Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention relates to a battery pack and more particularly to a battery pack which allows multiple battery modules to be connected in a series and a parallel configuration for improved efficiency and higher capacity.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] The use of batteries has become increasingly prevalent in modern society, powering various industries, including automotive, aerospace, consumer electronics, and renewable energy. However, the capacity of a single battery may not be sufficient for some applications. To address this, multiple batteries are connected with each other in series or a parallel configuration in order to meet the requisite levels of voltage and current requirements of a user.
[003] It is widely known to connect the battery packs in the series configuration to increase the voltage capacity of the batteries. Whereas, to achieve a higher current capacity, the battery packs are connected in the parallel configuration. In existing battery pack systems, multiple battery packs are connected with each other through various arrangement of connectors and wiring harness. Each battery pack consists of a battery module configuration having multiple cells arranged in series and parallel configuration. Each battery pack requires a battery management system (BMS) having a protection circuit to safeguard the battery cells from overcharging and overheating. However, it has been observed that this configuration of the existing battery pack system is limited to a particular configuration of the battery pack which cannot be easily altered to meet the requirements of the user and requires separate battery packs to be connected with each other either in parallel or in series connection. Further, the assembly of the existing battery pack system is complex, and each battery pack require separate components like connectors, wiring harness, BMS etc., which increase the number of components and overall weight of the battery pack system. Moreover, existing battery pack systems having different battery packs are also prone to issues like pack to pack cell imbalance issue and cell life degradation over a long period of time.
[004] Therefore, there is a need for a battery pack system that addresses the issues associated with existing battery pack systems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[005] In one aspect of the present invention, a battery pack is disclosed. The battery pack includes a housing. A plurality of battery modules is disposed inside the housing. Each of the battery modules includes a casing having cell holders arranged in a multiple row configuration. A plurality of battery cells is disposed inside the cell holders. Each battery cell is having a positive terminal and a negative terminal. Each battery module includes a pair of interconnectors mounted on the casing. Each of the pair of interconnectors is operably connected to the positive and negative terminals of the battery cells. The battery pack includes one or more bus bars operably connected to the pair of interconnectors of the battery modules. The bus bars are configured to electrically connect the battery modules in a series or a parallel configuration.
[006] In an embodiment, each of the battery modules includes a positive terminal and a negative terminal. Each of the positive terminals and the negative terminals are operably connected to the pair of interconnectors of the battery modules.
[007] In an embodiment, the bus bar is connected between the negative terminal of the one battery module and the positive terminal of another battery module to connect the battery modules in the series configuration.
[008] In an embodiment, each of the bus bars is connected between the positive terminals and the negative terminals of the battery modules to connect the battery modules in the parallel configuration.
[009] In an embodiment, the bus bars being removably attached to the positive terminals and the negative terminals of the battery modules.
[010] In an embodiment, the battery pack includes a Printed Circuit Board mounted on each of the casing of the battery modules. The Printed Circuit board is operably connected to the pair of the interconnectors of the battery modules.
[011] In an embodiment, each of the casing of the battery modules includes attachment means for mounting the Printed Circuit Board.
[012] In an embodiment, the housing includes a base plate, a top plate, and a pair of opposite side plates. The opposite side plates extend between the base plate and the top plate. The housing includes an external connection mounted on the top plate.
[013] In an embodiment, the battery pack includes a separator unit disposed between the pair of interconnectors of each of the battery modules.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[014] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.
Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a battery pack, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of the battery modules arranged in a parallel configuration in an assembled state, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 illustrates an exploded view of the battery modules arranged in a parallel configuration in a dismantled state, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of the battery modules arranged in a series configuration in an assembled state, in accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 illustrates an exploded view of the battery modules arranged in a series configuration in a dismantled state, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[015] Various features and embodiments of the present invention here will be discernible from the following further description thereof, set out hereunder.
[016] The present invention relates to a battery pack having multiple battery modules.
[017] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a battery pack 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The battery pack 100 includes a housing for storing battery modules. The housing includes a base plate 102, pairs of opposite side plates 104, 106 and a top plate 110. Each of the pairs of opposite side plates 104, 106 extends between the base plate 102 and the top plate 110.The pairs of opposite side plates 104, 107 include a first pair of opposite side plates 104 and a second pair of opposite side plates 106. The first pair of opposite side plates 104 is extending in a lengthwise direction of the battery pack 100. The second pair of opposite side plates 108 is extending in a width wise direction of the battery pack 100. The first pair of opposite side plates 104 is integrally molded with the second pair of opposite side plates 106. The second pair of opposite side plates 106 includes a pair of engaging elements 107a, 107b. The pair of engaging elements 107a, 107b includes protruded surfaces formed on the second pair of opposite side plates 106. The battery pack 100 includes a first pair of hinge lock mechanisms 108a and a second pair of hinge lock mechanisms 108b disposed on second pair of opposite side plates 106. The first pair of hinge lock mechanism 108a is configured to lock the top plate 110 on the pair of engaging elements 107a. Likewise, the second pair of hinge lock mechanism 108b is configured to lock the base plate 102 on the pair of engaging elements 107b. The first pair of the hinge lock mechanism 108a is hingedly mounted on a peripheral cover element 109. The peripheral cover element 109 is fastened to edge portions of the top plate 110. The second pair of hinge lock mechanisms 108b is hingedly mounted on the base plate 102. The first pair of hinge lock mechanisms 108a may be actuated by a user to lock or unlock the top plate 110 with respect to the second pair of opposite side plates 106. The unlocking of the first pair of hinge lock mechanisms 108a allows a user to remove the top plate 110 to access the housing of the battery pack 100. The second pair of hinge lock mechanisms 108b may be actuated by the user to lock or unlock the base plate 102 with respect to the opposite side plates 106 while assembling the battery modules inside the housing. The top plate 110 of the battery pack 100 includes mounting provisions for mounting an external connection 111. The external connection 111 is having a negative and a positive terminal connection port operably connected to the battery modules stored inside the housing. The external connection 111 is configured to provide connection to external component, device or a vehicle being powered by the battery pack 100. On the other side, the external connection 111 provides charging connection with electrical charging means.
[018] Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of the battery modules M1, M2 arranged in a parallel configuration in an assembled state, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 illustrates an exploded view of the battery modules M1, M2 arranged in a parallel configuration in a dismantled state, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.
