阅读说明：本技术 用于车辆的电源系统 (Power supply system for vehicle ) 是由 权杋柱 金敏煜 俞升旻 梁熙台 郑智雄 郑然在 姜硕模 于 2020-10-21 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种用于车辆的电源系统包括具有电池壳体和设置在该电池壳体中的电池单元的高压电池组。PRA电连接至电池单元。第一电池连接器设置在电池壳体的一侧处,连接构件电连接电力继电器组件与第一电池连接器,并且第二电池连接器电连接至电力继电器组件并且设置在电池壳体的另一侧处。第一接线盒电连接至车辆的第一电力电子模块并且具有第一接线盒连接器。第一电池连接电缆电连接第一接线盒连接器与第一电池连接器。第二电池连接电缆电连接第二电池连接器和车辆的第二电力电子模块。(A power supply system for a vehicle includes a high-voltage battery pack having a battery case and a battery cell disposed in the battery case. The PRA is electrically connected to the battery cell. The first battery connector is disposed at one side of the battery case, the connection member electrically connects the power relay assembly with the first battery connector, and the second battery connector is electrically connected to the power relay assembly and disposed at the other side of the battery case. The first junction box is electrically connected to a first power electronics module of the vehicle and has a first junction box connector. The first battery connecting cable electrically connects the first terminal block connector and the first battery connector. A second battery connection cable electrically connects the second battery connector and a second power electronics module of the vehicle.)

1. A power supply system for a vehicle, the power supply system comprising:

a high voltage battery comprising:

a battery case;

a battery unit disposed in the battery case;

a power relay assembly electrically connected to the battery cell;

a first battery connector disposed at a first side of the battery case;

a connection member configured to electrically connect the power relay assembly with the first battery connector; and

a second battery connector electrically connected to the power relay assembly and disposed at a second side of the battery case;

a first junction box electrically connected to a first power electronics module of the vehicle and provided with a first junction box connector;

a first battery connection cable configured to electrically connect the first terminal block connector and the first battery connector; and

a second battery connection cable configured to electrically connect the second battery connector with a second power electronics module of the vehicle.

2. The power supply system of claim 1, further comprising:

a second junction box electrically connected to the second power electronics module of the vehicle and provided with a second junction box connector;

wherein the second battery connection cable electrically connects the second terminal block connector and the second battery connector.

3. The power supply system of claim 2, further comprising:

a bus bar disposed in the second junction box and electrically connected to the second junction box connector;

wherein the second power electronic module of the vehicle is electrically connected to the bus bar.

4. The power supply system of claim 2, further comprising:

a high-speed charging unit disposed in the second junction box.

5. The power supply system according to claim 4, wherein the high-speed charging unit includes:

a high-speed charging relay disposed in the second junction box; and

a high-speed charging connector provided in the second junction box and electrically connected to the high-speed charging relay.

6. The power supply system of claim 4, further comprising:

a low-speed charging unit disposed outside the high-voltage battery pack independently of the second junction box and electrically connected to the high-voltage battery pack.

7. The power supply system according to claim 6, wherein the low-speed charging unit includes:

a base member disposed outside the battery case;

a low-speed charging connector disposed on the base member and electrically connected to the power relay assembly; and

a fuse disposed on the base member and configured to selectively cut off the supply of electric power to the low-speed charging connector.

8. The power supply system of claim 1, further comprising:

a low-speed charging unit disposed in the battery case.

9. The power supply system according to claim 8, wherein the low-speed charging unit includes:

a base member disposed in the battery case;

a low-speed charging connector disposed on the base member and electrically connected to the power relay assembly; and

a fuse disposed on the base member and configured to selectively cut off the supply of electric power to the low-speed charging connector.

10. The power supply system according to claim 8, wherein the low-speed charging unit is provided in an edge region in the battery case adjacent to the power relay assembly.

11. The power supply system of claim 1, wherein the connecting member comprises at least one of a cable and a bus bar.

12. The power supply system of claim 1, wherein the first power electronics module comprises:

a front wheel motor of the vehicle; and

a front wheel inverter electrically connected to the front wheel motor and configured to convert direct-current power supplied from the high-voltage battery pack into alternating-current power.

13. The power supply system of claim 12, wherein the second power electronics module comprises:

a rear wheel motor of the vehicle; and

a rear wheel inverter electrically connected to the rear wheel motor and configured to convert the direct-current power supplied from the high-voltage battery pack into the alternating-current power.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a power supply system for a vehicle, and more particularly, to a power supply system for a vehicle capable of effectively distributing electric power, simplifying the structure thereof, and reducing the cost.

