Battery pack

Abstract

We provide a battery pack that ensures a uniform temperature distribution across all battery cells. [Solution] In the battery pack 3030, the casing 0080 is configured as a tube structure having a peripheral wall that laterally surrounds the space 3032. The peripheral wall defines a module liquid opening at its vertical end and includes at least one module wall vertical channel 3098 extending vertically within it, and at least one module wall lateral channel extending laterally through it, defining a first fluid path connecting the lid vertical channel 3092(a) and the space via an interface fluid connector (ILC) 3091(a), and a second fluid path connecting the lid liquid channel 3092(b) and the space via the module liquid opening, module wall vertical channel 3098(b), and module wall lateral channel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - reference to related applications This application is a partial continuation of U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 211,417, filed on June 19, 2023. Further, this application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 735,305, filed on December 17, 2024. The contents of these applications are incorporated herein by reference.

Background Art

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] This disclosure generally relates to an assembly of battery cells configured as a device capable of both storing and releasing electrical energy. Specifically, this disclosure generally relates to a machine assembled from battery cells, in which all battery cells are immersed in a thermal management fluid during operation.

[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0005] Electrical energy is widely used to power modern machines. At various stages of the life cycle of electrical energy, such as power generation, distribution, and consumption, it is important and necessary to temporarily store energy and then release it as needed.

[0006] A rechargeable battery cell is a device that stores electrical energy by converting electrical energy into chemical energy (i.e., during the charging process) and then converting it back into electrical energy (i.e., during the discharging process). Depending on the application, battery cells are assembled in various ways to meet the required electrical performance parameters.

[0007] A battery cell assembly, or a collection of battery cells, is typically considered a subsystem of an electrical device. In this disclosure, the term “electrical device” may refer to an electric motor, a vehicle equipped with an electric motor as a prime mover, or an electrical energy storage system electrically connected to a piping network or power plant, or a computing machine (e.g., a server equipped with IT gear, circuit boards and / or integrated circuit components configured to perform computing or information processing functions). Therefore, it is also important to consider the integration of the battery cell assembly with the electrical device.

[0008] Furthermore, it is well known that integrating battery cells involves incorporating thermal management systems and battery management systems.

[0009] Given the design considerations mentioned above, optimizing the integration of battery cells becomes a crucial challenge. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0010] Conventional liquid-cooled battery packs typically rely on external piping systems to distribute coolant to the battery modules. However, such external piping increases assembly complexity, manufacturing costs, and introduces multiple leak-prone seal interfaces. Furthermore, conventional designs often fail to provide uniform cooling to densely packed battery cells due to inefficient flow distribution and the creation of thermal gradients and stagnation zones within the pack. Therefore, a battery pack architecture is needed that integrates fluid channels within structural components to ensure uniform thermal management while minimizing external connections and leakage risks. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] According to one aspect of the present invention, a battery pack is provided. The battery pack includes at least one battery module comprising a plurality of battery cells (BCs), at least one cell holder, at least one battery cell connecting member (BCCM), and a liquid limiting casing (LLC). Each BC includes a positive electrode and a negative electrode, and at least a portion of the electrodes of the BCs collectively defines the electrode surface. The at least one cell holder includes a plurality of cell receiving structures distributed along the lateral direction, and a portion of the body of each BC is positioned within a corresponding one of the cell receiving structures, thereby restricting the position of each BC. At least one BCCM is positioned in the cell holder and arranged on the electrode surface, and mechanically engages with the cell holder to restrict relative movement between the BCCM and the cell holder while electrically connecting the electrodes of the BCs.

[0012] The LLC is configured as a tubular structure and includes a circumferential wall, which laterally encloses the space and extends vertically from a first vertical end to a second vertical end. The space is configured to accommodate a BC, at least one cell holder, and at least one BCCM. The first and second vertical ends of the circumferential wall define a first opening and a second opening, respectively. At least one mechanical interlocking structure is located at either the first or second vertical end of the LLC. The LLC further includes at least one module wall vertical channel extending vertically within the circumferential wall and at least one module wall lateral channel extending laterally within the circumferential wall from the module wall vertical channel into the space. The module wall lateral channel fluidly connects the module wall vertical channel to the space, and the first and second openings provide liquid communication to the module wall vertical channel and the module wall lateral channel. At least one modular electrical energy interface (MEEI) is electrically connected to at least one BCCM.

[0013] Two lid modules are arranged at two opposing vertical ends of at least one battery module. The two lid modules include at least one high-voltage interface connector (HVIC) configured to relay the electrical energy of the battery pack to a downstream load, at least one interface liquid connector (ILC) configured to introduce or discharge thermal management fluid to or from the battery pack, at least one lid interlocking structure configured to mechanically engage with the mechanical interlocking structure of the LLC to limit the relative displacement between the lid module and at least one battery module, at least one lid electrical interface electrically connected to the HVIC and MEEI, and at least one lid liquid channel that fluidly communicates with the ILC, a first opening and a second opening of the LLC. The peripheral wall of the LLC of at least one battery module and the two lid modules are stacked vertically and assembled to collectively form a liquid-tight battery pack housing. The liquid-tight battery pack housing encloses a battery pack space configured to contain thermal management fluid such that a plurality of battery cells, at least one cell holder and at least one BCCM are immersed in the thermal management fluid.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present invention, the battery pack defines a first fluid path and a second fluid path extending between at least one ILC and the space. The first fluid path includes a lid liquid channel and a first or second opening in the LLC for supplying or discharging thermal management fluid between the LLC and the space. The second fluid path includes a lid liquid channel, a first or second opening in the LLC, a module wall vertical channel and a module wall lateral channel, thereby enabling the thermal management fluid to be introduced laterally into the space via the perimeter wall.

[0015] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the peripheral wall may include four side walls arranged to form a rectangular tube structure. At least one mechanical interlocking structure may include projections and receiving structures configured to engage with each other to restrict lateral displacement between the LLC and the lid module.

[0016] In some embodiments of the present invention, the battery pack includes a plurality of battery modules stacked vertically between two lid modules. The vertical channels in the module walls of adjacent battery modules are aligned laterally and are in fluid communication with each other to form a continuous vertical channel that penetrates the plurality of battery modules, thereby allowing a thermal management fluid to flow through the stacked modules via the continuous channel.

[0017] In an additional embodiment of the present invention, the battery pack further includes at least one sealing member positioned at the vertical end of the peripheral wall. The sealing member is arranged to seal the connection between one of the battery modules and the lid module, or between two battery modules, in order to maintain liquid tightness along the fluid path.

[0018] In yet another embodiment, at least one cell holder further includes a flow guide extending from the surface of the cell holder and positioned adjacent to a module wall lateral channel. The flow guide is configured to guide the thermal management fluid flowing from the module wall lateral channel into the space, and the flow guide may be configured to block the direct flow path of the thermal management fluid and redirect the thermal management fluid to flow laterally through the space, thereby improving the distribution of the thermal management fluid around the battery cell.

[0019] In another embodiment of the present invention, at least one of two lid modules further includes a shunt having a plurality of distribution ports. The distribution ports are configured to distribute thermal management fluid from an interface fluid connector to a plurality of lid fluid channels, thereby supplying thermal management fluid to different regions or different battery modules. To facilitate compact packaging and simplified external connectivity of the battery pack, at least one high-voltage interface connector and at least one interface fluid connector may be located on the same lid module. [Effects of the Invention]

[0020] The battery pack of this disclosure offers several clear technical advantages, as follows: Synergistic Dual-Path Cooling: This disclosure defines a first and second fluid path that operate simultaneously. The first fluid path enables a large flow with low hydrodynamic resistance through module liquid openings, ensuring that the battery cells are quickly and completely immersed in the thermal management fluid. The second fluid path functions as a target distribution mechanism. By utilizing integrated module wall vertical and lateral channels, the thermal management fluid is injected directly into specific areas (e.g., deep within the cell array or at specific vertical heights) that could be bypassed by a large flow (bulk flow). This hybrid flow strategy eliminates stagnant areas and vertical thermal gradients, resulting in a significantly more uniform temperature distribution across all battery cells compared to a single-path design. Integrated Tube Structure: By directly integrating fluid channels within the perimeter walls of the tubular structure (i.e., in-wall channels), the need for external hoses or pipes between modules is eliminated. This "tubeless" architecture not only reduces assembly complexity and cost but also minimizes the number of external sealing interfaces, thereby fundamentally reducing the risk of fluid leakage. Structural integrity through interlocking: The combination of a rigid tube structure and mechanical interlocking at the vertical ends provides strong resistance to lateral shear forces. This maintains the alignment of the accumulated fluid channels even under vibration or shock, ensuring the continuity of the fluid path and the integrity of the seal.

[0021] These and other objects of the present invention will become undoubtedly apparent to those skilled in the art after reading the following detailed description of preferred embodiments shown in various figures and drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0022] [Figure 1] This is a conceptual circuit diagram showing a charge / discharge circuit (0040) including a battery cell assembly (0010), a battery cell (0020), and a battery cell string (0030).

[0023] [Figure 2A] Perspective view of one embodiment of the battery cell assembly (0010). [Figure 2B] Perspective view of one embodiment of the battery cell assembly (0010), and an exploded view showing the cell holder (0050), the cell receiving structure (0060), and the electrode surface (0024).

[0024] [Figure 2C] Exploded perspective view of the battery cell assembly (0010) showing the battery cell connection member (0026) and the cell holder (0050).

[0025] [Figure 2D] Detailed view showing the plate hole (0029) of the battery cell connection member (0026) engaging with the vertical direction limiting structure (0070) of the cell holder (0050).

[0026] [Figure 3A] Conceptual perspective view showing two battery cell assemblies (0010) arranged in a stacked configuration. [Figure 3B] Conceptual perspective view showing two battery cell assemblies (0010) arranged in a parallel configuration.

[0027] [Figure 4A] Top view of the tubular liquid limiting casing (0080) having a peripheral wall (0090). [Figure 4B] Top view of the tubular liquid limiting casing (0080) having a peripheral wall (0090).<( [Figure 4C] Top view of the tubular liquid limiting casing (0080) having a peripheral wall (0090).

[0028] [Figure 5A] Perspective view of the battery cell assembly (0010) arranged within the liquid limiting casing (0080). [Figure 5B]This is a vertical exploded view showing the top opening (0094), the bottom opening (0095), and the two cell holders (0050).

[0029] [Figure 6A] This is a top view of a rectangular liquid-restricting casing (0080) having side walls (0091) indicated by an east wall (0096), a south wall (0097), a west wall (0098), and a north wall (0099).

[0030] [Figure 6B] This is a diagram of a liquid-restricting casing (0080) showing the inner wall surface (0101), outer wall surface (0106), inner corner (0120), outer corner (0125), corner column (0130), and side wall (0091).

[0031] [Figure 6C] This is a diagram of a perimeter wall (0090) assembled from two partially enclosing walls.

[0032] [Figure 6D] This is a diagram of a peripheral wall (0090) assembled from four independent side walls (0091).

[0033] [Figure 7A] This is a top view of a liquid-restricting casing (0080) showing the inner surface of the peripheral wall (0090) and a cell holder retaining structure (0140) extending inward from the inner boundary (0141). [Figure 7B] This is a top view of a liquid-restricting casing (0080) showing the inner surface of the peripheral wall (0090) and a cell holder retaining structure (0140) extending inward from the inner boundary (0141). [Figure 7C] This is a top view of a liquid-restricting casing (0080) showing the inner surface of the peripheral wall (0090) and a cell holder retaining structure (0140) extending inward from the inner boundary (0141), and showing a battery cell assembly (0010) having a cell holder (0050) and a cross-sectional line A-A'.

[0034] [Figure 7D]This is a vertical cross-sectional view along line A-A' in Figure 7C, showing the relative positions of the peripheral wall (0090), the cell holder retaining structure (0140), and the space above and below the retaining structure.

[0035] [Figure 7E] This is a diagram of a liquid-restricting casing (0080) showing individual cell holder retaining structures (0140) on the inner north face (0105) of the north side wall (0099).

[0036] [Figure 8A] This is a top view showing the cell holder fixing structure (0150) inside the liquid limiting casing (0080), and the fixing structure (0150) having fastening holes (0151). [Figure 8B] This is a top view showing the cell holder fixing structure (0150) within the liquid limiting casing (0080), and a cell holder (0050) having a fixing fastener (0152). [Figure 8C] This is a cross-sectional view along the line B-B' showing the cell holder fixing structure (0150) within the liquid limiting casing (0080), the cell holder (0050), the retaining structure (0140), and the fixing fastener (0152).

[0037] [Figure 9A] This is a perspective view showing two stacked battery cell assemblies (0010). [Figure 9B] This is a perspective view showing two stacked battery cell assemblies (0010).

[0038] [Figure 10A] This is a diagram of a liquid-restricting casing (0080) showing the top wall surface (0160), bottom wall surface (0170), top surface interlocking structure (0180), and bottom surface interlocking structure (0190).

[0039] [Figure 10B] This figure shows two liquid-limiting casings (0080) stacked with interlocking structures (0180, 0190) engaged.

[0040] [Figure 11A] The sealing features at the interface between the liquid-restricting casings (0080) are shown, along with the sealing member housing structure (0220) and the sealing member positioning structure (0210). [Figure 11B] The sealing features at the interface between liquid-restricting casings (0080) are shown, and sealing members (0200), such as O-rings, are shown arranged within the housing structure.

[0041] [Figure 12A] This figure shows a vertical wall channel (0230) having a PCB of a cell monitoring device (0260) related to a battery cell connecting member (0026).

[0042] [Figure 12B] This figure shows a vertical wall channel (0230) having a conductor rod (0280).

[0043] [Figure 13] This is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack (3030) including a battery module (3010), a terminal module (3040), an interface module (3050), and an interface.

[0044] [Figure 14A] This is a conceptual diagram of a battery pack architecture, showing multiple battery modules (3010) stacked between a first interface module and a second interface module (3050a, 3050b), with electrical energy interface modules (3060a, 3060b) and a high-voltage interface connector (3063) provided at the opposite vertical end. [Figure 14B] This is a conceptual diagram of a battery pack architecture, showing a battery module positioned between a terminal module (3040) and an interface module (3050), with an electrical energy interface module (3060) and two high-voltage interface connectors (3063) located at the same vertical end, and a vertical wall channel (0230) sealed to form a vertical through-hole for housing a conductor rod (0280).

[0045] [Figure 15A] This is a conceptual diagram showing the direction relative to the gravity vector. [Figure 15B] This is a conceptual diagram showing the direction relative to the gravity vector.

[0046] [Figure 16A] This is a conceptual perspective view of a cross-section of BP(3030).

[0047] [Figure 16B] This is a conceptual perspective view of a cross-section of BP(3030).

[0048] [Figure 16C] This is a conceptual perspective view of the BP3030 in cross-section.

[0049] [Figure 16D] This is a conceptual perspective view of a cross-section of BP(3030).

[0050] [Figure 16E] This is a conceptual perspective view of a cross-section of BP(3030).

[0051] [Figure 17A] This is a conceptual diagram of an exemplary BCA(0010).

[0052] [Figure 17B] This is a conceptual diagram of an exemplary BCA0010.

[0053] [Figure 17C] This is a conceptual diagram of an exemplary lid module.

[0054] [Figure 17D] This is a conceptual diagram of an exemplary lid module.

[0055] [Figure 18] An exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown in BP(3030).

[0056] [Figure 19A] Figure 18 shows another structure of BP(3030) as an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 19BC] Figure 18 shows another structure of BP(3030) as an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0057] [Figure 20A] The liquid flow structure of a BP according to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure is shown. [Figure 20B] The liquid flow structure of a BP according to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure is shown.

[0058] [Figure 21A] This is a conceptual diagram of the flow direction of the thermal management fluid when two ILCs are each positioned in two opposite lid modules. [Figure 21B] This is a conceptual diagram of the flow direction of the thermal management fluid when two ILCs are each positioned in two opposite lid modules. [Figure 21C] This is a perspective view corresponding to Figures 21A and 21B.

[0059] [Figure 21D] This is a conceptual diagram of the flow direction of the thermal management fluid when two ILCs are located in the same lid module. [Figure 21E] This is a conceptual diagram of the flow direction of the thermal management fluid when two ILCs are located in the same lid module. [Figure 21F] This is a perspective view corresponding to Figures 21D and 21E.

[0060] [Figure 22A] A perspective view of BP(3030) according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. [Figure 22B] A perspective view of BP(3030) according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0061] [Figure 23]Figure 22B shows an exploded view of BP(3030) as shown in an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0062] [Figure 24A] Figure 22A shows a front view of the lid module (3090(a)) as shown in an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 24B] Figure 22A shows a rear view of the lid module (3090(a)) shown in an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0063] [Figure 24C] Figure 24B shows a rear view of the cover module (3090(a)) shown in the Exemplary Embodiment of the Present Disclosure, without the current shunt (3109(a)). [Figure 24D] Figure 24B shows a perspective view of a shunt (3109(a)) as shown in an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0064] [Figure 25A] Figure 22B shows a front view of the lid module (3090(b)) as shown in an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 25B] Figure 22B shows a rear view of the lid module (3090(b)) shown in an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0065] [Figure 25C] Figure 25B shows a rear view of the cover module (3090(b)) shown in an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, without the shunt (3109(b)).

[0066] [Figure 26A] Figure 23 shows a perspective view of BM(3010) as shown in an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 26B] Figure 23 shows a front view of BM(3010) as shown in an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0067] [Figure 27A]Figure 26A shows a magnified view of the upper left corner of BM(3010) as shown in an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0068] [Figure 27B] A cross-sectional view of BM(3010) along the line C-C' in Figure 26B is shown according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0069] [Figure 27C] Figure 26B shows an enlarged view of region B, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0070] [Figure 28] The image shows a magnified view of the upper left corner of BM(3010) according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0071] [Figure 29A] This is a conceptual perspective view of a cross-section of BP(3030).

[0072] [Figure 29B] This is a partial cross-sectional view along the line D-D' of BP(3030) in Figure 29A.

[0073] [Figure 29C] This is a cross-sectional view along the E-E' line of BP(3030) in Figure 29A. [Figure 29D] This is a cross-sectional view along the E-E' line of BP(3030) in Figure 29A.

[0074] [Figure 30A] Figure 26A shows a perspective view of a combination of BM(3010) shown in this disclosure and cell holder(0050') shown in Figure 30B, according to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 30B] A perspective view of a cell holder (0050') according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0075] [Figure 31A]Figure 30B shows a front view of the combination of BM(3010) and cell holder(0050') as shown in an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0076] [Figure 31B] Figure 31A shows a cross-sectional view along the line F-F' of the combination of BM(3010) and cell holder(0050') shown in Figure 31A, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0077] [Figure 32A] This is a perspective view of the BP(3030) shown in Figure 22B, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, without the LLC(0080) shown in Figure 23.

[0078] [Figure 32B] Figure 32A shows the electronic connection structure of the cell monitoring circuit (3110 and 3120) as an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0079] [Figure 33] Figures 32A and 32B show circuit diagrams of BC(0020), a cell monitoring circuit (3110), and a cell detection circuit (3111) according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0080] Before describing this disclosure in more detail, it should be noted that, where appropriate, reference numbers may be repeated between figures to indicate corresponding or similar elements that may have similar characteristics.

[0081] To facilitate the explanation of this disclosure, directional terms (e.g., front, back, left, right, top, bottom, etc.) may be used in this specification and in the claims to describe parts of this disclosure. Unless otherwise specifically defined, these definitions of directions are for the purpose of describing and claiming this disclosure and are not intended to limit it.

[0082] The following contains specific information relating to exemplary embodiments of this disclosure. The drawings and accompanying detailed disclosures are only for illustrative embodiments of this disclosure. However, this disclosure is not limited to these exemplary embodiments. Those skilled in the art will be able to conceive of other variations and embodiments of this disclosure. Unless otherwise specified, identical or corresponding elements in the drawings may be indicated by the same or corresponding reference numerals. Also, the drawings and illustrations of this disclosure are generally not to scale and do not correspond to actual relative dimensions.

[0083] For the sake of consistency and ease of understanding, similar features are identified by numbers in the illustrative figures (although not shown in some examples). However, features in different embodiments should not be narrowly limited to those shown in the figures, as they may differ in other respects.