[019] As shown, each of the battery modules M1, M2 contains a plurality of battery cells C housed within the casings 112. The casing 112 in cell holders is arranged in a multiple row configuration. The cell holders are configured to store battery cells C. The battery cells C may be, but not limited to, rechargeable Lithium-ion cylindrical cells. Each battery cell C has electrical terminals i.e., a positive terminal and a negative terminal. The battery cells C are electrically connected with each other through a pair of interconnectors 150. The pair of interconnectors 150 is mounted on the casing 112. Each of the electrical terminals of the battery cells C are in contact with the pair of interconnectors 150. The interconnectors 150 are configured to connect the battery cells C in series and/or parallel combination to obtain the desired current and voltage from the battery modules M1, M2. The pair of interconnectors 150 of each of the battery modules M1, M2 are separated by a separator unit disposed between them. The separator unit is configured to isolate the pairs of interconnectors 150 from each other. The interconnectors 150 are metal plates having terminal receiving portions. The interconnectors 150 includes terminal receiving portions for securing the positive and negative terminals of the battery cells C.
[020] In an exemplary embodiment, each casing 112 of the battery module M1, M2 includes battery cells arranged in 14s7p combination through the pair of interconnectors 150. In this manner, 98 battery cells i.e., C1 to C98 are arranged inside cell holders of each casing 112 of the battery modules M1, M2. The battery module M1 includes a positive terminal 114 and a negative terminal 117 attached to the casing 112. Each of the positive terminal 114 and the negative terminal 117 of the battery module M1 is operably connected to the pair of interconnectors 150 of the battery module M1. Similarly, the battery module M2 includes a positive terminal 116 and a negative terminal 119 attached to the casing 112. Each of the positive terminal 116 and the negative terminal 119 of the battery module M2 is operably connected to the other pair of interconnectors 150 of the battery module M2. The battery pack 100 includes bus bars 115, 118 made of a conductive material. To connect the battery modules M1, M2 in a parallel configuration, a first bus bar 115 is connected between the positive terminals 114, 116 of the battery modules M1, M2 respectively. In one non-limiting example, the first bus bar 115 is removably attached to the positive terminals 114, 116 of the battery modules M1, M2 respectively. A second bus bar 118 is connected between the negative terminals 117, 119 of the battery modules M1, M2 respectively. In one non-limiting example, the second bus bar 118 is removably attached to the negative terminals 114, 116 of the battery modules M1, M2 respectively. In this manner, the bus bars 115, 118 electrically connect the two battery modules M1, M2 to form a battery pack of a 14s14p configuration.
[021] In an embodiment, the battery pack 100 includes a Printed Circuit Board 120 mounted on side surface of casings 112 of battery modules M1, M2. The Printed Circuit board 120 is operably connected to the pair of the interconnectors 150 of the battery modules M1, M2. The pair of interconnectors 150 includes contact members 152. Each of the casings 112 of the battery modules M1, M2 includes attachment means 113 for mounting the Printed Circuit Board 120. The attachment means 113 is configured to connect the Printed Circuit Board 120 with the contact members 152 of the interconnectors 150. The attachment means 113 includes mounting holes formed on a longitudinal side of the casings 112. The Printed Circuit Board 120 includes recesses 122 formed on a surface of the Printed Circuit Board 120. The recesses 122 corresponds to the mounting holes of the casing 112. The recesses 122 being configured to receive fastening means 124 to mount the Printed Circuit Board 120 on the casing 112 of the battery modules M1, M2. The fastening means 124 include a screw or a nut and bolt arrangement.
[022] In an embodiment, the battery pack 100 includes current sensors and temperature sensors. The current sensors operable connected to interconnectors 150 and are configured to detect voltage difference between terminals of the battery cells C. The temperature sensors are disposed inside the battery modules M1, M2. The temperature sensors are disposed inside cell holders of the casings 112 of the battery modules M1, M2 and attached to the battery cells C. The temperature sensors are configured to detect the temperature of battery cells C disposed inside the casings of the battery modules M1, M2. The Printed Circuit Board 120 include one or more integrated circuits connected to electric hardware components viz. a fuse, wiring circuits, relay etc. The Printed Circuit Board 120 is operably connected to the current sensors and the temperature sensors. In operation, the Printed Circuit Board 120 is configured to monitor the voltage difference between the cell terminals during functioning of the battery pack 100 including charging and discharging of battery cells C. The Printed Circuit Board 120 is configured to safeguard the battery cells of the battery modules M1, M2 and functions as to maintain a predetermined value of voltage difference between battery cells C. Upon detection of overcharging or over-temperature of the battery cells C, the Printed Circuit Board 120 is configured to disconnect the power supply of the battery modules M1, M2. The fuse may be blown in the event of short-circuit or overloading of battery cells C.
[023] In an embodiment, each of the casings 112 of the battery module M1, M2 includes a pair of attachment portions 170, 180 formed on a width side of the casings 112. The pair of attachment portions 170, 180 is configured to mount the casings 112 of the battery modules M1, M2 inside the housing of the battery pack 100.
[024] Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of the battery modules M1, M2 arranged in a series configuration in an assembled state, in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 illustrates an exploded view of the battery modules M1, M2 arranged in the series configuration in a dismantled state, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.
[025] In an embodiment, same casings 112 of the battery modules M1, M2 arranged in parallel configuration as shown in Figure 3 may be used to connect the battery modules in a series configuration and can be stored in the housing of the battery pack 100. As shown in Figure 4, the battery cells C are electrically connected with each other through the pair of interconnectors 150. The interconnectors 150 includes terminal receiving portions for securing the positive and negative terminals of the battery cells C. The pair of interconnectors 150 is mounted on the casing 112. Each of the electrical terminals of the battery cells C are in contact with the pair of interconnectors 150. The interconnectors 150 are configured to connect the battery cells C in series and/or parallel combination to obtain the desired current and voltage from the battery modules M1, M2. Each casing 112 of the battery modules M1, M2 having battery cells C arranged in 7s14p combination. The battery module M1 includes the positive terminal 114 and the negative terminal 117. Each of the positive terminal 114 and the negative terminal 117 of the battery module M1 is operably connected to the pair of interconnectors 150 of the battery module M1. Similarly, the battery module M2 includes the positive terminal 116 and the negative terminal 119 attached to the casing 112. Each of the positive terminal 116 and the negative terminal 119 of the battery module M2 is operably connected to the pair of interconnectors 150 of the battery module M2. The bus bar 118 is connected between the negative terminal 117 of the battery module M1 and the positive terminal 116 of the battery module M2 to connect the battery modules M1, M2 in the series configuration. In one non-limiting example, the bus bar 118 is removably attached to the negative terminal 117 of the battery module M1 and the positive terminal 116 of the battery module M2. In this series configuration, the bus bar 118 electrically connects the two battery modules M1, M2 to form a battery pack having a 14s14p configuration. The Printed Circuit Board 120 is mounted on side surface of casings 112 of battery modules M1, M2. The Printed Circuit board 120 is configured to electrically connect the pair of the interconnectors 150 of the battery modules M1, M2 connected in the series configuration.
[026] Advantageously, the present invention provides a battery pack having a housing for storing plurality of battery modules. The battery modules are having cell holders configured to store plurality of battery cells arranged in series and/or parallel configuration with a pair of interconnectors. The battery pack is configured to connect the battery modules in a series or parallel configuration to derive requisite voltage or current capacity through bus bars. The cell holders along with interconnectors bus bars and Printed Circuit Board of the same battery back can be used interchangeably to connect the battery modules in a series and/or parallel configuration instead of connecting two battery packs with different configurations. The present invention provides a simple configuration of assembling a battery pack with provisions of connecting the battery modules in series or parallel configuration which reduces the number of parts required for connecting the battery modules and also reduces the weight of the battery pack. The configuration of the battery pack allows the Printed Circuit Board to effectively monitor the battery cells arranged in battery modules and reduces the cell imbalance and battery degradation issues.
[027] While the present invention has been described with respect to certain embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modification may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

