Battery module assembly
By directly mounting battery modules and circuit components onto electric vehicles using a modular structure, the problem of excessive weight and size of battery modules in electric vehicles is solved, achieving a lightweight, thin, and compact battery module component design.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202520158328.X
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2024-01-23
- Filing Date
- 2025-01-23
- Publication Date
- 2026-02-06
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-01-23
AI Technical Summary
In the existing technology, when electric vehicles and other devices require multiple battery modules, there are problems such as excessive weight and volume, and the battery modules and circuit components need to be packaged separately.
The pack-less structure allows multiple battery modules and circuit components to be directly mounted on the electric vehicle. They are connected by module mounting parts, circuit mounting parts, barrier components and wiring guides to form a compact battery module assembly, without the need for separate packaging components.
It achieves a lightweight, thin, and compact structure for battery module components, reducing weight and volume while maintaining stable electrical connections and cooling functions.
Smart Images
Figure CN223884581U_ABST
Abstract
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] One or more embodiments relate to a battery module assembly. BACKGROUND
[0002] Generally, unlike primary batteries that cannot be recharged, secondary batteries can be charged and discharged. Secondary batteries are used as energy sources for mobile devices, electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, electric bicycles, uninterruptible power supplies, etc. Depending on the type of external device to which they are applied, secondary batteries are used in the form of a single battery or a group in which a plurality of battery cells are connected and combined as one unit.
[0003] Small mobile devices such as mobile phones can operate for a certain amount of time based on the output and capacity of a single battery, whereas for devices that require long-term driving and high-power operation and consume a large amount of power, such as electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, etc., group-type secondary batteries including a plurality of batteries are preferred due to output and capacity problems. The output voltage or output current can increase as the number of built-in batteries increases. SUMMARY
[0004] One or more embodiments include a power supply device that has a reduced weight and volume and has a light, thin, and compact structure by directly mounting a plurality of battery modules and a circuit assembly electrically connected to the plurality of battery modules on an electric vehicle in a groupless manner without a separate package in which the plurality of battery modules and the circuit assembly are separated from the electric vehicle.
[0005] Additional aspects will be set forth in part in the description which follows, will be apparent from the description, or can be learned by practice of the presentation embodiments of the disclosure.
[0006] According to one or more embodiments, the battery module assembly includes a plurality of battery modules and a group space that accommodates the plurality of battery modules, wherein the group space includes a recessed space having a bottom surface, a portion of the bottom surface being partially recessed to accommodate at least a portion of each of the plurality of battery modules, a module mounting portion in which the plurality of battery modules accommodated in the recessed space are disposed, a circuit mounting portion in which a circuit assembly electrically connected to the plurality of battery modules is disposed, a barrier formed between the module mounting portion and the circuit mounting portion, and a wiring guide connecting the module mounting portion to the circuit mounting portion.
[0007] The battery module assembly can further include a foldable cover that opens and closes the group space, wherein the foldable cover covers a top surface of the group space opposite the bottom surface of the group space.
[0008] Each of the plurality of battery modules can be positionally fixed in the recessed space by an engagement device that engages with a fixing member installed on a bottom surface of the recessed space via a flange member formed in each of the plurality of battery modules or via a pressing member that presses the plurality of battery modules adjacent to each other together.
[0009] The circuit mounting portion can include a battery management system (BMS) configured to control charging and discharging operations of the plurality of battery modules, and a power relay assembly (PRA) configured to control a flow of power from the plurality of battery modules to the driving motor.
[0010] The module mounting portion can include a cooling fan for cooling the plurality of battery modules.
[0011] The cooling fan and the power relay assembly of the circuit mounting portion can be electrically connected to each other by wiring guided through a wiring guide extending across the barrier.
[0012] The wiring guide can be formed in a groove shape recessed from a bottom surface of the pack space along an edge of the pack space to enclose the module mounting portion surrounding the recessed space, the circuit mounting portion, and the barrier between the module mounting portion and the circuit mounting portion, and the wiring guide can be formed in a ring shape having opposite end portions disconnected from each other, and mounting positions of the PRA and the cooling fan are located between the end portions of the ring shape along the edge of the pack space.
