of the base plate18B, and can also form the receiving section.

InFIG.31c, the housing10has a base plate18C, the base plate18C has a plate182C and a plate183C, the plate182C and the plate183C are configured vertically opposite each other and spaced apart, a through opening182C1is provided in the upper plate182C, a receiving section181C is formed between the plate182C and the plate183C, and the high voltage connection assembly50can be configured in the receiving section181C through the through opening182C1. With such a structure, the size of the receiving section181C in the left-right direction can be larger and can accommodate a high-voltage connection assembly with a larger size in the left-right direction. In addition, the size of the opening182C1in the left-right direction may be smaller than the size of the high voltage connection assembly50in the left-right direction. Similarly, a through opening (not shown) is provided in the lower plate183C and a receiving section may also be formed between the plate182C and the plate183C.

InFIG.31d, the housing10has a base plate18D, the base plate18D has a plate182D and a plate183D, and the plate182D and the plate183D are configured opposite each other vertically and spaced apart. The upper surface of the upper plate182D is provided with a recess which is projected from the lower surface side of the plate182D, and a receiving section181D is formed by the recess. With such a structure, the recess (projection) can be considered as a stiffener (similar to a pressed rib) on the plate182D, and thus the strength of the plate182D as well as the base plate18D can be enhanced.

Alternatively, as shown inFIG.31d, the receiving section181D (recess) has an opening182D1, a partition wall182D2, and a bottom wall182D3, the opening182D1is set on the plate182D, the partition wall182D2extends from the left and right edges of the opening182D1toward the plate183D, i.e., downward, and the bottom wall182D3is connected between the partition walls182D2on the left and right sides.

InFIG.32e, the housing10has a base plate18E, the base plate18E has a plate182E and a plate183E, and the plate182E and the plate183E are configured opposite each other vertically and spaced apart. The lower surface of the lower plate183E is provided with a recess which is a protrusion seen from the upper surface side of plate183E, and the recess forms a receiving section181E. In addition, the protrusion may be spaced apart from plate182E or may contact the plate182E.

InFIG.31f, the housing10has a base plate18F, the base plate18F has a plate182F and a plate183F, and the plate182F and the plate183F are configured opposite each other vertically and are spaced apart. The upper plate182F is provided with a through opening182F1, and the left and right edges of the through opening182F1are provided with a partition wall182F2extending downward, so that the opening182F1and the partition wall182F2form the receiving section181F, i.e., the receiving section181F has an opening182F1and a partition wall182F2, the opening182F1is formed on the plate182F, and the partition wall182F2defines the left and right boundaries of the receiving section181F. In this structure, the lower end of the partition wall182F2can be set to come in contact with the plate183F to form a reliable support between the plate182F and the plate183F and to enhance the strength of the base plate18F in the up-down direction. Similarly, a through opening (not shown) is provided in the lower plate183F, and a partition wall extends upward on the left and right edges of the opening, so that the opening and partition wall form a receiving section as well.

Alternatively, the lower end of the partition wall182F2may not touch the plate183F, and the partition wall182F is pressed against the plate183F when the base plate18F is subjected to a force in the up-down direction, so that such a partition wall182F can also enhance the strength of the base plate18F.

In addition, the structure ofFIG.31fcan be seen to be obtained by omitting the bottom wall of the receiving section181E inFIG.31e.

The structure shown inFIGS.31dto31fcan be compared with that shown inFIGS.31aand31bto obtain the technical effect of reducing the weight of the base plate while taking into account the strength of the base plate.

One assembly method for the battery pack of the embodiment shown inFIGS.2to29will be described below.

The assembly method comprises the following:S1, securing the battery module20on the base plate11;S2, securing the high-voltage cable bundle51, the low-voltage cable bundle61, and the control means41on the high-voltage cable bundle support112, thereby forming a single whole (referred to as the first assembly)S3, securing the first assembly on the base plate11, andS4, securing the top cover13with respect to the base plate11to form the battery pack100.

Using this method, the high-voltage cable bundle51, the low-voltage cable bundle61and the control means41are secured on the high-voltage cable bundle support112and treated together as a first assembly, thereby making the battery pack100easy and convenient to assemble.

The order of S1and S2above is not limited, and S1can be executed first and S2executed later. It is also possible to execute them in reverse.

Optionally, the S2includes: securing the control means41on the high voltage cable bundle support112via the control means support42; and securing the low voltage cable bundle61on the high voltage cable bundle support112via the low voltage cable bundle support62.

