Vehicle battery system

Abstract

A vehicle battery assembly having a battery pack comprising a plurality of modules. The plurality of modules are fastened by vertical and horizontal bolts. The battery pack includes cooling plates configured to be placed flexibly and non-rigidly between the modules. The cooling plates improve isolation of structural stresses from the battery assembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to various battery components of electric vehicles, and more particularly to a battery pack, its battery modules, and its organization system. Background Art

[0002] As the transition away from fossil fuels continues, the use of all-electric and hybrid electric vehicles is becoming increasingly popular. Typically, an electric vehicle includes a high voltage (HV) battery assembly that serves as the primary power source for the propulsion motors that drive the vehicle's wheels. The battery assembly may include a pack of battery modules. The battery assembly may be positioned and configured in a number of different ways, depending on the vehicle platform. One configuration includes a tunnel design in which the batteries are placed under the armrests along the length of the vehicle. Additionally, the wires for the battery modules may require support to provide strain relief for the wires. Unique wire retention clips may be utilized to support the wires for the battery modules. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The disclosed embodiments include an HV battery pack structure that accommodates standard VDA-sized battery modules and a wire retention clip that can be used for battery module wires of an HV battery pack. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] Features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description and the accompanying exemplary embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings briefly described below.

[0005] Figure 1 A vehicle having a battery assembly located within the vehicle.

[0006] Figure 2 is used for Figure 1 The battery assembly of the vehicle is shown in FIG.

[0007] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 The battery assembly is shown with the cover removed.

[0008] Figure 4a yes Figure 3 A close-up view of the battery assembly shown in FIG, with the battery modules removed.

[0009] Figure 4b yes Figure 3 A close-up of the battery assembly shown in FIG.

[0010] Figure 5a Here is a close-up of the horizontal bolt anchor.

[0011] Figure 5b Here's another close-up of the horizontal bolt anchor.

[0012] Figure 5c This is a close-up side view of a horizontal bolt anchor.

[0013] Figure 5d A close-up side view of an alternative horizontal bolt anchor.

[0014] Figure 5e Is a nut installation tool for horizontal bolt anchors.

[0015] Figure 6 yes Figure 3 A close-up of the battery assembly shown in Figure 1, with all modules removed.

[0016] Figure 7 yes Figure 3 A side view of the battery assembly is shown in FIG.

[0017] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A close-up of the circled portion "A" is shown in FIG.

[0018] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 A close-up of the battery assembly shown in FIG, without the wire retention clips.

[0019] Figure 10a is a bottom view of the wire retention clip.

[0020] Figure 10b is an isometric view of a wire retention clip.

[0021] Figure 10c is a rear view of the wire retention clip.

[0022] FIG. 10d is a side view of the wire retention clip.

[0023] Figure 11 yes Figure 8 A close-up of the battery assembly shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] According to one disclosed embodiment, a battery assembly for a vehicle is disclosed. The battery assembly includes a housing, the housing including a cover and a tray located below the cover, and a battery stack including a plurality of battery modules, wherein each battery module includes a plurality of battery cells. The plurality of battery modules include an upper battery module and a lower battery module, wherein the lower battery module is configured to be placed on the tray and the upper battery module is configured to be placed on the lower battery module. The battery assembly also includes at least one horizontal bolt configured to extend through at least two adjacent upper battery modules, and at least one vertical bolt configured to extend through a pillar, wherein the pillar extends from the upper battery module to the lower battery module, and the at least one horizontal bolt is configured to be mounted on a horizontal bolt anchor, wherein the horizontal bolt anchor is attached to and extends from the pillar.

