BATTERY HOUSING MODULAR ARRANGEMENT

Abstract

A battery housing module assembly comprises a first battery housing module having the following elements: a main body with a bottom, a front wall, a rear wall and two side walls defining a space therein configured to accommodate battery cells, a first mounting surface formed on a front surface of the front wall, a first projection extending forward from the front wall, a second mounting surface formed on a rear surface of the rear wall, and a second projection extending backward from the rear wall.

Description

INTRODUCTION

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of rechargeable energy storage systems and, in particular, to a battery housing. As prior art, reference is made to CN 1 10 088 939 B, DE 10 2020 006 705 A1, DE 10 2015 200 183 A1, and DE 10 2016 113 597 A1.

[0002] Rechargeable energy storage systems can contain various types of rechargeable energy storage cells arranged in a single housing. Reducing the complexity and size of rechargeable energy storage systems may be desirable. SUMMARY

[0003] The present invention is defined by the appended independent claim 1. Advantageous further developments emerge from the following description and from the dependent claims.

[0004] In an exemplary embodiment, a battery housing module assembly includes a first battery housing module comprising a main body having a bottom, a front wall, a rear wall, and two side walls defining a space therein configured to house battery cells, a first abutment surface formed on a front surface of the front wall, a first protrusion extending forwardly from the front wall, a second abutment surface formed on a rear surface of the rear wall, and a second protrusion extending rearwardly from the rear wall.

[0005] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the first abutment surface has a vertical height corresponding to the second protrusion, and the second abutment surface has a vertical height corresponding to the first protrusion.

[0006] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the first abutment surface is disposed above the first projection, and the second abutment surface is disposed below the second projection.

[0007] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, a busbar tray extends between the front wall and the rear wall of the main body to divide the space in the main body into a first enclosure and a second enclosure.

[0008] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the first enclosure and the second enclosure are structured to receive battery cells therein.

[0009] According to the invention, the battery housing module assembly comprises a second battery housing module comprising a main body having a bottom, a front wall, a rear wall and two side walls defining a space therein, wherein the first battery housing module and the second battery housing module are attached.

[0010] The bottom of the first battery case module is fixed to the bottom of the second battery case module so that the first and second battery case modules are fixed in the vertical direction.

[0011] A cooling channel is formed in the bottom of the main body of the first battery housing module, and the bottom of the main body of the second battery housing module defines a bottom of the cooling channel.

[0012] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the first battery housing module and the second battery housing module interlock in a longitudinal direction.

[0013] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the second battery housing module includes a first abutment surface formed on a front surface of the front wall and abutting the second projection of the first battery housing module, and a first projection extending forwardly from the front wall and abutting the second abutment surface of the first battery housing module.

[0014] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the battery housing module assembly further comprises an end cap disposed at a lateral end of the first and second battery housing modules.

[0015] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, a cooling channel is formed on the bottom of the first battery housing module, a thermal interface material cavity is formed on the bottom of the main body of the second battery housing module, and a thermal interface material is disposed in the thermal interface material cavity.

[0016] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, a cooling channel plate is disposed between the bottom of the main body of the first battery housing module and the thermal interface material.

[0017] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, a compression limiter is formed on an outer periphery of the cavity for the thermal interface material.

[0018] In yet another exemplary embodiment, a battery housing module structure comprises a main body having a front wall, a rear wall, two side walls, and a central floor defining an upper enclosure and a lower enclosure therein configured to house battery cells, a first abutment surface formed on a front surface of the front wall, a first projection extending forward from the front wall, a second abutment surface formed on a rear surface of the rear wall, a second projection extending rearward from the rear wall, a third abutment surface formed on the front surface of the front wall below the first projection, a third projection extending forward from the front wall below the third abutment surface, a fourth projection extending rearward from the rear wall below the second abutment surface,and a fourth abutment surface formed on the rear surface of the rear wall below the fourth projection.

[0019] In addition to one or more of the features described here, a cooling channel is formed in the central base.

