Battery cover fastener

Abstract

A fastener (10) for an electric vehicle (EV) battery pack cover is provided. The fastener includes an elongate body having opposing first (14) and second (16) ends and upper and lower surfaces extending between the first and second ends. A first retention feature is proximate the first end and a second retention feature is proximate the second end. The first retention feature is insertable through a first opening in the pack cover and a corresponding first opening in the pack housing. Further, the first retention feature may be engaged with a surface of the housing or the cover. The second retention feature is engageable with a portion of the pack cover and a corresponding portion of the pack housing. A battery pack for an electric vehicle including the fastener and a method of securing a cover to an electric vehicle battery pack using the fastener are also provided.

Description

Cross-references to related applications

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Application No. 63 / 536,966, filed September 7, 2023, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure generally relates to battery packs for electric vehicles (EVs), and more specifically to fasteners for securing covers / caps to battery packs. Background Technology

[0003] Electric vehicles use battery packs comprising multiple battery cells to store and provide power to drive the vehicle. The battery cells are housed within a casing of the battery pack. EV battery packs typically have removable caps / covers that cover and seal openings in the internal space within the battery pack casing. On average, approximately 80 fasteners are required to secure the caps / covers to the battery pack casing to enclose the battery cells within the casing, as shown in the figure. Simultaneously, a seal (waist ring or similar) is used to seal the battery pack. To provide a sufficient leak-proof seal against the external environment (including moisture, dust, etc.), the caps / covers should press the seals against the surface of the battery pack casing, such that the seals are clamped between the caps / covers and the casing. Typically, bolts are used to secure the caps / covers to the battery pack and press the seals. However, installation cycle time and cost are concerns when using bolts to install the caps / covers to the battery pack casing. Therefore, a faster, easier, and less costly fastener is needed to secure the caps / covers to the battery pack. Summary of the Invention

[0004] An improved fastener for an electric vehicle (EV) battery pack cover is provided. The fastener includes an elongated body having opposite first and second ends, and upper and lower surfaces extending between the first and second ends. A first retaining feature is located near the first end, and a second retaining feature is located near the second end. The first retaining feature is configured to be insertable through a first opening in the battery pack cover and a corresponding first opening in the battery pack housing. Furthermore, the first retaining feature is configured to engage with either a surface of the battery pack housing or a surface of the battery pack cover. The second retaining feature is configured to engage with either an outer portion of the battery pack cover or a corresponding outer portion of the battery pack housing. When the first retaining feature engages with a surface of the battery pack housing or a surface of the battery pack cover, the second end can be pivotally angled toward the battery pack cover or the battery pack housing to engage with a portion of the battery pack cover or a corresponding portion of the battery pack housing to clamp the battery pack cover to the battery pack housing.

[0005] In a specific embodiment, the elongated body is a metal strip comprising multiple longitudinally curved portions.

[0006] In some embodiments, the elongated body includes four longitudinal bends.

[0007] In a particular embodiment, at least one of the four longitudinal bends has an angle greater than 90 degrees.

[0008] In a particular embodiment, each of the four longitudinal bends has an angle greater than 90 degrees.

[0009] In a specific embodiment, the first retaining feature is a portion of the upper surface at the longitudinally curved portion in the elongated body.

[0010] In a specific embodiment, the second retaining feature is a locking tab protruding from the lower surface.

[0011] In a specific embodiment, the elongated body, the first retaining feature, and the second retaining feature are all part of a single-piece element formed by partially bending a metal part.

[0012] In a specific embodiment, the fastener further includes a third leg extending from the elongated body and a third retaining feature on the third leg.

[0013] A battery pack for an electric vehicle (EV) is also provided. The battery pack includes a housing defining an internal chamber and having an opening providing access to the internal chamber. A plurality of battery cells are arranged within the internal chamber. A seal is arranged around the periphery of the opening. A cover covers the opening and clamps the seal between the housing and the cover. The battery pack also includes a first opening in the cover and a corresponding first opening in the housing. The battery pack further includes fasteners as described in the preceding paragraphs. The fasteners are insertable through the first opening in the cover and the corresponding first opening in the housing, and are engageable with a portion of the cover and a corresponding portion of the housing to clamp the cover to the housing and press against the seal between the cover and the housing.