[0025] According to another exemplary embodiment, a battery assembly for a vehicle includes a housing including a cover and a tray positioned below the cover and configured to support a battery pack. The battery pack includes a plurality of battery modules, each of which includes a plurality of battery cells. The plurality of battery modules includes a first longitudinal row of modules and a second longitudinal row of modules, each row including an upper layer and a lower layer, with the upper layer positioned on top of the lower layer. An upper cooling plate is positioned between the upper layer of the first longitudinal row of modules and the upper layer of the second longitudinal row of modules. A lower cooling plate is positioned between the lower layer of the first longitudinal row of modules and the lower layer of the second longitudinal row of modules. A first support and a second support are positioned at longitudinal ends of the first longitudinal row of modules, with the first support positioned opposite the second support. A third support and a fourth support are positioned at longitudinal ends of the second longitudinal row of modules, with the third support positioned opposite the fourth support. A plurality of horizontal bolts are configured to secure the first longitudinal row of modules to the second longitudinal row of modules. A pair of vertical bolts are configured to secure the support to the tray. The first support includes a first horizontal bolt anchor configured to receive a first horizontal bolt of the plurality of horizontal bolts. The second leg includes a second horizontal bolt anchor configured to receive a second horizontal bolt of the plurality of horizontal bolts. The third leg includes a third horizontal bolt anchor configured to receive the first horizontal bolt, and the fourth leg includes a fourth horizontal bolt anchor configured to receive the second horizontal bolt.

[0026] Figure 1 A vehicle 1 is shown including a high voltage battery (inside the vehicle) that powers a propulsion motor (not visible; inside the vehicle) that drives the vehicle's wheels.

[0027] Figure 2 The high voltage battery assembly 2 includes a housing 3 including a cover 3a and a tray 3b (see FIG. Figure 3 ). The cover 3a is fastened to the tray 3b. Figure 3 The battery assembly 2 is shown with the cover 3a removed. The battery assembly 2 includes a battery pack 8 that includes one or more battery modules 10 disposed on top of the tray 3b. The battery pack 8 extends longitudinally across the battery assembly 2. The battery pack 8 includes a lower battery module 4 and an upper battery module 5 ( Figure 3 Not all battery modules 10 are visible in the figure). Each battery module 10 may include one or more battery cells (not shown, inside each module). Figure 3As shown, the battery pack 8 of the battery assembly 2 includes sixteen modules, which are arranged in two rows of eight battery modules 10, and each row of battery modules 10 has four columns of two modules (upper modules 4 and lower modules 5) in each column. The lower battery module 4 is located on top of the extrusion 14 of the tray 3b and supports the upper battery module. Each battery module 10 can be a standard size VDA battery module. The dimensions of the standard size VDA battery modules are set by the German Association of the Automotive Industry, also known as Verband der Automobilindustrie (VDA). The battery modules 10 can be oriented so that the positive and negative sides of adjacent battery modules in a given row are alternating (see Figure 3 ). Adjacent battery modules in a given row may be electrically connected via electrical connectors 7, as shown in all figures of this disclosure.

[0028] Figure 4a The battery pack 8 of the battery assembly 2 is shown with a single battery module 10 removed. The battery modules 10 are secured via horizontal bolts 11 extending through the modules 10. The horizontal bolts 11 may be secured to corresponding horizontal bolt anchors 12 via nuts. The horizontal bolts 11 may extend through one or more battery modules 10 to another horizontal bolt anchor 12 at the opposite side of the battery pack 8. The horizontal bolts 11 may receive nuts 11b on one side (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 5a ), so that at least two battery modules 10 can be coupled and fastened together in the side direction.

