An insulating jacket for an automotive battery

Abstract

An insulating jacket 2 for an automotive battery comprises a first part 6 for housing the automotive battery, wherein the first part comprises at least one magnet 40 for magnetically engaging magnetic

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates to an insulating jacket for an automotive battery. Aspects of the invention relate to an insulating jacket for an automotive battery, an assembly for an automotive battery and a vehicle. BACKGROUND It is known to provide an insulating jacket for an automotive battery, such as a 12 V lithium-ion battery, in a vehicle. The insulating jacket may insulate the automotive battery from high temperatures that occur under the bonnet of a vehicle. However, installing the insulating jacket in the correct position around an automotive battery when the battery is in the vehicle is difficult due to challenges in accessing the battery and limited space around the battery. If the insulating jacket is not correctly positioned around the battery when installed, the insulation of the battery provided by the jacket may be reduced. It is an aim of the present invention to address one or more of the disadvantages associated with the prior art. In particular, to improve installation of an insulating jacket around an automotive battery to ensure the insulating jacket is correctly positioned around the battery and thereby maximising the insulating effect provided by the jacket. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Aspects and embodiments of the invention provide an insulating jacket for an automotive battery, an assembly for an automotive battery and a vehicle as claimed in the appended claims. According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided an insulating jacket. The jacket comprising: a first part for housing at least part of an automotive battery; wherein the first part comprises at least one magnet configured to magnetically engage at least one corresponding magnetic material to secure the jacket adjacent the battery. Thermal insulation of a battery helps to improve performance and longevity of the battery by insulating the battery from high temperatures. An insulating jacket that is secured around the battery using magnets improves the ease of insulating the battery when the battery is installed in the vehicle after servicing and the magnet connection ensures correct alignment ofthe jacket around the battery without additional input from an operator. According to an aspect ofthe invention, there is provided an insulating jacket for an automotive battery. The jacket comprising: a first part being configured to house at least part ofthe automotive battery; wherein the first part comprises at least one magnet configured to magnetically engage at least one corresponding magnet to secure the jacket adjacent the battery. Thermal insulation of an automotive battery helps to improve performance and longevity of the battery by insulating the battery from high temperatures. An insulating jacket that is secured around the battery using magnets improves the ease of insulating the battery when the battery is installed in the vehicle after servicing. Using a magnet connection to secure the jacket about the battery ensures correct alignment of the jacket around the battery without additional input from an operator. This is particularly advantageous when access to the battery in a vehicle is limited. The magnet of the first part of the jacket may be a permanent magnet. The corresponding magnet may a permanent magnet. The magnet and corresponding magnet may each be a ferromagnetic material, such as iron, nickel, and cobalt and their alloys, or a ferrimagnetic material. In certain embodiments, the first part of the jacket may comprise at least two panels arranged as two adjoining sides of a box, the at least two panels being configured to cover at least a portion of at least two sides of the automotive battery. Providing the insulation as panels forming sides of a box reduces the amount of space required for the jacket in the vehicle. The insulation jacket is therefore compact whilst providing insulation for the battery. In certain embodiments, the first part of the jacket may comprise three panels arranged as three sides of a box, the three panels being configured to cover at least a portion of three sides of the automotive battery. The insulation jacket therefore covers at least three sides of the battery thereby improving the insulation of the battery provided by the jacket whilst minimising packaging requirements for the jacket. Optionally, the first part of the jacket may comprise four panels arranged as four adjoining sides of a box and configured to cover four sides of the box, wherein one of the four panels is substantially perpendicular to the three remaining panels. As such, the coverage and insulation provided by the jacket is further increased. In certain embodiments, the at least one magnet may comprise a magnet disposed on at least two of the panels, each magnet being configured to engage a corresponding magnet to secure the jacket around the automotive battery. Including magnets on