Sealing panel assembly for a vehicle battery assembly

Abstract

A sealing panel assembly 300 for a vehicle battery assembly (Fig. 2, 200), comprising a sealing panel 302 with an outer surface and an inner surface, and an opening 306 through the panel to receive a

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates to a sealing panel assembly for a vehicle battery assembly. Aspects of the invention relate to a sealing panel assembly for a vehicle battery assembly, a vehicle battery assembly comprising the sealing panel assembly, and to a vehicle comprising the vehicle battery assembly. BACKGROUND It is known to provide a vehicle battery assembly for an electric or hybrid-electric vehicle. A vehicle battery assembly typically includes a sealed housing and a number of secondary battery cells housed within the sealed housing. Various other battery monitoring / control components (e.g., sensors) are also housed within the sealed housing. There is a need to provide a connection between the battery monitoring / control components within the sealed housing and the vehicle control system. The sealed housing is typically metallic and so reliable wireless communication through the sealed housing is not feasible. A wireless gateway module can be mounted to the sealed housing and penetrate between an external side and internal side of the sealed housing. Such a wireless gateway module includes a wireless transmitter / receiver that communicates with the battery monitoring / control components within the sealed housing, and an external connection for connecting to the vehicle control system. The wireless gateway module is sealed to the sealed housing to maintain the integrity of the sealed housing. It is an aim of the present invention to address one or more disadvantages associated with the prior art. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Aspects and embodiments of the invention provide a sealing panel assembly, a vehicle battery assembly, and a vehicle as claimed in the appended claims According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a sealing panel assembly for a vehicle battery assembly. The sealing panel assembly comprises a sealing panel that has an outer surface and an inner surface. The sealing panel also includes an opening through the sealing panel to receive a through-component that comprises a flange arranged to abut the outer surface of the sealing panel when assembled in the opening. The sealing panel assembly also includes a fixing plate attached to the inner side of the sealing panel. The flange of the through-component is attachable to the fixing plate such that the sealing panel is sandwiched between the flange of the through-component and the fixing plate. According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a sealing panel assembly for a vehicle battery assembly, the sealing panel assembly comprising: a sealing panel comprising: an outer surface and an inner surface, an opening through the sealing panel to receive a through-component that comprises a flange arranged to abut the outer surface of the sealing panel when assembled in the opening, and a fixing plate attached to the inner side of the sealing panel, the fixing plate comprising an opening aligned with the opening in the sealing panel, and a connector for attaching the through-component to the fixing plate such that the sealing panel is sandwiched between the flange of the through-component and the fixing plate. Advantageously, sandwiching the sealing panel between the flange and the fixing plate strengthens the sealing panel around the opening, allowing the through-component to be secured without deforming the sealing panel. Specifically, the fixing plate provides a reaction surface against which the flange of the through-component can be clamped to ensure secure fixation of the through-component and sealing between the flange and the sealing panel. In some examples there is a seal (e.g., a rubber seal such as an O-ring or a gasket) between the flange of the through-component and the outer surface. Alternatively, a curable seal may be provided between the flange and the outer surface. Advantageously, the sealing panel assembly with the sealing panel and attached fixing plate can be provided to an assembly line for the vehicle battery assembly with the fixing plate already attached, and with the connector ready to use. Accordingly, the through-component can simply be fastened to the sealing panel at the assembly line. In examples, the sealing panel is metal, for example aluminium. The sealing panel may have a thickness of between about 0.5 mm and about 4 mm, for example between about 0.5 mm and about 3 mm, for example between about 0.5 mm and about 2 mm, for example between about 0.5 mm and about 1.5 mm, for example about 1 mm. Optionally, the connector is a threaded connector. In examples, the connector is a female threaded connector. Advantageously, the (female) threaded connector allows simple attachment of the through-component to the sealing panel assembly using a threaded fastener, for example a bolt. Optionally, the sealing panel comprises a fastener hole adjacent to the opening to receive a fastener that attaches the flange of the through-component to the connector of the fixing plate. In other examples the fastener may pass through the opening in the sealing panel (the opening may be sized for the protruding part of the through-component and the fasteners). Advantageously, the flange can be fastened to the fixing plate by the threaded connector, for example by a fastener (e.g., a bolt). The fastener can be inserted through the flange from the outside, pass through the sealing panel and engage the connector on the fixing plate. Tightening the fastener would then clamp or sandwich the sealing panel between the flange and the fixing plate to provide secure attachment of the through-component and clamping of the flange against the sealing panel to provide sealing. In examples the fixing plate comprises a plurality of connectors, for example two connectors, and a plurality