[0084] References to “one embodiment,” “embodiment,” “exemplary embodiment,” “various embodiments,” “several embodiments,” and “embodiments of the Disclosure” may indicate that embodiments of the Disclosure may include certain features, structures, or characteristics, but not all possible embodiments of the Disclosure necessarily include certain features, structures, or characteristics. Furthermore, repeated use of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an exemplary embodiment,” or “embodiment” does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although it may refer to the same embodiment. Also, any use of phrases such as “embodiment” in relation to “the Disclosure” should be understood not as meaning that all embodiments of the Disclosure must include certain features, structures, or characteristics, but rather as meaning that “at least some embodiments of the Disclosure” include the described certain features, structures, or characteristics. The term “combination” is defined as a direct or indirect connection by intervening parts, and is not necessarily limited to a physical connection. The term “includes,” when used, means “includes, but is not necessarily limited to,” specifically indicating an open-ended inclusion or membership in the disclosed combinations, groups, series, and equivalents.

[0085] Furthermore, for the sake of non-exclusive explanation, specific details such as functional entities, technologies, protocols, and standards are included to provide an understanding of the disclosed technology. In other instances, detailed disclosures such as well-known methods, technologies, systems, and architectures are omitted so as not to obscure the disclosure with unnecessary details.

[0086] Figure 1 is a conceptual circuit diagram of a charge / discharge circuit 0040. In Figure 1, the charge / discharge circuit includes a "battery cell assembly" 0010 (hereinafter referred to as BCA). The BCA0010 is configured to meet the required electrical performance, such as the required target output voltage, amperes, or power. To meet these requirements, battery cells can be mechanically and electrically integrated into the BCA0010, for example, by being assembled to provide collective performance.

[0087] As shown in Figure 1, in some embodiments, the BCA0010 may include one or more battery cell strings 0030 (hereinafter referred to as BCS) electrically connected in parallel. The number of parallel-connected BCS0030 determines the overall current output of the BCA0010. Furthermore, each of the BCS0030 may include one or more battery cells 0020 (hereinafter referred to as BC) electrically connected in series. The number of series-connected BC0020 within each BCS0030 determines the overall voltage output of the BCS0030 and BCA0010.

[0088] The charge / discharge circuit 0040 may be connected to an energy source such as a charging station to charge the BCA0010. The charge / discharge circuit may also be connected to an energy consumption device such as the engine of an electric vehicle to supply power to the engine.

[0089] In some embodiments (not shown in Figure 1), the charge / discharge circuit 0040 may include two or more BCAs 0010 to satisfy specific design considerations, such as the manufacturing and / or assembly process of the charge / discharge circuit 0040 itself, or design considerations relating to the assembly of the charge / discharge circuit 0040 with electrical equipment.

[0090] Referring back to Figure 1, depending on the technology used, the BC0020 may have different specifications in aspects such as shape, electrical performance (output voltage, current, power, charging speed, discharging speed, or operating temperature, etc.), material, and other properties. For example, the BC0020 can be enclosed in various forms such as cylindrical, prismatic, or pouch. Unless otherwise specifically stated, those skilled in the art should understand that the technical features disclosed herein are not necessarily limited to any particular type of BC0020.

[0091] BC0020 is configured as a basic component for converting electrical energy to chemical energy or vice versa, and may include 1) a charge / discharge circuit 0040 to which BC0020 is connected, and 2) a positive electrode and a negative electrode as interfaces between the cathode material and anode material enclosed in BC0020.

[0092] Furthermore, BC0020, which constitutes the basic energy storage construction block of BCA0010 and the charge / discharge circuit 0040, must be electrically connected. Regardless of whether BC0020 is cylindrical, prismatic, or pouch-shaped, the electrodes of BC0020 are typically located at the top, bottom, or both ends of the body of BC0020, respectively. In such cases, since BC0020 is typically mechanically aligned, each electrode of BC0020 may be aligned in substantially the same plane. As a result, the body of BCA0010 may include at least one electrode surface 0024 on which the electrodes of BC0020 are located and distributed.

[0093] In some embodiments, BCA0010 may include a battery cell connecting member 0026 (hereinafter referred to as BCCM), which is an electrical conductor configured to connect to the electrodes of BC0020. The BCCM0026 connects BC0020 electrically in parallel or in series. For example, planar conductive plates may be arranged on the electrode surface 0024 to connect to the electrodes of BC0020.

[0094] In this disclosure, when referring to direction, the terms “lateral” and “laterally” refer to the direction on the plane in which the electrodes of BCA0010 and BC0020 are arranged, and the direction parallel to the lines on the plane in which the BC0020 of BCA0010 are distributed in parallel. In the figures of this disclosure, the lateral direction is marked as the direction parallel to the lines on the yz plane. The term “top view” means a cross-section viewed from the positive x direction toward the negative x direction.

[0095] In this disclosure, the terms “vertical” and “vertically” mean a direction orthogonal to any “lateral direction,” not “lateral direction.” By this definition, the electrodes of the BC0020 are typically located at at least one vertical end of the body of the BC0020. In the figures of this disclosure, the vertical direction refers to the direction along the x-direction.

[0096] For example, see Figures 2A and 2B, which are perspective views of an embodiment of BCA0010 (not all parts of BCA0010 are shown), where Figure 2B is an exploded view of Figure 2A. In Figures 2A and 2B, the body of BC0020 may extend vertically (along the x-direction). Furthermore, the vertical axis of BC0020 is parallel to the x-direction, and BC0020 is aligned along the yz-plane.

[0097] To mechanically or structurally integrate the BC0020s, in some embodiments, the BCA0010 may include at least one cell holder 0050 which may have the primary function of restricting the position of each BC0020 in a particular configuration. For example, the restriction of the position of the BC0020s may be 1) restricting the relative position of a particular BC0020 to any other BC0020 belonging to the same BCA0010, and 2) restricting the relative position of a particular BC0020 to the body of the BCA0010. For example, in Figure 2A, a portion of the body of each BC0020 is placed within the corresponding cell receiving structure 0060 of the cell holder 0050. The cell receiving structure 0060 is periodically distributed along the lateral direction. Therefore, once the BC0020s are placed within the cell receiving structure 0060, these BC0020s may be arranged laterally in such a periodic spatial distribution.

[0098] In some embodiments, the cell holder 0050 may include a vertical limiting structure 0070 that restricts the vertical movement of the BC0020. All the bodies and electrodes of the BC0020 of the BCA0010 may be aligned in the same vertical position and may be formed as electrode surfaces 0024 of the BCA0010. For example, in Figure 2A, the BCA0010 includes two electrode surfaces 0024 on both sides in the x-direction.

[0099] In some embodiments, adhesive may be used to provide a displacement limiting function. For example, after BC0020 is placed in the support hole of the cell holder 0050, adhesive may be further introduced to fix BC0020 in place.

[0100] In some embodiments, to electrically integrate BC0020, BCA0010 may include BCCM0026 located on the electrode surface 0024. Furthermore, BCA0010 may include mechanical means configured to maintain the relative position between the electrode surface 0024 and BCCM0026 in a stationary state. For example, if BC0020 is mechanically fixed to the cell holder 0050, BCCM0026 may be mechanically connected to the cell holder 0050.

[0101] For example, in Figure 2C, an exploded perspective view of an exemplary BCA0010 (BC and some components are not shown), the BCA0010 includes a cell holder 0050 and a BCCM0026. The BCCM0026 is a conductive material formed in a plate shape. The BCCM0026 is positioned in the cell holder 0050 and is also configured to be positioned on the electrode surface 0024 of the BCA0010.

[0102] In some embodiments, the BCCM0026 may include a cell contact plate 0027 and a current transport plate 0028.

[0103] The cell contact plate 0027 may be configured to make direct contact with the electrodes of BC. Connection processes such as welding, crimping, fastening, or the use of conductive adhesives may be used to connect the cell contact plate 0027 to the electrodes of BC. Furthermore, in some cases, the cell contact plate 0027 may include a molten weld structure 0025 configured to melt when the current becomes overloaded.

[0104] The current transport plate 0028 may be configured to transport the combined current of multiple BC0020s. For this purpose, the current transport plate 0028 may have a greater thickness than the cell contact plate 0027. Furthermore, the current transport plate 0028 may have a higher conductivity than the cell contact plate 0027. For example, the cell contact plate 0027 may be a nickel plate, and the current transport plate 0028 may be a copper plate.

[0105] In some embodiments, the BCCM0026 may include structures configured to position the BCCM0026 on the cell holder 0050. For example, the BCCM0026 may include protrusions or projections configured to engage with hollow structures on the cell holder 0050. In another example, the BCCM0026 may include holes configured to engage with protrusions or projections on the cell holder 0050. For example, in Figures 2C and 2D, the BCCM0026 includes a plate hole 0029 that engages with a vertical limiting structure 0070 of the cell holder 0050. The vertical limiting structure 0070 penetrates the plate hole 0029 of the BCCM0026 and limits the relative movement of the BCCM0026 with respect to the cell holder 0050. For example, the lateral and vertical relative movement of the BCCM0026 with respect to the cell holder 0050 may be limited. In various embodiments, mechanical engagement may be achieved by interlocking features such as interlocking fits, snap-fits, fasteners, or arrangements of holes and posts as described herein.

[0106] Figures 3A and 3B are conceptual perspective views of two BCA0010 assemblies. Depending on the available space for mounting the BCA0010 in electrical equipment, the BCA0010 may be assembled in a stacked or parallel configuration. For example, in Figure 3A, the BCA0010 is assembled in a stacked configuration and is suitable for arrangement in narrow, long spaces such as the front and rear compartments of a passenger car. In another example, in Figure 3B, the BCA0010 is assembled in a parallel configuration and is suitable for arrangement in spaces that are wide but have limited height, such as the floor space under a cabinet in a passenger car.

[0107] In this disclosure, the terms “vertical” and “vertically” also refer to the stacking direction of the stacked BCA. For example, in Figure 3A, the stacked BCA is stacked vertically and along the x-direction.

[0108] To prevent thermal runaway events, the operating temperatures of BCA0010 and BC0020, or both, are maintained. It is known that BC0020 is brought into direct contact with the heat management fluid so that the heat management fluid can transport heat to maintain the operating temperature of BC0020 within a predetermined range or prevent combustion reactions. For example, BCA0010 or BC0020 may be partially or completely immersed in the heat management fluid. If the entire BCA0010 is immersed, BCA0010 and several other components integrated into BCA0010 may be in direct contact with the heat management fluid, thereby providing a higher level of thermal management.

[0109] To immerse BCA0010 in a heat management fluid, BCA0010 may be contained in a liquid-restricting casing 0080 (hereinafter, LLC). LLC0080 may be configured to restrict the movement of the heat management fluid. For example, in a space described by a Cartesian coordinate system, a particular volume of heat management fluid may have a displacement or velocity that can be described by a vector containing components obtained by multiplying the unit vectors in the x, y, or z directions by coefficients, respectively. To maintain the relative position between BCA0010 and the heat management fluid while BCA0010 is immersed in the heat management fluid, LLC0080 may include means to restrict the movement of the heat management fluid in at least some of those six directions.

[0110] In some embodiments, the waterproofing material may be used to form a specific structure that completely seals or partially covers the heat management fluid, thereby restricting the movement of the heat management fluid in all or some directions. For example, LLC0080 may be formed as a tube shape having two openings, such as a triangular tube, a square tube, or a circular tube. The tube-shaped LLC0080 may include a circumferential wall 0090 (i.e., a circumferential wall).

[0111] In some embodiments, the peripheral wall of LLC0080 may include a water-impermeable film to restrict the movement of the heat management fluid.

[0112] In some embodiments, LLC0080 may include rigid structures such as watertight walls to restrict the movement of the heat management fluid.

[0113] For example, Figures 4A, 4B, and 4C show a conceptual LLC0080 in a tube structure shown in a top view. In other examples, the side view (i.e., top view) of the tube structure may have an asymmetric geometric shape. In Figures 4A, 4B, and 4C, each of the LLC0080 shown includes a peripheral wall 0090 that encloses the space laterally. In Figures 4A, 4B, and 4C, the peripheral wall 0090 may extend vertically, i.e., along the x-direction. Thus, the three-dimensional space enclosed by the LLC0080 may be used to house a heat management fluid, a BCA0010, and several components that are accumulated in the BCA0010. Due to the watertightness of the peripheral wall 0090, the heat management fluid housed within the LLC0080 can only move vertically.

[0114] Figures 5A and 5B are perspective views of an exemplary embodiment of BCA0010, and not all components of BCA0010 are shown in order to clearly specify the means for immersing BCA0010 in the heat management fluid. For example, BC0020 is not shown in Figures 5A and 5B.

[0115] Figure 5B is a vertical exploded perspective view of Figure 5A. In the embodiments of Figures 5A and 5B, BCA0010 includes two cell holders 0050 integrated into BC0020 (BC0020 is not shown in Figures 5A and 5B). Several other unshown components integrated into the cell holders 0050, BC0020, and BCA0010 may be arranged within the space enclosed by LLC0080.

[0116] In embodiments where LLC0080 is formed in a tubular shape, the peripheral wall 0090 may be formed as a material extending vertically between a top vertical position 0092 and a bottom vertical position 0093. At the top vertical position 0092, the inner edge of the peripheral wall 0090 may define a top opening 0094 of LLC0080, and at the bottom vertical position 0093, the inner edge of the peripheral wall 0090 may define a bottom opening 0095 of LLC0080. The top opening 0094 and the bottom opening 0095 may be configured as entrances or exits to the space enclosed by the peripheral wall 0090. Components such as BC0020, cell holders 0050, and other components arranged within LLC0080 may be arranged within the internal space of LLC0080 through at least one of the top opening 0094 and the bottom opening 0095.

[0117] For example, in the embodiment shown in Figure 5B, the peripheral wall extends between the top vertical position 0092 and the bottom vertical position 0093. The vertical length (i.e., height) of LLC0080 is equal to the vertical distance H1 between the top vertical position 0092 and the bottom vertical position 0093. The two cell holders are positioned within the space enclosed by the peripheral wall 0090 through the top opening 0094 and the bottom opening 0095.

[0118] In some embodiments in which LLC0080 is formed in a rectangular tubular shape, the circumferential wall 0090 of LLC0080 may further include four planar side walls 0091 arranged circumferentially around a vertical axis and parallel to the vertical axis. For example, Figure 6A shows an exemplary top view of LLC0080. LLC0080 includes four side walls 0091: an east side wall 0096, a south side wall 0097, a west side wall 0098, and a north side wall 0099, arranged circumferentially around a vertical axis.

[0119] In some embodiments, LLC0080 may be manufactured by an integral molding process such as injection molding or die casting. Alternatively, a turning process may be used to manufacture LLC0080.

[0120] Referring to Figures 6A to 6B, in some embodiments in which LLC0080 is formed in a rectangular tube shape, the peripheral wall 0090 of LLC0080 may include four inner corners 0120 and four outer corners 0125. The four inner corners 0120 may further include an inner northeast corner 0121, an inner southeast corner 0122, an inner southwest corner 0123, and an inner northwest corner 0124. The four outer corners 0125 may further include an outer northeast corner 0126, an outer southeast corner 0127, an outer southwest corner 0128, and an outer northwest corner 0129.

[0121] In some embodiments, each side wall may include an inner wall surface 0101 and an outer wall surface 0106. The outer wall surface 0106 of each side wall 0091 may be an outer plane that extends between one of the two outer corners of the corresponding side wall 0091. For example, in Figure 6B, the east side wall 0096 includes an outer east surface 0107 extending between the outer northeast corner 0126 and the outer southeast corner 0127, the south side wall 0097 includes an outer south surface 0108 extending between the outer southeast corner 0127 and the outer southwest corner 0128, the west side wall 0098 includes an outer west surface 0109 extending between the outer southwest corner 0128 and the outer northwest corner 0129, and the north side wall 0099 includes an outer north surface 0110 extending between the outer northwest corner 0129 and the outer northeast corner 0126.

[0122] Furthermore, the inner wall surface 0101 of each side wall 0091 may be an inner plane extending between one of two adjacent inner corners of the lower side wall 0091. For example, in Figure 6B, the east side wall 0096 includes an inner east surface 0102 extending between the inner northeast corner 0121 and the inner southeast corner 0122, the south side wall 0097 includes an inner south surface 0103 extending between the inner southeast corner 0122 and the inner southwest corner 0123, the west side wall 0098 includes an inner west surface 0104 extending between the inner southwest corner 0123 and the inner northwest corner 0124, and the north side wall 0099 includes an inner north surface 0105 extending between the inner northwest corner 0124 and the inner northeast corner 0121.

[0123] In some embodiments, the perimeter wall 0090 may be assembled from separate components. For example, in Figure 6B, LLC 0080 includes four corner columns 0130, which are independent components assembled with side walls 0091 (i.e., east side wall 0096, south side wall 0097, west side wall 0098, and north side wall 0099) to form the perimeter wall 0090. In another example, referring to Figure 6C, the perimeter wall 0090 may be assembled from two partially enclosing walls. In yet another example, referring to Figure 6D, the perimeter wall 0090 may be assembled from four independent side walls 0091.

[0124] In some embodiments, LLC0080 may include a structure configured for the integration of the cell holder 0050 and LLC0080. If LLC0080 is tubular in shape as shown in Figures 4A, 4B, and 4C, the cell holder 0050 may be positioned in the space enclosed by LLC0080 through one of the top openings 0094 and bottom openings 0095 located at the two vertical ends of the tubular structure. LLC0080 may include at least one cell holder retaining structure 0140 extending from one of the inner surfaces of the peripheral wall 0090 and extending inward along the lateral direction.

[0125] The vertical relative position on the inner surface of the peripheral wall 0090, and the vertical size of the cell holder retaining structure 0140 define the vertical depth (vertical range) that the cell holder 0050 can vertically reach within the space enclosed by the LLC. Thus, such a lateral structure (i.e., the cell holder retaining structure 0140) can restrict the vertical movement of the cell holder 0050 by providing a vertical force to the cell holder 0050. Such a vertical force counteracts the vertical movement of the cell holder 0050 within the space enclosed by the peripheral wall 0090.

[0126] For example, Figures 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D, and 7E are conceptual diagrams of an exemplary BCA0010. Figures 7A, 7B, and 7C are top views of an exemplary BCA0010. In Figure 7A, BCA0010 (hidden in Figure 7A) is integrated into LLC0080, which includes a perimeter wall 0090. The perimeter wall includes four side walls 0091. LLC0080 further includes two cell holder retaining structures 0140 extending laterally inward from the inner surface of the perimeter wall 0090. Each of the two cell holder retaining structures 0140 may include an inner boundary 0141. A lateral cross-sectional view (top view) of the inner boundary 0141 may be a line on a lateral plane. In the embodiment shown in Figure 7A, each of the inner boundaries 0141 is a plane parallel to the side wall on which the cell holder retaining structure 0140 is located, and the lateral cross-sectional view of the inner boundary 0141 is a straight line along the y-direction. In Figure 7A, the maximum distance between the inner boundary 0141 and the inner surface of the side wall 0091 on which the cell holder retaining structure 0140 is located is a constant, for example, in Figure 7A, such a constant distance is equal to W2.

[0127] In other embodiments, the inner boundary 0141 does not have to be a plane; that is, the distance between the inner boundary 0141 and the inner surface of the side wall 0091 on which the cell holder retaining structure 0140 is located does not have to be a constant. For example, in Figure 7B, the inner boundary 0141 is a curved surface, and the lateral cross-sectional view of the inner boundary 0141 is a curve on a lateral plane.

[0128] Furthermore, the inner wall surface 0101 of the peripheral wall 0090 may be a curved surface whose shape conforms to the curved outer circumference of the cell holder 0050 or the curved outer circumference of the battery cell 0020. Because the inner wall surface 0101 is a curved surface that fits the curved outer circumference of the cell holder 0050 or the battery cell 0020, the volume of the battery module can be reduced. The curved inner wall surface 0101 can also function as a guide structure when the cell holder 0050 is placed in the LLC 0080 during the assembly process of the battery module.

