Mounting fixture for securing battery cell pack

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a "mounting fixture for fixing a battery cell group". A battery pack includes: a housing assembly; a battery assembly accommodated in the housing assembly; a mounting structure fixed to the housing assembly; and a mounting fixture including a first section mounted to the mounting structure and a second section contacting the battery assembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a mounting fixture for retaining a battery assembly within a battery pack housing assembly. Background Art

[0002] The desire to reduce automotive fuel consumption and emissions has been well documented. As a result, vehicles are being developed that reduce or completely eliminate reliance on internal combustion engines. Electrified vehicles are currently being developed for this purpose. In general, electrified vehicles differ from conventional motor vehicles in that they are selectively driven by one or more battery-powered electric motors. In contrast, conventional motor vehicles rely entirely on internal combustion engines to propel the vehicle.

[0003] A high voltage battery pack typically powers the motor and other electrical loads of an electrified vehicle. The battery pack includes a plurality of battery cells that store energy to power these electrical loads. The battery cells are typically packaged together in one or more assemblies that are contained within a housing assembly. These assemblies may need to be fixed relative to each other and / or relative to the housing assembly. Summary of the invention

[0004] A battery pack according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things: a housing assembly; a battery assembly housed within the housing assembly; a mounting structure fixed to the housing assembly; and a mounting fixture including a first section mounted to the mounting structure and a second section contacting the battery assembly.

[0005] In a further non-limiting embodiment of the foregoing battery pack, the battery assembly includes a plurality of battery cells disposed along a first longitudinal axis.

[0006] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing battery packs, a second battery assembly including a plurality of battery cells is disposed along a second longitudinal axis that is laterally spaced apart from the first longitudinal axis.

[0007] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing battery packs, the mounting fixture includes a third section that contacts the second battery assembly.

[0008] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing battery packs, the first section is a base of the mounting fixture and the second section is a flexible wing of the mounting fixture.

[0009] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing battery packs, the flexible wing includes an end flange that contacts a top surface of the battery assembly.

[0010] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing battery packs, the mounting fixture includes a base, a first flexible wing projecting laterally away from the base, and a second flexible wing projecting laterally away from the base.

[0011] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing battery packs, the base includes a fastener platform having an opening for receiving a fastener.

[0012] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing battery packs, the fastener extends into the mounting structure.

[0013] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing battery packs, the base includes a first plurality of cutouts, and each of the first flexible wing and the second flexible wing includes a second plurality of cutouts.

[0014] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing battery packs, a bridge extends between the first flexible wing and the second flexible wing.

[0015] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing battery packs, the bridge is established by a first tab extending from the first flexible wing and a second tab extending from the second flexible wing.

[0016] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing battery packs, the second tab overlaps the first tab.

[0017] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing battery packs, the mounting fixture includes a base, a flexible wing protruding away from the base, and an end flange disposed at an end of the flexible wing opposite the base.

[0018] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing battery packs, the mounting structure is a T-shaped bracket.

[0019] A battery pack according to another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a first group of battery cells disposed along a first longitudinal axis and a second group of battery cells disposed along a second longitudinal axis, the second longitudinal axis being laterally spaced from the first longitudinal axis. A mounting fixture is disposed between the first group of battery cells and the second group of battery cells and includes a first end flange contacting the first group of battery cells and a second end flange contacting the second group of battery cells.

[0020] In a further non-limiting embodiment of the foregoing battery pack, the mounting fixture includes a base, a first flexible wing that projects laterally away from the base, and a second flexible wing that projects laterally away from the base.

[0021] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing battery packs, the first end flange is part of a first flexible wing and the second end flange is part of a second flexible wing.

[0022] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing battery packs, the base and each of the first and second flexible wings include a weight-reducing cutout.

[0023] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing battery packs, the mounting fixture includes a base mounted to a mounting structure disposed between the first group of battery cells and the second group of battery cells.

