Removable and replaceable port assembly for battery pack

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a removable and replaceable port assembly for a battery pack. A system is provided that enables external retrogression and servicing of a port assembly of a battery pack assembly. In one example, a system includes a first port housing member coupleable with a layered second port housing member via a pair of fasteners, a pair of fasteners extending from the second port housing member to the first port housing member to compress a seal sandwiched between the first port housing member and the second port housing member; a port outlet positioned on a surface of the first port housing member; and a port inlet positioned on a surface of the second port housing member.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present specification generally relates to a removable and replaceable port assembly for a battery pack. BACKGROUND

[0002] Electric vehicles (EVs) include battery packs that require thermal control and electrical connection with other components of the respective EV. An integrated port assembly can provide thermal control and enable electrical connection of the battery pack. Vehicles with battery packs with integrated port assemblies and connections can be designed to provide convenient access and / or servicing of the assembly. SUMMARY

[0003] In one example, the problems described above can be solved by a port assembly comprising: a first port housing member couplable with a layered second port housing member via a pair of fasteners extending from the second port housing member to the first port housing member to compress a seal sandwiched between the first port housing member and the second port housing member; a port outlet positioned on a surface of the first port housing member; and a port inlet positioned on a surface of the second port housing member. By arranging the port assembly in this way, the port outlet can be removed and replaced from outside of a battery pack. As a result, access and / or servicing of a battery pack can be performed from outside of the battery pack. In turn, this can reduce servicing, reduce time for inspecting a battery pack, and improve quality of a battery pack.

[0004] As one example, two port assemblies can be arranged in a battery pack assembly. More specifically, the battery pack assembly can include a plurality of cells arranged within a battery enclosure of the battery pack assembly. The battery enclosure is configured to enclose a port housing of a pair of port assemblies. Each port assembly includes: a port outlet coupled to a first port housing member, the first port housing member including: a first base portion; a first raised portion configured for a first fastener disposed on one side of the port outlet; and a second raised portion configured for a second fastener disposed on another side of the port outlet; and a port inlet coupled to a second port housing member, the second port housing member including a first layer, a second layer, and is spaced apart from the first port housing member via a seal. The port inlet of each port assembly extends through the port housing on an inside of the battery pack assembly, and the port outlet extends through the port housing on an outside of the battery pack.

[0005] The above and other advantages and features of this specification will become readily apparent when understood alone or in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, based on the following detailed description.

[0006] It should be understood that the above description of the invention is provided to present a series of concepts further described in the detailed embodiments in a simplified form. This is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, the scope of which is uniquely defined by the claims appended to the detailed embodiments. Furthermore, the claimed subject matter is not limited to embodiments that address any shortcomings mentioned above or in any part of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1 A schematic first perspective view of the exterior of the port assembly is shown.

[0008] Figure 2 A second perspective view of the exterior of the port assembly is schematically shown.

[0009] Figure 3 A schematic third perspective view of the exterior of the port assembly is shown.

[0010] Figure 4 A perspective view of the interior of the second port housing component is shown schematically.

[0011] Figure 5 A perspective view of the interior of the first port housing component is shown schematically.

[0012] Figure 6 A cross-section of the port assembly is shown schematically.

[0013] Figure 7 The diagram schematically illustrates a battery pack assembly in which two molded port assemblies are integrated.

[0014] Figure 8 The cross-section of the two molded port assemblies when integrated into the housing is schematically shown. Detailed Implementation

[0015] The following description relates to a system for supplying coolant to a battery pack assembly. The battery pack assembly integrates a port assembly that enables return and maintenance of the port assembly from outside the battery pack. More specifically, the battery pack assembly includes two port assemblies, one operating as an inlet port and the other operating as an outlet port. The same port assembly is used for both the inlet and outlet ports. Figures 1 to 3 Different perspective views of the exterior of the port assembly are depicted. Figure 4 An internal perspective view of the second port housing component is depicted. Figure 5An internal perspective view of the first port housing component of the port assembly is depicted. Figure 6 The cross-section of the port assembly is depicted in the image. Figure 7 The image depicts a battery pack assembly integrated with the port assembly. Figure 8 The image depicts a cross-section of the port housing of the battery pack assembly.