[0014] In a specific embodiment, the first opening in the cover and the corresponding first opening in the battery pack housing have complementary polygonal shapes.

[0015] In an alternative embodiment, the first opening in the cover and the corresponding first opening in the battery pack housing have complementary circular or elliptical shapes.

[0016] In a specific embodiment, a portion of the cover is one of the following: (i) a cut in the outer edge of the cover; (ii) the outer edge of the cover; and (iii) a second opening in the cover.

[0017] In some embodiments, the corresponding portion of the battery pack housing is one of the following: (i) a corresponding cutout in the outer edge of the battery pack housing; (ii) the outer edge of the battery pack housing; and (iii) a corresponding second opening in the battery pack housing.

[0018] A method for securing a cover to an electric vehicle (EV) battery pack is also provided. The method includes providing a fastener as described in the preceding paragraphs. The method further includes positioning the cover onto the housing of the battery pack to cover an opening in the housing. The method further includes inserting a first end of the fastener through a first opening in the cover and a corresponding first opening in the battery pack housing. The method further includes engaging a first retaining feature with a lower surface of the battery pack housing or a surface of the cover. The method further includes rotating a second end of the fastener in a direction toward the cover or toward the battery pack housing such that the second retaining feature engages an outer portion of the cover and a corresponding outer portion of the battery pack housing to clamp the cover to the battery pack housing and press a seal between the cover and the battery pack housing.

[0019] In a specific embodiment, the method further includes arranging the seal between the battery pack housing and the cover, wherein the fastener is used to clamp the cover to the battery pack housing to press the seal between the cover and the battery pack housing.

[0020] In a particular embodiment, the fastener further includes a third leg extending from the elongated body and a third retaining feature on the third leg; and the method further includes using the third retaining feature to press the cover against the seal. Attached Figure Description

[0021] When considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, the various advantages and aspects of this disclosure can be understood with reference to the following detailed description, in which: Figure 1 This is a perspective view of fasteners for securing a battery pack cover to a battery pack housing according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 2 It is a perspective view of the fasteners that secure the cover to the battery pack housing and press the seal between the cover and the battery pack housing; Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating a method of securing the cover to the battery pack using fasteners; Figure 4 This is a side sectional view of the battery pack, which shows the direction of movement used to engage the fasteners with the battery pack. Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the fasteners securing the cover to the battery pack; Figure 6 This is a perspective view of fasteners securing the cover to the battery pack according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 7 This is a perspective view of a fastener securing the cover to the battery pack according to other embodiments of this disclosure; Figure 8 This is a perspective view of a fastener securing the cover to the battery pack according to other embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the method of releasing fasteners from the cover and battery pack housing; Figure 10 This is a perspective view of a fastener according to other embodiments of this disclosure; Figure 11 yes Figure 10 Another perspective view of the fastener; Figure 12 yes Figure 10 A perspective view of the fasteners that secure the cover to the battery pack; Figure 13 This is a perspective view of a fastener according to other embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 14 yes Figure 13A cross-sectional view of the fasteners that secure the cover to the battery pack; Figure 15 These are perspective views of fasteners according to other embodiments of the present disclosure; and Figure 16 yes Figure 15 A cross-sectional view of the fasteners that secure the cover to the battery pack. Detailed Implementation

[0022] A fastener is provided for a battery pack cover in an electric vehicle (EV). (Reference) Figures 1 to 16 In these drawings, the same reference numerals denote corresponding parts in several views. Fasteners are shown and generally indicated by 10, 110, 210, and 310. Fasteners 10, 110, 210, and 310 elastically deform to provide clamping force for securing the cover / cap / cover to the battery pack housing, as described in more detail below. Fasteners 10, 110, 210, and 310 are also designed for quick assembly onto the cover and the battery back cover, thereby reducing cycle time for securing the cover to the battery pack. Some features of fasteners 10, 110, 210, and 310 are functional but can be implemented with different aesthetic configurations.