[0024] The embodiments, examples and alternatives of the preceding paragraphs, claims or the following description and drawings include any of their various aspects or corresponding features, which can be carried out independently or in any combination. Features described in conjunction with one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments, unless these features are incompatible.

[0025] The various features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description.The drawings accompanying the detailed description can be briefly described as follows. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Figure 1 A powertrain system for an electrified vehicle is schematically shown.

[0027] Figure 2 A battery pack for an electrified vehicle is shown.

[0028] Figure 3A yes Figure 2 An enlarged view of a selected portion of a battery pack.

[0029] Figure 3B Exemplary interconnections between a battery assembly and a mounting fixture of a battery pack are shown.

[0030] Figure 4A , Figure 4B , Figure 4C , Figure 4D and Figure 4E Shows Figure 2 and Figure 3A An exemplary mounting fixture for a battery pack.

[0031] Figure 5 Another exemplary battery pack is shown.

[0032] Figure 6 Shows Figure 5 An exemplary mounting fixture for a battery pack. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] The present disclosure details various battery pack designs for use within an electrified vehicle. An exemplary battery pack includes a battery assembly and a mounting fixture for retaining the battery assembly within a battery pack housing assembly. The mounting fixture is configured to apply a clamping load to the battery assembly, thereby preventing the battery assembly from moving along an axis. These and other features are discussed in more detail in the following paragraphs of this detailed description.

[0034] Figure 1 A powertrain system 10 is schematically illustrated for an electrified vehicle 12. Although described as a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), it should be understood that the concepts described herein are not limited to HEVs and may extend to other electrified vehicles including, but not limited to, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), battery electric vehicles (BEVs), fuel cell vehicles, and the like.

[0035] In one embodiment, the powertrain 10 is a power split powertrain system that employs a first drive system and a second drive system. The first drive system includes a combination of an engine 14 and a generator 18 (i.e., a first motor). The second drive system includes at least a motor 22 (i.e., a second motor), the generator 18, and a battery pack 24. In this example, the second drive system is considered to be the electric drive system of the powertrain 10. The first drive system and the second drive system are each capable of generating torque to drive one or more sets of vehicle drive wheels 28 of the electrified vehicle 12. Although Figure 1 A power split configuration is depicted in , but the present disclosure extends to any hybrid or electric vehicle, including a full hybrid, parallel hybrid, series hybrid, mild hybrid, or micro hybrid.

[0036] The engine 14 may be an internal combustion engine, and the engine 14 and the generator 18 may be connected via a power transfer unit 30, such as a planetary gear set. Of course, other types of power transfer units, including other gear sets and transmissions, may be used to connect the engine 14 to the generator 18. In a non-limiting embodiment, the power transfer unit 30 is a planetary gear set including a ring gear 32, a sun gear 34, and a carrier assembly 36.

[0037] Generator 18 may be driven by engine 14 through power transfer unit 30 to convert kinetic energy into electrical energy. Generator 18 may alternatively function as a motor to convert electrical energy into kinetic energy, thereby outputting torque to shaft 38, which is connected to power transfer unit 30. Because generator 18 is operatively connected to engine 14, the speed of engine 14 may be controlled by generator 18.

[0038] The ring gear 32 of the power transfer unit 30 can be connected to a shaft 40, which is connected to the vehicle drive wheels 28 through a second power transfer unit 44. The second power transfer unit 44 can include a gear set having a plurality of gears 46. Other power transfer units may also be suitable. The gears 46 transfer torque from the engine 14 to a differential 48 to ultimately provide traction to the vehicle drive wheels 28. The differential 48 can include a plurality of gears that enable the torque to be transferred to the vehicle drive wheels 28. In a non-limiting embodiment, the second power transfer unit 44 is mechanically coupled to the axle 50 through the differential 48 to distribute the torque to the vehicle drive wheels 28.