[0029] For example, Figure 4bTwo rows of battery modules 10 are shown, with a pair of battery modules 10a and 10b fastened and coupled together via horizontal bolts 11. Horizontal bolts 11 may be located at the top and bottom of each battery module 10; however, horizontal bolts 11 may be placed and fastened at other locations along the height of the battery module. Horizontal bolt anchors 12 may include one or more openings configured to accommodate horizontal bolts 11. Horizontal bolt anchors 12 located at the corners of the assembly may include only a single opening. For example, horizontal bolt anchor 12a may include a single opening and be located at an outer corner of the assembly 2, where module-to-module connections at the longitudinal ends 2b of the battery stack 8 are not required. Horizontal bolt anchor 12d may be located between the upper and lower modules at the longitudinal ends 2b of the battery stack 8. Bolt anchors 12 located between modules 10 are configured so that one end of the bolt anchor 12 is used for a different battery module 10 than the module located at the other end of the bolt anchor 12. For example, bolt anchor 12b anchors battery module 10c and battery module 10a. Similar bolt anchors 12b anchor the battery module 10c to the battery module 10e. The bolt anchors 12 may also include a central bolt anchor 12c that includes four openings to accommodate four different battery modules 10. Although only the battery module 10 at the longitudinal end 2b of the battery pack 8 is shown, this configuration is similarly configured for the remaining battery modules 10 of the battery pack 8. Each longitudinally adjacent battery module 10 will be configured with one or more horizontal bolt anchors 12 and corresponding horizontal bolts, similar to Figure 4a and Figure 4b shown.

[0030] Vertical bolts 13 can also be used to vertically couple and secure the battery modules 10. The vertical bolts 13 extend through the extrusion 14 and into channels 15, where nuts or rivet nuts (not shown) can be inserted into the channels 15 of the extrusion 14, and the nuts are configured to be fastened to the vertical bolts 13. A nut insertion tool can be used to insert the nuts into the channels 15 and tighten them onto the vertical bolts 13. The extrusion 14 is positioned above the tray 3b. The length of the vertical bolts 13 can extend to and terminate in the channels 15 of the extrusion 14, without extending through the tray 3b. This configuration reduces the vulnerability of the battery assembly 2 to water ingress and other hazards by eliminating the need for holes for fasteners on external components of the battery assembly 2 (e.g., the tray 3b). The vertical bolts 13 can be located only at the ends of the battery pack 8. The vertical bolts 13 are inserted through vertical bolt anchors 16 located at the ends of the upper battery modules 10a and 10b. The vertical bolt anchors 16 are positioned above the support posts 17. The vertical bolt anchor 16 can be configured as a flat plate that includes one or more holes configured to accommodate the vertical bolts 13. The vertical bolts 13 extend through the pillar 17 and extend into the channel 15 of the extrusion 14. The pillar 17 is also coupled to the horizontal bolt anchor 12 at the battery module 10 at the longitudinal end 2b of the battery pack 8. The horizontal bolt anchors 12d / 12a at the ends of the pillars can be fastened or integrated into the pillars 17. The pillars 17 and the vertical bolt anchors 16 can have substantially the same cross-sectional shape and size, so that the perimeter of the vertical bolt anchors overlaps the perimeter of the pillars. The pillars 17 can extend from the top of the module 10a to the bottom of the module 10d (i.e., to the extrusion 14). This fastening configuration contributes to the structural rigidity of the battery pack 8. Although only one longitudinal end 2b of the battery pack 8 is shown, the other opposite longitudinal end 2a of the battery pack can include the same configuration.

[0031] exist Figure 4a , the battery pack 8 further includes a cooling plate 20, a thermal interface material 21, a pad 22, and a strip 23. The cooling plate 20 extends longitudinally across the battery pack 8 from one longitudinal end 2b to the other longitudinal end 2a. The cooling plate 20 is configured to dissipate heat from the battery module 10. The upper battery module and the lower module can each include a corresponding cooling plate 20. The cooling plate 20 is not rigidly fixed to the battery assembly 2 or the battery module 10 of the battery pack 8. This arrangement prevents structural stress from being transferred to the cooling plate 20, thereby improving the life and durability of the cooling plate 20.