of fasteners are used to attach the flange of the through-component to the fixing plate. In such examples a plurality of corresponding fastener holes may be provided. In one example arrangement the fixing plate comprises two connectors disposed on opposite sides of the opening. The opening may be elongate, and the two connectors may be disposed adjacent to opposite ends of the opening. Advantageously, providing multiple connectors ensures strong attachment of the through-component to the sealing panel assembly. In addition, providing multiple connectors can ensure that the flange of the through-component is clamped against the sealing panel evenly, which provides better sealing. In examples, the fixing plate is attached to the sealing panel by a self-clinching nut (clinch nut). In examples, the self-clinching nut may attach the fixing plate to the sealing panel at a fastener hole of the fixing plate and a fastener hole of sealing panel. Advantageously, the self-clinching nut securely attaches the fixing plate to the sealing panel. In examples, the self-clinching nut is attached from the side of the fixing plate (e.g., the internal side of the sealing panel). In examples the fixing plate is attached to the sealing panel by a plurality of self-clinching nuts, for example two self-clinching nuts. In examples, the or each self-clinching nut comprises a clinch shank that extends into a hole in the fixing plate and a corresponding hole in the sealing panel. The self-clinching nut thereby attaches the fixing plate to the sealing panel. In examples, the self-clinching nut comprises the connector. Advantageously the self-clinching nut both attaches the fixing plate to the sealing panel and acts as the connector for attaching the through-component to the sealing panel assembly. This may reduce the number of opening formed through the sealing panel, improving sealing. Optionally, the sealing panel comprises a fastener hole adjacent to the opening. The fixing plate may comprise a corresponding fastener hole aligned with the fastener hole in the sealing panel. The self-clinching nut may extend into the fastener hole and the corresponding fastener hole to attach the fixing plate to the sealing panel. Advantageously, the same fastener hole and the same fastener are thereby used to attach the fixing plate to the sealing panel (by the self-clinching nut) and to attach the through-component to the sealing panel (by the self-clinching nut). This may simplify sealing as fewer holes are formed through the sealing panel. Optionally, the fastener (e.g., a bolt) may include an under head seal to seal the fastener holes. The fixing plate may be attached to the sealing panel by a rivet, for example a self-piercing rivet, in some examples. In examples, the sealing panel may comprise a fastener hole adjacent to the opening. The fastener hole may be arranged to receive a fastener (e.g., a bolt) that attaches the flange of the through-component to the connector of the fixing plate. The rivet may attach the fixing plate to the sealing panel at a location spaced from the fastener hole. Advantageously, a rivet provides a strong attachment of the fixing plate to the sealing panel and can be applied quickly and reliably during manufacture of the sealing panel assembly. In examples, the fixing plate comprises an attachment point where the fixing plate is attached to the sealing panel by a self-piercing rivet. The attachment point may be formed on a lobe of other extension of the fixing plate extending away from the opening. The attachment point may comprise a thinned or thickened section of material, or a pilot hole, to ease insertion of the self-piercing rivet. Advantageously, a self-piercing rivet provides a convenient and strong attachment of the fixing plate to the sealing panel. In examples, the fixing plate is welded to the sealing panel. In examples, the fixing plate may be spot welded to the sealing panel. Advantageously, a welded connection provides a strong attachment and also does not require penetration of the sealing panel, which may simplify sealing. In examples, the sealing panel may comprise a fastener hole adjacent to the opening. The fastener hole may be arranged to receive a fastener that attaches the flange of the through-component to the connector of the fixing plate. The fixing plate may be welded to the sealing panel at a location spaced from the fastener hole. The fixing plate may be welded about an edge of the fixing plate, or it may be spot welded in one or more locations. Advantageously, spacing the (spot) weld from the fastener hole ensure that the area of the sealing panel surrounding the fastener hole remains flat to ensure good sealing around the fastener hole (e.g., by a seal under a flange of the through-component or by a fastener with an under-head seal). In examples both the fixing plate and the sealing panel comprise a metal, for example aluminium. Advantageously therefore the fixing plate can be strongly welded to the sealing panel. In examples, the fixing plate comprises an attachment point where the fixing plate is spot welded to the sealing panel. The attachment point may be formed on a lobe of other extension of the fixing plate extending away from the opening. The attachment point may comprise a thinned or thickened section of material, or a surface treatment, to ease spot welding of the fixing plate to the sealing panel. Advantageously, the fixing plate can be strongly and reliably welded to the sealing panel on a manufacturing line. Optionally, the fixing plate comprises a clip configured to clip into the opening in the sealing panel to attach the fixing plate to the sealing panel. Advantageously, the clip allows the fixing plate to be quickly and simply attached to the sealing panel and does not require specific tools or other components. In examples, the clip may comprise a snap-fit clip. In examples, the snap-fit clip may comprise a resilient hooked arm that protrudes from the fixing plate and is configured to hook onto the outer surface of the sealing panel through