CN116805746A - Case lid attachment configuration for battery pack having cell-pack battery system - Google Patents

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a "case lid attachment configuration for a battery pack having a cell-battery pack battery system". A cover attachment for securing a housing cover to a cell row/cell separator on a traction battery pack including a cell-pack battery system is disclosed. The one or more separators of the cell-battery pack system may be configured to separate the cell stacks or battery cells within the cell-battery pack system. A cover attachment (e.g., clip, adhesive disc, magnet assembly, shackle assembly, ball and socket assembly, etc.) may be connected to a portion of the spacer to secure the housing cover directly to the cell-battery pack battery system. The combination of the cover attachment and the divider provides for housing cover retention at the interior region of the cell-battery pack battery system, maintains the housing cover at a distance from the battery cells of the cell-battery pack battery system, and creates a desired amount of pack horizontal stiffness to distribute load through the cell-battery pack battery system.

Description

Case lid attachment configuration for battery pack having cell-pack battery system

Cross Reference to Related Applications

This disclosure claims priority from U.S. provisional application No. 63/322,766, filed on day 23 of 3.2022, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to traction battery packs and, more particularly, to a cover attachment for securing a housing cover in place on a traction battery pack including a cell-pack battery system.

Background

Motorized vehicles differ from conventional motor vehicles in that motorized vehicles include a drive train having one or more electric machines. Alternatively or in addition to the internal combustion engine, the electric machine may drive an electrically powered vehicle. The traction battery pack may power the motor and other electrical loads of the vehicle.

Conventional traction battery packs include a battery cell stack called a battery array. The battery array includes various array support structures (e.g., array frames, spacers, stringers, walls, end plates, ties, etc.) arranged to group and support battery cells in a plurality of individual cells within a traction battery pack housing.

Disclosure of Invention

Traction battery packs according to exemplary aspects of the present disclosure include, among other things: a housing assembly including a housing cover and a housing tray; a battery system housed within the housing assembly and including a separator; and a cover attachment arranged to secure the housing cover to the partition.

In another non-limiting embodiment of the aforementioned traction battery pack, the separator is a cell row separator positioned between the first cell stack and the second cell stack of the battery system.

In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing traction battery packs, the separator is a battery cell separator positioned between a first battery cell and a second battery cell of a cell stack of the battery system.

In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing traction battery packs, the battery system is a cell-battery pack battery system, and the housing tray provides a cell compression opening for compressing a cell matrix of the cell-battery pack battery system.

In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing traction battery packs, the structural adhesive is received between the first tab and the second tab of the separator.

In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing traction battery packs, the separator is a polymer-based component that is not directly mounted to the housing tray.

In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing traction battery packs, the cover attachment engages a post of the separator.

In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing traction battery packs, the cover attachment includes a clip having a bridge mounted to the housing cover and a pair of flexible legs that engage the posts.

In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing traction battery packs, the cover attachment includes an adhesive secured to both the housing cover and the post.

In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing traction battery packs, the cover attachment includes a magnet mounted to the post.

In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing traction battery packs, the cover attachment includes a first touch fastener (touch fastener) mounted to the housing cover and a second touch fastener mounted to the post.

In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing traction battery packs, the cover attachment includes a ball and socket assembly.

A traction battery pack according to another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things: a housing assembly including a housing cover and a housing tray; a cell-to-cell pack battery system housed within the housing assembly and including a first cell stack, a second cell stack, and a cell row divider secured to both the first cell stack and the second cell stack; and a cover attachment arranged to secure the housing cover to the legs of the cell row divider.

In another non-limiting embodiment of the aforementioned traction battery pack, the cell row separator is a polymer-based component.

In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing traction battery packs, the cover attachment includes a clip having a bridge mounted to the housing cover and a pair of flexible legs that engage the posts.

In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing traction battery packs, the cover attachment includes an adhesive disc (puck) secured to both the housing cover and the post.