[0032] Figure 5a The side of the battery pack 8 is shown with the horizontal bolt end 11a inserted through the bolt anchor 12b. The square nut 11b can be placed in the slot 50 of the bolt anchor 12. The square nut 11b is inserted into the slot 50 before the horizontal bolt 11 is installed. Figure 5a Shown as Figure 4bBolt anchor 12e is shown. Bolt anchor 12e is located on the side of the battery pack opposite bolt anchor 12b. Bolt anchor 12e includes a flat surface 51 configured to engage bolt head 11c. Bolt end 11a of horizontal bolt 11 is configured to first enter through bolt anchor 12e and exit through bolt anchor 12b. Figure 5a and Figure 5b As shown. The horizontal bolt 11 can then be tightened to the bolt anchor 12e to engage the bolt anchor surface 51 and be screwed through the square nut 11b. Although only the top anchors 12b and 12e are shown, a similar configuration of bolt anchors 12 can be provided for the battery pack 8. For example, in Figure 4b In the embodiment of the present invention, each bolt anchor 12b / 12c / 12a may include a slot 50 configured to receive a corresponding bolt end 11a and a corresponding square nut 11b. Although square nut 11b and slot 50 are shown, any shape of nut or slot may be utilized.

[0033] Figure 5c and Figure 5d Each shows an alternative view of a bolt anchor 12. Each bolt anchor 12 includes a flange portion 61 and a body 62. A first gap 70 / 71 is located between a first surface 63 of the flange portion 61 and a first surface 64 of the corresponding nearest adjacent battery module 10. A second gap 72 / 73 is located between a first surface 65 of the body 62 and a second surface 66 of the corresponding nearest adjacent battery module 10. The bolt anchor 12 is designed so that the second gap 72 / 73 is smaller than the first gap 70 / 71 on the same corresponding side (i.e., gap 70 is smaller than gap 72 and gap 71 is smaller than gap 73). This configuration protects the battery module 10 from unwanted contact at the first surface 64, which could electrically damage the battery cells. If the horizontal bolt 11 becomes loose, the body 62 will contact the second surface 66 and the flange portion 61 will be prevented from contacting the first surface 64.

[0034] Figure 5eA nut assembly or installation tool 80 for the battery pack 8 is shown. The tool 80 eliminates the need for a second operator to be involved in installing the horizontal bolt 11. The installation tool 80 is configured to be attached to the anchor 12 on the bolt end side. The installation tool 80 is configured to retain a corresponding square nut 11b in a nut slot 81. The position of the nut slot 81 corresponds to the position of the slot 50 of the bolt anchor 12, at which position the nut 11b is configured to be placed therein. As the horizontal bolt 11 is inserted into and tightened on the bolt anchor 12 on the opposite side (i.e., the hot side of the bolt), the bolt 11 will engage the corresponding nut 11b and, via the threads of the bolt 11, bring the bolt into the corresponding slot 50 of the horizontal bolt anchor 12. The shape of the nut assembly tool 80 can match the shape of the bolt anchor so that the nut 11b can be smoothly transferred from the slot 81 of the assembly tool 80 to the slot 50 of the bolt anchor 12 (i.e., there is no gap between the tool 80 and the corresponding anchor 12).

[0035] Figure 6 The battery pack 8 is shown without the battery modules 10. The horizontal fasteners 11 and the vertical fasteners 13 are also omitted. The battery pack 8 also includes a bottom support plate 24, an intermediate support plate 25, and a top support plate 26. The top support plate 26 can also be seen. Figure 4a and Figure 4b And the middle support plate 25 can also be seen Figure 4a The support plates 24 / 25 / 26 extend parallel to the cooling plates 20. The straps 23 extend along the length of the support plates 24 / 25 / 26 and are positioned between the cooling plates 20 and the corresponding adjacent support plates 24 / 25 / 26. The support plates 24 / 25 / 26 are configured to receive and support the horizontal bolts 11. The support plates 24 / 25 / 26 are positioned between rows of battery modules 10, where a row is a group of upper and lower battery modules arranged longitudinally along the battery pack 8.