[0129] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 7B, the curved inner boundary 0141 of the cell holder retaining structure 0140 may provide additional space for accommodating components of the BCA0010, such as BC0020. In some cases, the curved portion of the inner boundary 0141 may include a lateral cross-sectional view in which the curve has a radius of curvature greater than or equal to the radius viewed from the lateral cross-section of the BC. Thus, BC0020 may be positioned within a space partially enclosed by the curved portion of the inner boundary 0141 of the cell holder retaining structure 0140.

[0130] Figure 7C shows an exemplary BCA0010. BCA0010 includes a cell holder 0050 located within the space enclosed by the peripheral wall 0090 of LLC0080. The dashed line A-A' is marked with respect to the cross-section shown in Figure 7D.

[0131] Figure 7D shows a vertical cross-sectional view along the dashed line A-A' in Figure 7C. BCA0010 is integrated into LLC0080, which further includes a peripheral wall 0090. LLC also includes two cell holders 0050 and two cell holder retaining structures 0140 (only one is shown). The cell holder retaining structures 0140 are located on the inner surface of the peripheral wall 0090. Vertically, the center of the cell holder retaining structure 0140 aligns with the center of the peripheral wall 0090.

[0132] In some embodiments, the vertical length (hereinafter referred to as height) of the cell holder retaining structure 0140 is smaller than the height of the peripheral wall 0090, so the difference between the height of the cell holder retaining structure 0140 and the height of the peripheral wall 0090 can provide space for accommodating the cell holder 0050. For example, in Figure 7D, the height of the cell holder retaining structure 0140 is equal to H4, and the height of the peripheral wall 0090 is equal to H1. The difference between H1 and H4 is equal to twice H3. Therefore, the cell holder 0050 may be accommodated in the space between the top opening 0094 of the LLC 0080 and the cell holder retaining structure 0140, such a space having a height equal to H3, and the cell holder 0050 may also be accommodated in the space between the bottom opening 0095 of the LLC 0080 and the cell holder retaining structure 0140, such a space having a height equal to H3.

[0133] In some embodiments, LLC0080 may include individual cell holder retaining structures 0140 located on the inner surface of the side wall 0091. For example, referring to Figure 7E, LLC0080 includes a north side wall 0099 and two cell holder retaining structures located on the inner north surface 0105.

[0134] In some embodiments, the LLC0080 may include at least one cell holder fixing structure 0150 that provides mechanical means to restrict the displacement of the cell holder in any direction. For example, referring to Figure 8A, the LLC0080 in a top view includes four cell holder fixing structures 0150 extending from the inner wall surface 0101 of the peripheral wall 0090. In this embodiment, the cell holder fixing structure 0150 includes fastening holes 0151 that use fastening devices to restrict the relative movement between the LLC0080 and the cell holder 0050. In some embodiments, the cell holder fixing structure 0150 and the cell holder fixing structure may differ in several embodiments, such as shape, lateral position and vertical position.

[0135] Referring to Figure 8B, a top view of LLC0080 is shown. In Figure 8B, the cell holder 0050 is positioned within the space enclosed by the peripheral wall of LLC0080. LLC0080 includes four fasteners 0152 inserted perpendicularly to the cell holder 0050 and the cell holder fixing structure 0150 (not shown in Figure 8B).

[0136] Referring to Figure 8C, Figure 8B shows a cross-sectional view of LLC0080 along the dashed line B-B'. As shown, the cell holder 0050 is fixed to LLC0080 by being secured vertically by the cell holder retaining structure 0140 and fastening the cell holder 0050 to LLC0080 with the fixing fastener 0152.

[0137] Refer to Figures 9A and 9B for a perspective view of the stack of two BCAs (in which LLC0080 is integrated).

[0138] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 10A, the LLC0080 may include a top wall surface 0160 and a bottom wall surface 0170, which are the vertical end surfaces of the LLC0080 and extend along the lateral direction.

[0139] In some embodiments, the top wall surface 0160 and the bottom wall surface 0170 may include complementary interlocking features configured to resist lateral shear when stacked vertically. For example, as shown in Figure 10A, the top wall surface 0160 may include at least one top interlocking structure 0180, and the bottom wall surface 0170 may include at least one bottom interlocking structure 0190. The top interlocking structures 0180 and the bottom interlocking structures 0190 may be located in specific lateral positions so that when two LLCs 0080 are stacked vertically (as shown in Figure 10B), the combination of the top interlocking structures 0180 and the bottom interlocking structures 0190 provides a lateral force that limits the relative displacement of the two stacked LLCs 0080. For example, the pair of top interlocking structures 0180 and the bottom interlocking structures 0190 may be a projection structure and a receiving structure.

[0140] Referring to Figures 11A and 11B, in some embodiments, at least one of the top wall surface 0160, the bottom wall surface 0170, or both thereof may include at least one sealing member housing structure 0220 configured to provide a space for housing a sealing member that is arranged at the interface of two LLCs 0080 to prevent liquid leakage from the interface of the two LLCs. For example, the sealing member 0200 may be an O-ring or an adhesive material. In some embodiments, the bottom wall surface 0170 or both thereof may further include at least one sealing member positioning structure 0210 configured to restrict the lateral movement of the sealing member 0200. For example, in Figures 11A and 11B, the sealing member positioning structure 0210 is a gap configured to provide a lateral force that restricts the lateral movement of the sealing member 0200. As shown in Figure 11B, the sealing member 0200 can be filled into the space provided by the sealing member housing structure 0220 to provide a sealing effect.

[0141] In some embodiments, the peripheral wall 0090 may include a vertical wall channel 0230, which is a hollow space within the peripheral wall 0090. The vertical wall channel 0230 may be a through-hole that penetrates the peripheral wall 0090 vertically. The vertical wall channel 0230 may be used to house the PCB of a cell monitoring device 0260 signalably connected to the BCCM 0026 of the BCA 0010, as shown in Figure 12A. The vertical wall channel 0230 may be used to house a conductor rod 0280 used to position both the positive electrode 0271 and the negative electrode 0272 at the same terminal of the BCA 0010, as shown in Figure 12B.

[0142] As disclosed in application '417 (i.e., application number 18 / 211,417), the vertical wall channel 0230 may be used to provide a vertical fluid channel that can direct liquid flow vertically. For example, the vertical wall channel 0230 may refer to the “inlet channel” and “outlet channel” disclosed in application '417.

[0143] In some embodiments, the BCA0010 may be integrated with components to form a battery module (hereinafter referred to as BM) 3010. For example, the BM3010 may be an assembly comprising the BCA0010 and other components such as the LLC0080, thermal control components such as heat dissipation components, a battery cell monitoring circuit, and other components. The manufacture of the BM3010 is typically an intermediate step in the production of the entire system. That is, the BM3010 can be considered an intermediate building block that forms a higher level of energy storage system, while the BM3010 is also integrated with the BC0020, which is a more basic building block. Therefore, the BM3010 may also include a modular interface configured to integrate the BM3010 with other BM3010s and / or other modules of a larger energy storage system below. For example, the BM3010 may include a modular electrical energy interface (hereinafter referred to as MEEI) 3020 configured to provide electrical connections for the transfer (charging or discharging) of electrical energy stored or released within the BM3010. MEEI3020 may be an electrode or connector positioned on the BM3010. For example, MEEI3020 may be a conductor that directly contacts one of the current transport plates 0028 of the first BM3010 and also directly contacts one of the current transport plates 0028 of the second BCA0010. Such MEEI3020 functions as an electrical connector between the two BM3010s.

[0144] For example, BM3010 may include interfaces for thermal control components such as liquid connectors into which thermal control fluid flows and out of BM3010 to flow into another liquid container or channel, for example, top opening 0094 and bottom opening 0095 of LLC0080. For example, BM3010 may also include interfaces for mechanical connection to another BM and / or other modules, for example, top interlocking structure 0180 and bottom interlocking structure 0190.

[0145] In this disclosure, the term “Battery Pack” (hereinafter, BP) 3030 refers to an energy storage system designed, assembled, manufactured, and enclosed to be integrated into an electrical device (e.g., an EV, BESS, or other) powered by electrical energy discharged from the BP 3030. This is typically produced as a separate product by an entity supplying the final device to an original equipment manufacturer (hereinafter, OEM). The BP 3030 is mechanically stable to ensure its integrity during transport and of the final device. For example, the integration and assembly processes may be those of an EV assembly process. Furthermore, the BP 3030 features standardized interfaces to facilitate electrical and mechanical integration with systems larger than the system to which it is installed. The spatial dimensions of the BP 3030 are also designed to take into account the available space for the electrical device below.

[0146] Refer to Figure 13, a conceptual cross-sectional view of BP3030. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 13, BP3030 may include two BM3010 assembled together in a stacked manner. In other cases, BP3030 may include only one BM3010 or two or more BM3010. BP may also include a terminal module (hereinafter, TM) 3040 that functions as a cover for BP3030. TM3040 provides electrical insulation so that BC0020 (not shown in Figure 13) is electrically isolated from the outside of BP3030. BP3030 may also include an interface module (hereinafter, IM) 3050. IM3050 functions not only as a cover but also as an interface for BP3030. Note that each of the BM3010 in Figure 13 may be formed (assembled) from LLC0080 and BCA0010 previously disclosed.

[0147] In some embodiments, since BP3030 is liquid-tight, the BCA0010 of BM3010 surrounded by BP3030 may be immersed in a thermal management fluid. For example, the LLC0080, TM3040, and IM3050 of each BM3010 may be assembled to form a liquid-tight "battery pack housing" (hereinafter, BP housing) 3031. In such an example, the BP housing 3031 is assembled by an LLC0080 that provides a lateral fluid barrier and a lid at the vertical end that provides a vertical fluid barrier. For example, the lid may be TM3040 or IM3050. These lateral and vertical fluid barriers define a "battery pack space" (hereinafter, BP space) 3032 surrounded by the BP housing 3031 (which is also surrounded by these lateral and vertical fluid barriers).

[0148] In some embodiments, the BP enclosure 3031 is electrically insulated so that the circuitry enclosed inside the BP enclosure 3031 does not leak to the outside. For example, the LLC0080 and the lid may be formed from an electrically insulating material and each may contain at least one layer of electrically insulating material.

[0149] In some embodiments, TM3040 and IM3050 may also include mechanical interfaces for mating, connecting, or sealing to the corresponding BM3010 or the corresponding LLC0080. For example, TM3040 may include a top interlocking structure 0180, and IM3050 may include a bottom interlocking structure 0190. For example, TM and IM may include sealing members, sealing member housing structures 0220, as described above in this disclosure.

[0150] As shown in Figure 13, BP3030 may also include an "Electrical Energy Interface Module" (EEIM) 3060. The EEIM 3060 may include an EEIM casing 3062 that encloses or surrounds an EEIM space 3061 (not shown in Figure 13) configured to house a battery management circuit, a high-voltage circuit (e.g., a circuit that relays the high-voltage electrical energy of BP3030 to a downstream load such as an EV), or both. The EEIM casing 3062 may be integrally molded or formed from a plurality of EEIM walls 3065. For example, the EEIM walls 3065 may be part of an integrally molded EEIM casing 3062 or they may be independent parts. The EEIM 3060 may be placed in IM3050 by an assembly process.

[0151] In some embodiments, the IM3050 may include an IM casing 3052 that surrounds or encloses an IM space 3054 (not shown in Figure 13) configured to house components configured to connect the BM3010 and the EEIM3060.

[0152] In some embodiments, IM3050 may further include an IM bus 3053 (not shown in Figure 13). One terminal of the IM bus 3053 is configured to be electrically connected to the MEEI 3020 of BM3010, and the other terminal of the IM bus 3053 is configured to be electrically connected to a high-voltage circuit arranged in the EEIM space 3061. EEIM3060 may include a "high-voltage interface connector" (hereinafter, HVIC) 3063, which may be arranged in the EEIM casing 3062 or in the BP housing 3031. The HVIC 3063 is configured to directly contact the high-voltage circuit arranged in the EEIM space 3061, thereby allowing the HVIC 3063 to function as a high-voltage circuit interface between the charge / discharge circuit 0040 and the electrical equipment. Thus, the HVIC 3063 can be considered as a terminal of the charge / discharge circuit 0040.

[0153] In this disclosure, the interface module 3050 and the terminal module 3040 (which function as vertical covers and are collectively referred to as “cover modules”) may each include at least one “cover electrical interface” configured to provide an internal electrical connection path. The cover electrical interface is electrically connected between the HVIC 3063 and the MEEI 3020 of the battery module. In some embodiments, the cover electrical interface may be implemented as a rigid busbar (e.g., IM busbar 3053), a flexible busbar, a wire cable, a conductive trace on a PCB, or other suitable conductive material capable of transmitting high-voltage electrical energy.

[0154] In some embodiments, the EEIM space 3061 and the BP space 3032 are continuous via a hydraulic system, so that components in the EEIM space 3061 may be immersed in a heat management fluid.

[0155] In other embodiments, the EEIM space 3061 and the BP space 3032 may be separated by hydraulic means. In such cases, the IM 3050 may include at least one IM electrical channel 3051 (not shown) configured to provide a channel between the EEIM space 3061 and the BP space 3032. For example, the IM channel 3051 may be a through-hole located in the side wall of the IM 3050. In some embodiments, an IM busbar 3053 (not shown) is located within the IM electrical channel 3051 and extends into the EEIM space 3061 and the BP space 3032 to provide electrical connections between components in these two housing spaces. In some embodiments, to prevent liquid from passing through the IM electrical channel 3051, the IM 3050 may further include at least one sealing member, such as an O-ring, arranged within the IM channel 3051 and tightly coupled to both the inner wall of the IM electrical channel 3051 and the IM busbar 3053.

[0156] In some embodiments, the BP3030 may include at least one liquid interface 3034 for introducing liquid into and / or out of the BP3030. For example, the liquid interface may be a liquid connector located in the BP housing 3031. For example, the liquid interface 3034 may be located in the wall of the IM3050 or the wall of the TM3040 as an inlet and / or outlet. In some embodiments, the BP3030 may include a first liquid interface 3034(a) as an inlet to the BP housing 3031 and a second liquid interface 3034(b).

[0157] In some embodiments, the liquid interface 3034 may be configured to connect to an external liquid circulation system, such as a liquid circulation system equipped with a liquid source or pump.

[0158] Figures 14A, 14B, 15A, and 15B are conceptual diagrams of an embodiment of the BP3030.

[0159] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 14A, the BP3030 may include a plurality of vertically stacked BM3010s. The BP3030 may further include and be assembled with a first IM3050(a) configured as a first vertical lid and a second IM3050(b) configured as a second vertical lid, located at the opposite vertical end of the stacked BM3010. The BP3030 may further include a first EEIM3060(a) and a second EEIM3060(b). The first EEIM3060(a) is positioned on the first IM3050(a), and the second EEIM3060(b) is positioned on the second IM3050(b). The first EEIM3060(a) may further include a first HVIC3063(a) located at one of the two vertical ends of the BP3030, and the second EEIM3060(b) may further include a second HVIC3063(b) located at the other vertical end of the BP3030. Such a configuration is set up to connect to a downstream load having separately located terminals.

[0160] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 14B, the BP3030 may include a plurality of vertically stacked BM3010s. The BP3030 may further include and be assembled with a TM3040 configured as a first vertical cover and an IM3050 configured as a second vertical cover, located at the opposite vertical end of the stacked BM3010. The BP3030 may further include an EEIM3060. The EEIM3060 is positioned on the IM3050. The EEIM3060 may further include two HVIC3063s positioned at the same end of the two opposite vertical ends of the BP3030. Such a configuration is configured for connection to a downstream load with closely spaced terminals. The LLC0080 may further include vertical wall channels 0230. The vertical wall channels 0230 of each LLC0080 may be sealed together to form a vertical through-hole that vertically penetrates the entire assembly of the stacked BM3030. The BP3030 may further include a conductor rod 0280 configured such that both the first and second electrodes of the circuit formed by all the series-connected and / or parallel-connected battery cells are located at the second vertical end of the entire assembly of the stacked BM3030.

[0161] In some embodiments, the conductor rod 0280 may be connected to the first electrode of a circuit formed by electrically connecting all BC0020 in series and / or parallel via BCCM0026 and MEEI3020 at a first vertical end adjacent to TM3040 of the entire assembly of the laminated BM3030. The conductor rod may be arranged within a vertical through hole, extend vertically along a vertical through hole that vertically penetrates the entire assembly of the laminated BM3030, or protrude from a second vertical end adjacent to IM3050 of the entire assembly of the laminated BM3030. Thus, both the first and second electrodes of the circuit formed by all the series-and- / parallel-connected battery cells are located at the second vertical end of the entire assembly of the laminated BM3030.

[0162] In some embodiments, the HVIC3063 of the BP3030 may be arranged on the same vertical end of the stacked BM3020, while the HVIC3063 of the BP3030 may be arranged on the same vertical end of the stacked BM3020. Such arrangement facilitates system integration because both the liquid connection to the external coolant channel and the electrical connection to the downstream load can be realized on the same side of the battery pack. This not only reduces the complexity of installation and maintenance but also improves the compactness and reliability of the battery pack assembly.

[0163] Refer to Figure 16A for a conceptual perspective view of the cross-section of the BP3030. Parts described in both this embodiment and the previously described embodiments, or parts with similar reference numerals, represent parts having similar structure or function, and related explanations are omitted here. Note that Figures 16A, 16B, 16C, 16D, 16E, 21A, 21B, 21D, and 21E are not precise cross-sectional views of the BP3030. Figure 16A shows several structural features of the BP3030 that can be observed from the cross-sectional view. These structural features are shown as being on the same plane, but this does not mean that these technical features must be located in the same xy cross-section. Furthermore, the term "lateral" refers to any vector on the yz plane in Figures 16A, 16B, 16C, 16D, 16E, 21A, 21B, 21C, 21D, and 21E. For example, a lateral liquid flow may be a liquid flow that moves only in the z direction on the yz plane, and a lateral channel may be a channel located on the yz plane and extending only in the z direction.

[0164] In some embodiments, BP3030 may communicate with a circulating heat exchange system 3080 to form a closed-loop liquid circulation system. The closed-loop liquid circulation system is filled with liquid, and when pressure is applied by a pump to operate the liquid circulation, a liquid flow is generated accordingly.

[0165] Generally, a battery pack is assembled from multiple BMs and lid modules. For example, as shown in Figure 16A, four BMs 3010 (but not limited to, the number of BMs 3010 may vary depending on the actual application of the BP 3030) and two lid modules 3090(a) and 3090(b) are stacked to form a BP 3030, where the lid modules 3090(a) and 3090(b) may be the aforementioned IMs or TMs, or other types of lid modules. In some embodiments, the BMs 3010 and lid modules 3090(a) and 3090(b) may be assembled together with the BP space 3032 to form a liquid-tight BP housing. By introducing a thermal management fluid into the BP space 3032, the relevant BP components within the BP space 3032 can be immersed in the thermal management fluid for heat dissipation. For example, as shown in Figure 16A, each BM 3010 includes a liquid-tight LLC 0080 that provides a lateral fluid barrier (i.e., a peripheral wall 0090). The BM3010s are stacked together to form a BM stack, and the peripheral walls 0090 are also stacked together to form a stacked peripheral wall. The lid modules 3090(a) and 3090(b) are used as vertical lids to form a liquid-tight BP housing together with the stacked peripheral wall. Any two stacked BM3010s can use the aforementioned sealing design to prevent liquid leakage from the interface between the two stacked BM3010s, and the relevant explanation can be inferred from Figures 11A and 11B, so it is omitted here.

[0166] As shown in Figure 16A, BP3030 is in communication with a circulating heat exchange system 3080 via a liquid circulation pipe 3081, and each lid module may include at least one "interface liquid connector" (hereinafter, ILC) 3091 connected to the liquid circulation pipe 3081. The circulating heat exchange system 3080 drives the heat management fluid to flow into BP3030 from one ILC 3091 in the inflow direction F1, and then out of BP3030 from another ILC 3091 in the outflow direction F2, passing through the entire BP space 3032. The circulating heat exchange system 3080 may include other means of regulating the temperature of the heat exchanger or heat management fluid so that the temperature can be adjusted before entering the next circulation for inflow into BP3030.