[0016] Now turn to the attached diagram. Figure 1 A first perspective view of the exterior of port assembly 100 is illustrated, in which coolant or other fluids may flow. Specifically, the first perspective view focuses on the inlet side of port assembly 100. Port assembly 100 includes port outlet 102, a first port housing member 104, a layered second port housing member 106, and port inlet 108. Port outlet 102 is located on the surface of first port housing member 104, and port inlet 108 is located on the surface of second port housing member 106. First port housing member 104 may be coupled to second port housing member 106 via a pair of fasteners (e.g., not shown) that compress a seal between the first and second port housing members.

[0017] The second port housing member includes a first layer 106a and a second layer 106b. The second layer includes a second base portion 107a with a rounded rectangular cross-section and two raised portions with circular cross-sections. The two raised portions are positioned on the top surface of the second base portion of the second port housing member 106. The two raised portions of the second layer are spaced apart on either side of the center of the second base portion 107a of the second port housing member 106 and offset from the center of the second base portion by a predetermined distance. One raised portion of the second layer is positioned on one side of the port inlet 108, and the other raised portion is positioned on the other side of the port inlet.

[0018] More specifically, the two raised portions include a third raised portion 107b and a fourth raised portion 107c. Thus, the third raised portion 107b is positioned on one side of the port inlet 108, and the fourth raised portion is positioned on the other side of the port inlet. The cross-section of the first layer 106a is a rounded rectangular shape, and the cross-section of the first layer is larger than that of the second base portion 107a of the second layer 106b. The center of the first layer 106a is aligned with the center of the second base portion 107a of the second layer 106b. A seal surrounds the inner periphery of the first port housing member 104 and the inner periphery of the first layer of the second port housing member 106.

[0019] Figure 2 Examples Figure 1 The second perspective view 200 depicts the port assembly 100. For the sake of brevity, it includes... Figure 1The components in the port assembly 100 may not be described again. A second perspective view of the exterior of the first port assembly focuses on the outlet side of the port assembly 100. The first port housing member 104 includes a first base portion 202a with a rounded rectangular cross-section and two raised portions positioned on the top surface of the first base portion, the two raised portions being configured with through holes for positioning the pair of fasteners. The two raised portions are spaced apart on either side of the center of the first base portion 202a of the first port housing member 104 and offset from the center of the first base portion by a predetermined distance, such that one raised portion of the first port housing member is positioned on one side of the port outlet 102, and the other raised portion is positioned on the other side of the port outlet.

[0020] Specifically, the two raised portions include a first raised portion 202b and a second raised portion 202c. Therefore, the first raised portion 202b of the first port housing member 104 is positioned on one side of the port outlet 102, and the second raised portion 202c is positioned on the other side of the port outlet. The first raised portion 202b of the first port housing member 104 is provided with a first through hole 204a on one side of the port outlet 102, and the second raised portion 202c of the first port housing member is provided with a second through hole 204b on the other side of the port outlet. The first through hole 204a and the second through hole 204b extend through the first raised portion 202b, the second raised portion 202c, and the first base portion 202a of the first port housing member 104.

[0021] Turn Figure 3 The third perspective view 300 of the port assembly 100 is depicted. For the sake of brevity, it is included in... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The components in the port assembly 100 may not be described again. The third perspective view 300 includes a pair of through-holes that position a pair of fasteners extending through the first port housing member 104. Specifically, the first through-hole 204a positions the first fastener 302a and the second through-hole 204b positions the second fastener 302b. The first fastener 302a and the second fastener 302b compress a seal 304 to prevent fluid (such as coolant) from leaking from the port assembly. One side of the seal 304 is positioned on the inner periphery of the first port housing member 104 and the other side of the seal is positioned on the inner periphery of the second port housing member 106.

[0022] Figure 4 Depicting Figure 1 A perspective view 400 of the interior of the second port housing member 106 of the port assembly 100. For simplicity, including... Figures 1 to 3The components described herein may not be repeated. The second base portion 107a, the third raised portion 107b, and the fourth raised portion 107c of the second layer 106b extend into the inner side of the second port housing member 106, wherein triangular supports disposed on both the third raised portion 107b and the fourth raised portion 107c connect the second base portion 107a to the third and fourth raised portions. As an example, the triangular supports may include a first triangular support 405a, a second triangular support 405b, a third triangular support 405c, and a fourth triangular support 405d.