[0036] The cooling plate 20 may include a heat pipe 20a configured to accommodate and carry a cooling medium. Sections of thermal interface material 21 may be applied to both sides of the cooling plate 20 facing the battery module 10. The thermal interface material 21 is configured to enhance the thermal coupling of the cooling plate 20 and the battery module 10 so as to quickly dissipate heat from the battery module 10 to the cooling medium. The strips 23 are placed between the corresponding adjacent support plates 24 / 25 / 26 and the cooling plate 20. The strips 23 may be made of a foam material and are configured to support the cooling plate 20 in a vertical direction. The pad 22 is placed between the rails 20b and the rails 20c of the cooling plate 20 and is configured to engage the support 17 and the heat pipe 20a of the cooling plate 20 so that the pad 22 prevents the cooling plate 20 from moving in the longitudinal direction along the battery pack 8 (see Figure 4b and Figure 6Although not shown, the configuration of the pad 22 can also be applied to the other longitudinal end 2a of the battery pack 8. The pad 22 can also include a foam material with suitable thickness and elasticity. In the above configuration, the cooling plate 20 is not screwed or bolted to the battery pack 8. Therefore, the cooling plate 20 is relieved of structural stress, thereby improving the life cycle of the plate.

[0037] like Figure 7 As shown, the battery pack 8 may also include one or more wires 40 that are configured to be connected to each battery module 10. Each battery module 10 includes a first connector 41 and a second connector 42. Each connector is configured to receive data from the battery ECU and other electronic devices in the battery assembly 2 and send data to each battery module 10. The wire 40 may need to be connected to a single side. For example, the wire 40 may need to be connected to the connector 41 on the negative side of the battery module 10. In order to prevent the wire from being inserted into the wrong connector, a wire retaining clip 43 is provided to organize and support the wire 40. If necessary, the wire can also be connected to the connector 42 at the positive side of the battery module 10. As shown Figure 8 As shown, the wire retaining clip 43 is configured to be clamped onto the module 10 of the battery assembly 2 . Figure 9 A close-up view of a battery assembly 2 without a wire retention clip 43 between two battery modules 10 is shown. The battery modules 10 may include a first clamping hole 44 and a second clamping hole 45, wherein the first clamping hole and the second clamping hole 44 / 45 both extend laterally at the ends of the battery modules 10. The first clamping hole and the second clamping hole 44 / 45 of each module are configured to receive the legs of the wire retention clip 43. Each battery module 10 may also include a third clamping hole 46, which is configured to receive the notch 50 (see FIG. 5 ) of the wire retention clip 43. Figures 10a to 10d ). Third clamp holes 46 are located at the end faces of the longitudinal ends of each battery module 10. The first hole 44, the second hole 45, and the third hole 46 are configured to accommodate the retaining clip 43. Although shown on only one side, the third hole 46 is configured to be located on both sides of each battery module 10 to allow the wire clamp 43 to be attached to two corresponding adjacent battery modules 10.

[0038] Figures 10a to 10dDifferent views of the wire retention clip 43 are shown. The wire retention clip 43 may include a first pair of legs 47, a second pair of legs 48, and a third pair of legs 49, each pair of legs extending from a clip body 54. The first pair of legs 47 is shaped to be inserted into the first clamping hole 44 of the battery module, and the second pair of legs 48 is shaped to be inserted into the second clamping hole 48 of the battery module. The third pair of legs 49 includes a notch 50 configured to be inserted into the third clamping hole 46 in each battery module 10. The notch 50 and the third clamping hole 46 can be of any shape, as long as the shape of the notch 50 matches the shape of the third clamping hole 46. The third leg 49 is configured to be inserted into the space between the battery modules. The first and second legs 47 / 48 respectively extend through the first and second clamping holes 44 / 45 to hold the wire retention clip between the modules 10. The notch 50 is configured to clamp onto and be inserted into the third clamping hole 46. The notch 50 is configured to prevent the wire retention clip 43 from being removed or pulled out of the battery module 10. The first leg 47, the second leg 48, the first clamp hole 44, and the second clamp hole 45 are formed so that only the first leg 47 can be inserted into the first hole 44, and the second leg 48 can be inserted into the second hole 45 of the battery module 10. This prevents the wire retaining clip 43 from being inserted incorrectly (e.g., upside down). The wire holes 51 and 52 of the wire retaining clip 43 are configured to hold the wires 40 for each corresponding battery module 10. Each wire hole 51 / 52 may include teeth 53, which are configured to allow the wire to pass through in one direction while preventing the wire from leaving when it is pulled in another opposite direction. A tab 55 may also extend from the clip body 54. The tab 55 serves as a handle to help insert the clip 43 between the battery modules 10. The tab 55 also serves as a separator for the wire holes 51 and 52 so that the wire can be guided to the correct and intended module 10 for the wire. For example, as Figure 11 As shown, if the wire 40 is intended for use with the connector 41, then the wire 40 will be inserted into the wire hole 51. Similarly, if the wire 40 is intended for use with the connector 42, then the wire 40 will be inserted into the wire hole 52. The position of the wire holes 51 / 52 relative to the tab 55 will bias the wire toward the left or right side of the battery module 10.

