Thermal insulation jacket

Abstract

A thermal insulation jacket 1 for a non-traction battery for an automobile comprises a first thermal insulation section 41 comprising one or more primary side panels 61-n for positioning adjacent to a

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates to a thermal insulation jacket. The thermal insulation jacket has particular application to insulate a battery of an automobile. The battery is typically a non-traction battery, for example a low-voltage battery. Aspects of the invention relate to a thermal insulation jacket and a vehicle. BACKGROUND It is known to provide a non-traction battery in a vehicle to power vehicle subsystems. The non-traction battery is a low-voltage battery which may provide electric power to one or more vehicle subsystems. The non-traction battery may be suitable for supplying electrical energy to a starter motor of an internal combustion engine. In the case of a battery electric vehicle (BEV), the non-traction battery is separate from the one or more traction battery configured to supply electrical energy to one or more electric drive units to generate a traction force to propel the vehicle. The one or more traction battery typically operate at a high voltage, for example greater than 60V. It has been recognised that the performance of the non-traction battery may be affected exposure to extreme temperatures. It is an aim of the present invention to address one or more of the disadvantages associated with the prior art. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Aspects and embodiments of the invention provide a thermal insulation jacket and a vehicle as claimed in the appended claims. According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a thermal insulation jacket for a non-traction battery for an automobile, the non-traction battery comprising a plurality of sides, wherein the thermal insulation jacket comprises: a first thermal insulating section comprising one or more primary side panel, the or each primary side panel being configured to be positioned adjacent to a respective side of the non-traction battery; and a second thermal insulating section comprising a plurality of secondary side panels, each of the plurality of secondary side panels being configured to be positioned adjacent to a respective side of the nontraction battery. At least one fastener may be provided for releasably fastening the first thermal insulating section to the second thermal insulating section. The at least one fastener may be releasable to enable the first thermal insulating section and the second thermal insulating section to be separated from each other. The thermal insulation jacket is configured to thermally insulate the non-traction battery of an automobile. At least in certain embodiments, the thermal insulation jacket may help to protect the non-traction battery from extreme temperature. The thermal insulation jacket comprises first and second thermal insulating sections which may be separated from each other. At least in certain embodiments, this may facilitate the installation and / or removal of the thermal insulation jacket. When fitted, the thermal insulation jacket at least partially encapsulates the non-traction battery. The non-traction battery is a low-voltage battery. The non-traction battery may, for example, have a voltage less than or equal to 60V. The non-traction battery may be a 12V battery or a 48V battery. The non-traction battery is not suitable for powering an electric drive unit on the vehicle. Rather, the non-traction battery may provide electric power to one or more vehicle subsystems when the vehicle is deactivated (also known as Power Mode Zero), for example when the vehicle is parked. The non-traction battery may be an ancillaries battery. Each of the plurality of secondary side panels may be hingedly connected to one or more of the other secondary side panels. The hinged connection facilitates positioning of the secondary side panels against the respective sides of the non-traction battery. The plurality of secondary side panels may be hingedly connected to each other along a common edge. For example, adjacent secondary side panels may be connected to each other by one or more living hinge (flexure bearing) extending at least partway along the common edge. Alternatively, the plurality of secondary side panels may be hingedly connected to each other at a common corner. A living hinge (flexure bearing) may join the secondary side panels at the common corner. One or more of the secondary side panels may comprise at least one side panel fastener. The at least one side panel fastener may be configured to fasten adjacent secondary side panels to each other. The second thermal insulating section may comprise a plurality of the side panel fasteners for releasably fastening adjacent side panels to each other. The side panel fasteners may, for example, comprise hook-and-loop type fasteners. Other types of fasteners are contemplated. For example, the side panel fasteners may comprise one or more of the following: pop studs, snap fasteners, rotatable clasps or toggles. The plurality of secondary side panels may comprise two or more of the secondary side panels. The plurality of secondary side panels may comprise three or more of the secondary side panels. At least