DESC:FIELD
The present disclosure generally relates to an arrangement for mounting a coolant spout of a cooling plate, and more specifically, it relates to the arrangement for mounting a coolant spout on a cooling plate on a top plate of a battery pack assembly.
BACKGROUND
The background information herein below relates to the present disclosure but is not necessarily prior art.
Generally, a cooling plate of a battery is equipped with one or more coolant spouts. These spouts are configured to establish a connection with the inlet and outlet of a coolant channel within the cooling plate. To ensure comprehensive coverage and protection, a top plate is employed. The top plate is positioned over the active surface of the cooling plate. Therefore, the top plate incorporates holes, through which the extended section of the spout protrudes.
However, while mounting the top plate on the cooling plate, a clearance or gap forms between the circumferential surface of the extended section of the spout and the operative peripheral edge of the top plate. The clearance, thus allows dirt or water to enter the cooling plate of the battery pack assembly. The ingress of such contaminants through the top cover and accumulates on the cooling plate has the potential to disrupt the functioning of the battery module and can adversely impact the performance of the battery pack assembly, leading to potential damage to the battery cells and electrical connections.
Thus, there is a need for an arrangement for mounting spouts of cooling plates in battery pack assemblies and a method thereof, 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 an arrangement for mounting a coolant spout of a cooling plate in a battery pack assembly.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an arrangement for mounting a spout of a cooling plate in a battery pack assembly that restricts the ingress of dirt and water into the cooling plate.
Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide an arrangement for mounting a spout of a cooling plate in a battery pack assembly that provides effective sealing to eliminate gaps between the circumferential surface of the spout's extended section and the operative peripheral edge of the top plate.
Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide an arrangement for mounting a spout of a cooling plate in a battery pack assembly that is convenient to assemble.
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 mounting a coolant spout of a cooling plate in a battery pack assembly. The cooling plate has an operative top surface and an operative bottom surface. The arrangement is configured to prevent the ingress of dirt or water in the cooling plate of the battery pack assembly. The arrangement comprises: at least one spout, configured to be mounted on the cooling plate in fluid communication with at least one coolant channel of the cooling plate, the spout is defining an extended section and is configured to extend in an operative vertical direction with respect to cooling plate; a sleeve having a flange section and a web section, the sleeve is configured to be slidably received on the spout; a first sealing element, configured to be received on the extended section of the sleeve such that the sleeve is configured to conceal the first sealing element; a second sealing element configured to be received on the extended section of the spout and abuts against the operative top surface of the flange section; a top plate, configured to be mounted on the operative top surface of the cooling plate, and is further configured to conceal the cooling channels, the top plate having at least one through-hole to allow the extended section of the spout to pass through, and the web section passes through the through-hole, an operative section of the top plate abuts on the flange section to conceal the second sealing element; fastening means, configured to be received on the extended section of the spout and configured to be threadably fastened on the web section, the fastening means is configured to secure the top plate in place.
The arrangement is characterized such that the first sealing element, the sleeve, the second sealing element, and the fastening means being configured to collectively seal the clearance between the circumferential surface of the extended section of the spout and the peripheral edge of the top plate to thereby prevent the ingress of dirt or water in the cooling plate of the battery pack assembly.
In an embodiment, the arrangement includes a third sealing element, configured to be received in the extended section of the fastening means and is further configured to be disposed between the operative surfaces of the sleeve, spout and the spout.
In an embodiment, the third sealing element is a face seal made from rubber or other elastomeric material.
In an embodiment, the spout is mounted on the cooling plate by means of either one welding, brazing or structural adhesive.
In an embodiment, the sleeve has a plurality of first circumferential grooves, at least one of the groove is configured to accommodate the first sealing element therein.
In an embodiment, the first sealing element is an O-ring, made from materials consisting of nitrile rubber, silicone rubber, fluorocarbon rubber and any combination thereof.