multiple panels of the jacket may improve the alignment of the jacket during installation as multiple panels ofthe jacket will be correctly aligned by the magnets. In certain embodiments, the at least one magnet comprises a magnet disposed on each ofthe three panels of the first part of the jacket, each magnet being configured to engage a corresponding magnet to secure the jacket around the automotive battery; and wherein the magnets disposed on the three panels ofthe first part ofthe jacket are arranged in a plane. Including a magnet on three panel ofthe jacket may improve the ease of alignment of the jacket around the battery. In certain embodiments, the first part ofthe jacket may be folded from a piece of insulating material to cover two or more sides ofthe automotive battery. As such, the packaging requirements of the jacket are minimised prior to use and ease of assembly ofthe jacket is improved. The insulating jacket may comprise insulating material. The insulating material may have a thickness of between 5 mm and 20 mm, and optionally a thickness of 15 mm. As such, the jacket may provide the required insulation whilst minimising packeting requirements. In certain embodiments, each of the at least one magnet of the first part of the jacket may comprise a face configured to engage the corresponding magnet, wherein the face is substantially perpendicular to the panel of the first part on which magnet is disposed. Providing the magnets with a face perpendicular to the panel on the jacket increases the surface area available for connection with the magnet thereby further improving alignment of the jacket. In certain embodiments, each of the at least one magnet is attached to an insulating material of the first part of the jacket. As such, each of assembly and manufacture of the jacket is improved as there is no need to form magnets in insulating material. Optionally, the insulating material is compressed in the region of the magnet to improve ease of connecting the magnet to the jacket. In certain embodiments, the first part of the jacket may comprise at least one flap therein for access to a port or terminal of the automotive battery. The one or more flaps allow leads to be connected to the battery after the insulating jacket is placed on battery. In certain embodiments, the first part of the jacket may comprise a least one aperture extending therethrough to accommodate a lead extending from the battery. As such, the jacket does not interfere with battery use or routing of cables in the vehicle. In certain embodiments, the insulating jacket may comprise a second part, wherein the first and second parts define a compartment therebetween for housing the automotive battery and wherein the second part comprises the corresponding magnet. That is, the jacket may comprise: a first part and a second part being configured to house at least part of the automotive battery therebetween; wherein the first part comprises at least one magnet configured to magnetically engage at least one corresponding magnet on the second part of the jacket to secure the jacket around the battery. The second part of the jacket provides additional insulation for the automotive battery and may improve ease of manufacture as the corresponding magnets may be early incorporated into the second part of the jacket. In certain embodiments, the second part of the jacket may be configured to remain in a vehicle during service of the automotive battery. In certain embodiments, the second part of the jacket comprises a panel configured to cover one side of the automotive battery; wherein the first part comprises three panels for covering three sides of the automotive battery; and wherein the at least one magnet comprises a magnet on at least two panels of the first part of the jacket, each magnet being configured to engage a corresponding magnet on the second part of the jacket. As such, the jacket covers at least four sides of the battery when secured around the battery improving insulation. Each panel of the first part of the jacket will also be correctly aligned with the rear part of the jacket due to the multiple magnets. Providing the second part of the jacket as a single panel may also improve the ease of securing the first part of the jacket to the second part as the second part of the jacket may reside in a single plane. In certain embodiments, each of the at least one corresponding magnet on the second part of the jacket comprises a face substantially parallel to the second part of the jacket; and wherein each magnet on the first part of the jacket comprises a face for magnetically engaging the corresponding magnet that is substantially perpendicular to the panel on which the magnet is disposed. The faces of the magnet and corresponding magnets increase the surface area available for connection with magnet thereby further improving alignment of the jacket. In certain embodiments, the second part of the jacket may comprise a plurality of slots, each slot configured to receive an edge portion of the first part of the jacket. The slots of provide a improve the connection between the first and second parts of the jacket, reducing the risk of