[0023] First triangular support 405a and second triangular support 405b may be disposed on third raised portion 107b to connect second base portion 107a and third raised portion 107b. Similarly, third triangular support 405c and second triangular support 405d may be disposed on fourth raised portion 107c to connect second base portion 107a and fourth raised portion 107c. Additionally, second layer 106b includes a second circular opening extending from the outside of second port housing member 106 to the inside of second molded port housing member, thereby forming a second tubular portion 405, wherein fluid is transported from the interior of port assembly 100 to the exterior of port assembly 100. In some embodiments, the exterior of port assembly 100 is a battery pack assembly (such as those hereinafter referred to as...). Figure 7 The interior of the battery pack assembly (described in the image).

[0024] The port assembly 100 includes a rectangular support member that connects the second tubular portion 405 and the third raised portion 107b, connects the second tubular portion and the fourth raised portion 107c, connects the second base portion 107a and the third raised portion of the second layer 106b, and connects the second base portion and the fourth raised portion of the second layer. More specifically, the rectangular support member is disposed around the periphery of the second tubular portion 405 to connect the second tubular portion to the second layer 106b. Furthermore, additional rectangular support members are disposed on the outer periphery of the third raised portion 107b and the fourth raised portion 107c.

[0025] In one example, the rectangular support members may include a first rectangular support member 407a, a second rectangular support member 407b, a third rectangular support member 407c, a fourth rectangular support member 407d, and a fifth rectangular support member 407e. Specifically, the first rectangular support member 407a may connect the third raised portion 107b and the second base portion 107a of the second layer 106b, the second rectangular support member 407b may connect the second tubular portion 405 and the second base portion of the second layer, and the fifth rectangular support member 407e may connect the fourth raised portion 107c and the base of the second layer. Furthermore, the third rectangular support member 407c may connect the second tubular portion 405 and the third raised portion 107b. Additionally, the fourth rectangular support member 407d may connect the second tubular portion and the fourth raised portion 107c. The triangular and rectangular supports provide structural support for the various elements of the second port housing member 106. Other embodiments of the port assembly 100 may include more or fewer triangular and / or rectangular supports without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0026] Multiple protruding members 406 extend from the outer periphery of the end of the second tubular portion 405. The multiple protruding members may include a first protruding member 406a, a second protruding member 406b, a third protruding member 406c, and a fourth protruding member 406d. Each protruding member is shaped as a rectangular prism, wherein a portion 408 on one side of one end of the respective protruding member has a rounded wedge shape. The rounded wedge-shaped side of the protruding member faces the outer periphery 409 of the second tubular portion 405, and a rectangular side parallel to the rounded wedge-shaped side faces the inner periphery 410 of the second tubular portion.

[0027] The first positioning member 404a and the second positioning member 404b are cylindrical in shape, and are configured to be positioned inside the first raised portion 202b and the second raised portion 202c of the second port housing member 106, respectively, and to receive the first fastener 302a and the second fastener 302b. Additionally, one end of the seal 402 is positioned around the periphery of the interior of the second base portion 107a of the second port housing member 106. More specifically, one end of the seal 402 is positioned between the outer periphery of the second base portion 107a of the first layer 106a and the second layer 106b.

[0028] Figure 5 Examples Figure 1 A perspective view 500 of the interior of the first port housing member 104 of the port assembly 100. For simplicity, including... Figures 1 to 4The components described herein may not be repeated. The first port housing member 104 includes an inner wall 502 forming a rounded rectangular cross-section smaller than the cross-section of the first base portion 202a of the first port housing member. The other end of a seal 402 is positioned around the periphery of the interior of the first base portion 202a of the first port housing member 104. Specifically, the other end of the seal 402 is positioned between the inner wall 502 and the first base portion 202a of the first port housing member 104. The first port housing member 104 also includes a first circular opening extending from the outside of the first port housing member to the inside of the first molded port housing member, thereby forming a first tubular portion 504 through which fluid is delivered to the outside of the port assembly.

