DESC:FIELD
The present disclosure relates to a sealing arrangement for a battery pack assembly, and more specifically, an arrangement for sealing spigots of cooling plates of battery pack assembles.
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 spigots. These spigots are configured to establish a connection with the inlet of a coolant channel within the cooling plate. To ensure comprehensive coverage and protection of the cooling plate, a top plate is mounted thereon. The top plate is positioned over the active surface of the cooling plate. Therefore, the top plate incorporates through-holes, through which the extended section of the spigot 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 spigots and the operative peripheral edge of the top plate. The clearance, thus allows dirt or contaminants 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.
Further, the conventional sealing arrangement is unable to accommodate variations in the geometry or configuration of the spigots having threads that engage with threads on adaptors. The threaded joint between the spigots and the adaptors creates clearances that permit ingress of dust and moisture or contaminants, causing damage to the battery module.
There is, a need of an arrangement and a method for sealing spigots of cooling plates of battery packs assemblies, that alleviates the above-mentioned 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 sealing spigots of cooling plates of battery packs assembles.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a sealing arrangement that eliminates radial clearances between the spigots and the top plate.
Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a sealing arrangement that accommodates variations in spigot construction while maintaining a tight seal to prevent dust and moisture entry.
Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a sealing arrangement which is convenient to assemble.
Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide an adaptor that reduces or eliminates clearances that permit the ingress of dust and moisture, ensuring a robust seal even with variations in thread dimensions.
Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a method for sealing spigot of a cooling plate of a battery pack assembly.
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 spigot of a cooling plate of a battery pack assembly. The arrangement is configured to prevent the ingress of dirt or contaminants into the cooling plate. The cooling plate has an operative top surface and an operative bottom surface, wherein the operative top surface is configured with a plurality of coolant channels. The spigot is configured to be mounted in fluid communication with at least one of the cooling channels of the cooling plate.
The arrangement comprises an adapter defined by a lip and a web section. The lip is configured to be mounted in fluid communication with one of the cooling channels, and the web section is configured to extend from the lip in an operative vertical direction with respect to the cooling plate. The arrangement further comprises a top plate having at least one through-hole. The top plate is configured to abut the adapter such that an axis of the through-hole aligns with a mounting axis of the web section. At least one first sealing means is configured to abut the operative top surface of the top plate. The first sealing means is configured to surround the through-hole. The arrangement also comprises a spigot defined by an upper section, a lower section and a flange section adjoining the upper section and the lower section. The lower section of the spigot is configured to be received through the through-hole and mounted on the web section of an adaptor. The spigot is configured to seal the clearance between the operative bottom surface of the flange section and the operative top surface of the top plate with the first sealing element disposed therebetween to prevent the ingress of dirt or contaminants into the cooling plate of the battery pack assembly.
In an embodiment, the web section of the adapter is configured with internal threads and the lower section of the spigot is configured with external threads, to facilitate threadable mounting of the spigot on the web section.
In another embodiment, at least one screw lug or bayonet is configured on the operative top surface of the flange. The screw lug or bayonet facilitates the angular displacement of the spigot to mount the spigot on the operative section of the adapter.
In yet another embodiment, the axis of mounting of the adapter, the through-hole, the first sealing means and the spigot lie in the same line.
In still another embodiment, the arrangement includes a first circumferential groove configured on the operative bottom surface of the flange section. The first circumferential groove is configured to accommodate the first sealing means therein.
In one embodiment, the first sealing means is a seal ring having a cross-section selected from a group consisting of rectangular, circular and square cross-sections.
In a further embodiment, the lower section is configured with a plurality of second circumferential grooves.
In one embodiment, the arrangement includes at least one second sealing means configured to be disposed on at least one of the second circumferential grooves. Further, the lower section with the second sealing means is configured to be received by the web section of the adaptor to facilitate mounting of the spigot on the adapter and to maintain zero clearance between the mating surfaces.