in certain embodiments, the plurality of secondary side panels consists of three of the secondary side panels. The at least one fastener is configured releasably to fasten the first thermal insulating section to the second thermal insulating section. The at least one fastener may be disposed on the first thermal insulating section and / orthe second thermal insulating section. The or each fastener may be in the form of an end panel fastener. The at least one fastener may comprise at least one first fastener disposed on a first one of the plurality of secondary side panels. The at least one end panel fastener may comprise at least one second fastener disposed on a second one of the plurality of secondary side panels. The at least one first fastener and / orthe at least one second fastener may be configured to engage the one or more primary side panel of the first thermal insulating section. Alternatively, or in addition, the at least one fastener may be disposed on the first thermal insulating section. The at least one end panel fastener may comprise a hook-and-loop fastener. The hook-and-loop fastener comprises a hook portion and a loop portion. The hook portion may be provided on one of the first and secondary side panels, and the loop portion may be provided on the other one of the first and secondary side panels. The loop portion may be integrated into an outer surface of the primary side panel or the secondary side panel. Other types of fasteners are contemplated for the at least one fastener. For example, the at least one fastener may comprise one or more of the following: pop studs, snap fasteners, rotatable clasps or toggles. The second thermal insulating section may comprise a plurality of the side panel fasteners for releasably fastening adjacent side panels to each other. The first thermal insulating section may comprise one or more top panel. Alternatively, or in addition, the second thermal insulating section may comprise one or more top panel. The or each top panel may be configured to be positioned adjacent to a top face of the non-traction battery. The or each top panel may be hingedly connected to one or more of the secondary side panels. More than one top panel may be provided to facilitate access to the battery terminals. The or each top panel may be hingedly connected to one or more of the secondary side panels along a common edge. For example, the or each top panel may be connected to an adjacent one of the secondary side panels by one or more living hinge (flexure bearing) extending at least partway along the common edge. Alternatively, the or each top panel may be hingedly connected to one or more of the secondary side panels at a common corner. A living hinge (flexure bearing) may join the or each top panel to the one or more secondary side panel. The top panel may be connected to two adjacent secondary side panels by a single living hinge (flexure bearing) formed at a common corner. The one or more top panel may comprise at least one top panel fastener for releasably fastening the first thermal insulating section to the second thermal insulating section. The at least one top panel fastener may releasably fasten the one or more top panel to the one or more primary side panel. Alternatively, or in addition, the or each primary side panel may comprise at least one top panel fastener for releasably fastening the first thermal insulating section to the second thermal insulating section. The at least one top panel fastener may releasably fasten the one or more top panel to the one or more primary side panel. The at least one top panel fastener may comprise a hook-and-loop fastener. The hook-and-loop fastener comprises a hook portion and a loop portion. The hook portion may be provided on one of the top panel and the primary side panel. The loop portion may be provided on the other one of the top panel and the primary side panel. The loop portion may be integrated into an outer surface of the primary side panel orthe secondary side panel. Other types of fasteners are contemplated for the at least one top panel fastener. For example, the at least one top panel fastener may comprise one or more of the following: pop studs, snap fasteners, rotatable clasps or toggles. The or each primary side panel and / or the or each secondary side panel each comprise at least one core. The or each core may comprise or consist of a thermal insulation core. The or each primary side panel and / or the or each secondary side panel may comprise at least one said thermal insulation core. The at least one thermal insulation core may form a thermally insulating core of the or each primary side panel and / or the or each secondary side panel. The at least one thermal insulation core may comprise a thermally bonded fibre matrix. The fibre matrix may, for example, comprise polyester / co-polyester bicomponent fibres. The at least one top panel may have the same structure. The or each thermal insulation core may have a thickness in the range 5mm to 25mm; or 10mm to 20mm. The at least one thermal insulation core may have a thickness of approximately 15mm. The at least one thermal insulation core may comprise Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and / or copolymerized Polyethylene terephthalate (co-PET). The at least one thermal insulation core may comprise