[0029] For example, the exterior of the port assembly could be a battery pack assembly (such as those described below). Figure 7 The exterior of the battery pack assembly (as depicted). Additionally, each of the first raised portion 202b and the second raised portion 202c can extend from the outside of the first port housing member 104 to the inside of the first molded port housing member to form a cylindrical structure at one end of a positioning fastener. The first fastener 302a extends from the first through-hole 204a through the interior of the first port housing member 104 to the first positioning member 404a located inside the second port housing member 106. The second fastener 302b extends from the second through-hole 204b through the interior of the first port housing member 104 to the second positioning member 404b located inside the second port housing member 106.

[0030] Figure 6 A cross-sectional view 600 depicts a molded port assembly, which may be... Figure 1 An embodiment of the port assembly 100 depicted herein. The molded port assembly may include a port outlet 602 coupled to a first molded port housing member 604. The first molded port housing member 604 is arranged with: a first base portion; a first raised portion configured with a first through-hole positioned on one side of the port outlet 602; and a second raised portion configured with a second through-hole positioned on the other side of the port outlet. The molded port assembly may further include a port inlet 608, which is coaxial with the port outlet 602 and coupled to a second molded port housing member 606. The second molded port housing member 606 may include a first layer and a second layer, wherein the second layer includes a second base portion, a third raised portion positioned on one side of the port inlet 608, and a fourth raised portion positioned on the other side of the port inlet.

[0031] The first through hole positions the first fastener, and the second through hole positions the second fastener for the compression seal 612. One side of the seal 612 is positioned on the inner periphery of the first molded port housing member 604, and the other side of the seal is positioned on the inner periphery of the second molded port housing member 606. A plurality of protruding members 614 provided on the second tubular portion 610 of the second molded port housing member 606 contact the first tubular portion 616 of the first molded port housing member 604.

[0032] Figure 7 A battery pack assembly 700 is illustrated, in which the molded port assembly described herein is integrated. The battery pack assembly 700 includes a plurality of cells 714 disposed within a battery housing 702 of the battery pack assembly. The battery housing 702 is configured to close port housings 704 of a pair of port assemblies. Each port assembly includes a port outlet coupled to a first port housing member. The first port housing member includes: a first base portion; a first raised portion configured for a first fastener located on one side of the port outlet; and a second raised portion configured for a second fastener located on the other side of the port outlet.

[0033] Each port assembly also includes a port inlet coupled to a first port housing member. A second port housing member includes a first layer and a second layer and is spaced apart from the first port housing member via a seal. The port inlet of each port assembly extends through the port housing 704 on the inner side of the battery pack assembly 700, and the port outlet extends through the port housing 704 on the outer side of the battery pack assembly. For example, a first port inlet 710 and a second port inlet (not shown) extend through the port housing 704 on the inner side of the battery pack assembly 700, and a first port outlet 706 and a second port outlet 708 extend through the port housing 704 on the outer side of the battery pack assembly.

[0034] By equipping the battery pack assembly 700 with the molded port assembly disclosed herein, the inlet port can be repaired regardless of the degradation of the outlet port. Therefore, the port assembly can be repaired without opening or completely replacing the battery pack assembly. Consequently, the port assembly disclosed herein enables less demanding rework and repair of the battery pack assembly, allowing for more thorough inspection and higher quality battery pack assembly.

[0035] exist Figure 8 exemplified in Figure 7 The image depicts a cross-sectional view 800 of the battery casing 702 of the battery pack assembly 700. For simplicity, it includes... Figure 7The components described herein may not be repeated. A first port assembly 801 and a second port assembly 802 are enclosed within a port housing 704. The first port assembly 801 is positioned above the second port assembly 802 within the port housing 704. In this manner, a first port inlet 710 of the first port assembly 801 is positioned above a second port inlet 712 of the second port assembly 802, and a first port outlet 706 of the first port assembly 801 is positioned above a second port outlet 708 of the second port assembly 802.

[0036] Coolant can enter through either the first port assembly 801 or the second port assembly 802 to remove heat generated during the operation of the battery pack assembly 700. Conversely, coolant that has absorbed the generated heat can be removed from the battery pack assembly 700 through either the first port assembly or the second port assembly. In other words, coolant can enter the battery pack assembly 700 via the first port assembly 801 and be removed from the battery pack assembly via the second port assembly 802. In this embodiment, the first port assembly 801 serves as an inlet port and the second port assembly 802 operates as an outlet port. Thus, coolant enters the battery pack assembly 700 when it flows into the first port outlet 706 of the first port assembly 801 and out of the first port inlet 710 of the first port assembly. Coolant is removed from the battery pack assembly 700 when heated coolant flows into the second port inlet 712 of the second port assembly 802 and out of the second port outlet 708 of the second port assembly.