[0013] A fixing member for fixing the PRA and the cooling fan can be formed at the opposite end portions of the wiring guide disconnected from each other, and each of the PRA and the cooling fan can be fixed to the pack space by an engagement member inserted into the fixing member.
[0014] A power port providing an input and output position of charging and discharging power of the battery modules and a communication port connected to the BMS to enable data communication with the BMS can be formed on an outer side of the wiring guide.
[0015] The pack space can be formed as a space under a loading space on which a transfer load is loaded.
[0016] The pack space and the loading space can be integrally formed with one base frame.
[0017] A foldable cover can be disposed on the base frame and can be extendable between the pack space and the loading space.
[0018] The pack space and the loading space can be separated from or connected to each other by opening and closing the foldable cover.
[0019] The base frame can include a slide guide extending between the group space and the loading space to support sliding of the foldable cover, and an upper wall and a lower wall each branched upward and downward from the slide guide and dividing a portion of the loading space and a portion of the group space, respectively.
[0020] The base frame can be assembled on a vehicle body of an electric vehicle, and the plurality of battery modules configured to provide a driving power source for the electric vehicle.
[0021] At least a portion of the wall dividing the group space can be provided by the vehicle body of the electric vehicle.
[0022] A bottom surface of the group space can be provided by the vehicle body of the electric vehicle.
[0023] The plurality of battery modules can be disposed in a compact arrangement relative to each other to be at least partially accommodated in the recessed space, and can not include a binding mechanism for physically binding the plurality of battery modules to each other.
[0024] The battery module assembly is provided with the electric vehicle, and the plurality of battery modules configured to provide a driving power source for the electric vehicle, and can not include a housing forming an outer case of the plurality of battery modules and an electrical circuit assembly electrically connected to the plurality of battery modules as one package separate from the electric vehicle using the plurality of battery modules as a driving power source. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0025] The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of certain embodiments of the disclosure will be more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0026] Figure 1 is a view for describing a structure of a battery module assembly according to an embodiment of the disclosure, the structure including a plurality of battery modules as a driving power source of an electric vehicle and a group space accommodating the plurality of battery modules;
[0027] Figure 2A and Figure 2B is a plan view of the group space to show components defining the group space opened and closed by folding and unfolding the foldable cover;
[0028] Figure 3A and Figure 3B is a side view of the group space to show components defining the group space opened and closed by folding and unfolding the foldable cover;
[0029] Figure 4 is Figure 2A , Figure 2B , Figure 3A and Figure 3B is a perspective view of the base frame shown in FIGS. 1 to 3;
[0030] Figure 5 is a view for describingFigure 1 a view of the construction of the group space shown in
[0031] Figure 6 is a view for describing an arrangement structure of a battery module assembly arranged in an electric vehicle;
[0032] Figure 7 connections of power lines and communication lines between the battery module assembly and a vehicle controller are schematically shown; and
[0033] Figure 8 a power relay assembly for opening and closing power flow between a plurality of battery modules and a drive motor is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0034] Reference will now be made in detail embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. In this regard, the present embodiments can have different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the descriptions set forth herein. Accordingly, the embodiments are merely described below, by referring to the drawings, to explain aspects of the present description. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Expressions such as "at least one of," when preceding a list of elements, modify the entire list of elements and do not modify the individual elements of the list.
[0035] Hereinafter, a battery module assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings attached to the specification.
[0036] Figure 1 is a view for describing a structure of a battery module assembly MP according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the structure including a plurality of battery modules M as a driving power source of an electric vehicle and a group space P accommodating the plurality of battery modules M.
[0037] Figure 2A and Figure 2B is a top view of the group space P to show components defining the group space P opened and closed by folding and unfolding a foldable cover CV.
[0038] Figure 3A and Figure 3B is a side view of the group space P to show components defining the group space P opened and closed by folding and unfolding a foldable cover CV.