List of Reference Numerals
100 – Battery Pack
102 – Base Plate
104, 106 – Pairs of opposite side plates
107a, 107b – Engaging elements
108a – First pair of hinge lock mechanism
108b – Second pair of hinge lock mechanism
109 – peripheral cover element
110 – Top plate
111 – External connection
112 –Casings of Battery modules M1, M2
113- Attachment means
114 – Positive terminal of battery module M1
115 – First Bus bar
116 – Positive terminal of battery module M2
117 – Negative terminal of battery module M1
118- Second Bus bar
119 – Negative terminal of battery module M2
120 – Printed Circuit Board
122 – Recesses
124 – Fastening means
150 – Pair of interconnectors
152 – Contact members
170, 180- Attachment portions
C – Battery Cells
M1, M2 – Battery Modules
, Claims:1. A battery pack (100) comprising:
a housing;
a plurality of battery modules (M1, M2) disposed inside the housing, each of the battery modules (M1, M2) comprises:
a casing (112) having cell holders arranged in a multiple row configuration;
a plurality of battery cells (C) disposed inside the cell holders, each battery cell (C) having a positive terminal and a negative terminal;
a pair of interconnectors (150) mounted on the casing (112), each of the pair of interconnectors (150) being operably connected to the positive and negative terminals of the battery cells (C); and
one or more bus bars (115, 118) operably connected to the pair of interconnectors (150) of the battery modules (M1, M2) and being configured to electrically connect the battery modules (M1, M2) in a series or a parallel configuration.