cross-lapped fibers, for example composed of polyester; and / or a thermally-bonded fibre matrix having a co-polyester bicomponent, for example 75% recycled content. The at least one thermal insulation core may have a thermal conductivity in the range 0.03 to 0.40 watts per meter-kelvin (W / (m-K)). The thermal conductivity may be approximately 0.035 watts per meter-kelvin (W / (m-K)). In a variant, the thermal conductivity may be approximately 0.0368 watts per meter-kelvin (W / (m-K)). The or each primary side panel and / or the or each secondary side panel may comprise an outer sheet and an inner sheet. The outer sheet and the inner sheet may be joined to each other along one or more join line. The one or more join line may form a living hinge (flexure bearing). The one or more join line may extend around the periphery of the or each thermal insulation section. The or each thermal insulation section may be form an insert which is located in a pocket formed between the outer sheet and the inner sheet. The outer sheet and the inner sheet may be joined to each other using plastic welding, bonding, adhesive or other suitable fastening means. The outer sheet may comprise an outer face configured to releasably engage a hook portion of a hook-and-loop fastener. The outer face may comprise a loop portion or a soft fibre / flock finish. The outer sheet material may comprise a thermo-formable soft fibre component. The thermal insulating jacket may comprise one or more base panel for positioning under the non-traction battery. The first thermal insulating section may comprise the one or more base panel. Alternatively, or in addition, the second thermal insulating section may comprise the one or more base panel. One or more base panel fasteners may be provided for fastening the one or more base panel to the first thermal insulating section or the second thermal insulating section. According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a battery assembly comprising a nontraction battery and a thermal insulation jacket as described herein. According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a vehicle comprising a non-traction battery and a thermal insulation jacket as claimed as described herein. 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 anyway 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 comprising a thermal insulation jacket for an on-board battery in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of the on-board battery shown in Figure 1 without the thermal insulation jacket; Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the thermal insulation jacket in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 4A shows a plan view of a first section of the thermal insulation jacket shown in Figure 3; Figure 4B shows a side view of the first section of the thermal insulation jacket shown in Figure 4A; Figure 5A shows a plan view of a second section of the thermal insulation jacket shown in Figure 3; Figure 5B shows a side view of the second section of the thermal insulation jacket shown in Figure 5A. DETAILED DESCRIPTION A thermal insulation jacket 1 for a battery 3 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is described herein with reference to the accompanying Figures. The thermal insulation jacket 1 and the nontraction battery 3 are installed in a vehicle 5. The vehicle 5 and the components therein are described herein with reference to a reference frame comprising a longitudinal axis X, a transverse axis Y and a vertical axis Z. As illustrated in Figure 1, the vehicle 5 is a road vehicle comprising a plurality of wheels W1-W4. In the present embodiment, the vehicle 5 is an automobile. The thermal insulation jacket 1 may be used in other types of vehicle 5, such as a sports utility vehicle, a utility vehicle or a tractor unit. The vehicle 5 in the present embodiment is a battery electric vehicle (BEV), but the thermal insulation jacket 1 may be used in other types of vehicle, such as a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) or an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle. The vehicle 5 comprises one or more electric drive unit 7 and at least one traction battery 9. The electric drive unit 7 comprises at least one electric motor 11 for generating a tractive force to propel the vehicle 5. The at least one traction battery 9 is configured to supply electrical energy to the electric drive unit 7. The battery 3 is a low-voltage battery. The battery 3 may, for example, have a voltage less than or equal to 60V. The battery 3 may be a 12V battery or a 48V battery. The battery 3 in the present embodiment is a nontraction battery, i.e. the non-traction battery 3 is not suitable for powering the one or more electric drive unit 7. The non-traction battery 3 is typically provided in the vehicle 5 to provide electric power to vehicle subsystems when the vehicle 5 is deactivated (also known as Power Mode Zero), for example when the vehicle 5 is parked. The non-traction battery 3 acts as a buffer to help provide power to the vehicle subsystems, for example while the traction battery 9 is charging. The non-traction battery 3 may also function as a secondary (or back-up) power source for a Minimum Risk Manoeuvre (MRM) system. The MRM system is provided to power critical vehicle systems to enable safe