Battery accommodating device, battery system and vehicle

Abstract

A battery housing apparatus for a vehicle is provided. The battery containing device comprises a tray, a cover, a support connecting the tray and the cover, at least one first fastener and a plug arranged on the lower surface of the tray. The tray is provided with a cavity used for containing the battery assembly. The cover is arranged above the tray and used for sealing the cavity. A first fastener connects the bracket to the tray below the cover. The plug is configured to engage with a base on a vehicle component to connect a circuit of the battery assembly. The invention further provides a battery system comprising the battery containing device and a vehicle.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of Ford Global Technologies Inc.'s patent application entitled "Battery Repository, Battery System and Method for Accessing the Interior of Battery System," application number 201910406059.3, filed on May 16, 2019. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to battery systems for electric vehicles, and more particularly to a battery housing device for a high-voltage battery system for electric vehicles. Background Technology

[0003] Electric vehicles, such as battery electric vehicles (BEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), or hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), include a traction battery system that serves as the vehicle's energy source. The traction battery system may include components for assisting in the management of vehicle performance and operation, such as high-voltage battery packs. The traction battery pack also includes a cover limiting the exposure of the high-voltage battery packs and a service disconnect switch for connecting or disconnecting the circuitry of the high-voltage battery packs. In conventional battery systems, the service disconnect switch is located on the side of the battery system housing or inside the battery system, limiting the space available for housing the high-voltage battery packs. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a battery housing device that increases the storage space for battery components and forces the battery system to be powered off during maintenance, addressing at least one of the aforementioned problems.

[0005] According to one aspect of this application, a battery housing for a vehicle is provided. The battery housing includes a tray, a cover, a bracket connecting the tray and the cover, at least one first fastener, and a plug disposed on the lower surface of the tray. The tray has a cavity for receiving a battery assembly. The cover is disposed above the tray to seal the cavity. The first fastener connects the bracket to the tray below the cover. The plug is configured to engage with a base on a vehicle component to connect the circuitry of the battery assembly.

[0006] In some embodiments, the battery housing can only be removed from the tray after the rear cover and bracket are removed from the vehicle.

[0007] In some embodiments, the tray has a flange extending outward from the top of the tray, and a lid completely covers the flange. The support has a first portion located on the lower surface of the flange, a second portion located on the upper surface of the lid, and an intermediate portion connecting the first portion and the second portion. The principal plane of the first portion is parallel to the principal plane of the second portion and perpendicular to the principal plane of the intermediate portion.

[0008] In some embodiments, the battery housing further includes two separately disposed second fasteners, by which the second portion is secured to the upper surface of the cover. At least one first fastener includes two separately disposed first fasteners, by which the first portion is secured to the lower surface of the flange, the two first fasteners being fastened or loosened only by means of a tool operated under the tray.

[0009] In some embodiments, the stent's yield strength is in the range of 235 MPa to 345 MPa. The stent's thickness is in the range of 1.2 mm to 2.0 mm. In some embodiments, the stent has an insulating layer with a thickness in the range of 20 μm to 50 μm.

[0010] In some embodiments, a first portion of the bracket has a first through hole and a second through hole that mate with two first fasteners, and a second portion has a third through hole and a fourth through hole that mate with two second fasteners. The plane containing the first and second through holes is parallel to the plane containing the third and fourth through holes. A first distance between the first and second through holes in the first portion of the bracket is less than a second distance between the third and fourth through holes in the second portion of the bracket. The first distance is in the range of 70 mm to 120 mm, and the second distance is in the range of 140 mm to 240 mm. In some embodiments, the first and second through holes are both circular holes with the same diameter; the third through hole is a circular hole, and the fourth through hole is an elliptical hole with a diameter larger than that of the third through hole.

[0011] In some embodiments, the battery housing further includes a third fastener that connects the cover and the tray and is located below the second portion of the bracket.

[0012] According to another aspect of this application, a battery system for a vehicle is provided. The battery system includes a tray having a cavity, a cover sealing the cavity above the tray, a battery assembly disposed within the cavity, a bracket connecting the tray and the cover, and a service disconnect switch connected to the battery assembly via a circuit. The service disconnect switch includes a plug disposed on the lower surface of the tray and a base disposed on a vehicle component. The bracket is connected to the tray by at least one first fastener, which is accessible from the lower surface of the tray and accessible only when the tray and cover are removed from the vehicle. The service disconnect switch is configured such that when the tray is within the vehicle component, the plug engages with the base to connect the circuit; and when the tray leaves the vehicle component, the engagement of the plug with the base disengages to disconnect the circuit.