the opening. Advantageously, the snap-fit clip provides quick and reliable attachment of the fixing plate to the opening sealing panel and ensures proper alignment of the fixing plate and the opening in the sealing panel. In examples, the fixing plate may comprise a first clip arranged to clip onto a first side of the opening in the sealing panel, and a second clip arranged to clip onto a second side of the opening of the sealing panel, the first side being opposite the second side. In examples, the fixing plate may comprise a plurality of first clips and / or a plurality of second clips. Advantageously, providing first and second clips provides quick, and reliable attachment of the fixing plate to the opening sealing panel and ensures proper alignment of the fixing plate and the opening in the sealing panel. In examples, the fixing plate comprises a polymer moulding, e.g., an injection moulded polymer. The fixing plate may comprise one or more lattice structures to improve manufacturability, reduce a weight of the fixing plate, and / or spread loads advantageously through the fixing plate. In examples, the connector on the fixing plate comprises an internal thread or a retained nut. In examples, the internal thread is formed within the fixing plate, for example a threaded hole (through-hole or blind hole). In other examples, a nut is attached to the fixing plate, for example by a nut attached by welding, or a self-clinching nut, or by over-moulding. Advantageously, the connector on the fixing plate is thereby secured in place on the sealing panel with the fixing plate and reliably positioned for attaching the through-component in a later assembly step. In examples, the sealing panel assembly comprises a through-component extending through the opening. The through-component may have a flange abutting the outer surface of the fixing plate, and the sealing panel assembly may comprise a fastener attaching the flange to the connector such that the sealing panel is sandwiched between the flange of the through-component and the fixing plate. Advantageously, the through-component is thereby securely held on the sealing panel and passes through the sealing panel. The flange is supported against the sealing panel by the fixing plate and the fixing plate provides a reaction surface against which the flange can be clamped to improve sealing between the flange and the sealing panel. Optionally, the flange of the through-component comprises a seal arranged to abut the outer surface of the sealing panel and seal about the opening and optionally about the fastener hole. In examples, the seal may have a first loop portion that surrounds the opening. The seal may additionally include one or more second loop portions that surround the or each fastener hole. In further examples the fastener(s) that attaches the flange to the fixing plate may include a seal, in particular an under-head seal. Accordingly, the through-component can advantageously be fully sealed to the sealing panel and the opening and any fastener holes are sealed. In some examples the through-component comprises an electronics assembly. For example, the through-component may have an electrical connector on the flange, which is accessible from the outer side of the sealing panel when the sealing panel is assembled into a vehicle battery assembly. The electrical connector may include a socket or a plug, for example to connect to a vehicle control system. In other examples, the through-component may have a wireless transmitter and / or receiver on the flange, for example to connect to a vehicle control system. In examples, the through-component (in particular the electronics assembly) may comprise a wireless transmitter and / or receiver disposed inwardly of the sealing panel when the through-component is attached to the sealing panel. In particular, the wireless transmitter and / or receiver may be housed in a part of the through-component that extends through the opening in the sealing panel when assembled. The wireless transmitter and / or receiver may communicate with other components of the vehicle battery assembly, in particular one or more battery monitoring or control systems, or modules, including one or more sensors in the vehicle battery assembly. The through-component may additionally or alternatively include one or more electrical connectors (e.g., plug or socket) for connecting with other components in the vehicle battery assembly. Accordingly, the through-component may advantageously provide electrical connectivity (power and / or control signals) through the sealing panel while the fixing plate and the flange of the through-component ensure rigid mounting and sealing. In other examples, the through-component may additionally or alternatively comprise a fluid conduit, for example a hose or pipe. In use, the fluid conduit may convey cooling fluid, hydraulic fluid, or other fluids through the sealing panel. Advantageously, any through-component may be secured to the sealing panel by the fixing plate to ensure reliable attachment and sealing, maintaining the sealed environment within the vehicle battery assembly. According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a vehicle battery assembly of a vehicle, comprising the sealing panel assembly described above. In examples, the sealing panel assembly is a lid assembly of the vehicle battery assembly. The lid assembly may be attachable to a battery frame of the vehicle battery assembly. In other examples, the sealing panel assembly may be a side panel or base plate assembly of the vehicle battery assembly. Advantageously, a through-component can be mounted to any sealing panel of the vehicle battery assembly while ensuring strong attachment and maintaining the sealed environment within the vehicle battery assembly. In examples, the vehicle battery assembly may comprise one or more battery cells. The one or more battery cells may be secondary battery cells. The vehicle battery assembly may comprise a plurality of (secondary) battery cells. According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a