operation of the vehicle 5. The critical vehicle systems may comprise one or more of the following: a braking system, an electric power steering system; a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system (to keep windscreens clear); and a central locking system (to enable the vehicle doors to be unlocked). The non-traction battery 3 may also power one or more of the following non-exhaustive list of vehicle subsystems: interior lights, exterior lights, Software-over-the-Air (SOTA), doors, keys, activation of the Heating and Ventilation (HV) pack, etc.. The non-traction battery 3 may be an ancillaries battery. The vehicle 5 comprises a body structure 13 which defines a cabin 15 and one or more compartments 17-n. In the present embodiment, the body structure 13 comprises a compartment 17-1 disposed at the front of the vehicle 5. The electric drive unit 7 is housed in the compartment 17-1. In the present embodiment, the nontraction battery 3 is supported on a battery tray 19 provided in the compartment 17-1. A bracket 21 is provided to mount the non-traction battery 3 to the battery tray 19. One or more mechanical fastener (not shown) is provided to secure the bracket 21. When installed, the non-traction battery 3 is disposed proximal to the bulkhead at the rear of the compartment 17-1. Access to the non-traction battery 3 may be restricted due to the proximity of the electric drive unit 7 and / or ancillary systems. This may hamper removal and / or installation of the non-traction battery 3. For example, the non-traction battery 3 in the present embodiment is removed from the battery tray 19 by sliding the non-traction battery 3 in a transverse direction. The non-traction battery 3 may be located in, or removed from, the battery tray 19 with or without the thermal insulation jacket 1 installed. At least a portion of the thermal insulation jacket 1 may be disposed in (or proximal to) the battery tray 19 while the non-traction battery 3 is located in, or removed from, the battery tray 19. Alternatively, the non-traction battery 3 may be located in, or removed from, the battery tray 19 with at least a portion of the thermal insulation jacket 1 provided around the non-traction battery 3. It will be understood that the non-traction battery 3 may be mounted in other locations in the compartment 17-1 or in the vehicle 5. The thermal insulation jacket 1 may be provided on the non-traction battery 3 irrespective of the location in the compartment 17-1 or in the vehicle 5. As shown in Figure 2, the non-traction battery 3 is in the form of a cuboid having a rectangular profile in horizontal cross-section. The non-traction battery 3 comprises a first side 31-1, a second side 31-2, a third side 31-3, a fourth side 31-4, a top face 33 and a bottom face 35. Positive (+) and negative (-) electrical terminals 37 are provided on the top face 33 of the non-traction battery 3 for connection to the one or more vehicle subsystem 11 -n. The non-traction battery 3 may be a lead-acid battery or a lithium-ion battery, for example. The non-traction battery 3 may have a different battery chemistry. The non-traction battery 3 in the present embodiment is a 12V battery. The thermal insulation jacket 1 is shown in an assembled state (without the non-traction battery 3) in Figure 3. The thermal insulation jacket 1 at least partially surrounds the non-traction battery 3 to provide thermal insulation for the non-traction battery 3. The thermal insulation jacket 1 thereby helps to protect the non-traction battery 3 from temperature variations. At least in certain embodiments, the thermal insulation jacket 1 may help to maintain the non-traction battery 3 in a working range, typically -25° to +60°. The thermal insulation jacket 1 may help to protect the non-traction battery 3 from temperature extremes. This may help to reduce or prevent premature aging of the non-traction battery 3, thereby extending or prolonging the operating life of the non-traction battery 3. The thermal insulation jacket 1 in the present embodiment comprises a first thermal insulation section 41 and a second thermal insulation section 43. The first and second thermal insulation sections 41, 43 are separate components. As described herein, the first thermal insulation section 41 is releasably fastened to the second thermal insulation section 43 to enclose the non-traction battery 3. In the present embodiment, the first thermal insulation section 41 is fastened to the second thermal insulation section 43 using one or more fastener 45-n. The one or more fastener 45-n is fixedly attached to one of the first and second thermal insulation sections 41,43 and releasably engages the other one of the first and second thermal insulation sections 41,43. In the present embodiment, a plurality of the fasteners 45-n are fixedly attached to the second thermal insulation section 43 and arranged releasably to engage the first thermal insulation section 41. The fasteners 45-n in the present embodiment are hook-and-loop fasteners. The fasteners 45-n are mounted on a flexible carrier, such as a strip of woven material. Other types of fastener 45-n may be used releasably to fasten the second thermal insulation section 43 to the first thermal insulation section 41. For example, the fasteners 45-n may comprise snap fasteners or the