TRACTION BATTERY PACK CARTRIDGE ASSEMBLY

Abstract

A battery pack assembly comprises a cartridge assembly having a cover and at least one electronic module. The cartridge assembly is configured to transition from a dismounted position relative to the battery pack enclosure to a mounted position relative to the battery pack enclosure. In the mounted position, the cartridge assembly is positioned above an opening in the battery pack enclosure, with the at least one electronic module located within an interior space of the battery pack enclosure.

Description

AREA OF TECHNOLOGY

[0001] This disclosure relates generally to a cartridge assembly that can be serviced from outside a traction battery pack enclosure, and in particular to a cartridge assembly that includes an electronics module. GENERAL STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Electrified vehicles differ from conventional motor vehicles in that they incorporate a powertrain featuring one or more electric motors. These electric motors can power the vehicle instead of, or in addition to, an internal combustion engine. A battery pack provides power to these electric motors. The battery pack of an electrified vehicle can contain groups of battery cells and may also include various electronic modules. SUMMARY

[0003] In some aspects, the techniques described in this document relate to a battery pack assembly comprising: a cartridge assembly having a cover and at least one electronic module, wherein the cartridge assembly is configured to transition from a non-installed position relative to a battery pack enclosure to an installed position relative to the battery pack enclosure, wherein in the installed position the cartridge assembly is positioned above an opening in the battery pack enclosure, and wherein the at least one electronic module is located within an interior space of the battery pack enclosure.

[0004] In some aspects, the techniques described in this document relate to a battery pack assembly which further includes at least one connection interface within the cover, wherein the at least one connection interface can be accessed from a position outside the interior of the battery pack enclosure when the cartridge assembly is in the installed position.

[0005] In some aspects, the techniques described in this document relate to a battery pack assembly, wherein the cartridge assembly is configured to move from the uninstalled position to the installed position without accessing the interior.

[0006] In some aspects, the techniques described in this document relate to a battery pack assembly wherein the battery pack enclosure includes an enclosure lid secured to an enclosure shell, wherein the cartridge assembly is configured to move from the installed position to the uninstalled position without separating the enclosure lid from the enclosure shell.

[0007] In some aspects, the techniques described in this document relate to a battery pack assembly which further includes at least one mechanical fastening means that secures the cartridge assembly to the battery pack casing when the cartridge assembly is in the installed position.

[0008] In some aspects, the techniques described in this document relate to a battery pack assembly, wherein the cover includes a mounting flange, wherein the at least one mechanical fastening means extends through the mounting flange to secure the cartridge assembly to the battery pack casing.

[0009] In some aspects, the techniques described in this document relate to a battery pack assembly, whereby at least one mechanical fastening element can be accessed from outside the interior of the battery pack enclosure.

[0010] In some aspects, the techniques described in this document relate to a battery pack assembly which further includes a container within the battery pack casing, wherein the cartridge assembly is slidably held within the container when the cartridge assembly is in the installed position.

[0011] In some aspects, the techniques described in this document relate to a battery pack assembly, wherein the cover includes a mounting flange, and wherein the at least one mechanical fastening means extends through the mounting flange and the container to secure the cartridge assembly to the battery pack casing.

[0012] In some aspects, the techniques described in this document relate to a battery pack assembly, wherein the opening is located in a wall of a shell of the battery pack casing.

[0013] In some aspects, the techniques described in this document relate to a battery pack assembly which further includes a container within the battery pack casing, wherein the cartridge assembly is slidably held within the container when the cartridge assembly is in the installed position.

[0014] In some aspects, the techniques described in this document relate to a battery pack assembly which also includes at least one coolant connection of the cartridge assembly.

[0015] In some aspects, the techniques described in this document relate to a battery pack assembly, where at least one electronic module is a BECM.

[0016] In some aspects, the techniques described in this document relate to a battery pack assembly, wherein at least one electronic module includes a BECM, a BEC and a DC / DC converter.

[0017] In some aspects, the techniques described in this document relate to a battery pack connection method that includes: securing a cartridge assembly to the battery pack enclosure from a position outside an interior space, such that a cover of the cartridge assembly is arranged over an opening in the battery pack enclosure and at least one electronic module of the cartridge assembly is arranged inside an interior space of the battery pack enclosure.