vehicle comprising the vehicle battery assembly described above. Optionally, the vehicle is a battery electric vehicle, or a hybrid vehicle (e.g., a plug-in hybrid vehicle or a mild hybrid vehicle). The vehicle battery assembly may be a primary or secondary energy source for vehicle propulsion. The vehicle battery assembly may be a traction battery of the vehicle. Within the scope of this application it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and / or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and / or features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and / or combination, unless such features are incompatible. The applicant reserves the right to change any originally filed claim or file any new claim accordingly, including the right to amend any originally filed claim to depend from and / or incorporate any feature of any other claim although not originally claimed in that manner. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a vehicle according to embodiments of the invention; Figure 2 shows a schematic cross-section through a vehicle battery assembly according to embodiments of the invention such as that of the vehicle of Figure 1; Figure 3A shows the sealing panel of the vehicle battery assembly of Figure 2 according to embodiments of the invention; Figure 3B shows a close-up view of a part of an outer side of the sealing panel of Figure 3A, in particular where a through-component is mounted to the sealing panel; Figure 4 shows a close-up view of a part of an outer side of the sealing panel of Figure 3A, in particular where the sealing panel includes an opening for the through-component; Figure 5A shows a first perspective view of the through-component according to embodiments of the invention; Figure 5B shows a second perspective view of the through-component according to embodiments of the invention; Figure 6 shows a first example fixing plate for fixing the through-component to the sealing panel according to embodiments of the invention; Figure 7 shows the fixing plate of Figure 6 mounted to the sealing panel according to embodiments of the invention; Figure 8 shows a cross-section of the sealing panel and a side view of the assembly at the through-component according to embodiments of the invention; Figure 9 shows a cross-section of the sealing panel assembly at a fastener attaching the through-component to the sealing panel according to embodiments of the invention; Figure 10A shows a first perspective view of a second example fixing plate for fixing the through-component to the sealing panel according to embodiments of the invention; Figure 10B shows a second perspective view of the fixing plate of Figure 10A; Figure 11A shows a first perspective view of a third example fixing plate for fixing the through-component to the sealing panel according to embodiments of the invention; Figure 11B shows a second perspective view of the fixing plate of Figure 11 A; Figure 12A shows a cross-section of the sealing panel and side view of the assembly with the fixing plate of Figures 11A and 11B attached to the sealing panel according to embodiments of the invention; and, Figure 12B shows an enlarged view of the part of Figure 12A indicated in Figure 12A. DETAILED DESCRIPTION A vehicle 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figure 1. Figure 2 shows a schematic cross-section through a vehicle battery assembly 200 of the vehicle 100. The cross-section is taken through a plane extending longitudinally through the vehicle, vertically from a front of the vehicle to a rear of the vehicle. The vehicle battery assembly 200 may be installed on an underside ofthe vehicle 100. The vehicle battery assembly 200 includes a plurality of fixings 210 for mounting the vehicle battery assembly 200 to the underside ofthe vehicle 100. The fixings 210 may attach to various parts ofthe underside ofthe vehicle 100, for example parts of a chassis and / or monocoque and / or other structural members of the vehicle 100. The vehicle battery assembly 200 houses a plurality of battery cells 206. The battery cells 206 may be secondary cells ofthe vehicle battery assembly 200. The vehicle battery assembly 200 may also house battery monitoring systems, control systems, cooling systems, and other sub-assemblies (not illustrated). In examples the vehicle battery assembly 200 is a traction battery. In examples, the vehicle 100 may be a battery electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle (e.g., a plug-in hybrid vehicle, or a mild hybrid vehicle). The vehicle battery assembly 200 may be a primary or secondary energy source for vehicle propulsion. The vehicle battery assembly 200 shown in Figure 2 includes a battery frame 208. The battery frame 208 includes crossmembers 202 that extend transversely across the vehicle battery assembly 200. In this example, the battery frame 208 includes four crossmembers 202, but in various examples the battery frame 208 may comprise two or more crossmembers 202. The battery frame 208 also includes end members 212 at each end ofthe battery frame 208. The end members 212 are similar to the crossmembers 202. In some examples the vehicle battery assembly 200 may comprise end members 212 and no crossmembers 202. The fixings 210 may be attached to the crossmembers 202 and / or end members 212 for mounting the vehicle battery assembly 200 to the vehicle. The vehicle battery assembly 200 also includes one or more sealing panels that seal at least a part ofthe vehicle battery assembly 200. In this example, the vehicle battery assembly 200 comprises a bottom sealing panel in the form of a base plate assembly 214. The base plate assembly 214 is mounted to the bottom ofthe crossmembers 202 and end members 212. The base plate assembly 214 forms the bottom ofthe vehicle battery assembly 200. The base plate assembly 214 may be exposed below the vehicle 100 and provide sealing and protection for the battery cells 206 within the vehicle battery assembly 200. The vehicle battery assembly 200 also comprises