Background

Recently, the sales of eco-friendly vehicles such as electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles are increasing, and the number of components using a high voltage battery as an energy source is increasing because high electric power is required for the electrical components of the eco-friendly vehicles. Meanwhile, an eco-friendly vehicle is provided with a junction box configured to interconnect various circuits in the vehicle and regulate or control a voltage.

However, in the related art, a plurality of terminal blocks configured to distribute electric power to different high-voltage components (e.g., front wheel motors and rear wheel motors) are connected in series to the high-voltage battery pack, and as a result, a wiring structure for electrically connecting the terminal blocks and the high-voltage battery pack is complicated, manufacturing costs are increased, and efficiency of distributing electric power to the high-voltage components is decreased.

Further, in the related art, the junction box needs to be separately provided according to the selectable specifications of the vehicle (for example, an option of a four-wheel drive system or an option of a two-wheel drive system) to meet the customer's demand, and as a result, development and manufacturing costs increase and maintenance and management costs increase.

Therefore, recently, various types of studies have been conducted to efficiently distribute electric power to high-voltage components, simplify the structure, and reduce the cost, but the results of the studies are still insufficient. Therefore, it is required to develop a power supply system capable of efficiently distributing electric power to high-voltage components, simplifying the structure, and reducing the cost.

Disclosure of Invention

An object of the present disclosure is to provide a vehicle power supply system capable of effectively distributing electric power, simplifying the structure, and reducing the cost. Another object of the present disclosure is to simplify the structure of the terminal block, reduce the size of the terminal block, and simplify the wiring structure for electrically connecting the terminal block and the high-voltage battery pack.

Another object of the present disclosure is to shorten a power supply line and improve charging efficiency, compared to a method of charging a battery via a junction box. It is still another object of the present disclosure to improve the degree of freedom in arranging cables, improve the degree of freedom in design and space utilization, and reduce weight. It is yet another object of the present disclosure to allow the high voltage battery packs to share the function of distributing power (performed by the high voltage junction box).

It is a further object of the present disclosure to efficiently meet customer requirements (e.g., selection of vehicle options) and minimize development costs. It is another object of the present disclosure to reduce the number of junction boxes in the case of a vehicle to which a low speed charging option is applied. The object achieved by the exemplary embodiments is not limited to the above-described object, but also includes an object or effect that can be recognized from the following solutions or exemplary embodiments.

In addition to achieving the above object of the present disclosure, a power supply system for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a high-voltage battery pack having: a battery case; a battery unit disposed in the battery case; a Power Relay Assembly (PRA) electrically connected to the battery cell; a first battery connector disposed at a first side of the battery case; a connection member configured to electrically connect the power relay assembly with the first battery connector; and a second battery connector electrically connected to the power relay assembly and disposed at a second side of the battery case; a first junction box electrically connected to a first power electronics module of the vehicle and provided with a first junction box connector; a first battery connection cable configured to electrically connect the first terminal block connector and the first battery connector; and a second battery connection cable configured to electrically connect the second battery connector with a second power electronics module of the vehicle.

This is to efficiently distribute electric power, simplify the structure, and reduce the cost. In other words, in the related art, in order to supply electric power having a high voltage to a front wheel motor and a rear wheel motor of a vehicle, a first junction box is provided at a front side of the vehicle, and a second junction box is provided at a rear side of the vehicle, a high-voltage battery pack and the second junction box are electrically connected with a first connection cable, the high-voltage battery pack and the first junction box are electrically connected with a second connection cable (for example, connected in series via the second junction box), so that the second connection cable connects the first junction box and the second junction box, and therefore, the second connection cable inevitably needs to have a predetermined length or longer.

Specifically, in the related art, the second connection cable electrically connecting the high-voltage battery pack with the first junction box is provided to pass through a central tunnel (which is provided to penetrate the center of the vehicle) so that the drive shaft of the vehicle can pass through the central tunnel, and therefore, the length and weight of the second connection cable increase and the manufacturing cost increases. Further, in the related art, since the high-voltage battery pack is charged via the second junction box, a power supply line (e.g., a charging line) for charging the high-voltage battery pack inevitably increases and charging efficiency decreases.