[0023] refer to Figures 1 to 9 The fastener 10 includes an elongated body 12 having a first end 14, an opposite second end 16, and an upper surface 18 and a lower surface 20 extending between the first end and the second end. The fastener 10 also includes a first retaining feature 22 located near and adjacent to the first end 14 (and thus away from the second end 16) and a second retaining feature 24 located near and adjacent to the second end 16 (and thus away from the first end 14). Figures 1 to 9In the illustrated embodiment, the elongated body 12 is a strip of material, such as an elongated (length greater than width) metal part, which is longitudinally bent at multiple locations along the body length to include multiple bends. For example, the elongated body may have four bends, including a first bend 26, a second bend 28, a third bend 30, and a fourth bend 32. Each of the bends 26, 28, 30, and 32 may form an angle greater than 90 degrees in the body 12, although the first bend 26 forms an angle significantly greater than 90 degrees (closer to 180 degrees than 90 degrees) and the fourth bend 32 forms an angle close to 90 degrees (i.e., not much greater than 90 degrees, for example, 100 degrees), for reasons that will become more apparent below. A first retaining feature 22 is located at the first bend 26, particularly at the portion of the upper surface 18 of the body 12 at the first bend 26. The second bend 28, the third bend 30, and the fourth bend 32 form the other portions of the body 12, particularly the first fork portion 34, the arm / crown portion 36, and the second fork portion 38. The second retaining feature 24 is a locking tab located on the second fork tooth 38 and protruding outward from the lower surface 20 of the body 12.

[0024] Now for specific reference Figures 2 to 5Fastener 10 secures a cover / cap 40, which covers an opening in an internal chamber within a battery pack housing 42, in which multiple battery cells are housed. To adequately seal the internal chamber of the battery pack, a seal 43, such as a gasket or the like, is arranged around the periphery of the opening covered by the cover. Thus, when the cover is placed over the opening in the housing, the seal 43 is clamped between the cover 40 and the housing 42. The cover 40 includes a first opening 44 spaced apart from but close to an outer edge 46 of the cover. The housing 42 includes a corresponding first opening 48 spaced apart from but close to an outer edge 50 of the housing. "Corresponding" means that the two openings 44, 48 are complementary; that is, when the cover 40 and housing 42 are properly aligned, the two openings 44, 48 are aligned, and the two openings 44, 48 preferably have the same or nearly identical size and / or shape. In some embodiments, the two first openings 44, 48 have complementary polygonal shapes as shown, such as, but not limited to, square, rectangular, triangular, or other polygonal shapes. In other embodiments (not shown), the first openings 44, 48 may have complementary circular or elliptical shapes. For mounting the fastener 10, the first end 14 of the elongated body 12 is inserted into and passes through the first opening 44 in the cover 40 and the corresponding first opening 48 in the housing 42. The fastener 10 is inserted through the first openings 44, 48 to the point where the first retaining feature 22 contacts and engages with the lower surface of the housing 42 (i.e., the surface opposite to the surface on which the cover 40 is disposed). In this configuration, the first forked portion 34 of the body 12 extends through the openings 44, 48, and the second end 16 of the body is arranged adjacent to the outer edges 46, 50 of the cover and housing. Furthermore, the arms / crown portions 36 of the body 12 are spaced apart from the surface of the cover 40 and arranged at an angle relative to the surface of the cover, such as... Figure 4 As shown. Next, the arm / crown portion 36 and the second fork portion 38 rotate in a direction toward the cover 40, wherein the engagement between the first retaining feature 22 and the housing 42 provides a fulcrum, and the arm / crown portion 36 acts as a lever. This rotation causes the elongated body 12 of the fastener 10 to bend, and the second retaining feature 24 is pressed into engagement with a portion of the housing 42, so that the second fork portion 38 and the arm 36 are held in the closed position, as shown. Figure 2 and Figure 5As shown. In the closed position, the second retaining feature 24 and the third bend 30 contact a portion of the cover 40 and the housing 42, and these two contact points, together with the contact of the first retaining feature 22 (the third contact point), hold the fastener 10 in position. The mechanical stress on the fastener 10 in the closed position caused by the torque of the second retaining feature 24 relative to the first retaining feature 22 can be mainly located at the second base 28, the first fork 34, the third bend 30, and the portion of the arm 36 adjacent to the third bend 30. Furthermore, the bends of the elongated body 12 between the first bend 26 and the second bend 28, and between the third bend 30 and the fourth bend 32, apply a clamping force to the cover 40, which presses the seal 43 against the housing 42 and ensures that the seal 43 provides a tight seal that prevents gas, liquid, and debris from entering the internal chambers within the housing 42. In addition, the clamping force / stress on the fastener 10 resists other external forces (such as vibration, internal pressure within the battery pack housing, etc.) that could loosen the clamping.