[0167] More specifically, referring to Figure 16A, the BP3030 may include several structural features that guide the flow of the heat management fluid. As shown in Figure 16A, each lid module includes a lid vertical channel 3092, which is a vertically extending through-hole, thereby allowing the heat management fluid to flow vertically through the through-hole. In some embodiments, the lid vertical channel 3092 communicates directly with the ILC3091 and the BP space 3032, thereby allowing the heat management fluid to flow into or out of the BP space 3032 via the lid vertical channel 3092.

[0168] After the thermal management fluid flows into the BP space 3032 via the lid vertical channel 3092, the area that the thermal management fluid can reach or arrive at may be vertically divided into a lid module zone 3093 and a battery module zone 3011. Specifically, the lid module zone 3093 refers to a zone of the BP space 3032 covered within each lid module. For example, the lid module 3090(a) in Figure 16A may include an inner lid surface 3094. The lid module zone 3093 may be defined by the portion of the BP space 3032 extending from the module interface reference line 3012 between the lid module 3090(a) and BM3010 to the inner lid surface 3094. Specifically, the battery module zone 3011 refers to the portion of the BP space 3032 covered within the peripheral wall 0090 of LLC0080. Because the lid module 3090(a) and BM3010 are tightly sealed to prevent liquid leakage, the thermal management fluid can flow from the lid module zone 3093 to the battery module zone 3011, passing through the module interface reference line 3012. The aforementioned liquid flow from the tubular opening of LLC0080 across the laminated BM3010 is referred to in this disclosure as LLC liquid flow0081.

[0169] Refer to Figure 16B, a conceptual perspective view of the cross-section of BP3030. Some reference numerals shown in Figure 16A but not in Figure 16B can also be used in Figure 16B.

[0170] Referring to Figure 16B, in some situations, components or structures within the BP space 3032 may generate flow resistance. For example, BCA0010 may include at least (but not limited to) cell holders 0050, BC0020, and BCCM0026 (not shown in Figure 16B). LLC0080 may also include cell holder retaining structure 0140 or other structures assembled to cell holder 0050. These structures or components may generate vertical flow resistance or localized vortices, affect the uniformity of the flow field distribution, and create overheating points within the BP space 3032, thus leading to heat dissipation problems.

[0171] Furthermore, since the heat management fluid enters the BP space 3032 and flows through each BM3010 sequentially, the heat dissipation conditions of the first BM3010 and the last BM3010 are different. For example, in each circulation, the temperature of the heat management fluid after leaving the heat exchanger is at its initial state. The longer the distance the heat management fluid travels, the greater the temperature deviation from the initial state. In the entire flow loop, the BM3010 closest to the pump outlet 3082 is called the closest BM3010 (i.e., the first BM3010), and the BM3010 furthest from the pump outlet 3082 is called the furthest BM3010 (i.e., the last BM3010). The temperature of the closest BM3010 is closest to a predetermined target temperature, or has the smallest variation from the predetermined target temperature. On the other hand, the temperature of the furthest BM3010 is the largest difference from the predetermined target temperature, or has the largest variation from the predetermined target temperature.

[0172] As shown in Figure 16B, in this disclosure, the portion of the BP space 3032 extending vertically between the two cell holders 0050 within the BM3010 may be defined as the cell zone 0051, and the portion of the BP space 3032 extending from the two cell holders 0050 to the tubular openings at the top and bottom ends of the LLC0080 may be defined as the edge zone 0052. As described above, the flow resistance from the edge zone 0052 to the cell zone 0051, or from the cell zone 0051 to the edge zone 0052, is relatively large because the cell holders 0050 and other components such as the BCCM0026 connected to the cell holders 0050 may generate flow resistance.

[0173] Refer to Figure 16C, a conceptual perspective view of the cross-section of BP3030. Some reference numerals shown in Figures 16A and 16B but not in Figure 16C can also be used in Figure 16C. Note that the gravity vector in the figure does not necessarily point in the negative x direction, meaning that when BP3030 is installed in an electrical device, BP3030 does not have to be configured in the direction shown in the figure.

[0174] In some embodiments, the BP3030 may have a structural design as shown in Figure 16C and a liquid flow design as shown in Figure 16D. As shown in Figure 16C, the lid module 3090(a) may include a first lid vertical channel 3095(a), a lid lateral channel 3096(a), and a second lid vertical channel 3097(a). The first lid vertical channel 3095(a) communicates with the ILC3091 and BP space 3032 of the lid module 3090(a). The lid lateral channel 3096(a) communicates with the first lid vertical channel 3095(a) and guides the heat management fluid to flow laterally along the peripheral wall 0090 of the LLC0080. The second lid vertical channel 3097(a) communicates with the lid lateral channel 3096(a) and guides the thermal management fluid to flow into at least one module wall vertical channel 3098 within the peripheral wall 0090 of LLC0080. In some embodiments, the first lid vertical channel 3095(a) may directly penetrate the lid module 3090(a) and communicate with the BP space 3032. In some embodiments, the BM3010 may further include a module wall vertical channel 3098 which can be considered an embodiment of the vertical wall channel 0230 as described above. The module wall vertical channel 3098 is located laterally within the peripheral wall 0090 of LLC0080 and extends vertically through LLC0080. Each of the two stacked BM3010s may include at least one module wall vertical channel 3098. In some embodiments, the module wall vertical channels 3098 of two stacked BM3010s are aligned laterally to each other, thereby allowing the thermal management fluid to flow from the module wall vertical channels 3098 in one BM3010 to the module wall vertical channels 3098 in the other BM3010. In some embodiments, the module wall vertical channels 3098 are tightly coupled vertically. In some embodiments, the module wall vertical channels 3098 are not tightly coupled vertically and have gaps (not shown).In some embodiments where the module wall vertical channel 3098 is laterally aligned with the second lid vertical channel 3097(a), the module wall vertical channel 3098 and the second lid vertical channel 3097(a) have a gap (not shown) without being tightly coupled vertically. At least one module wall lateral channel 3099 is formed in the peripheral wall 0090 and is a lateral through-hole. One end of the module wall lateral channel 3099 is in fluid communication with the BP space 3032, and the other end of the module wall lateral channel 3099 is in fluid communication with the module wall vertical channel 3098, so that the module wall vertical channel 3098 is in fluid communication with the BP space 3032. Although the module wall lateral channel 3099 appears to penetrate the cell holder retaining structure 0140, the disclosure is not limited thereto. This means that, in another embodiment, even if the module wall lateral channel 3099 appears to penetrate the cell holder retaining structure 0140, it may be offset along the z-direction from the cell holder retaining structure 0140.

[0175] In some embodiments, the vertical extension range in the x-direction of the module wall lateral channel 3099 may include two edge zones 0052 and cell zone 0051 of BM3010, thereby allowing lateral flow of the thermal management fluid within BM3010 to occur within the two edge zones 0052 and cell zone 0051.

[0176] In some embodiments, at least one module wall lateral channel 3099 may be arranged vertically along a module wall vertical channel 3098. In some embodiments, with respect to a particular module wall vertical channel 3098, at least one module wall lateral channel 3099 may be arranged vertically along the module wall vertical channel 3098. For example, in some embodiments, at least one module wall lateral channel 3099 may extend vertically within a cell zone 0051 and may extend vertically within at least one edge zone 0052. In some embodiments, at least one module wall lateral channel 3099 may extend vertically only within a cell zone 0051. In some embodiments, at least one module wall lateral channel 3099 may extend vertically only within an edge zone 0052.

[0177] Referring to Figure 16D, a conceptual perspective view of the cross-section of BP3030, some reference numerals shown in Figures 16A, 16B, and 16C but not in Figure 16D can also be used in Figure 16D.

[0178] In some embodiments, BP3030 may communicate with a circulating heat exchange system 3080 to form a closed-loop liquid circulation system. The closed-loop liquid circulation system is filled with liquid, and when pressure is applied by a pump to operate the liquid circulation, a liquid flow is generated accordingly.

[0179] For example, as shown in Figures 16C and 16D, BP3030 may include a plurality of BM3010, a lid module 3090(a) close to the pump outlet 3082, and a lid module 3090(b) further away from the pump outlet 3082, thereby generating liquid flows in lid module 3090(a) and liquid flows in lid module 3090(b). The liquid flow in lid module 3090(a) may include a first proximal lid vertical flow 3101, a proximal lid lateral flow 3102, and a second proximal lid vertical flow 3103. The first proximal lid vertical flow 3101 flows through the first lid vertical channel 3095(a) and receives heat management fluid from ILC3091 on lid module 3090(a). The proximal lid lateral flow 3102 flows through the lid lateral channel 3096(a) and flows toward the peripheral wall 0090 of LLC 0080, guiding the thermal management fluid into the module wall vertical channel 3098. The second proximal lid vertical flow 3103 flows through the second lid vertical channel 3097(a). The second proximal lid vertical flow 3103 receives the proximal lid lateral flow 3102 and then flows into the BP space 3032, the module wall vertical channel 3098, or both.

[0180] The liquid flow within the lid module 3090(b) may include a second distal lid vertical flow 3106, a distal lid lateral flow 3107, and a first distal lid vertical flow 3108. The second distal lid vertical flow 3106 flows through the second lid vertical channel 3097(b) of the lid module 3090(b) and receives a module wall vertical flow 3104 from the BP space 3032. The distal lid lateral flow 3107 flows through the lid lateral channel 3096(b) of the lid module 3090(b) and flows away from the peripheral wall 0090 of the LLC 0080, guiding the thermal management fluid into the first lid vertical channel 3095(b) of the lid module 3090(b). The first distal lid vertical flow 3108 flows through the first lid vertical channel 3095(b) and receives the heat management fluid from the distal lid lateral flow 3107 through the lid lateral channel 3096(b).

[0181] Refer to Figure 16E, a conceptual perspective view of the cross-section of BP3030. Some reference numerals shown in Figures 16A, 16B, 16C, and 16D but not in Figure 16E can also be used in Figure 16E.

[0182] In some embodiments, BP3030 may communicate with a circulating heat exchange system 3080 to form a closed-loop liquid circulation system. The closed-loop liquid circulation system is filled with liquid, and when pressure is applied by a pump to operate the liquid circulation, a liquid flow is generated accordingly.

[0183] For example, as shown in Figure 16E, BP3030 may include multiple BM3010s, a lid module 3090(a) close to the pump outlet 3082, and a lid module 3090(b) further away from the pump outlet 3082, thereby generating LLC liquid flow 0081, liquid flow within lid module 3090(a), liquid flow within lid module 3090(b), and liquid flow within BM3010.

[0184] The LLC liquid flow 0081 may include an LLC liquid flow between the lid module 3090(a) and the nearest BM3010, an LLC liquid flow between the lid module 3090(b) and the furthest BM3010, and an LLC liquid flow between any two adjacent BM3010s. The liquid flow within the lid module 3090(a) may include a first proximal lid vertical flow 3101, a proximal lid lateral flow 3102, and a second proximal lid vertical flow 3103. The first proximal lid vertical flow 3101 flows through the first lid vertical channel 3095(a) and receives the thermal management fluid from the ILC3091 on the lid module 3090(a). The proximal lid lateral flow 3102 flows through the lid lateral channel 3096(a) and flows toward the peripheral wall 0090 of the LLC0080, guiding the thermal management fluid to flow into the module wall vertical channel 3098. The second proximal lid vertical flow 3103 flows within the second lid vertical channel 3097(a). The second proximal lid vertical flow 3103 receives the proximal lid lateral flow 3102 and then flows into the BP space 3032, the module wall vertical channel 3098, or both.

[0185] The liquid flow within the lid module 3090(b) may include a second distal lid vertical flow 3106, a distal lid lateral flow 3107, and a first distal lid vertical flow 3108. The second distal lid vertical flow 3106 flows through the second lid vertical channel 3097(b) and receives the module wall vertical flow 3104 from the BP space 3032. The distal lid lateral flow 3107 flows through the lid lateral channel 3096(b) and flows away from the peripheral wall 0090 of LLC0080, guiding the thermal management fluid into the first lid vertical channel 3095(b). The first distal lid vertical flow 3108 flows through the first lid vertical channel 3095(b) and receives the thermal management fluid from the distal lid lateral flow 3107 through the lid lateral channel 3096(b). The liquid flow within BM3010 may include a module wall vertical flow 3104 flowing through a module wall vertical channel 3098 and a module wall lateral flow 3105 flowing through a BP space 3032.

[0186] In some embodiments, the sealing member 0200 may be arranged to surround the outer periphery of the top opening 0094 or bottom opening 0095 of the liquid-restricting casing 0080. Specifically, the sealing member 0200 forms a continuous closed loop that laterally surrounds both the space enclosed by the peripheral wall 0090 and the peripheral wall 0090 itself (i.e., covers the thickness of the wall in which the module wall vertical channel 3098 is located). In such a configuration, the sealing member 0200 forms a broad seal that prevents the thermal management fluid from leaking out of the battery pack, regardless of whether the thermal management fluid is in the battery pack space 3032 or in the module wall vertical channel 3098.

[0187] Refer to Figure 17A, a conceptual diagram of an exemplary BCA0010. Parts described in both this embodiment and the previously described embodiments, or parts with similar reference numerals, represent parts having similar structure or function, and related descriptions are omitted here.

[0188] As shown in Figure 17A, the peripheral wall 0090 of LLC 0080 has four side walls 0091. The side wall 0091 on the right side of the peripheral wall 0090 (i.e., the east side wall) has multiple module wall vertical channels 3098 along the z-direction in the lateral plane, and the side wall 0091 on the left side of the peripheral wall 0090 (i.e., the west side wall) also has multiple module wall vertical channels 3098 along the z-direction in the lateral plane, so that the thermal management fluid can flow from the east side wall to the west side wall (but not limited to this). In some embodiments, the cell holder retaining structure 0140 may be formed only on the side walls 0091 on the upper and lower sides of the peripheral wall 0090, so that the east and west side walls have sufficient space to form the module wall vertical channels 3098.

[0189] In some embodiments, the cell holder retaining structure 0140 and the module wall vertical channel 3098 may be formed on the same side wall 0091. For example, the east and west side walls may have both the cell holder retaining structure 0140 and the module wall vertical channel 3098, while the side walls 0091 above and below the perimeter wall 0090 (i.e., the north and south side walls) may only have the cell holder retaining structure 0140. By forming the cell holder retaining structure 0140 on all four sides of the perimeter wall 0090, the cell holder 0050 can be assembled more securely.

[0190] Refer to Figure 17B, a conceptual diagram of the exemplary BCA0010. Parts described in both this embodiment and the previously described embodiments, or parts with similar reference numerals, represent parts having similar structure or function, and related descriptions are omitted here.

[0191] As shown in Figure 17B, the peripheral wall 0090 of LLC0080 may include module wall vertical channels 3098 and module wall vertical channels 3098'. Module wall vertical channels 3098 communicate with module wall lateral channels 3099, while module wall vertical channels 3098' are through-holes that penetrate vertically through the peripheral wall 0090 and do not communicate with either module wall lateral channel 3099. Module wall vertical channels 3098' guide the thermal management fluid to pass directly through the laminated BM3010 without entering the BP space 3032. Therefore, the two laminated module wall vertical channels 3098' must be tightly coupled. As a result, a sealing member (e.g., sealing member 0200) and a sealing structure 30981 (e.g., sealing member housing structure 0220 or sealing member positioning structure 0210) are formed on the top or bottom wall surface of the peripheral wall 0090, or on the plane corresponding to the lid module. These structures are configured to ensure that a liquid-tight fluid connection is established between the two stacked module wall vertical channels 3098', or between the module wall vertical channel 3098' and the second lid vertical channel of the lid module, thereby preventing the thermal management fluid from leaking at the interface. Relevant explanations regarding the sealing members and sealing structures can be inferred from Figure 11A and the corresponding paragraphs, and are therefore omitted here.

[0192] Refer to Figure 17C, a conceptual diagram of an exemplary lid module. Parts described in both this embodiment and the previously described embodiments, or parts with similar reference numerals, represent parts having similar structure or function, and their relevant descriptions are omitted here.

[0193] In some embodiments, the lid module may include a plurality of second lid vertical channels. As shown in Figure 17C, the second lid vertical channels 3097, which communicate with the first lid vertical channel 3095 via the lid lateral channel 3096, are spaced apart from each other along the z-direction to form a shunt with distribution ports (but are not limited to these).

[0194] Refer to Figure 17D, a conceptual diagram of an exemplary lid module. Parts described in both this embodiment and the previously described embodiments, or parts with similar reference numerals, represent parts having similar structure or function, and their relevant descriptions are omitted here.

[0195] In some embodiments, the lid module may include a lid lateral channel 3096'. As shown in Figure 17D, the lid lateral channel 3096' may include a first lateral channel portion 30961 extending along the y-direction and a second lateral channel portion 30962 extending along the z-direction, but is not limited thereto. Thus, the first lid vertical channel 3095 can communicate with the second lid vertical channel 3097 via the first lateral channel portion 30961 and the second lateral channel portion 30962.

[0196] Figure 18 shows a BP3030 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Parts described in both this embodiment and the preceding embodiments, or parts with the same reference numeral, represent parts having similar structure or function, and related descriptions are omitted here.

[0197] BP3030 may include a lid module 3090(a), a plurality of BM3010s, and a lid module 3090(b). The lid module 3090(a) may be connected to the BM3010 on the front of the BP3030, and the lid module 3090(b) may be connected to the BM3010 on the rear of the BP3030. In some embodiments, the number of BM3010s in the BP3030 may be two or more. For example, the number of BM3010s in the BP3030 may be equal to 2, 3, or any other positive number greater than 3. In some embodiments, if the number of BM3010s in the BP3030 is two or more, the lid module 3090(a) may be connected to the first BM3010, and the lid module 3090(b) may be connected to the last BM3010. In some embodiments, the BP3030 may include only one BM3010 (for example, only the BM3010 located in front of the BP3030), in which case the cover modules 3090(a) and 3090(b) may be connected to the front and rear of this BM3010.

[0198] In some embodiments, the lid module 3090(a) may include an ILC3091(a) and a first EEIM3060(a), and the lid module 3090(b) may include an ILC3091(b) and a second EEIM3060(b). The ILC3091(a) of the lid module 3090(a) allows the heat management fluid to flow into the BP3030, and the ILC3091(b) of the lid module 3090(b) allows the heat management fluid to flow out of the BP3030. Thus, the heat management fluid flows through the BM3010 by flowing into the BP3030 from the ILC3091(a) of the lid module 3090(a) and flowing out of the BP3030 from the ILC3091(b) of the lid module 3090(b). In some embodiments, the first EEIM3060(a) may be either the positive or negative electrode of the BP3030, and the second EEIM3060(b) may be the other of the positive or negative electrode of the BP3030.

[0199] In some embodiments, each BM3010 may further include a plurality of BC0020 (not shown) and a plurality of module electrodes (not shown). In some embodiments, each module electrode may be an electrode plate. Each module electrode may be electrically connected to a portion of the BC0020 in the corresponding BM3010. In some embodiments, if there are two or more BM3010s in BP3030, one of the module electrodes in the first BM3010 may be electrically connected to a first EEIM3060(a), and one of the module electrodes in the last BM3010 may be electrically connected to a second EEIM3060(b). Furthermore, another module electrode in the first BM3010 may be electrically connected to another module electrode in the second BM3010 (e.g., adjacent to the first BM3010), and one of the module electrodes in the last BM3010 may be electrically connected to, for example, one of the module electrodes in the second to last BM3010. In some embodiments, for example, if the number of BM3010s in BP3030 is equal to 1, one of the module electrodes in BM3010 may be electrically connected to the first EEIM3060(a), and another of the module electrodes in BM3010 may be electrically connected to the second EEIM3060(b).

[0200] Figures 19A, 19B, and 19C show other structures of the BP3030 shown in Figure 18, according to exemplary embodiments of this disclosure. Parts described in both this embodiment and the previously described embodiments, or parts with similar reference numerals, represent parts having similar structures or functions, and their relevant descriptions are omitted here.