In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing traction battery packs, the cover attachment includes a first magnet mounted to the housing cover and a second magnet mounted to the post.

In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing traction battery packs, the cover attachment includes a first touch fastener mounted to the housing cover and a second touch fastener mounted to the post.

In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing traction battery packs, the cover attachment includes a ball and socket assembly.

In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing traction battery packs, the cell row separator includes a base, a first tab extending from the base, and a second tab extending from the base. The structural adhesive is received within a gap extending between the first tab and the second tab.

The embodiments, examples and alternatives of the foregoing paragraphs, claims or the following description and drawings (including any of their various aspects or respective individual features) may be employed independently or in any combination. Features described in connection with one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments unless such features are incompatible.

Various features and advantages of this disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description. The drawings that accompany the detailed description can be briefly described as follows.

Drawings

Fig. 1 schematically shows an electrically powered vehicle.

Fig. 2 shows a traction battery pack of the motorized vehicle of fig. 1.

Fig. 3 illustrates a cell-pack battery system of the traction battery pack of fig. 2.

Fig. 4 illustrates an exemplary separator of a cell-to-battery pack battery system.

Fig. 5 shows the interface between the separator and the housing cover of a traction battery pack having a cell-pack battery system.

Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view through section 6-6 of fig. 5.

Fig. 7 shows an exemplary lid attachment design for engaging the struts of the divider.

Fig. 8 illustrates another exemplary cover attachment for securing a housing cover to a spacer of a battery cell-pack battery system.

Fig. 9 illustrates another exemplary cover attachment for securing a housing cover to a spacer of a battery cell-pack battery system.

Fig. 10 illustrates yet another exemplary cover attachment for securing a housing cover to a spacer of a battery cell-pack battery system.

Fig. 11 illustrates yet another exemplary cover attachment for securing a housing cover to a spacer of a battery cell-pack battery system.

Fig. 12 illustrates another exemplary separator of a cell-to-battery pack battery system.

Detailed Description

The present disclosure details a cover attachment for securing a housing cover to a cell row/cell separator on a traction battery pack including a cell-battery pack battery system. The one or more separators of the cell-battery pack system may be configured to separate the cell stacks or battery cells within the cell-battery pack system. A cover attachment (e.g., clip, adhesive disc, magnet assembly, shackle assembly, ball and socket assembly, etc.) may be connected to a portion of the spacer to secure the housing cover directly to the cell-battery pack battery system. The combination of the cover attachment and the divider provides for housing cover retention at the interior region of the cell-battery pack battery system, maintains the housing cover at a distance from the battery cells of the cell-battery pack battery system, and creates a desired amount of pack horizontal stiffness to distribute load through the cell-battery pack battery system. These and other features are discussed in more detail in the following paragraphs of this detailed description.

Fig. 1 schematically illustrates an electrically powered vehicle 10. The motorized vehicle 10 may include any type of motorized driveline. In an embodiment, the motorized vehicle 10 is a Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV). However, the concepts described herein are not limited to BEVs and are extendable to other motorized vehicles, including, but not limited to, hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), fuel cell vehicles, and the like. Thus, although not specifically shown in the exemplary embodiment, the motorized vehicle 10 may be equipped with an internal combustion engine that may be employed alone or in combination with other power sources to propel the motorized vehicle 10.

In an embodiment, the motorized vehicle 10 is an automobile. However, motorized vehicle 10 may alternatively be configured for a pick-up truck, van, sport utility vehicle, or any other vehicle. Although specific component relationships are shown in the drawings of the present disclosure, the illustrations are not intended to limit the disclosure. The layout and orientation of the various components of the motorized vehicle 10 are schematically illustrated and may vary within the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the various figures attached to this disclosure are not necessarily drawn to scale, and some features may be exaggerated or minimized to emphasize certain details of particular components or systems.

In the illustrated embodiment, the motorized vehicle 10 is a pure electric vehicle propelled solely by electric power (such as by one or more electric machines 12) without the assistance of an internal combustion engine. The electric machine 12 may act as an electric motor, a generator, or both. The electric machine 12 receives electrical power and may convert the electrical power into torque for driving one or more drive wheels 14 of the motorized vehicle 10.