[0013] In some embodiments, the vehicle component is a receiving portion between the trunk floor and the vehicle floor, with a base disposed on the bottom surface of the receiving portion. In some embodiments, the distance between the side of the tray or cover and the side wall of the receiving portion is in the range of 10 mm to 25 mm.

[0014] In some embodiments, the tray has a flange extending outward from the top of the tray, and a lid completely covers the flange. The support has a first portion located on the lower surface of the flange, a second portion located on the upper surface of the lid, and an intermediate portion connecting the first portion and the second portion. The principal plane of the first portion is parallel to the principal plane of the second portion and perpendicular to the principal plane of the intermediate portion.

[0015] In some embodiments, the battery system further includes two separately disposed second fasteners, by which the second portion is secured to the upper surface of the cover. At least one first fastener includes two separately disposed first fasteners, by which the first portion is secured to the lower surface of the flange. The first portion of the bracket has a first through hole and a second through hole that mate with the first fasteners, and the second portion of the bracket has a third through hole and a fourth through hole that mate with the second fasteners. The planes in which the first and second through holes are located are parallel to the planes in which the third and fourth through holes are located.

[0016] In some embodiments, the first distance between the first through hole and the second through hole is less than the second distance between the third through hole and the fourth through hole. The first distance is in the range of 70 mm to 120 mm, and the second distance is in the range of 140 mm to 240 mm.

[0017] According to another aspect of this application, a vehicle is provided. The vehicle includes a vehicle component located at the bottom of the vehicle, a tray with a cavity located on the vehicle component, a cover disposed above the tray and sealing the cavity, a battery assembly disposed in the cavity, a bracket connecting the tray and the cover, and a service disconnect switch connected to the battery assembly via a circuit. The bracket has a U-shaped cross-section to cover the edge portion of the tray and the edge portion of the cover, and the bracket is connected to the tray by at least one first fastener. The service disconnect switch includes a plug disposed on the lower surface of the tray and a base disposed within the vehicle component. When the tray is located within the vehicle component, the plug engages with the base to connect the circuit; when the tray is removed from the vehicle component, the engagement between the plug and the base is disengaged to disconnect the circuit.

[0018] In some embodiments, as the tray and cover are removed from the vehicle components, the first fastener is tightened or loosened by a tool operated from below the tray.

[0019] In some embodiments, the bracket is spaced a distance from the sidewall of the vehicle component such that when the tray and cover are in the vehicle component, the tool cannot be operated to tighten or loosen the first fastener.

[0020] It should be understood that the above brief description is provided to introduce, in a simplified form, a range of options that will be further described in the detailed description, and does not imply confirmation of key or essential features of the protected subject matter of this application. The scope of this application will be uniquely defined by the claims of this application. Furthermore, the protected subject matter is not limited to embodiments that overcome any of the shortcomings described above or in any part of this specification. Attached Figure Description

[0021] One or more features and / or advantages of this application will become apparent from the accompanying drawings and from one or more embodiments described in detail below.

[0022] Figure 1A This is a schematic diagram of a part of a vehicle including a battery system, including an enlarged schematic diagram of the location of the bracket, showing the location of the battery system in the vehicle according to an embodiment of this application.

[0023] Figure 1B Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of a part of the vehicle when the battery housing is removed.

[0024] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the circuit for the service disconnect switch of the battery system, where the service disconnect switch is in the engaged state.

[0025] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the service disconnect switch of the battery system, in which the service disconnect switch connected to the battery housing and vehicle components is in the off state.

[0026] Figure 4 This is a bottom view of the battery housing of the battery system.

[0027] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 An enlarged schematic diagram of a portion of the battery housing.

[0028] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 An enlarged schematic diagram of another part of the battery housing.

[0029] Figure 7 This is a 3D diagram of the support frame.

[0030] Figure 8 This is a bottom view of the support frame.

[0031] Figure 9 This is a side view of the bracket.