a top sealing panel in the form of a lid assembly 216. The lid assembly 216 is attached to the top of crossmembers 202 and end members 212. The battery frame 208, in particular the crossmembers 202 and end members 210, provide internal mounting for the battery cells 206 and other subassemblies. For example, a stack of battery cells 206 may be supported by the crossmembers 202 as illustrated. The vehicle battery assembly 200 may include other sealing panels that cover an entire side of the vehicle battery or a part of a side of the vehicle battery assembly 200. The examples described below relate to a sealing panel assembly 300 that may be the lid assembly 216, or the base plate assembly 214, or any other sealing panel of the vehicle battery assembly 200. Figure 3A shows an example sealing panel assembly 300 of the vehicle battery assembly 200. As shown, the sealing panel assembly includes a sealing panel 302. The sealing panel 302 includes an edge 304 that may include a plurality of fastener holes for mounting the sealing panel 302 to the battery frame 208 described above. Additionally or alternatively, the sealing panel 302 may be welded to the battery frame 208. Figure 3E3 shows a close-up view of the area of the sealing panel assembly 300 indicated in Figure 3A. As shown in Figure 3B, a through-component 400 is mounted to the sealing panel 302. The through-component 400 is shown in more detail in Figures 5A and 5B and comprises a flange 402 located on an outer side of the sealing panel 302, and a protruding part 404 that extends through an opening in the sealing panel 302 to an inner side of the sealing panel 302. In examples, the sealing panel 302 is metal, for example aluminium. The sealing panel 302 may have a thickness of between about 0.5 mm and about 4 mm, for example between about 0.5 mm and about 3 mm, for example between about 0.5 mm and about 2 mm, for example between about 0.5 mm and about 1.5 mm, for example about 1 mm. Figure 4 shows the sealing panel 302 of the sealing panel assembly 300 without the through-component 400. As illustrated, the sealing panel 302 includes an opening 306 through which the protruding part 404 of the through-component extends when assembled with the sealing panel 302. The sealing panel 302 also includes fastener holes 308a, 308b adjacent to the opening 306 for fasteners 406a, 406b that attach the through-component 400 to the sealing panel 302 as shown in Figure 3B and described in more detail below. Figures 5A and 5B show the through-component in more detail. As described above, the through-component 400 comprises a flange 402 and a protruding part 404 extending from the flange 402. The protruding part 404 is sized to pass through the opening 306 in the sealing panel 302 (see Figure 3B). The flange 402 abuts an outer side of the sealing panel 302. The flange 402 includes fastener holes 408a, 408b forthe fasteners 406a, 406b shown in Figure 3B. The underside of the flange 402, which abuts the outer surface of the sealing panel 302, includes a seal 410. The seal 410 extends about the protruding part 404 and around the fastener holes 406a, 406b such that the seal 410 abuts the sealing panel 302 and surrounds the opening 304 and the fastener holes 308a, 308b in the sealing panel 302. The fasteners 406a, 406b include under head seals. In this way, when the through-component 400 is attached to the sealing panel 302 the seal 410 seals about the opening 304 and fastener holes 308a, 308b so that the sealing panel 302 remains sealed. In examples the seal 410 comprises a rubber O-ring or gasket. The underside of the flange 402 may include a groove or recess that receives the seal 410. The seal 410 may be adhered to the underside of the flange 402, for example in the groove or recess if present. In the illustrated example the through-component 400 comprises an electronics assembly. Specifically, the through-component 400 has an electrical connector412 (see Figure 5A) on the flange 402, which is accessible from the outer side of the sealing panel 302 when the sealing panel 302 is assembled into a vehicle battery assembly 200. The electrical connector 412 may include a socket or a plug. In some examples, the through-component 400 also comprises a wireless transmitter and / or receiver, and / or an antenna thereof, on the flange 402. The wireless transmitter and / or receiver may, for example, connect to a vehicle control system. The through-component 400 (in particular the electronics assembly) may comprise a wireless transmitter and / or receiver housed in the protruding part 404. The wireless transmitter and / or receiver may therefore be disposed inwardly of the sealing panel 402 when the through-component 400 is attached to the sealing panel 402 so that it is disposed within the vehicle battery assembly 200. The wireless transmitter and / or receiver may communicate with other components of the vehicle battery assembly 200, in particular one or more battery control systems or modules, or one or more sensors in the vehicle battery assembly 200. The through-component 400 may additionally or alternatively include one or more electrical connectors (e.g., plug or socket) on the protruding part 404 for connecting with other components inside the vehicle battery assembly 200. Accordingly, the through-component 400 may provide electrical connectivity (power and / or control signals) through the sealing panel 302. The through-component 400 may be a Wireless Gateway Module (WGM). Figure 6 shows a fixing plate 500 of the sealing panel assembly 300 described above. Figure 7 shows the fixing plate 500 installed on the underside of the sealing panel 302. Figure 8 shows a side view of the through-component 400 mounted to the sealing plate 302, with the sealing plate 302 shown in cross-section, and Figure 9 shows a cross-section through the fastener 406b as indicated by line 802 in Figure 8. Referring to Figures 6 and 7, the fixing plate 500 includes a planar section 502 and a raised edge 504. The planar section 502 provides a flat mounting surface and the