The voltage bus 16 may electrically couple the motor 12 to a traction battery pack 18. Traction battery pack 18 is capable of outputting electrical power to power motor 12 and/or other electrical loads of electric vehicle 10.

The traction battery pack 18 may be secured to an underbody 22 of the motorized vehicle 10. However, it is within the scope of the present disclosure that traction battery pack 18 may be located elsewhere on electric vehicle 10.

Traction battery pack 18 is an exemplary motorized vehicle battery. Traction battery pack 18 may be a high voltage traction battery pack including a cell-pack battery system 20. Unlike conventional traction battery pack battery systems, the battery cell-battery pack battery system 20 incorporates battery cells or other energy storage devices without arranging the cells in separate arrays or modules. Thus, the cell-to-cell battery system 20 eliminates most, if not all, of the array support structures (e.g., array frames, spacers, stringers, walls, end plates, ties, etc.) necessary to group battery cells into arrays/modules. Furthermore, unlike conventional battery systems that require multiple individual battery arrays/modules that must be connected together after being positioned within the battery housing to achieve an overall voltage potential, the cell-to-battery pack battery system 20 can provide the overall voltage bus potential of the traction battery pack 18 with a single battery cell.

Referring now to fig. 2 and 3, the traction battery pack 18 may include a housing assembly 24 arranged to house the battery cell-pack battery system 20. In an embodiment, the battery cell-to-battery pack battery system 20 includes a plurality of battery cells 26 that are held within an interior region 28 established by the housing assembly 24.

The battery cells 26 may supply electrical power to various components of the motorized vehicle 10. The battery cells 26 may be stacked side-by-side with respect to one another to construct a cell stack 30, and the cell stacks 30 may be positioned side-by-side in rows to provide a cell matrix 32.

In an embodiment, each cell stack 30 includes eight individual battery cells 26, and the cell matrix 32 includes four cell stacks 30 for a total of thirty-two battery cells 26. Providing a uniform number of battery cells 26 and a uniform number of cell stacks 30 may help support an efficient electrical bus arrangement. Although a particular number of battery cells 26 and cell stacks 30 are shown in the various figures of the present disclosure, the cell-to-cell pack battery system 20 of the traction battery pack 18 may include any number of battery cells 26 and any number of cell stacks 30. In other words, the present disclosure is not limited to the exemplary configurations shown in fig. 2 and 3.

In an embodiment, battery cell 26 is a prismatic lithium ion cell. However, battery cells having other geometries (cylindrical, soft pack, etc.) and/or chemistries (nickel-metal hydride, lead acid, etc.) may alternatively be utilized within the scope of the present disclosure.

The housing assembly 24 of the traction battery pack 18 may include a housing cover 34 and a housing tray 36. The housing cover 34 may be secured to the housing tray 36 to provide an interior region 28 for housing the battery cell-pack battery system 20.

The housing tray 36 may include a bottom plate 38 and a plurality of side walls 40 arranged relative to one another to provide a cell compression opening 42. The bottom panel 38 and the side walls 40 may be mechanically coupled to each other, such as by welding, for example.

During assembly of traction battery pack 18, housing cover 34 may be secured to housing tray 36 at interface 44 that substantially encloses interior region 28. In some embodiments, mechanical fasteners 46 may be used to secure the housing cover 34 to the housing tray 36, but other fastening methods (adhesion, etc.) may also be suitable. As discussed further below, the housing cover 34 may be directly coupled to the cell-battery pack battery system 20.

The cell matrix 32 of the cell-pack battery system 20 may be positioned within the cell compression openings 42 provided by the housing tray 36. The exemplary housing tray 36 is depicted as including a single cell compression opening 42, however, it should be understood that the present disclosure extends to structural assemblies that provide one or more cell compression openings. The housing cover 34 may cover the cell matrix 32 within the cell compression openings 42 to surround the battery cells 26 on substantially all sides. Once fully assembled and positioned relative to the housing tray 36, the cell matrix 32 can establish a single cell that can provide the overall voltage bus potential of the traction battery pack 18.