[0032] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the first fastener. Detailed Implementation

[0033] Specific embodiments of this application are disclosed herein as needed; however, it should be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein are merely examples of this application that can be implemented in various alternative forms. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale; some features may be enlarged or reduced to show details of specific components. The same or similar reference numerals may indicate the same parameters and components or similar modifications and substitutions. In the following description, multiple operating parameters and components are described in various contemplated embodiments. These specific parameters and components are merely examples in this specification and are not intended to be limiting. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosed in this specification should not be construed as limiting, but are merely representative bases for teaching those skilled in the art to implement this application in various forms.

[0034] Battery systems for electric vehicles are equipped with service disconnect switches to cut off high-voltage circuits, thereby protecting users or maintenance personnel who may come into contact with the battery system. Most electric vehicle battery systems are located under the trunk floor, where space is limited. Conventional battery systems have service disconnect switches located on the side or inside the battery casing, further limiting the volume available for housing the battery assembly as they occupy additional space. The inventors of this application, noting the above, provide a battery system in the following embodiments that offers greater space for battery assembly housing and allows for forced power disconnection during maintenance.

[0035] Figure 1A This is a schematic diagram of the rear of a vehicle 110, including the battery system 100, showing the interior of the vehicle's trunk. Figure 1A It also includes an enlarged schematic diagram of the location of the support. Figure 1B for Figure 1A A schematic diagram of the rear of the vehicle after the battery housing 111 of the battery system 110 has been removed. Figure 1A-1B As shown, the battery housing 111 of the battery system 100 is installed in a housing 114 located below the trunk 112 of the vehicle 110. The housing 114 is a storage space enclosed by the rear of the vehicle body 116, located below the trunk 112 and generally covered by a trunk mat (not shown). The housing 114 has a bottom surface 113 and four side walls 115, defining a space for accommodating the battery housing 111. The distance A between the four side walls 115 of the housing 114 and the four side walls 102 of the battery housing 111 is small, ranging from about 10 mm to about 25 mm, for example, from about 15 mm to about 20 mm. Thus, the battery housing 111 can occupy as much space as possible within the housing 114, providing more space for accommodating a larger number of battery cells.

[0036] refer to Figure 1BThe battery housing 111 includes a tray 120 and a cover 130. The tray 120 has a cavity 121 for receiving a battery assembly 140, and the cover 130 is disposed above the tray 120 and seals the cavity 121. The battery housing 111 also has a bracket 150 connecting the tray 120 and the cover 130. Figure 1A-1B As shown, the bracket 150 may be located adjacent to the right side wall of the receiving portion 114, connecting the right side of the cover 130 and the right side of the tray 120. It should be understood that the bracket 150 may be located at any other suitable location within the battery system 100. In some embodiments, the bracket 150 is located near the front side wall of the receiving portion 114 and connects the front sides of the cover 130 and the tray 120. In some embodiments, the bracket 150 is located near the left side wall of the receiving portion 114 and connects the left side of the cover 130 and the tray 120. In some embodiments, the bracket 150 is located near the rear side wall of the receiving portion 114 and connects the rear side of the cover 130 and the tray 120.

[0037] Preferably, the bracket 150 is located relatively away from the rear of the vehicle from the battery housing 111. For example, the bracket 150 may be located at the front of the battery housing 111, i.e., near the front sidewall of the housing 114. The bracket 150 may also be located on the left or right side of the battery housing 111 and relatively away from the rear of the vehicle, such as... Figure 1A As shown. In this way, the bracket 150 is positioned as far away as possible from the reach of the user or maintenance personnel, reducing the possibility of the bracket 150 being touched or forcibly removed when the battery housing 111 is located inside the housing 114.

[0038] In some embodiments, the battery system 110 may include a plurality of supports 150, which may be evenly distributed on opposite sides of the battery housing 111, such as the left and right sides, or the front and rear. The plurality of supports 150 may also be distributed along one side of the battery housing 111, or on two adjacent sides, three sides, or all four sides of the battery housing 111.

[0039] The battery system 100 also includes a service disconnect switch 160. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a circuit 200 with a service disconnect switch 160. (Reference) Figure 2 The service disconnect switch 160 is electrically connected in a circuit 200 having a battery assembly 140 and an electric drive system 210. When the service disconnect switch 160 is engaged (e.g. Figure 2 As shown, battery assembly 140 (e.g., a high-voltage battery, which may include multiple battery cells) supplies power to electric drive system 210. When service disconnect switch 160 is off, circuit 200 forms an open circuit, and battery assembly 140 cannot supply power to electric drive system 210.