In another embodiment, the second sealing means is an O-ring or a seal ring.
In yet another embodiment, the flange section has a cross-section selected from a group consisting of square, hexagonal and circular cross-section.
Th present disclosure further envisages a method for sealing spigot of a cooling plate of a battery pack assembly. The method is configured to prevent the ingress of dirt or contaminants into the cooling plate top surface. The cooling plate has an operative top surface and an operative bottom surface. The operative top surface is configured with a plurality of coolant channels. The method comprises the following steps:
• mounting an adapter, defined by a web section and a lip, in fluid communication with one of the coolant channels, the web section extending vertically from the lip with respect to the cooling plate;
• aligning a top plate, having at least one through-hole, with the adapter such that the axis of the through-hole aligns with the mounting axis of the web section;
• positioning at least one first sealing means on the operative top surface of the top plate, the first sealing means surrounding the through-hole;
• inserting a spigot, defined by an upper section, a lower section, and a flange section adjoining the upper and lower sections, through the through-hole;
• mounting the lower section of the spigot on the web section of the adapter,
wherein the method is characterized whereby mounting the spigot on the adapter by securing the top plate such that the first sealing element is compressed between the operative bottom surface of the flange section and the operative top surface of the top plate to seal the clearance and thereby preventing the ingress of dirt or contaminants into the cooling plate.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWING
An arrangement and a method for sealing spigots of cooling plates of battery packs assemblies, 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.
Figure 2a illustrates a perspective sectional view of an arrangement for sealing a spigot of a cooling plate in accordance with a first embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 2b illustrates an isometric exploded view of an arrangement for sealing a spigot of a cooling plate in accordance with the first embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 3a illustrates a perspective sectional view of an arrangement for sealing a spigot of a cooling plate in accordance with the second embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 3b illustrates a perspective isometric exploded view of an arrangement for sealing a spigot of a cooling plate in accordance with the second embodiment of the present disclosure.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
100a sealing arrangement of the first embodiment
100b sealing arrangement of the second embodiment
10 adapter of first embodiment
10a web section of the adapter
10b lip of adapter
12 top plate of first embodiment
14 first sealing means
16 spigot of first embodiment
16a lower section of spigot
16b upper section of spigot
16c screw lug
16d flange of spigot of first embodiment
18 through-hole of adapter
20 adapter of second embodiment
20a web section of the adapter
20b lip of the adapter
22 top plate of second embodiment
22a ridge of the top plate or receiving hole of Bayonet
26 second sealing means
28 spigot of second embodiment
28a lower section of spigot
28b upper section of spigot
28c second circumferential groove
28d flange of spigot of second embodiment
30 cooling 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.
Typically, a cooling plate of a battery is equipped with one or more spigots. These spigots are configured to establish a connection with the inlet of a coolant channel within the cooling plate. To ensure comprehensive coverage and protection of the cooling plate, a top plate is mounted thereon. The top plate is positioned over the active surface of the cooling plate. Therefore, the top plate incorporates through-holes, through which the extended section of the spigot 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 spigots and the operative peripheral edge of the top plate. The clearance, thus allows dirt or contaminants 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.
Further, the conventional sealing arrangement is unable to accommodate variations in the geometry or configuration of the spigots having threads that engage with threads on adaptors. The threaded joint between the spigots and the adaptors creates clearances that permit ingress of dust and moisture or contaminants, causing damage to the battery module.
Therefore, to overcome the drawbacks mentioned above, the present disclosure envisages an arrangement for sealing spigots of cooling plates of battery packs assembles (herein after referred as arrangement 100a, 100b). The different embodiments of the present disclosure are explained with reference to the Figure 1- Figure 3.