the two parts of the jacket becoming unintentionally separated. Optionally, the edge portion may be an edge portion of one or more panels of the first part of the jacket. In certain embodiments, the first part of the jacket may comprise a plurality of projections configured to be received in the slots of the second part of the jacket when the first and second parts of the jacket are secured about the battery. The projections may extend from one or more panels of the first part of the jacket. According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided an assembly for an automotive battery. The assembly comprising: a tray for supporting the automotive battery; and an insulating jacket as described above for covering the automotive battery when the automotive battery is supported by the tray; wherein the second part of the insulating jacket is attached to the tray and the first part of the insulating jacket is removable from the tray when at least one magnet is magnetically disengaged from the at least one corresponding magnet. The second part of the jacket and the tray are fixed in place whereas the first part of the jacket is separatable from the second part of the jacket and the tray. The magnet connection allows the first part of the jacket to be secured to the second part of the jacket and ensures that first part of the jacket is correctly aligned about the battery without additional input from an operator. In certain embodiments, the tray may comprise ledges configured to receive the battery therebetween to hold the battery in position on the tray. As such, the tray provides a fixed position for the battery which then helps with aligning the first and second parts of the jacket. In certain embodiments, the tray may be configured to support one side of the automotive battery and the jacket is configured to cover the remaining sides of the automotive battery. As such, together the tray and jacket insulate coverall sides of the battery which provides sufficient insulation in a vehicle. Optionally, the assembly comprises the automotive battery, the automotive battery comprises a lithium-ion battery. The automotive battery may be one of a 12 V, 24 V or 48 V battery. 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 schematically shows an insulating jacket according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 shows a part of the insulating jacket of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a part of the insulating jacket of Figure 1; Figure 4 shows a part of an assembly according to an embodiment to the invention; Figure 5 show an assembly according to an embodiment to the invention; and Figure 6 shows a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION In an internal combustion engine vehicle, an automotive battery may be used, for example, to start the engine and to power the vehicle’s electrical systems. In an electric or hybrid vehicle, an automotive battery may be used to power the vehicle’s electrical systems when the vehicle is not being driven and to power onboard computer and diagnostic systems. In an electric or hybrid vehicle, the automotive battery differs from the high-voltage traction battery. An automotive battery is typically cuboid in shape having a top side, a bottom side and four peripheral sides extending between the top and bottom sides. Automotive batteries have one or more terminals on the top side to which leads may be connected. The automotive battery may be, for example, a 12 V lithium-ion battery. An insulating layer around the automotive battery 4 is required for thermal protection of the automotive battery 4. According to an embodiment of the invention there is provided an insulating jacket having one or more magnet attached. The one or more magnet functions to secure the jacket around and adjacent to the battery by means of magnetic attraction of the magnet to corresponding magnetic materials. Figure 1 shows an insulating jacket for an automotive battery 4 according to an embodiment of the invention. The insulating jacket 2 may improve the performance of the automotive battery 4. The insulating jacket 1 may protect the automotive battery 4 from high temperatures thereby reducing ageing of the automotive battery 4 and preventing a warning being activated due to a rise in temperature of the automotive battery 4. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the jacket 2 comprises a first part 6 configured to house at least part of the automotive battery 4. The first part 6 of the jacket 2 may comprise a plurality of panels 8, 10, 12, 14. The 5 plurality of panels 8, 10, 12, 14 are arranged so that a recess 16 is formed between the plurality of panels 8, 10, 12, 14. The recess 16 is configured to receive the automotive battery 4. As such, the first part 6 of the jacket 2 may house at least part of the automotive battery 4. The first part 6 of the jacket 2 may be formed from a single piece of material. As shown in the embodiment in the Figures, the plurality of panels 8,10,12,14 may be arranged as adjoining sides of a box so that the first part 6 of the jacket 2 substantially conforms to the shape of the automotive battery 4. Each panel of the plurality of panels 8, 10, 12, 14 may be substantially planar. Each panel of the plurality of panels 8, 10, 12, 14 is configured to cover at least a portion of a side of the automotive battery 4. As such, each panel of the plurality of panels 8, 10, 12, 14 may insulate one side of the automotive battery 4. As shown in the embodiment in the Figures, each panel of the plurality of panels 8, 10, 12, 14 may be configured to substantially cover a side of the automotive battery 4. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the first part 6 of the jacket 2 may comprise four panels 8, 10, 12, 14 so that the first part 6 of the jacket 2 forms four sides of a box. The four panels 8, 10, 12, 14 include a top panel 8 for covering the top side of the automotive battery 4 and three side panels 10,12,14 for covering three peripheral sides of the automotive battery 4. Each of the side panels 10, 12, 14 of the first part 6 of the jacket 2 may adjoin the top panel 8 along one edge. The three side panels 10,12,14 of the first part 6 of the jacket 2 include a middle side panel 10, a first outer side panel 12 and a second outer side panel 14. The first and second outer side panels 12, 14 may adjoin the middle side panel 10 on two opposing edges of the middle side panel 10. The middle side panel 10 may be substantially perpendicular to the first and second outer side panels 12, 14 and to the top panel 8. Each of the top panel 8 and middle side panel 10 have a single free edge whereas the first and second outer side panels 12, 14 each have two free edges. As shown in Figure 1, the free edge 18 of the top panel 8 may be in substantially the same plane as one of the free edges 20, 22 of the first and second outer side panels 12,14. The first part 6 of the jacket 2 may be formed from any suitable insulating material. For example, the first part 6 of the jacket 2 may comprise a soft fibre material. The first part 6 of the jacket 2 may comprise a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) soft fibre material such that the first part 6 of the jacket 2 may be easily moulded into the desired shape. The insulating material of the first part 6 of the jacket 2 may have a thickness of between 5 mm and 20 mm. In certain embodiments, the insulating material of the first part 6 of the jacket 2 may have a thickness of 15 mm. The first part6 ofthejacket2 may be folded from a piece of insulating material in orderto coverthe automotive battery 4. That is, the first part 6 of the jacket 2 may be provided as a blank that is folded into the shape shown in the Figures. In the embodiment shown in the Figures, the middle side panel 10 is attached to each of the first and second outer side panels 12, 14 at opposing sides and the middle side panel 10 is also attached to the top panel 8. The plurality of panels 8, 10, 12, 14 may be connected to one another by living or integral hinges 24. The insulating material may be compressed along the connection between the middle side panel 10 and the other panels 8,12, 14 to improve the ease of folding the first part 6 of the jacket 2. The top panel 8 may comprise a plurality of slots 26, each slot 26 configured to receive an edge portion 28 one the outer side panels 12, 14 so as to secure the outer side panels 12, 14 of the top panel 8 in a box-like shape. In the embodiment shown in the Figures, the top panel 8 comprises a plurality of slots 26 near two edges and each of the first and second outer side panels 12,14 comprise a corresponding number of projections 28 configured to be received in the slots 26 of the top panel 8 once the first part 6 of the jacket 2 has been folded. As shown in the embodiment in the Figures, the first part 6 of the jacket 2 may comprise a least one aperture 30 extending therethrough to accommodate a lead (not shown) extending from a terminal or port (not shown) of the automotive battery 4. The lead may be any lead used to connect the automotive battery 4 to a vehicle. In the embodiment shown in the Figures, one or more of the side panels 10,12, 14 comprises an aperture 30 for a lead. The apertures 30 are positioned towards the top panel 8. The first part 6 of the jacket 2 may be sized so that it can be placed over the automotive battery 4 when one or more leads are attached to the automotive battery 4. To facilitate accessing the port orterminal orthe leads on the top side of the automotive battery 4, the first part 6 of the jacket 2 may comprise at least one flap 32 therein for access to a port orterminal of the automotive battery 4. As shown in the embodiment in the Figures, the top panel 8 may comprise two flaps 32 for accessing the automotive battery 4. The insulating material of each flap 32 may be attached to the rest of the top panel 8 along one side of the flap only so that the flap 32 can be moved relative to the top panel 8. The flaps 32 may be connected to the rest of the top panel 8 by living or integral hinges 34. The insulating material may be compressed along the connection between the flaps 32 the rest of the top panel 8 to improve the ease of folding the first part 6 of the jacket 2. As shown in the embodiment in Figure 1, the insulating jacket 