The control means41may be mounted first on the control means support42and then on the high voltage cable bundle support112, and the control means41support may also be mounted first on the high voltage cable bundle support112and then on the control means41. The same applies to the low voltage cable bundle61and the low voltage cable bundle support62.

Embodiments of the present invention provide a battery pack100and a vehicle200having the battery pack100, the battery pack100comprising: a housing10comprising a base plate11provided with a receiving section113; a battery module20arranged over the base plate11; and a high voltage connection assembly50electrically connected to the battery module20and accommodated in the receiving section113.

In addition, the connector52and the connector53are provided at the front and rear ends of housing10, respectively. The power distribution unit31is electrically connected to the connector52and the plurality of battery modules30and electrically connected to the connector53and the plurality of battery modules30, with the power distribution unit31provided over the individual battery modules20and provided closer to the connector53at the rear than the connector52at the front.

Further, the battery module20includes a left side battery module20L and a right side battery module20R with a gap S between the left side battery module20L and the right side battery module20R. The control means41is provided in the gap S. The low-voltage connection assembly60, which electrically connects the battery modules20L and20R and the control means41, is also provided in the gap S. The low-voltage connection assembly60is located between the control means41and the battery module20R and is located below (i.e., diagonally below) the control means41.

In addition, a reinforcement assembly70is provided over the base plate11, and the reinforcement assembly70extends in the left-right direction as a whole. The reinforcement assembly70includes a reinforcement member72, a first connection member71, and a second connection member73. The reinforcement member72includes an arch-shaped part72aarranged in the gap S and arched upward, and a low-pressure connection assembly60passes through the inner side of the arch-shaped part72a. One end of the first connection member71and one end of the second connection member73are connected to the reinforcement member72, and the other end can be connected to the side plate12of the housing10.

With the structure of this embodiment, for example, when the vehicle is subjected to a lateral impact, the battery pack100is deformed and the battery module20moves in the extension direction of the base plate11, however, since the high-voltage connection assembly50is configured in the base plate11under the battery module20, the battery module20does not easily impact the high-voltage connection assembly50, thereby suppressing deformation or breakage of the high-voltage connection assembly50, etc., and improving the safety and reliability of the battery pack100.

In addition, positioning the power distribution unit31above the single-side battery module20not only improves the convenience of installation of the power distribution unit31, but also improves the stability of the power distribution unit31, and reduces the overall space occupied by the power distribution unit31and increases the energy density of the battery pack100(without occupying the middle gap, which minimizes the width of the battery pack).

Additionally, the power distribution unit31is provided close to the connector53, which enables the cable length of the high voltage connection assembly50to be reduced, reducing costs. In addition, the power distribution unit31is provided close to the connector53at the rear of the battery pack so that the front portion of the battery pack housing10does not need to be provided with a projecting portion to accommodate the power distribution unit31, which in turn allows more space in the cabin corresponding to the location of the battery pack to accommodate the passenger's feet.

Also, providing the control means41upright in the gap S makes reasonable use of the space of the housing10, reduces the overall space occupied by the control means41in the battery pack100, improves the energy density of the battery pack100, and also facilitates assembly.

In addition, the reinforcement assembly70strengthens the housing10of the battery pack100, and the arch-shaped part72asuppresses the reduction of the strength of the reinforcement assembly70, distributes the force effectively, and better deforms and cushions the battery pack100when it is subjected to an impact.

The terms “first, second, third, etc.” or similar terms such as Module A, Module B, Module C, etc. are used herein only to distinguish similar objects and do not imply a particular ordering of objects, and it is understood that particular orders or sequences may be interchanged where permitted so that embodiments of the present application described herein can be implemented in an order other than that illustrated or described herein.

The term “including” as used herein should not be construed as limiting to what is listed thereafter, and it does not exclude other components or steps. Accordingly, it should be interpreted as designating the presence of the described feature, entity, step or component mentioned, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, entities, steps or components and groups thereof. Thus, the expression “unit comprising parts A and B” should not be limited to a unit comprising only parts A and B.

References in this specification to “an embodiment” or “embodiments” mean that the particular feature, structure or characteristics described in conjunction with that embodiment are included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the terms “in an embodiment” or “in embodiments” appearing throughout this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, but may refer to the same embodiment. In addition, in one or more embodiments, the particular features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent from the present disclosure to one skilled in the art.

In addition, the above is only a preferred embodiment of the present application and the technical principles used. One skilled in the art will understand that the present invention is not limited to the particular embodiments described herein, and that various obvious variations, readjustments and substitutions can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, although the present application has been described in some detail through the above embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, but may include more other equivalent embodiments without departing from the conception of the present invention, all of which fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.