[0040] Figure 3 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the service disconnect switch 160. (See diagram below.) Figure 3 As shown, the service disconnect switch 160 includes a plug 162 and a base 164. Figure 4 This is a bottom plan view of the battery system 100, showing the location of the plug 162. (Reference) Figure 3-4 The plug 162 is located on the lower surface 122 of the tray 120, and the base 164 is located on the bottom surface 113 of the receiving part 114.

[0041] The base 164 is connected to the receiving portion 114. The upper part of the base 164 facing the plug 162 includes at least two female sockets 161, which receive at least a portion of the plug 162. The female sockets 161 are made of conductive material and are electrically connected to the circuit 200. The base 164 may be made of a non-conductive material (such as plastic), and its bottom 165 may be attached to the bottom surface 113 of the receiving portion 114.

[0042] The plug 162 includes a conductive member 163, which may be made of metal (such as copper or aluminum) and is partially housed within the plug 162. The conductive member 163 may include a fuse 165 and two prongs 166 projecting outward from and extending away from the plug 162, the prongs 166 facing and aligned with a female socket 161. When the plug 162 and base 164 are engaged, the prongs 166 are received within the female socket 161, closing the circuit 200, as... Figure 2 As shown.

[0043] When the tray 120 moves a certain distance away from the receiving part 114, the engagement between the base 164 and the plug 162 disengages, causing the service disconnect switch 160 to trip. Figure 3 As shown, this disconnects the circuit 200 between the battery assembly 140 and the electric drive system 210, so that the battery assembly 140 cannot provide power to the electric drive system 210.

[0044] It should be understood that in some embodiments, the positions of the base 164 and plug 162 of the service disconnect switch 160 are interchangeable, i.e., the plug 162 is disposed on the bottom surface 113 of the receiving portion 114 and the base 164 is disposed on the lower surface 122 of the tray 120.

[0045] Figure 5 and Figure 6 The positions of the bracket 150 on the tray 120 and the cover 130 are shown respectively. Figure 7 This is a 3D view of the bracket 150. (Reference) Figure 5-7 The bracket 150 has a first portion 152 and a second portion 154 spaced apart in the height direction H, and an intermediate portion 156 connecting the first portion 152 and the second portion 154.

[0046] The tray 120 may include a first flange 124 extending outward from the upper part of the tray 120, and a cover 130 completely covers the first flange 124 such that the first flange 124 or the tray 120 is not visible when the battery housing 111 is viewed from above. Figure 5 As shown, the first portion 152 can be secured to the lower surface 125 of the first flange 124 of the tray 120 by a first fastener 170. In the illustrated embodiment, the first fastener 170 may include a stud that passes through the first portion 152 of the bracket 150 and engages with a threaded hole in the first flange 124 of the tray 120, thereby securing the first portion 152 under the tray 120. In the illustrated embodiment, the battery system 100 includes two first fasteners 170.

[0047] The main plane of the second portion 154 of the bracket 150 may be parallel to the main plane of the first portion 152, and it can be fixed to the upper surface 132 of the cover 130 by a second fastener 180. Figure 5 As shown, tray 120 may include a second flange 126 extending outward from the upper part of tray 120, and cover 130 completely covers the second flange 126 such that the second flange 126 or tray 120 is not visible when the battery housing 111 is viewed from above. Figure 6 and Figure 10 As shown, the second fastener 180 may include a stud that passes through the second portion 154 and the cover 130 and engages with a threaded hole on the second flange 126 of the tray 120, thereby securing the second portion 154 above the cover 130 and connecting the cover 130, the tray 120, and the bracket 150. In the illustrated embodiment, the battery system 100 includes two second fasteners 180.

[0048] In some embodiments, reference Figure 6 The middle section 155 of the second portion 154 of the bracket 150 may protrude upward by a predetermined distance. The battery system 110 also includes a third fastener 190, a portion of which (e.g., a head) is accommodated within the space between the middle section 155 and the upper surface 132 of the cover 130. The third fastener 190 is located below the middle section 155 and connects the cover 130 and the tray 120. Because the third fastener 190 is completely covered by the second portion 154 (middle section 155) of the bracket 150, it is invisible and cannot be removed without removing the bracket 150.