[0039] Figure 4 is Figure 2A , Figure 2B , Figure 3A and Figure 3B is a perspective view of the base frame 300 shown in
[0040] Figure 5is a view for describing a configuration of a group space P shown in FIG. 1. Figure 1
[0041] Figure 6 is a view for describing an arrangement structure of a battery module assembly MP arranged in an electric vehicle.
[0042] Figure 7 connections of power lines and communication lines between the battery module assembly MP and a vehicle controller ECU are schematically shown.
[0043] Figure 8 a power relay assembly for opening and closing power flow between a plurality of battery modules M and a drive motor is shown.
[0044] Referring to the drawings, a battery module assembly MP according to an embodiment of the disclosure can include a plurality of battery modules M and a group space P accommodating the plurality of battery modules M. The group space P can include a recessed space 100' having a bottom surface, a portion of the bottom surface being partially recessed to accommodate at least a portion of each of the plurality of battery modules M. The group space P can further include a module mounting portion 100 on which the plurality of battery modules M accommodated in the recessed space 100' are disposed, and a circuit mounting portion 200 on which a circuit assembly electrically connected to the battery modules M is disposed. A barrier 150 can be formed between the module mounting portion 100 and the circuit mounting portion 200, and a wiring guide WG can connect the module mounting portion 100 to the circuit mounting portion 200 across the barrier 150.
[0045] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the battery module assembly MP can include a plurality of battery modules M electrically connected to each other and a group space P accommodating the plurality of battery modules M. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the group space P can be formed by a plurality of walls surrounding the group space P, and a bottom surface of the group space P can be divided by walls provided by a vehicle body of an electric vehicle using the plurality of battery modules M as a driving power source. That is, in an embodiment of the disclosure, at least some of the walls dividing the group space P can be provided by the vehicle body of the electric vehicle. For example, in an embodiment of the disclosure, the bottom surface of the group space P can be provided by the vehicle body of the electric vehicle using the plurality of battery modules M accommodated in the group space P as the driving power source, and a top surface of the group space P can be provided by a base frame 300 assembled on the vehicle body of the electric vehicle, not directly by the vehicle body of the electric vehicle using the plurality of battery modules M accommodated in the group space P as the driving power source. As such, in an embodiment of the disclosure, the group space P accommodating the plurality of battery modules M can be provided with its bottom surface from the vehicle body of the electric vehicle using the plurality of battery modules M as the driving power source and with its top surface from the base frame 300 assembled on the vehicle body of the electric vehicle using the plurality of battery modules M as the driving power source.
[0046] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the group space P in which the plurality of battery modules M are accommodated can be provided as a lower space of the loading space T on which the transfer load is loaded. The group space P and the loading space T can be divided by the sliding guide W3 of the base frame 300 extending between the group space P and the loading space T, and by the foldable cover CV slidably supported on the sliding guide W3. The foldable cover CV can include a cover roller (not shown) moving on the sliding guide W3 so as to be foldably supported on the sliding guide W3 by rotation of the cover roller (not shown). The foldable cover CV can include a plurality of cover segments connected by a hinge to be folded and unfolded with respect to each other. Since the plurality of cover segments connected by the hinge can be stacked with respect to each other or can be unfolded with respect to each other, they close or open the group space P by folding and unfolding.
[0047] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the loading space T on which the transfer load is loaded and the group space P in which the plurality of battery modules M are accommodated can be spatially separated from or connected to each other by the foldable cover CV stretched and compressed along the sliding guide W3 of the base frame 300, and the foldable cover CV closes the group space P to be separated from the loading space T or opens the group space P toward the loading space T. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the foldable cover CV or the sliding guide W3 (base frame 300) for guiding the sliding of the foldable cover CV can separate the vertically stacked loading space T and group space P from each other. That is, the foldable cover CV and the sliding guide W3 (base frame 300) for guiding the sliding of the foldable cover CV can be provided above the top surface of the group space P. The bottom surface of the group space P can be provided by a body of an electric vehicle on which the base frame 300 is assembled.