[0020] In yet another exemplary embodiment, a battery housing module assembly comprises a first battery housing module, a second battery housing module, a third battery housing module, and a fourth battery housing module, wherein each of the first and third battery housing modules comprises a main body having a bottom, a front wall, a rear wall, and two side walls defining a space therein configured to accommodate battery cells, a first abutment surface formed on a front surface of the front wall, a first protrusion extending forward from the front wall, a second abutment surface formed on a rear surface of the rear wall, and a second protrusion extending rearward from the rear wall, wherein each of the second and fourth battery housing modules comprises a main body having a bottom, a front wall, a rear wall, and two side walls,which define a space therein configured to accommodate battery cells, a first abutment surface formed on a rear surface of the rear wall, a first projection extending rearward from the rear wall, a second abutment surface formed on a front surface of the front wall, and a second projection extending forward from the front wall, wherein the bottom of the first battery housing module is fixed to the bottom of the second battery housing module such that the first and second battery housing modules are fixed in a vertical direction, wherein the bottom of the third battery housing module is fixed to the bottom of the fourth battery housing module such that the third and fourth battery housing modules are fixed in the vertical direction, wherein the first abutment surface of the third battery housing module abuts the second projection of the first battery housing module,wherein the first projection of the third battery housing module abuts the second contact surface of the first battery housing module, wherein the second contact surface of the fourth battery housing module abuts the first projection of the third battery housing module, wherein the second projection of the fourth battery housing module abuts the first contact surface of the third battery housing module, and wherein a first cooling channel is formed in the bottom of the first battery housing module and a second cooling channel is formed in the bottom of the third battery housing module.

[0021] The above features and advantages, as well as other features and advantages of the disclosure, will be readily apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Further features, advantages and details are listed only as examples in the following detailed description, which refers to the drawings in which: Fig. 1 is a left side view of a vehicle having a battery pack with a battery housing module assembly according to a non-limiting example; Fig. 2 is a top perspective view of the front of a battery housing module according to a non-limiting example; Fig. 3 is a top perspective view of the back of battery housing modules stacked vertically according to a non-limiting example; Fig. 4 is a top perspective view of the front of battery housing modules stacked longitudinally according to a non-limiting example; Fig. 5 is a side view of the battery housing modules of Fig. 4; Fig. 6 is a perspective top view of the front of the battery housing modules of Fig. 4 with battery cells arranged therein according to a non-limiting example; Fig. 7 is a perspective top view of the front of the battery housing modules of Fig. 4 with end caps arranged thereon according to a non-limiting example; Fig. 8 is a front view of the battery housing modules of Fig. 4 with end caps arranged thereon according to a non-limiting example; Fig. 9 is a perspective top view of the front of the battery housing modules of Fig. 6 with cooling fluid lines arranged thereon according to a non-limiting example; Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the bottom of a battery housing module having a cooling fluid channel formed thereon according to a non-limiting example; Fig. 11 is a perspective view of the battery housing module of Fig. 10, vertically inverted according to a non-limiting example; Fig. 12 is a plan view of battery housing modules stacked vertically and having a cooling fluid channel formed thereon, according to a non-limiting example; Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the battery housing modules of Fig. 12 along XIII-XIII according to a non-limiting example; and Fig. 14 is a top perspective view of a battery housing module structure formed from vertically stacked battery housing modules integrally formed as a unitary structure with a side portion removed, according to one non-limiting example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] The following description is merely exemplary and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, its application, or uses. It should be understood that corresponding reference numerals indicate like or corresponding parts and features throughout the drawings.

[0024] A vehicle 10 according to a non-limiting example is in Fig. 1. The vehicle 10 includes a body 12 supported on a plurality of wheels 16. One or more of the plurality of wheels 16 are steerable. The body 12 partially defines a passenger compartment 20 with seats 23 disposed behind an instrument panel 26. A steering controller 30 is disposed between the seats 23 and the instrument panel 26. The steering controller 30 is actuated to control the orientation of the steerable wheel(s) 16.

[0025] The vehicle 10 includes an electric motor 34 connected to a transmission 36 that drives one or more of the plurality of wheels 16. A rechargeable energy storage system 38 is disposed in the body 12 and supplies power to the electric motor 34. While the electric motor 34, the transmission 36, and the rechargeable energy storage system 38 are Fig. 1, these locations are merely exemplary and not limiting, and the locations of these structures may vary. According to one or more embodiments, the rechargeable energy storage system 38 includes a modular battery housing with a battery housing module 100, as shown in Fig. 2-14 shown.