2 may comprise a second part 36. The second part 36 of the jacket 2 may provide the automotive battery 4 with additional insulation. The second part 36 of the jacket 2 is shown in Figures 1 and 3. The second part 36 of the jacket may be formed from the same type of insulating material as the first part 6 of the jacket 2. The first and second parts 6,36 of the jacket 2 define a compartment therebetween for housing the automotive battery 4. The second part 36 of the jacket 2 is configured to cover one of the open sides of the recess 16 formed by the panels 8,10,12, 14 of the first part 6 of the jacket 2 as shown in Figure 1. In the embodiment shown in the Figures, the second part 36 of the jacket 2 comprises a panel 38. That is, a single panel. The panel 38 of the second panel of the jacket 2 is configured to cover at least a portion of one side of the automotive battery 4. In the embodiment in the Figures, the panel 38 covers substantially the whole of a side of the automotive battery 4. The panel 38 of the second part 36 ofthe jacket 2 may be substantially the same size as the middle side panel 10 ofthe first part 6 ofthe jacket 2. The panel 38 is for covering a fourth peripheral side ofthe automotive battery 4. Together the first and second parts 6, 36 ofthe jacket 2 provide five sides of a box and insulate five sides ofthe automotive battery 4. When the automotive battery 4 is housed in the jacket 2, the panel 38 ofthe second part 36 of the jack is substantially parallel to the middle side panel 10 ofthe first part 6 of the jacket 2 and substantially perpendicular to the first and second outer side panels 12,14 and to the top panel 8. The first part 6 comprises at least one magnet 40 configured to magnetically engage at least one corresponding magnet 42 to secure the jacket 2 adjacent to or around the automotive battery 4. As shown in the embodiment in the Figures, the second part 36 of the jacket comprises the corresponding magnet 42. The at least one magnet 40 on the first part 6 of the jacket 2 is arranged to magnetically engage the corresponding magnet 42 on the second part 36 of the jacket 2 to secure the jacket 2 around the automotive battery 4. As shown in the embodiment in the Figures, multiple panels of the first part 6 of the jacket 2 may have a magnet 40 disposed thereon. Each of the top panel 8 and first and second outer side panels 12,14 may have a magnet 40 disposed thereon. As such, the first part 6 of the jacket 2 comprises three magnets 40. The magnets 40 disposed on the top panel 8 and first and second outer side panels 12, 14 of the first part 6 of the jacket 2 may be arranged in a plane. The magnet 40 may be positioned at the free edges 18, 20 22 of each of these panels for ease of engaging the corresponding magnet 42 on the second part 36 of the jacket 2. Each of the magnets 40 on the first part 6 of the jacket 2 may be arranged to engage a corresponding magnet 42 on the second part 36 of the jacket 2. The second part 36 of the jacket 2 may therefore comprises three magnets 42. Since the second part 36 of the jacket 2 is a panel, the magnets 42 on the second part 36 of the jacket 2 are arranged in a plane. The magnets 42 on the second part 36 of the jacket 2 may be arranged near the edges of the panel, as shown in Figure 3, so as to engage the magnets 40 positioned at the free edges 18, 20 22 of top panel 8 and first and second outer side panels 12,14 of the first part 6 of the jacket 2. When the first and second parts 6, 36 of the jacket 2 are secured around the automotive battery 4, the first and second parts 6, 36 of the jacket 2 therefore engage each other on three sides of the automotive battery 4. The first part 6 of the jacket 2 may comprise a magnet 40 attached to the insulating material of the first part 6 of the jacket 2. A magnet 40 may be attached to each of the top panel 8 and the first and second outer side panels 12, 14 of the first part 6 of the jacket 2. The first part 6 of the jacket 2 may therefore comprise threemagnets 40. The magnet 40 comprises an engagement portion for engaging the corresponding magnet 42 on the second part 36 of the jacket 2. The engagement portion may comprise a face configured to engage the corresponding magnet 42. The face may be substantially planar. The face may be substantially perpendicular to the panel 8, 12,14 of the first part 6 on which magnet 40 is disposed. When multiple magnets 40 are disposed on the first part 6 of the jacket 2 on the top panel 8 and the first and second outer side panels 14 each of the faces of the magnets 40 may be arranged in the same plane. As shown in Figure 3, the second part 36 of the jacket 2 may comprise three magnets 42 disposed thereon for magnetically engaging the magnets 40 on first part 6 of the jacket 2. Each magnet 42 may comprise an engagement surface arranged to engage the face of one of the magnets 40. The engagement surface may be substantially planar. The engagement surfaces of the three magnets 42 on the second part 36 of the jacket 2 may be arranged in the same plane. Each of the magnets 42 on the second part 36 of the jacket 2 may be the same as one another. In addition to the magnetic