The arrangement (100a, 100b) being configured to prevent the ingress of dirt or contaminants into the cooling plate (30). The cooling plate (30) has an operative top surface and an operative bottom surface. The operative top surface is configured with a plurality of coolant channels, and the spigot (16, 28) is configured to be mounted in fluid communication with at least one of the cooling channels of the cooling plate (30). The arrangement (100a, 100b) comprises: an adapter (10, 20), a top plate (12, 22), and at least one first sealing means (14) for sealing the clearance of the spigot (16, 28). The adapter (10, 20) is defined by a lip (10b, 20b) and a web section (10a, 20a). The web section (10a, 20a) extends vertically from an operative section of the lip (10b, 20b). The web section (10a, 20a) is designed to align with a coolant channel of the cooling plate (30), and thus providing a mounting interface for the spigot (16, 28). The lip (10b, 20b) of the adapter is configured to fit in fluid communication with one of the coolant channels, ensuring a secure and leak-proof connection.
In an embodiment, the number of adapter (10, 20) depends upon the number of spigot (16, 28) that need to be mounted on the cooling plate (30).
Further, the top plate (12, 22) is configured to be mounted on the operative top surface of the cooling plate (30), such that an operative section of the top plate (12, 22) abuts against an opening of the adapter (10, 20), ensuring proper alignment and support for the spigot (16, 28). The top plate (12, 22) has at least one through-hole (18) that aligns with the mounting axis of the web section (10a, 20a) of the adapter (10, 20). The through-hole (18) facilitates the passage for mounting the spigot (16, 28) on the adapter (10, 20) of the cooling plate (30).
In an embodiment, the number of through-holes (18) on the top plate (12, 22) depends on the number of spigots (16, 28) to be attached to the cooling plate (30).
Further, the first sealing means (14) is configured to be positioned on the operative top surface of the top plate (12, 22), surrounding the through-hole (18). The first sealing means (14) is configured to form a tight seal around the through-hole (18) to prevent contaminants from entering the cooling plate (30).
In an embodiment, the first sealing means (14) is a seal ring having a cross-section selected from a group consisting of rectangular, circular and square cross-sections.
Further, the spigot (16, 28) is defined by an upper section (16b, 28b), a lower section (16a, 28a), and a flange section (16d, 28d) that adjoins the upper (16b, 28b) and lower sections (16a, 28a). The lower section (16a, 28a) of the spigot is inserted through the through-hole (18) of the top plate (12, 22) and mounted onto the web section (10a, 20a) of the adapter (10, 20). During mounting, the flange section (16d, 28d) of the spigot abuts the top plate (12, 22), with the first sealing means (14) compressed between the flange section (16d, 28d) and the top plate (12, 22) to create a secure seal.
In accordance with the first embodiement of the present disclosure as shown in figure 2a and figure 2b, the spigots (16) establish a connection with at least one cooling channel of the cooling plate (12) passing via the top plate(12). The top plate (12) is configured to be mounted on an operative top surface of the cooling plate (30), concealing the cooling channels. The web section (10a) of the adapter is configured with internal threads, while the lower section (16a) of the spigot has external threads. The threaded configuration of the spigot (16) and the adapter (10) allows for a secure, adjustable connection between the spigot (16) and the adapter (10) on the cooling plate (30). In addition, the flange section (16d) of the spigot include at least one screw lug 16c) to facilitate the screwing or rotation of the spigot (16) for mounting and demounting of the spigot (16) over the operative section of the adapter (10). Therefore, the axes of the mounting of the adapter (10), the through-hole (18) in the top plate, the first sealing means (14), and the spigot (16) are aligned in a straight line to ensure proper sealing and structural integrity. A first circumferential groove (not shown) is configured on the bottom surface of the flange section (16d), which accommodates the first sealing means (14), ensuring a snug fit and effective seal.
In an embodiment, the lip (10b) of the adapter (10) is brazed or structurally glued to the at least one inlet port of the cooling channel.
In an embodiment, the adapter (10) is selected from a group of material consisting of polymeric material or a metallic material such as Aluminium.