In contrast, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the first and second terminal blocks are not connected with the cable, but the first and second terminal blocks are directly connected to the high voltage battery pack via the first and second battery connection cables. In other words, the first terminal block is directly connected to the high-voltage battery pack through the first battery connection cable, and the second terminal block is directly connected to the high-voltage battery pack through the second battery connection cable. As a result, it is possible to obtain advantageous effects of eliminating the cable connecting the first terminal block and the second terminal block, minimizing an increase in length and weight of the first battery connecting cable and the second battery connecting cable, and reducing costs.

Further, according to the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the charging wire for charging the high voltage battery pack is directly connected to the high voltage battery pack without passing through the second terminal block (or the first terminal block), and as a result, advantageous effects of shortening the charging wire for charging the high voltage battery pack and improving charging efficiency may be obtained.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, various members capable of electrically connecting the power relay assembly in the battery case and the first battery connector may be used as the connection member. Specifically, the connection member may include at least one of a cable and a bus bar.

According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, a first power electronic module of a vehicle may include: a front wheel motor of the vehicle; and a front wheel inverter electrically connected to the front wheel motor and configured to convert direct current power supplied from the high voltage battery pack into Alternating Current (AC) power, and the second power electronic module of the vehicle may include: a rear wheel motor of the vehicle; and a rear wheel inverter electrically connected to the rear wheel motor and configured to convert Direct Current (DC) power supplied from the high voltage battery pack into alternating current power.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a power supply system for a vehicle may include a second junction box electrically connected to a second power electronic module of the vehicle and provided with a second junction box connector, wherein a second battery connection cable electrically connects the second junction box connector and a second battery connector. Specifically, the power supply system for a vehicle may include a second junction box bus bar provided in the second junction box, and the second power electronic module may be electrically connected to the second junction box bus bar.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a power supply system for a vehicle may include a high-speed charging unit provided in a second junction box. The high-speed charging unit may have various structures capable of charging the high-voltage battery pack at a high speed. As an example, the high-speed charging unit may include: the high-speed charging relay is arranged in the second junction box; and a high-speed charging connector provided in the second junction box and electrically connected to the high-speed charging relay.

Further, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a power supply system for a vehicle may include a low-speed charging unit provided in a battery case. The low-speed charging unit may have various structures capable of low-speed charging of the high-voltage battery pack. As an example, the low-speed charging unit may include: a base member disposed in the battery case; a low-speed charging connector provided on the base member and electrically connected to the power relay assembly; and a low-speed charging fuse disposed on the base member and configured to selectively cut off the supply of electric power to the low-speed charging connector.

Specifically, the low-speed charging unit may be disposed in an edge region adjacent to the power relay assembly in the battery case. As described above, since the low-speed charging unit can be adjacently mounted to the power relay assembly using the empty space provided at the edge of the battery case, the low-speed charging unit can be mounted without changing the structure of the battery case, and an advantageous effect of simplifying the wiring structure for electrically connecting the low-speed charging unit and the power relay assembly can be obtained.

According to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a power supply system for a vehicle may include a low-speed charging unit disposed outside a battery pack and electrically connected to a high-voltage battery pack. As an example, the low-speed charging unit may include: a base member disposed outside the battery case; a low-speed charging connector provided on the base member and electrically connected to the power relay assembly; and a fuse disposed on the base member and configured to selectively cut off the supply of electric power to the low-speed charging connector.

Drawings

The above and other features of this disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the exemplary embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, which are given by way of illustration only, and not as limitations of the invention hereof, and wherein:

fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating a power supply system for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating a high-voltage battery pack in a power supply system for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 3 is a diagram illustrating a first junction box in a power supply system for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 4 is a diagram illustrating a second junction box in a power supply system for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 5 is a diagram illustrating a low-speed charging unit in a power supply system for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 6 is a diagram showing a circuit configuration of a power relay assembly and a circuit configuration of a low-speed charging unit in a power supply system for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 7 and 8 are diagrams illustrating an example in which a first terminal block and a second terminal block are applied to a power supply system for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 9 is a diagram illustrating a power supply system for a vehicle according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 10 and 11 are diagrams illustrating an example in which a first junction box is applied to a power supply system for a vehicle according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

It should be understood that the term "vehicle" or "vehicular" or other similar terms as used herein generally includes motor vehicles (such as passenger vehicles including Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs), buses, trucks, various commercial vehicles), watercraft including a variety of boats and ships, aircraft, and the like, and includes hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid vehicles, hydrogen-powered vehicles, and other alternative fuel vehicles (e.g., derived fuel from resources other than oil). As referred to herein, a hybrid vehicle refers to a vehicle having two or more power sources, for example, both gasoline-powered and electric-powered vehicles.