[0037] Conversely, coolant can enter the battery pack assembly 700 via the second port assembly 802 and be removed from the battery pack assembly via the first port assembly 801. In this embodiment, the second port assembly 802 serves as an inlet port and the first port assembly 801 operates as an outlet port. Thus, coolant enters the battery pack assembly 700 when it flows into the second port outlet 708 of the second port assembly 802 and out of the second port inlet 712. Coolant is removed from the battery pack assembly 700 when heated coolant flows into the first port inlet 710 of the first port assembly 801 and out of the first port outlet 706.

[0038] The advantage of integrating the port assembly into the battery pack assembly is that it allows for external repair and maintenance of the port assembly. The port assembly includes a first, layered port housing member connected to a second port housing member to compress a seal positioned between the first and second port housing members. In this way, the port assembly can be repaired or replaced without opening or replacing the battery pack assembly, reducing downtime, increasing inspection efficiency, and thus improving the overall quality of the battery pack assembly.

[0039] This disclosure also provides support for a port assembly including: a first port housing member capable of being coupled to a layered second port housing member via a pair of fasteners extending from the second port housing member to the first port housing member to compress a seal sandwiched between the first and second port housing members; a port outlet positioned on a surface of the first port housing member; and a port inlet positioned on a surface of the second port housing member. In a first example of the system, the port outlet is removable and replaceable from outside the battery pack. In a second example of the system, optionally including the first example, the first port housing member includes a first base portion having a cross-section of a rounded rectangle and two raised portions positioned on the top surface of the first base portion of the first port housing member, the two raised portions being configured with through holes for positioning the pair of fasteners.

[0040] In a third example, which optionally includes one or both of the first and second examples of the system, the two raised portions are spaced apart on either side of the center of the first base portion of the first port housing member and offset from the center of the first base portion by a predetermined distance, such that one raised portion of the first port housing member is positioned on one side of the port outlet and the other raised portion is positioned on the other side of the port outlet. In a fourth example, which optionally includes one or more of the first to third examples of the system, or each of the examples, the second port housing member includes a first layer and a second layer, the second layer including a second base portion with a rounded rectangular cross-section and two raised portions with a circular cross-section positioned on the top surface of the second base portion of the second port housing member.

[0041] In one or more examples of the first to fourth examples, or a fifth example of each example, the two raised portions of the second layer are spaced apart on either side of the center of the second base portion of the second port housing member and offset from the center of the second base portion by a predetermined distance, such that one raised portion of the second layer is positioned on one side of the port inlet and the other raised portion is positioned on the other side of the port inlet. In one or more examples of the first to fifth examples, or a sixth example of each example, the cross-section of the first layer is a rounded rectangle, the cross-section of the first layer is larger in size than the cross-section of the second base portion of the second layer, and the center of the first layer is aligned with the center of the second base portion of the second layer. In one or more examples of the first to sixth examples, or a seventh example of each example, the seal surrounds the inner periphery of the first port housing member and the inner periphery of the first layer of the second port housing member.

[0042] This disclosure also provides support for a molded port assembly comprising: a port outlet coupled to a first molded port housing member having: a first base portion; a first raised portion having a first through-hole positioned on one side of the port outlet; and a second raised portion having a second through-hole positioned on the other side of the port outlet; a port inlet coaxial with the port outlet and coupled to a second molded port housing member having a first layer and a second layer, the second layer including: a second base portion; a third raised portion positioned on one side of the port inlet; and a fourth raised portion positioned on the other side of the port inlet, wherein the first through-hole positions a first fastener and the second through-hole positions a second fastener, the fasteners compressing a seal, wherein one side of the seal is positioned on the inner periphery of the first molded port housing member and the other side of the seal is positioned on the inner periphery of the second molded port housing member.