[0048] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the base frame 300 can include a foldable cover CV extending across between the loading space T and the group space P or a sliding guide W3 for guiding the sliding of the foldable cover CV. The base frame 300 can include an upper wall W1 and a lower wall W2 branched and extended from the sliding guide W3 toward the loading space T at an upper position and the group space P at a lower position. The base frame 300 according to an embodiment of the disclosure can be assembled on a vehicle body of an electric vehicle using a plurality of battery modules M as a driving power source. The upper wall W1 can extend from the foldable cover CV extending above a top surface of the group space P or the sliding guide W3 for guiding the sliding of the foldable cover CV to an upper position of the loading space T. The lower wall W2 extends from the foldable cover CV or the sliding guide W3 for guiding the sliding of the foldable cover CV to a lower position of the group space P. In this case, the upper wall W1 and the lower wall W2 can divide at least a portion of the loading space T and the group space P, respectively. The upper wall W1 and the lower wall W2 can define a front portion of the loading space T and the group space P, respectively. When the upper wall W1 and the lower wall W2 define the front portion of the loading space T and the group space P, it can mean that the upper wall W1 and the lower wall W2 define the front portion of the loading space T and the group space P in a moving direction of the electric vehicle. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the front portion of the group space P can be covered by the lower wall W2, the top surface of the group space P can be covered by the foldable cover CV or the sliding guide W3 for guiding the sliding of the foldable cover CV, and the bottom surface of the group space P can be disposed on the vehicle body of the electric vehicle using a plurality of battery modules M as a driving power source.
[0049] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the front position of the loading space T and the group space P can mean that the center position can be a center of the opening / closing operation of the foldable cover CV disposed between the loading space T and the group space P. The center position of the operation of the foldable cover CV can refer to a position in which a plurality of cover segments are folded while pivoting around a hinge from each other in the opening operation of folding the foldable cover CV. The foldable cover CV can close the top of the group space P by unfolding from the center position. By using the foldable cover CV covering the top of the group space P and forming the bottom of the loading space T as a support base, a transfer load can be loaded on the loading space T. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the loading space T and the group space P can be formed so that the rear portions of the loading space T and the group space P are open. Accordingly, the loading space T and the group space P can accommodate a transfer load or a battery module M and a peripheral assembly connected with the battery module M through the open rear portions.
[0050] In embodiments of the disclosure, the group space P can include a recessed space 100' having a bottom portion of which a part is partially recessed to accommodate at least a portion of each of the plurality of battery modules M. Each of the plurality of battery modules M can be densely (i.e., compactly) arranged with respect to each other, and at least a portion of the battery modules is accommodated in the recessed space 100'. In consideration of the arrangement, the plurality of battery modules M can not be bundled with each other using a bundling mechanism (e.g., an end plate or a side plate). For example, the battery module assembly MP can include the plurality of battery modules M densely arranged, wherein they are densely arranged with respect to each other without including physical bundling with respect to each other. In embodiments of the disclosure, even when the plurality of battery modules M do not bundle them with each other using a separate bundling mechanism (the battery modules M are not physically bundled with each other), the plurality of battery modules M forming the battery module assembly MP can still be provided in a dense arrangement with respect to each other, thereby stably maintaining an un-interruptible electrical connection between the battery modules M. Furthermore, the electrical connection between different battery modules M is not subjected to stress such as tension or compression due to a change in position of different battery modules M connected to each other. In embodiments of the disclosure, the dense arrangement of the plurality of battery modules M can include other assemblies capable of providing a binding force (a bundling force) to the plurality of battery modules M so as to leave no restricted area or restricted zone. And in embodiments of the disclosure, the plurality of battery modules M can be arranged in a dense form with respect to each other, while at least a portion of the battery modules M is accommodated in the recessed space 100' recessed in a bottom surface forming the group space P.