[0049] The main plane of the middle portion 156 of the bracket 150 may be perpendicular to the main plane of the first portion 152 or the second portion 154. The second portion 154 may be fitted against the side of the tray 120 or the cover 130 or spaced very close to the side of the tray 120 or the cover 130. In this way, the receiving portion 114 can provide as much space as possible for accommodating the battery assembly 140.

[0050] Referring to the above embodiment, the bracket 150 and the battery system 100 have four fixing points (i.e., the locations of the two first fasteners 170 and the two second fasteners 180). Two of these fixing points are configured to allow the two second fasteners 180 to be inserted from above the cover 130, and are defined herein as the second fasteners 180 located above the tray 120. The other two fixing points are configured to allow the first fasteners 170 to be inserted from below the tray 120, and are defined herein as the first fasteners 170 located below the tray 120. The distance A between the four side walls 115 of the receiving portion 114 and the four side walls 102 of the battery system 100 is very small, so that the user or maintenance personnel cannot access the two first fasteners 170 below the tray 120 or loosen the first fasteners 170 with tools below the tray 120 without removing the battery receiving device 111 from the receiving portion 114. Furthermore, if the user or maintenance personnel wish to open the cover 130 to access the interior of the battery system 100, they must remove the bracket 150, i.e., remove all the fasteners connecting the bracket.

[0051] This means that if a user or maintenance personnel wants to access the interior of the battery system 100, they must remove the battery system 100 from the housing 114 to expose the two first fasteners 170 under the tray 120, thus providing sufficient operating space for the user or maintenance personnel to remove the two first fasteners 170 under the tray 120. In some embodiments, a lift can be used to remove and elevate the battery housing 111 from the housing 114, allowing the user or maintenance personnel to operate below the battery housing 111 to remove the two first fasteners 170. The second fastener 180 can be removed before or after the removal of the first fasteners 170. Afterwards, the bracket 150 can be removed, and the cover 130 can be opened to access the interior of the battery system 100.

[0052] In this way, the lower surface 122 of the tray 120 separates from the receiving portion 114, the service disconnect switch 160 is turned off, and the circuit 200 of the high-voltage battery assembly 140 is open. In other words, opening the cover 130 requires removing the bracket 150, which in turn forces the battery housing 111 to be removed from the receiving portion 114. During the removal process, the service disconnect switch 160 is automatically turned off. In this way, the risk of the battery system 100 becoming charged during battery maintenance and battery replacement is reduced.

[0053] In embodiments with a third fastener 190, the third fastener 190 must be removed after the bracket 150 is removed before the cover 130 can be opened. The position of the third fastener 190 ensures that it must be removed after the bracket 150 is removed. Removing the bracket 150 requires moving the battery housing 111 out of the housing 114 to disconnect the circuit, further reducing the possibility that the battery housing may be energized.

[0054] In some embodiments, the yield strength of the bracket 150 is in the range of 235 MPa to 345 MPa. This makes the bracket 150 less prone to deformation, reducing the possibility of the bracket 150 being damaged during installation, and also reducing the possibility of users or maintenance personnel using the deformation of the bracket 150 to open the cover 130 without removing it from the battery housing 111.

[0055] In some embodiments, the thickness of the support 150 is in the range of about 1.2 mm to about 2.0 mm.

[0056] In some embodiments, the surface of the support 150 may have an insulating layer. The insulating layer may be applied to the surface of the support 150 by means of electrophoresis or the like, and its thickness is in the range of about 20 μm to about 50 μm.

[0057] refer to Figure 7-9 , Figure 7 This is a 3D diagram of the bracket 150. Figure 8 This is a bottom view of bracket 150, and Figure 9 This is a side view of bracket 150. (Reference) Figure 7-8 The first portion 152 of the bracket 150 has through holes corresponding to the two first fasteners 170, namely a first through hole 172 and a second through hole 174. The first through hole 172 and the second through hole 174 may be identical, for example, both being circular holes, with a diameter a1 matching the diameter d of the screw of the first fastener 170. For example, d may be slightly larger than a1, and the difference between d and a1 is t1, which is in the range of about 0.25 mm to about 0.75 mm.