[0043] In a first example of the system, the second base portion, the third raised portion, and the fourth raised portion of the second layer extend into the inner side of the second molded port housing member, wherein triangular supports disposed on both of the third and fourth raised portions connect the second base portion to the third and fourth raised portions. In a second example of the system, which optionally includes the first example, the second layer includes a second circular opening extending from the outer side of the second molded port housing member to the inner side of the second molded port housing member, thereby forming a second tubular portion, wherein fluid is delivered to the interior of the molded port assembly. In a third example of the system, which optionally includes one or both of the first and second examples, rectangular supports are disposed around the periphery of the second tubular portion to connect the second tubular portion to the second layer, and a plurality of protruding members extend from the outer periphery of the ends of the second tubular portion.

[0044] In one or more examples of the first to third examples, or a fourth example of each example, the protruding member is shaped like a rectangular prism, wherein a portion of one side of one end of the respective protruding member has a rounded wedge shape. In one or more examples of the first to fourth examples, or a fifth example of each example, the first fastener and the second fastener are coaxial, and the first positioning member and the second positioning member are cylindrical in shape, and the first positioning member and the second positioning member are configured to be positioned within the third and fourth raised portions of the second molded port housing member, respectively, and to receive the first fastener and the second fastener. In one or more examples of the first to fifth examples, or a sixth example of each example, the first molded port housing member includes an inner wall forming a cross-section of a rounded rectangle, the cross-section of the inner wall being smaller than the cross-section of the first base portion of the first molded port housing member.

[0045] In one or more examples of the first to sixth examples, or in a seventh example of each example, the first molded port housing member further includes a first circular opening extending from the outside of the first molded port housing member to the inside of the first molded port housing member, thereby forming a first tubular portion, wherein fluid is delivered to the outside of the molded port assembly. In one or more examples of the first to seventh examples, or in an eighth example of each example, the plurality of protruding members of the second molded port housing member contact the first tubular portion of the first molded port housing member.

[0046] This disclosure also provides support for a battery pack assembly including: a plurality of battery cells disposed within a battery housing of the battery pack assembly; wherein the battery housing is configured to close port housings of a pair of port assemblies, each port assembly including: a port outlet coupled to a first port housing member, the first port housing member including: a first base portion; a first raised portion configured for a first fastener disposed on one side of the port outlet; and a second raised portion configured for a second fastener disposed on the other side of the port outlet; and a port inlet coupled to a second port housing member, the second port housing member including a first layer and a second layer and spaced apart from the first port housing member via a seal. In a first example of the system, the port inlet of each port assembly extends through the port housing on the inner side of the battery pack assembly. In a second example of the system, which optionally includes the first example, the port outlet extends through the port housing on the outer side of the battery pack assembly.

[0047] Figures 1 to 8 Exemplary configurations with the relative positioning of various components are shown. If shown as being in direct contact or directly connected to each other, then in at least one example, such components may be referred to accordingly as being in direct contact or directly connected. Similarly, in at least one example, components shown as being adjacent or adjacent to each other may be respectively adjacent or adjacent to each other. As an example, components that are in coplanar contact with each other may be referred to as being in coplanar contact. As another example, in at least one example, components positioned apart from each other with only space between them and no other components may be referred to as such. As yet another example, components shown as being above / below each other, on opposite sides of each other, or to the left / right of each other may be referred to as such relative to each other.

[0048] Furthermore, as shown in the accompanying drawings, in at least one example, the topmost element or the highest vertex of an element may be referred to as the “top” of the component, and the bottommost element or the lowest point of an element may be referred to as the “bottom” of the component. As used herein, top / bottom, upper / lower, above / below may be relative to the vertical axis of the drawing and are used to describe the positioning of the elements in the drawing relative to each other. Thus, in one example, an element shown above other elements is located directly above the other elements. As yet another example, the shapes of the elements depicted in the drawings may be described as having these shapes (e.g., such as circular, straight, planar, curved, rounded, chamfered, angled, etc.). Furthermore, in at least one example, elements shown as intersecting each other may be referred to as intersecting elements or intersecting each other. Further still, in one example, an element shown as being inside another element or shown as being outside another element may be referred to as such.

[0049] Unless otherwise specified, features described as axial may be substantially parallel to the referenced axis. Unless otherwise specified, features described as anti-axial may be substantially perpendicular to the referenced axis. Unless otherwise specified, features described as radial may extend circumferentially around or axially outward from an axis, such as the referenced axis, or components or features previously described as radial to the referenced axis.