[0026] Fig. 2 shows a battery housing module 100 according to one or more embodiments. The battery housing module 100 may include a main body 110 having a floor 101, a front wall 102, a rear wall 103, and side walls 104, 105 defining a space therein. A busbar tray 120 extends between the front wall 102 and the rear wall 103 and divides the space defined by the main body 110 into a first enclosure 111 and a second enclosure 112. The front wall 102 of the main body 110 includes a first abutment surface 113 at an upper portion thereof and a first projection 130 extending forwardly from a lower portion thereof. The rear wall 103 of the main body 110 includes a second abutment surface 114 at a lower portion thereof and a second projection 140 extending rearwardly from an upper portion thereof. The bottom 101 of the main body 110 includes a bottom surface 150.According to one or more embodiments, the battery housing module 100 is formed as a unitary structure. According to one or more embodiments, the battery housing module 100 may be formed as a unitary structure from cast aluminum. According to one or more embodiments, the battery housing module 100 may be formed from a composite material. According to one or more embodiments, the battery housing module 100 may be formed as a unitary structure from a molded composite material.

[0027] The first housing 111 and the second housing 112 may be structured to accommodate battery cells. The first housing 111 and the second housing 112 may, for example, accommodate pouch cells, prismatic cells, cylindrical cells, or other battery cells known in the art. The battery cells may be provided with or without tabs. In addition, while Fig. While Figure 2 shows the busbar tray 120 dividing the space defined by the main body 110 into the first enclosure 111 and the second enclosure 112, the battery housing module 100 may instead comprise a single large enclosure within the main body 110. A cover (not shown here) may be arranged on the battery housing module 100 to close the first enclosure 111 and the second enclosure 112 or the single large enclosure.

[0028] Fig. 3 shows an upper battery housing module 100U and a lower battery housing module 100L stacked vertically according to one or more embodiments.

[0029] The upper battery housing module 100U may include a main body 110U having a bottom 101U, a front wall 102U, a rear wall 103U, and side walls 104U, 105U defining a space therein. A busbar tray 120U extends between the front wall 102U and the rear wall 103U and divides the space defined by the main body 110U into a first enclosure 111U and a second enclosure 112U. The front wall 102U of the main body 110U includes a first abutment surface 113U at an upper portion thereof and a first projection 130U extending forward from a lower portion thereof. The rear wall 103U of the main body 110U includes a second abutment surface 114U at a lower portion thereof and a second projection 140U extending rearwardly from an upper portion thereof. The bottom 101U of the main body 110U includes a bottom surface 150U.According to one or more embodiments, the upper battery housing module 100U is formed as a unitary structure. According to one or more embodiments, the upper battery housing module 100U is formed as a unitary structure from cast aluminum. According to one or more embodiments, the upper battery housing module 100U may be formed from a composite material. According to one or more embodiments, the upper battery housing module 100U may be formed as a unitary structure from a molded composite material.

[0030] The first enclosure 111U and the second enclosure 112U of the upper battery housing module 100U may be structured to receive battery cells therein. The first enclosure 111U and the second enclosure 112U may, for example, receive pouch cells, prismatic cells, cylindrical cells, or other battery cells known in the art. The battery cells may be provided with or without tabs. In addition, while Fig. 3 shows the busbar tray 120U dividing the space defined by the main body 110U into a first enclosure 111U and a second enclosure 112U, the upper battery housing module 100U may instead comprise a single large enclosure within the main body 110U. A cover (not shown here) may be arranged on the upper battery housing module 100U to close the first enclosure 111U and the second enclosure 112U or the single large enclosure.

[0031] The lower battery housing module 100L may be structured similarly to the upper battery housing module 100U, but vertically inverted. The lower housing module 100L may include a main body 110L. The internal structure of the main body 110L is Fig. 3, the main body 110L of the lower battery housing module 100L is structured similarly to the main body 110U of the upper battery housing module 100U. That is, the main body 110L also includes a bottom 101L, a front wall 102L, a rear wall 103L, and side walls 104L, 105L that define a space therein, as well as a busbar tray extending between the front wall 102L and the rear wall 103L, dividing the space defined by the main body 110L into a first enclosure and a second enclosure. Since the lower battery housing module 100L is vertically inverted, the vertical and longitudinal directions are also inverted.