In an embodiment, a second circumferential groove is configured on an operative surface of the flange in sleeve. The second circumferential groove is configured to accommodate the second sealing element therein.
In an embodiment, the second sealing element is a seal ring, consisting of cross-section selected from rectangular, square, or circular.
Further, the present disclosure also envisages a method for mounting a spout of a cooling plate in a battery pack assembly for preventing the ingress of dirt or water. The method comprises the following steps:
• mounting at least one spout on the cooling plate, in fluid communication with at least one coolant channel of the cooling plate, the spout extending in an operative vertical direction;
• inserting a first sealing element on the first circumferential groove provided on the sleeve;
• receiving a sleeve on the extended section of the spout, the sleeve having a flange section and a web section and enclosing the first sealing element therein, ensuring zero clearance between mating surfaces;
• positioning a second sealing element on the extended section of the sleeve, such that the second sealing element abutting the operative surface of the flange;
• mounting a top plate on the operative top surface of the cooling plate for concealing the cooling channels, the top plate having at least one through-hole through which the extended section of the spout protrudes, such that the web section passes through the through-hole and an operative section of the top plate abutting on the flange section, enclosing the second sealing element; and
• fastening the extended section of the spout by using fastening means, ensuring the top plate remains secure,
wherein the method is characterized such that the first sealing element, the sleeve, the second sealing element, and the fastening means collectively seal the clearance between the circumferential surface of the extended section of the spout and the operative peripheral edge section of the top plate for preventing the ingress of dirt or water in the cooling plate of the battery pack assembly.
In an embodiment, the sleeve is concealing the first sealing element to maintain zero clearance between mating surfaces.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWING
An arrangement for mounting a spout of a cooling plate in a battery pack assembly and a method thereof, of the present disclosure will now be described with the help of the accompanying drawing in which:
Figure 1 illustrates a perspective isometric view of a battery pack assembly in accordance with the present disclosure.
Figured 2 illustrates a perspective exploded isometric view of a battery pack assembly in accordance with the present disclosure.
Figure 3 illustrates a perspective top view of cooling plate with the extended portion of the spouts in accordance with the present disclosure.
Figure 4 illustrates an exploded view of arrangement for mounting the extended portion of the spout over the top plate in accordance with the present disclosure.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
220 arrangement for mounting a spout
100 Battery pack assembly
10 Top plate
12 Cooling plate
12a cooling channel
14 Spout
14a extended section of spout
14a first circumferential groove of spout
16 Through-hole
18 first sealing element
222 sleeve
22a Flange section of sleeve
22b web section of sleeve
24 second sealing element
26 Third sealing element
28 second circumferential groove on flange
32 fastening means
34 battery module
36 battery frame
38 base plate
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,” 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.
Generally, a cooling plate of a battery is equipped with one or more cooling spouts. These spouts are configured to establish a connection with the inlet of a coolant channel within the cooling plate. To ensure comprehensive coverage and protection, a top plate is employed. The top plate is precisely positioned over the active surface of the cooling plate. Therefore, the top plate incorporates holes, through which the extended section of the spout protrudes.
However, while mounting the top plate on the cooling plate, a clearance or gap forms between the circumferential surface of the extended section of the spout and the operative peripheral edge of the top plate. The clearance, thus allows dirt or water to enter the cooling plate of the battery pack assembly. The ingress of such contaminants through the cooling plate has the potential to disrupt the functioning of the battery module and can adversely impact the performance of the battery pack assembly, leading to potential damage to the battery cells and electrical connections.
To overcome the above drawbacks, the present disclosure envisages an arrangement for mounting a spout of a cooling plate in a battery pack assembly (herein after referred as arrangement 220). The battery pack assembly (100) has a battery frame (36), a base plate (38) attached to an operative surface of the battery frame (36). The battery frame (36) has a plurality of partitions to receive a plurality of battery modules (34) therein. On the operative top surface of the battery module (34), the cooling plate (12) is installed to cool down the cells of the battery module (34). The arrangement (220) is configured to prevent the ingress of dirt or water in the cooling plate (12) of the battery pack assembly. The present disclosure is explained with reference to the Figures 1- 4.