[0051] In embodiments of the disclosure, the plurality of battery modules M accommodated in the group space P and a series of assemblies including the circuit assembly connected to the plurality of battery modules M (corresponding to a battery pack) can be formed in a pack-less structure, and can not include a housing dividing the battery pack and the peripheral assembly. For example, the battery module assembly MP according to embodiments of the disclosure can not include a housing for forming the plurality of battery modules M and the circuit assembly electrically connected to the plurality of battery modules M as one package separate from an electric vehicle using the plurality of battery modules M as a driving power source. In other words, in embodiments of the disclosure, the battery pack can be accommodated in the group space P, but can not include a housing for dividing the plurality of battery modules M and the circuit assembly connected to the plurality of battery modules M (corresponding to the battery pack).
[0052] In embodiments of the disclosure, the group space P can be integrally formed with the electric vehicle so as not to be separated from the electric vehicle, and a bottom surface of the group space P can be provided by a vehicle body of the electric vehicle. The group space P can be formed under a loading space T on which a transfer load is loaded. In embodiments of the disclosure, the group space P can be formed as a part of the electric vehicle, and more particularly, the group space P can be an assembly of the electric vehicle rather than an assembly of the battery pack. For example, asFigure 7 As shown in the middle, the bottom surface of the pack space P can be provided by a bottom frame BF forming a frame of a bottom portion of the electric vehicle. In other words, the bottom surface of the pack space P can be provided by the bottom frame BF forming a part of the electric vehicle rather than the assembly of the battery pack.
[0053] In an embodiment of the disclosure, when the battery pack is formed in a packless form, this can mean that the battery pack can not include an assembly for accommodating or bundling a plurality of battery modules M, and the battery pack can be accommodated inside the pack space P to allow a boundary between the battery pack and its surrounding environment to be identified.
[0054] Referring to Figure 5 In an embodiment of the disclosure, the pack space P can include a recessed space 100' having a bottom surface of which a part is partially recessed to accommodate at least a part of each of the plurality of battery modules. The pack space P can further include a module mounting portion 100 on which the plurality of battery modules M accommodated in the recessed space 100' are disposed, and a circuit mounting portion 200 on which a circuit assembly electrically connected to the battery modules M is disposed. In an embodiment of the disclosure, a barrier 150 can be formed to extend between the module mounting portion 100 and the circuit mounting portion 200.
[0055] The pack space P can include a module mounting portion 100 on which the plurality of battery modules M are mounted, and a circuit mounting portion 200 on which a circuit assembly such as a battery system monitor (BSM) or a battery management system (BMS) (hereinafter, collectively referred to as a battery management system BM) for controlling charging / discharging operations of the plurality of battery modules M, and a power relay assembly (PRA) for opening / closing a charging / discharging path of the plurality of battery modules M between the plurality of battery modules M and a driving motor Motor (or an inverter 30 connected to the driving motor, see Figure 8 Here, the BSM or the BMS can have substantially the same meaning as each other, and as a controller for controlling overall operations of the plurality of battery modules M including an operation of measuring state variables such as temperature, current, and voltage of the plurality of battery modules M and charging / discharging operations of the plurality of battery modules M, can be collectively referred to as a battery management system BM.
[0056] Referring to Figure 5In an embodiment of the disclosure, a barrier 150 for separating different spaces can be provided between the module mounting portion 100 and the circuit mounting portion 200. In the module mounting portion 100, a recessed space 100' can be formed to accommodate at least a portion of each battery module M so that a plurality of battery modules M can be densely arranged. A wiring guide WG can be formed along an edge of the group space P. The wiring guide WG can guide wiring that electrically connects the module mounting portion 100 to the circuit mounting portion 200. The wiring guide WG can extend along the edge of the group space P across the barrier 150 that separates the module mounting portion 100 and the circuit mounting portion 200 from each other to electrically connect components of the module mounting portion 100 and components of the circuit mounting portion 200. For example, in an embodiment of the disclosure, the wiring guide WG can integrally surround the group space P and pass through end portions of the barrier 150. On the outside of the wiring guide WG, a power port PP that is electrically connected to the plurality of battery modules M to provide an input / output location for charging / discharging current of the plurality of battery modules M and a communication port CP that is connected to communicate with a BM for controlling operation of the plurality of battery modules M can be formed. The power relay assembly PRA and the battery management system BM can be formed at a one-side location and another-side location with respect to the module mounting portion 100.