[0039] The motor 22 can also be used to drive the vehicle drive wheels 28 by outputting torque to the shaft 52, which is also connected to the second power transfer unit 44. In a non-limiting embodiment, the motor 22 and the generator 18 cooperate as part of a regenerative braking system, where both the motor 22 and the generator 18 can be used as motors to output torque. For example, the motor 22 and the generator 18 can each output power to the battery pack 24.

[0040] The battery pack 24 is an exemplary electrified vehicle battery. The battery pack 24 may be a high voltage traction battery that includes a plurality of battery assemblies 25 (i.e., a battery array or battery cell group) that are capable of outputting electrical power to operate the motor 22, the generator 18, and / or other electrical loads of the electrified vehicle 12. Other types of energy storage devices and / or output devices may also be used to power the electrified vehicle 12.

[0041] In one embodiment, the electrified vehicle 12 has two basic operating modes. The electrified vehicle 12 can be operated in an electric vehicle (EV) mode, in which the motor 22 (typically without assistance from the engine 14) is used for vehicle propulsion, thereby depleting the state of charge of the battery pack 24 up to its maximum allowed discharge rate under certain driving modes / cycles. The EV mode is an example of a charge-depleting operating mode of the electrified vehicle 12. During the EV mode, the state of charge of the battery pack 24 can increase under certain circumstances, such as due to a period of regenerative braking. The engine 14 is typically off in the default EV mode, but can be operated as needed based on vehicle system conditions or with operator permission.

[0042] The electrified vehicle 12 may also operate in a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) mode, in which both the engine 14 and the motor 22 are used for vehicle propulsion. The HEV mode is an example of a charge-maintaining operating mode of the electrified vehicle 12. During the HEV mode, the electrified vehicle 12 may reduce propulsion use of the motor 22 in order to maintain the state of charge of the battery pack 24 at a constant or approximately constant level by increasing propulsion of the engine 14. It is within the scope of the present disclosure that the electrified vehicle 12 may operate in other operating modes in addition to the EV and HEV modes.

[0043] Figure 2 A battery pack 24 that may be employed in an electrified vehicle is schematically shown. For example, the battery pack 24 may be Figure 1 A portion of a powertrain 10 of an electrified vehicle 12 is shown. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the battery pack 24 , and some external components (eg, the housing assembly 58 ) are shown in phantom to better illustrate the internal components of the battery pack 24 .

[0044] The battery pack 24 houses a plurality of battery cells 56 that store energy to power various electrical loads of the electrified vehicle 12. The battery pack 24 may employ any number of battery cells within the scope of the present disclosure, and the present disclosure is not limited to Figure 2 Exact configuration shown.

[0045] The battery cells 56 may be stacked side by side to form a group of battery cells 56, sometimes referred to as a "battery stack" or "battery array". In one embodiment, the battery cells 56 are soft-pack lithium-ion batteries held by an interlocking mounting frame. However, within the scope of the present disclosure, battery cells having other geometries (cylindrical, prismatic, etc.), other chemistries (nickel-metal hydride, lead acid, etc.), or both may alternatively be used.

[0046] The battery cells 56 along with any supporting structures (eg, array frames, spacers, rails, walls, plates, adhesives, etc.) may be collectively referred to as a battery assembly. Figure 2 The battery pack 24 depicted in FIG. 1 includes a first battery assembly 25A and a second battery assembly 25B placed side by side with the first battery assembly 25A. Figure 2 The battery pack 24 is depicted as having two battery assemblies, but it is within the scope of the present disclosure that the battery pack 24 may include a greater number of battery assemblies.

[0047] The battery cells 56 of the first battery assembly 25A are distributed along the first longitudinal axis A1, and the battery cells 56 of the second battery assembly 25B are distributed along the second longitudinal axis A2. In one embodiment, the first longitudinal axis A1 is laterally spaced from the second longitudinal axis A2. Therefore, in this embodiment, the first battery assembly 25A and the second battery assembly 25B are positioned side by side relative to each other.