raised edge 504 increases the bending stiffness of the fixing plate 500. The fixing plate 500 may comprise metal, in particular aluminium. The fixing plate 500 may have a thickness of between about 1 mm and about 5 mm, for example between about 2 mm and about 4 mm, for example about 3 mm. As shown in Figures 7 to 9, the fixing plate 500 is attached to the inner side of the sealing panel 302 at the opening 306 in the sealing panel 302. The fixing plate 500 is attached with the planar section 502 lying against the inner surface of the sealing panel 302 and the raised edge 504 protruding inwardly, away from the sealing panel 302. The fixing plate 500 includes fastener holes 508a, 508b that align with the fastener holes 308a, 308b in the sealing panel 302. In this example the fixing plate 500 is attached to the sealing panel 302 by clinch nuts 510a, 510b (otherwise known as self-clinching nuts). As illustrated in Figure 9, a clinch nut 510b includes a body 902 with an internally threaded bore 904 and a clinch shank 906 extending from one side of the body 902. The clinch shank 906 may be backward tapered. In use, the clinch shank 906 is pushed or pressed into the fastener hole 508b in the fixing plate 500 and into the corresponding fastener hole 308b in the sealing panel 302. In this way, the fixing plate 500 is attached to the sealing panel 302. The clinch nut 510b also includes a serrated shoulder 908 disposed at the bottom of the backward tapered shank 906, between the body 902 and the clinch shank 906. The serrated shoulder 908 engages around the fastener hole 508b in the fixing plate 500 and provides torque resistance (resistance against rotation of the clinch nut 510b relative to the fixing plate 500 and sealing panel 302). As shown in Figure 8, the other clinch nut 510a attaches the fixing plate 500 to the sealing panel 302 in the same manner. It will be appreciated by the skilled person that clinch nuts with alternative features are available and would be suitable for use to attach the fixing plate 500 to the sealing panel 302. In particular, various clinch nuts include serrated shanks, or serrated faces for axial and torsional attachment to a panel. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the fixing plate 500 also has an opening 506 that is aligned with the opening 306 in the sealing panel 302 and permits the protruding part 404 of the through-component 400 to pass through. The fixing plate 500 also has a connector for attaching the through-component 400 to the fixing plate 500 such that the sealing panel 302 is sandwiched between the flange 402 of the through-component 400 and the fixing plate 500. In this example, as shown in Figures 8 and 9, the connector is provided by the clinch nuts 510a 510b. In particular, the internally threaded holes of the clinch nuts 510a, 510b are aligned with the fastener holes 508, 508b, 308a, 308b so that fasteners 406a, 406b can be used to fasten the through-component 400 to the fixing plate 500 with the sealing panel 302 sandwiched therebetween. Advantageously, providing the fixing plate 500 on the inside of the sealing panel 302 provides a rigid surface against which the flange 402 of the sealing panel 302 can be pressed when the fasteners 406a, 406b are tightened. This ensures that a sufficient seal is created by seal 410 being pressed against the sealing panel 302 as shown in Figure 9. In the absence of the fixing plate 500 the relatively thin material of the sealing panel 302 may not provide a sufficiently rigid surface, and it is undesirable to make the sealing panel 302 from a thicker material as this would add significant weight of the vehicle battery assembly 200. Moreover, the fixing plate 500 provides the connector for attaching the through-component 400, and only the fasteners 406a, 406b need to be provided with the through-component 400 on the vehicle battery assembly manufacturing line because the clinch nuts 510a, 510b are already attached to the sealing panel 302. This simplifies the assembly process and reduces the number of different components needed for inventory. The sealing plate assembly 300 shown in Figures 7 to 9 may be produced by a supplier to an automotive manufacturer. That is, the manufacturer of the sealing plate 302 may form the various openings and attach the fixing plate 500 using the clinch nuts 510a, 510b and deliver the sealing plate assembly 300 to an automotive manufacturer in that form. The automotive manufacturer may then attach the through-component 400 during assembly of the vehicle battery assembly 200. Figures 10A and 10B show a different example of a fixing plate 1000 for use in the sealing plate assembly 300 described above. The fixing plate 1000 is attached to the inner side of the sealing panel 302 and provides a connector for attaching the through-component 400 (see Figure 3B). In this example, the fixing plate 1000 includes a planar section 1002 and a raised edge 1004. Similarly to the example of Figure 6, the planar section 1002 provides a flat mounting surface and the raised edge 1004 increases the bending stiffness of the fixing plate 1000. The fixing plate 1000 may comprise metal, in particular aluminium. The fixing plate 1000 may have a thickness of between about 1 mm and about 5 mm, for example between about 2 mm and about 4 mm, for example about 3 mm. The fixing plate 1000 has an opening 1006 that is aligned with the opening 306 in the sealing panel 302 and permits the protruding part 404 of the through-component 400 to pass through when the fixing plate 1000 is attached to the sealing panel 302. In this example, the fixing plate 1000 includes fastener holes 1008a, 1008b that align with and face the fastener holes 308a, 308b in the sealing plate 302 (see Figure 4), and retained nuts 1012a, 1012b attached to an underside of the fixing plate 1000 and aligned with the fastener holes 1008a, 1008b. Therefore, the retained nuts 1012a, 1012b can be used to attach the fasteners 406a, 406b (see Figure 3B) to attach the through-component to the sealing panel 302. In an alternative example