[0201] In Figure 19A, the lid module 3090(a) may further include ILC3091(a), first EEIM3060(a), ILC3091(c), and third EEIM3060(c). Therefore, in Figure 19A, the first EEIM3060(a) may be either the positive or negative electrode of BP3030, and the third EEIM3060(c) may be the other of the positive or negative electrode of BP3030. In Figure 19B, the lid module 3090(a) may further include ILC3091(a), first EEIM3060(a), and ILC3091(c), and the lid module 3090(b) may further include second EEIM3060(b). Therefore, in Figure 19B, the first EEIM3060(a) may be either the positive or negative electrode of BP3030, and the second EEIM3060(b) may be the other of the positive or negative electrode of BP3030. In Figure 19C, the lid module 3090(a) may further include ILC3091(a), the first EEIM3060(a), and the third EEIM3060(c), and the lid module 3090(b) may further include ILC3091(b). Therefore, in Figure 19C, the first EEIM3060(a) may be either the positive or negative electrode of BP3030, and the third EEIM3060(c) may be the other of the positive or negative electrode of BP3030.

[0202] In some embodiments, the positions of the positive and negative electrodes of BP3030 may be modified based on the distribution of module electrodes and the orientation of BC0020. In some embodiments, the positions of ILC3091(a) and ILC3091(b) of BP3030 may be modified based on the liquid flow structure of BP3030. In other words, the positive electrode, negative electrode and ILC of BP3030 may be arranged in different lid modules or in the same lid module, based on the liquid flow structure of BP3030.

[0203] Figures 20A and 20B show the liquid flow structure of a BP according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0204] Parts described in both this embodiment and the previously described embodiment, or parts with the same reference numeral, represent parts having similar structure or function, and related descriptions are omitted here.

[0205] To clearly show the liquid flow structure of BP3030, the first EEIM3060(a) and the second EEIM3060(b) (for example, as shown in Figures 18, 19A, 19B, and 19C) are omitted in Figures 20A and 20B, although each of the BP3030s in Figures 20A and 20B may still include the first EEIM3060(a) and the second EEIM3060(b).

[0206] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 20A and other examples, the lid module 3090(a) may further include one or more lid vertical channels 3092(a). Each of the one or more lid vertical channels 3092(a) may communicate with an ILC 3091(a) for the heat management fluid to flow from the lid module 3090(a) to the first BM3010. In some embodiments, the lid module 3090(b) may further include one or more lid vertical channels 3092(b). Each of the one or more lid vertical channels 3092(b) may communicate with an ILC 3091(b) for the heat management fluid to flow through the BM3010 and out of the BP3030.

[0207] In some embodiments, each BM3010 may include LLC0080, one or more first module wall vertical channels 3098(a), one or more second module wall vertical channels 3098(b), and BP space 3032.

[0208] In some embodiments, each of the one or more first module wall vertical channels 3098(a) may be a through-hole that penetrates the corresponding LLC0080 for the heat management fluid to flow through the corresponding LLC0080. Therefore, the first module wall vertical channel 3098(a) of the first BM3010 may communicate with the lid vertical channel 3092(a) for the heat management fluid to flow from the lid module 3090(a) to the first BM3010, the first module wall vertical channel 3098(a) of the second BM3010 may communicate with the first module wall vertical channel 3098(a) of the first BM3010 for the heat management fluid to flow from the first BM3010 to the second BM3010, and the first module wall vertical channel 3098(a) of the last BM3010 may communicate with the first module wall vertical channel 3098(a) of the second BM3010 for the heat management fluid to flow from the second BM3010 to the last BM3010. In some embodiments, the first module wall vertical channel 3098(a) may further include one or more inlet slits (not shown) for the thermal management fluid to flow into the BP space 3032 and cool the BC0020 in the BP space 3032.

[0209] In some embodiments, the BP space 3032 may communicate with a first module wall vertical channel 3098(a) in the BM3010 so that the thermal management fluid flows into the BP space 3032 through one or more inlet slits in the BM3010. In some embodiments, the BP space 3032 may also communicate with a second module wall vertical channel 3098(b) in the BM3010 so that the thermal management fluid flows out of the BP space 3032 through one or more outlet slits (not shown) in the BM3010 so that the thermal management fluid flows out of the BP3030 through a lid vertical channel 3092(b).

[0210] In some embodiments, each second module wall vertical channel 3098(b) may include one or more outlet slits for the heat management fluid to flow from the corresponding BP space 3032 into the corresponding second module wall vertical channel 3098(b). In some embodiments, each second module wall vertical channel 3098(b) may be a through-hole penetrating the corresponding LLC0080 for the heat management fluid to flow through the corresponding LLC0080. Therefore, each second module wall vertical channel 3098(b) in the first BM3010 may communicate with a corresponding one of one or more second module wall vertical channels 3098(b) in the second BM3010 for the heat management fluid to flow from the first BM3010 to the second BM3010, each module wall vertical channel 3098(b) in the second BM3010 may communicate with a corresponding one of one or more second module wall vertical channels 3098(b) in the last BM3010 for the heat management fluid to flow from the second BM3010 to the last BM3010, and each second module wall vertical channel 3098(b) in the last BM3010 may communicate with a corresponding lid vertical channel 3092(b) for the heat management fluid to flow from the last BM3010 to the lid module 3090(b) and out of BP3030 through ILC3091(b).

[0211] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 20B, a larger BP3030(a) may include lid modules 3090(a), lid modules 3090(b), and BM3010(a) to 3010(f). Lid module 3090(a) may include ILC3091(a), ILC3091(b), one or more lid vertical channels 3092(a), and one or more lid vertical channels 3092(b). Each of BM3010(a) to 3010(f) within a larger BP3030(a) may be substantially similar to or identical to BM3010 within BP3010. Thus, each of BM3010(a) to 3010(f) may include LLC0080, one or more first module wall vertical channels 3098(a), one or more second module wall vertical channels 3098(b), and BP space 3032.

[0212] In some embodiments, the mounting process and method for BM3010 within BP3030 may be substantially the same as or identical to the mounting process and method for BM3010(a) to 3010(f) within a larger BP3030(a). Furthermore, the positional relationships between BM3010 within BP3030 may be substantially the same as or identical to the positional relationships between BM3010(a) to 3010(f) within a larger BP3030(a). However, the mounting direction of BM3010 within BP3030 may be substantially the same as or identical to one of the mounting directions of BM3010(a) to 3010(c) and BM3010(d) to 3010(f), and may be opposite to the other of the mounting directions of BM3010(a) to 3010(c) and BM3010(d) to 3010(f). In Figure 20B, the mounting direction of BM3010 within BP3030 is substantially the same as or identical to the mounting direction of BM3010(a) to 3010(c), and may be opposite to the mounting direction of BM3010(d) to 3010(f). Therefore, the lid module 3090(b) may include a lid lateral channel 3096 to connect one or more second module wall vertical channels 3098(b) of BM3010(c) with one or more first module wall vertical channels 3098(a) of BM3010(d) so that the heat management fluid flows from BM3010(c) to BM3010(d). Furthermore, one or more lid vertical channels 3092(b) and ILC3091(b) may be included in the lid module 3090(a) so that the heat management fluid flows through BM3010(f) and out of the larger BP3030(a).

[0213] In some embodiments, each of the one or more first module wall vertical channels 3098(a) of BM3010(a) may communicate with a corresponding one of the one or more lid vertical channels 3092(a) for the heat management fluid to flow from the lid module 3090(a) into BM3010(a). In some embodiments, each of the first module wall vertical channels 3098(a) of BM3010(d) may communicate with a lid lateral channel 3096 for the heat management fluid to flow from the lid module 3090(b) into BM3010(d). In some embodiments, each of the one or more first module wall vertical channels 3098(a) of BM3010(b), 3010(c), 3010(e), and 3010(f) may communicate with the corresponding one of the one or more first module wall vertical channels 3098(a) of BM3010(a), 3010(b), 3010(d), and 3010(e) respectively, for the heat management fluid to flow from the previous BM3010(a) to 3010(f) to the corresponding one of BM3010(a) to 3010(f). In some embodiments, each of the one or more first module wall vertical channels 3098(a) may include one or more inlet slits (not shown) for the heat management fluid to flow into the corresponding BP space 3032 to cool the multiple BC0020 in BM3010(a) to 3010(f).

[0214] In some embodiments, each of the one or more second module wall vertical channels 3098(b) may include one or more outlet slits (not shown) for the heat management fluid to flow from the corresponding BP space 3032 into the corresponding one of the one or more second module wall vertical channels 3098(b). In some embodiments, each of the one or more second module wall vertical channels 3098(b) of BM3010(f) may communicate with the corresponding one of the one or more lid vertical channels 3092(b) for the heat management fluid to flow back from BM3010(f) to the lid module 3090(a). In some embodiments, each of the one or more second module wall vertical channels 3098(b) of BM3010(c) may communicate with the lid lateral channel 3096 for the heat management fluid to flow from BM3010(c) to the lid module 3090(b). In some embodiments, each of the one or more second module wall vertical channels 3098(b) of BM3010(a), 3010(b), 3010(d), and 3010(e) may communicate with the corresponding one of the one or more second module wall vertical channels 3098(b) of BM3010(b), 3010(c), 3010(e), and 3010(f) respectively, so that the heat management fluid flows from the corresponding one of BM3010(a) to 3010(f) to the next one of BM3010(a) to 3010(f).

[0215] In some embodiments, the size of the larger BP3030(a) may be (substantially) larger than the size of the BP3030. For example, in some embodiments, the larger BP3030(a) may be twice the size of the BP3030. In some other embodiments, the larger BP3030(a) may be more than twice the size of the BP3030, or less than twice. In some embodiments, the lid module 3090(a) may further include an ILC3091(c), as shown in Figure 19A, and the BP3030 may further include tubes that connect one or more lid vertical channels 3092(b) of the lid module 3090(b) to one or more lid vertical channels (not shown) of the lid module 3090(a) that connect the ILC3091(c) to one or more lid vertical channels 3092(b), as shown in Figure 20A. Therefore, even if both ILC3091(a) and ILC3091(c) are included in the cover module 3090(a), the number of BMs in BP3030 remains constant, and the size of BP3030 may also remain (almost) constant, since all ILCs are integrated on the same side of BP3030.

[0216] Refer to Figures 21A, 21B, and 21C. Figures 21A and 21B are conceptual diagrams of the flow direction of the thermal management fluid when two ILCs are each located in two opposite lid modules, and Figure 21C is a perspective view corresponding to Figures 21A and 21B.

[0217] Parts described in both this embodiment and the previously described embodiment, or parts with the same reference numeral, represent parts having similar structure or function, and related descriptions are omitted here.

[0218] In some embodiments, BP3030 may communicate with a circulating heat exchange system 3080 to form a closed-loop liquid circulation system. The closed-loop liquid circulation system is filled with liquid, and when pressure is applied by a pump to operate the liquid circulation, a liquid flow is generated accordingly.

[0219] In this embodiment, BP3030 may include a plurality of BM3010s, a lid module 3090(a) close to the pump outlet 3082, and a lid module 3090(b) further away from the pump outlet 3082, thereby generating liquid flow within lid module 3090(a) and liquid flow within lid module 3090(b).

[0220] Referring to Figures 21B and 21C, the heat management fluid enters the lid module 3090(a) via ILC3091(a), flows into the first lid vertical channel 3095(a), and then enters the lid lateral channel 3096(a) along the z-direction to form the proximal lid lateral flow 3102. Due to the communication between the lid lateral channel 3096(a) and the multiple second lid vertical channels 3097(a), the proximal lid lateral flow 3102 flows from the multiple second lid vertical channels 3097(a) into the multiple first module wall vertical channels 3098(a) to form the first module wall vertical flow 3104(a).

[0221] Referring to Figures 21A and 21C, the first module wall vertical flow 3104(a) flows into the BP space 3032 via a plurality of module wall lateral channels 3099(a) to form the module wall lateral flow 3105.

[0222] When the module wall lateral flow 3105 flows within the BP space 3032, the module wall lateral flow 3105 can flow across the module interface reference line 3012 to form the LLC liquid flow 0081. In this way, the thermal management fluid flows from one BP space 3032 to another adjacent BP space 3032 and then forms the module wall lateral flow 3105 again.

[0223] The module wall lateral flow 3105 can exit the BP space 3032 through a plurality of module wall lateral channels 3099(b) and enter a plurality of second module wall vertical channels 3098(b) to form a second module wall vertical flow 3104(b). As shown in Figure 21A, the plurality of second module wall vertical channels 3098(b) and the plurality of first module wall vertical channels 3098(a) are not located in the same xz plane.

[0224] Since multiple second lid vertical channels 3097(b) communicate with the second module wall vertical channel 3098(b) and the lid lateral channel 3096(b), the second module wall vertical flow 3104(b) can flow from the second lid vertical channel 3097(b) into the lid lateral channel 3096(b) to form the distal lid lateral flow 3107. Subsequently, since the lid lateral channel 3096(b) communicates with the first lid vertical channel 3095(b) in the lid module 3090(b), and the first lid vertical channel 3095(b) communicates with the ILC3091(b), the distal lid lateral flow 3107 can flow into the first lid vertical channel 3095(b) and then flow out from BP3030 via ILC3091(b).

[0225] Refer to Figures 21D, 21E, and 21F. Figures 21D and 21E are conceptual diagrams of the flow direction of the thermal management fluid when two ILCs are located in the same lid module, and Figure 21F is a perspective view corresponding to Figures 21D and 21E.

[0226] Parts described in both this embodiment and the previously described embodiment, or parts with the same reference numeral, represent parts having similar structure or function, and related descriptions are omitted here.

[0227] In some embodiments, BP3030 may communicate with a circulating heat exchange system 3080 to form a closed-loop liquid circulation system. The closed-loop liquid circulation system is filled with liquid, and when pressure is applied by a pump to operate the liquid circulation, a liquid flow is generated accordingly.

[0228] In this embodiment, BP3030 may include a plurality of BM3010, lid module 3090(a), and lid module 3090(b).

[0229] Referring to Figures 21D and 21F, the heat management fluid enters the lid module 3090(a) via ILC3091(a), then flows from the lid module 3090(a) into the first module wall vertical channel 3098(a) to form the first module wall vertical flow 3104(a). Subsequently, the first module wall vertical flow 3104(a) flows into the lid lateral channel 3096' of the lid module 3090(b) to form the distal lid lateral flow 3107.

[0230] Referring to Figure 21F, the lid lateral channel 3096' may include a first lateral channel portion 30961 extending along the z direction and a second lateral channel portion 30962 extending along the y direction. The distal lid lateral flow 3107 flows from the first lateral channel portion 30961 to the second lateral channel portion 30962.

[0231] Referring to Figures 21D, 21E, and 21F, since the lid lateral channel 3096' communicates with multiple second module wall vertical channels 3098(b), the distal lid lateral flow 3107 may flow into the multiple second module wall vertical channels 3098(b) to form the second module wall vertical flow 3104(b). Subsequently, the second module wall vertical flow 3104(b) can flow into the BP space 3032 through multiple module wall lateral channels 3099(a) to form the module wall lateral flow 3105.

[0232] Referring to Figures 21D and 21F, the module wall lateral flow 3105 may flow from the BP space 3032 into the third module wall vertical channels 3098(c) through a plurality of module wall lateral channels 3099(b) to form the third module wall vertical flow 3104(c).

[0233] Referring to Figures 21E and 21F, since multiple third module wall vertical channels 3098(c) communicate with the lid lateral channel 3096(a) of the lid module 3090(a), after the third module wall vertical flow 3104(c) flows into the lid lateral channel 3096(a), the proximal lid lateral flow 3102 is formed within the lid module 3090(a). Subsequently, the third module wall vertical flow 3104(c) can flow out of BP3030 via ILC3091(b).

[0234] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 21F, the first module wall vertical channel 3098(a) and the third module wall vertical channel 3098(c) are arranged in the same xz plane and spaced apart in the z direction. However, as shown in Figure 21D, the first module wall vertical channel 3098(a) and the third module wall vertical channel 3098(c) are spaced apart in the y direction. This is merely to illustrate the liquid flow and does not mean that the first module wall vertical channel 3098(a) and the third module wall vertical channel 3098(c) are actually spaced apart in the y direction.

[0235] Furthermore, in the lid module 3090(b), the thick dashed liquid flow indicates that the lid lateral channels 3096’ are not limited to being arranged along the four sides of the lid module 3090(b). In some embodiments, the lid lateral channels 3096’ can be arranged along any line connecting opposite sides of the lid module 3090(b), for example, along the diagonal of the lid module 3090(b). For example, the second lid module may include at least one lid vertical channel that first communicates with the lid lateral channel along the y-direction, then communicates with the lid lateral channel along the z-direction, and finally communicates with another lid lateral channel along the y-direction.

[0236] Due to the technical features shown in FIGS. 21A, 21B, 21C, 21D, 21E, and 21F, the ILC can be arranged at any position on the lid module. In some embodiments, multiple ILCs may be arranged on opposite lid modules or on the same lid module. In some embodiments, the ILCs may be arranged along the four sides of the lid module or within the central region of the lid module. Regardless of where the ILC is located, due to the aforementioned design, the heat management liquid can flow uniformly within the BP space, thus achieving uniform heat dissipation. In this way, the present disclosure solves the problem that it may not be possible to install the pipes connecting the BP and the circulating heat exchange system due to limited environmental space, or the problem that the pipes become messy. The present disclosure also solves the problem that the space is occupied by messy pipes.

[0237] FIGS. 22A and 22B show perspective views of the BP3030 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Parts described in both this embodiment and the previous embodiments, or parts with the same reference numerals, represent parts having the same structure or function, and the related descriptions are omitted here.

[0238] BP3030 may include a cover module 3090(a), a plurality of BM3010s, and a cover module 3090(b). The cover module 3090(a) may be connected to the first BM3010, and the cover module 3090(b) may be connected to the last BM3010. In some embodiments, the cover module 3090(a), BM3010s, and cover module 3090(b) may be sealed together to prevent the leakage of the thermal management fluid from BP3030.

[0239] In some embodiments, the cover module 3090(a) may include an ILC3091(a) and an HVIC3063, and the cover module 3090(b) may include an ILC3091(b) and another HVIC3063. In some embodiments, the ILC3091(a) may be included in the cover module 3090(a) for the thermal management fluid to flow into BP3030. In some embodiments, the ILC3091(b) may be included in the cover module 3090(b) for the thermal management fluid to flow out of BP3030. Thus, the thermal management fluid may flow into the first BM3010 through the ILC3091(a) of the cover module 3090(a) and flow out of the last BM3010 through the ILC3091(b) of the cover module 3090(b). In some embodiments, the ILC3091(a) may be disposed in the cover module 3090(b) for the thermal management fluid to flow into BP3030. In some embodiments, the ILC3091(b) may be included in the cover module 3090(a) (e.g., ILC3091(c) in FIG. 19B) for the thermal management fluid to flow out of BP3030. Thus, the ILC3091(a) and the ILC3091(b) may be included in the same cover module (e.g., the cover module 3090(a)) or in different cover modules.

[0240] In some embodiments, the HVIC3063 of lid module 3090(b) may be the negative electrode of BP3030, and the HVIC3063 of lid module 3090(a) may be the positive electrode of BP3030.

[0241] In some embodiments, the number of BM3010 may be equal to 2, 3, or any other positive number greater than 3. In some embodiments, only one BM3010 may be included in BP3030.

[0242] In some embodiments, the lid module 3090(a) may further include an ILC3091', and the lid module 3090(b) may further include an ILC3091” (not shown). In some embodiments, ILC3091' and ILC3091” may have the same function as ILC3091(a) and ILC3091(b), respectively. For example, the heat management fluid may flow into the BP3030 from ILC3091” and out of the BP3030 through ILC3091'. Thus, the BP3030 may have two sets of ILCs. In some embodiments, since ILC3091' and ILC3091” can be omitted in the BP3030, the BP3030 may have only one set of ILCs (i.e., ILC3091(a) and ILC3091(b)) to simplify the ILC configuration of the BP3030.

[0243] Figure 23 shows an exploded view of the BP3030 shown in Figure 22B, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Parts described in both this embodiment and the preceding embodiments, or parts with similar reference numerals, represent parts having similar structure or function, and their relevant descriptions are omitted here.

[0244] BP3030 may include a lid module 3090(a), a BM3010, and a lid module 3090(b). The lid module 3090(a) may be connected to the first BM3010, and the lid module 3090(b) may be connected to the last BM3010.