[0048] The housing assembly 58 accommodates each battery assembly 25A, 25B of the battery pack 24. In one embodiment, the housing assembly 58 is a sealed housing that includes a tray 60 and a cover 62 that is secured to the tray 60 to enclose and seal each battery assembly 25A, 25B of the battery pack 24. In one embodiment, the first battery assembly 25A and the second battery assembly 25B are both positioned atop the tray 60 of the housing assembly 58, and the cover 62 can be received over the first battery assembly 25A and the second battery assembly 25B. The housing assembly 58 may include any size, shape, and configuration within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0049] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3A , the mounting clamp 64 is disposed between the first battery assembly 25A and the second battery assembly 25B. The mounting clamp 64 is configured to apply a clamping load L for holding the first battery assembly 25A and the second battery assembly 25B relative to the housing assembly 58. In one embodiment, the mounting clamp 64 applies a clamping load L in the vertical direction (i.e., along the z-axis relative to the battery assemblies 25A, 25B). Therefore, in this exemplary embodiment, the mounting clamp 64 prevents the battery assemblies 25A, 25B from moving in the z-axis direction to hold the battery assemblies 25A, 25B on the tray 60 of the housing assembly 58.

[0050] The mounting fixture 64 includes a first dimension D1 extending along the x-axis (or horizontal axis), a second dimension D2 extending along the z-axis (or vertical axis), and a third dimension D3 extending along the y-axis (or longitudinal axis). In one embodiment, the second dimension D2 of the mounting fixture 64 is smaller than the second dimension D2' of the battery assemblies 25A, 25B along the z-axis, and the third dimension D3 of the mounting fixture 64 is smaller than the third dimension D3' of the battery assemblies 25A, 25B along the y-axis. In other words, in one embodiment, the length and height of the mounting fixture 64 are smaller than the length and height of the first battery assembly 25A and the second battery assembly 25B. However, the actual size of the mounting fixture 64 relative to the battery assemblies 25A, 25B is not intended to limit the present disclosure.

[0051] In one embodiment, the mounting fixture 64 is made of a plastic material, such as nylon. In another embodiment, the mounting fixture 64 is made of a metal material, such as steel. Other materials may also be contemplated within the scope of this disclosure.

[0052] In another embodiment, the mounting fixture 64 is fixedly secured to a mounting structure 66 that protrudes upward from the tray 60 and is disposed at a position axially between the first battery assembly 25A and the second battery assembly 25B. The mounting structure 66 can be any component of the battery pack 24. In one embodiment, the mounting structure 66 is an integral component of the housing assembly 58. In another embodiment, the mounting structure 66 is a T-shaped bracket that is fixedly mounted to the tray 60 for separating the first battery assembly 25A from the second battery assembly 25B of the battery pack 24. One or more fasteners 68 (such as threaded fasteners) can be inserted through the mounting fixture 64 and into the mounting structure 66 to hold the battery assemblies 25A, 25B within the housing assembly 58.

[0053] Although fixedly secured to the mounting structure 66, the mounting clamp 64 is not fixedly secured to either of the battery assemblies 25A, 25B. Instead, a portion of the mounting clamp 64 extends along and contacts the top surface 70 of each battery assembly 25A, 25B. The top surface 70 may be established by an interlocking mounting frame that holds the battery cells 56. As discussed in more detail below, during a battery pack loading event, the portions of the mounting clamp 64 that abut the top surface 70 of the battery assemblies 25A, 25B may move or slide slightly relative to the top surface 70. However, the mounting clamp 64 is designed to maintain a clamping load even if these portions are displaced relative to the top surface 70 of the battery assemblies 25A, 25B.

[0054] In another embodiment, Figure 3B As shown, the portion of the mounting clamp 64 that contacts the top surface 70 of each battery assembly 25A, 25B (here, the flexible wing 76) can include a slot 71 that is configured to be received over a protrusion 73 that protrudes outward from the top surface 70. In one embodiment, the protrusion 73 can be hook-shaped. The interconnection between the protrusion 73 and the slot 71 helps prevent the portion of the mounting clamp 64 from sliding off the top surface 70.