The housing tray 36 may compress and retain the cell matrix 32 when the cell matrix 32 is received within the cell compression opening 42. In an embodiment, the side walls 40 of the housing tray 36 apply a force to the cell matrix 32 when the cell matrix 32 is positioned within the cell compression openings 42.

In an embodiment, to insert the cell matrix 32 into the cell compression opening 42, the cell matrix 32 may be compressed first and then moved into place in the cell compression opening 42 when compressed. A compressive force F may be applied to opposite ends of one of the cell stacks 30 _C . Compression force F _C The battery cells 26 within the cell stack 30 are substantially compressed, compressing the cell stack 30 and the individual battery cells 26 to a reduced thickness. When the compression force F _C When applied to the cell stack 30, the cell stack 30 may be moved by a downward force F _D Inserted into the corresponding cell compression openings 42. Downward force F _D May be applied directly to one or more of the battery cells 26.

Although the term "downward" is used herein to describe a downward force F _D It is to be understood that the term "downwardly" is also used herein to refer to a tendency to draw electricityAll forces of the cell stack 30 pressing into the cell compression opening 42. In particular, the term "downward" refers to being substantially perpendicular to the compressive force F _C Whether or not the force is truly in a "downward" direction. For example, the present disclosure extends to cell stacks that are compressed laterally and inserted into cell compression openings.

The cell stack 30 may be individually compressed and inserted into the cell compression opening 42. In another embodiment, the entire cell matrix 32 is compressed and inserted into the cell compression openings 42. As schematically shown in fig. 3, in such an embodiment, an additional compressive force F _X The cell stacks 30 may be compressed together to insert the cell matrix 32 into the cell compression openings 42. Compression force F _X Generally perpendicular to the compressive force F _C . Compression force F _X Can be matched with the compression force F _C Applied together. Force F can then be applied _D To move the entire cell matrix 32 into the cell compression openings 42.

In an embodiment, the entire perimeter of the cell compression opening 42 is defined by the side walls 40 of the housing tray 36. The sidewalls 40 may apply compressive force to the battery cells 26 around the entire perimeter of the cell matrix 32. Thus, the sidewalls 40 may serve as a rigid ring-like structure that compresses and tightly holds the cell matrix 32.

The above-described configuration is considered a battery pack of the cell-battery pack type, which is different from the conventional battery pack type that includes a housing holding an array of battery cells enclosed by an array support structure spaced apart from the walls of the battery housing, and in which the battery housing does not apply a compressive force to any battery cells. The cell-pack type battery packs described herein also eliminate the rigid cross members that are typically secured to the housing tray of a conventional traction battery pack to provide mounting points for securing the battery array and housing cover.

The cell-to-battery pack battery system 20 may also include one or more cell row separators 48. In an embodiment, one cell row separator 48 is positioned between each pair of adjacent cell stacks 30 of the cell matrix 32. In other embodiments, two cell row dividers 48 are provided for each cell stack 30. However, the total number of cell row separators 48 disposed within the cell-to-cell battery system 20 is not intended to limit the present disclosure.

As described in further detail below, the cell row separator 48 may provide various functions and advantages to the cell-to-cell pack battery system 20, including, but not limited to, maintaining the battery cells 26 of adjacent cell stacks 30 spaced apart from one another; increasing stiffness on the cell matrix 32 to prevent sagging and/or buckling; mounting points are provided to secure the housing cover 34 directly to the cell-to-cell battery system 20, etc. The functionality provided by the cell row divider 48 described herein may be particularly advantageous for traction battery packs including cell-to-battery pack type battery systems, because the array support structure conventionally provided within the battery array has been largely eliminated from the cell-to-battery pack battery system 20, and the rigid cross members conventionally provided to establish mounting points for the housing cover 34 have been eliminated from the housing tray 36.