2. The battery pack (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the battery modules (M1, M2) comprises a positive terminal (114, 116) and a negative terminal (117, 119), each of the positive terminals (114, 116) and the negative terminals (117, 119) being operably connected to the pair of interconnectors (150) of the battery modules (M1, M2).

3. The battery pack (100) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the bus bar (118) being connected between the negative terminal (117) of the battery module (M1) and the positive terminal of the battery module (M2) to connect the battery modules (M1, M2) in the series configuration.

4. The battery pack (100) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein each of the bus bars (115, 118) being connected between the positive terminals (114, 116) and the negative terminals (117, 119) of the battery modules (M1, M2) to connect the battery modules (M1, M2) in the parallel configuration.

5. The battery pack (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprises a Printed Circuit Board (120) mounted on each of the casing (112) of the battery modules (M1, M2).

6. The battery pack (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the Printed Circuit board (120) being operably connected to the pair of the interconnectors (150) of the battery modules (M1, M2).

7. The battery pack (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the casings (112) of the battery modules (M1, M2) comprises attachment means (113) for mounting the Printed Circuit Board (120).

8. The battery pack (100) as claimed in claim 3 or 4, wherein the bus bars (115, 118) being removably attached to the positive terminals (114,116) and the negative terminals (117, 119) of the battery modules (M1, M2).

9. The battery pack (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the housing comprises: a base plate (102); a top plate (110); pairs of opposite side plates (104, 108) extending between the base plate (102) and the top plate (110); and an external connection (111) mounted on the top plate (110).

10. The battery pack (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprises a separator unit disposed between the pair of interconnectors (150) of each of the battery modules (M1, M2).