Abstract: A battery pack (1) includes a housing (2) and an array of electrochemical cells (80) disposed in the housing (2). The housing (2) includes a container (3) and a lid (30) that closes an open end of the container (3). The container (3) has a base (4), a sidewall (8) that surrounds the base (4), and a spring plate (110) disposed inside the sidewall (8) between the cells (80) and the sidewall (8). The spring plate (110) is free standing within the container (3) and applies a spring force to the cell array that restrains the cells (80) along an axis normal to the surface of the spring plates (110). The lid (30) includes inwardly-protruding pins (50, 60) that further restrain the cells (80) within the housing (2).

Abstract: A battery pack includes a housing and electrochemical cells disposed in the housing. The housing includes a container and a lid that closes an open end of the container. The container has a base, an outer wall the surrounds the base, and a first and a second inner wall disposed inside the outer wall. The first inner wall extends between, and is fixed to, a first portion and a third portion of the outer wall, and is spaced apart from a second portion and a fourth portion of the outer wall. The second inner wall extends between the first portion and the third portion, and is disposed between the first inner wall and the fourth portion. The second inner wall is movable relative to the outer wall such that spacing of the second inner wall from the first inner wall can be changed.

Abstract: A battery pack (1) includes a housing (2) and an array (40) of electrochemical cells (80) disposed in the housing (2). The housing (2) includes a container (3) and a lid (30) that closes an open end of the container (3). The container (3) has a base (4), a sidewall (8) that surrounds the base (4), and a spring plate (110) disposed inside the side wall (8) between the cells (80) and the sidewall (8). The spring plate (110) is free standing within the container (3) and applies a spring force to the cell array (40) that restrains the cells (80) along an axis normal to the surface of the spring plates (110). The lid (30) includes inwardly-protruding pins (50, 60) that further restrain the cells (80) within the housing (2).

Abstract: A battery pack includes a battery housing and electrochemical cells disposed in the battery housing in a stacked configuration. Elastic members are disposed between adjacent cells of a cell stack. Each elastic members is formed as a plate (e.g., a single-thickness sheet) having a curved or wavy contour when seen in cross-section, and is configured to serve as a compression spring that provides a predetermined compression force to adjacent cells while accommodating cell growth during use. The elastic members may include surface features such as strategically shaped and/or located protrusions that are configured to permit compliance and can be tuned to address the requirements of a specific application and permit application of varying stiffness characteristics across a surface of a cell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a battery module for storage of electrochemical cells, including a cover assembly including an inner frame that encloses an end of the cells and applies a compressive force thereto, an intermediate frame that is snap fit to an outer surface of the inner frame and supports ancillary structures of the battery system, and an outer cover that is snap fit to an outer surface of the intermediate frame.

Abstract: A switching device comprises a first and second connector, a first and second input, an output, a switch connected between the first connector and the second connector, a current sensor configured to measure a current flowing through the switch, and a controller connected to the current sensor, the switch, the first input, the second input, and the output. The controller is configured to: operate the switch based on a first control signal at the first input; connect the second control signal at the second input to the output; operate the switch to open in response to the current flowing through the switch exceeding a predetermined current limit; and disconnect the second control signal from the output in response to the current flowing through the switch exceeding the predetermined current limit.

Abstract: A battery pack housing forms a container that receives battery modules. The battery pack housing includes container portion and a cover that closes an open end of the container portion. The container portion includes a base, sidewalls that surround the base, and parallel rails that protrude from the base inner surface. The rails have longitudinally-spaced slots that open facing the cover. In addition, an inner surface of the cover portion includes parallel rails having longitudinally spaced slots that open facing the base. The slots are configured to receive and retain pins provided on side surfaces of the battery module housing. The cooperation between the pins of the battery module housing and the slots of the container portion and cover portion permit modules to be easily and securely located within the battery pack housing, and to be quickly removed from the battery pack housing during maintenance.

Abstract: A switching device comprises a first and second connector, a first and second input, an output, a switch connected between the first connector and the second connector, a current sensor configured to measure a current flowing through the switch, and a controller connected to the current sensor, the switch, the first input, the second input, and the output. The controller is configured to: operate the switch based on a first control signal at the first input; connect the second control signal at the second input to the output; operate the switch to open in response to the current flowing through the switch exceeding a predetermined current limit; and disconnect the second control signal from the output in response to the current flowing through the switch exceeding the predetermined current limit.