[0050] The appended claims specifically point to certain combinations and sub-combinations that are considered novel and non-obvious. These claims may refer to an “a” element or a “first” element or its equivalents. Such claims should be understood to include combinations of one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements. Other combinations and sub-combinations of the disclosed features, functions, elements, and / or properties may be claimed by amending these claims or by setting new claims in this application or related applications. Such claims, whether broader, narrower, equivalent, or different in scope from the original claims, are also considered to be included within the subject matter of this disclosure.

[0051] According to the present invention, a port assembly is provided, the port assembly having: a first port housing member capable of being coupled to a layered second port housing member via a pair of fasteners extending from the second port housing member to the first port housing member to compress a seal clamped between the first port housing member and the second port housing member; a port outlet located on a surface of the first port housing member; and a port inlet located on a surface of the second port housing member.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the port outlet can be removed and replaced from outside the battery pack.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the first port housing member includes a first base portion having a cross-section in the shape of a rounded rectangle and two raised portions positioned on the top surface of the first base portion of the first port housing member, the two raised portions being configured with through holes for positioning the pair of fasteners.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the two raised portions are spaced apart on both sides of the center of the first base portion of the first port housing member and offset from the center of the first base portion by a predetermined distance, such that one raised portion of the first port housing member is positioned on one side of the port outlet and the other raised portion is positioned on the other side of the port outlet.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the second port housing member includes a first layer and a second layer, the second layer including a second base portion having a cross-section in the shape of a rounded rectangle and two raised portions having a cross-section in the shape of a circle and positioned on the top surface of the second base portion of the second port housing member.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the two raised portions of the second layer are spaced apart on both sides of the center of the second base portion of the second port housing member and offset from the center of the second base portion by a predetermined distance, such that one raised portion of the second layer is positioned on one side of the port inlet and the other raised portion is positioned on the other side of the port inlet.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the cross-section of the first layer is a rounded rectangle, the cross-section of the first layer is larger in size than the cross-section of the second base portion of the second layer, and the center of the first layer is aligned with the center of the second base portion of the second layer.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the seal surrounds the inner periphery of the first port housing member and the inner periphery of the first layer of the second port housing member.

[0059] According to the present invention, a molded port assembly is provided, the molded port assembly having: a port outlet coupled to a first molded port housing member, the first molded port housing member being provided with: a first base portion; a first raised portion having a first through hole positioned on one side of the port outlet; and a second raised portion having a second through hole positioned on the other side of the port outlet; a port inlet coaxial with the port outlet and coupled to a second molded port housing member, the second molded port housing member including a first layer and a second layer, the second layer including: a second base portion; a third raised portion positioned on one side of the port inlet; and a fourth raised portion positioned on the other side of the port inlet, wherein the first through hole positions a first fastener and the second through hole positions a second fastener, the fastener compressing a seal, wherein one side of the seal is positioned on the inner periphery of the first molded port housing member and the other side of the seal is positioned on the inner periphery of the second molded port housing member.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the second base portion, the third raised portion, and the fourth raised portion of the second layer extend into the inner side of the second molded port housing member, wherein triangular supports disposed on both of the third raised portion and the fourth raised portion connect the second base portion to the third raised portion and the fourth raised portion.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the second layer includes a second circular opening extending from the outside of the second molded port housing member to the inside of the second molded port housing member, thereby forming a second tubular portion in which fluid is delivered to the interior of the molded port assembly.

[0062] According to one embodiment, a rectangular support is disposed around the periphery of the second tubular portion to connect the second tubular portion to the second layer, and a plurality of protruding members extend from the outer periphery of the ends of the second tubular portion.

[0063] According to one embodiment, each protruding member is shaped like a rectangular prism, wherein a portion of one side of one end of the respective protruding member has a rounded wedge shape.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the first fastener and the second fastener are not coaxial, and the first positioning member and the second positioning member are cylindrical in shape. The first positioning member and the second positioning member are configured to be positioned inside the third raised portion and the fourth raised portion of the second molded port housing member, respectively, and to receive the first fastener and the second fastener.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the first molded port housing component includes an inner wall that forms a cross-section with rounded corners, the cross-section of the inner wall being smaller than the cross-section of the first base portion of the first molded port housing component.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the first molded port housing component further includes a first circular opening extending from the outside of the first molded port housing component to the inside of the first molded port housing component, thereby forming a first tubular portion, wherein fluid is delivered to the outside of the molded port assembly.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the plurality of protruding members of the second molded port housing member contact the first tubular portion of the first molded port housing member.