[0039] As utilized herein, the terms "approximately," "about," "substantially," and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning consistent with common and accepted usage by those skilled in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure belongs. Those skilled in the art who review this disclosure should understand that these terms are intended to allow the description and protection of certain features without limiting the scope of such features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial and inconsequential modifications and alterations to the subject matter described and claimed are considered to fall within the scope of this disclosure as set forth in the appended claims.

[0040] It should be noted that the term "exemplary" as used herein to describe various embodiments is intended to indicate that such embodiments are possible examples, representations and / or illustrations of possible embodiments (and such term is not intended to imply that such embodiments are necessarily particular or best examples).

[0041] The terms "coupled," "connected," and similar terms mean the joining of two components directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent) or movable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved by the two components, or the two components and any additional intermediate components, being integrally formed as a single unitary structure with one another, or by the two components, or the two components and any additional intermediate components, being attached to one another.

[0042] References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., "top," "bottom," "above," "below," etc.) are intended only to describe the orientation of the various elements in the drawings. It should be noted that the orientation of the various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments, and such differences are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure.

[0043] It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the battery assemblies shown in the various exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. Although the present disclosure describes only a few embodiments in detail, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art who read the present disclosure that many modifications (e.g., changes in size, dimensions, structure, shape and proportion of various elements, parameter values, mounting arrangements, use of materials, color, orientation, etc.) are possible without substantially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. For example, an element shown as integrally formed may be constructed from multiple parts or elements, the positions of the elements may be reversed or otherwise changed, and the nature and number of discrete elements or positions may be changed or different. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be changed or reordered according to alternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A battery assembly for a vehicle, comprising: a housing comprising a cover and a tray positioned below the cover; a battery pack comprising a plurality of battery modules, wherein each battery module comprises a plurality of battery cells; The plurality of battery modules include an upper battery module and a lower battery module, wherein the lower battery module is configured to be placed on the tray and the upper battery module is configured to be placed on the lower battery module; at least one horizontal bolt configured to extend through at least two adjacent upper battery modules; at least one vertical bolt configured to extend through a support post, wherein the support post extends from the upper battery module to the lower battery module; and a first cooling plate extending longitudinally from one end of the battery pack to an opposite end of the battery pack, wherein the first cooling plate is positioned between adjacent rows of the upper battery modules, wherein the at least one horizontal bolt is configured to be mounted on a horizontal bolt anchor attached to and extending from the post, and The first cooling plate comprises: a heat pipe configured to receive and carry a cooling medium; Track 1; Track 2; and A first pad is positioned between the first rail and the second rail, the first pad being configured to engage the support posts and the heat pipes of the first cooling plate to prevent the first cooling plate from moving in a longitudinal direction.

2. The battery assembly according to claim 1, further comprising: a second cooling plate extending longitudinally from the one end of the battery pack to the opposite end of the battery pack, The second cooling plate is placed between adjacent rows of the lower battery modules.