[0057] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the circuit mounting portion 200 can include a battery management system BM for monitoring state variables such as temperature, current, and voltage of the plurality of battery modules M and charging / discharging operation and a power relay assembly PRA for on / off control of power flow from the battery modules M between the plurality of battery modules M and a drive motor. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the module mounting portion 100 can include a cooling fan FN for cooling the plurality of battery modules M. The cooling fan FN of the module mounting portion 100 and the power relay assembly PRA of the circuit mounting portion 200 can be electrically connected to each other by wiring guided along the wiring guide WG that extends across the barrier 150 provided between the module mounting portion 100 and the circuit mounting portion 200 along the wiring guide WG between the module mounting portion 100 and the circuit mounting portion 200. The power relay assembly PRA can include a relay that is turned on / off to control power flow from the plurality of battery modules M between the plurality of battery modules M and a drive motor (an inverter 30 connected to the drive motor, see Figure 8 ). As shown in Figure 8 , the power relay assembly PRA can include a pre-charge switch SW for opening and closing a discharge path connected to a pre-charge resistor R to prevent inrush current at an initial stage of discharging of the plurality of battery modules M.
[0058] Referring to Figure 5In an embodiment of the disclosure, the wiring guide WG can be formed in a groove shape recessed from a bottom surface of the group space P along an edge of the group space P so as to enclose the module mounting portion 100 surrounding the recessed space 100', the circuit mounting portion 200, and the barrier 150 between the module mounting portion 100 and the circuit mounting portion 200. The wiring guide WG can have a ring shape along the edge of the group space P, the ring shape having opposite end portions that are disconnected from each other.
[0059] Further referring to Figure 5 In an embodiment of the disclosure, a plurality of fixing members F1 for fixing positions of a plurality of battery modules M can be formed in the recessed space 100' in which the plurality of battery modules M are accommodated in a dense arrangement. A wiring guide WG can be formed in an edge of the module mounting portion 100 surrounding the recessed space 100', and a fixing member F1 for fixing a position of a cooling fan FN can be formed at a position of opposite ends of the wiring guide WG corresponding to a mounting position of the cooling fan FN, wherein the cooling fan FN can be fixed to the group space P by an engagement member inserted into the fixing member F1. In the circuit mounting portion 200, a fixing member F1 for fixing a position of a power relay assembly PRA can be formed at positions of the wiring guide WG corresponding to a mounting position of the power relay assembly PRA opposite to and disconnected from each other, wherein the power relay assembly PRA can be fixed to the group space P by an engagement member inserted into the fixing member F1. Likewise, a fixing member F1 for fixing a position of a battery management system BM can be formed at positions of the wiring guide WG corresponding to a mounting position of the battery management system BM opposite to and disconnected from each other.
[0060] Referring to Figure 5According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a battery module assembly MP can include a plurality of battery modules M and a group space P for accommodating the plurality of battery modules M. The group space P can provide a fixing member F1 for firmly fixing the plurality of battery modules M and each of the circuit assembly connected to the plurality of battery modules M. The fixing member F1 can include a threaded engagement portion mounted on a bottom surface of the group space P. In embodiments of the present disclosure, various assemblies forming a battery pack, such as various battery modules M, a cooling fan FN, a power relay assembly PRA, a battery management system BM, etc., can be positionally fixed on the group space P via engagement of an engagement means included in the various assemblies with the fixing member F1 mounted on the bottom surface of the group space P. For example, in embodiments of the present disclosure, each battery module M can be positionally fixed on the bottom surface of the recessed space 100' by an engagement means inserted into the fixing member F1 mounted on the bottom surface of the recessed space 100' via a flange member formed in each battery module M, and a plurality of battery modules M adjacent to each other can be firmly positionally fixed against the bottom surface of the recessed space 100' by an engagement means engaged with the fixing member F1 mounted on the bottom surface of the recessed space 100' via a pressing member F2 pressing the plurality of adjacent battery modules M together. In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the plurality of battery modules M can be positionally fixed on the recessed space 100' by at least one of an engagement means engaged with the fixing member F1 mounted on the bottom surface of the recessed space 100' via a flange member of the plurality of battery modules M and an engagement means engaged with the fixing member F1 mounted on the bottom surface of the recessed space 100' via a pressing member F2 pressing adjacent battery modules M together.