In accordance with the present disclosure, the arrangement comprises: at least one spout (14), a first sealing element (18), a sleeve (22), a second sealing element (24), a top plate (10) and fastening means (32). The spout (14) is mounted on the cooling plate (12) in fluid communication with the cooling channels (12a) of the cooling plate (12) and extends in operative vertical direction.
In an embodiment, the spout (14) is seamlessly integrated through brazing on the cooling plate (12). However, the spout (14) can be integrated either by brazing, welding or structural adhesive.
The first sealing element (18) is received on the extended section (14a) of the sleeve (22). The first sealing element (18) is designed to provide an initial barrier against dirt and water ingress.
In an embodiment, the spout (14) has a plurality of first circumferential grooves, configured to accommodate the first sealing element (18) thereon.
In a preferred embodiment, the first sealing element (18) is typically an O-ring made from materials such as nitrile rubber, silicone rubber, or fluorocarbon rubber, chosen for their durability and sealing properties.
The sleeve (22) has a flange section (22a) and a web section (22b). The sleeve (22) is designed to be slidably received on the extended section (14a) of the spout (14), concealing the first sealing element (18). This configuration ensures that the mating surfaces of the spout (14) and the sleeve (22) maintain zero clearance, enhancing the sealing integrity.
Further, the arrangement includes a second sealing element (24). The second sealing element (24) is placed on the extended section (14a) of the spout (14), abutting the operative surface of the flange section (22a).
In an embodiment, a second circumferential (28) groove is incorporated on the operative surface of the flange to house the second sealing element (24) therein. The first circumferential groove and the second circumferential (28) groove ensure that the sealing elements are securely positioned, enhancing the overall sealing performance of the spout (14).
In a preferred embodiment, the second sealing element (24) is typically a seal ring, selected from a group of cross-sections consisting of a rectangular, square, and circular cross-section, made from materials suitable for the operational environment.
Further, the top plate (10) is configured to be mounted on the operative top surface of the cooling plate (12), covering the cooling channels (12a) underneath. The top plate (10) has at least one through-hole through which the extended section (14a) of the spout (14) and the web section (22b) of the sleeve (22) pass therethrough such that an operative peripheral edge of the top plate (10) abuts the flange section (22a), concealing the second sealing element (24). The proposed configuration ensures that the cooling channels (12a) remain protected while maintaining the necessary structural integrity.
A third sealing element (26) is received in the bottom portion of fastening means , abutting the operative top surface of the top plate (10). The third sealing element (26) serves as an additional sealing barrier against contaminants and is preferably made from rubber or other elastomeric materials.
In an embodiment, the number of through-hole on the top plate (10) to receive the extended section (14a) of the spout (14) depends on the number of spouts (14) to be mounted on the cooling plate (12).
In a preferred embodiment, the external surface of the web section (22b) of the sleeve (22) is provided with a threaded portion. The threaded portion extends along the depth of the web section (22b).
Further, the arrangement includes the fastening means (32). The fastening means (32) are configured to secure the extended section (14a) of the spout (14) to the top plate (10). The fastening means (32) are threadably engaged with the web section (22b) of the sleeve (22), ensuring that the top plate (10) remains firmly in place, with the sealing elements properly compressed to prevent any gaps or clearance between the circumferential surface of the extended portion of the spout (14) and the peripheral edge of the top plate (10).
In an embodiment, the third sealing element (26), is inserted in the extended section (14a) of the fastening means (32). The third sealing element (26) is positioned between the operative surface of the sleeve (22), spout (14) and the fastening means (32), providing an additional layer of sealing.
In an embodiment, the fastening means (32) are selected from a group consisting of polymeric material or metallic material and any combination thereof.
In an embodiment, the diameter of the first sealing element (18) is smaller than the diameter of the second sealing element (24).