like. The first thermal insulation section 41 is formed as a first blank 41A, as shown in Figures 4A and 4E3. The second thermal insulation section 43 is formed as a second blank 43A, as shown in Figures 5A and 5B. The first and second thermal insulation sections 41,43 have like compositions. In particular, the first and second thermal insulation sections 41,43 each comprise at least one thermal insulation core 47. The or each thermal insulation core 47 is encapsulated within a protective cover. The at least one thermal insulation core 47 is illustrated in the partial sectional views of the first and second thermal insulation sections 41, 43 shown in Figures 4B and 5B. The first thermal insulation section 41 comprises a single thermal insulation core 47; and the second thermal insulation section 43 comprises a plurality of the thermal insulation cores 47. The or each thermal insulation core 47 comprises or consists of a thermal insulation material. The or each thermal insulation core 47 has a thickness of approximately 15mm in the present embodiment. The thickness of the or each thermal insulation core 47 may be less than, or greater than, 15mm. In the present embodiment, the at least one thermal insulation core 47 comprises Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and copolymerized Polyethylene terephthalate (co-PET). The at least one thermal insulation core 47 comprises cross-lapped fibers (100% polyester) and a thermally-bonded fibre matrix having a co-polyester bi-component (for example, 75% recycled content). A commercially available material suitable for forming the central core is Aculite (RTM) E45D B. The protective cover is formed by an outer sheet 49 which forms a facing sheet; and an inner sheet 51 which forms a backing sheet. The outer sheet 49 and the inner sheet 51 comprise a non-woven polyester (100%) in the present embodiment. The outer sheet 49 has an outer surface for releasably engaging a hook portion of a hook-and-loop fastener, such as the fasteners 45-n. The outer surface may, for example, comprise a soft fiber or flock finish for releasably engaging a hook portion of a hook-and-loop type fastener. In the present embodiment the outer sheet material comprises a thermo-formable soft fibre component for releasably engaging the fasteners 45. The outer sheet 49 and the inner sheet 51 may be formed of polypropylene. The outer sheet 49 and the inner sheet 51 are joined to each other along one or more join line 53-n. As described herein, the one or more join line 53-n may form a living hinge (flexure bearing). The one or more join line 53-n extend around the periphery of the or each thermal insulation core 47. The at least one thermal insulation core 47 is thereby located in a pocket formed between the outer sheet 49 and the inner sheet 51. In the present embodiment, the outer sheet 49 and the inner sheet 51 are joined using plastic welding. Heat and pressure are applied to join the outer sheet 49 and the inner sheet 51 to form the one or more join line 53-n. A cutting operation may optionally be performed to form an outer edge of the or each panel. Other techniques may be used to join the outer sheet 49 and the inner sheet 51. For example, an adhesive may be used to join the outer sheet 49 and the inner sheet 51. The outer sheet 49 and the inner sheet 51 may optionally be bonded to the central core, for example using an adhesive. The outer sheet 49 and the inner sheet 51 may include a reactive hot-melt polyurethane adhesive for bonding to each other and / or to the thermal insulation core 47. The first thermal insulation section 41 is separate from the second thermal insulation section 43. As described herein, the first and second thermal insulation sections 41, 43 can be connected to each other to form the thermal insulation jacket 1 at least partially to enclose the non-traction battery 3. The first thermal insulation section 41 of the thermal insulation jacket 1 comprises one or more primary side panel 61-n configured to be positioned adjacent to a respective side 31-n of the non-traction battery 3. In use, the or each primary side panel 61-n is disposed against a side 31-n of the non-traction battery 3. In the present embodiment, the first thermal insulation section 41 comprises a single primary side panel 61-1. The primary side panel 61-1 is configured to locate against the fourth side 31-4 of the non-traction battery 3. It will be understood that the first thermal insulation section 41 may comprise two or more primary side panels 61-n. The second thermal insulation section 43 of the thermal insulation jacket 1 comprises one or more secondary side panel 71-n configured to be positioned adjacent to a respective side 31-n of the non-traction battery 3. In use, the or each side panel 71-n is disposed against a corresponding side 31-n of the non-traction battery 3. In the present embodiment, the second thermal insulation section 43 comprises three of the secondary side panels (referred to herein as the first, second and third secondary side panels 71-1, 71-2, 71-3). The first, second and third secondary side panels 71-1, 71-2, 71-3 are configured to locate against respective first, second and third sides 31-1, 31-2, 31-3 of the non-traction battery 3. At least one of the fasteners 45-n is provided on each of the first secondary side