High-voltage distribution box

Abstract

The group independent high voltage power distribution device may include electrical components. The electrical component may be configured to control a first battery pack and a second battery pack different from the first battery pack.

Description

[0001] introduction

[0002] A vehicle, such as an electric vehicle, may be powered by a battery. The vehicle may include components that operate the vehicle based on power provided by the battery. Summary of the invention

[0003] The technical solution relates to a technology for a pack-agnostic high-voltage distribution box (HVDB) or a high-voltage distribution (HVD) device. The HVDB can be connected to the outside of the battery pack so that the battery pack and the HVDB can be designed and manufactured separately. Although the battery pack can be designed to have a variety of structures or chemical or electrical configurations, the battery pack can be designed to include the same connection components for the HVDB connection. The battery pack can be designed to have an electrical connection and a thermal connection system at a common position in the battery pack to connect with the HVDB. The HVDB may include a housing. The housing can be connected to the outside of the housing of the battery pack. For example, the housing of the battery pack may include an interface or opening in the housing wall, through which a standardized electrical connection or thermal connection can be made between the battery pack and the HVDB. The housing of the HVDB can be connected to the outside of the housing of the battery pack through an opening. At least one electrical connector or thermal connector of the HVDB can be docked with the battery pack through an opening in the housing wall of the battery pack. For example, the HVDB can be electrically connected to a busbar, a wire or other electrical connection. In addition, the bottom side of the HVDB may include a detachable plate. The housing of the HVDB may include a removable plate on the bottom side of the housing. The removable plate may be coupled to the bottom end of the side wall or side of the housing. The removable plate may be removed or disconnected from the housing. When servicing the electric vehicle, a technician may remove the plate to access the components of the HVDB to service the components (e.g., battery management system, fuses, contactors, connectors, etc.) from the bottom side of the housing.

[0004] The group-independent high-voltage power distribution device may include an electrical component. The electrical component may be configured to control a first battery group and a second battery group different from the first battery group.

[0005] The group-independent high-voltage power distribution device may include a mechanical connector. The mechanical connector may be configured to interface with a first battery group and a second battery group different from the first battery group.

[0006] The group-independent high-voltage distribution box may be configured to control a first battery group. The group-independent high-voltage distribution box may be configured to control a second battery group, wherein the first battery group is different from the second battery group.

[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure is generally directed to a device. The device may include a housing. The housing may be coupled to a side of the battery pack at an opening in a side of the battery pack. The housing may surround at least a portion of an electrical component. The electrical component is capable of controlling power transfer between a battery of the battery pack and the component. The device may include a connector to electrically couple the electrical component to the battery of the battery pack through the opening.

[0008] One aspect of the present disclosure is generally directed to a method. The method may include providing an electrical component to control power transfer between a battery pack and the component. The method may include coupling a housing to a side of the battery pack at an opening in a side of the battery pack, the housing surrounding at least a portion of the electrical component. The method may include coupling a connection system to the battery pack through the opening.

[0009] One aspect of the present disclosure relates generally to a battery pack. The battery pack may include a first housing including a side, the side including an opening. The battery pack may include at least one battery disposed in the first housing. The battery pack may include a second housing coupled to a side of the first housing at an opening in a side of the battery pack, the second housing surrounding at least a portion of an electrical component. The battery pack may include a connection system to electrically couple the electrical component to at least one battery of the battery pack through the opening.

[0010] One aspect of the present disclosure is generally directed to a device. The device may include an electrical component. The electrical component is capable of controlling power transfer between a battery of a battery pack and the component. The electrical component may be electrically coupled to the battery of the battery pack through an interface in a component of the battery pack.

[0011] One aspect of the present disclosure is generally directed to a device. The device may include a housing to couple with a side of a battery pack at an interface in the side of the battery pack. The housing may surround at least a portion of an electrical component that controls power transfer between cells of the battery pack and the component. The device may include a connection system to electrically couple the electrical component to the cells of the battery pack through the interface.

[0012] One aspect of the present disclosure is generally directed to a group-independent high-voltage distribution box. The group-independent high-voltage distribution box can be configured to control a first battery group and a second battery group, wherein the first battery group is different from the second battery group. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The drawings are not intended to be drawn to scale. Like reference numbers and names indicate similar elements in the various drawings. For clarity, not every component may be labeled in every drawing. In the drawings:

[0014] Figure 1 An exemplary expanded view of a battery pack and HVDB is depicted.

[0015] Figure 2 Depicted are the HVDBs coupled to battery packs of different configurations.

[0016] Figure 3 An exemplary HVDB coupled to a battery pack is depicted.

[0017] Figure 4 An exemplary HVDB coupled to a battery pack is depicted with the removable plate removed.

[0018] Figure 5 Another exemplary HVDB including an electrical connector and a thermal connector coupled to a battery pack is depicted.

[0019] Figure 6 Another exemplary HVDB including an electrical connector and a thermal connector coupled to a battery pack is depicted.

[0020] Fig. 7A Another exemplary HVDB including an electrical connector and a thermal connector coupled to a battery pack is depicted.

[0021] FIG. 7B to FIG. 7C An exemplary HVDB including a thermal connector is depicted.

[0022] Figure 8 Depicted is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack including bus bars, thermal lines, and electrical lines.

[0023] Fig. 9 An exemplary HVDB including a battery monitor, a switch module, and a battery management system is depicted.

[0024] Fig.10 An exemplary switch module of a HVDB is depicted.

[0025] Fig.11 An exemplary electric vehicle including a HVDB coupled to a battery pack is depicted.

[0026] Fig.12 An exemplary method of coupling an HVDB to a battery pack is depicted.

[0027] Fig.13 An exemplary computing system is depicted. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Various concepts related to methods, devices and systems for vehicles and their implementation are described in further detail below. The various concepts introduced above and discussed in more detail below can be implemented in any of a variety of ways.

[0029] The present disclosure as a whole relates to technology for group-independent HVDB. The HVDB can be a box that monitors and controls the voltage provided by the battery pack to various loads of a vehicle or building. For example, the HVDB can be docked with a battery pack subassembly, a battery module, or a battery power source of a battery pack and switch power to a high-voltage load (e.g., an electric motor, a drive unit, a heating ventilation or air conditioning system) or a low-voltage load (interior lighting, monitors, electronic devices). The battery pack of a vehicle such as an electric vehicle can have a variety of configurations. For example, the battery pack can have different mechanical or structural architectures (e.g., different shapes, sizes, or form factors). In addition, the battery pack may include cells or battery modules of multiple chemistries (e.g., lithium iron phosphate (LFP), nickel-based cathode chemistry, high nickel chemistry, nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) chemistry typically including greater than 33 wt.% or high nickel chemistry with greater than 80 wt.% nickel, nickel-cobalt-aluminum (NCA) chemistry, nickel cobalt manganese aluminum (NCMA) chemistry, lithium manganese iron phosphate (LMFP) chemistry, lithiated oxide (OLO) chemistry, lithium cobalt oxide (LCO) chemistry, lead-acid chemistry, nickel-cadmium chemistry, nickel metal hydride chemistry, zinc-carbon chemistry, or any other type of chemistry).

[0030] In addition, the battery pack may include different cell form factors (e.g., cylindrical cells, hard-shell prismatic cells, pouch cells, etc.) or different battery module designs. The HVDB for these battery packs may be designed for the structure and chemical configuration of each battery pack. Therefore, each type of battery pack may have an HVDB designed and manufactured for the battery pack, which may require a large amount of design and manufacturing resources.

[0031] In addition, the HVDB may include components that a technician may need to maintain, replace, or repair. However, because the HVDB can be integrated into the battery pack (e.g., disposed within the housing of the battery pack), a maintenance technician may not be able to access components of the HVDB without opening the entire battery pack. The HVDB may be disposed within a housing or shell of the battery pack. In some cases, the HVDB is coupled to the cover of the battery pack and is located between the battery modules of the battery pack and the cover of the battery pack. Therefore, in order to access and maintain the HVDB, the entire battery pack may need to be removed from the vehicle and opened.