[0055] FIG. 4A to FIG. 4E (Continue to refer to Figures 2 to 3A ) shows additional details of the exemplary mounting fixture 64 described above. Figure 4A is a perspective view of the mounting fixture 64, Figure 4B is a top view of the mounting fixture 64, Figure 4C is a side view of the mounting fixture 64, and Figure 4D and Figure 4E is an end view of the mounting fixture 64 .

[0056] The mounting fixture 64 may include a base 72, a first flexible wing 74, and a second flexible wing 76. The first flexible wing 74 and the second flexible wing 76 may extend laterally and upwardly away from the base 72. The base 72, the first flexible wing 74, and the second flexible wing 76 together establish a unitary structure without mechanical fasteners. When installed, the base 72 is connected to the mounting structure 66, the first flexible wing 74 interfaces with the first battery assembly 25A, and the second flexible wing 76 interfaces with the second battery assembly 25B (see FIG. Figure 3A ).

[0057] In one embodiment, the mounting fixture 64 is generally V-shaped. The V-shaped configuration is Figure 4A and Figure 4D However, other shapes are also contemplated within the scope of the present disclosure (see, e.g. Figure 5 and Figure 6 of the embodiment of the invention).

[0058] The base 72 may include one or more fastener platforms 78. Each fastener platform 78 includes an opening 80 for receiving a fastener (see Figures 2 to 3A A fastener may be received through each opening 80 and then into the mounting structure 66 to axially securely secure the mounting fixture 64 between the first battery assembly 25A and the second battery assembly 25B.

[0059] The base 72 may also include one or more cutout sections 82 for reducing the weight of the mounting fixture 64. In one embodiment, the cutout sections 82 extend through the base 72 and are disposed between adjacent fastener platforms 78.

[0060] The first and second flexible wings 74, 76 may also include a plurality of cutout sections 84. A first portion of the cutout sections 84 may be connected to the cutout section 82 of the base 72, and a second portion of the cutout sections 84 may partially surround the fastener platform 78 of the base 72.

[0061] In one embodiment, the cutout sections 84 of the first flexible wing 74 and the second flexible wing 76 are arcuate. However, other shapes are contemplated within the scope of the present disclosure. The sizes and shapes of the various cutout sections 82, 84 of the mounting fixture 64 are designed to distribute stress and further reduce the weight of the mounting fixture 64. Additionally, the cutout sections 82, 84 are designed to reduce the minimum space required between the arrays due to the need for tool clearance / fastener 68 access during assembly.

[0062] In yet another embodiment, each of the first flexible wing 74 and the second flexible wing 76 includes an end flange 86 located at the end of the mounting fixture 64 opposite the base 72. The end flange 86 is a portion of the mounting fixture 64 that extends above the top of the first battery assembly 25A and the second battery assembly 25B, and is used to apply a clamping load L to substantially resist movement of the battery assemblies 25A, 25B in the z-axis direction. The end flange 86 can contact the top surface 70 of each battery assembly 25A, 25B and is configured to slide along the top surface 70 as the first wing 74 and the second wing 76 flex during a battery pack loading event. The clamping load L is maintained by the end flange 86 even if the first flexible wing 74 and the second flexible wing 76 flex or otherwise move.

[0063] like Figure 4D As best shown in , the end flange 86 can be curved, which can be helpful in distributing the amount of force applied to the top of the battery assemblies 25A, 25B. The curvature of the end flange 86 can also form a spring that provides a variable spring load effect to the top surface 70 of the battery assemblies 25A, 25B, resulting in a linearly increasing load rather than a constant load value. The linear spring and varying load can also account for variations in array and fixture heights and help minimize tolerance issues.