panel 71-1 and the third secondary side panel 71-3. The fasteners 45-n are configured to engage the primary side panel 61-1 to attach the first thermal insulation section 41 to the second thermal insulation section 43. In use, the first and second secondary side panels 71-1, 71-3 are disposed on opposing sides of the non-traction battery 3. In a variant, the first and second secondary side panels 71-1,71-3 may be disposed adjacent to each other. The first, second and third secondary side panels 71-1,71-2, 71-3 are connected to each other by one or more corner connector 75-n. The first secondary side panel 71-1 is connected to the third secondary side panel 71-3 at a first corner connector 75-1; and the second secondary side panel 71-2 is connected to the third secondary side panel 71-3 at a second corner connector 75-2. The first and second corner connectors 75-1, 75-2 are flexible and enable relative movement of the first, second and third secondary side panels 71-1,71-2, 71-3. The first and second corner connectors 75-1,75-2 comprise respective first and second living hinges (flexure bearings). The first and second corner connectors 75-1,75-2 in the present embodiment are formed by joining the outer sheet 49 and the inner sheet 51 directly to each other. In a variant, the first and second corner connectors 75-1,75-2 may be formed as separate components which are then joined to the first, second and third secondary side panels 71-1,71-2, 71-3. The second thermal insulation section 43 comprises one or more side panel fastener 77-n for releasably fastening adjacent side panels 71-n to each other. The first secondary side panel 71-1 comprises one or more first side panel fastener 77-1 for releasably connecting the first secondary side panel 71-1 to the third secondary side panel 71-3. The third secondary side panel 71-3 comprises one or more second side panel fastener 77-2 for releasably connecting the third secondary side panel 71-3 to the second secondary side panel 71-2. The first and second side panel fasteners 77-1, 77-2 comprise hook-and-loop fasteners in the present embodiment. The first and second side panel fasteners 77-1,77-2 releasably engage the outer surface of the adjacent side panels 71-1,71-2, 71-3. Other types of side panel fastener 77-n may be used releasably to fasten the adjacent side panels 71-1,71-2, 71-3 to each other. For example, the side panel fasteners 77-n may comprise snap fasteners or the like. The second thermal insulation section 43 also comprises at least one top panel 83-n configured to be positioned adjacentto the top face 33 of the non-traction battery 3. The at least one top panel 83-n may partially or completely cover the top face 33 of the non-traction battery 3. In the present embodiment, the at least one top panel 83-n only partially covers the top face 33. The second thermal insulation section 44 may comprise more than one top panel 83-n to facilitate access to the mounting bracket 21 and / or the electrical terminals 37 of the non-traction battery 3. In the present embodiment, the second thermal insulation section 43 comprises a first top panel 83-1, a second top panel 83-2 and a third top panel 83-3. Each of the first, second and third secondary side panels 71-1, 71-2, 71-3 is connected to one or more of the first, second and third top panels 83-1,83-2, 83-2. The first secondary side panel 71-1 is connected to the first and second top panels 83-1,83-1 along a first one of the join lines 53-1. The second top panel 83-2 is disposed adjacent to the first corner connector 85-1 and is connected to the third secondary side panel 71-3 along a third one of the join lines 53-3. The second side panel 71-2 is connected to the third top panel 83-3 along a second one of the join lines 53-2. The first, second and third join lines 53-1,53-2, 53-3 each form a living hinge (flexure bearing) which allows the first, second and third secondary side panels 71-1,71-2, 71-3 to pivot relative to the first, second and third top panels 83-1,83-2, 83-2. The living hinges (flexure bearings) may each comprise an elongated section of the first, second and third join lines 53-1,53-2, 53-3 having a reduced thickness to define a hinge line. At least one top panel fastener 87-n is provided to connect two or more of the first, second and third top panels 83-1,83-2, 83-3 to each other. In the present embodiment the at least one top panel fastener 87-n is provided to connect the first and third top panels 83-1,83-3 which are disposed on opposing sides of the battery 3. The at least one top panel fastener 87-n is provided on one of the first and third top panels 83-1, 83-3 and is configured releasably to engage the outer surface of the other one of the first and third top panels 83-1,83-3. In the present embodiment a single top panel fastener 87-1 is fastened to the first top panel 83-1 releasably to engage the third top panel 83-3. The top panel fastener 87-1 comprises a hook-and-loop fastener in the present embodiment. Other types of top panel fastener 87-n may be used releasably to fasten the first and third top panels 83-1, 83-3 to each other. For example, the or each top panel fastener 87-n may comprise a snap fastener or the like. The thermal insulation jacket 1 comprises one or more fastener 45-n for releasably connecting the first thermal insulation