[0032] In order to solve these technical problems and other technical problems, the present solution can provide a group-independent HVDB. The HVDB can be connected to the outside of the battery pack so that the battery pack and the HVDB can be designed and manufactured separately. Although the battery pack can be designed to have a variety of structures or chemical configurations, the battery pack can be designed to include the same connection components for the HVDB connection, and the electrical connector and the thermal connector can be placed at a common position in the battery pack. Therefore, the HVDB can be connected and connected to any battery pack, regardless of the structure or chemical configuration of the battery pack. This can reduce the number of different types or configurations of HVDBs that need to be designed and manufactured. This can further reduce the number of HVDB types that maintenance technicians need to stock in order to replace the HVDB. This can increase the speed at which technicians repair the HVDB of electric vehicles.

[0033] The HVDB may include a housing. The housing may be coupled to the outside of the housing of the battery pack. For example, the housing of the battery pack may include an interface or opening in the housing wall, through which an electrical or thermal connection may be made between the battery pack and the HVDB. The housing of the HVDB may be coupled to the outside of the housing of the battery pack through the opening. At least one electrical connector or thermal connector of the HVDB may be docked with the battery pack through the opening in the housing wall of the battery pack. For example, the HVDB may be electrically connected to a busbar, wire, or other electrical connection. The HVDB may receive power from the battery of the battery pack via an electrical connection, or provide power to the battery of the battery pack via an electrical connection to charge the battery.

[0034] In addition, the bottom side of the HVDB may include a removable plate. The housing of the HVDB has a plate on the bottom side of the housing. The removable plate may be connected to the bottom end of the side wall or side of the housing. The removable plate can be removed or disconnected from the housing. When repairing the electric vehicle, the technician can remove the plate to access the components of the HVDB to repair or replace the components (e.g., battery management system, fuse, contactor, connector, etc.) from the bottom side of the housing. When the technician is under the vehicle (e.g., such as when the vehicle is lifted off the ground via a lift or vehicle jack), the technician can approach the removable plate, separate the plate from the housing of the HVDB, and repair the components of the HVDB. Therefore, to repair the HVDB, the battery pack does not need to be removed or opened from the vehicle.

[0035] Now refer to Figure 1, which shows an exemplary expanded view of the battery pack 100 and the HVDB 175. The battery pack 100 can provide power for electric, hybrid or internal combustion vehicles. The battery pack 100 can provide power to commercial or residential buildings to power devices, equipment or systems of the building. The battery pack 100 may include a housing 105. The housing 105 may be or include a frame, a housing, a device or a housing to partially or completely surround the components, equipment or systems of the battery pack 100. The housing 105 may be or include aluminum, steel or carbon fiber. The housing 105 may be coupled, fixed, fixedly coupled or attached to the frame of the vehicle, the wall of the building or the floor of the building. The housing 105 may include members 125, 130, 135 and 140 (e.g., sides, sidewalls or side surfaces). The housing 105 may include an inner surface and an outer surface. The housing 105 may include a top side or cover 145 and a bottom side 120. The battery pack 100 may include at least one interface 165 to couple the cover 145 with the housing 105. The battery pack 100 may include at least one interface 170 to couple the cover 145 with the electric vehicle.

[0036] The side surfaces 125, 130, 135, and 140 may extend from the bottom side surface 120 to the top side surface 145. The side surfaces 125, 130, 135, and 140 may define a space for accommodating and protecting the battery module 150. The first side surface 125 and the second side surface 135 may be parallel to each other. The third side surface 130 and the fourth side surface 140 may be parallel to each other. The first side surface 125 and the second side surface 135 may each be perpendicular to the third side surface 130 and the fourth side surface 140. The side surfaces 125-140 may surround the outer boundary or periphery of the housing 105. The side surfaces 125-140 and the bottom side surface 120 may be integrally formed or coupled, attached, welded, or connected. The top side surface 145 may be detachable from the housing 105.

[0037] The battery pack 100 may include a battery module 150 (or a battery or battery cell group). The battery modules 150 may each include a group of batteries, battery cells, or other charge storage devices. The battery module 150 may include a hot component (e.g., a cold plate) that cools the battery with a liquid such as a coolant. The battery pack 100 may include at least one hot component 155. The hot component 155 may be or include a hot line, a cold plate, a heat pipe, or a pipe. The hot line may transport the coolant to the cold plate, which transports the heat generated at the battery module 150 away from the battery module and out of the battery pack 100.

[0038] The battery pack 100 may include an electrical component 160. The electrical component 160 may include any active electrical component (e.g., sensor, circuit, etc.) capable of outputting a signal in response to an input (e.g., input signal, voltage, current, and temperature) and any passive electrical component (e.g., cable and wire) capable of transmitting, transferring, or sensing voltage, current, temperature, etc. For example, the electrical component 160 may be or include a wiring harness, wire, cable, busbar, fuse, thermoelectric device, battery management system, switch module, or other electrical conductor, etc. The electrical component 160 includes a high-voltage electrical connection and a low-voltage electrical connection. For example, the electrical component 160 may be connected to a sensor that monitors the high-voltage operation of the battery pack 100. The measurement may be or include a temperature measurement performed by a temperature sensor, a voltage measurement performed by a voltage sensor, a current measurement performed by a current sensor, and a gas measurement performed by a gas sensor. The signal may indicate the condition of the battery module 150, such as temperature, voltage, current, charge state, fault state, etc.

[0039] The device, apparatus, module, system or HVDB 175 may be coupled to the housing 105. The HVDB 175 may be coupled to the side 140 of the housing 105. The side 140 of the housing may be the front side of the battery pack 100 so that when an electric vehicle (e.g., Fig.11 ) when driving or moving forward, the side 140 is in front. The HVDB 175 may be connected to the outside of the housing 105 (for example, the side opposite to the cavity of the housing 105 where the battery module 150 is disposed). The side 140 may include an interface 180. The interface 180 may be or include an opening. The opening may be or include a square opening, a circular opening, a rectangular opening, or an opening of another suitable shape. The HVDB 175 may be connected to the side 140 of the housing 105 on the outside of the housing 105. The HVDB 175 may be connected at the interface 180. For example, the housing 185 of the HVDB 175 may be connected at or on the interface 180 so that at least one electrical connection or thermal connection may be made between the battery pack 100 and the HVDB 175. One side of the housing 185 of the HVDB 175 may be arranged to abut against the side 140 of the housing 105. At least one bolt and nut, rivet, adhesive, weld, or connector may couple the side 140 to the housing 185 of the HVDB 175. For example, at least one of the side 140 or the housing 185 may include an opening or hole into which a bolt may be disposed to couple the side 140 to the housing 185.

[0040] The HVDB 175 may include electrical or thermal components at least partially disposed within the housing 185. For example, the battery management system 190, the battery monitor 195, or the switch module 197 may be at least partially or completely disposed within the housing 185. The electrical components may be docked or connected to the battery via at least one electrical connector of the HVDB 175. The electrical connector may be connected to the electrical connector of the battery pack 100 through the opening 180 in the side 140 of the housing 105. For example, the battery management system 190, the battery monitor 195, or the switch module 197 may be electrically coupled to the electrical connector of the HVDB 175. The electrical connector of the HVDB 175 may be docked or coupled to the electrical connector of the battery pack 100. The HVDB may be responsible for the distribution of battery power within the all-wheel drive (AWD) or single-axle drive configuration of the vehicle, which ultimately determines the propulsion configuration of the vehicle. In addition, the HVDB may provide a conduit for battery power to auxiliary systems (such as heaters, air conditioning pumps, etc.).