With continued reference to fig. 1-3, fig. 4 illustrates an exemplary design for a cell row separator 48 within the cell-to-battery pack battery system 20. The cell row separator 48 may be a polymer-based component. For example, the cell row separator 48 may be constructed from sheet molding compound (e.g., fiberglass reinforced polyester), polypropylene, polyamide, or the like.

The cell row spacers 48 may include a relative nominal thickness T (see insert a) at the locations of the cell row spacers 48 disposed between adjacent cell stacks 30. In some embodiments, the thickness T may be between about 1mm and about 2mm, although other thicknesses may be suitable. Thus, the thickness T is much less than that provided by the highly structured cross member of a conventional traction battery pack. In this disclosure, the term "about" means that the expressed amount or range need not be exact, but may be approximate and/or larger or smaller, reflecting acceptable tolerances, conversion factors, measurement errors and the like.

The cell row divider 48 may include a base 50 and a plurality of finger tabs 52 projecting upwardly from the base 50. The base 50 and the tab 52 may together establish an integral, one-piece structure of the cell row divider 48.

The projections 52 may be spaced apart from one another along the length of the base 50. The total number of tabs 52 disposed within the cell row separator 48 is not intended to limit the present disclosure. Because of their spaced relationship, gaps 54 may extend between each pair of adjacent projections 52.

The protrusions 52 may extend vertically away from the base 50 along longitudinal axes that are parallel to each other. Each tab 52 may include a cantilevered design extending between a proximal portion 64 proximate the base 50 and a distal portion 66 spaced from the base 50. The tab 52 may extend to any desired height above the battery cells 26 of the cell stack 30.

In an embodiment, each tab 52 tapers in a direction toward the distal portion 66. However, other configurations may also be possible.

The cell row spacer 48 may also include a first side surface 56 and a second side surface 58 opposite the first side surface 56. The first side surface 56 may be directly secured to the battery cells 26 of one of the cell stacks 30 and the second side surface 58 may be secured to an adjacent cell stack 30 of the cell matrix 32. In an embodiment, different types of adhesion may be used on the opposite side surfaces 56, 58 of the cell row spacer 48. For example, more structural adhesion may be utilized on one side of the reference common datum.

In an embodiment, the cell row divider 48 is secured to one or more longitudinally extending sides of the cell stack 30. However, the cell row divider 48 may be secured to either side of the cell stack 30. Notably, the cell row dividers 48 are not directly secured to the housing tray 36 when the cell matrix 32 is received within the cell compression openings 42.

Each cell row spacer 48 may be secured to one or more cell stacks 30, such as with one or more sections of double-sided tape or any other suitable adhesive (not shown). The cell row separator 48, when positioned between adjacent cell stacks 30, may prevent the battery cells 26 of adjacent cell stacks 30 from contacting each other.

The gap 54 may create an open area between the cell stacks 30 to receive the structural adhesive 62. The tabs 52, base 50, and the battery cells 26 of adjacent cell stacks 30 may establish a containment perimeter around the structural adhesive 62 for confining the adhesive to a desired location of the cell matrix 32. Once cured, the structural adhesive 62 may increase the stiffness of the cell matrix 32, thereby preventing sagging and/or buckling and structurally coupling the cell stacks 30 together. Structural adhesive 62 may be an epoxy or any other suitable adhesive.

One or more of the tabs 52 of the cell row divider 48 may include a post 60. The post 60 may be disposed at a distal portion 66 of the projection 52. The post 60 may include a thickness that is greater than the thickness of the remainder of the tab 52. In an embodiment, the thickness of the post 60 is about two to about three times the thickness of the remainder of the tab 52. The post 60 may be rectangular, but other shapes may be utilized within the scope of the present disclosure.

The support posts 60 may extend to a position above the upper surface 68 of the battery cells 26 of the cell stack 30. Thus, the struts 60 may be located higher than the cell stack 30 and may be positioned within an open space extending between the housing cover 34 and the cell matrix 32.