Advantageously, the strategic positioning of the spigot (16) on the top the adapter (10), encompassing the first sealing means (14) along with the top plate (12), leads to a highly efficient sealing of the gap or clearance that exists between the through-hole (18) on the top plate (12) and the adapter (10). Thus, the sealing arrangement (100a) serves to entirely prevent the infiltration of dust or water into both the cooling plate (30) and the battery pack assembly, thus ensuring their integrity and safeguarding against potential contamination or moisture-related issues.
In accordance of the second embodiment of the present disclosure as shown in figure 3a and figure 3b, the sealing arrangement (100b) comprise additionally a second sealing means (26), a spigot (28) and an adapter (20) without the threaded section. The adapter (20) is configured with the lip (20a) which gets fitted on at least one inlet port of the coolant channel. The lip (20a) of the adapter (20) is either snap fitted or glue fitted or interference fitted, or rotatably fitted on the cooling channels of the cooling plate (30). The lower section (28a) of the spigot (28) has a plurality of second circumferential grooves (28c) that house the second sealing means (26) thereon, to further ensure a leak-proof connection.
In an embodiment, the second sealing means (26) is an O-ring or a seal ring.
In an embodiment, the through-hole (18) defined on the top plate (22) is configured with a plurality of ridge section (22a) around the peripheral edge of the through-hole. In an embodiment, the ridge section (22a) of the through-hole (18) is positioned at an angle ranging between 60°-120°.
The upper section (28b) of the spigot (28) may be configured with screw lug to enable the screwing or rotation of the spigot for mounting and demounting of the spigot over the operative section of the adapter (20).
In an embodiment, the flange section (28d) has a cross-section selected from a group consisting of square, hexagonal and circular cross-section.
Advantageously, the strategic positioning of the spigot (28) on the top the adapter, encompassing the first sealing means (14) and the second sealing means (26) along with the top plate (22), leads to a highly efficient sealing of the gap or clearance that exists between the through-hole (18) on the top plate (22) and the adapter (20). The sealing arrangement (100b) serves to entirely prevent the infiltration of dust or water into both the cooling plate (30) and the battery pack assembly, thus ensuring their integrity and safeguarding against potential contamination or moisture-related issues.
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 and the method for sealing spigots of cooling plates of battery packs assemblies, that;
• eliminates radial clearances between the spigots and the top plate;
• accommodates variations in spigot construction while maintaining a tight seal to prevent dust and moisture entry;
• is convenient to assemble; and
• reduces or eliminates clearances that permit the ingress of dust and moisture, ensuring a robust seal even with variations in thread dimensions.
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 (100a, 100b) for sealing a spigot (16, 28) of a cooling plate (30) of a battery pack assembly, said arrangement (100a, 100b) being configured to prevent the ingress of dirt or contaminants in said cooling plate (30), said cooling plate (30) having an operative top surface and an operative bottom surface, the operative top surface configured with a plurality of coolant channels, and said spigot (16, 28) configured to be mounted in fluid communication with at least one of said cooling channels of said cooling plate (30), said arrangement (100a, 100b) comprising:
• an adapter (10, 20) defined by a lip (10a, 10b) and a web section (10a, 10b) , said lip (10a, 10b) being configured to be mounted in fluid communication with one of said cooling channels, and said web section (10a, 10b) configured to extend from said lip (10a, 10b) in an operative vertical direction with respect to said cooling plate (30);
• a top plate (12, 22) having at least one through-hole, said top plate (12, 22) being configured to abut said adapter (10, 20) such that an axis of said through-hole aligns with a mounting axis of said web section (10a, 10b);
• at least one first sealing means (14) configured to abut the operative top surface of said top plate (12, 22), said first sealing means (14) being configured to surround said through-hole;
• a spigot (16, 28) defined by an upper section (16b, 28b), a lower section (16a, 28a) and a flange (16d, 28d) section adjoining the upper section (16b, 28b) and the lower section (16a, 28a), said lower section (16a, 28a) configured to be received through said through-hole and mounted on said web section (10a, 10b) of said adapter (10, 20),
wherein said arrangement (100a, 100b) is characterized whereby said spigot (16, 28) is configured to seal the clearance between the operative bottom surface of said flange (16d, 28d) section and the operative top surface of said top plate (12, 22) with said first sealing element disposed therebetween to prevent the ingress of dirt or water into the cooling plate (30) (12) of the battery pack assembly (100).