[0025] exist Figure 2 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 In some embodiments shown, the portions of the cover 40 and the housing 42 that are contacted and engaged by the second fork 38 and the second retaining feature 24 are cutouts 52 in the outer edge 46 of the cover 40 and corresponding cutouts 54 in the housing 42, wherein cutouts 52, 54 provide contact points for the fastener 10. Figure 7 In other embodiments shown, the portions of the cover 40 and the housing 42 that are contacted and engaged by the second fork 38 and the second retaining feature 24 are only the outer edge 46 of the cover 40 and the outer edge 50 of the housing 42; that is, there are no cuts or other features along the length of the outer edges 46, 50. Figure 8 In other embodiments shown, the portions of the cover 40 and housing 42 that are contacted and engaged by the second fork 38 and the second retaining feature 24 are the second opening 56 in the cover 40 and the corresponding second opening 58 in the housing 42, i.e., the fastener 10 extends through both openings in the cover and housing. Furthermore, in Figure 6 and Figure 7 In one embodiment, the fastener 10 is arranged laterally / perpendicularly to the outer edges 46, 50 of the cover 40 and the housing 42, and therefore also perpendicular to the seal 43. On the other hand, in Figure 8 In one embodiment, the fastener 10 is arranged parallel to the outer edges 46, 50 of the cover 40 and the housing 42, and therefore also parallel to the seal 43.

[0026] In some embodiments described above, the fastener 10 may be mounted from the top along the direction from the cover 40 to the battery pack housing 42. In other embodiments (not shown), the fastener 10 may be mounted from the bottom along the direction from the battery pack housing 42 to the cover 40. In these embodiments, the first retaining feature 22 contacts the cover 40 (but not the battery pack housing 42), the third bend 30 contacts the battery pack housing 42 (but not the cover 40), and the second retaining feature 24 contacts the cover 40 (but not the battery pack housing 42).

[0027] Go to Figure 9 To remove the fastener 10 from the cover 40 and the battery pack housing 42, a tool such as a flathead screwdriver or the like can be used. Specifically, the body 12 of the fastener 10 includes an opening 60 in the portion of the arm / crown 36 adjacent to the second fork 38. The tool is inserted through the opening 60 and pressed against the second fork 38 to apply force that moves the second fork 38 outward to disengage the second retaining feature 24 from the housing 42 and the cover 40. Once the second retaining feature 24 is disengaged, the arm / crown 36 can rotate away from the cover 40, releasing tension on the first retaining feature 22 and allowing the body 12 of the fastener 10 to be removed from the first openings 44, 48.