Referring now to fig. 5-6, with continued reference to fig. 1-4, each post 60 of each cell row spacer 48 may provide a mounting point for directly mounting the housing cover 34 to the cell row spacer 48 (and thus directly to the cell-battery pack battery system 20). For example, each post 60 may interface with a cover attachment 70 mounted to the housing cover 34 to secure the housing cover 34 in place at an interior region of the battery cell-pack system 20 that is spaced inward from the interface 44 established by the housing tray 36. The cover attachment 70 may be connected to the post 60 when the housing cover 34 is moved into place over the cell-to-battery pack battery system 20.

In an embodiment, the cover attachment 70 is a clip that includes a bridge 72 and a pair of flexible legs 74 extending from the bridge 72. The bridge 72 may be mounted (e.g., welded) to an inner surface 76 of the housing cover 34, and the pair of flexible legs 74 may interface with the posts 60 to secure the housing cover 34 to the cell row spacer 48.

Each flexible leg 74 may include a hooked portion 78. The flexible legs 74 can flex outwardly as the cap attachment 70 moves into contact with the post 60 and can flex back toward each other once the hook portions 78 pass over the thickness of the post 60. In an embodiment, the hook portion 78 may engage the bottom surface 80 of the post 60 when the housing cover 34 is fully pushed into place. In another embodiment, the hook portion 78 may engage a side surface 82 of the post 60 (see, e.g., fig. 7) when the housing cover 34 is fully pushed into place. The hook portion 78 may alternatively engage (e.g., snap into) a portion of the post 60.

Fig. 8 illustrates another exemplary cover attachment 70-2 for securing the housing cover 34 directly to the posts 60 of the cell row spacer 48. In this embodiment, the cover attachment 70-2 includes an adhesive disc 84. The adhesive disk 84 may adhere to the inner surface 76 of the housing cover 34 and the top surface 86 of the post 60 to secure the housing cover 34 to the cell row spacer 48.

Fig. 9 illustrates another exemplary cover attachment 70-3 for securing the housing cover 34 directly to the posts 60 of the cell row spacer 48. In this embodiment, the cover attachment 70-3 is a magnet assembly that includes a first magnet 88 secured to the inner surface 76 of the housing cover 34 and a second magnet 90 secured to the top surface 86 of the post 60. The first magnet 88 may be magnetically coupled to the second magnet 90 when the housing cover 34 is moved into position over the battery cell-to-battery pack system 20. In other embodiments, only a single magnet may be required to attract the ferrous material of the housing cover 34.

Fig. 10 illustrates another exemplary cover attachment 70-4 for securing the housing cover 34 directly to the posts 60 of the cell row spacer 48. In this embodiment, the cover attachment 70-4 is a hook and loop fastener assembly that includes a first touch fastener 92 secured to the inner surface 76 of the housing cover 34 and a second touch fastener 94 secured to the top surface 86 of the post 60. When the housing cover 34 is moved into position over the battery cell-pack system 20, the first touch fastener 92 may be bonded to the second touch fastener 94.

Suitable touch fasteners are commercially available from the ville kluyveromyces (Velcro Industries b.v.) under the trademark VELCRO. In an embodiment, the first touch fastener 92 may include relatively smaller hooks of material adapted to engage relatively smaller loops of material of the second touch fastener 94. Of course, the opposite configuration is also contemplated, wherein the first touch fastener 92 comprises a loop and the second touch fastener 94 comprises a hook.

Fig. 11 shows yet another exemplary cover attachment 70-5 for securing the housing cover 34 directly to the posts 60 of the cell row spacer 48. In this embodiment, the cover attachment 70-5 is a ball and socket assembly that includes a ball portion 96 secured to the inner surface 76 of the housing cover 34 and a socket portion 98 formed in the top surface 86 of the post 60. The socket portion 98 may receive the ball portion 96 when the housing cover 34 is moved into position over the battery cell-pack battery system 20.