While the exemplary embodiments are described as using multiple units to perform the exemplary processes, it should be understood that the exemplary processes may also be performed by one or more modules. Further, it should be understood that the term controller/control unit refers to a hardware device that includes a memory and a processor and is specifically programmed to perform the processes described herein. The memory is configured to store the modules, and the processor is specifically configured to execute the modules to perform one or more processes described further below.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

Unless specifically stated or otherwise apparent from the context, the term "about" as used herein should be understood to be within the normal tolerance of the art, e.g., within 2 standard deviations of the mean. "about" can be understood to be within 10%, 9%, 8%, 7%, 6%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, 1%, 0.5%, 0.1%, 0.05%, or 0.01% of the stated value. Unless otherwise apparent from the context, all numbers provided herein are modified by the term "about".

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the technical spirit of the present disclosure is not limited to some of the exemplary embodiments described herein, but may be implemented in various different forms. One or more constituent elements in the exemplary embodiments may be selectively combined and replaced within the scope of the technical spirit of the present disclosure.

Furthermore, unless otherwise specifically and explicitly defined and stated, terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may be considered as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs. The meaning of a commonly used term, such as a term defined in a dictionary, can be interpreted based on the contextual meaning of the related art.

Furthermore, the terminology used in the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure is for the purpose of describing the exemplary embodiments and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure. The singular forms may also include the plural forms unless the context of the specification specifically states otherwise. The interpretation of "A, B, and at least one (or one or more) of C" described herein may include one or more of the total combinations of A, B, and C. Also, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), and (b) may be used to describe constituent elements of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

These terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one constituent element from another constituent element, and the nature, sequence, or order of constituent elements is not limited by the terms. Further, when one constituent element is described as being 'connected', 'coupled', or 'attached' to another constituent element, one constituent element may be directly connected, coupled, or attached to the other constituent element, or connected, coupled, or attached to the other constituent element with another constituent element interposed therebetween.

Further, the explanation of "one constituent element is formed or disposed above (above) or below (below) another constituent element" includes not only the case where two constituent elements are in direct contact with each other but also the case where one or more additional constituent elements are formed or disposed between the two constituent elements. Further, the expression "upper (upper) or lower (lower)" may include a meaning based on a downward direction and an upward direction of one constituent element.

Referring to fig. 1 to 11, a power supply system 10 for a vehicle according to the present disclosure may include: a high voltage battery pack 100 having a battery case 110; a battery cell 120 disposed in the battery case 110; a Power Relay Assembly (PRA)160 electrically connected to the battery cell 120; a first battery connector 130 disposed at a first side of the battery case 110; a connection member 140 configured to electrically connect the power relay assembly 160 with the first battery connector 130; and a second battery connector 150 electrically connected to the power relay assembly 160 and disposed at a second side of the battery case 110; a first junction box 200 electrically connected to a first power electronics module of the vehicle 20 and having a first junction box connector 220; a first battery connection cable 400 configured to electrically connect the first terminal block connector 220 with the first battery connector 130; and a second battery connection cable 500 configured to electrically connect the second battery connector 150 and a second power electronic module of the vehicle 20.

For reference, the power supply system 10 for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may be applied to an eco-friendly vehicle such as an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle or other vehicles to which high voltage components are applied, and the present disclosure is not limited or restricted by the type and nature of the vehicle 20 to which the power supply system 10 for a vehicle is applied.

As an example, the power supply system 10 for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may be used to supply and distribute electric power to an eco-friendly vehicle 20 such as an electric vehicle, a fuel cell vehicle, or a hybrid vehicle. The high-voltage battery pack 100 is provided in the vehicle 20 to store and supply electric energy.

More specifically, referring to fig. 2, the high voltage battery pack 100 may include: a battery case 110; a battery cell 120 disposed in the battery case 110; a Power Relay Assembly (PRA)160 electrically connected to the battery cell 120; a first battery connector 130 disposed at a first side of the battery case 110; a connection member 140 configured to electrically connect the power relay assembly 160 with the first battery connector 130; and a second battery connector 150 electrically connected to the power relay assembly 160 and disposed at a second side of the battery case 110.