[0064] In one embodiment, the end flange 86 includes a first curved portion 88 that curves in a direction toward the base 72 of the housing assembly 58 and a second curved portion 90 that curves in a direction away from the base 72. Other end flange configurations are also contemplated within the scope of the present disclosure (e.g., see Figure 6 The end flange 86 may contact the battery assembly 25A, 25B near the location of the second curved portion 90, which in this embodiment is positioned closer to the farthest end 91 of the end flange 86.

[0065] The bridge 92 may extend between the first flexible wing 74 and the second flexible wing 76 of the mounting clamp 64. The bridge 92 is configured to increase the stiffness of the first flexible wing 74 and the second flexible wing 76. Thus, the bridge 92 affects the amount of clamping force applied by the mounting clamp 64.

[0066] In the first embodiment, if Figure 4DAs shown, the first flexible wing 74 includes a first tab 94, and the second flexible wing 76 includes a second tab 96 that extends toward the first flexible wing 74 and overlaps the first tab 94. The second tab 96 can be spot welded or otherwise secured to the first tab 94 to establish the bridge 92. Spot welding the bridge 92 moves the axis of rotation about the flexible wings 74, 76 upward in the z-axis direction, thereby shortening the moment arm of the flexible wings 74, 76 and strengthening the mounting fixture 64.

[0067] In the second embodiment, if Figure 4E As shown, a single tab 98 extends from the first flexible wing 74 to the second flexible wing 76 to establish the bridge 92 .

[0068] Figure 5 FIG. 1 shows a battery pack 124 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The battery pack 124 may include a housing assembly 158 that accommodates a first battery assembly 125A and a second battery assembly 125B. Figure 2 Unlike the embodiment of the present invention, the first battery assembly 125A of the battery pack 124 is stacked on top of the second battery assembly 125B, rather than being stacked side by side with the second battery assembly 125B.

[0069] One or more mounting clamps 164 may be secured within the housing assembly 158 for applying a clamping load L to the first battery assembly 125A and the second battery assembly 125B. In one embodiment, two mounting clamps 164 are used, with one mounting clamp 164 positioned on each side of the battery assemblies 125A, 125B. Figure 5 The mounting fixture 164 is configured to counteract the clamping load of two battery assemblies 125A, 125B in the embodiment of the present invention, but the mounting fixture 164 can be configured to counteract the clamping load of one or more battery assemblies.

[0070] The mounting fixture 164 is configured to directly apply a clamping load L to the first battery assembly 125A in the vertical direction (i.e., along the z-axis). Since the first battery assembly 125A is stacked on top of the second battery assembly 125B, the clamping load L is indirectly applied to the second battery assembly through the first battery assembly 125A. Therefore, in this exemplary embodiment, the mounting fixture 164 prevents z-direction movement of the first battery assembly 125A and the second battery assembly 125B.

[0071] Each mounting fixture 164 can be fixedly secured to a mounting structure 166 (two are shown) located within the housing assembly 158. One mounting structure 166 is shown positioned on each side of the first battery assembly 125A and the second battery assembly 125B. In one embodiment, the mounting structure 166 is an integral part of the housing assembly 158. In another embodiment, the mounting structure 166 is a T-shaped bracket that is fixedly mounted to a portion of the housing assembly 158. One or more fasteners 168 (such as threaded fasteners) can be inserted through the mounting fixture 164 and into the mounting structure 166 to limit the z-axis movement of the battery assemblies 125A, 125B.

[0072] Although fixedly fixed to each mounting structure 166, the mounting clamps 164 are not fixedly fixed to either of the battery assemblies 125A, 125B. Instead, a portion of each mounting clamp 164 extends along and contacts the top surface 170 of the first battery assembly 125A to apply a clamping load L.

[0073] Figure 6 (Continue to refer to Figure 5 ) shows additional details of an exemplary mounting fixture 164. The mounting fixture 164 may include a base 172, a flexible wing 174, and an end flange 186. The flexible wing 174 may extend laterally and upwardly away from the base 172. The base 172, the flexible wing 174, and the end flange 186 together establish a unitary structure without mechanical fasteners. When installed, the base 172 interfaces with the mounting structure 166, and the end flange 186 interfaces with the first battery assembly 125A (see Figure 5 ).