[0032] The rear wall 103L of the main body 110L includes a first abutment surface 113L at a lower portion thereof and a first protrusion 130L extending rearwardly from an upper portion thereof. The front wall 102L of the main body 110L includes a second abutment surface 114L at an upper portion thereof and a second protrusion 140L extending forwardly from a lower portion thereof. The bottom 101L of the main body 110L includes a top surface 150L. According to one or more embodiments, the lower battery housing module 100L is formed as a unitary structure. According to one or more embodiments, the lower battery housing module 100L is formed as a unitary structure from cast aluminum. According to one or more embodiments, the lower battery housing module 100L may be formed from a composite material.According to one or more embodiments, the lower battery housing module 100L may be formed as a unitary structure from a molded composite material.

[0033] The first enclosure and the second enclosure (not shown) of the lower battery housing module 100L may be structured to receive battery cells therein. The first enclosure and the second enclosure may, for example, receive pouch cells, prismatic cells, cylindrical cells, or other battery cells known in the art. The battery cells may be tabbed or untabbed. Further, the lower battery housing module 100L may include a single large enclosure within the main body 110L. A cover (not shown) may be disposed beneath the lower battery housing module 100L to enclose the first enclosure and the second enclosure or the single large enclosure.

[0034] As in Fig. 3, the upper battery housing module 100U may be attached to the lower battery housing module 100L such that the bottom surface 150U abuts the top surface 150L. According to one or more embodiments, the upper battery housing module 100U may be bolted to the lower battery housing module 100L. According to one or more embodiments, the upper battery housing module 100U may be welded to the lower battery housing module 100L. The upper battery housing module 100U may be attached to the lower battery housing module 100L by other attachment mechanisms known in the art. According to one or more embodiments, the upper battery housing module 100U and the lower battery housing module 100L may be formed as a unitary structure rather than as two separate structures attached to each other.

[0035] Fig. 4-6 show battery housing modules 100 stacked longitudinally according to one or more embodiments. Each of the battery housing modules 100 may be similar to the Fig. 2 and described above. According to one or more embodiments, the first protrusion 130 may have a similar or equal height to the second abutment surface 114, and the second protrusion 140 may have a similar or equal height to the first abutment surface 113. A plurality of battery housing modules 100 may be stacked longitudinally such that the first protrusion 130 of one battery housing module 100 may abut the second abutment surface 114 of an adjacent battery housing module in the forward direction, and the second protrusion 140 of the battery housing module 100 may abut the first abutment surface 113 of an adjacent battery housing module 100 in the rearward direction. Thus, a plurality of battery housing modules 100 may interlock longitudinally. In addition to interlocking, the battery housing modules 100 may be secured to one another, e.g., by screwing, welding, or other fastening mechanisms known in the art. Although Fig. 4-6 show four interlocking battery housing modules 100, any number of battery housing modules 100 can interlock.

[0036] According to one or more embodiments, a plurality of vertically stacked upper and lower battery housing modules 100U, 100L, as shown in Fig. 3, in a similar manner as described above, can be interlocked and / or secured to each other. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, a battery cell stack 300 comprising a plurality of battery cells 301 may be housed in the first enclosure 111 and the second enclosure 112 of each of the battery housing modules 100. According to one or more embodiments not shown here, a cover may be disposed on each of the battery housing modules 100 to close the first enclosure 111 and the second enclosure 112. According to one or more embodiments, a cover may be disposed on a plurality of interlocking battery housing modules 100.

[0037] Fig. 7-8 show the battery housing modules 100 of Fig. 4 with end caps 160 arranged at the lateral ends. The end caps 160 can enclose the opposite lateral ends of the main body 110 of each of the battery housing modules 100 to hold the interlocking battery housing modules 100 together. The end caps 160 can help protect the lateral ends of the battery housing modules 100. The end caps 160 can provide additional strength and / or rigidity to the battery housing modules 100. According to one or more embodiments, the end caps 160 can be formed from the same material as the battery housing modules 100. According to one or more embodiments, the end caps 160 can be formed from aluminum. According to one or more embodiments, the end caps 160 can be formed from a different material than the battery housing modules. According to one or more embodiments, the end caps 160 can be formed from a resilient material.According to one or more embodiments, the end caps 160 may be formed of rubber or plastic. The end caps 160 may be closed at the longitudinal ends 161, as shown in FIG. Fig. 7, or open at the longitudinal ends, as shown in Fig. 8 shown.