connection, the second part 36 of the jacket 2 may comprise a plurality of slots 66, each slot 66 configured to receive an edge portion of one panel of the first part 6 of the jacket 2 to help secure the jacket 2 around the automotive battery 4. As shown in the embodiment in the Figures, the first part 6 of the jacket 2 comprises a plurality of projections 68 configured to be received in the slots 66 of the second part 36 of the jacket 2. Each of the top panel 8 and first and second outer side panels 12, 14 of the first part 6 of the jacket 2 comprise two projections 68 along a free edge. The second part 36 of the jacket 2 comprises six corresponding slots 66 for receiving the projections 68 on the first part 6 of the jacket 2. Each magnet 40 on the second part 36 of the jacket 2 is positioned between two slots 66. Figures 4 and 5 show an assembly 70 for an automotive battery 4 according to an embodiment of the invention. Figure 6 shows a vehicle 100 according to an embodiment of the invention. The assembly 70 may be positioned inside the vehicle 100. The assembly 70 may be located beneath the bonnet 102 of the vehicle 100. The assembly 70 comprises the insulating jacket 2. The assembly 70 comprises a tray 72 for supporting the automotive battery 4 in the vehicle 100. The tray 72 may comprise two walls 74 configured to receive the battery therebetween to hold automotive battery 4 in position on the tray 72. The walls 74 may be parallel to each other. The walls 74 may be upstanding from the tray 72. The walls 74 may help the automotive battery 4 to be placed in the correct position on the tray 72. In Figure 5, the insulating jacket 2 is shown covering the automotive battery 4 and the automotive battery 4 is supported on the tray 72. The tray 72 may be configured to support one side of the automotive battery 4 and the jacket 2 is configured to cover the remaining sides of the automotive battery 4. As shown in the Figures, the tray 72 is configured to support the bottom side of the automotive battery 4. The second part 36 of the insulating jacket 2 may be attached to the tray 72. As such, the tray 72 and second part of the jacket 2 may be in a fixed position within the vehicle 100. The first part 6 of the jacket 2 is not attached to the tray 72. Rather, the first part 6 of the jacket 2 is only attached to the second part 36 of the jacket 2 via the engagement of the magnets 40,42. Therefore, the first part 6 of the jacket 2 is removable from the assembly 70 when magnet 40 on the first part 6 of the jacket 2 is disengaged from the corresponding magnet 42 on the second part 36 of the jacket 2. The tray 72 may comprise an upstanding back panel 76 to which the second part 36 of the jacket 2 may be attached. The second part 36 of the insulating jacket 2 may be attached to the tray 72 by any suitable means. For example, the second part 36 of the insulating jacket 2 may be attached to the tray 72 by an adhesive. The second part 36 of the jacket 2 may comprise one or more apertures 78 shown in Figure 8 but omitted in Figures 1 and 3. The apertures 78 may facilitate attaching the second part 36 of the insulating jacket 2 to the tray 72. For example, fasteners (not shown) may be inserted through the apertures 78 in the second part 36 of the jacket 2 and through corresponding aperture in the back panel 76 of the tray 72 to attach the two components together. The assembly 70 may also comprise a plate 80 attached to the tray 72. The plate 80 may be upstanding from the tray 72. The plate 80 may be used to attached further components, such as a fuse board, to the assembly 70. In certain embodiments, the assembly 70 may comprise the automotive battery 4. The automotive battery 4 may be a lithium-ion battery. The automotive battery 4 may be a 12 V battery. In certain embodiments, the automotive battery 4 may be a, 24 V or 48 V battery. As described above, the assembly 70 may be positioned in a vehicle 100 underneath the bonnet 102. The jacket 2 insulates the automotive battery 4. The jacket 2 may insulate the automotive battery 4 from high temperatures which may be present underneath the bonnet 102 during use of the vehicle 100. As such, the jacket 2 may improve the performance of the automotive battery 4. The insulating jacket 1 may protect the automotive battery 4 from high temperatures thereby reducing ageing of the automotive battery 4 and preventing a warning being activated due to a rise in temperature of the automotive battery 4. In a vehicle 100, the automotive battery 4 needs to be periodically removed by an operator for servicing. To service the automotive battery 4, both the automotive battery 4 and the insulating jacket 2 need to be removed from the vehicle 100 and then reinstalled. There is typically limited space under the bonnet 102 which makes removing the automotive battery 4 and the jacket 2 from and then reinstalling them vehicle challenging because the whole of the automotive battery 4 and jacket 2 may not be visible by the operator when the bonnet 102 is lifted. In particular, it can be challenging to ensure the jacket 2 is in the correct position when reinstalled in the vehicle 100. If the jacket 2 is not