[0074] In one embodiment, the mounting fixture 164 is generally Z-shaped. However, other shapes are further contemplated within the scope of the present disclosure (see, e.g., FIG. 4A to FIG. 4D of the embodiment of the invention).

[0075] The base 172 may include one or more fastener platforms 178. Each fastener platform 178 includes an opening 180 for receiving a fastener (see Figure 5 A fastener may be received through each opening 180 and then into the mounting structure 166 to fixedly secure the mounting fixture 164 within the battery pack 124.

[0076] The base 172 may also include one or more cutout sections 182 for reducing the weight of the mounting fixture 164. In one embodiment, the cutout sections 182 extend through the base 172 and are disposed between adjacent fastener platforms 178 of the base 172.

[0077] The flexible wings 174 may also include a plurality of cutout sections 184. A first portion of the cutout sections 184 may be connected to the cutout sections 182 of the base 172, and a second portion of the cutout sections 184 may partially surround the fastener platforms 178 of the base 172.

[0078] In one embodiment, the cutout sections 184 of the flexible wing 174 are arcuate. However, other shapes are contemplated within the scope of the present disclosure. The sizes and shapes of the various cutout sections 182, 184 of the mounting fixture 164 are designed to distribute stress and further reduce the weight of the mounting fixture 164.

[0079] The end flange 186 is located at the end of the flexible wing 174 opposite the base 172. The end flange 186 is the portion of the mounting clamp 164 that extends over the top of the first battery assembly 125A and is used to apply a clamping load L to substantially resist movement of the battery assemblies 125A, 125B in the z-axis direction.

[0080] A bridge 192 may extend between the flexible wing 174 and the base 172 at each opposing end of the mounting clamp 164. The bridge 192 is configured to increase the stiffness of the mounting clamp 164. In one embodiment, the flexible wing 174 includes a first tab 194 and the base 172 includes a second tab 196 that overlaps the first tab 194. The second tab 196 may be welded or otherwise secured to the first tab 194 to establish the bridge 192.

[0081] The disclosed battery pack includes a mounting clamp for retaining a battery cell group within the battery pack. The exemplary mounting clamp provides a cost-effective and lightweight structure for retaining a battery assembly while achieving clamp load requirements.

[0082] Although different non-limiting embodiments are shown as having specific components or steps, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to those specific combinations. It is possible to use some of the components or features from any non-limiting embodiment in combination with features or components from any other non-limiting embodiment.

[0083] It should be understood that throughout the several drawings, like reference numerals identify corresponding elements or similar elements.It should be understood that although specific component arrangements are disclosed and shown in these exemplary embodiments, other arrangements may also benefit from the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0084] The foregoing description should be interpreted as illustrative and not limiting. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that certain modifications may fall within the scope of the present disclosure. For these reasons, the following claims should be studied to determine the true scope and content of the present disclosure.

[0085] According to the present invention, a battery pack is provided, which has a housing assembly; a battery assembly accommodated in the housing assembly; a mounting structure fixed to the housing assembly; and a mounting fixture, which includes a first section mounted to the mounting structure and a second section contacting the battery assembly.

[0086] According to one embodiment, a battery assembly includes a plurality of battery cells arranged along a first longitudinal axis.

[0087] According to one embodiment, the above invention is further characterized by a second battery assembly that includes a plurality of battery cells arranged along a second longitudinal axis that is laterally spaced from the first longitudinal axis.

[0088] According to one embodiment, the mounting fixture includes a third section that contacts the second battery assembly.

[0089] According to one embodiment, the first section is a base of the mounting fixture and the second section is a flexible wing of the mounting fixture.

[0090] According to one embodiment, the flexible wing includes an end flange that contacts a top surface of the battery assembly.

[0091] According to one embodiment, a mounting fixture includes a base, a first flexible wing that projects laterally away from the base, and a second flexible wing that projects laterally away from the base.