Further, the arrangement is characterized such that the first sealing element (18), the sleeve (22), the second sealing element (24), the third sealing element (26) and the fastening means (32) being configured to collectively seal the clearance between the circumferential surface of the extended section (14a) of the spout (14) and the peripheral edge of the top plate (10) to thereby prevent the ingress of dirt or water in the cooling plate (12) of the battery pack assembly (100).
Advantageously, the strategic positioning of the first sealing element (18), the second sealing element (24), the sleeve (22) and the third sealing element (26) on the extended section (14a) of the spout (14) achieves an effective sealing of the clearance space between the circumferential surface of the extended section (14a) of the spout (14) and the peripheral edge of the top plate (10). The proposed mounting arrangement serves to securely seal off the clearance area, effectively curtailing the potential for dirt or water infiltration in the cooling plate (12) of the battery pack assembly (100). As a result, the proposed arrangement acts as a robust barrier, preventing the unwanted ingress of external elements and maintaining the integrity of both the cooling plate (12) and the battery pack assembly (100).
Further, the present disclosure also envisages a method for mounting a spout (14) of a cooling plate (12) in a battery pack assembly (100) for preventing the ingress of dirt or water. The method comprises the following steps:
• mounting at least one spout (14) on the cooling plate (12), in fluid communication with at least one coolant channel of the cooling plate (12), the spout (14) extending in an operative vertical direction;
• inserting a first sealing element (18) on the extended section (14a) of the sleeve (22);
• receiving a sleeve (22) on the extended section (14a) of the spout (14), the sleeve (22) having a flange section (22a) and a web section (22b) and enclosing the first sealing element (18) therein, ensuring zero clearance between mating surfaces;
• positioning a second sealing element (24) on the extended section (14a) of the spout (14), such that the second sealing element (24) abuts the operative surface of the flange;
• mounting a top plate (10) on the operative top surface of the cooling plate (12) for concealing the cooling channels (12a) underneath, the top plate (10) having at least one through-hole through which the extended section (14a) of the spout (14) protrudes, such that the web section (22b) passes through the through-hole and an operative section of the top plate (10) abutting on the flange section (22a), enclosing the second sealing element (24); and
• fastening the extended section (14a) of the spout (14) by using fastening means (32), ensuring the top plate (10) remains secure,
wherein the method is characterized such that the first sealing element (18), the sleeve (22), the second sealing element (24), and the fastening means (32) collectively seal the clearance between the circumferential surface of the extended section (14a) of the spout (14) and the operative peripheral edge section of the top plate (10) for preventing the ingress of dirt or water in the cooling plate (12) of the battery pack assembly (100).
In an embodiment, the sleeve is concealing the first sealing element to maintain zero clearance between mating surfaces.
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 arrangement for mounting a spout of a cooling plate in a battery pack assembly and a method thereof, that;
• restricts the ingress of dirt and water into the cooling plate;
• provides effective sealing to eliminate gaps between the circumferential surface of the spout's extended section and the operative peripheral edge of the top plate; and
• is convenient to assemble.
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 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.