3. The battery assembly according to claim 2, further comprising: a first support plate extending parallel to the first track of the first cooling plate; wherein the first support plate is configured to receive a first horizontal bolt of the at least one horizontal bolt; a first foam strip extending along said first track; as well as A second foam strip extends along the second track, wherein the first foam strip and the second foam strip are configured to support the first cooling plate in a vertical direction.

4. The battery assembly according to claim 3, wherein: The second cooling plate comprises: Third Track; Track 4; and A second pad is positioned between the third rail and the fourth rail, wherein the second pad is configured to engage the support post to prevent movement of the second cooling plate in a longitudinal direction.

5. The battery assembly according to claim 4, further comprising: a second support plate extending parallel to the fourth track of the second cooling plate; an intermediate support plate extending parallel to the second track of the first cooling plate and the third track of the second cooling plate; a third foam strip extending along the third track; as well as a fourth foam strip extending along the fourth track, wherein the third foam strip and the fourth foam strip are configured to support the second cooling plate in a vertical direction.

6. The battery assembly according to claim 5, wherein: The first support plate, the second support plate, the middle support plate, the first rail, the second rail, the third rail, the fourth rail, the first foaming strip, and the second foaming strip are located on the same plane.

7. An electric vehicle comprising: Propulsion motor; a battery assembly configured to power the propulsion motor; The battery assembly has a housing including a cover and a tray located below the cover; a battery pack located within the housing, wherein the battery pack includes a plurality of battery modules, wherein each of the battery modules includes a plurality of battery cells; The plurality of battery modules include an upper battery module and a lower battery module, wherein the lower battery module is configured to be placed on the tray, and the upper battery module is configured to be placed on the lower battery module; at least one horizontal bolt configured to extend through at least two adjacent upper battery modules; at least one vertical bolt configured to extend through a support post, wherein the support post extends from the upper battery module to the lower battery module; and a first cooling plate extending longitudinally from one end of the battery pack to an opposite end of the battery pack, wherein the first cooling plate is positioned between adjacent rows of the upper battery modules, wherein the at least one horizontal bolt is configured to be mounted on a horizontal bolt anchor attached to and extending from the support post, and The first cooling plate comprises: a heat pipe configured to receive and carry a cooling medium; Track 1; Track 2; and A first pad is positioned between the first rail and the second rail, the first pad being configured to engage the support posts and the heat pipes of the first cooling plate to prevent the first cooling plate from moving in a longitudinal direction.

8. The vehicle of claim 7, further comprising: a second cooling plate extending longitudinally from the one end of the battery pack to the opposite end of the battery pack, The second cooling plate is placed between adjacent rows of the lower battery modules.

9. The vehicle of claim 8, further comprising: a first support plate extending parallel to the first rail of the first cooling plate, the first support plate being configured to receive a first horizontal bolt of the at least one horizontal bolt; as well as a first foam strip extending along said first track; as well as A second foam strip extends along the second track, wherein the first foam strip and the second foam strip are configured to support the first cooling plate in a vertical direction.

10. The vehicle according to claim 9, wherein The second cooling plate comprises: Third Track; Track 4; and A second pad is positioned between the third rail and the fourth rail, wherein the second pad is configured to engage the support post to prevent movement of the second cooling plate in a longitudinal direction.

11. The vehicle of claim 10, further comprising: a second support plate extending parallel to the fourth track of the second cooling plate; an intermediate support plate extending parallel to the second track of the first cooling plate and the third track of the second cooling plate; a third foam strip extending along the third track; as well as a fourth foam strip extending along the fourth track, wherein the third foam strip and the fourth foam strip are configured to support the second cooling plate in a vertical direction.

12. The vehicle according to claim 11, wherein The first support plate, the second support plate, the middle support plate, the first rail, the second rail, the third rail, the fourth rail, the first foaming strip, and the second foaming strip are located on the same plane.

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