[0058] The second part 154 may have two through holes corresponding to the second fastener 180, namely a third through hole 182 and a fourth through hole 184. In some embodiments, the third through hole 182 and the fourth through hole 184 may be different. For example, the third through hole 182 may be a circular hole, the same as the first through hole 172 and the second through hole 174, while the fourth through hole 184 may be an elliptical hole or an elongated hole larger than the third through hole 182. Its diameter a2 in the first direction is the same as a1, and its diameter b1 in the second direction perpendicular to the first direction may be greater than a2. The difference between b1 and a2 is t2, and t2 is in the range of about 1 mm to about 2 mm. In such embodiments, the fourth through hole 184 has a different size than the third through hole 182, the first through hole 172, and the second through hole 174, which allows for certain tolerances and is beneficial for the installation of the bracket.

[0059] It should be understood that in some embodiments, the third through hole 182 and the fourth through hole 184 may be the same, for example, both being circular holes.

[0060] refer to Figure 8The line EE connecting the centers of the first through hole 172 and the second through hole 174 may be parallel to the line FF connecting the centers of the third through hole 182 and the fourth through hole 184. The distance E between the first through hole 172 and the second through hole 174 may be less than the distance F between the third through hole 182 and the fourth through hole 184. In some embodiments, the distance E is in the range of about 70 mm to about 120 mm, and the distance F is in the range of about 140 mm to about 240 mm. In some embodiments, the plane containing the first through hole 172 and the second through hole 174 may be parallel to the plane containing the third through hole 182 and the fourth through hole 184.

[0061] In some embodiments, the flatness Z of the first portion 152 is in the range of about 0.2 mm to about 0.4 mm, and the flatness Y of the side segment 157 of the second portion 154 that contacts the cover 130 is in the range of about 0.2 mm to about 0.4 mm. This reduces interference during installation and facilitates the installation of the bracket.

[0062] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the first fastener 170. The first fastener 170 includes a head 176 and a shank 178, the shank 178 being threaded and engaging with a corresponding threaded hole in the first flange 124 of the tray 120 to connect the bracket 150 and the tray 120. (Reference) Figure 8-9 The distance h between the side segment 157 of the second part 154 and the first part 152 can be greater than the length j of the rod portion of the first fastener 170, and the difference between the distance h and the rod length j can be in the range of about 10 mm to about 15 mm. The second fastener 180 and the third fastener 190 can have the same characteristics as... Figure 10 The first fastener 170 has the same or similar structure and dimensions. The distance g between the side section 157 and the middle section 155 of the second part 154 can be greater than the length i of the head of the second fastener 180, and the length i of the head of the second fastener 180 can be equal to... Figure 10 The difference between the length i of the head of the first fastener 170 and the distance g from the length i can be within the range of 5mm to 10mm. This reduces interference during installation and facilitates the installation of the bracket.

[0063] The battery system and battery housing according to embodiments of this application can provide increased housing space for battery components and can also force users or maintenance personnel to disconnect the service disconnect switch when accessing the inside of the battery system, thereby ensuring that the battery system does not carry high voltage.

[0064] It should be understood that the structures and procedures disclosed in this application specification are exemplary, and the specific embodiments should not be construed as limiting, as various variations may exist.

[0065] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A battery housing for a vehicle, comprising: A tray with cavities for accommodating battery components; A cover is provided above the tray to seal the cavity; A bracket connecting the tray and the lid; At least one first fastener, wherein the first fastener connects the bracket to the tray below the cover; and A plug is disposed on the lower surface of the tray, the plug being configured to engage with a base on a vehicle component to connect the circuitry of the battery assembly.

2. The battery housing device according to claim 1, wherein, The cover and the bracket can only be removed from the tray after the battery housing has been removed from the vehicle.

3. The battery housing device according to claim 1, wherein, The tray has a flange extending outward from the upper part of the tray, and the cover completely covers the flange; the support has a first portion located on the lower surface of the flange, a second portion located on the upper surface of the cover, and an intermediate portion connecting the first portion and the second portion.

4. The battery housing device according to claim 3, wherein, The main plane of the first part is parallel to the main plane of the second part and perpendicular to the main plane of the middle part.

5. The battery housing device according to claim 3, further comprising two separately disposed second fasteners, the second portion being fixed to the upper surface of the cover by the second fasteners; wherein, At least one first fastener comprises two separately disposed first fasteners, the first portion being secured to the lower surface of the flange by the two first fasteners, the two first fasteners being capable of being tightened or loosened only by a tool operated under the tray.