The battery case 110 may have various structures with a receiving space therein, and the present disclosure is not limited or restricted by the shape and structure of the battery case 110. In the battery case 110, a plurality of battery cells (e.g., unit cells) 120 may be provided to be connected to each other in series, in parallel, or in a combination of series and parallel, and the number of the battery cells 120 and a structure for arranging and connecting the battery cells 120 may be variously changed according to required conditions and design specifications.

A power relay assembly 160 may be provided in the battery case 110 to electrically connect or disconnect the battery unit 120 and various types of components (e.g., a motor, a battery heater, an air conditioner compressor, a solar roof inverter, a room air conditioner PTC heater, etc.) using high voltage. The power relay assembly 160 may have various structures that can be used as a switch that may connect or disconnect the battery cell 120 and various types of components, and the present disclosure is not limited or restricted by the structure of the power relay assembly 160.

As an example, referring to fig. 6, the power relay assembly 160 may include: a first relay 162 configured to electrically connect or disconnect the second terminal block connector 320 (the positive terminal (+)) and the positive terminal (+); a second relay 164 configured to electrically connect or disconnect the positive terminal (+) of the battery unit 120 with or from the first terminal block connector 220 (the positive terminal (+) of the first terminal block connector); a third relay 166 configured to electrically connect or disconnect the negative terminal (-) of the battery cell 120 with or from the second terminal block connector 320 (the negative terminal (-) of the second terminal block connector); and a precharge resistor (not shown) configured to use a variable resistance (an adjustable resistance value).

For reference, a contact relay, a contactless relay, a Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) switching element, etc. may be used as the first relay 162, the second relay 164, and the third relay 166, and the present disclosure is not limited or restricted by the types and structures of the first relay 162, the second relay 164, and the third relay 166. The first battery connector 130 may be disposed at a first side of the battery case 110 to be exposed outside the battery case 110. As an example, referring to fig. 2, the first battery connector 130 may be disposed at the left end of the battery case 110.

The first battery connector 130 may have various structures to which the first battery connection cable 400 may be electrically connected, and the present disclosure is not limited or restricted by the shape and structure of the first battery connector 130. The connection member 140 may be provided to electrically connect the power relay assembly 160 with the first battery connector 130.

Various members capable of electrically connecting the power relay assembly 160 with the first battery connector 130 in the battery case 110 may be used as the connection member 140, and the present disclosure is not limited or restricted by the type of the connection member 140 and the structure for arranging the connection member 140. Specifically, the connection member 140 may include at least one of a cable and a bus bar.

As an example, the connection member 140 may be disposed across the inside of the battery case 110 in the lateral direction (based on fig. 2). The second battery connector 150 may be electrically connected to the power relay assembly 160 (e.g., the first and third terminals of the power relay assembly). The second battery connector 150 may be disposed at the second side of the battery case 110 to be exposed outside the battery case 110. As an example, referring to fig. 2, the second battery connector 150 may be disposed at the right end of the battery case 110. The second battery connector 150 may have various structures to which the second battery connection cable 500 may be electrically connected, and the present disclosure is not limited or restricted by the shape and structure of the second battery connector 150.

Referring to fig. 3, the first junction box 200 may be electrically connected to a first power electronic module of the vehicle 20 and have a first junction box connector 220. The first power electronic module of the vehicle 20 may include a front wheel motor 31 of the vehicle 20, and a front wheel inverter 31a electrically connected to the front wheel motor 31 and configured to convert direct-current power supplied from the high-voltage battery pack 100 into alternating-current power. The first junction box 200 may have various structures capable of interconnecting various circuits related to the first power electronic module and capable of adjusting and regulating a voltage, and the present disclosure is not limited or restricted by the structure of the first junction box 200.

As an example, the first junction box 200 may include: a first junction box housing 210 having an accommodating space therein; a first junction box bus (not shown) disposed in the first junction box housing 210 and electrically coupled to a first power electronic module (e.g., a front wheel motor); a first junction box relay (not shown) provided in the first junction box housing 210 and configured to allow or cut off the supply of electric power to the first power electronic module; and a first junction box fuse (not shown) provided in the first junction box housing 210 and configured to selectively cut off power supply to the first power electronic module (block overcurrent). The first terminal block connector 220 may be disposed at a first side of the first terminal block housing 210 to be exposed to the outside.