[0061] Still referring to Figure 5 The group space P can include a module mounting portion 100 on which the plurality of battery modules M are mounted and a circuit mounting portion 200 having circuit assemblies such as a battery management system BM for controlling charging / discharging operations of the plurality of battery modules M and a power relay assembly PRA for opening and closing a charging / discharging path of the plurality of battery modules M between the plurality of battery modules M and a driving motor. A barrier 150 can be formed to extend across a space between the module mounting portion 100 and the circuit mounting portion 200. In the module mounting portion 100, a recessed space 100' can be formed to accommodate at least a portion of each battery module M so that the plurality of battery modules M can be densely (compactly) arranged. A wiring guide WG can be formed along an edge of the group space P. The wiring guide WG can guide wiring electrically connecting the module mounting portion 100 to the circuit mounting portion 200. The wiring guide WG can extend across the barrier 150 separating the module mounting portion 100 and the circuit mounting portion 200 from each other along an edge of the group space P to electrically connect assemblies of the module mounting portion 100 and assemblies of the circuit mounting portion 200.
[0062] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the group space P and the loading space T can be provided by one base frame 300. For example, the group space P and the loading space T can be provided together by one base frame 300 including a foldable cover CV disposed between the group space P and the loading space T, and the upper wall W1 and the lower wall W2 extend upward and downward from the foldable cover CV to divide the portions of the loading space T and the group space P. The group space P and the loading space T can be separated from or connected to each other by opening / closing the foldable cover CV.
[0063] Referring to Figure 6 In an embodiment of the disclosure, with respect to the total depth D of the group space P, a relative depth d of the recessed space 100' can be provided for bundling (combining) the plurality of battery modules M in a compact arrangement in which the plurality of battery modules M are closely arranged to each other, and the space of the depth d accommodates at least a portion of each of the plurality of battery modules M. The depth d can be set to about 20% to about 25% of the total depth D.
[0064] Referring to Figure 7 In an embodiment of the disclosure, the battery module assembly MP including the group space P accommodating the plurality of battery modules M can be arranged at the rear portion of the electric vehicle. Driving power can be supplied from the battery module assembly MP arranged at the rear portion of the electric vehicle toward the vehicle controller ECU arranged at the front portion of the electric vehicle through the power line and the communication line. An abnormal situation of the plurality of battery modules M can be detected to control the charging / discharging operation of the plurality of battery modules M or to take protective measures for the plurality of battery modules M.
[0065] Although the disclosure has been described with reference to the examples illustrated in the drawings, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various modifications and other examples equivalent to the illustrated examples can be made.
[0066] One or more embodiments include a power supply device having a reduced weight and volume and having a light, thin, and compact structure by directly mounting a plurality of battery modules and a circuit assembly electrically connected thereto on an electric vehicle in a groupless manner without a separate package that separates the plurality of battery modules and the circuit assembly from the electric vehicle.
[0067] It should be understood that the embodiments described herein should be considered in a descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Descriptions of features or aspects within each embodiment should typically be considered as being applicable to other similar features or aspects in other embodiments. While one or more embodiments have been described with reference to the figures, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes in form and details can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.
Claims
1. A battery module assembly, comprising: The battery module assembly includes: a plurality of battery modules; and a group space accommodating the plurality of battery modules, wherein the group space includes: a recessed space having a bottom surface, a portion of the bottom surface being recessed to accommodate at least a portion of each of the plurality of battery modules; a module mounting portion in which the plurality of battery modules accommodated in the recessed space are disposed; a circuit mounting portion in which a circuit assembly electrically connected to the plurality of battery modules is disposed; a barrier formed between the module mounting portion and the circuit mounting portion; and a wiring guide connecting the module mounting portion to the circuit mounting portion.