[0018] In some aspects, the techniques described in this document relate to a battery pack connection method, which further includes securing the cartridge assembly to the battery pack casing using at least one mechanical fastening device.

[0019] In some aspects, the techniques described in this document relate to a battery pack connection method in which the cartridge assembly can be detached and removed from the battery pack casing without accessing the interior.

[0020] In some aspects, the techniques described in this document relate to a battery pack connection method, wherein the cover of the cartridge assembly includes at least one connector, wherein the at least one electronic module is configured to be operatively coupled to a component outside the battery pack enclosure via the at least one connector.

[0021] In some aspects, the techniques described in this document relate to a battery pack connection procedure which further includes: releasing the securing mechanism of the cartridge assembly from the battery pack enclosure from an area outside the interior of the battery pack enclosure and sliding the cartridge assembly relative to the battery pack enclosure in order to withdraw the at least one electronic module of the cartridge assembly from the interior of the battery pack enclosure.

[0022] The embodiments, examples, and alternatives described in the preceding paragraphs, the claims, or the following description and drawings, which may include any of their various aspects or individual features, can be considered independently or in any combination. Features described in connection with one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments, provided such features are not incompatible. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0023] The various features and advantages of the disclosed examples will be apparent to the person skilled in the art from the detailed description. The figures accompanying the detailed description can be briefly described as follows: Fig. Figure 1 illustrates a side view of an electrified vehicle that has a traction battery pack. Fig. Figure 2 illustrates an extended, perspective view of the traction battery pack from the electrified vehicle. Fig. 1, showing a cartridge assembly of the traction battery pack in a non-installed position, according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 3 illustrates the perspective view from Fig. 2, which shows the cartridge assembly in a built-in position. Fig. Figure 4 illustrates a sectional view along line 4-4 in Fig. 3. Fig. Figure 5 illustrates a sectional view at the position of Fig. 4 along a traction battery pack according to another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] A battery pack cartridge assembly contains at least one electronic module. The cartridge assembly can be installed and removed from outside a traction battery pack casing. This simplifies battery pack maintenance, as, for example, it is not necessary to separate a casing lid from a shell to service the at least one electronic module.

[0025] With reference to Fig. Figure 1 includes an electrified vehicle 10 comprising a battery pack 14, an electric motor 18, and wheels 22. The battery pack 14 supplies power to the electric motor 18, which can convert electrical power into mechanical power to drive the wheels 22. The battery pack 14 can be a battery with a relatively high voltage.

[0026] In the exemplary embodiment, the battery pack 14 is secured to an underbody 26 of the electrified vehicle 10. In other examples, the battery pack 14 could be located elsewhere on the electrified vehicle 10.

[0027] The electrified vehicle 10 is a fully electric vehicle. In other examples, the electrified vehicle 10 is a hybrid electric vehicle that selectively drives wheels using torque provided by an internal combustion engine instead of, or in addition to, an electric motor. Generally, the electrified vehicle 10 could be any type of vehicle that incorporates a traction battery pack.

[0028] Now, with reference to Fig. In the exemplary embodiment, the battery pack 14 comprises a plurality of battery arrays 30 held within an enclosure assembly 34. The battery pack enclosure assembly 34 includes an enclosure cover 38 and an enclosure shell 42. The battery pack enclosure cover 38 is secured to the battery pack enclosure shell 42 to provide an interior space 44 that accommodates the plurality of battery arrays 30.

[0029] The battery arrays 30 each contain a multitude of battery cells 50 (or simply "cells") stacked side by side in relation to one another. The battery cells 50 serve to supply electrical power to various components of the electrified vehicle 10.

[0030] Although the various figures in this revelation illustrate a specific number of cells 50 and battery arrays 30, the battery pack 14 could contain any number of battery arrays 30, each containing any number of cells 50. In other words, this revelation is not limited to the figures in Fig. The specific configuration shown is limited to 2.

[0031] The battery pack 14 further includes a cartridge assembly 54, which is configured to be removed from a non-installed position, as shown in Fig. 2 shown, in a built-in position, as in Fig. 3 and Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the cartridge assembly 54 includes, among other things, a cover 58 and at least one electronic module 62.