[0041] For example, the switch module 197 can be electrically connected to the busbar 160 of the battery pack 100. For example, the first electrical connector of the HVDB 175 can be connected to the first busbar of the first polarity (e.g., the positive pole), and the second electrical connector of the HVDB 175 can be connected to the second busbar of the second polarity (e.g., the negative pole). The busbar of the battery pack 100 can be electrically connected to the battery module 150. The switch module 197 can control the transmission or delivery of power between the components of the vehicle (e.g., motors, heaters, air conditioning pumps, electrical appliances, headlights, interior lights, charging components, charging connectors, etc.) and the battery module 150. Control may include directing or switching power or monitoring voltage or temperature. For example, the switch module 197 may include a switch, a contactor, a fuse, or other components that can control power delivery. The switch module 197 can operate the contactor to enable the battery module 150 to provide power to the components of the vehicle through the opening 180 in the side wall 140 of the housing 105 via the electrical connection system. The switch module 197 can operate the contactor to enable the battery module 150 to provide power to the battery module 150 from a component of the vehicle (e.g., a charging connector or motor in a dynamic braking mode) via an electrical connector through an opening 180 in the side wall 140 of the housing 105 to charge the battery module 150.

[0042] The battery monitor 195 may be electrically coupled to the wiring harness 160 of the battery pack 100. The battery monitor 195 may be coupled to at least one electrical connector of the HVDB 175, which may be electrically coupled to at least one electrical connector of the battery pack 100 via the interface 180. The battery monitor 195 may receive electrical signals, data packets, measurements, sensor readings, or other data from sensors of the battery pack 100. The signal may indicate characteristics of the battery module 150, such as temperature, voltage, state of charge, fault status. The battery monitor 195 may include at least one switch or multiplexer to switch the signal received from the battery pack 100 to the battery management system 190. The battery monitor 195 may be electrically coupled to the battery management system 190 and may provide a signal to the battery management system 190.

[0043] The battery management system 190 may receive a signal from the battery monitor 195. The battery management system 190 may generate, determine, calculate, or identify a characteristic of the battery cell 150 (e.g., battery temperature, battery charge state, battery voltage, fault state, discharge rate, discharge time, total number of charges, remaining life) based on the signal. The battery management system 190 may generate and store values ​​for the characteristics of the battery module 150. The battery management system 190 may be electrically coupled to the switch module 197. The battery management system 190 may control a contactor of the switch module 197 so that the switch module 197 causes power to be provided by the battery module 150 to a load (e.g., a motor, a heater, an appliance) of the vehicle. The battery management system 190 may control a contactor of the switch module 197 so that the switch module 197 provides power to the battery module 150 from a charging port of the vehicle to charge the battery module 150.

[0044] Now refer to Figure 2 , which shows the HVDB 175 coupled to battery packs of different structural configurations. Figure 2, the first battery pack 100 and the second battery pack 205 are both connected to the HVDB 175. The HVDB 175 can be group-independent. For example, the HVDB 175 can be configured to dock with multiple different types of battery packs 100 via a mechanical connector or interface of the HVDB 175. For example, the thermal connector or electrical connector of the HVDB 175 can be configured to dock and connect with multiple different types of battery packs 100. In addition, the group-independent HVDB 175 can electrically connect and control multiple different types of battery packs 100, for example, battery packs with different battery pack chemistry, different battery pack cell numbers, different battery pack cell form factors, or different battery pack sizes. The control of the battery pack 100 can include operating the battery pack 100. For example, the control of the battery pack 100 can include causing the battery pack 100 to provide power to the load, charging based on the power received for the charging source, and charging based on the power generated by the motor during regenerative braking. The control of the battery pack 100 can include communicating with the battery pack 100. For example, control may include receiving sensor signals, such as voltage measurements, current measurements, gas measurements. Control of the battery pack 100 may include determining, evaluating, or detecting a state of the battery pack 100, such as determining a state of charge of the battery pack 100, determining an output voltage of the battery pack 100, determining a range of the battery pack 100.

[0045] The HVDB 175 can be configured to couple with multiple battery packs of different configurations, such as the first battery pack 100 and the second battery pack 205. The first battery pack 100 and the second battery pack 205 can have different battery cell chemistries, such as lithium iron phosphate (LFP), nickel-based cathode chemistry, high nickel chemistry typically including greater than 80 wt.% nickel, nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) chemistry, nickel-cobalt-aluminum (NCA) chemistry, nickel cobalt manganese aluminum (NCMA) chemistry, lithium manganese iron phosphate (LMFP) chemistry, lithiated oxide (OLO) chemistry, lithium cobalt oxide (LCO) chemistry, lead acid chemistry, nickel cadmium chemistry, nickel metal hydride chemistry, zinc carbon chemistry, or any other type of chemistry.

[0046] The first battery pack 100 and the second battery pack 205 may have different cell form factors (e.g., cylindrical batteries, prismatic batteries, pouch batteries, etc.). The first battery pack 100 and the second battery pack 205 may have different battery module designs (e.g., no modules, stacked modules). The first battery pack 100 and the second battery pack 205 may have different numbers of modules or cells, for example, the first battery pack 100 may have more cells than the second battery pack 205. In addition, the first battery pack 100 and the second battery pack 205 may have different sizes or form factors, such as different lengths, widths, thicknesses.

[0047] Any number of battery packs may be designed to include a common connection point or area for the HVDB 175 to be coupled thereto. For example, the first battery pack 100 and the second battery pack 205 may be designed to include a connection point or area for the HVDB 175 to be coupled thereto. For example, the first battery pack 100 and the second battery pack 205 may each include an opening 180 of similar or identical size in the side 140 of the housing 105 of the first battery pack 100 or the second battery pack 205. Each of the first battery pack 100 and the second battery pack 205 may be designed and constructed to have an electrical connector or thermal connector of a defined size, shape, or orientation to couple with the HVDB 175 at the opening 180. In this regard, the HVDB 175 may be configured to couple with the first battery pack 100 or the second battery pack 205, even though the first battery pack 100 and the second battery pack 205 may have different configurations.

[0048] The HVDB 175 may be coupled to one side of the battery pack 100 or 205, and when the battery pack 100 or 205 is installed in an electric vehicle, the HVDB 175 is positioned at a center point or at the center of the vehicle. By positioning the HVDB 175 at the center of the vehicle, the HVDB 175. By placing the HVDB 175 at a center point within the vehicle, the HVDB 175 may be protected from vehicle collision impact or less degraded by vibration or bumps.

[0049] Now refer to Figures 3 to 5 , where an exemplary HVDB 175 is coupled to a battery pack 100. The HVDB 175 and the battery pack 100 may be two separate boxes. The housing 185 of the HVDB 175 may include a first side 305, a second side 305, a second side 310, a third side 315, a fourth side 320, a fifth side 325, a sixth side 410, and a seventh side 415. The first side 305 may extend vertically from the side 140 of the housing 105 or the side 415 of the battery pack 100 to the second side 310. The second side 310 may be parallel to the side 140 of the side 140 of the housing 105 of the battery pack 100. The second side 310 may extend from the first side 305 to the third side 315 in a direction perpendicular to the first side 305. The first side 305 and the second side 310 may form the sides of a rectangle. The sides 310, 315, 320, and 325 may face the direction of travel of the vehicle (e.g., as Fig.11 ).

[0050] The third side surface 315 may extend from the second side surface 310 to the fourth side surface 320. The angle formed between the outer surfaces of the second side surface 310 and the third side surface 315 may be greater than ninety degrees. For example, the angle formed between the outer sides of the second side surface 310 and the third side surface 315 may be 110 to 120 degrees. The angle formed between the outer surfaces of the second side surface 310 and the third side surface 315 may be 105 to 125 degrees. The angle formed between the outer surfaces of the second side surface 310 and the third side surface 315 may be less than 105 degrees. The angle formed between the outer surfaces of the second side surface 310 and the third side surface 315 may be greater than 125 degrees.

[0051] The fourth side 320 may extend from the third side 315 to the fifth side 325. The fourth side 320 may be parallel to the side 140 of the housing 105 of the battery pack 100 or parallel to the side 415. The angle formed between the outer surface of the third side 315 and the fourth side 320 may be greater than 180 degrees. The angle formed between the outer surface of the third side 315 and the fourth side 320 may be between 200 degrees and 210 degrees. The angle formed between the outer surface of the third side 315 and the fourth side 320 may be between 195 degrees and 215 degrees. The angle formed between the outer surface of the third side 315 and the fourth side 320 may be between 190 degrees and 220 degrees. The angle formed between the outer surface of the third side 315 and the fourth side 320 may be less than 190 degrees. The angle formed between the outer surface of the third side 315 and the fourth side 320 may be greater than 220 degrees.