A first battery connection cable 400 may be provided to electrically connect the first terminal block connector 220 with the first battery connector 130. More specifically, a first end of the first battery connection cable 400 may be connected to the first terminal block connector 220, and a second end of the first battery connection cable 400 may be connected to the first battery connector 130.

A typical high voltage cable capable of electrically connecting the first terminal block connector 220 with the first battery connector 130 may be used as the first battery connection cable 400, and the present disclosure is not limited or restricted by the type and nature of the first battery connection cable 400. A second battery connection cable 500 may be provided to electrically connect a second power electronics module of the vehicle 20 with the second battery connector 150.

The second power electronic module of the vehicle 20 may include a rear wheel motor 32 and a rear wheel inverter 32a of the vehicle 20, the rear wheel inverter 32a being electrically connected to the rear wheel motor 32 and configured to convert direct-current power supplied from the high-voltage battery pack 100 into alternating-current power. More specifically, a first end of the second battery connection cable 500 may be connected to the second battery connector 150, and a second end of the second battery connection cable 500 may be connected to a second power electronic module of the vehicle 20. A typical high voltage cable capable of electrically connecting the second battery connector 150 with the second power electronic module of the vehicle 20 may be used as the second battery connection cable 500, and the present disclosure is not limited or restricted by the type and nature of the second battery connection cable 500.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the power supply system 10 for a vehicle may include: a second junction box 300 electrically connected to a second power electronic module of the vehicle 20 and provided with a second junction box connector 320; and a second battery connecting cable 500 that can electrically connect the second terminal block connector 320 with the second battery connector 150 (see fig. 1).

Referring to fig. 4, the second junction box 300 may be electrically connected to a second power electronic module of the vehicle 20 and provided with a second junction box connector 320. The second junction box 300 may have various structures capable of interconnecting various circuits related to the second power electronic module and adjusting and regulating voltage, and the present disclosure is not limited or restricted by the structure of the second junction box 300.

As an example, the second junction box 300 may include: a second junction box housing 310 having an accommodating space therein; a second junction box relay (not shown) provided in the second junction box housing 310 and configured to allow or cut off the supply of electric power to the second power electronic module; and a second junction box fuse (not shown) provided in the second junction box housing 310 and configured to selectively cut off the power supply to the second power electronic module (block overcurrent). The second terminal block connector 320 may be disposed at a first side of the second terminal block housing 310 to be exposed to the outside. Specifically, the second junction box 300 may include a second junction box bus bar 330 disposed in the second junction box housing 310, and a second power electronic module (e.g., a rear wheel motor) may be electrically connected to the second junction box bus bar 330.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the power supply system 10 for a vehicle may include a high-speed charging unit 340 provided in the second junction box 300. For reference, in an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the term 'high-speed charging' may be defined as a method of charging the high-voltage battery pack 100 by variably supplying direct current of about 100 to 450V or alternating current of about 380V.

The high-speed charging unit 340 may have various structures capable of performing high-speed charging of the high-voltage battery pack 100, and the structure and circuit configuration of the high-speed charging unit 340 may be variously changed according to required conditions and design specifications. As an example, the high-speed charging unit 340 may include: a high-speed charging relay 342 provided in the second junction box 300 and configured to allow or cut off the supply of electric power to the high-voltage battery pack 100 (charge the high-voltage battery pack 100); and a high-speed charging connector 344 provided on the second junction box 300 and electrically connected to the high-speed charging relay 342. A high-speed charging port (not shown) connected with an external charger may be electrically connected to the high-speed charging connector 344.

For reference, a contact relay, a contactless relay, a Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) switching element, etc. may be used as the high-speed charging relay 342, and the present disclosure is not limited or restricted by the type and structure of the high-speed charging relay 342. Further, referring to fig. 5 and 6, the power supply system 10 for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may include a low-speed charging unit 600 provided in the battery case 110.

For reference, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the term 'low-speed charging' may be defined as a method of charging the high-voltage battery pack 100 by supplying an alternating current of about 220V. Specifically, by providing the low-speed charging unit 600 by combining the function of a battery charger (e.g., an on-board charger (OBC)) and the function of a low-voltage direct-current converter (LDC), the battery charger (OBC) may be configured to charge the high-voltage battery pack 100 by converting Alternating Current (AC) of a commercially available power source into Direct Current (DC), and the low-voltage direct-current converter (LDC) reduces a current having a high voltage (e.g., about 270V) to a current having a low voltage (e.g., about 12V).