[0038] Fig. 9 shows the battery housing modules 100 of Fig. 6 with schematically illustrated cooling fluid lines 170 connected to the battery housing modules 100, and Fig. 10-11 show a cooling channel 175 formed on the bottom surface 150 of the bottom 101 of the main body 110 of the battery housing module 100. According to one or more embodiments, the cooling channel 175 may be a flow path formed in the bottom surface 150. The cooling channel 175 may be formed on each of the battery housing modules 100. As shown in Fig. 11, the cooling channel 175 may be defined at one longitudinal end by an adjacent battery housing module 100. As a non-limiting example, a front end 174 of the cooling channel 175 may be defined within the battery housing module 100, while a rear end 176 of the cooling channel 175 may be defined by a lower end of the first protrusion 130 of an adjacent battery housing module 100. According to one or more embodiments, as shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 10, a cooling channel cover 177 may be disposed below the bottom surface 150 to define a bottom surface of the cooling channel 175. According to one or more embodiments, instead of a cooling channel cover 177, a vertically inverted battery housing module 100 may define the bottom surface of the cooling channel 175.

[0039] The cooling fluid lines 170 include a cold cooling fluid line 171 and a heated cooling fluid line 173. The cold cooling fluid line 171 is fluidly connected to the inlet of a cooling channel 175 on the bottom surface 150 of the bottom 101 of the main body 110 of each of the battery housing modules 100, and the heated cooling fluid line 173 is fluidly connected to the outlet of a cooling channel 175 on the bottom surface 150 of the bottom 101 of the main body 110 of each of the battery housing modules 100. When the battery cells 301 dissipate heat during use, the cold cooling fluid flows through the cold cooling fluid line 171 into the inlet of the cooling channel 175 of each of the battery housing modules 100 and cools the bottom 101 of the main body 110, which in turn cools the rest of the battery housing module 100 by conduction. The cooling fluid heated by the heat dissipated by the battery cells 301 flows from an outlet of the cooling channel 175 into the heated cooling fluid line 173, for example, to cool the battery housing module 100.to be cooled by a heat exchanger and is returned to the cold cooling fluid line 171.

[0040] Fig. 12 shows a plan view of an upper battery housing module 100U stacked vertically over a lower battery housing module 100L, and Fig. 13 shows a cross-sectional view of the upper battery housing module 100U and the lower battery housing module 100L at 13-13 in Fig. 12. As with the Fig. 3, the bottom surface 150U of the bottom 101U of the main body 110U of the upper battery housing module 100U is attached to a top surface 150L of the bottom 101L of the main body 110L of the lower battery housing module 100L. According to one or more embodiments, the main body 110U of the upper battery housing module 100U may further include a cooling plate 152U disposed on its bottom 101U. A cooling channel 175 may further be formed in the bottom surface 150U. According to one or more embodiments, the cooling channel 175 may be similar to that shown in Fig. 10-11. A cooling channel cover 177 may be arranged below the bottom surface 150U to define the underside of the cooling channel 175. While Fig. 13 shows the cooling channel cover 177 separated from the upper battery housing module 100U and the lower battery housing module 100L. According to one or more embodiments, the cooling channel cover 177 may be formed as part of the upper battery housing module 100U or the lower battery housing module 100L. The top surface 150L of the bottom 101L of the main body 110L of the lower battery housing module 100L may include a thermal interface material cavity 178L that may receive a thermal interface material 179 that assists thermal conduction. According to one or more embodiments, the thermal interface material 179 may also function as an adhesive. A compression limiter 151L may be formed on the lateral sides of the thermal interface material cavity 178L, providing structural integrity to limit or prevent compression of the thermal interface material 179.

[0041] According to one or more embodiments, the peripheries of the upper battery housing module 100U and the lower battery housing module 100L may be welded together. In one or more embodiments, a thermal interface material may be omitted.