[0028] Now for reference Figures 10 to 12In other embodiments, the fastener 110 includes an elongated body 112 having a first end 114, an opposite second end 162, and an upper surface 118 and a lower surface 120 extending between the first and second ends. The fastener 110 also includes a first retaining feature 122 adjacent to and near the first end 114 (and thus away from the second end 162) and a second retaining feature 164 adjacent to and near the second end 162 (and thus away from the first end 114). The elongated body 112 is a strip of material, such as an elongated (length greater than width) metal part, which is longitudinally bent at multiple locations along the length of the body to include multiple bends. In these embodiments, the elongated body 112 has five bends, including a first bend 166, a second bend 168, a third bend 170, a fourth bend 172, and a fifth bend 174. Similar to the first embodiment, the first bend 166 of the fastener 110 forms an angle significantly greater than 90 degrees (closer to 180 degrees than 90 degrees). The fifth bend 174, unique to fastener 110, is an almost complete turn in the body 112, such that the second end 162 folds back towards and adjacent to the fourth bend 172, and the body 112 thus has a folded portion 176. Fastener 110 differs from fastener 10 in that, in fastener 110, the longitudinal distance between the first bend 166 and the second bend 168 is shorter, such that the second bend 168 is adjacent to or almost adjacent to the first bend 166, whereas in fastener 10, the second bend 28 is spaced apart from the first bend 26 by a slender arm portion. A first retaining feature 122 is located at the first bend 166, particularly at the portion of the upper surface 118 of the body 112 at the first bend 126. The second bend 168, the third bend 170, and the fourth bend 172 form the other parts of the body 112, particularly the first fork portion 134, the arm / crown portion 136, and the second fork portion 138. In these embodiments of the fastener 110, the second retaining feature 164 is a locking tab that projects from one side of the folded portion 176 toward the first end 114 of the body 112. As shown, the second retaining feature 164 includes a pair of tabs, each tab projecting from the opposite side of the folded portion 176; however, it should be understood that the second retaining feature 164 may include only a single locking tab projecting from one side of the folded portion. The locking tab of the second retaining feature 164 includes a contact surface 178 that engages the fastener 110 with the surface of a component in a fastened arrangement during use.

[0029] like Figure 12As shown, in the fastening arrangement, the first forked portion 134 of the body 112 extends through openings 144 and 148 in the cover 140 and housing 142, respectively. In this arrangement, the first retaining feature 122 contacts and engages with the lower surface of the housing 142 (i.e., the surface opposite to which the cover 140 is disposed). The second end portion 162 of the body 112 is arranged adjacent to the outer edges 146 and 150 of the cover 140 and housing 142. The second retaining feature 164 is pressed to engage with a portion of the cover 140 and housing 142 (e.g., the cutout portion 152 of the cover 140 and the cutout portion 154 of the housing 142). In particular, the contact surface 178 of the second retaining feature 164 contacts the lower surface of the housing 142 opposite to the cover 140. Furthermore, the second retaining feature 164 may include an inclined surface 180 that facilitates sliding of the second retaining feature 164 along the outer edges 146, 150 of the cover 140 and the housing 142 when the fastener 110 is rotated into a fastened arrangement. To release the fastener 110, the tab portion 182 at the second end 162 may be pulled outward away from the second fork portion 138 to move the second retaining feature 164 out of engagement with the housing 142. Alternatively, a tool may be used between the second fork portion 138 and the folded portion 176 to bend the body 112 at the fourth bend 172, thereby moving the second retaining feature 164 out of engagement. Once the second retaining feature 164 is out of engagement, the fastener 110 may be rotated away from the cover 140, thereby disengaging the first retaining feature 122 from the housing 142.

[0030] Next turn Figure 13 and Figure 14In other embodiments, the fastener 210 includes an elongated body 212 having a first end 214, an opposite second end 263, and an upper surface 218 and a lower surface 220 extending between the first end and the second end. The fastener 210 also includes a first retaining feature 223 adjacent to and near the first end 214 (and thus away from the second end 263) and a second retaining feature 265 adjacent to and near the second end 263 (and thus away from the first end 214). The elongated body 212 is a strip of material, such as an elongated (length greater than width) metal part, which is longitudinally bent at multiple locations along the length of the body to include multiple bends. In these embodiments, the elongated body 212 has six bends, including a first bend 267, a second bend 269, a third bend 271, a fourth bend 273, a fifth bend 275, and a sixth bend 277. The first retaining feature 223 is located between the first bend 267 and the end 214 of the body 212, and the first retaining feature 223 is particularly the portion of the upper surface 218 of the body 212 between the first bend 267 and the end 214. The second bend 269, the third bend 271, the fourth bend 273, and the fifth bend 275 form other portions of the body 212, particularly the first fork 234, the arm / crown 236, and the second fork 238. In these embodiments of the fastener 210, the second retaining feature 265 is a leg located between the sixth bend 277 and the second end 263 of the body 212. The second retaining feature 265 is formed by bending the end 263 of the body 212 at the sixth bend 277, such that the leg defining the second retaining feature 265 is a bend or hook-shaped end. The second retaining feature 265 is also located at the end of the leg 279 extending between the fifth bend 275 and the sixth bend 277.