[0032] In this example, at least one electronic module 62 is secured to the cover 58. This at least one electronic module 62 can, for example, include a bussed electrical center (BEC), a battery electronic control module (BECM), a battery pack sensor module (BPSM), and a DC / DC converter.

[0033] The cartridge assembly 54 is received within an opening 66 in the battery pack casing assembly 34 when the cartridge assembly 54 is in the installed position. When the cartridge assembly 54 is in the installed position, the cover 58 is positioned over the opening 66 and the at least one electronic module 62 is positioned within the interior 44 of the battery pack 14.

[0034] In this example, the opening 66, which accommodates the cartridge assembly 54, is located in the enclosing shell 42 of the enclosing assembly 34. In other examples, the cartridge assembly 54 could be accommodated within openings in other areas of the enclosing assembly 34.

[0035] In this example, the cartridge assembly 54 is held within a container 70, which is itself held within the inner area 44 of the casing assembly 34. The cartridge assembly 54 is slidably held within the container 70. The container 70 aligns and supports the cartridge assembly 54 as it is moved into its installed position.

[0036] A rear wall 74 of the container 70 includes electrical connectors 78. When the cartridge assembly 54 is in the installed position, electrical connectors 82 of the at least one electronic module 62 can be operatively coupled to the electrical connectors 78. The electrical connectors 78 and the electrical connectors 82 are electrically coupled to each other when the cartridge assembly 54 slides into the installed position, similar to a car radio that slides out.

[0037] In some examples, the cartridge assembly 54 additionally includes at least one coolant connection. This at least one coolant connection can be fluidically coupled to a respective coolant line within the interior 44 when the cartridge assembly 54 is moved from the uninstalled position to the installed position.

[0038] The cover 58 of the cartridge assembly 54 includes a mounting flange 86. When the cartridge assembly 54 is in the installed position, Fig. 3 and Fig. Located at 4, a variety of mechanical fasteners 90 extend through openings in the mounting flange 86 to engage the casing assembly 34, a flange 94 of the container 70, or both in threaded engagement. In this example, the mechanical fasteners 90 are bolts. A gasket 92 can extend around the opening 66 and can be compressed between the mounting flange 86 and the casing shell 42, while the mechanical fasteners 90 secure the cartridge assembly 54.

[0039] To remove the cartridge assembly 54 from its installed position Fig. 3 and Fig. 4. Return to the uninstalled position. Fig. To allow the mechanical fasteners 90 to be removed, the cartridge assembly 54 can then slide out of the container 70 into the uninstalled position, so that the at least one electronic module 62 can be serviced. Service may include repairing or replacing the at least one electronic module 62 of the cartridge assembly 54, fuses, contactors, circuit boards, sensors, etc.

[0040] In particular, the cartridge assembly 54 can be moved from an area outside the casing assembly 34 from the uninstalled position to the installed position and then back again from the installed position to the uninstalled position without requiring access to the interior 44 of the casing assembly 34. The casing lid 38 can thus remain secured to the casing shell 42 by mechanical fasteners such as screws or rivets, or welds, or by any other securing technique, when the cartridge assembly 54 is moved back and forth between the uninstalled and installed positions. Breaking the welds or mechanical fasteners is not required to service the at least one electronic module 62 of the cartridge assembly 54.

[0041] Each electronic module 62 can include an associated connection interface 96 that extends through the cover 58. The connection interfaces 96 can be engaged and disengaged by connectors 98 when the at least one electronic module 62 is in its installed position. The connectors 98 can engage with the connection interface 96 to couple the at least one electronic module 62 to a component located outside the encapsulation assembly 34. The connectors 98 can be disengaged from the associated connection interface 96 when the cartridge assembly 54 is removed from its installed position.

[0042] With reference to Fig.Figure 5 includes another exemplary embodiment comprising a container 70A that can be installed and removed from outside the enclosing assembly 34. The container 70A can be secured within the enclosing assembly 34, for example, by a mechanical fastener 104 to a structure 100. The structure 100 can be a busbar with a retaining nut 108, which is engaged by the fastener 104. The mechanical fastener 104 can be accessed by retracting the cartridge assembly 54 from the container 70A.