the retained nuts 1012a, 1012b may instead be internally threaded holes formed in the fixing plate 1000 - i.e., integral internally threaded holes. As illustrated, the fixing plate 1000 also includes attachment points 1010a, 1010b for attaching the fixing plate 1000 to the sealing panel 302 before the fasteners 406a, 406b (see Figure 3B) are inserted. In particular, the attachment points 1010a, 1010b are used to attach the fixing plate 1000 to the sealing panel 302 to provide a sealing panel assembly 300 as described above. This sealing panel assembly 300 can be provided to a vehicle battery assembly line where the through-component is then attached using the retained nuts 1012a, 1012b. In examples, the attachment points 1010a, 1010b may be suitable for self-piercing rivets (SPRs) orspotwelds. The attachment points 1010a, 1010b are formed on lobes that protrude outwardly from the planar section 1002 to provide sufficient space for an SPR or spot weld. The attachment points 1010a, 1010b may just be a part of the fixing plate 1000 to which an SPR or spot weld can be applied, or the attachment points 1010a, 1010b may comprise a thinned orthickened section, a pilot hole, a surface treatment, or other modification that makes it suitable for attachment to the sealing panel 302. Accordingly, the fixing plate 1000 may be attached to the sealing panel 302 by SPRs and / or spot welds at the attachment points 1010a, 1010b. Figures 11A to 12B show another example fixing plate 1100 for use in the sealing plate assembly 300 described above. The fixing plate 1100 is attached to the inner side of the sealing panel 302 and provides a connector for attaching the through-component 400 (see Figure 3B). In this example, the fixing plate 1100 includes a body 1102 having a planar face 1104. The planar face 1104 provides a flat mounting surface that is positioned against the inner surface of the sealing panel 302. The body 1102 has a thickness that provides stiffness and rigidity. In examples, the body 1102 may comprise a polymer, in particular an injection moulded polymer. The body 1102 may include one or more lattice structures 1114, as illustrated, to improve moulding and / or a strength-to-weight ratio of the fixing plate 1100. The fixing plate 1100 has an opening 1106 that is aligned with the opening 306 in the sealing panel 302 and permits the protruding part 404 of the through-component 400 to pass through when the fixing plate 1000 is attached to the sealing panel 302. In this example, the fixing plate 1100 is attached to the sealing panel 302 by clips 1110 that clip onto the edge of the opening 306 in the sealing plate 302 as shown in Figures 12A and 12B. In this example there are four clips, with two clips arranged to clip onto each of the longer sides of the opening 306. However, in other examples there may be two clips 1110 (one on each side), or more than four clips 1110, and some of the clips 1110 may be arranged to clip 1110 onto the shorter edges of the opening 306. As shown in detail in Figure 12B, in the illustrated example the clips 1110 are snap-fit clips. Each of the snap-fit clips 1110 comprises a resiliently deformable arm 1116 extending perpendicular to the planar face 1104 at an edge of the opening 1106 in the fixing plate 1100. Each snap-fit clip 1110 also includes a tapered hooked end 1118. The taper on the tapered hooked end 1118 causes the resilient deformable arm 1116 to be deflected as the snap-fit clip 1110 is pushed into the opening 306 in the sealing panel 302, and the hook on the tapered hooked end 1118 clips over the opposite, outer side of the sealing panel 302 to attach the fixing plate 1100 to the sealing panel 302. As shown in Figure 11B, the fixing plate 1100 also includes connectors 1112a, 1112b. In this example there are two connectors 1112a, 1112b. The connectors 1112a, 1112b are arranged to align with the fastener holes 308a, 308b in the sealing panel 302 as shown in Figure 4. The connectors 1112a, 1112b comprise an internally threaded hole. The internal thread may be integrally moulded with the body 1102, or a nut may be moulded within the body 1102 to provide the internally threaded hole. Accordingly, the fasteners 406a, 406b can be used to attach the through-component 400 in the manner shown in Figure 3B. The various examples described above provide a sealing panel assembly 300 for a vehicle battery assembly 200. The sealing panel assembly 300 includes a sealing panel 302 that has an outer surface, an inner surface, and an opening 306 that receives a through-component 400. The through-component comprises a flange 402 arranged to abut the outer surface of the sealing panel 302 when assembled in the opening 306. The sealing panel assembly 300 also includes a fixing plate 500,1000,1100 that is attached to the inner side of the sealing panel 302. The fixing plate 500, 1000, 1100 has an opening 506, 1006,1106 aligned with the opening 306 in the sealing panel 302, and a connector 510a, 510b, 1012a, 1012b, 1112a, 1112b for attaching the through-component 400 to the fixing plate 500,1000,1100 such that the sealing panel 302 is sandwiched between the flange 402 of the through-component 400 and the fixing plate 500, 1000,1100. It will be appreciated that various changes and modifications can be made to the present invention without departing from the scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A sealing panel assembly for a vehicle battery assembly, the sealing panel assembly comprising:a sealing panel comprising:an outer surface and an inner surface,an opening through the sealing panel to receive a through-component that comprises a flange arranged to abut the outer surface of the sealing panel when assembled in the opening, anda fixing plate attached to the inner side of the sealing panel, the fixing plate comprising an opening aligned with the opening in the sealing panel, and a connector for attaching the through-component to the fixing plate such that the sealing panel is sandwiched between the flange of the through-component and the fixing plate.