The low-speed charging unit 600 may have various structures capable of low-speed charging of the high-voltage battery pack 100, and the structure and circuit configuration of the low-speed charging unit 600 may be variously changed according to required conditions and design specifications. As an example, the low-speed charging unit 600 may include: a base member 610 disposed in the battery case 110; a low-speed charging connector 620 mounted on the base member 610 and electrically connected to the power relay assembly 160; and a low-speed charging fuse 630 mounted on the base member 610 and configured to selectively cut off the supply of electric power to the low-speed charging connector 620.

Specifically, the negative terminal (-) of the low-speed charging connector 620 (not shown) may be electrically connected to the negative terminal (-) of the second terminal block connector 320 (not shown) and the negative terminal (-) of the first terminal block connector 220 (not shown), and the low-speed charging fuse 630 may be electrically connected to the positive terminal (+) (not shown) of the low-speed charging connector 620 and the positive terminal (+) (not shown) of the first terminal block connector 220.

More specifically, the low-speed charging unit 600 may be disposed in an edge region adjacent to the power relay assembly 160 in the battery case 110. As described above, since the low-speed charging unit 600 can be adjacently mounted to the power relay assembly 160 using the empty space provided at the edge of the battery case 110, the low-speed charging unit 600 can be mounted without changing the structure of the battery case 110, and an advantageous effect of simplifying the wiring structure for electrically connecting the low-speed charging unit 600 and the power relay assembly 160 can be obtained.

In the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure described above and illustrated in the drawings, a configuration in which the low-speed charging unit 600 is integrally mounted in the high-voltage battery pack 100 has been described as an example. However, according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the low-speed charging unit may be mounted separately from the high-voltage battery pack.

As an example, referring to fig. 7, the power supply system 10 for a vehicle may include a high-voltage battery pack 100, a first junction block, a second junction block, and a low-speed charging unit 600' that is provided outside the high-voltage battery pack 100 independently of the second junction block 300 and is electrically connected to the high-voltage battery pack 100. The low-speed charging unit 600' may have various structures that are mounted outside the high-voltage battery pack 100 and are capable of low-speed charging of the high-voltage battery pack 100.

As an example, the low-speed charging unit 600' may include: a base member 610 disposed outside the battery case 110; a low-speed charging connector 620 provided on the base member 610 and electrically connected to the power relay assembly 160; and a fuse disposed on the base member 610 and configured to selectively cut off the power supply to the low-speed charging connector 620. For example, the low-speed charging connector 620 may be electrically connected to a connector (not shown) provided in the battery case 110 to be electrically connected to the power relay assembly 160.

In addition, the inlet 37 connected to the external charger may be electrically connected to the low-speed charging unit 600'. Specifically, a combined inlet 37 capable of performing both high-speed charging and low-speed charging may be used as the inlet 37, and the second junction box 300 is electrically connected to the inlet 37.

Meanwhile, other high voltage components may be electrically connected to the first junction box 200 in addition to the first power electronic module of the vehicle 20. As an example, referring to fig. 7, a wireless charging module 33 configured to wirelessly charge the high voltage battery pack 100, a battery heater 34, a solar roof inverter 35, and an indoor air conditioner PTC heater 36 may be electrically connected to the first junction box 200. The type of the high voltage components and the number of the high voltage components electrically connected to the first junction box 200 may be variously changed according to required conditions and design specifications, and the present disclosure is not limited or restricted by the type of the high voltage components and the number of the high voltage components.

Further, in the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure described above and shown in the drawings, the configuration in which the power supply system 10 for a vehicle is applied to the vehicle option of enabling the four-wheel drive system has been described as an example. However, according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the power supply system for a vehicle may be applied to a vehicle option that enables a two-wheel drive system (e.g., a rear-wheel drive system).

In other words, referring to fig. 8, a power supply system 10 for a vehicle according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may include a high voltage battery pack 100, a first junction box 200, a second junction box 300, a first battery connection cable 400, and a second battery connection cable 500, in which the power supply system 10, a second power electronic module may be electrically connected to the second junction box 300, and only high voltage components (e.g., a wireless charging module, a battery heater, a solar roof converter, and a room air conditioner PTC heater) other than the first power electronic module may be electrically connected to the first junction box 200.