[0031] like Figure 14As shown, in the fastening arrangement, the first fork portion 234 of the body 212 extends through openings 244 and 248 in the cover 240 and housing 242, respectively. In this arrangement, the first retaining feature 223 contacts and engages with the lower surface of the housing 242 (i.e., the surface opposite to which the cover 240 is disposed). The second fork portion 238 of the body 212 is arranged adjacent to the outer edges 246 and 250 of the cover 240 and housing 242, and the second end portion 263 of the body 212 is adjacent to the lower surface of the housing 242. The second retaining feature 265 is pressed to engage with the lower surface of the housing 242, which is adjacent to the outer edge 250 and away from the cover 240. To release the fastener 210, the second retaining feature 265 can be pulled outward away from the cover 240 and housing 242 to move the second retaining feature 265 out of engagement with the lower surface of the housing 242. Once the second retaining feature 265 disengages, the fastener 210 can be rotated away from the cover 240, which disengages the first retaining feature 223 from the housing 242. The body 212 can then be pulled out and removed from the openings 244, 248 in the cover 240 and the housing 242.

[0032] Next reference Figure 15 and Figure 16In other embodiments, the fastener 310 includes an elongated body 312 having a first end 314, an opposite second end 363, and an upper surface 318 and a lower surface 320 extending between the first end and the second end. The fastener 310 also includes a first retaining feature 323 adjacent to and near the first end 314 (and thus away from the second end 363) and a second retaining feature 365 adjacent to and near the second end 363 (and thus away from the first end 314). The elongated body 312 is a strip of material, such as an elongated (length greater than width) metal part, which is longitudinally bent at multiple locations along the length of the body to include multiple bends. In these embodiments, the elongated body 312 has six bends, including a first bend 383, a second bend 384, a third bend 385, a fourth bend 386, a fifth bend 387, and a sixth bend 388. The first retaining feature 323 is located between the first bend 383 and the second bend 384, and the first retaining feature 323 is particularly the portion of the upper surface 318 of the body 312 between the first bend 383 and the second bend 384. The second bend 384, the third bend 385, the fourth bend 386, and the fifth bend 387 form other portions of the body 312, particularly the first fork 334, the arm / crown 336, and the second fork 338. In these embodiments of the fastener 310, the second retaining feature 365 is a leg located between the sixth bend 388 and the second end 363 of the body 312. The second retaining feature 365 is also located at the end of the leg 379 extending between the fifth bend 387 and the sixth bend 388. The fastener 310 further includes a third leg 390 connected to and extending from the crown 336 of the body 312. As shown in the example, the third leg 390 is connected to the lateral side of the crown 336 by a bridging member extending between the lateral side of the crown 336 and the lateral side of the third leg 390, such that the third leg 390 is spaced apart from the crown 336. However, the third leg 390 may not be spaced apart from the crown 336. The third leg 390 includes a third retaining feature 392, which is a foot formed by a bend 393 in the third leg 390. The third leg 390 extends toward the first end 314 and away from the second end 363, and extends outward from the boundary of the crown 336 and above the first fork arm 334. The third retaining feature 392 is generally arranged above the first retaining feature 323. The third retaining feature 392 provides an additional clamping load abutting against a seal between the housing and the cover, as described in more detail below.