[0052] The fifth side 325 may extend from the fourth side 320 to the sixth side 410. The angle formed between the fifth side 325 and the outer side of the sixth side 410 may be greater than 180 degrees. The angle formed between the fifth side 325 and the outer side of the sixth side 410 may be between 200 degrees and 210 degrees. The angle formed between the fifth side 325 and the outer side of the sixth side 410 may be between 195 degrees and 215 degrees. The angle formed between the fifth side 325 and the outer surface of the sixth side 410 may be between 190 degrees and 220 degrees. The angle formed between the fifth side 325 and the outer surface of the sixth side 410 may be less than 190 degrees. The angle formed between the fifth side 325 and the outer surface of the sixth side 410 may be greater than 220 degrees.

[0053] The sixth side 410 may extend from the fifth side 325 to the side 415 or the side 140 of the case 105 of the battery pack 100. The sixth side 410 may be perpendicular to the side 415 or the side 140 of the case 105 of the battery pack 100. The third side 315, the fourth side 320, and the fifth side 325 may form a trapezoidal or trapezoidal shaped side.

[0054] The seventh side 415 may form a back side of the housing 185, which may face the side 140 of the housing 105 of the battery pack 100. The seventh side 415 may extend from the first side 305 to the sixth side 410. The seventh side 415 may form an angle perpendicular to the first side 305. The seventh side 415 may form an angle perpendicular to the sixth side 410. The seventh side 415 may be parallel to the side 140 of the housing 105 of the battery pack 100. The first side 305, the second side 310, the third side 315, the fourth side 320, the fifth side 325, the sixth side 410, and the seventh side 415 may be integrally formed or separate components connected, welded, bolted, fixed, or coupled together. The first side 305, the second side 310, the second side 315, the fourth side 320, the fifth side 325, the sixth side 410, and the seventh side 415 may form a cavity, an opening, an internal volume, a housing, or a space.

[0055] The housing 185 may include a plate, a cover, and a top side 545. The top side 545 may have the same size or shape as the plate 345. The top side 545 may be coupled to the ends of the first side 305, the second side 310, the second side 315, the fourth side 320, the fifth side 325, the sixth side 410, and the seventh side 415 opposite to the end to which the plate 345 is coupled. The top side 545 may be detachable or fixed. The top side 545 may be coupled, attached, fixed, fixedly coupled, or welded to the first side 305, the second side 310, the third side 315, the fourth side 320, the fifth side 325, the sixth side 410, and the seventh side 415 via at least one bolt, snap, connector, rivet, adhesive, weldment. The top side 545 may be separated from or integrally formed with the first side 305, the second side 310, the third side 315, the fourth side 320, the fifth side 325, the sixth side 410, and the seventh side 415.

[0056] The HVDB 175 may include at least one electrical connector 330. For example, the electrical connector 330 may be disposed in or on a side of the housing 185. For example, the first side 305 may include three electrical connectors 330. The fifth side 325 of the housing 185 may include two electrical connectors 330. One electrical connector 330 of the side 305 may be or include an on-board charger (OBC) connector to connect to a power source to charge the battery pack 100. The second electrical connector 330 may be or include a DC to DC connection or a DC to AC connection. The electrical connector 330 may connect the battery pack 100 to at least one motor of the vehicle. Another electrical connector 330 may be or include a connector for a heater or compressor of an environmental conditioning system of the vehicle.

[0057] The battery management system 190, the battery monitor 195, and the switch module 197 may be disposed, included, or contained within the housing 185 of the HVDB 175. The battery management system 190 may be connected to the computing system of the vehicle via at least one of the connectors 330. The switch module 197 may be connected to the load of the vehicle via at least one connector 330. The battery monitor 195 (e.g., a battery voltage temperature (BVT) module) may be included in the HVDB 175 as a single unit or as a combination of multiple boards that monitor the array of cells within the battery pack 100. The BVT may receive electrical signals, data packets, measurements, sensor readings, or other data from sensors of the battery pack 100. The signal may indicate characteristics of the battery module 150, such as temperature, voltage, state of charge, fault status. The BVT may include at least one switch or multiplexer to switch the signal received from the battery pack 100 to the battery management system 190.

[0058] HVDB 175 may include at least one thermal connector 360. Second sidewall 310 may include two thermal connectors 360. Thermal connector 360 may be or include fittings, bulkhead fittings, or couplers. Thermal connector 360 may be coupled to a tube, pipe, pipeline, conduit, or transmitter on the outside of housing 185. Thermal connector 360 may transmit or provide fluid (e.g., coolant) from the outside of HVDB 175 to a hot component within HVDB 175, which may provide fluid to battery pack 100 via another connector. For example, thermal connector 360 may provide fluid to a hot component or cold plate of battery pack 100. Second thermal connector 360 may provide fluid flowing out of HVDB 175. For example, a connector between battery pack 100 and HVDB 175 may receive fluid from battery pack 100. A hot component within HVDB 175 may provide fluid from a connector between battery pack 100 and HVDB 175 to connector 360. The connector 360 may provide fluid flow out of the HVDB 175. The connector 360 may interface or connect with a thermal system of the vehicle. The thermal system may include a radiator, a pump, a fluid reservoir, conduits, pipes, lines, ducts, etc.

[0059] In addition, in some specific implementations, the HVDB 175 can ground the coolant of the thermal system or the coolant flowing through the thermal connector 360, the thermal component 155, the thermal connector 515, or the thermal connector 540. At least one conductor, conductive component, wire, or other device can be placed (e.g., inserted into, molded into, set on) the thermal connector 360, the thermal component 155, the thermal connector 515, or the thermal connector 540. At least a portion of the conductor can be in electrical contact with the fluid. At least a portion of the conductor can be in electrical contact with the housing 185. The housing 185 can be a metal or conductive casting or structure. The housing 185 can be electrically coupled to the frame of the vehicle. Therefore, the fluid can be grounded through the frame of the vehicle via the conductor and the housing 185.

[0060] The HVDB 175 may include a plate 335. The plate 335 may be removably attached to a side of the housing 185 of the HVDB 175. The plate 335 may be coupled, fixed, fixedly coupled, removably coupled, removably attached, or connected to the side of the housing 185. The plate 335 may be coupled to an end of the side of the housing 185. For example, the plate 335 may be coupled across the bottom end of the side of the housing 185. The plate may be suspended across an opening formed by the end of the side of the housing 185. The plate 335 may form a seal across the opening. The plate 335 may be coupled to the housing 185 via bolts, snaps, connectors, bolts, rivets, or other connecting components. The plate 335 may face a surface below the vehicle (e.g., such as Fig.11 ). After the other panels are removed, panel 335 may be directly visible or accessible. In this regard, a technician or maintenance personnel may access panel 335 from the underside of the vehicle.

[0061] The plate 335 may include a first section 340, a second section 345, or a third section 350. The plate 335 may be integrally formed. For example, the first section 340, the second section 345, and the third section 350 may be a continuous piece of material. In some examples, the plate 335 is not integrally formed, and the first section 340, the second section 345, and the third section 350 are separate plates that are joined, coupled, fixed, or connected together. The first section 340 may be a trapezoidal or trapezoidal shape. The second section 345 may be a rectangular shape. The corners of the trapezoidal shape of the first section 340 may be the corners of the rectangular shape of the second section 345. The base of the trapezoidal or trapezoidal shape of the first section 340 may form a portion of the length of the rectangular shape of the second section 345. The third section 350 may be a triangular shape. For example, the third section 350 may be a right triangle. The length of the triangular shape of the third section 350 may form a portion of the width of the rectangular shape of the second section 345.

[0062] The housing 185 of the HVDB may include a plate 355. For example, the first plate 355 may extend from the first sidewall 305 at an angle perpendicular to the first sidewall 305 in a direction away from the first sidewall 305. For example, the second plate 355 may extend from the sixth sidewall at an angle perpendicular to the sixth sidewall in a direction away from the sixth sidewall 305. The plate 355 may include at least one hole or opening. The hole or opening of the plate 355 may be aligned with or overlapped with the hole or opening in the side 140 of the housing 105 of the battery pack 100. At least one bolt, rivet, adhesive, weldment, or connector may be inserted through the opening in the plate 335 and the opening in the housing 105 to couple the HVDB 175 to the battery pack 100. The plate 355 may be coupled flush with the outside of the side 140 of the housing 105.