section 41 to the second thermal insulation section 43. In the present embodiment, the one or more fastener 45-n is provided on the second thermal insulation section 43. In particular, at least one first fastener 45-1 is provided on the first secondary side panel 71-1; and at least one second fastener 45-2 is provided on the second secondary side panel 71-2. Alternatively, or in addition, at least one top panel fastener 91-n may be provided on one or more of the top panels 83-n. In the present embodiment, first and second top panel fasteners 91-1, 91-2 are provided on the first and third top panels 83-1, 83-3. In a variant, the one or more fastener 45-n may be provided on the first thermal insulation section 41. The first and second fasteners 45-1, 45-2 releasably engage the end panel 61 -1 to fasten the first thermal insulation section 41. The first and second fasteners 45-1, 45-2 comprise hook-and-loop fasteners in the present embodiment. The first and second fasteners 45-1,45-2 releasably engage the outer surface of the end panel 61-1. Other types of fastener 45-n may be used releasably to fasten the primary side panel 61-1 to the first and third side panels 71-1,71-3. For example, the side panel fasteners 45-n may comprise snap fasteners or the like. The first, second and third secondary side panels 71-1,71-2, 71-3 comprise respective first, second and third apertures 89-1,89-2, 89-3. The first, second and third apertures 89-1,89-2, 89-3 are formed in the upper edge of the respective first, second and third secondary side panels 71-1, 71-2, 71-3 (when assembled). The first and second apertures 89-1, 89-2 may, for example, enable the bracket 21 to directly engage the battery 3, thereby avoiding or reducing clamping of the thermal insulation jacket 1 when the battery 3 is installed in the vehicle 5. As shown in Figure 4A, the primary side panel 61-1 in the present embodiment comprises first and second primary panel apertures 90-1,90-2. The installation of the thermal insulation jacket 1 at least partially to enclose the non-traction battery 3 will now be described. The first, second and third secondary side panels 71-1, 71-2, 71-3 of the second thermal insulation section 43 are folded relative to the first, second and third top panels 83-1,83-2, 83-2. One or more of the first and side panel fasteners 77-1,77-2 may be engaged to fasten adjacent side panels 71-1,71-2, 71-3 to each other. The second thermal insulation section 43 is then inserted into position relative to the battery tray 19. The first thermal insulation section 41 is separated from the second thermal insulation section 43 to leave an end section of the thermal insulation jacket 1 open. The non-traction battery 3 is inserted through the open end of the thermal insulation jacket 1 into position on the battery tray 19. The first secondary side panel 71-1 is positioned adjacent to the first side 31-1 of the non-traction battery 3; the second secondary side panel 71-2 is positioned adjacent to the second side 31-2 of the non-traction battery 3; and the third secondary side panel 71-3 is positioned adjacent to the third side 31-3 of the non-traction battery 3. The first and third top panels 83-1,83-3 of the second thermal insulation section 43 are positioned over the top face 33 of the nontraction battery 3. The first and side panel fasteners 77-1,77-2 are engaged to fasten adjacent side panels 71-1,71-2, 71-3 to each other. The at least one top panel fastener 87-n may then be engaged to connect the first and third top panels 83-1, 83-3 to each other. The second thermal insulation section 43 is thereby located around the non-traction battery 3. The first thermal insulation section 43 is then positioned relative to locate the primary side panel 61-1 against the fourth side 31-4 of the non-traction battery 3. The at least one first fastener 45-1 (provided on the first secondary side panel 71-1) and the at least one second fastener 45-2 (provided on the second secondary side panel 71-2) are engaged to fasten the primary side panel 61-1 to the first and second secondary side panels 71-1,71-2. The or each top panel fastener 91-1,91-2 is then engaged to fasten the first and third top panels 83-1,83-3 to the primary side panel 61-1. The thermal insulation jacket 1 is thereby secured in position around the non-traction battery 3. The bracket 21 is then fitted to secure the non-traction battery 3 to the battery tray 19. The vehicle systems 11 -n are electrically connected to the nontraction battery 3 via the electrical terminals 37. The process is reversed to remove the non-traction battery 3 from the battery tray 19. The bracket 21 is removed from the non-traction battery 3; and the vehicle systems 11-n are electrically disconnected from the electrical terminals 37. The at least one first fastener 45-1 and the at least one second fastener 45-2 are disengaged to separate the primary side panel 61-1 from the first and second secondary side panels 71-1,71-2. The or each top panel fastener 91-1, 91-2 is disengaged to separate the first and third top panels 83-1,83-3 from the primary side panel 61-1. The first thermal insulation section 41 is then removed to open the end of the thermal insulation jacket 1. One or more of the first and side panel fasteners 77-1,77-2 and the top panel fastener 87-n may be