positioned correctly, it will be less effective at insulating the automotive battery 4. The insulating jacket 2 according to the present invention improves the ease of removing and correctly reinstalling the automotive battery 4 and jacket 2 in a vehicle 100. To remove the automotive battery 4 from the vehicle 100, an operator lifts the automotive battery 4 and first part 6 of the jacket 2 off the tray 72. The magnetic engagement between the first and second parts 6, 36 of the jacket 2 will be disengaged when the automotive battery 4 is lifted off the tray 72. The tray 72 and the second part 36 of the jacket 2 remain in the vehicle 100. Once the battery has been serviced by the operator, the operator places the automotive battery 4 onto the tray 72 and attaches one or more leads to the terminals or ports of the battery. The automotive battery 4 may be placed between the walls 74 of the tray 72 so that the automotive battery 4 is located in the desired position in the vehicle 100. The first part 6 of the insulating jacket 2 is then placed around the automotive battery 4. As the first part 6 of the jacket 2 is placed overthe automotive battery 4, the magnets 40 on the first part 6 of the jacket 2 are attracted to and engage the magnets 42 on the second part 36 of the jacket 2. This engagement ensures correct alignment of the two parts of the jacket 2 without additional input from the operator. Thus, the magnets 40, 42 on the jacket 2 improve the ease of reinstalling the automotive battery 4 and jacket 2 in the vehicle and ensuring the jacket 2 is insulating the automotive battery 4 as intended. The alignment of the magnets 40, 42 on the first and second parts 6, 36 of the jacket 2 may also cause the slots in the second part 36 of the jacket 2 to be received the corresponding edge portion of the panels of the first part 6 of the jacket 2. The second part 36 of the insulating jacket 2 remains in the vehicle 100 during servicing of the automotive battery 4. When the first and second parts 6, 36 of the jacket 2 are secured around the automotive battery 4, the first and second parts 6, 36 of the jacket 2 therefore engage each other on three sides of the automotive battery 4. Providing magnet 40, 42 on three sides of the first and second parts 6, 36 of the jacket 2 may further improve the ease of alignment of the first and second parts 6, 36 of the jacket 2. Each of the panels 8, 12, 14 of the first part 6 of the jacket 2 which contact the second part 36 of the jacket 2 will be correctly aligned due to the magnets 40, 42. The magnetic engagement between the at least one magnet 40 on the first part 6 of the jacket 2 and the at least one magnet 40 on the first part 6 of the jacket 2 may be configured to generate a force of at least a 0.4 kilogram-force (approximately 3.9 N) to secure the first and second parts 6, 36 of the jacket together. In certain embodiments, the magnetic engagement between the magnets 40, may be configured to generate a force of at least a 0.8 kilogram-force (7.8N). The magnetic engagement between the magnets 40, may be configured to generate at a force between 0.3 and 1.0 kilogram-force (2.9 to 9.8 N). Any suitable magnets 40, 42 may be used. In the above-described embodiment, the first part 6 of the jacket 2 is configured to cover four sides of the automotive battery 4. However, in alternative embodiments, the first part 6 of the jacket 2 may be configured to cover a different number of sides of the automotive battery 4. For example, the first part 6 of the jacket 2 may be configured to cover two, three, four or five sides of the automotive battery 4. In a similar manner, the second part 36 of the jacket 2 may be configured to cover two or more sides of the automotive battery 4. For example, the second part 36 of the jacket 2 two or more peripheral sides of the automotive battery 4. In the above-described embodiment, the magnet 40 on the first part 6 of the jacket 2 engages the corresponding magnet 42 on the second part 36 of the jacket 2. However, in alternative embodiments the second part 36 ofthe jacket 2 may be omitted. The corresponding magnet 42 may be positioned on a different component which remains in the vehicle 100 when the automotive battery 4 and first part 6 of the jacket 2 are removed for servicing. For example, the tray 72 may comprise the at least one corresponding magnet 42. The magnets 40 on the first part 6 of the jacket 2 may be arranged to align with and magnetically engage the corresponding magnets 42 on the tray 72 to secure the jacket 2 adjacent to or around the automotive battery 4. In such embodiments, the first part 6 ofthe jacket 2 may comprise five panels arranged as five sides ofthe box so that the jacket 2 insulates five sides ofthe automotive battery 4. In such embodiments, the magnets 40, 42 on the first part ofthe jacket 2 and the tray 72 improve the ease of reinstalling the automotive battery 4 and jacket 2 in the vehicle and ensuring the jacket 2 is insulating the automotive battery 4 as intended. It will be appreciated that various changes and modifications can be made to the present invention without departing from the scope ofthe present application.