[0063] HVDB 175 may include material 405. Material 405 may be disposed, applied or placed on the end of housing 185. Material 405 may form a seal between plate 345 and housing 185. The seal may limit or prevent dust, dirt, water, sand or snow from entering housing 185. Material 405 may form a seal between the inner surface of plate 345 and the end of housing 185. Material 405 may be applied to the bottom end of the side facing the surface below the vehicle. For example, material 405 may be applied to the bottom end of the first side 305, the second side 310, the third side 315, the fourth side 320, the fifth side 325, the sixth side 410 and the seventh side 415. Material 405 may be integrally formed or include multiple pieces of material. Material 405 may be a rubber material, a polymer, a foam or any liquid-distributed gasket material. In addition, a seal may be formed between housing 185 of HVDB 175 and housing 105 of battery pack 100. For example, a material may be disposed, applied, or placed on side 140 or side 415. The material may be applied around the outer perimeter or edge of side 140 or side 415. The material may form a seal between side 140 and side 415 such that dust, dirt, water, sand, or snow may be limited or prevented from entering battery pack 100 or HVDB 175.

[0064] Now refer to Figures 5 to 7C, wherein the HVDB 175 includes an electrical connector 520 and a thermal connector 515 to couple with the battery pack 100. The seventh side 415 of the housing 185 may include an opening 505. The opening 505 may at least partially overlap or partially align with the opening 180 of the side 140 of the housing 105 of the battery pack 100. The openings 180 and 505 may be openings of the same size or different sizes. The opening areas of the openings 180 and 505 may intersect. One of the openings 180 or 505 may be external to the other of the openings 180 and 505. The electrical connector 520 and the thermal connector 515 of the HVDB 175 may be coupled to the battery pack 100 through the openings 505 and 180. For example, the HVDB 175 and the battery pack 100 may be coupled using a plug, a connector, a quick connector, or any other thermal or electrical connection device or apparatus. For example, Figure 7B and Figure 7C A quick connector 540 is shown coupled to an end of a thermal line or main thermal line 155 of the battery pack 100. The quick connector 540 may be coupled to a connector 515 of the HVDB 175. The quick connector 540 may connect the thermal line in the HVDB casting area to the main battery pack 100. The connector 515 of the HVDB 175 may be coupled to an end of an HVDB area thermal line 510 that is coupled to the thermal connector 360. The electrical connector 520 or thermal connector 515 may be at least partially disposed, contained, or included within the housing 185 of the HVDB 175.

[0065] The HVDB 175 may include at least one electrical connector 520 to electrically couple the HVDB 175 to the battery pack 100. The electrical connector 520 may include a high voltage connector or a low voltage connector. For example, the HVDB 175 may include a first electrical connector 520 to couple to a first electrical connector 530 of the battery pack 100. The first electrical connector 530 may be part of or coupled to a first busbar 525 of a first polarity. The first busbar 525 may be coupled to a first plate 535 of the battery pack 100, which is coupled to a first polarity (e.g., a positive pole) of a battery module 150 of the battery pack 100. The HVDB 175 may include a second electrical connector 520 to couple to a second electrical connector 530 of the battery pack 100. The second electrical connector 530 may be part of or coupled to a second busbar 525 of a second polarity. The second busbar 525 may be coupled to a second plate 535 of the battery pack 100, which is coupled to a second polarity (e.g., a positive pole) of a battery module 150 of the battery pack 100. Electrical connector 520 may include holes that align with holes in electrical connector 530. Bolts, snaps, or connectors may be inserted through the holes of electrical connector 520 and electrical connector 530 to couple, connect, electrically couple, or attach electrical connector 520 and electrical connector 530.

[0066] The HVDB 175 may include a thermal component 510. The thermal component 510 may be or include a pipe, a conduit, a conveyor to transport, move a fluid, or allow a fluid to flow or move. The thermal component 510 may be coupled to the thermal connector 360 of the housing 185. The thermal component 510 may be coupled to a thermal connector 515. For example, a first thermal component 510 may be coupled to the first thermal connector 360 at a first end and coupled to the first thermal connector 515 at a second end. For example, a second thermal component 510 may be coupled to the second thermal connector 360 at a first end and coupled to the second thermal connector 515 at a second end. For example, the first thermal connector 360, the first thermal component 510, and the first thermal connector 515 may move a fluid to or into the battery pack 100. The first thermal connector 360, the first thermal component 510, and the first thermal connector 515 may receive a fluid from the battery pack 100 and provide the fluid to the outside of the HVDB 175.

[0067] The battery pack 100 may include a thermal component 155. The thermal component may be coupled to a thermal connector 540. The thermal connector 540 may be coupled to a thermal connector 515 to allow fluid to move between the HVDB 175 and the battery pack 100 via the thermal connector 360, the thermal component 510, the thermal connector 515, the thermal connector 540, and the thermal component 155. The thermal component 155 may deliver or receive fluid from a thermal component (e.g., a cold plate) of the cooling battery module 150 of the battery pack 100. The first thermal component 155 may be coupled to the first connector 540 at a first end to couple the first thermal component 155 to the first connector 515 of the HVDB 175. The second end or side of the first thermal component 155 may be coupled to the cold plate of the battery pack 100. The second thermal component 155 may be coupled to the second connector 540 at a first end to couple the second thermal component 155 to the second connector 515 of the HVDB 175. The second end or side of the second thermal component 155 may be coupled to the cold plate of the battery pack 100. Connector 360, thermal member 155, connector 515, connector 530, and thermal member 155 may define a channel through which a fluid moves, flows, travels, is transferred, or is transmitted.

[0068] Now refer to Figure 8, which shows a cross-sectional view of a battery pack 100 including a busbar 525, a heat line 155, and an electrical line 805. The side 140 of the housing 105 of the battery pack 100 may include an opening 180, through which the busbar 525, the heat line 155, and the electrical line 805 are connected to the HVDB 175. The electrical line 805 may be or include a wire, a connector, a cable, or other components that carry or transmit signals from the electronic devices of the battery pack 100. The electrical line 805 may transmit a low voltage signal, such as a digital logic signal or an analog signal. The signal may be or include a DC signal or an AC signal. The signal may be in a voltage range between 5 volts and 24 volts. The signal may be any voltage, for example from 5 volts to 100 volts. The voltage may be less than 5 volts or greater than 100 volts.

[0069] Now refer to Fig. 9 , which shows an example HVDB 175 including a battery monitor 195, a switch module 197, and a battery management system 190. The battery monitor 195 can be stacked on top of the switch module 197. The switch module 197 can be stacked on top of the battery management system 190. The electrical components of the HVDB 175 can be stacked in the order in which they are most frequently serviced. For example, because a technician may need to service the battery management system 190 more frequently than the switch module 197 or the battery monitor 195, the battery management system 190 can be located at the bottom of the stack and most easily accessible to the technician.

[0070] The battery monitor 195 may include an electrical connector coupled to an electrical line 805 of the battery pack 100. The electrical line 805 may extend through the opening 180 of the side 125 of the battery pack 100. The electrical line 805 may extend to the connector of the battery monitor 195 and be electrically coupled to the battery monitor 195. The electrical line 805 may be divided into a plurality of lines, each coupled to the electrical connector of the battery monitor 195.

[0071] Now refer to Fig.10, wherein a switch module 197 of an HVDB 175 is shown. The switch module 197 may include a housing, an enclosure, a platform, a plate, or a frame 1025. Electrical components of the HVDB 175 may be coupled to the frame 1025. The frame 1025 may include a top side and a bottom side. The electrical components may be coupled to a side of the frame 1025 that faces the plate 345 of the HVDB 175 so that the electrical components of the HVDB 175 are accessible when the plate 345 is removed. For example, one side of the plate 1025 that couples the components may be closer to the plate 345 than the opposite side of the plate 1025. The frame 1025 may include a connector 1020 to couple the frame 1025 to the housing 185 of the HVDB 175. The connector 1020 may be a portion of the frame 1025 to couple to the housing 185. For example, the connector 1020 may include a hole or threaded opening to allow a bolt or nut to couple the frame 1025 to the housing 185.