In the above-described embodiment, the mounting points for receiving the cover attachment are provided by the posts 60 of the cell row divider 48. However, the mounting points may alternatively or additionally be provided by one or more struts of the battery cell separator 148. An exemplary cell separator 148 is shown in fig. 12 and may be positioned between adjacent battery cells 26 of the cell stack 30 of the cell-pack battery system. The battery cell separator 148 may include protrusions 152, each of which includes a post 160. The cover attachment 170 may engage the posts 160 to secure the housing cover 34 directly to the battery cell separator 148.

The exemplary dividers of the present disclosure provide mounting points for directly securing the housing cover to the cell-pack battery system of the traction battery pack without forming additional holes in the cover. The dividers can provide mounting solutions for various assembly complexities that can occur due to the elimination of many array support structures and tray rigid cross members associated with conventional traction battery packs.

Although various non-limiting embodiments are shown with specific components or steps, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to these specific combinations. Some features or components from any of the non-limiting embodiments may be used in combination with features or components from any of the other non-limiting embodiments.

It should be understood that the same reference numerals indicate corresponding or analogous elements throughout the several views. It should be understood that while particular component arrangements are disclosed and illustrated in the exemplary embodiments, other arrangements may benefit from the teachings of this disclosure.

The above description should be construed as illustrative and not in any limiting sense. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that some modifications may occur within the scope of the present disclosure. For these reasons, the following claims should be studied to determine the true scope and content of this disclosure.

Claims (15)

1. A traction battery pack, comprising:

a housing assembly including a housing cover and a housing tray;

a battery system housed within the housing assembly and including a separator; and

a cover attachment arranged to secure the housing cover to the partition.

2. The traction battery pack of claim 1, wherein the separator is a cell row separator positioned between a first cell stack and a second cell stack of the battery system or the separator is a battery cell separator positioned between a first cell stack and a second cell stack of the battery system.

3. The traction battery pack of claim 1 or 2, wherein the battery system is a cell-pack battery system, and further wherein the housing tray provides a cell compression opening for compressing a cell matrix of the cell-pack battery system.

4. The traction battery pack of any preceding claim, comprising a structural adhesive received between the first and second protrusions of the separator.

5. The traction battery pack of any preceding claim, wherein the separator is a polymer-based component that is not directly mounted to the housing tray.

6. The traction battery pack of any preceding claim, wherein the cover attachment engages a post of the separator.

7. The traction battery pack of claim 6, wherein the cover attachment includes a clip having a bridge mounted to the housing cover and a pair of flexible legs engaging the post.

8. The traction battery pack of claim 6, wherein the cover attachment includes an adhesive secured to both the housing cover and the post.

9. The traction battery pack of claim 6, wherein the cover attachment includes a magnet mounted to the post.

10. The traction battery pack of claim 6, wherein the cover attachment includes a first touch fastener mounted to the housing cover and a second touch fastener mounted to the post.

11. The traction battery pack of claim 6, wherein the cover attachment includes a ball and socket assembly.

12. A traction battery pack, comprising:

a housing assembly including a housing cover and a housing tray;

a cell-to-cell pack battery system housed within the housing assembly and including a first cell stack, a second cell stack, and a cell row divider secured to both the first cell stack and the second cell stack; and

a cover attachment arranged to secure the housing cover to the leg of the cell row divider.

13. The traction battery pack of claim 12, wherein the cell row separator is a polymer-based component.

14. The traction battery pack of claim 12 or 13, wherein the cover attachment comprises: a clip having a bridge mounted to the housing cover and a pair of flexible legs engaging the post; an adhesive disk secured to both the housing cover and the post; a magnet mounted to the post; a first touch fastener mounted to the housing cover and a second touch fastener mounted to the post; or a ball and socket assembly.

15. The traction battery pack of any one of claims 12-14, wherein the cell row separator comprises a base, a first tab extending from the base, and a second tab extending from the base; and further wherein structural adhesive is received within a gap extending between the first tab and the second tab.