6. The battery housing device according to claim 1, wherein, The yield strength of the support is in the range of 235 MPa to 345 MPa.

7. The battery housing device according to claim 1, wherein, The thickness of the support is in the range of 1.2mm to 2.0mm.

8. The battery housing device according to claim 1, wherein, The support has an insulating layer with a thickness ranging from 20 μm to 50 μm.

9. The battery housing device according to claim 5, wherein, The first part of the bracket has a first through hole and a second through hole that match the two first fasteners, and the second part has a third through hole and a fourth through hole that match the two second fasteners. The plane in which the first through hole and the second through hole are located is parallel to the plane in which the third through hole and the fourth through hole are located.

10. The battery housing device according to claim 9, wherein, The first distance between the first through hole and the second through hole in the first part of the bracket is less than the second distance between the third through hole and the fourth through hole in the second part of the bracket; the first distance is in the range of 70mm to 120mm, and the second distance is in the range of 140mm to 240mm.

11. The battery housing device according to claim 9, wherein, The first and second through holes are both circular holes with the same diameter; the third through hole is a circular hole, and the fourth through hole is an elliptical hole, the diameter of the fourth through hole being larger than the diameter of the third through hole.

12. The battery housing device of claim 11, further comprising a third fastener connecting the cover and the tray and located below a second portion of the bracket.

13. A battery system for a vehicle, comprising: A tray with a cavity; A cover is provided above the tray to seal the cavity; A battery assembly is located within the cavity; A bracket connecting the tray and the lid; and A service disconnect switch connected to the battery assembly via a circuit includes a plug located on the lower surface of the tray and a base mounted on the vehicle component. The bracket is connected to the tray by at least one first fastener, which is accessible from the lower surface of the tray and is accessible only when the tray and the cover are removed from the vehicle. The service disconnect switch is configured such that when the tray is inside the vehicle component, the plug engages with the base to connect the circuit; and when the tray leaves the vehicle component, the engagement between the plug and the base is disconnected to disconnect the circuit.

14. The battery system according to claim 13, wherein, The vehicle component is a receiving portion between the trunk floor and the vehicle floor, and the base is disposed on the bottom surface of the receiving portion.

15. The battery system according to claim 14, wherein, The distance between the side of the tray or lid and the side wall of the receiving part is in the range of 10mm to 25mm.

16. The battery system according to claim 13, wherein, The tray has a flange extending outward from the top of the tray, and the cover completely covers the flange; the support has a first portion located on the lower surface of the flange, a second portion located on the upper surface of the cover, and an intermediate portion connecting the first portion and the second portion; the principal plane of the first portion is parallel to the principal plane of the second portion and perpendicular to the principal plane of the intermediate portion.

17. The battery system of claim 16, further comprising two separately disposed second fasteners, the second portion being secured to the upper surface of the cover by the two second fasteners; wherein, At least one first fastener includes two separately disposed first fasteners, the first portion being fixed to the lower surface of the flange by the two first fasteners; the first portion of the bracket has a first through hole and a second through hole that match the first fasteners, the second portion of the bracket has a third through hole and a fourth through hole that match the second fasteners, the plane in which the first through hole and the second through hole are located is parallel to the plane in which the third through hole and the fourth through hole are located.

18. The battery system according to claim 17, wherein, The first distance between the first through hole and the second through hole is less than the second distance between the third through hole and the fourth through hole; the first distance is in the range of 70mm to 120mm, and the second distance is in the range of 140mm to 240mm.

19. A vehicle comprising: Vehicle components located at the bottom of the vehicle; A hollow tray located on the vehicle component; A cover is provided above the tray to seal the cavity; A battery assembly is located within the cavity; A bracket connecting the tray and the lid, wherein the bracket has a U-shaped cross-section to cover the edge portions of the tray and the lid; and A service disconnect switch connected to the battery assembly via a circuit includes a plug located on the lower surface of the tray and a base located within the vehicle component. The bracket is connected to the tray via at least one first fastener. When the tray is inside the vehicle component, the plug engages with the base to connect the circuit; when the tray leaves the vehicle component, the engagement between the plug and the base is disconnected to disconnect the circuit.

20. The vehicle according to claim 19, wherein, The bracket is spaced a certain distance from the side wall of the vehicle component so that the first fastener cannot be touched when the tray and the cover are located in the vehicle component.

Images