[0245] Referring to Figures 22A and 23, in some embodiments, the lid module 3090(a) may further include an ILC 3091(a), one or more second lid vertical channels 3097(a), and a flow divider 3109(a). The flow divider 3109(a) may have one or more distribution ports 31091(a). In some embodiments, one or more second lid vertical channels 3097(a) may communicate with the ILC 3091(a) for heat management fluid to flow out of the lid module 3090(a) through one or more second lid vertical channels 3097. In some embodiments, the flow divider 3109(a) covers one or more outlet holes (not shown) of the lid module 3090(a) to form one or more second lid vertical channels 3097(a). In some embodiments, the lid module 3090(a) may further include one or more lid lateral channels 3096(a). In some embodiments, the size and shape of one or more outlet holes may be the same as (or substantially the same as) or different from the size and shape of one or more lid lateral channels 3096(a). In some embodiments, when the heat management fluid flows through the ILC 3091', the flow divider covers one or more lid lateral channels 3096(a) to create one or more first lid openings (not shown).

[0246] In some embodiments, the first BM3010 may further include LLC0080, one or more first module wall vertical channels 3098(a), and one or more second module wall vertical channels 3098(b). In some embodiments, each of the one or more first module wall vertical channels 3098(a) and one or more second module wall vertical channels 3098(b) of the first BM3010 may be a through-hole penetrating the LLC0080 of the first BM3010 for the heat management fluid to flow through the first BM3010. Thus, when the first BM3010 is connected to a lid module 3090(a), each of the one or more first module wall vertical channels 3098(a) may communicate with a corresponding one of one or more second lid vertical channels 3097(a) to receive the heat management fluid into the first BM3010 via ILC3091(a) of the lid module 3090(a). In some embodiments, when the first BM3010 is connected to the lid module 3090(a), each of the one or more first module wall vertical channels 3098(a) may be aligned to the corresponding one of the one or more second lid vertical channels 3097(a) so that the heat management fluid flows from one or more second lid vertical channels 3097(a) into one or more first module wall vertical channels 3098(a) and then out through one or more second module wall vertical channels 3098(b) and further out from the first BM3010. In some embodiments, each of the one or more first module wall vertical channels 3098(a) may be positioned in part of the wall of LLC0080, and each of the one or more second module wall vertical channels 3098(b) may be positioned in part of another wall of LLC0080.

[0247] In some embodiments, the last BM3010 may further include LLC0080, one or more first module wall vertical channels 3098(a), and one or more second module wall vertical channels 3098(b). In some embodiments, each of the one or more first module wall vertical channels 3098(a) and one or more second module wall vertical channels 3098(b) of the last BM3010 may be a through-hole penetrating the LLC0080 of the last BM3010. Thus, when the last BM3010 is connected to the first BM3010, each of the one or more first module wall vertical channels 3098(a) of the last BM3010 may communicate with the corresponding one of the one or more first module wall vertical channels 3098(a) of the first BM3010. In some embodiments, when the last BM3010 is connected to the first BM3010, each of the one or more first module wall vertical channels 3098(a) of the last BM3010 may be aligned to the corresponding one of the one or more first module wall vertical channels 3098(a) of the first BM3010 so that the thermal management fluid flows from one or more first module wall vertical channels 3098(a) of the first BM3010 to one or more first module wall vertical channels 3098(a) of the last BM3010 and then out of the last BM3010. Furthermore, when the last BM3010 is connected to the first BM3010, each of the one or more second module wall vertical channels 3098(b) of the last BM3010 may communicate with the corresponding one of the one or more second module wall vertical channels 3098(b) of the first BM3010.In some embodiments, when the last BM3010 is connected to the first BM3010, each of the one or more second module wall vertical channels 3098(b) of the last BM3010 may be aligned to the corresponding one of the one or more second module wall vertical channels 3098(b) of the first BM3010 so that the thermal management fluid flows from one or more second module wall vertical channels 3098(b) of the first BM3010 to one or more second module wall vertical channels 3098(b) of the last BM3010 and then out of the last BM3010.

[0248] Referring to Figures 22B and 23, in some embodiments, the lid module 3090(b) may further include an ILC 3091(b), one or more second lid vertical channels 3097(b) (not shown), and a flow divider 3109(b) (not shown), the flow divider 3109(b) may also include one or more distribution ports 3109(b) (not shown). The relevant descriptions of the second lid vertical channels 3097(b) and the flow divider 3109(b) can be inferred from the relevant descriptions of the second lid vertical channels 3097(a) and the flow divider 3109(a). In some embodiments, one or more second lid vertical channels 3097(b) may communicate with an ILC 3091(b) so that the heat management fluid flows into the lid module 3090(b) through one or more second lid vertical channels 3097(b) and out of BP 3030. Furthermore, when the lid module 3090(b) is connected to the last BM3010, each of the one or more second lid vertical channels 3097(b) may communicate with a corresponding one of the one or more second module wall vertical channels 3098(b) for the heat management fluid to flow from the last BM3010 to the lid module 3090(b). In some embodiments, when the lid module 3090(b) is connected to the last BM3010, each of the one or more second lid vertical channels 3097(b) may be aligned with a corresponding one of the one or more second module wall vertical channels 3098(b) for the heat management fluid to flow from one or more second module wall vertical channels 3098(b) into one or more second lid vertical channels 3097(b) and then out through ILC3091(b) and further out of the lid module 3090(b) of BP3030.

[0249] In some embodiments, the shunt 3109(b) of the lid module 3090(b) covers one or more inlet holes (not shown) of the lid module 3090(b) to form one or more second lid vertical channels 3097(b). In some embodiments, the lid module 3090(b) may further include one or more lid lateral channels 3096(b) (not shown). The relevant description of the lid lateral channel 3096(b) can be inferred from the relevant description of the second lid vertical channel 3096(a)t. In some embodiments, the size and shape of one or more inlet holes of the lid module 3090(b) may be the same as or different from the size and shape of one or more lid lateral channels 3096(b). In some embodiments, when a heat management fluid flows through the lid lateral channel 3096(b) of the lid module 3090(b), the flow divider covers one or more lid lateral channels 3096(b) to create one or more second lid openings (not shown).

[0250] In some embodiments, when the first BM3010 is connected to the lid module 3090(a), each of the one or more second module wall vertical channels 3098(b) of the first BM3010 may be connected to a corresponding one of one or more first lid openings. In some embodiments, when the first BM3010 is connected to the lid module 3090(a), each of the one or more second module wall vertical channels 3098(b) may be aligned to a corresponding one of one or more first lid openings so that the heat management fluid flows between the one or more second module wall vertical channels 3098(b) and the one or more first lid openings.

[0251] In some embodiments, when the lid module 3090(b) is connected to the last BM3010, each of the one or more second lid openings may be connected to a corresponding one of the one or more first module wall vertical channels 3098(a). In some embodiments, when the lid module 3090(b) is connected to the last BM3010, each of the one or more second lid openings may be aligned to a corresponding one of the one or more first module wall vertical channels 3098(a) so that the heat management fluid flows between the one or more second lid openings and the one or more first module wall vertical channels 3098(a).

[0252] In some embodiments, each BM3010 may further include LLC0080, one or more first module wall vertical channels 3098(a), one or more second module wall vertical channels 3098(b), and BP space 3032. In some embodiments, each of the one or more first module wall vertical channels 3098(a) and the one or more second module wall vertical channels 3098(b) may be a through-hole penetrating LLC0080. Thus, referring to Figure 23, if the first BM3010 is connected to a lid module 3090(a), each of the one or more first module wall vertical channels 3098(a) may communicate with a corresponding one of the one or more second lid vertical channels 3097(a). In some embodiments, when the first BM3010 is connected to the lid module 3090(a), each of the one or more first module wall vertical channels 3098(a) may be aligned to the corresponding one of the one or more second lid vertical channels 3097(a) so that the heat management fluid flows from one or more second lid vertical channels 3097(a) into one or more first module wall vertical channels 3098(a) and then out through one or more first module wall vertical channels 3098(a) and further out from the first BM3010.

[0253] In some embodiments, when the last BM3010 is connected to the first BM3010, each of the one or more second module wall vertical channels 3098(b) of the last BM3010 may communicate with the corresponding one of the one or more second module wall vertical channels 3098(b) of the first BM3010. In some embodiments, when the last BM3010 is connected to the first BM3010, each of the one or more second module wall vertical channels 3098(b) may be aligned with the corresponding one of the one or more second module wall vertical channels 3098(b) of the first BM3010 so that the thermal management fluid flows from one or more second module wall vertical channels 3098(b) of the first BM3010 to one or more second module wall vertical channels 3098(b) of the last BM3010 and then out through one or more second module wall vertical channels 3098(b) and further out of the last BM3010.

[0254] Figures 24A and 24B show a front and rear view of the lid module 3090(a) shown in Figure 22A, respectively, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the outer surface of the lid module 3090(a) may include ILC3091(a), HVIC3063, and ILC3091'. Furthermore, the inner surface of the lid module 3090(a) may further include one or more second lid vertical channels 3097(a), one or more lid lateral channels 3096(a), and a flow shunt 3109(a).

[0255] In some embodiments, the inlet hole of ILC3091(a) (its related description can be inferred from the related description of the first lid vertical channel 3095(a)) may be a through hole penetrating the lid module 3090(a). Therefore, the inner surface of the lid module 3090(a) may also include the inlet hole of ILC3091(a). In some embodiments, the inlet hole of ILC3091(a) may communicate with one or more second lid vertical channels 3097(a). Therefore, when the heat management fluid flows into the lid module 3090(a) through ILC3091(a), the heat management fluid may flow out of the lid module 3090(a) through one or more second lid vertical channels 3097(a). In some embodiments, the inlet hole of ILC3091(a) may not be aligned with one or more second lid vertical channels 3097.

[0256] In some embodiments, the central hole of ILC3091' (its related description can be inferred from the related description of the first lid vertical channel 3095(a)) may be a through hole penetrating the lid module 3090(a). Therefore, the inner surface of the lid module 3090(a) may also include the central hole of ILC3091'. In some embodiments, the central hole of ILC3091' may communicate with one or more lid lateral channels 3096(a). Therefore, when the heat management fluid flows into the lid module 3090(a) through ILC3091', the heat management fluid may flow out of the lid module 3090(a) through one or more lid lateral channels 3096(a). In some embodiments, when the heat management fluid flows out of the lid module 3090(a) through ILC3091', the heat management fluid may flow into the lid module 3090(a) through one or more lid lateral channels 3096(a).

[0257] Figure 24C shows a rear view of the cover module 3090(a) shown in Figure 24B, without the shunt 3109(a), according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 24D shows a perspective view of the shunt 3109(a) shown in Figure 24B, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0258] In some embodiments, when the diverter 3109(a) is removed from the lid module 3090(a), the inlet holes of the one or more lid lateral channels 3096(a) and the ILC 3091(a) may be exposed from the inner surface of the lid module 3090(a). As shown in FIG. 24C, compared to FIG. 24B, in some embodiments, the inlet hole of the ILC 3091(a) may not be aligned with the one or more second lid vertical channels 3097(a).

[0259] In some embodiments, the diverter 3109(a) may have one or more distribution ports 31091(a). In some embodiments, the one or more distribution ports 31091(a) may be different from each other. For example, the shapes of the one or more distribution ports 31091(a) may be the same as each other, but the sizes of the one or more distribution ports 31091(a) may be different from each other. Alternatively, the shapes and sizes of the one or more distribution ports 31091(a) may be different from each other.

[0260] In some embodiments, when the lid module 3090(a) includes the diverter 3109, the one or more distribution ports 31091(a) may be regarded as the one or more second lid vertical channels 3097(a). Therefore, in some embodiments, each of the one or more second lid vertical channels 3097(a) may be different from the other second lid vertical channels 3097(a). For example, the shapes of the one or more second lid vertical channels 3097(a) may be the same as each other, but the sizes of the one or more second lid vertical channels 3097(a) may be different from each other. Alternatively, the shapes and sizes of the one or more second lid vertical channels 3097(a) may be different from each other.

[0261] In some embodiments, the flow divider 3109(a) may be directly integrated into the lid module 3090(a) to form a single part (e.g., by an integral molding process). Thus, the lid module 3090(a) may include one or more first fluid cavities (such as integrally molded manifold structures, not shown in the figures). In some embodiments, one or more first fluid cavities may communicate with each other for the heat management fluid to flow between them, and may communicate with at least one of one or more second lid vertical channels 3097(a) for the heat management fluid to flow out of the lid module 3090(a). Furthermore, the inlet hole of the ILC 3091(a) may communicate directly with one or more of the first fluid cavities for the heat management fluid to flow into the lid module 3090(a).

[0262] Referring to Figures 23 and 24B, in some embodiments, each of the one or more second lid vertical channels 3097(a) communicates with a corresponding one of the one or more module wall vertical channels 3098(a), so the number of the one or more second lid vertical channels 3097(a) may be equal to the number of the one or more module wall vertical channels 3098(a). In some embodiments, the number of the one or more second lid vertical channels 3097(a) may be equal to 1, and the number of the one or more module wall vertical channels 3098(a) may also be equal to 1. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 24B, the number of the one or more second lid vertical channels 3097(a) may be equal to 3, and the number of the one or more module wall vertical channels 3098(a) may also be equal to 3. In other words, the lid module 3090(a) may include a plurality of second lid vertical channels 3097(a), and the BM3010 may also include the same number of module wall vertical channels 3098(a).

[0263] Referring to Figures 23 and 24B, in some embodiments, if the number of second lid vertical channels 3097(a) is greater than one, one of the two second lid vertical channels 3097(a) adjacent to the inlet hole of ILC 3091(a) may be smaller than one of the two second lid vertical channels 3097(a) further away from the inlet hole of ILC 3091(a). In some embodiments, the size of one or more second lid vertical channels 3097(a) may be related to the distance between the inlet hole of ILC 3091(a) and one or more second lid vertical channels 3097(a). In some embodiments, the size of one or more second lid vertical channels 3097(a) may be determined based on the distance from the inlet hole of ILC 3091(a) to one or more second lid vertical channels 3097(a). In some embodiments, if the distance from the inlet hole of ILC3091(a) to one or more second lid vertical channels 3097(a) increases, the size of one or more second lid vertical channels 3097(a) may increase. Thus, as shown in Figure 24B, the leftmost second lid vertical channel 3097(a) of the shunter 3109(a) may be the smallest of the second lid vertical channels 3097(a), and the rightmost second lid vertical channel 3097(a) of the shunter 3109(a) may be the largest of the second lid vertical channels 3097(a). In this way, the shunter 3109(a) according to the present disclosure can control the flow rate / velocity of the liquid flow in different distribution ports 31091(a), thereby making the liquid flow in the BP space 3032 more uniform.

[0264] Figures 25A and 25B show a front and rear view of the lid module 3090(b) shown in Figure 22B, respectively, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the outer surface of the lid module 3090(b) may include ILC3091(b), HVIC3063, and ILC3091''. Furthermore, the inner surface of the lid module 3090(b) may further include one or more second lid vertical channels 3097(b), one or more lid lateral channels 3096(b), and a shunt 3109(b).

[0265] In some embodiments, the outlet hole of ILC3091(b) (its related description can be inferred from the related description of the first lid vertical channel 3095(b)) may be a through hole penetrating the lid module 3090(b). Thus, the inner surface of the lid module 3090(b) may also include the outlet hole of ILC3091(b). In some embodiments, the outlet hole of ILC3091(b) may communicate with one or more second lid vertical channels 3097(b). Thus, the heat management fluid may first flow into the lid module 3090(b) through one or more second lid vertical channels 3097(b), and then flow out of the lid module 3090(b) through ILC3091(b). In some embodiments, the outlet hole of ILC3091(b) may not be aligned with one or more second lid vertical channels 3097(b).

[0266] In some embodiments, the central hole of ILC3091” (its related description can be inferred from the related description of the first lid vertical channel 3095(b)) may be a through hole penetrating the lid module 3090(b). Thus, the inner surface of the lid module 3090(b) may also include the central hole of ILC3091”. In some embodiments, the central hole of ILC3091” may communicate with one or more lid lateral channels 3096(b). Thus, when the heat management fluid flows into the lid module 3090(b) through ILC3091”, the heat management fluid may flow out of the lid module 3090(b) through one or more lid lateral channels 3096(b). In some embodiments, when the heat management fluid flows out of the lid module 3090(b) through ILC3091”, the heat management fluid may flow into the lid module 3090(b) through one or more lid lateral channels 3096(b).

[0267] Figure 25C shows a rear view of the lid module 3090(b) shown in Figure 25B, without the shunt 3109(b), according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, when the shunt 3109(b) is removed from the lid module 3090(b), one or more lid lateral channels 3096(b) and outlet holes of ILC3091(b) may be exposed from the inner surface of the lid module 3090(b). As shown in Figure 25C, in some embodiments compared to Figure 25B, the outlet holes of ILC3091(b) may not be aligned with one or more second lid vertical channels 3097(b).

[0268] In some embodiments, the shunt 3109(a) may have one or more distribution ports 31091(b), and the relevant description of the distribution ports 31091(b) can be inferred from the relevant description of the distribution ports 31091(a). In some embodiments, the one or more distribution ports 31091(b) may be different from each other. For example, the shapes of the one or more distribution ports 31091(b) may be the same, but the sizes of the one or more distribution ports 31091(b) may be different. Alternatively, the shapes and sizes of the one or more distribution ports 31091(b) may be different from each other.

[0269] In some embodiments, if the cover module 3090(b) includes a shunt 3109(b), one or more distribution ports 31091(b) may be considered as one or more second cover vertical channels 3097(b). Therefore, in some embodiments, one or more second cover vertical channels 3097(b) may be different from one another. For example, the shapes of one or more second cover vertical channels 3097(b) may be the same, but the sizes of one or more second cover vertical channels 3097(b) may be different from one another. Alternatively, the shapes and sizes of one or more second cover vertical channels 3097(b) may be different from one another.

[0270] In some embodiments, the flow divider 3109(b) may be directly integrated into the lid module 3090(b) to form a single part (e.g., by an integral molding process). Thus, the lid module 3090(b) may include one or more second fluid cavities (e.g., integrally molded manifold structures, not shown in the figures). In some embodiments, one or more second fluid cavities may communicate with each other for the thermal management fluid to flow between them, and may communicate with at least one of one or more second lid vertical channels 3097(b) for the thermal management fluid to flow into the lid module 3090(b). Furthermore, the outlet hole of the ILC 3091(b) may communicate directly with one or more of the second fluid cavities for the thermal management fluid to flow out of the lid module 3090(b).

[0271] Referring to Figures 23 and 25B, in some embodiments, each of the one or more second lid vertical channels 3097(b) communicates with a corresponding one of the one or more second module wall vertical channels 3098(b), so the number of one or more second lid vertical channels 3097(b) may be equal to the number of one or more second module wall vertical channels 3098(b). In some embodiments, the number of one or more second lid vertical channels 3097(b) may be equal to 1, and the number of one or more second module wall vertical channels 3098(b) may also be equal to 1. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 25B, the number of one or more second lid vertical channels 3097(b) may be equal to 3, and the number of one or more second module wall vertical channels 3098(b) may also be equal to 3. In other words, the lid module 3090(b) may include a plurality of second lid vertical channels 3097(b), and the BM3010 may also include the same number of second module wall vertical channels 3098(b).

[0272] Referring to Figures 23 and 25B, in some embodiments, if the number of second lid vertical channels 3097(b) is greater than one, one of the second lid vertical channels 3097(b) adjacent to the exit hole of ILC3091(b) may be larger than one of the second lid vertical channels 3097(b) further away from the exit hole of ILC3091(b). In some embodiments, the size of one or more second lid vertical channels 3097(b) may be determined based on the distance from the exit hole of ILC3091(b) to one or more second lid vertical channels 3097(b). In some embodiments, as the distance from the exit hole of ILC3091(b) to one or more second lid vertical channels 3097(b) increases, the size of one or more second lid vertical channels 3097(b) may increase. Therefore, as shown in Figure 25B, the leftmost second lid vertical channel 3097(b) of the flow divider 3109(b) may be the smallest of the second lid vertical channels 3097(b), and the rightmost second lid vertical channel 3097(b) of the flow divider 3109(b) may be the largest of the second lid vertical channels 3097(b). In this way, the flow divider 3109(b) according to the present disclosure can control the flow rate / velocity of the liquid flow in different distribution ports 31091(b), thereby making the liquid flow in the BP space 3032 more uniform.