[0033] like Figure 16As shown, in the fastening arrangement, the first fork portion 334 of the body 312 extends through openings 344 and 348 in the cover 340 and housing 342, respectively. In this arrangement, the first retaining feature 323 contacts and engages with the lower surface of the housing 342 (i.e., the surface opposite to which the cover 340 is disposed). The second fork portion 338 of the body 312 is arranged adjacent to the outer edges 346 and 350 of the cover 340 and housing 342, and the second end portion 363 of the body 312 is adjacent to the lower surface of the housing 342. The second retaining feature 365 is pressed to engage with the lower surface of the housing 342, which is adjacent to the outer edge 350 and faces away from the cover 340. Furthermore, the third retaining feature 392 is pressed to engage with the top / outer surface of the cover 340 and provides downward pressure and clamping load adjacent to the opening 344 in the cover 340 and directly above the seal 394 between the cover 340 and housing 342. Furthermore, the cover 340 and the housing 342 are pressed between the first retaining feature 323 and the third retaining feature 392. The third retaining feature 392 thus provides closer proximity to the openings 344, 348 in the cover 340 and housing 342 and to the contact point of the seal 394. The third retaining feature 392 also secures the cover 340 against the surface of the seal 394 and helps maintain a seal between the cover 340 and the housing 342. The third retaining feature 392 also advantageously reduces the insertion force when the fastener 310 is inserted into the openings 344, 348 and rotated to engage the second retaining feature 365 with the housing 342. To release the fastener 310, the second retaining feature 365 can be pulled outwards away from the cover 340 and housing 342 to disengage it from the lower surface of the housing 342. Once the second retaining feature 365 disengages, the fastener 310 can rotate away from the cover 340, which disengages the first retaining feature 323 from the housing 342. The body 312 can then be pulled out and removed from the openings 344, 348 in the cover 340 and the housing 342.

[0034] Preferably, fasteners 10, 110, 210, and 310 may be formed of the metal or metal alloy described above. However, it should be understood that the fasteners may be formed of other materials (e.g., plastic or other similar suitable materials). Alternatively, the fasteners may be a hybrid formed partly of metal and partly of plastic. Furthermore, in some embodiments, fasteners 10, 110, 210, and 310 may be formed as a single, integral one-piece construction. Additionally, in a particular embodiment, components of fasteners 10, 110, 210, and 310 may all be part of a one-piece element formed by partially bending a single metal segment.

[0035] Furthermore, while fasteners 10, 110, 210, and 310 are described for securing / fixing covers to battery packs, it should be understood that these fasteners are not limited to this application and can be used in other applications, such as securing one panel to another, securing a panel to an extruded profile, or even other applications requiring the fastening of a component (not necessarily a panel) to another component (not necessarily a panel). Additionally, these fasteners can be used in applications other than vehicle applications, such as energy storage applications where the battery pack is in use but stationary. Furthermore, these fasteners can be used to secure enclosed housings that house electrical or electronic components other than the battery pack.

[0036] It should be understood that the appended claims are not limited to the expressions and particular compounds, ingredients, or methods described in the detailed description, and may vary among particular embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. With respect to any Markush group upon which the particular features or aspects of the various embodiments are described herein, different, particular, and / or unexpected results may be obtained from each member of the corresponding Markush group, independent of all other Markush members. Each member of the Markush group may be relied upon individually and / or in combination, and provides sufficient support for the particular embodiments within the scope of the appended claims.

[0037] Furthermore, any scopes and subscopes relied upon in describing the various embodiments of the invention fall independently and collectively within the scope of the appended claims, and are to be understood as describing and contemplating all scopes, including integer and / or fractional values ​​therein, even if such values ​​are not explicitly stated herein. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize that the enumerated scopes and subscopes are sufficient to describe and implement the various embodiments of the invention, and that these scopes and subscopes may be further described as related half, third, quarter, fifth, etc. As an example only, the scope “from 0.1 to 0.9” may be further described as the lower third (i.e., from 0.1 to 0.3), the middle third (i.e., from 0.4 to 0.6), and the upper third (i.e., from 0.7 to 0.9), which are individually and collectively within the scope of the appended claims and may be relied upon individually and / or collectively, and provide sufficient support for particular embodiments within the scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, language defining or modifying scopes, such as “at least,” “greater than,” “less than,” “not greater than,” etc., should be understood to include subscopes and / or upper or lower limits. As another example, the range "at least 10" inherently includes subranges from at least 10 to 35, from at least 10 to 25, from 25 to 35, etc., and each subrange can be relied upon individually and / or collectively, providing sufficient support for the specific embodiment within the scope of the appended claims. Finally, individual numbers within the disclosed range can be relied upon, providing sufficient support for the specific embodiment within the scope of the appended claims. For example, the range "from 1 to 9" includes various individual integers (e.g., 3) and individual numbers with decimal points (or fractions) (e.g., 4.1), which can be relied upon, providing sufficient support for the specific embodiment within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A fastener for a battery pack cover in an electric vehicle (EV), the fastener comprising: An elongated body having opposite first and second ends and an upper and lower surface extending between the first and second ends; A first retaining feature near the first end; and A second retaining feature near the second end; The first retaining feature is configured to be able to be inserted through a first opening in the battery pack cover and a corresponding first opening in the battery pack housing, and is configured to be able to engage with one of the surfaces of the battery pack housing or the battery pack cover. The second retaining feature is configured to engage with one of a portion of the battery pack cover and a corresponding portion of the battery pack housing. When the first retaining feature engages with the surface of the battery pack housing or the surface of the battery pack cover, the second end can pivot at an angle toward the battery pack cover or the battery pack housing, so that the second retaining feature engages with a portion of the battery pack cover or a corresponding portion of the battery pack housing, thereby clamping the battery pack cover to the battery pack housing.