2. The battery module assembly of claim 1, wherein, The battery module assembly further includes a foldable cover opening and closing the group space, wherein the foldable cover covers a top surface of the group space opposite to a bottom surface of the group space.
3. The battery module assembly of claim 1, wherein, Each of the plurality of battery modules is positionally fixed in the recessed space by engagement means: engaging with a fixing member mounted on a bottom surface of the recessed space via a flange member formed in each of the plurality of battery modules; or engaging with a fixing member mounted on the bottom surface of the recessed space via a pressing member pressing a plurality of battery modules adjacent to each other. The circuit mounting portion includes:
4. The battery module assembly of claim 1, wherein, a battery management system configured to control charging and discharging operations of the plurality of battery modules; and a power relay assembly configured to control a flow of power from the plurality of battery modules to a driving motor. The module mounting portion includes a cooling fan for cooling the plurality of battery modules.
5. The battery module assembly of claim 4, wherein, The cooling fan and the power relay assembly of the circuit mounting portion are electrically connected to each other by wiring guided along the wiring guide.
6. The battery module assembly of claim 5, wherein, The wiring guide is formed in a groove shape recessed from a bottom surface of the group space along an edge of the group space to enclose the module mounting portion, the circuit mounting portion, and the barrier between the module mounting portion and the circuit mounting portion around the recessed space, and 7. The battery module assembly of claim 5, wherein, wherein the wiring guide is formed in a ring shape having opposite end portions disconnected from each other, and mounting positions of the power relay assembly and the cooling fan are located between the end portions of the ring shape along the edge of the group space. Fixing members for fixing the power relay assembly and the cooling fan are formed at the opposite end portions of the wiring guide disconnected from each other, and 8. The battery module assembly of claim 7, wherein, wherein each of the power relay assembly and the cooling fan is fixed to the group space by an engagement member inserted into the fixing members. A power port providing input and output positions of charging and discharging power of the battery modules and a communication port connected to the battery management system to enable data communication with the battery management system are formed on an outer side of the wiring guide.
9. The battery module assembly of claim 4, wherein, The group space is formed as a space under a load space on which a transfer load is loaded.
10. The battery module assembly of claim 1, wherein, The group space and the load space are integrally formed with one base frame.
11. The battery module assembly of claim 10, wherein, 12. The battery module assembly of claim 11, wherein, A foldable cover is arranged on the base frame and is extendable between the group space and the loading space.
13. The battery module assembly of claim 12, wherein, The group space and the loading space are separated from or connected to each other by opening and closing of the foldable cover.
14. The battery module assembly of claim 12, wherein, The base frame comprises: a sliding guide extending between the group space and the loading space to support sliding of the foldable cover; and upper and lower walls each branching upward and downward from the sliding guide and dividing a portion of the loading space and a portion of the group space, respectively.
15. The battery module assembly of claim 11, wherein, The base frame is assembled on a vehicle body of an electric vehicle, and the plurality of battery modules are configured to provide a driving power source for the electric vehicle.
16. The battery module assembly of claim 1, wherein, At least a portion of a wall dividing the group space is provided by a vehicle body of an electric vehicle.
17. The battery module assembly of claim 16, wherein, The bottom surface of the group space is provided by the vehicle body of the electric vehicle.
18. The battery module assembly of claim 1, wherein, The plurality of battery modules are arranged in a compact arrangement relative to each other and are at least partially housed in the recessed space, and wherein a binding mechanism for physically binding the plurality of battery modules to each other is not included.
19. The battery module assembly of claim 1, wherein, The battery module assembly is provided with an electric vehicle, and the plurality of battery modules are configured to provide a driving power source for the electric vehicle, and wherein a housing for housing the plurality of battery modules and the circuit assembly electrically connected to the plurality of battery modules is not included in one package separate from the electric vehicle.