[0072] The switch module 197 may include at least one contactor 1005. The contactor 1005 is capable of switching power received from the battery pack 100 via the connector 520. The contactor 1005 may be or include an electrical switch controlled by a computing system (e.g., a battery management system 190). The switch module 197 may include a fuse 1010. In response to a current flowing through the fuse 1010 exceeding a certain level, the fuse may connect or disconnect a circuit. The fuse 1010 may be or include a high-temperature fuse that can provide an instantaneous shutdown of a high current. The switch module 197 may include a busbar that forms a circuit between the connector 520, the fuse 1010, and the contactor 1005. The switch module 197 may include an output busbar 1015 that provides the switched power of the switch module 197 to a load, component, system, or device of a vehicle or building. For example, the output busbar 1015 may be connected to a drive, a motor, a heating system, an air conditioning system, or other electrical load to supply power to the electrical load.

[0073] Now refer to Fig.11, which shows an example electric vehicle 1105 including an HVDB 175 coupled to a battery pack 100. The electric vehicle 1105 may include an electric truck, an electric sport utility vehicle (SUV), an electric van, an electric car, an electric car, an electric motorcycle, an electric scooter, an electric passenger car, an electric passenger or commercial truck, a hybrid vehicle or other vehicle, such as a marine or air vehicle, an airplane, a helicopter, a submarine, a ship, or a drone, among other possibilities. The battery pack 100 may also be used as an energy storage system to power buildings such as residential or commercial buildings. The electric vehicle 1105 may be fully electric or partially electric (e.g., a plug-in hybrid), and further, the electric vehicle 1105 may be fully autonomous, partially autonomous, or unmanned. The electric vehicle 1105 may also be manually operated or non-autonomous. The electric vehicle 1105 (such as an electric truck or car) may include an onboard battery pack 100, a battery 150 or a battery module 150, or a battery cell 1110 to power the electric vehicle. The electric vehicle 1105 may include a chassis 1115 (e.g., a frame, an internal frame, or a support structure). The chassis 1115 may support various components of the electric vehicle 1105. The chassis 1115 may span a front portion 1120 (e.g., a hood or lid portion), a body portion 1125, and a rear portion 1130 (e.g., a luggage compartment, payload, or trunk portion) of the electric vehicle 1105. The battery pack 100 may be mounted or placed within the electric vehicle 1105. For example, the battery pack 100 may be mounted within one or more of the front portion 1120, the body portion 1125, or the rear portion 1130 on the chassis 1115 of the electric vehicle 1105. The battery pack 100 may include or be connected to at least one bus bar 525, e.g., a current collector element. For example, the first bus bar 525 and the second bus bar 525 may include conductive materials to connect or otherwise electrically couple the battery 150, battery module 150, or battery cell 1110 to the HVDB 175. The HVDB 175 may couple the battery 150, battery module 150, or battery cell 1110 to other electrical components of the electric vehicle 1105 to provide power to various systems or components of the electric vehicle 1105.

[0074] The HVDB 175 may be bolted, coupled, connected or fixed to the battery pack 100. For example, the housing 185 may be coupled to the housing 105 of the battery pack 100. The HVDB 175 may be electrically coupled to the battery pack 100 via the opening or interface 180. For example, the busbar 525 may be coupled to the connector 530. The connector 530 may be electrically coupled to the connector 520 of the HVDB 175 via the opening or interface 180. The connector 530 may be electrically coupled to the switch module 197. Based on the power received from the battery module 150 or the battery cell 1110 via the connector 520 and the connector 530, the switch module 197 may switch the power to the load 1135 of the vehicle 1105, for example, a motor, a drive, an appliance, a light, a computer system, a heater, an air conditioning system, etc. The switch module 197 may be electrically coupled to the electrical load 1135 of the vehicle 1105 via at least one connector 1140 and a wiring harness, cable, wire or connector 260.

[0075] Now refer to Fig.12 , wherein an exemplary method 1200 of coupling an HVDB to a battery pack is shown. A manufacturing system or apparatus, an assembly system or apparatus, a service system or apparatus, a robotic assembly, a technician, or a manufacturing person may perform at least a portion of the method 1200. The method 1200 may include an act 1205 of providing an electrical component. The method 1200 may include an act 1210 of coupling a housing to a battery pack. The method 1200 may include an act 1215 of coupling a connector.

[0076] At act 1205, method 1200 may include providing electrical components for HVDB 175. For example, method 1200 may include providing battery management system 190, battery monitor 195, switch module 197, contactor, fuse, switch, wire, bus, or computing system. The electrical components may be at least partially disposed within housing 185 of HVDB 175. For example, the electrical components may be fixed, coupled, or fastened to the inside of housing 185. The electrical components may be coupled to at least one of sides 305, 310, 315, 320, 325, 410, or 415, which may support the electrical components within housing 185. The electrical components may be coupled to and supported by top side 545 of housing 185 of HVDB 175. The electrical components may not be coupled to removable plate 435 forming the bottom side of housing 185. In this regard, when the removable plate 435 is removed from the housing 185 , the electrical components may remain in place and a technician may service the components because the electrical components are supported by the sides 305 , 310 , 315 , 320 , 325 , 410 , or 415 or the top side 545 .

[0077] At action 1210, method 1200 may include coupling a housing of the HVDB to a battery pack. Method 1200 may include coupling housing 185 to battery pack 100. For example, housing 185 may be coupled to side 140 of housing 105 of battery pack 100. Housing 185 may be coupled to an outer surface of side 140. For example, side 415 of housing 185 may be coupled to side 140 of housing 105. For example, plate 355 of side 415 may be coupled to side 140 of housing 105. Housing 185 may be coupled to battery pack 100 at interface 180. For example, housing 185 may be coupled to battery pack 100 such that opening 505 of side 415 of housing 185 overlaps or circumscribes opening 180 in side 140 of housing 105. Similarly, opening 180 in side 140 of housing 105 may overlap or circumscribe opening 505 in side 415 of housing 185.

[0078] At act 1215, method 1200 may include coupling a connector. The connector may be a component of the HVDB 175 that couples with a connector of the battery pack 100 via an opening 505 in a side 415 of the HVDB 175 and an opening 180 in a side 140 of the battery pack 100. For example, the connector may be a connector 520 that couples with the switch module 197. The connector may be a component of the HVDB 175 that couples with a connector of the battery pack 100 via an opening 505 in a side 415 of the HVDB 175 and an opening 180 in a side 140 of the battery pack 100. The connector may be a connector of the battery monitor 195 that couples with an electrical line 805 of the battery pack 100. The connector may be a thermal connector, such as a thermal connector 515 that couples with a thermal component 510 of the HVDB 175 and a thermal connector 540 of the battery pack 100.

[0079] The connector may be a component of the battery pack 100 that couples with a connector of the HVDB 175 via an opening 505 in the side 415 of the HVDB 175 and an opening 180 in the side 140 of the battery pack 100. For example, the connector may be a thermal connector 540 of the battery pack 100 that couples with a thermal connector 515 of the HVDB 175. The connector may be an electrical connector 530 of the battery pack 100 that couples a bus bar 525 of the battery pack 100 with an electrical connector 520 of the HVDB 175.

[0080] Fig.13An exemplary block diagram of an example computer system 1345 is depicted. The computer system or computing device 1345 may include or be used to implement a data processing system or component thereof, such as the data processing or computing system of the battery management system 190. The computing system 1345 includes: at least one bus 1335 or other communication component for communicating information; and at least one processor 1340 or processing circuit coupled to the bus 1335 for processing information. The computing system 1345 may also include one or more processors 1340 or processing circuits coupled to the bus for processing information. The computing system 1345 also includes at least one main memory 1310 (such as a random access memory (RAM) or other dynamic storage device) coupled to the bus 1335 for storing information and instructions to be executed by the processor 1340. The main memory 1310 may be used to store information during execution of instructions by the processor 1340. The computing system 1345 may also include at least one read-only memory (ROM) 1320 or other static storage device coupled to the bus 1335 for storing static information and instructions for the processor 1340. A storage device 1330 , such as a solid-state device, magnetic disk, or optical disk, may be coupled to bus 1335 for persistent storage of information and instructions.