Further, in the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure described above and shown in the drawings, the configuration in which the power supply system 10 for a vehicle is applied to the vehicle option enabling both low-speed charging and high-speed charging has been described as an example. However, according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the power supply system for a vehicle may be applied to a vehicle option that enables only low-speed charging.

As an example, referring to fig. 9, a power supply system 10 for a vehicle according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may include a high voltage battery pack 100, a first terminal block 200, a first battery connection cable 400, a second battery connection cable 500, and a low speed charging unit 600 provided in the battery pack, in which power supply system 10, the second battery connection cable 500 may be directly connected to a second power electronic module without separately passing through the second terminal block 300.

As described above, in the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, since the low-speed charging unit 600 is integrally provided in the high-voltage battery pack 100, it is possible to electrically connect the high-voltage battery pack 100 with the second power electronic module without separately providing the second junction box 300, thereby obtaining advantageous effects of simplifying the overall structure of the power supply system 10 for a vehicle and reducing costs.

As another example, according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the power supply system for a vehicle may be applied to a vehicle option in which a four-wheel drive system is provided and only low-speed charging is possible. In other words, referring to fig. 10, a power supply system 10 for a vehicle according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may include a high voltage battery pack 100, a first junction box 200, a first battery connection cable 400, a second battery connection cable 500, and a low speed charging unit 600' provided outside the battery pack, in which the power supply system 10, the second battery connection cable 500 may be directly connected to a second power electronic module without separately passing through the second junction box 300.

As described above, in the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, since the low-speed charging unit 600' is provided outside the high-voltage battery pack 100 independently of the second junction box 300, it is possible to electrically connect the high-voltage battery pack 100 and the second power electronic module without separately providing the second junction box 300, thereby obtaining advantageous effects of simplifying the overall structure of the power supply system 10 for a vehicle and reducing costs.

As yet another example, according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the power supply system for a vehicle may be applied to a vehicle option in which a two-wheel drive system (e.g., a rear-wheel drive system) is provided and only low-speed charging is possible. In other words, referring to fig. 11, a power supply system 10 for a vehicle according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may include a high voltage battery pack 100, a first junction box 200, a first battery connection cable 400, a second battery connection cable 500, and a low speed charging unit 600' provided outside the battery pack, in which the power supply system 10, the second battery connection cable 500 may be directly connected to a second power electronic module without separately passing through the second junction box 300, and only other high voltage components (e.g., a wireless charging module, a battery heater, a solar roof converter, and an indoor air conditioner PTC heater) except for the first power electronic module may be electrically connected to the first junction box 200.

As described above, in the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, since the low-speed charging unit 600' is provided outside the high-voltage battery pack 100 independently of the second junction box 300, it is possible to electrically connect the high-voltage battery pack 100 and the second power electronic module without separately providing at the second junction box 300, thereby obtaining advantageous effects of simplifying the overall structure of the power supply system 10 for a vehicle and reducing costs.

Although the exemplary embodiments have been described above, the exemplary embodiments are only illustrative and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications and changes not described above may be made to the present exemplary embodiment without departing from the essential characteristics thereof. For example, each constituent element specifically described in the exemplary embodiment may be modified and then implemented. Further, it is to be understood that differences related to modifications and alterations are included in the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

According to the present disclosure described above, advantageous effects of efficiently distributing electric power, simplifying the structure, and reducing the cost can be obtained. In particular, according to the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, advantageous effects of simplifying the structure of the terminal block, reducing the size of the terminal block, and simplifying the wiring structure for electrically connecting the terminal block and the high-voltage battery pack may be obtained.

Further, according to the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, compared to a method of charging a battery via a junction box, advantageous effects of shortening a power supply line and improving charging efficiency may be obtained. According to the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, advantageous effects of improving the degree of freedom in arranging cables, improving the degree of freedom in design and space utilization, and reducing weight can be further obtained.

Further, according to the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, an advantageous effect of allowing the high-voltage battery pack to share the function of distributing power (performed by the high-voltage junction box) may be obtained. Further, according to the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to obtain advantageous effects of effectively satisfying the customer's needs (e.g., selection of vehicle options) and minimizing development costs.

According to the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, in the case where the low-speed charging option is applied to a vehicle, it is possible to omit mounting of a rear junction box (for example, a junction box connected to a motor of a rear wheel drive system), and as a result, it is possible to obtain advantageous effects of reducing the total number of junction boxes and improving space utilization and design freedom.