[0092] According to one embodiment, the base includes a fastener platform having an opening for receiving a fastener.

[0093] According to one embodiment, the fastener extends into the mounting structure.

[0094] According to one embodiment, the base includes a first plurality of cutouts and each of the first flexible wing and the second flexible wing includes a second plurality of cutouts.

[0095] According to one embodiment, the above invention also features a bridge extending between the first flexible wing and the second flexible wing.

[0096] According to one embodiment, the bridge is established by a first tab extending from the first flexible wing and a second tab extending from the second flexible wing.

[0097] According to one embodiment, the second tab overlaps the first tab and is secured to the first tab.

[0098] According to one embodiment, a mounting fixture includes a base, a flexible wing protruding away from the base, and an end flange disposed at an end of the flexible wing opposite the base.

[0099] According to one embodiment, the above invention is further characterized in that the mounting structure is a T-shaped bracket.

[0100] According to the present invention, a battery pack is provided, which has a first group of battery cells arranged along a first longitudinal axis; a second group of battery cells arranged along a second longitudinal axis, the second longitudinal axis being laterally spaced apart from the first longitudinal axis; and a mounting fixture, which is arranged between the first group of battery cells and the second group of battery cells and includes a first end flange contacting the first group of battery cells and a second end flange contacting the second group of battery cells.

[0101] According to one embodiment, a mounting fixture includes a base, a first flexible wing that projects laterally away from the base, and a second flexible wing that projects laterally away from the base.

[0102] According to one embodiment, the first end flange is part of the first flexible wing and the second end flange is part of the second flexible wing.

[0103] According to one embodiment, the above invention is further characterized in that the base and each of the first and second flexible wings include a weight-reducing cutout.

[0104] According to one embodiment, the above invention is further characterized in that the mounting fixture includes a base portion mounted to a mounting structure disposed between the first group of battery cells and the second group of battery cells.

Claims

1. A battery pack comprising: Housing assembly; a battery assembly housed within the housing assembly; a mounting structure secured to the housing assembly; as well as a mounting fixture comprising a first section mounted to the mounting structure and a second section contacting the battery assembly; wherein the first section is a base of the mounting fixture and the second section is a flexible wing of the mounting fixture; The mounting fixture includes a base, a first flexible wing protruding laterally away from the base, a second flexible wing protruding laterally away from the base, and a bridge extending between the first flexible wing and the second flexible wing. 2 . The battery pack of claim 1 , wherein the flexible wing includes an end flange that contacts a top surface of the battery assembly. 3 . The battery pack of claim 1 , wherein the base includes a fastener platform having an opening for receiving a fastener. The battery pack of claim 3 , wherein the fastener extends into the mounting structure. 5 . The battery pack of claim 3 , wherein the base includes a first plurality of cutouts and each of the first flexible wing and the second flexible wing includes a second plurality of cutouts. 6 . The battery pack of claim 1 , wherein the bridge is established by a first tab extending from the first flexible wing and a second tab extending from the second flexible wing. The battery pack according to claim 6 , wherein the second tab overlaps the first tab.

8. A battery pack according to any preceding claim, wherein the mounting structure is a T-shaped bracket.

9. A battery pack comprising: a first group of battery cells disposed along a first longitudinal axis; a second group of battery cells disposed along a second longitudinal axis that is laterally spaced from the first longitudinal axis; as well as a mounting fixture disposed between the first group of battery cells and the second group of battery cells and including a first end flange contacting the first group of battery cells and a second end flange contacting the second group of battery cells; The mounting fixture includes a base, a first flexible wing protruding laterally away from the base, a second flexible wing protruding laterally away from the base, and a bridge extending between the first flexible wing and the second flexible wing.

10. The battery pack of claim 9, wherein the first end flange is part of the first flexible wing and the second end flange is part of the second flexible wing. 11 . The battery pack of claim 10 , wherein the base and each of the first and second flexible wings include a weight-reducing cutout.

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