[0081] The computing system 1345 may be coupled to a display 1300 (such as a liquid crystal display or an active matrix display) via a bus 1335 for displaying information to a user (such as a driver or other end user of the electric vehicle 1105). An input device 1305 (such as a keyboard interface or a voice interface) may be coupled to the bus 1335 for communicating information and commands to the processor 1340. The input device 1305 may include a touch screen display 1305. The input device 1305 may also include a cursor control (such as a mouse, trackball, or cursor direction keys) for communicating directional information and command selections to the processor 1340 and for controlling cursor movement on the display 1300.

[0082] The processes, systems, and methods described herein may be implemented by a computing system 1345 in response to a processor 1340 executing an instruction arrangement contained in a main memory 1310. Such instructions may be read into the main memory 1310 from another computer-readable medium, such as a storage device 1330. Execution of the instruction arrangement contained in the main memory 1310 causes the computing system 1345 to perform the illustrative processes described herein. One or more processors in a multi-processing arrangement may also be used to execute the instructions contained in the main memory 1310. Hard-wired circuitry may be used in place of or in combination with software instructions and the systems and methods described herein. The systems and methods described herein are not limited to any specific combination of hardware circuitry and software.

[0083] Although already Fig.13An exemplary computing system is described in the specification, but the subject matter including the operations described in this specification may be implemented in other types of digital electronic circuits, or in computer software, firmware, or hardware (including the structures disclosed in this specification and their structural equivalents), or in a combination of one or more of them.

[0084] Some descriptions herein emphasize the structural independence of aspects of system components or the grouping of operations and responsibilities of these system components. Other groupings that perform similar overall operations are also within the scope of this application. Modules can be implemented in hardware or as computer instructions on non-transient computer-readable storage media, and modules can be distributed across various hardware or computer-based components.

[0085] The system described above can provide any one of these components or multiple components of each component, and these components can be provided on a stand-alone system, or on multiple examples in a distributed system. In addition, the system and method described above can be provided as one or more computer-readable programs or executable instructions, which are included in one or more products or in a manufactured product. The manufactured product can be a cloud storage, a hard disk, a CD-ROM, a flash card, a PROM, a RAM, a ROM, or a tape. In general, a computer-readable program can be implemented in any programming language (such as LISP, PERL, C, C++, C#, PROLOG), or implemented in any byte code language (such as JAVA). The software program or executable instruction can be stored as an object code on one or more products or in a manufactured product.

[0086] Example and non-limiting module implementation elements include sensors that provide any value identified herein, sensors that provide any value that is a predecessor of a value identified herein, data link or network hardware including a communication chip, an oscillator crystal, a communication link, a cable, a twisted pair, a coaxial line, a shielded line, a transmitter, a receiver or a transceiver, a logic circuit, a hard-wired logic circuit, a reconfigurable logic circuit in a specific non-transient state configured according to a module specification, any actuator including at least an electric actuator, a hydraulic actuator or a pneumatic actuator, a solenoid, an operational amplifier, an analog control element (spring, filter, integrator, adder, divider, gain element) or a digital control element.

[0087] The subject matter and operations described in this specification may be implemented in digital electronic circuits, or in computer software, firmware or hardware, including the structures disclosed in this specification and their structural equivalents, or in a combination of one or more of them. The subject matter described in this specification may be implemented as one or more computer programs (e.g., one or more computer program instruction circuits), which are encoded on one or more computer storage media for execution by a data processing device or for controlling the operation of a data processing device. Alternatively or additionally, program instructions may be encoded on an artificially generated propagation signal, such as a machine-generated electrical, optical or electromagnetic signal, which is generated to encode information for transmission to a suitable receiver device to be executed by a data processing device. A computer storage medium may be or be included in a computer-readable storage device, a computer-readable storage substrate, a random or serial access memory array or device, or a combination of one or more of them. Although a computer storage medium is not a propagation signal, a computer storage medium may be a source or destination of computer program instructions encoded in an artificially generated propagation signal. The computer storage medium may also be or be included in one or more separate components or media (e.g., multiple CDs, disks, or other storage devices including cloud storage). The operations described in this specification may be implemented as operations performed by a data processing device on data stored on one or more computer-readable storage devices or received from other sources.

[0088] The terms "computing device," "component," or "data processing apparatus," etc., cover various apparatuses, devices, and machines for processing data, including, for example, a programmable processor, a computer, a system on a chip, or a plurality or combination of the foregoing. The apparatus may include dedicated logic circuitry, such as an FPGA (field programmable gate array) or an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit). In addition to hardware, the apparatus may also include code that creates an execution environment for the computer program in question, for example, code that constitutes processor firmware, a protocol stack, a database management system, an operating system, a cross-platform operating environment, a virtual machine, or a combination of one or more of them. The apparatus and execution environment may implement a variety of different computing model infrastructures, such as web services, distributed computing, and grid computing infrastructures.

[0089] A computer program (also referred to as a program, software, software application, application, script, or code) may be written in any form of programming language, including compiled or interpreted, declarative or procedural, and may be deployed in any form, including as a stand-alone program or as a module, component, subroutine, object, or other unit suitable for use in a computing environment. A computer program may correspond to a file in a file system. A computer program may be stored in a portion of a file that holds other programs or data (e.g., one or more scripts stored in a markup language document), in a single file dedicated to the program in question, or in multiple collaborative files (e.g., files storing one or more modules, subroutines, or code portions). A computer program may be deployed to execute on one or more computers located in one location or distributed in multiple locations and interconnected by a communications network.

[0090] The processes and logic flows described in this specification may be performed by one or more programmable processors executing one or more computer programs to perform actions by operating on input data and generating output. The processes and logic flows may also be performed by special purpose logic circuits, and the apparatus may also be implemented as special purpose logic circuits, such as FPGAs (field programmable gate arrays) or ASICs (application specific integrated circuits). Devices suitable for storing computer program instructions and data may include non-volatile memory, media, and storage devices, including, for example, semiconductor memory devices such as EPROMs, EEPROMs, and flash memory devices; disks, such as internal hard disks or removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and CD ROM and DVD-ROM disks. The processor and memory may be supplemented by or incorporated into special purpose logic circuits.

[0091] The subject matter described herein can be implemented in a computing system that includes a back-end component, such as a data server, or includes a middleware component, such as an application server, or includes a front-end component, such as a client computer with a graphical user interface or a web browser, through which a user can interact with the implementation of the subject matter described in this specification, or includes a combination of one or more such back-end, middleware, or front-end components. The components of the system can be interconnected by digital data communication (such as a communication network) in any form or medium. Examples of communication networks include local area networks ("LANs") and wide area networks ("WANs"), internets (e.g., the Internet), and peer-to-peer networks (e.g., ad hoc peer-to-peer networks).

[0092] Although operations are depicted in a particular order in the drawings, these operations need not be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, and not all of the operations shown need be performed. The actions described herein may be performed in a different order.

[0093] Now that some exemplary implementations have been described, it is apparent that the foregoing is illustrative rather than restrictive and has been presented by way of example. Specifically, although many of the examples presented herein relate to specific combinations of method actions or system elements, these actions and these elements may be combined in other ways to achieve the same purpose. The actions, elements, and features discussed in conjunction with one implementation are not intended to be excluded from similar roles in other implementations.

[0094] The words and terms used herein are for descriptive purposes and should not be construed as limiting. The use of "including," "comprising," "having," "containing," "involving," "characterized by," and variations thereof herein is intended to encompass the items listed thereafter, their equivalents and additional items, and alternative implementations consisting solely of the items listed thereafter. In one implementation, the systems and methods described herein consist of one, each combination of more than one, or all of the elements, acts, or components described.