2. The arrangement (100a, 100b) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said web section (10a, 10b) of said adapter (10, 20) is configured with internal threads and said lower section (16a, 28a) of said spigot (16, 28) is configured with external threads, to facilitate threadable mounting of said spigot (16, 28) on said web section (10a, 10b).
3. The arrangement (100a, 100b) as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one screw lug or bayonet (16c) is configured on the operative top surface of said flange (16d, 28d) section, said screw lug or bayonet (16c) facilitates the angular displacement of said spigot (16, 28) to mount said spigot (16, 28) on the operative section of said adapter (10, 20).
4. The arrangement (100a, 100b) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the axis of mounting of said adapter (10, 20), said through-hole, said first sealing means (14) and said spigot (16, 28) lie in the same line.
5. The arrangement (100a, 100b) as claimed in claim 1, said arrangement (100a, 100b) includes a first circumferential groove, configured on the operative bottom surface of said flange (16d, 28d) section, said first circumferential groove is configured to accommodate said first sealing means (14) therein, wherein said first sealing means (14) is a seal ring having a cross-section selected from a group consisting of rectangular, circular and square cross-sections.
6. The arrangement (100a, 100b) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said lower section (16a, 28a) is configured with a plurality of second circumferential grooves (28c).
7. The arrangement (100a, 100b) as claimed in claim 6, said arrangement (100a, 100b) includes at least one second sealing means (26), configured to be disposed on at least one of said second circumferential grooves (28c), said lower section (16a, 28a) with said second sealing means (26) is configured to be received by said web section (10a, 10b) to facilitate mounting of said spigot (16, 28) on said adapter (10, 20) and to maintain zero clearance between the mating surfaces.
8. The arrangement (100a, 100b) as claimed in claim 7, wherein said second sealing means (26) is an O-ring or a seal ring (10a, 10b).
9. The arrangement (100a, 100b) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said flange (16d, 28d) section has a cross-section selected from a group consisting of square, hexagonal and circular cross-section.
10. A method for sealing spigot (16, 28) of a cooling plate (30) of a battery pack assembly, said method being configured to prevent the ingress of dirt or contaminants into said cooling plate (30), said cooling plate (30) has an operative top surface and an operative bottom surface, the operative top surface configured with a plurality of coolant channels, said method comprising the following steps:
• mounting an adapter (10, 20), defined by a web section (10a, 10b) and a lip (10a, 10b), in fluid communication with one of the coolant channels, said web section (10a, 10b) extending vertically from said lip (10a, 10b) with respect to the cooling plate (30);
• aligning a top plate (12, 22), having at least one through-hole, with said adapter (10, 20) such that the axis of the through-hole aligns with the mounting axis of said web section (10a, 10b);
• positioning at least one first sealing means (14) on the operative top surface of said top plate (12, 22), said first sealing means (14) surrounding said through-hole;
• inserting a spigot (16, 28), defined by an upper section (16b, 28b), a lower section (16a, 28a), and a flange (16d, 28d) section adjoining the upper and lower section (16a, 28a), through said through-hole;
• mounting said lower section (16a, 28a) of said spigot (16, 28) on said web section (10a, 10b) of said adapter (10, 20),
wherein said method is characterized whereby mounting said spigot (16, 28) on said adapter (10, 20) by securing said top plate (12, 22) such that said first sealing element is compressed between the operative bottom surface of said flange (16d, 28d) section and the operative top surface of said top plate (12, 22) to seal the clearance and thereby preventing the ingress of dirt or water into said cooling plate (30).
Dated this 6th 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