Claims

1. An insulating jacket for an automotive battery, the jacket comprising:a first part being configured to house at least part of the automotive battery;wherein the first part comprises at least one magnet configured to magnetically engage at least one corresponding magnetic material to secure the jacket adjacent the battery.

2. An insulating jacket according to claim 1, wherein the first part of the jacket comprises at least two panels arranged as two adjoining sides of a box, the at least two panels being configured to cover at least a portion of at least two sides of the automotive battery.

3. An insulating jacket according to claim 2, wherein the first part of the jacket comprises three panels arranged as three sides of a box, the three panels being configured to cover at least a portion of three sides of the automotive battery.

4. An insulating jacket according to claim 2, wherein the at least one magnet comprises a magnet disposed on at least two of the panels, each magnet being configured to engage a corresponding magnetic material to secure the jacket around the automotive battery.

5. An insulating jacket according to claim 3, wherein the at least one magnet comprises a magnet disposed on each of the three panels of the first part of the jacket, each magnet being configured to engage a corresponding magnetic material to secure the jacket around the automotive battery; and wherein the magnets disposed on the three panels of the first part of the jacket are arranged in a plane.

6. An insulating jacket according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first part of the jacket is folded from a piece of insulating material to cover two or more sides of the automotive battery.

7. An insulating jacket according to claim 3 to claim 6, wherein each of the at least one magnet of the first part of the jacket comprises a face configured to engage the corresponding magnetic material, wherein the face is substantially perpendicular to the panel of the first part on which the magnet is disposed.

8. An insulating jacket according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a second part, wherein the first and second parts define a compartment therebetween for housing the automotive battery, and wherein the second part comprises at least one corresponding magnet.

9. An insulating jacket according to claim 8, wherein the second part of the jacket comprises a panel configured to cover one side of the automotive battery; wherein the first part comprises three panels for covering three sides of the automotive battery; and wherein the at least one magnet comprises a magnet onat least two panels of the first part of the jacket, each magnet being configured to engage a corresponding magnet on the second part of the jacket.

10. An insulating jacket according to claim 9, wherein each of the at least one corresponding magnet on the second part of the jacket comprises a face substantially parallel to the second part of the jacket; and wherein each magnet on the first part of the jacket comprises a face for magnetically engaging the corresponding magnet that is substantially perpendicular to the panel on which the magnet is disposed.

11. An insulating jacket according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the second part of the jacket comprises a plurality of slots, each slot configured to receive an edge portion of the first part of the jacket.

12. An assembly for an automotive battery, the assembly comprising:a tray for supporting the automotive battery; andan insulating jacket according to any one of claims 8 to 11 for covering the automotive battery when the automotive battery is supported by the tray;wherein the second part of the insulating jacket is attached to the tray and the first part of the insulating jacket is removable from the tray when at least one magnet is magnetically disengaged from the at least one corresponding magnet.

13. A vehicle comprising the jacket of any one of claims 1 to 11 or the assembly claim 12.

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