[0042] Fig. 14 shows a battery housing module structure 200 formed from vertically stacked battery housing modules that are integrally formed as a unitary structure according to one or more embodiments. A lateral end of the battery housing module structure 200 has been removed to show its internal components. While only one battery housing module structure 200 is shown in Fig. 14, a plurality of battery housing module structures 200 may be longitudinally interlocked in a manner similar to the battery housing modules 100 shown in Fig. 4 are shown.

[0043] The battery housing module structure 200 may include a main body 210 having a front wall 202, a rear wall 203, and side walls 204 defining a space therein, as well as a central floor 250 disposed at or near a vertical center of the battery housing module structure 200. One of the side walls is in Fig. 14 because a lateral end of the battery housing module structure 200 has been removed as described above. The middle floor 250 can divide the space defined by the front wall 202, the rear wall 203, and the side walls 204 of the main body 210 into an upper enclosure 221 and a lower enclosure 223.

[0044] The front wall 202 of the main body 210 includes a first abutment surface 213 at an upper portion thereof, a first protrusion 230 below the first abutment surface 213 that extends forward, a third abutment surface 215 below the first protrusion 230, and a third protrusion 231 below the third abutment surface 215 that extends forward. According to one or more embodiments, the first and third abutment surfaces 213, 215 have different heights in the vertical direction, and the first and third protrusions 230, 231 have different heights in the vertical direction.The rear wall 203 of the main body 210 includes a second projection 240 at an upper portion thereof extending rearward, a second abutment surface 214 below the second projection 240, a fourth projection 241 below the second abutment surface 214 extending rearward, and a fourth abutment surface 216 below the fourth projection 241.When a plurality of battery housing module structures 200 interlock in the longitudinal direction, the first protrusion 230 of one battery housing module structure 200 may abut the second abutment surface 214 of an adjacent battery housing module structure 200, the second protrusion 240 of one battery housing module structure 200 may abut the first abutment surface 213 of an adjacent battery housing module structure 200, the third protrusion 231 of one battery housing module structure 200 may abut the fourth abutment surface 216 of an adjacent battery housing module structure 200, and the fourth protrusion 241 of one battery housing module structure 200 may abut the third abutment surface 215 of an adjacent battery housing module structure 200.

[0045] According to one or more embodiments, the first and third abutment surfaces 213, 215 may include a plurality of locking structures 232, 234, and the first and third projections 230, 231 may include a plurality of locking structures 233, 235. While Fig. 14 shows that the locking structures 232, 234 of the first and third contact surfaces 213, 215 are projections and the locking structures 233, 235 of the first and third projections 230, 231 are recesses, the locking structures 222, 233, 234, 235 are not limited thereto. Although not shown, according to one or more embodiments, the second and fourth abutment surfaces 214, 216 may include a plurality of latching structures structured to engage the latching structures 233, 235 of the first and third protrusions 230, 231 of an adjacent battery housing module structure 200, and the second and fourth protrusions 240, 241 may include a plurality of latching structures structured to engage the latching structures 232, 234 of the first and third abutment surfaces 213, 215 of an adjacent battery housing module structure 200.

[0046] The upper case 221 and the lower case 223 may be structured to accommodate battery cells therein. An upper cover plate 280 may be disposed at an upper end of the main body 210 to close the upper case 221, and a lower cover plate 281 may be disposed at a lower end of the main body 210 to close the lower case 223. A bus bar tray 220 may be formed on the upper cover plate 280 to divide the upper case 221 into a first upper case and a second upper case, and a bus bar tray 220 may be formed on the lower cover plate 281 to divide the lower case 223 into a first lower case and a second lower case. According to one or more embodiments, the busbar trays may instead be formed on the main body 210, similar to the busbar tray 120 shown in Fig. 2. The first upper enclosure, the second upper enclosure, the first lower enclosure, and the second lower enclosure may be structured to accommodate battery cells therein.

[0047] The front upper edge of the main body 210 and / or the upper cover plate 280 may include latching structures 290, and the rear upper edge of the main body 210 and / or the upper cover plate 280 may include latching structures 291. The latching structures 290 of the battery housing module structure 200 are structured to engage the latching structures 291 of an adjacent battery housing module structure 200.

