Description:FIELD
The present disclosure relates to battery packs of electric vehicles, more specifically to battery frame assemblies of the battery packs.
BACKGROUND
The background information herein below relates to the present disclosure but is not necessarily prior art.
A battery pack of an electric vehicle is housed in a frame assembly to prevent any physical damage to the cells/modules of the battery and its associated components such as a cooling plate. The frame assembly includes a frame on which the cells are mounted. Most battery packs are configured to conform to the concept of bottom cooling, and therefore have an extruded frame provided with a cover plate for shielding the cooling plate against any external damaging force such as stone hitting.
In addition to the cover plate, it is necessary that the battery frame is protected from moisture and dust. However, as has been observed that it is not completely possible to seal the assembly to protect the battery from moisture and dust. The conventional sealing techniques involve sacrificing the optimum size of the battery and complicating the battery frame architecture. For example, increasing the length of the cover plate is associated with a longer battery which gives rise to packaging challenges. The packaging density of the battery pack reduces, and thereby reduces the packaging efficiency and power density of the pack. Further, the weight of the battery pack increases which affects the range of the vehicle. Moreover, the battery pack and its components are not efficiently protected against dust or mud which accumulates over time and encourages corrosion and degradation of the cooling performance.
There is therefore felt a need for a sealing element that alleviates the aforementioned drawbacks.
OBJECTS
Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies, are as follows:
An object of the present disclosure is to provide a sealing element for a frame assembly of a battery.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a sealing element that seals a battery frame assembly from dust and moisture ingress.
Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a cost-effective sealing element for a frame assembly of a battery.
Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a sealing element which does not affect the architecture of a battery frame assembly or a battery.
Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description, which is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
SUMMARY
The present disclosure envisages an arrangement for sealing a frame and a cover plate of a battery frame assembly. The assembly includes a cooling plate configured to be received between the frame and the cover plate. The cooling plate has a head extending therefrom for receiving a plurality of fluid communication ports. The cover plate has a cap for covering the head therein.
The arrangement comprises a first recess configured on an operative top edge of the frame. The arrangement further comprises a plug element configured to be fitted in the first recess. The plug element has a second recess configured on an operative top surface thereof, to define a plateau adjoining an operative top edge of the plug element. The second recess is configured to facilitate receipt of the head of the cooling plate therein, while the plateau configured to facilitate attachment of the cap of the cover plate thereon to enable sealing of the battery frame assembly.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWING
An arrangement, of the present disclosure, for sealing a frame and a cover plate of a battery frame assembly will now be described with the help of the accompanying drawing, in which:
Figure 1 illustrates an isometric exploded view of the arrangement, of the present disclosure, and the frame assembly;
Figure 2 and Figure 3 illustrate close-up view of the arrangement and the frame assembly, of Figure 1;
Figure 4 and Figure 5 illustrate a top view and an isometric view, respectively, of a frame of the assembly with a first recess of the arrangement of Figure 1, configured thereon;
Figure 6 and Figure 7 illustrate a top view and an isometric view, respectively, of a frame of the assembly with a plug element of the arrangement of Figure 1, fitted in the first recess of Figure 4;
Figure 8 illustrates an isometric view of the plug element being received in the first recess;
Figure 9 illustrates an isometric view of the plug element fitted in the first recess;
Figure 10 illustrates an isometric view of a head of a cooling plate received in a second recess of the plug element;
Figure 11 illustrates an isometric view of a cover plate fitted on the cooling plate of Figure 10;
Figure 12 illustrates an isometric view of the plug element of Figure 1;
Figure 13 illustrates a bottom isometric view of the plug element of Figure 12;
Figure 14 illustrates an exploded cross-sectional view of the arrangement and the frame assembly; and
Figure 15 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the arrangement and the frame assembly.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
10 frame
20 cover plate
27 cap
30 cooling plate
35 head
37 fluid communication port
100 arrangement
102 first recess
104 plug element
106 second recess
108 plateau
110 lip
112 first aperture
114 second apertures
115 self-drilling screws
116 third apertures
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Embodiments, of the present disclosure, will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing.
Embodiments are provided so as to thoroughly and fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to the person skilled in the art. Numerous details are set forth, relating to specific components, and methods, to provide a complete understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to the person skilled in the art that the details provided in the embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, well-known processes, well-known apparatus structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail.