2. The fastener according to claim 1, wherein, The slender body is a metal strip comprising multiple longitudinally curved portions.

3. The fastener according to claim 2, wherein, The slender body includes four longitudinally curved sections.

4. The fastener according to claim 3, wherein, At least one of the four longitudinal bends has an angle greater than 90 degrees.

5. The fastener according to claim 4, wherein, Each of the four longitudinal bends has an angle greater than 90 degrees.

6. The fastener according to claim 1, wherein, The first retaining feature is a portion of the upper surface at the longitudinally curved portion in the elongated body.

7. The fastener according to claim 1, wherein, The second retaining feature is a locking tab protruding from the lower surface.

8. The fastener according to claim 1, wherein, The elongated body, the first retaining feature, and the second retaining feature are all part of a monolithic element formed by bending a portion of the metal part.

9. The fastener of claim 1, further comprising a third leg extending from the elongated body and a third retaining feature on the third leg.

10. A battery pack for an electric vehicle (EV), the battery pack comprising: A housing that defines an internal chamber and has an opening providing access to the internal chamber; Multiple battery cells are arranged in the internal cavity; A seal, the seal being arranged around the periphery of the opening; A cover that covers the opening and clamps the seal between the housing and the cover; The first opening in the cover and the corresponding first opening in the housing; as well as The fastener according to claim 1; The fastener is insertable through a first opening in the cover and a corresponding first opening in the housing, and is capable of engaging with a portion of the cover and a corresponding portion of the housing to clamp the cover to the housing and press a seal between the cover and the housing.

11. The battery pack according to claim 10, wherein, The first opening in the cover and the corresponding first opening in the battery pack housing have complementary polygonal shapes.

12. The battery pack according to claim 10, wherein, The first opening in the cover and the corresponding first opening in the battery pack housing have complementary circular or elliptical shapes.

13. The battery pack according to claim 10, wherein, A portion of the cover is one of the following: (i) a cut in the outer edge of the cover; (ii) the outer edge of the cover; and (iii) a second opening in the cover.

14. The battery pack according to claim 13, wherein, The corresponding portion of the battery pack housing is one of the following: (i) a corresponding cutout in the outer edge of the battery pack housing; (ii) the outer edge of the battery pack housing; and (iii) a corresponding second opening in the battery pack housing.

15. A method of securing a cover to an electric vehicle (EV) battery pack, the method comprising: Provide the fastener according to claim 1; The cover is placed on the housing of the battery pack to cover the opening in the housing; Insert the first end of the fastener through the first opening in the cover and the corresponding first opening in the battery pack housing; The first retaining feature is engaged with either the lower surface of the battery pack housing or the surface of the cover. as well as The second end of the fastener is rotated in a direction toward the cover or toward the battery pack housing, such that the second retaining feature engages the outer portion of the cover and the corresponding outer portion of the battery pack housing to clamp the cover to the battery pack housing.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising the step of arranging the seal between the battery pack housing and the cover, wherein, The fastener is used to clamp the cover to the battery pack housing and press it into a seal between the cover and the battery pack housing.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein, The fastener further includes a third leg extending from the elongated body and a third retaining feature on the third leg; and The method further includes using the third retaining feature to press the cover against the seal.

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