[0273] Figure 26A shows a perspective view of the BM3010 shown in Figure 23 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 26B shows a front view of the BM3010 shown in Figure 23 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 27A shows a magnified view of the upper left corner of the BM3010 shown in Figure 26A according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 27B shows a cross-sectional view of the BM3010 along the line C-C' in Figure 26B according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 27C shows a magnified view of area B shown in Figure 26B according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Parts described in both this embodiment and the preceding embodiments, or parts with similar reference numerals, represent parts having similar structure or function, and related descriptions are omitted here.

[0274] In some embodiments, BM3010 may further include a cell holder 0050. In some embodiments, LLC0080 may further include four side walls 0091 (i.e., an east side wall 0096, a south side wall 0097, a west side wall 0098, and a north side wall 0099 of the perimeter wall 0090), a plurality of cell holder fixing structures 0082 extending from the perimeter wall 0090, and a cell holder retaining structure 0140 extending from the perimeter wall 0090. In some embodiments, the cell holder fixing structures 0082 and the cell holder retaining structure 0140 may be used to support a cell support (e.g., a cell holder 0050). In some embodiments, the cell support may be used to receive and support a plurality of BC0020 (not shown). For example, the cell support and cell holder 0050 can receive two electrode sides of a BC0020.

[0275] In some embodiments, each of the one or more second module wall vertical channels 3098(b) may further include one or more module wall lateral channels 3099(b) and a flow guide 0053 that guides a heat management fluid to flow from the BP space 3032 into the corresponding one or more second module wall vertical channels 3098(b) to cool the BC0020 in the BP space 3032. Thus, the BP space 3032 may communicate with one or more second module wall vertical channels 3098(b) so that the heat management fluid can flow from the BP space 3032 into one or more second module wall vertical channels 3098(b) and out from the ILC 3091(b) of the BP 3030. In some embodiments, the one or more module wall lateral channels 3099(b) and the flow guide 0053 together form at least one lateral slit of the second module wall vertical channel 3098(b). The angle between the peripheral wall 0090 and the flow direction Dfs of the heat management fluid flowing through one of the at least one lateral slits may be acute, as shown in Figure 27C. In some embodiments, at least one lateral slit may guide the module wall lateral flow 3105 in the flow direction Dfs to have a lateral flow component in order to guide the heat management fluid to flow toward the corner of the BP space 3032. Thus, the heat management fluid can flow through the BM3010 completely, and the temperature of the heat management fluid within the BM3010 can be reduced more uniformly.

[0276] In some embodiments, a plurality of cell receiving structures 0060 contained in the BP space 3032 may be formed by cell holders 0050 connected to the LLC 0080. Each of the cell receiving structures 0060 formed by the cell holders 0050 may be used to receive one of the two electrode sides of the BC 0020.

[0277] As shown in Figure 27A, when the cell holder 0050 is assembled with LLC 0080 and BC 0020 to form BM 3010, the cell holder 0050 has an inner surface 0054 facing BC 0020 (i.e., facing the cell zone 0051), and may further have an outer surface opposite to the inner surface 0054. In some embodiments, the flow guide 0053 may extend from the inner surface 0054 of the cell holder 0050 and be located between the cell holder retaining structures 0140, or between the cell holder retaining structures 0140 and the module wall lateral channels 3099 (but not limited to this, the position of the flow guide 0053 on the inner surface 0054 may be changed as needed for liquid flow control and heat dissipation).

[0278] When two cell holders are fixed within the BP space 3032, the height of the flow guide 0053 in the x-direction is less than or equal to the shortest distance between the inner surfaces 0054 of the two cell holders. When any two BC0020 are fixed between two adjacent cell holder retaining structures 0082, the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow guide 0053 in the xy-plane or xz-plane (hereinafter referred to as the flow guide cross-sectional area) is less than or equal to the cross-sectional area of ​​the space between the two BC0020 in the xy-plane or xz-plane (hereinafter referred to as the BC cross-sectional area). As the flow guide cross-sectional area increases, the liquid flow rate between the two BC0020 decreases. When the flow guide cross-sectional area is approximately equal to the BC cross-sectional area, the liquid flow rate between the two BC0020 becomes zero. In other words, the arrangement of multiple flow guides 0053 on the inner surface 0054 of the cell holder 0050 determines the direction of liquid flow within the BP space 3032, thereby ensuring uniform heat dissipation of the components within the BP space 3032.

[0279] In some embodiments, the flow guide 0053 may include a plurality of extension columns 00531 (e.g., triangular prism shape) extending from the inner surface 0054 of the cell holder 0050. In some embodiments, the extension columns 00531 may be arranged along the east wall 0096 and the west wall 0098. Thus, referring to Figures 26A and 27A, a portion of the extension column 00531 may be adjacent to a side wall 0091 (e.g., the east wall 0096) having one or more first module wall vertical channels 3098(a) (e.g., within the diameter range of BC0020), and the other portion of the extension column 00531 may be adjacent to a side wall 0091 (e.g., the west wall 0098) having one or more second module wall vertical channels 3098(b) (e.g., within the diameter range of BC0020), thereby changing the flow direction of the module wall lateral flow 3105 as it enters the BP space 3032. In other words, a portion of the extension column 00531 may be adjacent to one or more first module wall vertical channels 3098(a), and the remaining portion of the extension column 00531 may be adjacent to one or more second module wall vertical channels 3098(b).

[0280] In some embodiments, each extension column 00531 may be positioned between three adjacent cell receiving structures 0060. In some embodiments, the extension column 00531 may be positioned adjacent to one of the west wall 0098 and the east wall 0096. In some embodiments, the distance from the extension column 00531 to one of the west wall 0098 and the east wall 0096 may be close to the diameter of the cell receiving structure 0060. In some embodiments, the distance from the extension column 00531 to one of the west wall 0098 and the east wall 0096 may be less than or equal to the diameter of the cell receiving structure 0060. In some embodiments, the minimum distance dm from the extension column 00531 to one of the west wall 0098 and the east wall 0096 may be smaller than the diameter of the cell receiving structure 0060. In some embodiments, the distance dl along direction DLO (i.e., the y-direction shown in Figure 27A) between the axis of the extension column 00531 and one of the curved wall edges of the western wall 0098 and the eastern wall 0096 may be smaller than the diameter of the cell support structure 0060.

[0281] In some embodiments, the distance Ds from the cell holder retaining structure 0140 to the top wall surface 0083 of LLC 0080 may be slightly shorter than the distance Dc from the extension column 00531 to the top wall surface 0083. As shown in Figure 27B, the distance Ds can be defined as the minimum vertical distance from the cell holder retaining structure 0140 to the top wall surface 0083, and the distance Dc can be defined as the minimum vertical distance from the extension column 00531 to the top wall surface 0083. Therefore, when the cell support is assembled with LLC 0080, the distance from the cell support to the extension column 00531 may be equal to the difference between the distance Ds and the distance Dc. Furthermore, the distance from the cell support to the extension column 00531 may be reduced to prevent the heat management fluid from flowing through one or more extension columns 00531. In other words, the heat management fluid cannot flow through the extension column 00531, and thereby, if the heat management fluid flows through at least one lateral slit, the extension column 00531 guides the heat management fluid to flow toward the corner of the BP space 3032 along the lateral DLA (i.e., the z direction shown in Figure 27A). Thus, the heat management fluid can flow completely through the BM3010, and the temperature of the heat management fluid within the BM3010 can be reduced more uniformly.

[0282] Referring to Figures 26A and 27A, in some embodiments, one or more module wall lateral channels 3099(a) and flow guides 0053 jointly form at least one lateral slit in a first module wall vertical channel 3098(a), thereby guiding the heat management fluid to flow from the first module wall vertical channel 3098(a) into the BP space 3032 to cool the BC0020 in the BP space 3032. In some embodiments, the angle between one of the west wall 0098 and the east wall 0096 and the flow direction Dfs of the heat management fluid flowing through one of the at least one lateral slits may be acute. In some embodiments, at least one lateral slit may guide the module wall lateral flow 3105 in the flow direction Dfs to have a lateral flow component in order to guide the heat management fluid to flow toward the corner of the BP space 3032. Therefore, the heat management fluid can flow completely through the BM3010, and the temperature of the heat management fluid within the BM3010 can be reduced more uniformly.

[0283] In some embodiments, the flow direction of the heat management fluid through one or more first module wall vertical channels 3098(a) may be parallel to the assembly direction between BM3010 and lid module 3090(a) and perpendicular to the flow direction Dfs of the heat management fluid through at least one transverse slit. In some embodiments, the flow direction of the heat management fluid through one or more second module wall vertical channels 3098(b) may be parallel to the assembly direction and perpendicular to the flow direction Dfs of the heat management fluid through at least one transverse slit.

[0284] Figure 28 shows a magnified view of the upper left corner of the BM3010 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Parts described in both this embodiment and the preceding embodiments, or parts with similar reference numerals, represent parts having similar structure or function, and their relevant descriptions are omitted here.

[0285] In some embodiments, a plurality of cell receiving structures 0060 may be formed by cell holders 0050 connected to LLC 0080 to accommodate BC 0020 in BP space 3032. Each of the cell receiving structures 0060 formed by the cell holders 0050 may be used to receive one of the two electrode sides of BC 0020. In some embodiments, the flow guide 0053 may include a plurality of extension columns 00531 and a plurality of extension walls 00532 each extending from the inner surface 0054 of the cell holder 0050. In some embodiments, the extension walls 00532 may be located at the four corners of the cell holder 0050. In some embodiments, each of the extension walls 00532 may extend from the cell holder 0050 or be sandwiched between two adjacent cell receiving structures 0060.

[0286] Referring to Figures 27B and 28, the flow guide 0053 may further include a plurality of extension walls 00532 (for example, curved sheet shapes) extending from the inner surface 0054 of the cell holder 0050. In some embodiments, the distance Ds from the cell holder retaining structure 0140 to the top wall surface 0083 may be slightly shorter than the distance Dc from the extension column 00531 to the top wall surface 0083, and the distance Dc is the same as the distance from the extension wall 00532 to the top wall surface 0083. As shown in Figure 27B, the distance Ds can be defined as the minimum vertical distance from the cell holder retaining structure 0140 to the top wall surface 0083, and the distance Dc can be defined as the minimum vertical distance from the extension wall 00532 to the top wall surface 0083. Therefore, when the cell support is assembled with LLC0080, the distance from the cell support to each extension wall 00532 may be equal to the difference between distance Ds and distance Dc. Furthermore, the distance from the cell support to each extension wall 00532 may be reduced to prevent the heat management fluid from flowing through one or more extension walls 00532. In other words, the heat management fluid cannot flow through the extension walls 00532, and as a result, the extension walls 00532 guide the heat management fluid to flow toward the corners of the BP space 3032 along the lateral DLA (i.e., the z direction shown in Figure 28). Thus, the heat management fluid can flow completely through BM3010, and the temperature of the heat management fluid within BM3010 can be reduced more uniformly.

[0287] Refer to Figures 29A, 29B, 29C, and 29D. Figure 29A is a conceptual perspective view of a cross-sectional view of BP3030. Figure 29B is a partial cross-sectional view of BP3030 along the line D-D' in Figure 29A. Figures 29C and 29D are cross-sectional views of BP3030 along the line E-E' in Figure 29A. The term "lateral" refers to any vector on the yz plane in Figures 29A, 29B, 29C, and 29D. For example, a lateral liquid flow may be a liquid flow that moves only in the z direction on the yz plane, and a lateral channel may be a channel located on the yz plane and extending only in the z direction. Parts described in both this embodiment and the previously described embodiments, or parts with similar reference numerals, represent parts having similar structure or function, and related descriptions are omitted here.

[0288] Refer to Figure 29B, a cross-sectional view of cell zone 0051. Along the y-direction, LLC 0080 has module wall lateral channels 3099 formed in two opposite side walls 0091. Module wall vertical flow 3104 flows from module wall lateral channels 3099 into BP space 3032 to form module wall lateral flow 3105. In the absence of flow guides 0053, module wall lateral flow 3105 flows mainly along the space between BC 0020 in the y-direction, with little flow along the z-direction. As a result, in some areas of BP space 3032, there is little to no liquid flow, preventing heat dissipation and resulting in uneven cooling. To increase lateral liquid flow in the z-direction, cell holder 0050 has multiple flow guides 0053 positioned between cell receiving structures 0060 corresponding to module wall lateral channels 3099. The lateral flow 3105 in the module wall is blocked by the flow guides 0053 and BC0020, and then flows simultaneously in both the z and y directions, thereby making the liquid temperature distribution in the BP space 3032 more uniform, improving the cooling efficiency of BP3030 and solving the problem of uneven cooling.

[0289] Refer to Figure 29C, a cross-sectional view of edge zone 0052. Along the y-direction, LLC 0080 has module wall lateral channels 3099 formed in two opposite side walls 0091. In edge zone 0052, multiple flow guides 0053 are positioned corresponding to the module wall lateral channels 3099 and are arranged along the y-direction. The flow guides 0053 can guide module wall lateral flow 3105 to flow along the z-direction and y-direction, thereby making the liquid temperature distribution in BP space 3032 more uniform and improving the cooling efficiency of BP 3030. Furthermore, the flow guides 0053 can also restrict the position of BCCM 0026.

[0290] Refer to Figure 29D, a cross-sectional view of edge zone 0052 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. In this embodiment, multiple flow guides 0053 are arranged along the z-direction. The space between the flow guides 0053 can guide the module wall lateral flow 3105 to flow along the z-direction and y-direction, thereby resulting in a more uniform liquid temperature distribution within the BP space 3032 and improved cooling efficiency of the BP 3030. Furthermore, the flow guides 0053 can also restrict the position of the BCCM 0026. In one embodiment, flow guides 0053 arranged along the y-direction and z-direction, respectively, can be used in combination as needed and should be understood that they are not limited to being arranged along only one direction.

[0291] Figure 30B shows a perspective view of a cell holder 0050' (i.e., a cell support) according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 30A shows a perspective view of a combination of the BM3010 shown in Figure 26A and the cell holder 0050' shown in Figure 30B, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Parts described in both this embodiment and the preceding embodiments, or parts with similar reference numerals, represent parts having similar structure or function, and related descriptions are omitted here.

[0292] In some embodiments, the cell holder 0050' may include a plurality of cell receiving structures 0060, a plurality of fixing surfaces 0056, and an inner surface 0054. Referring to Figures 27A and 30A, the cell receiving structures 0060 of the cell holder 0050 and cell holder 0050' may receive two opposite electrode sides of the BC 0020. In some embodiments, the fixing surface 0056 may be fixed to a cell holder fixing structure 0082, and when the cell holder 0050 and cell holder 0050' are assembled in LLC 0080, the inner surface 0054 of the cell holder 0050' may be connected to a cell holder retaining structure 0140 of the cell holder 0050. The fixing surface 0056 extends outward in the y-direction or z-direction from the periphery of the cell holder 0050' and has a fixing hole formed therein. When the fixing holes are aligned with the cell holder fixing structure 0082, the fixing fastener 0152 can pass through the fixing surface 0056 and lock into the cell holder fixing structure 0082, so that the cell holder 0050' is fixed in LLC 0080 by the fixing fastener 0152. In one embodiment, the thickness of the fixing surface 0056 in the x-direction is smaller than the thickness of the cell holder 0050' in the x-direction.

[0293] Figure 31A shows a front view of the combination of BM3010 and cell holder 0050' shown in Figure 30B, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 31B shows a cross-sectional view of the combination of BM3010 and cell holder 0050' shown in Figure 31A, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, along the line F-F' in Figure 31A. Parts described in both this embodiment and the preceding embodiments, or parts with similar reference numerals, represent parts having similar structure or function, and related descriptions are omitted here.

[0294] In some embodiments, each of the cell receiving structures 0060 formed by the cell holder 0050 may be aligned with the cell receiving structure 0060 of the cell holder 0050'. Referring to Figures 27B and 31B, the cell holder 0050' may be supported by the cell holder retaining structure 0140 of the LLC 0080. In some embodiments, since the cell holder 0050' is assembled to the LLC 0080, a portion of each module wall lateral channel 3099 may be blocked by the cell holder 0050'. Thus, the thermal management fluid may flow from the BP space 3032 into one or more second module wall vertical channels 3098(b) through the unblocked portions of each module wall lateral channel 3099. Similarly, referring to Figures 26B and 31A, in some embodiments, the cell holder 0050' is assembled to the LLC 0080, so that a portion of each inlet slit of the first module wall vertical channel 3098(a) may be blocked by the cell holder 0050'. Therefore, the thermal management fluid may flow from one or more first module wall vertical channels 3098(a) into the BP space 3032 through the unblocked portions of each inlet slit of the first module wall vertical channel 3098(a).

[0295] Referring to Figures 27A and 31B, in some embodiments, the distance Df from the inner surface 0054 of cell holder 0050 to the top wall surface 0083 of LLC 0080 may be substantially longer than the distance Da from the inner surface 0054 of cell holder 0050 to the inner surface 0054 of cell holder 0050'. In some embodiments, the length of the unblocked portion of each module wall lateral channel 3099 may be equal to the distance Da. Therefore, when the thermal management fluid flows into the second module wall vertical channel 3098(b), the length of the unblocked portion of each module wall lateral channel 3099 is long enough for the thermal management fluid to flow easily into the second module wall vertical channel 3098(b), so that the thermal management fluid can flow into the second module wall vertical channel 3098(b) through the unblocked portion of each module wall lateral channel 3099.

[0296] Similarly, referring to Figures 26B and 31A, in some embodiments, the length of the unblocked portion of each inlet slit may be equal to the distance Da. Therefore, when the thermal management fluid flows from the first module wall vertical channel 3098(a) into the BP space 3032, the length of the unblocked portion of each inlet slit in the first module wall vertical channel 3098(a) is long enough for the thermal management fluid to flow into the BP space 3032, so that the thermal management fluid can flow from the first module wall vertical channel 3098(a) into the BP space 3032 through the unblocked portion of each inlet slit.

[0297] In some embodiments, the distance Ds from the cell holder retaining structure 0140 to the top wall surface 0083 of LLC 0080 may be slightly shorter than the distance Dc from the extension column 00531 to the top wall surface 0083 of LLC 0080. Therefore, when the cell holder 0050' is assembled with LLC 0080, the distance from the cell holder 0050' to the extension column 00531 may be equal to the difference between distance Ds and distance Dc. Furthermore, the distance from the cell holder 0050' to the extension column 00531 may be reduced to prevent the heat management fluid from flowing through one or more extension columns 00531. In other words, the heat management fluid cannot flow through the extension columns 00531, and as a result, the extension columns 00531 guide the heat management fluid to flow along the lateral DLA shown in Figure 27C toward the corner of the BP space 3032. Therefore, the heat management fluid can flow completely through the BM3010, and the temperature of the heat management fluid within the BM3010 can be reduced more uniformly.

[0298] Figure 32A is a perspective view of the BP3030 shown in Figure 22B, without the LLC0080 shown in Figure 23, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 32B shows the electronic connection structure of the cell monitoring circuits 3110 and 3120 shown in Figure 32A, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0299] Parts described in both this embodiment and the previously described embodiment, or parts with the same reference numeral, represent parts having similar structure or function, and related descriptions are omitted here.

[0300] Referring to Figures 22B and 32A, in some embodiments, each of the BM3010 may include corresponding cell monitoring circuits 3110 and 3120 (i.e., cell monitoring device 0260 shown in Figure 12A) mounted within the corresponding BM3010. In some embodiments, cell monitoring circuit 3110 may be electrically connected to cell monitoring circuit 3120 to transmit monitoring data or control signals. In some embodiments, the electrical connector of cell monitoring circuit 3110 may be mounted on the BM3010 or exposed to LLC0080. The electrical connector of cell monitoring circuit 3120 may be mounted on the BM3010 or exposed to LLC0080. When the BM3010s are connected to each other, the electrical connector of cell monitoring circuit 3110 may be directly or electrically connected to the electrical connector of cell monitoring circuit 3120. Thus, when the BMs are connected to each other, the electrical connectors of cell monitoring circuits 3110 and 3120 do not need to be exposed outside the BM3010.