[0095] Any specific implementation or element or action of the system and method mentioned in the singular form herein may also include a specific implementation comprising a plurality of these elements, and any plural form of any specific implementation or element or action herein may also include a specific implementation comprising only a single element. Reference in the singular or plural form is not intended to limit the currently disclosed system or method, its parts, actions or elements to a single or multiple configurations. Reference to any action or element based on any information, action or element may include a specific implementation in which the action or element is based at least in part on any information, action or element.

[0096] Any implementation disclosed herein may be combined with any other implementation or embodiment, and references to "an implementation," "some implementations," "an implementation," etc. are not necessarily mutually exclusive, but are intended to indicate that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in conjunction with an implementation may be included in at least one implementation or embodiment. Such terms as used herein do not necessarily all refer to the same implementation. Any implementation may be combined, inclusively or exclusively, with any other implementation in any manner consistent with the aspects and implementations disclosed herein.

[0097] References to "or" may be interpreted as inclusive, such that any term described using "or" may indicate any of a single, more than one, and all of the terms. References to at least one of a conjunctive list of terms may be interpreted as inclusive OR to indicate any of a single, more than one, and all of the terms. For example, references to "at least one of 'A' and 'B'" may include only "A," only "B," and both "A" and "B." Such references used in conjunction with "including" or other open-ended terms may include additional items.

[0098] Where a technical feature in the drawings, detailed description or any claims is followed by a reference numeral, the reference numeral is included to enhance the intelligibility of the drawings, detailed description and claims. Therefore, the presence or absence of a reference numeral has no limiting effect on the scope of any claim element.

[0099] Without departing substantially from the teachings and advantages of the subject matter disclosed herein, modifications may be made to the elements and actions, such as changes in size, dimensions, structure, shape and proportion, parameter values, mounting arrangements, use of materials, color, orientation of the various elements. For example, an element shown as being integrally formed may be composed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise changed, and the nature or number or position of discrete elements may be changed or varied. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the disclosed elements and operations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0100] For example, the technology for implementing group-independent HVBD can be applied to other modules or devices of the battery pack. For example, the technology described herein can be applied to a group-independent battery management system that is connected to the outside of the battery pack and docked with the battery pack. For example, the technology described herein can be applied to a group-independent battery monitoring system that is connected to the outside of the battery pack and docked with the battery pack to monitor the state of the battery of the battery pack. For example, the description of positive and negative electrical characteristics can be reversed. An element described as a negative electrode element can be configured as a positive electrode element, while an element described as a positive electrode element can be configured as a negative electrode element. For example, an element described as having a first polarity can have a second polarity, while an element described as having a second polarity can have a first polarity. Further relative parallel, vertical, vertical or other positioning or orientation descriptions include changes within + / -10% or + / -10 degrees of pure vertical, parallel or vertical positioning. Unless otherwise expressly stated, references to "approximately", "substantially" or other degree terms include changes of + / -10% from a given measurement, unit or range. The coupled elements may be electrically, mechanically or physically coupled to each other directly or through intervening elements.The scope of the systems and methods described herein is therefore indicated by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description, and changes coming within the meaning and range of equivalents of the claims are embraced therein.

Claims

1. A group-independent high-voltage power distribution device, comprising: Electrical components; The electrical component is configured to control a first battery pack and a second battery pack different from the first battery pack.

2. The group-independent high-voltage power distribution device according to claim 1, wherein: The first battery pack includes batteries of a first chemistry; and The second battery pack includes second batteries of a second chemistry different from the first chemistry.

3. The group-independent high-voltage power distribution device according to claim 1, wherein: The first battery pack has more battery cells than the second battery pack.

4. The group-independent high-voltage power distribution device according to claim 1, wherein: The first battery pack has first battery cells of a first form factor, and the second battery pack has second battery cells of a second form factor different from the first form factor.

5. The group-independent high-voltage power distribution device according to claim 1, comprising: A battery management system controller, wherein the battery management system controller is configured to: The first battery pack and the second battery pack are controlled.

6. The group-independent high-voltage power distribution device according to claim 1, comprising: case; a first cooling component, wherein the housing is used to surround at least a portion of the first cooling component; and A connector for coupling the first cooling component to a second cooling component for coupling to the first battery pack or the second battery pack, wherein the first cooling component and the second cooling component define a channel through which a fluid moves.

7. The group-independent high-voltage power distribution device according to claim 1, comprising: The electrical component includes a contactor for switching power between a battery of the first battery pack or the second battery pack and a component; A connector, the connector being used to connect the contactor to a first busbar of a first polarity of the first battery pack or the second battery pack; and A second connector is used to connect the contactor to a second bus bar of a second polarity of the first battery pack or the second battery pack.

8. The group-independent high-voltage power distribution device according to claim 1, comprising: case; a first cooling component, the housing being used to surround at least a portion of the first cooling component, the first cooling component being used to provide a coolant to a thermal component of the first battery pack or the second battery pack; a second cooling component, the housing being used to surround at least a portion of the second cooling component, the second cooling component being used to receive the coolant from the hot component of the first battery pack or the second battery pack; a connector for coupling the first cooling component to the thermal component via an interface; and A second connector is provided, the second connector being used to couple the second cooling component with the thermal component through the interface.

9. The group-independent high-voltage power distribution device according to claim 1, comprising: A housing, the housing comprising: A plate is located on the bottom side of the housing, the plate being detachably attached to the bottom side of the housing.

10. The group-independent high-voltage power distribution device according to claim 1, comprising: case; a connector for electrically coupling the electrical component to the battery of the first battery pack or the second battery pack through an interface; a second connector for coupling with the housing of the group-independent high-voltage power distribution device and electrically coupling with the connector; and The second connector is used to electrically connect a motor of an electric vehicle to the battery.

11. The group-independent high-voltage power distribution device according to claim 1, comprising: a connector for electrically connecting to a sensor of the first battery pack or the second battery pack to measure a condition of the battery; an electrical component, the electrical component comprising a battery management system; and A second electrical component, the second electrical component being configured to: receiving a signal from the sensor via the connector indicating the condition of the battery; and The signal is provided to the battery management system.

12. The group-independent high-voltage power distribution device according to claim 1, comprising: a housing, the housing comprising a side surface, the side surface comprising an opening; At least a portion of the opening of the side surface of the housing overlaps with an opening in a member of the first battery pack or the second battery pack.

13. The group-independent high-voltage power distribution device according to claim 1, comprising: a connector for electrically coupling the electrical component to the battery of the first battery pack through an interface; as well as The connector is configured to electrically couple the electrical component to the second battery of the second battery pack, the second battery pack including a different structural configuration than the first battery pack.

14. The group-independent high-voltage power distribution device according to claim 1, comprising: A housing is configured to be coupled to a side of a housing of the first battery pack or the second battery pack so as to center the housing in the electric vehicle.

15. A group-independent high-voltage power distribution device, comprising: A mechanical connector is configured to interface with a first battery pack and a second battery pack different from the first battery pack.

16. The group-independent high-voltage power distribution device according to claim 15, comprising: The mechanical connector is used to electrically couple the electrical component to the battery of the first battery pack or the second battery pack through the opening in the side of the first battery pack or the second battery pack.

17. The group-independent high-voltage power distribution device according to claim 15, comprising: A housing, the housing comprising: A plate is located on the bottom side of the housing, the plate being detachably attached to the bottom side of the housing.

18. A group-independent high-voltage distribution box, wherein: The group-independent high-voltage distribution box is configured to control a first battery group and a second battery group, wherein the first battery group is different from the second battery group.

19. The group-independent high-voltage distribution box according to claim 18, wherein: The first battery pack has more battery cells than the second battery pack; the first battery pack having a first chemistry different from a second chemistry of the second battery pack; the first battery pack having a first size different from a second size of the second battery pack; or The battery cells of the first battery pack have a first form factor, and the battery cells of the second battery pack have a second form factor different from the first form factor.

20. The group-independent high-voltage distribution box according to claim 18, comprising: A battery management system controller, wherein the battery management system controller is configured to: The first battery pack and the second battery pack are controlled.

Images