The terminology used, in the present disclosure, is only for the purpose of explaining a particular embodiment and such terminology shall not be considered to limit the scope of the present disclosure. As used in the present disclosure, the forms “a”, “an” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly suggests otherwise. The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “including”, “includes” and “having” are open-ended transitional phrases and therefore specify the presence of stated features, elements, modules, units and/or components, but do not forbid the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
An arrangement (100), of the present disclosure, for sealing a frame and a cover plate of a battery frame assembly will now be disclosed with reference to Figure 1 through Figure 15.
The arrangement (100) for sealing a frame (10) and a cover plate (20) of a battery frame assembly. The assembly includes a cooling plate (30) configured to be received between the frame (10) and the cover plate (20). The cooling plate (30) has a head (35) extending therefrom for receiving a plurality of fluid communication ports (37), and the cover plate (20) has a cap (27) for covering the head (35) therein. The cover plate (20) acts as a shield for the cooling plate (30) against any physical damage caused by factors such as stones or dirt.
The arrangement (100) comprises a first recess (102) configured on an operative top edge of the frame (10). The arrangement (100) further comprises a plug element (104) configured to be fitted in the first recess (102). The plug element (104) has a second recess (106) configured on an operative top surface thereof, to define a plateau (108) adjoining an operative top edge of the plug element (104). The second recess (106) is configured to facilitate receipt of the head (35) of the cooling plate (30) therein, while the plateau (108) is configured to facilitate attachment of the cap (27) of the cover plate (20) thereon to enable sealing of the battery frame assembly.
In an embodiment, the second recess (106) has a configuration complementary to the configuration of the head (35) of the cooling element.
In another embodiment, a lip (110) is configured along the operative outer edge of the plateau (108). The lip (110) is configured to allow the head (35) of the cover plate (20) to be nested thereagainst. The lip (110) is configured to prevent dust ingress in the plug.
In yet another embodiment, the plug element (104) includes a plurality of slots (111) configured on the second recess (106). The slots (111) are configured to receive the fluid communication ports (37) therein.
In a first embodiment, the arrangement (100) includes a plurality of first apertures (112) and a plurality of second apertures (114). The plurality of first apertures (112) is configured on the frame (10). The plurality of second apertures (114) is configured on the cover plate (20) coaxial to the plurality of first apertures (112).
In an embodiment, the arrangement (100) includes a plurality of third apertures (116) configured on an operative rear surface of the plug element (104), coaxial to the first apertures (112). In another embodiment, the third apertures (116) are blind holes.
In an embodiment, the plug element (104) is configured to be weldably fitted in the first recess (102).
Thereafter, the cover plate (20) is attached to the plug element (104) and the frame (10) with the help of self-drilling screws (115) configured to be received through the second apertures (114) and the third apertures (116) into the first apertures (112).
In a second embodiment, the arrangement (100) includes a plurality of fourth apertures configured on the plateau (108), coaxial to the second apertures (114). The fourth apertures are through-holes.
Thereafter, the cover plate (20) is attached to the plug element (104) with the help of fasteners configured to be received through the second apertures (114) and the fourth apertures into the first apertures (112).
In an embodiment, once the plug element (104) is assembled with the battery frame assembly, a sealant is introduced on to the plug element (104). The sealant is cured, and the battery frame (10) assembly is protected against both dust and moisture.
The present disclosure further envisages a vehicle provided with a battery having a battery frame assembly. The battery frame assembly includes a frame (10), a cover plate (20), and a cooling plate (30) configured to be received between the frame (10) and the cover plate (20). The cooling plate (30) has a head (35) extending therefrom for receiving a plurality of fluid communication ports (37), while the cover plate (20) is provided with a cap (27) for housing the head (35) therein. The battery frame assembly further includes an arrangement (100) that comprises a first recess (102) configured on an operative top edge of the frame (10). The arrangement (100) further comprises a plug element (104) configured to be fitted in the first recess (102). The plug element (104) has a second recess (106) configured on an operative top surface thereof, to define a plateau (108) adjoining an operative top edge of the plug element (104). The second recess (106) is configured to facilitate receipt of the head (35) of the cooling plate (30) therein, and the plateau (108) is configured to facilitate attachment of the cap (27) of the cover plate (20) thereon to enable sealing of the battery frame assembly.
In an embodiment, the vehicle is an electric vehicle.
The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Individual components of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, are interchangeable. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.
TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENTS
The present disclosure described hereinabove has several technical advantages including, but not limited to, the realization of an arrangement for sealing a frame and a cover plate of a battery frame assembly which:
• seals a battery frame assembly from dust and moisture ingress;
• is cost-effective; and
• does not affect the architecture of a battery frame assembly or a battery.
• Weight reduction
• Compact packaging
The foregoing disclosure has been described with reference to the accompanying embodiments which do not limit the scope and ambit of the disclosure. The description provided is purely by way of example and illustration.
The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
The foregoing description of the specific embodiments so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
Any discussion of materials, devices, articles or the like that has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form a part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the disclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application.
The numerical values mentioned for the various physical parameters, dimensions or quantities are only approximations and it is envisaged that the values higher/lower than the numerical values assigned to the parameters, dimensions or quantities fall within the scope of the disclosure, unless there is a statement in the specification specific to the contrary.
While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the components and component parts of the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that many embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other changes in the preferred embodiment as well as other embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation.
, Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. An arrangement (100) for sealing a frame (10) and a cover plate (20) of a battery frame assembly, wherein the assembly includes a cooling plate (30) configured to be received between the frame (10) and the cover plate (20), and wherein the cooling plate (30) has a head (35) extending therefrom for receiving a plurality of fluid communication ports (37), and the cover plate (20) has a cap (27) for covering the head (35) therein, said arrangement (100) comprising:
• a first recess (102) configured on an operative top edge of the frame (10); and
• a plug element (104) configured to be fitted in said first recess (102), said plug element (104) having a second recess (106) configured on an operative top surface thereof, to define a plateau (108) adjoining an operative top edge of said plug element (104), said second recess (106) configured to facilitate receipt of the head (35) of the cooling plate (30) therein, and said plateau (108) configured to facilitate attachment of the cap (27) of the cover plate (20) thereon to enable sealing of the battery frame assembly.
2. The arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said second recess (106) has a configuration complementary to the configuration of the head (35) of the cooling element.
3. The arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a lip (110) is configured along the operative outer edge of said plateau (108), said lip (110) being configured to allow the head (35) of the cover plate (20) to be nested thereagainst.
4. The arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said plug element (104) includes a plurality of slots (111) configured on said second recess (106) to receive the fluid communication ports (37) therein.
5. The arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said arrangement (100) includes a plurality of first apertures (112) configured on the frame (10), and a plurality of second apertures (114) configured on the cover plate (20) coaxial to said plurality of first apertures (112).
6. The arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein said arrangement (100) includes a plurality of third apertures (116) configured on an operative rear surface of said plug element (104), coaxial to said first apertures (112), said third apertures (116) being blind holes.
7. The arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said plug element (104) is weldably fitted in the first recess (102).
8. The arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein said cover plate (20) is attached to said plug element (104) and the frame (10) with the help of self-drilling screws (115) configured to be received through said second apertures (114) and said third apertures (116) into said first apertures (112).
9. The arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein said arrangement (100) includes a plurality of fourth apertures configured on said plateau (108), coaxial to said second apertures (114), said fourth apertures being through-holes.
10. The arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the cover plate (20) is attached to said plug element (104) with the help of fasteners configured to be received through said second apertures (114) and said fourth apertures into said first apertures (112).
11. A vehicle provided with a battery having a battery frame assembly, said battery frame assembly including a frame (10), a cover plate (20), and a cooling plate (30) configured to be received between the frame (10) and the cover plate (20), wherein the cooling plate (30) has a head (35) extending therefrom for receiving a plurality of fluid communication ports (37) and the cover plate (20) is provided with a cap (27) for housing the head (35) therein, said battery frame assembly comprising an arrangement (100) comprising:
o a first recess (102) configured on an operative top edge of the frame (10); and
o a plug element (104) configured to be fitted in said first recess (102), said plug element (104) having a second recess (106) configured on an operative top surface thereof, to define a plateau (108) adjoining an operative top edge of said plug element (104), said second recess (106) configured to facilitate receipt of the head (35) of the cooling plate (30) therein, and said plateau (108) configured to facilitate attachment of the cap (27) of the cover plate (20) thereon to enable sealing of the battery frame assembly.

Dated this 01st day of March, 2023

_______________________________
MOHAN RAJKUMAR DEWAN, IN/PA – 25
of R.K.DEWAN & CO.
Authorized Agent of Applicant

TO,
THE CONTROLLER OF PATENTS
THE PATENT OFFICE, AT MUMBAI