[0068] According to the present invention, a battery pack assembly is provided, the battery pack assembly having: a plurality of battery cells disposed within a battery housing of the battery pack assembly; wherein the battery housing is configured to close port housings of a pair of port assemblies, each port assembly including: a port outlet coupled to a first port housing member, the first port housing member including: a first base portion; a first raised portion configured for a first fastener disposed on one side of the port outlet; a second raised portion configured for a second fastener disposed on the other side of the port outlet; and a port inlet coupled to a second port housing member, the second port housing member including a first layer and a second layer, and spaced apart from the first port housing member via a seal.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the port inlet of each port assembly extends through the port housing on the inner side of the battery pack assembly.

[0070] According to one embodiment, the port outlet extends through the port housing on the outside of the battery pack assembly.

Claims

1. A port assembly (100) comprising: A first port housing member (104) is capable of being connected to a layered second port housing member (106) via a pair of fasteners extending from the second port housing member to the first port housing member to compress a seal (304) clamped between the first port housing member and the second port housing member; Port outlet (102), the port outlet being positioned on the surface of the first port housing member (104); and Port inlet (108) is located on the surface of the second port housing member (106).

2. The port assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the port outlet (102) is removable and replaceable from outside the battery pack.

3. The port assembly of claim 1, wherein the first port housing member (104) includes a first base portion (202a) having a cross-section in the shape of a rounded rectangle and two raised portions positioned on the top surface of the first base portion of the first port housing member, the two raised portions being configured with through holes for positioning the pair of fasteners.

4. The port assembly of claim 3, wherein the two raised portions are spaced apart on both sides of the center of the first base portion (202a) of the first port housing member (104) and offset from the center of the first base portion by a predetermined distance, such that one raised portion of the first port housing member is positioned on one side of the port outlet (102) and the other raised portion is positioned on the other side of the port outlet.

5. The port assembly of claim 1, wherein the second port housing member (106) comprises a first layer (106a) and a second layer (106b), the second layer comprising a second base portion (107a) having a cross-section in the shape of a rounded rectangle and two raised portions having a cross-section in the shape of a circle and positioned on the top surface of the second base portion of the second port housing member.

6. The port assembly of claim 5, wherein the two raised portions of the second layer (106b) are spaced apart on both sides of the center of the second base portion (107a) of the second port housing member (106) and offset from the center of the second base portion by a predetermined distance, such that one raised portion of the second layer is positioned on one side of the port inlet (108) and the other raised portion is positioned on the other side of the port inlet.

7. The port assembly of claim 5, wherein the cross-section of the first layer (106a) is a rounded rectangle, the cross-section of the first layer is larger in size than the cross-section of the second base portion (107a) of the second layer (106b), and the center of the first layer is aligned with the center of the second base portion of the second layer.

8. The port assembly of claim 5, wherein the seal (304) surrounds the inner periphery of the first port housing member (104) and the inner periphery of the first layer (106a) of the second port housing member (106).

9. A battery pack assembly (700) comprising: Multiple battery cells (714) are arranged within the battery casing (702) of the battery pack assembly; The battery housing (702) is configured to enclose a pair of port assemblies (704), each port assembly (100) comprising: A port outlet (602) is connected to a first port housing member (104), the first port housing member including: a first base portion (202a); a first raised portion (202b) configured for a first fastener (302a) disposed on one side of the port outlet; and a second raised portion (202c) configured for a second fastener (302b) disposed on the other side of the port outlet; and A port inlet (608) is connected to a second port housing member (106), the second port housing member including a first layer (106a) and a second layer (106b) and spaced apart from the first port housing member (106) via a seal (304).

10. The battery pack assembly of claim 9, wherein the port inlet (608) of each port assembly (100) extends over the port housing (704) on the inside of the battery pack assembly (700).

11. The battery pack assembly of claim 9, wherein the port outlet (602) extends on the outside of the battery pack assembly (700) through the port housing (704).

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