2. The sealing panel assembly of claim 1, wherein the connector is a threaded connector.

3. The sealing panel assembly of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the sealing panel comprises a fastenerhole adjacent to the opening to receive a fastener that attaches the flange of the through-component to the connector of the fixing plate.

4. The sealing panel assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the fixing plate is attached to the sealing panel by a self-clinching nut.

5. The sealing panel assembly of claim 4, wherein the self-clinching nut comprises the connector.

6. The sealing panel assembly of claim 5, wherein the sealing panel comprises a fastener hole adjacentto the opening, wherein the fixing plate comprises a corresponding fastener hole aligned with the fastener hole in the sealing panel, and wherein the self-clinching nut extends into the fastener hole and the corresponding fastener hole to attach the fixing plate to the sealing panel.

7. The sealing panel assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the fixing plate is attached to the sealing panel by a rivet, optionally wherein the rivet is a self-piercing rivet.

8. The sealing panel assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the fixing plate is welded to the sealing panel.

9. The sealing panel assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the fixing plate comprises a clip configured to clip into the opening in the sealing panel to attach the fixing plate to the sealing panel.

10. The sealing panel assembly of any of claims 7 to 9, wherein the connector on the fixing plate comprises an internal thread or a retained nut.

11. The sealing panel assembly of any preceding claim, comprising a through-component extending through the opening, the through-component having a flange abutting the outer surface of the sealing panel, and the sealing panel assembly comprising a fastener attaching the flange to the connector such that the sealing panel is sandwiched between the flange of the through-component and the fixing plate.

512. The sealing panel assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the flange of the through-component comprises a seal arranged to abut the outer surface of the sealing panel and to seal about the opening and optionally about the fastener hole.10 13. A vehicle battery assembly of a vehicle, comprising the sealing panel assembly of any of claims 1 to12.

14. A vehicle comprising the vehicle battery assembly of claim 13.

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