[0301] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 32A and 32B, BM3010 may further include at least one PCB for a particular function. Such a functional PCB may be arranged within the BP space 3032 and may be located in the vertical wall channel 0230 as previously disclosed (see Figure 12A and its description), or in both of the aforementioned spaces.

[0302] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 32B, BM3010 may further include at least one FPC component for a particular function. Such a functional FPC component may be arranged within the BP space 3032 and may be located in the vertical wall channel 0230 as previously disclosed (see Figure 12A and its description), or in both of the aforementioned spaces.

[0303] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 32B, the BM3010 may further include at least one PCB-FPC interface 3163 configured to electrically or signally connect the PCB and the FPC. In some embodiments, the PCB-FPC interface 3163 may be a pair of interconnectable connectors arranged on the PCB and the FPC, respectively.

[0304] For example, as shown in Figure 32B, each of the BM3010 of BP3030 includes a PCB arranged in a vertical wall channel 0230 (not shown in this figure) and two FPC components arranged in both another vertical wall channel (or the same vertical wall channel in which the PCB is arranged) and BP space 3032. The PCB-FPC interface 3163 is arranged in the vertical wall channel and the PCB.

[0305] As shown in Figure 32B, each of the two FPC components includes a first portion in a vertical wall channel and a second portion in BP space 3032. In the vertical wall channel, the first portions of the two FPC components are signal- or electrically connected to the PCB-FPC interface 3163 and the PCB. In the vertical wall channel, each body of the first portion of the FPC component extends vertically to the vertical position of the vertical wall channel, so that in such a vertical position, each body of the FPC extends continuously along the z-direction and enters BP space 3032 (which is considered the second portion of the FPC).

[0306] In some embodiments, the second portion of the FPC may extend laterally within the BP space 3032 and be directly mounted in any later direction of the BCA0010 to form electrical and / or signal connections to the BCA0010.

[0307] For example, as shown in Figure 32B, the second portion of the FPC extends along the positive y-edge (along the z-direction) of BCA0010 and directly connects to and contacts each BCCM0026.

[0308] For example, as shown in Figure 32B, the second portion of the FPC may further include a branch that extends from the positive y-edge of BCA0010 along the negative y-direction of BCA0010, reaching a specific lateral position of BCA0010, and directly connecting and contacting BCCM0026 at such a specific lateral position.

[0309] In some embodiments, the functional purpose of the PCB and FPC circuit configuration may be cell monitoring. For example, the PCB may be a cell monitoring device including a processor, controller, and driver used to control sensors that detect the status of BC0020 or BCA0010. Such sensors and connections for detection may be arranged on the FPC components, forming a loop to the PCB where the cell monitoring device is arranged.

[0310] In some embodiments, the functional purpose of the PCB and FPC circuit configuration may be BP heating. For example, the PCB may be a cell heating device including a processor, controller, and driver used to control heaters that generate heat to warm the BP space 3032. Such heaters and connections for heating may be arranged in the FPC components and form a loop to the PCB where cell monitoring devices are arranged.

[0311] In some embodiments, each BM3010 may include a plurality of BC0020s. In some embodiments, the first BM3010 may further include a plurality of BCCM0026(a) and a plurality of BCCM0026(b), and each of the BC0020s of the first BM3010 may be electrically connected to one of the BCCM0026(a) and one of the BCCM0026(b). In some embodiments, the last BM3010 may further include a plurality of BCCM0026(c) and a plurality of BCCM0026(d), and each of the BC0020s of the last BM3010 may be electrically connected to one of the BCCM0026(c) and one of the BCCM0026(d). In some embodiments, multiple BCCM0026(a), BCCM0026(b), BCCM0026(c), and BCCM0026(d) may be used to electrically connect the BC0020 to one another. Furthermore, the BC0020 may be electrically connected in series or parallel to one another by multiple BCCM0026(a), BCCM0026(b), BCCM0026(c), and BCCM0026(d). Referring to Figures 22A, 22B, and 32A, in some embodiments, one of the multiple BCCM0026(a) may be electrically connected to the HVIC3063 of the lid module 3090(a), and one of the multiple BCCM0026(d) may be electrically connected to the HVIC3063 of the lid module 3090(b). Furthermore, one of the multiple BCCM0026(b) may be electrically connected to one of the multiple BCCM0026(c). Therefore, power may be released from or stored in BC0020 via the HVIC3063 of lid module 3090(a) and the HVIC3063 of lid module 3090(b).

[0312] In some embodiments, the cell monitoring circuit 3110 may be electrically connected to BCCM0026(a), BCCM0026(b) and a plurality of cell detection circuits 3111. The cell detection circuit 3111 may be electrically connected to at least one of BCCM0026(a) and at least one of BCCM0026(b). In some embodiments, BCCM0026(a), BCCM0026(b) and the cell detection circuit 3111 may be housed in the BP space 3032 of the BM3010, thereby immersing BCCM0026(a), BCCM0026(b) and the cell detection circuit 3111 in a heat management fluid contained in the BM3010 for heat dissipation of BCCM0026(a), BCCM0026(b) and the cell detection circuit 3111. In some embodiments, the cell monitoring circuit 3120 may be electrically connected to BCCM0026(c) and BCCM0026(d) via a plurality of cell detection circuits 3121. The plurality of cell detection circuits 3121 may be electrically connected to BCCM0026(c) and BCCM0026(d). In some embodiments, BCCM0026(c), BCCM0026(d) and the cell detection circuit 3121 may be immersed in a heat management fluid contained in BM3010 for heat dissipation of BCCM0026(c), BCCM0026(d) and the cell detection circuit 3121. In some embodiments, the cell detection circuits 3111 and 3121 may be flexible printed circuits (FPCs).

[0313] In some embodiments, cell detection circuits 3111 and 3121 may be used to measure the voltage and temperature of BCCM0026(a), BCCM0026(b), BCCM0026(c), and BCCM0026(d) and provide the measurement results to cell monitoring circuits 3110 and 3120. In some embodiments, cell monitoring circuits 3110 and 3120 may control the temperature of the thermal management fluid by controlling the temperature and voltage of BC0020 and the cell detection circuits 3111 and 3121 based on the measurement results. For example, cell monitoring circuit 3110 may control / use cell detection circuit 3111 to convert the power of BC0020, which is electrically connected to BCCM0026(a) and BCCM0026(b), into heat, thereby controlling the voltage and temperature of BC0020. In some embodiments, the cell monitoring circuits 3110 and 3120 control the temperature and voltage of the BC0020, and the operation of the cell detection circuits 3111 and 3121 is further controlled through programmable drive signals. For example, the management circuit 3110 may generate switching control signals, current limiting commands, or pulse-width-modulation (PWM) signals to pass a control current through the heating components in the BC0020 or the cell detection circuit 3111. Due to the internal resistance of the BC0020 or the heating components in the cell detection circuit 3111, this control current is converted into heat, thereby increasing or stabilizing the temperature of the BC0020 or the thermal management fluid. Similarly, voltage regulation is achieved by adjusting the magnitude, duration, or duty cycle of the current supplied through the cell detection circuit 3111, thereby controlling the voltage level of the BC0020.

[0314] In some embodiments, the cell monitoring circuit 3120 may control / use the cell detection circuit 3121 to convert the power of BC0020 into heat and control the voltage and temperature of BC0020. Therefore, if the cell monitoring circuits 3110 and 3120 control the temperature of the cell detection circuits 3111 and 3121, the power of BC0020 may be used directly to heat the heat management fluid and BC0020 to improve the temperature of the heat management fluid. Thus, the voltage control and temperature control functions of the cell monitoring circuits 3110 and 3120 eliminate the need to install additional heating devices in the BM3010. Furthermore, since the cell monitoring circuits 3110, 3120 and the cell detection circuits 3111, 3121 are mounted inside the BM3010 without being exposed outside the BM3010, the possibility of component damage is reduced and the durability of the components can be improved. In some embodiments, the cell detection circuits 3111 and 3121 may include heating traces that generate heat when current flows through the cell detection circuits 3111 and 3121 under the control of the cell monitoring circuits 3110 and 3120. Thus, the resistance loss generated by the cell detection circuits 3111 and 3121 is dissipated as thermal energy, which is then transferred from the cell monitoring circuits 3110 and 3120 to the heat management fluid. In this way, the temperature of the heat management fluid can be increased without requiring additional heating components.

[0315] Figure 33 shows a schematic diagram of the BC0020, cell monitoring circuit 3110, and cell detection circuit 3111 shown in Figures 32A and 32B, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0316] Parts described in both this embodiment and the previously described embodiment, or parts with the same reference numeral, represent parts having similar structure or function, and related descriptions are omitted here.

[0317] Referring to Figures 32B and 33, in some embodiments, BM3010 may further include one or more switches 3130 and a heating module 3140. In some embodiments, one or more switches 3130 may be electrically connected to BC0020, a cell monitoring circuit 3110, and a heating module 3140. In some embodiments, the cell monitoring circuit 3110 may transmit switch signals to control one or more switches 3130 to be turned on or off. In some embodiments, if one or more switches 3130 are turned off by the cell monitoring circuit 3110, the current in BC0020 may not flow through the heating module 3140. Therefore, the heating module 3140 does not convert the power of BC0020 into heat. In some embodiments, if one or more switches 3130 are turned on by the cell monitoring circuit 3110, the current in BC0020 may flow through the heating module 3140. Therefore, the heating module 3140 converts the power of BC0020 into heat to heat the heat management liquid contained in BC0020 and BM3010. In some embodiments, the heating module 3140 may be a heating copper trace. In some embodiments, the cell monitoring circuit 3110 may control one or more switches 3130 by generating drive signals such as gate control voltage, base current, or pulse width modulated signals, depending on the type of switch 3130 (e.g., MOSFET, BJT, or other semiconductor switching device). These drive signals may selectively drive one or more switches 3130 to an off or on state. In actual applications, BM3010 may include at least two of the cell monitoring circuit, cell detection circuit, and heating module.

[0318] In some embodiments, the BM3010 may further include an electrical safety device 3150 electrically connected to one or more switches 3130 and a heating module 3140. In some embodiments, the electrical safety device 3150 may include a wire or soluble metal strip that melts or interrupts the circuit when the current exceeds a threshold current. Thus, if the current in the heating module 3140 exceeds the threshold current, the electrical safety device 3150 can interrupt the current and stop heating the heat management fluid and BC0020. In some embodiments, if the electrical safety device 3150 melts due to excessive current, the conductive path between one or more switches 3130 and the heating module 3140 may be physically disconnected. As a result, the electrical connection supplying current to the heating module 3140 is interrupted, stopping the heating module 3140 from receiving power. Thus, the heating module 3140 can stop heating the heat management fluid and BC0020 by immediately stopping heat generation.

[0319] In some embodiments, the heating module 3140 may further include a temperature sensor 3141 electrically connected to the cell monitoring circuit 3110. The cell monitoring circuit 3110 may control the temperature sensor 3141 to monitor the temperatures of the heat management fluid and BC0020. In some embodiments, the cell monitoring circuit 3110 may control the temperature sensor 3141 by providing a detection control signal that activates the temperature measurement function of the temperature sensor 3141. For example, the cell monitoring circuit 3110 may periodically transmit a reference voltage or current to the cell monitoring circuit 3110 so that the temperature sensor 3141 can generate a temperature detection signal. The cell monitoring circuit 3110 can then receive the temperature detection signal and determine the temperatures of the heat management fluid and BC0020. The functional purpose of the cell detection circuit described above still includes temperature detection, and the cell detection circuit and temperature sensor 3141 detect the temperatures of different components within the BP3030.

[0320] Therefore, the power of BC0020 may be used directly to heat the heat management fluid and BC0020. The voltage control and temperature control functions of the cell monitoring circuit 3110 eliminate the need to install additional heating equipment on BM3010. Furthermore, since the cell monitoring circuit 3110, one or more switches 3130 and heating module 3140 are all mounted inside BM3010 without being exposed outside of BM3010, the possibility of damage to the cell monitoring circuit 3110 and cell detection circuit 3111 is reduced, and the durability of the cell monitoring circuit 3110 and cell detection circuit 3111 can be improved.

[0321] In some embodiments, the cell detection circuit 3111 increases the temperature of the heat management fluid because the heating module 3140 (e.g., a heated copper trace or a resistive element) generates heat when current flows through it. When the cell monitoring circuit 3110 turns on one or more switches 3130, current passes through the heating module 3140, and the resistive losses generated by the heating module 3140 are converted into thermal energy. Thus, the thermal energy is transferred to the heat management fluid, thereby increasing the temperature of the heat management fluid.

[0322] In some embodiments, the PCB (e.g., cell monitoring circuit 3110) may further include a vertical stack connector 3160 located at the vertical end of at least one battery module.

[0323] The vertical stack connector 3160 may be configured to be a signal interface between the PCB of the lower BM3010 (e.g., cell monitoring circuit 3110) and another PCB of the adjacent BM3010 (e.g., cell monitoring circuit 3110). The vertical stack connector 3160 may also electrically couple two adjacent BMs (i.e., BM3010 directly stacked with each other).

[0324] In some embodiments, two vertically stacked connectors 3160 configured to connect to each other may be configured to achieve blind mating (or auto-mating). This blind mating feature means that the connectors automatically align mechanically when the BM3010 is vertically stacked, ensuring a fast and reliable electrical connection. This feature significantly improves the efficiency and automation level of the battery pack manufacturing process.

[0325] In some embodiments, a PCB (e.g., a cell monitoring circuit 3110) located within a module wall vertical channel 3098 may further include a vertical interface connector 3162 located at its vertical end.

[0326] The vertical interface connector 3162 is configured to electrically connect the circuit board to a corresponding connector located on one of the two lid modules 3090 when the BM3010 and lid module 3090 are assembled vertically. The primary purpose of this connection is to transmit state information (e.g., voltage, temperature, or current) collected by the circuit board to the main electronic control unit located in the lid module 3090.

[0327] Specifically, the EEIM3100, located in one of the two cover modules 3090, is configured to house or be electrically coupled to a battery management circuit for further processing or control.

[0328] In some embodiments, the vertical stack connector 3160 and the vertical interface connector 3162 may be implemented as a single physical connector located on the circuit board, the single connector consisting of separate pins or contact points that perform both the functions of inter-module stacking and module-to-EEIM signaling interfaces.

[0329] Therefore, the vertical interface connector 3162 is configured to electrically connect the circuit board 3110 to the battery management circuit located within the EEIM 3100. This arrangement facilitates direct, modular transmission of accurate cell data to the battery management circuit for control and protection purposes, thereby substantially improving the modularity and maintainability of the battery pack.

[0330] The embodiments shown and described above are merely examples. Many details are commonly seen in the art. Therefore, many such details are not shown or described. Many features and advantages of the disclosure, along with structural and functional details, are described above, but the disclosure is illustrative only and modifications to the details are possible. Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described above may be modified in the claims.

[0331] Those skilled in the art will readily realize that many modifications and changes can be made to the apparatus and method while maintaining the teachings of the present invention. Accordingly, the above disclosure should be construed as being limited only by the boundaries and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A battery pack comprising at least one battery module, at least one modular electrical energy interface (MEEI), and two cover modules, At least one battery module, A plurality of battery cells (BCs), each of which includes a positive electrode and a negative electrode, and a plurality of battery cells (BCs) in which at least a portion of the electrodes of the BCs collectively define the electrode surface, A cell holder comprising a plurality of cell receiving structures distributed along the lateral direction, configured to restrict the position of each BC, wherein a portion of the body of each BC is positioned within one of the corresponding cell receiving structures, At least one battery cell connecting member (BCCM) configured to electrically connect the electrodes of the BC, wherein the BCCM is positioned on the cell holder and arranged on the electrode surface, and the BCCM mechanically engages with the cell holder to restrict relative movement between the BCCM and the cell holder, It includes a liquid-limiting casing (LLC) configured as a tubular structure, The aforementioned liquid limiting casing (LLC) is A peripheral wall that laterally surrounds the space configured to accommodate the BC, the at least one cell holder, and the at least one BCCM, extending vertically from a first vertical end to a second vertical end, with the first and second vertical ends defining a first opening and a second opening, respectively. The LLC includes at least one mechanical interlocking structure located at the first or second vertical end, The system further includes at least one module wall vertical channel extending vertically within the peripheral wall, At least one module wall lateral channel extending laterally within the periphery wall from the at least one module wall vertical channel into the space, wherein the module wall lateral channel further includes at least one module wall lateral channel that fluidly connects the module wall vertical channel to the space, The first opening and the second opening are in liquid communication with the at least one module wall vertical channel and the module wall lateral channel, At least one modular electrical energy interface (MEEI) is electrically connected to the at least one BCCM, The two lid modules are arranged at the two opposing vertical ends of the at least one battery module, and the two lid modules are, At least one high-voltage interface connector (HVIC) configured to relay the electrical energy of the battery pack to a downstream load, At least one interface liquid connector (ILC) configured to introduce or discharge thermal management fluid to the battery pack, At least one lid interlocking structure configured to mechanically engage with the mechanical interlocking structure of the LLC and to limit the relative displacement between the lid module and the at least one battery module, At least one cover electrical interface electrically connected to the HVIC and the MEEI, The ILC includes at least one lid liquid channel that is in fluid communication with the first opening and the second opening of the LLC, The peripheral wall of the LLC of at least one battery module and the two lid modules are stacked vertically and assembled to collectively form a liquid-tight battery pack housing. The liquid-tight battery pack housing surrounds a battery pack space configured to contain the heat management liquid such that the plurality of battery cells, the at least one cell holder, and the at least one BCCM are immersed in the heat management liquid. The battery pack defines a first fluid path and a second fluid path extending between the at least one ILC and the space, wherein the first fluid path includes the lid liquid channel and the first or second opening of the LLC, and the second fluid path includes the lid liquid channel, the first or second opening of the LLC, the module wall vertical channel, and the module wall lateral channel.

2. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the peripheral wall includes four side walls arranged to form a rectangular tube structure.

3. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the at least one mechanical interlocking structure includes a projection structure and a receiving structure, and the projection structure and the receiving structure are configured to engage with each other to restrict lateral displacement.

4. The battery pack according to claim 1, comprising a plurality of battery modules stacked vertically between the two lid modules, wherein the vertical channels in the module walls of adjacent battery modules are aligned laterally and are in fluid communication with each other to form a continuous vertical channel that penetrates the plurality of battery modules.

5. The battery pack according to claim 1, further comprising at least one sealing member disposed at the vertical end of the peripheral wall, wherein the sealing member is arranged to seal a connection between the battery module and one of the lid modules, or between two of the at least one battery modules.

6. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the at least one cell holder further includes a flow guide extending from the surface of the cell holder, the flow guide being positioned adjacent to the module wall lateral channel to guide the thermal management fluid flowing from the at least one module wall lateral channel into the space.

7. The battery pack according to claim 6, wherein the flow guide is configured to block the direct flow path of the heat management fluid and redirect the heat management fluid so that it flows laterally within the space.

8. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the two lid modules further includes a shunt having a plurality of distribution ports, the plurality of distribution ports being configured to distribute the heat management fluid from the interface fluid connector to a plurality of lid fluid channels.

9. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the at least one high-voltage interface connector and the at least one interface liquid connector are located on the same lid module.

10. The battery pack according to claim 6, wherein the at least one cell holder includes a plurality of flow guides disposed on the inner surface of the at least one cell holder and between the cell receiving structures, the plurality of flow guides being arranged in correspondence with the at least one module wall lateral channel to at least partially block and redirect the heat management fluid flowing from the at least one module wall lateral channel, and to guide the heat management fluid to flow simultaneously in both a first lateral and a second lateral direction within the space, thereby making the liquid temperature distribution within the space more uniform and restricting the position of the at least one BCCM.

11. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the at least one module wall lateral channel extends vertically along one of the at least one module wall vertical channels.

12. The battery pack according to claim 11, wherein the at least one module wall lateral channel extends vertically along one of the at least one module wall vertical channels.

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