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 for mounting a spout (14) of a cooling plate (12) in a battery pack assembly (100), the cooling plate has an operative top surface and an operative bottom surface, said arrangement configured to prevent the ingress of dirt or water in the cooling plate (12) of the battery pack assembly (100), said arrangement comprising:
• at least one spout (14) configured to be mounted on the cooling plate (12) in fluid communication with at least one coolant channel of the cooling plate (12), said spout (14) defining an extended section (14a) and extends in an operative vertical direction with respect to the cooling plate (12);
• a sleeve (22) having a flange section (22a) and a web section (22b), said sleeve (22) configured to be slidably received on said spout (14);
• a first sealing element (18) configured to be received on the extended section (14a) of a sleeve (22), said sleeve (22) configured to conceal said first sealing element (18);
• a second sealing element (24) configured to be received on the extended section (14a) of said spout (14) and configured to abut the operative top surface of said flange section (22a);
• a top plate (10) configured to be mounted on the operative top surface of the cooling plate (12), and configured to conceal the cooling channels (12a), said top plate (10) having at least one through-hole to allow the extended section (14a) of said spout (14) to pass therethrough, and said web section (22b) configured to pass through said through-hole, an operative section of the top plate (10) abuts against said flange section (22a) to conceal said second sealing element (24);
• fastening means (32) configured to be received on the extended section (14a) of said spout (14) and configured to be threadably fastened on said web section (22b), said fastening means (32) configured to secure said top plate (10) in place,
wherein said first sealing element (18), said sleeve (22), said second sealing element (24), and said fastening means (32) being configured to collectively seal the clearance between the circumferential surface of the extended section (14a) of said spout (14) and the peripheral edge section of said top plate (10), to thereby prevent the ingress of dirt or water in the cooling plate (12) of the battery pack assembly (100).
2. The arrangement as claimed in claim 1, includes a third sealing element (26), configured to be received in said extended section (14a) of said fastening means (32) and to be disposed between the operative surfaces of said sleeve (22) and said spout (14).
3. The arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein said third sealing element (26) is a face seal made from rubber or other elastomeric material.
4. The arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein said spout (14) is mounted on the cooling plate (12) by means either one of welding, brazing and structural adhesive.
5. The arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein said spout (14) has a plurality of first circumferential grooves, at least one of said grooves is configured to accommodate said first sealing element (18) therein.
6. The arrangement as claimed in claim 5, wherein said first sealing element (18) is an O-ring, made from materials consisting of nitrile rubber, silicone rubber, or fluorocarbon rubber and any combination thereof.
7. The arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein a second circumferential (28) groove is configured on an operative surface of said flange section (22a), said second circumferential (28) groove, configured to accommodate said second sealing element (24) therein, said second sealing element (24) is a seal ring, selected from a group of cross-sections consisting of rectangular, square, and circular.
8. The arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein said sleeve (22) is configured to conceal said first sealing element (18) to maintain zero clearance between mating surfaces.
9. A method for mounting a spout (14) of a cooling plate (12) in a battery pack assembly (100) for preventing the ingress of dirt or water, said method comprising the following steps:
• mounting at least one spout (14) on the cooling plate (12), in fluid communication with at least one coolant channel of the cooling plate (12), said spout (14) extending in an operative vertical direction;
• inserting a first sealing element (18) on the extended section (14a) of said sleeve (22);
• receiving a sleeve (22) on the extended section (14a) of said spout (14), said sleeve (22) having a flange section (22a) and a web section (22b) and enclosing said first sealing element (18) therein;
• positioning a second sealing element (24) on the extended section (14a) of said spout (14), and said second sealing element (24) abuts the operative surface of said flange;
• mounting a top plate (10) on the operative top surface of the cooling plate (12) for concealing the cooling channels (12a) underneath, the top plate (10) having at least one through-hole through which the extended section (14a) of the spout (14) protrudes, said web section (22b) passes through said through-hole and an operative section of the top plate (10) abutting on said flange section (22a), enclosing said second sealing element (24); and
• fastening the extended section (14a) of said spout (14) by using fastening means (32), ensuring the top plate (10) remains secure,
wherein said first sealing element (18), said sleeve (22), said second sealing element (24), and said fastening means (32) collectively seal the clearance between the circumferential surface of the extended section (14a) of said spout (14) and the operative peripheral edge section of the top plate (10) for preventing the ingress of dirt or water in the cooling plate (12) of the battery pack assembly (100).
10. The method as claimed in claim 10, wherein said sleeve (22) is concealing said first sealing element (18) to maintain zero clearance between mating surfaces.

Dated this 06th day of August, 2024

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

TO,
THE CONTROLLER OF PATENTS
THE PATENT OFFICE, CHENNAI