[0043] The container 70A can be secured to the casing assembly 34 by the mechanical fasteners 90, which also secure the cartridge assembly 54.

[0044] Features of the disclosed examples include integrating at least one electronic module into a cartridge assembly that can be installed and removed without requiring access to an interior area of ​​an enclosure assembly or any additional maintenance access cover. This can simplify the maintenance of the at least one electronic module.

[0045] The preceding description is exemplary and not limiting. Variations and modifications of the disclosed examples may be apparent to a person skilled in the art, which do not necessarily deviate from the core of this disclosure. Therefore, the scope of protection granted to the present disclosure can only be determined by reading the following patent claims.

[0046] In one aspect of the invention, the cover of the cartridge assembly includes at least one connector, wherein the at least one electronic module is configured to be operatively coupled to a component outside the battery pack enclosure via the at least one connector.

Claims

[1] Battery pack assembly comprising: a cartridge assembly comprising a cover and at least one electronic module, wherein the cartridge assembly is configured to transition from a non-installed position relative to a battery pack enclosure to an installed position relative to the battery pack enclosure, wherein in the installed position the cartridge assembly is positioned above an opening in the battery pack enclosure, wherein the at least one electronic module is located within an interior space of the battery pack enclosure. [2] Battery pack assembly according to claim 1, further comprising at least one connection interface within the cover, wherein the at least one connection interface can be accessed from a position outside the interior of the battery pack enclosure when the cartridge assembly is in the installed position. [3] Battery pack assembly according to claim 1, wherein the cartridge assembly is configured to move from the uninstalled position to the installed position without accessing the interior. [4] Battery pack assembly according to claim 1, wherein the battery pack enclosure includes an enclosure lid secured to an enclosure shell, wherein the cartridge assembly is configured to move from the installed position to the uninstalled position without separating the enclosure lid from the enclosure shell, and wherein the opening may optionally be located in a wall of the enclosure shell. [5] Battery pack assembly according to claim 1, further comprising at least one mechanical fastening means securing the cartridge assembly to the battery pack casing when the cartridge assembly is in the installed position, and wherein the cover optionally includes a mounting flange, wherein the at least one mechanical fastening means extends through the mounting flange to secure the cartridge assembly to the battery pack casing. [6] Battery pack assembly according to claim 5, wherein the at least one mechanical fastening means can be accessed from outside the interior of the battery pack casing. [7] Battery pack assembly according to claim 5, further comprising a container within the battery pack casing, wherein the cartridge assembly is slidably received within the container when the cartridge assembly is in the installed position, and wherein the cover optionally includes a mounting flange, wherein the at least one mechanical fastening means extends through the mounting flange and the container to secure the cartridge assembly to the battery pack casing. [8] Battery pack assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a container within the battery pack casing, wherein the cartridge assembly is slidably received within the container when the cartridge assembly is in the installed position. [9] Battery pack assembly according to claim 1, further comprising at least one coolant connection of the cartridge assembly. [10] Battery pack assembly according to claim 1, wherein the at least one electronic module is a BECM. [11] Battery pack assembly according to claim 1, wherein the at least one electronic module comprises a BECM, a BEC and a DC / DC converter. [12] Battery pack interconnection methods, comprising: Securing a cartridge assembly from a position outside an interior of a battery pack enclosure to the battery pack enclosure, such that a cover of the cartridge assembly is arranged over an opening in the battery pack enclosure and at least one electronic module of the cartridge assembly is arranged inside an interior of the battery pack enclosure. [13] Battery pack connection method according to claim 12, further comprising securing the cartridge assembly to the battery pack casing using at least one mechanical fastening means. [14] Battery pack connection method according to claim 12, wherein the cartridge assembly can be detached and removed from the battery pack casing without accessing the interior. [15] Battery pack connection method according to claim 12, further comprising releasing the securing of the cartridge assembly from the battery pack enclosure from an area outside the interior of the battery pack enclosure and allowing the cartridge assembly to slide relative to the battery pack enclosure in order to withdraw the at least one electronic module of the cartridge assembly from the interior of the battery pack enclosure.

Images