[0048] The lower upper edge of the main body 210 and / or the lower cover plate 281 may include latching structures 292, and the rear lower edge of the main body 210 and / or the lower cover plate 281 may include latching structures 293. The latching structures 292 of the battery housing module structure 200 are structured to engage the latching structures 293 of an adjacent battery housing module structure 200.

[0049] According to one or more embodiments, a cooling channel 275 may be formed in the middle floor 250. The cooling channel 275 may be structured and function similarly to the cooling channel 275 shown in Fig. 10-11. A cooling channel cover 277 may be disposed above the middle floor 250 to define a top surface of the cooling channel 275.

[0050] According to one or more embodiments, the main body 210 is formed as a unitary structure. According to one or more embodiments, the main body 210 is formed as a unitary structure from cast aluminum. According to one or more embodiments, the main body 210 may be formed from a composite material. According to one or more embodiments, the main body 210 may be formed as a unitary structure from a molded composite material.

[0051] According to one or more embodiments, an assembly comprising one or more battery enclosure modules 100, upper and lower battery enclosure modules 100U, 100L, and one or more battery enclosure module structures 200 may be referred to as a battery enclosure module assembly. According to one or more embodiments, the battery enclosure modules 100, the upper and lower battery enclosure modules 100U, 100L, and the battery enclosure module structure 200, as described above, may reduce complexity, reduce tolerance buildup, reduce overall stack height, and / or result in a compact and versatile assembly compatible with venting solutions and / or low package envelopes.

[0052] The terms "a" and "an" do not imply a limitation of quantity, but denote the presence of at least one of the mentioned items. The term "or" means "and / or" unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Whenever "an aspect" is mentioned throughout the description, this means that a particular element (e.g., a feature, structure, step, or property) described in connection with the aspect is included in at least one of the aspects described herein and may or may not be present in other aspects. It is further understood that the described elements in the various aspects may be combined in any suitable way.

[0053] When an element such as a layer, film, region, or substrate is described as lying "on" another element, it may lie directly on top of the other element, or there may be intervening elements. In contrast, when an element is described as lying "directly on" another element, there are no intervening elements.

[0054] Unless otherwise indicated herein, all examination standards are the most recent standard in effect as of the filing date of this application or, if priority is claimed, as of the filing date of the earliest priority application in which the examination standard appears.

[0055] Unless otherwise defined, technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs.

[0056] While the above disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements without departing from the scope thereof. Furthermore, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but is intended to include all embodiments falling within its scope.

Claims

[1] Battery housing module assembly comprising: a first battery housing module (100, 100U) comprising: a main body (110, 110U) having a bottom (101, 101U), a front wall (102, 102U), a rear wall (103U) and two side walls (104, 105, 104U, 105U) defining a space therein configured to accommodate battery cells; a first abutment surface (113, 113U) formed on a front surface of the front wall (102, 102U); a first projection (130, 130U) extending forwardly from the front wall (102, 102U); a second abutment surface (114, 114U) formed on a rear surface of the rear wall (103, 103U); and a second projection (140, 140U) extending rearwardly from the rear wall (103, 103U); and a second battery housing module (100L) comprising a main body (110L) having a bottom (101L), a front wall (102L), a rear wall (103L) and two side walls (104L, 105L) defining a space therein; wherein the first battery housing module (100, 100U) and the second battery housing module (100L) are attached to each other, wherein the bottom (101, 101U) of the first battery housing module (100, 100U) is fixed to the bottom (101L) of the second battery housing module (100L) such that the first and second battery housing modules (100, 100U, 100L) are fixed in the vertical direction, characterized by , that a cooling channel (175) is formed in the bottom (101, 101U) of the main body (110, 110U) of the first battery housing module (100, 100U) and the bottom (101L) of the main body (110L) of the second battery housing module (100L) defines a bottom side of the cooling channel (175). [2] The battery case module assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first abutment surface (113, 113U) has a vertical height corresponding to the second projection (140, 140U), and the second abutment surface (114, 114U) has a vertical height corresponding to the first projection (130, 130U). [3] Battery housing module assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first abutment surface (113, 113U) is arranged above the first projection (130, 130U) and the second abutment surface (114, 114U) is arranged below the second projection (140, 140U).

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