disengaged to facilitate removal of the non-traction battery 3. The non-traction battery 3 is then removed from the battery tray 19 via the open end of the thermal insulation jacket 1. In the illustrated arrangement, the non-traction battery 3 is displaced in a transverse direction. It will be appreciated that the second thermal insulation section 43 remains in position while the non-traction battery 3 is removed. The second thermal insulation section 43 may be removed after removal of the non-traction battery 3. As shown in Figure 5A, the first, second and third secondary side panels 71-1,71-2, 71-3 and the top panels 83-1,83-2, 83-3 are arranged in a T-shaped. The top panels 83-1,83-2, 83-3 are disposed in a central position in this arrangement. Other configurations are contemplated. For example, the first, second and third secondary side panels 71-1,71-2, 71-3 may be arranged in a side-by-side (rectangular) configuration; and the top panels 83-1,83-2, 83-3 may be offset to one side to form a T-shaped, an L-shaped or a Z-shaped configuration. The first, second and third secondary side panels 71-1,71-2, 71-3 may be hingedly connected to each other along common edges. In a variant, the second thermal insulation section 43 may comprise more than three side panels 71-n, for example four of the side panels 71-n. In a variant, the second thermal insulation section 43 may comprise less than three side panels 71-n. For example, the second thermal insulation section 43 may comprise two of the side panels 71-n. The first thermal insulation section 41 may have a complementary form, for example also comprising two side panels 71-n. In a further variant, the thermal insulation jacket 1 may comprise a base panel for positioning adjacent to the bottom face 35 of the non-traction battery 3. The base panel may locate in the battery tray 19. The base panel may be hingedly connected to either the first thermal insulation section 41 or the second thermal insulation section 43. The first and second thermal insulation sections 41,43 have been described herein as comprising primary and secondary side panels 61-n, 71-n. The terms primary and secondary are used to differentiate between the side panels of the respective first and second thermal insulation sections 41,43. The terms primary and secondary are not intended to imply or infer any hierarchy between the composition, function or importance of the side panels 61-n, 71-n in the thermal insulation jacket 1. It will be appreciated that various changes and modifications can be made to the present invention without 5 departing from the scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A thermal insulation jacket for a non-traction battery for an automobile, the non-traction battery comprising a plurality of sides, wherein the thermal insulation jacket comprises:a first thermal insulation section comprising one or more primary side panel, the or each primary side panel being configured to be positioned adjacent to a respective side of the non-traction battery; anda second thermal insulation section comprising a plurality of secondary side panels, each of the plurality of secondary side panels being configured to be positioned adjacent to a respective side of the nontraction battery; andat least one fastener for releasably fastening the first thermal insulation section to the second thermal insulation section;wherein the at least one fastener is releasable to enable the first thermal insulation section and the second thermal insulation section to be separated from each other.

2. A thermal insulation jacket as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of secondary side panels is hingedly connected to one or more of the other secondary side panels.

3. A thermal insulation jacket as claimed in claim 2, wherein the plurality of secondary side panels are hingedly connected to each other at a common corner.

4. A thermal insulation jacket as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the secondary side panels are connected to each other by a flexure bearing.

5. A thermal insulation jacket as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second thermal insulation section comprises a plurality of side panel fasteners for releasably fastening adjacent secondary side panels to each other.

6. A thermal insulation jacket as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of secondary side panels consists of three of the secondary side panels.

7. A thermal insulation jacket as claimed in anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one fastener comprises at least one first fastener disposed on a first one of the plurality of secondary side panels and / or at least one second fastener disposed on a second one of the plurality of secondary side panels.

8. A thermal insulation jacket as claimed in anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the second thermal insulation section comprises a plurality of side panel fasteners for releasably fastening adjacent side panels to each other.

9. A thermal insulation jacket as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second thermal insulation section comprises one or more top panel, the or each top panel being configured to be positioned adjacent to a top face of the non-traction battery, wherein the or each top panel is hingedly connected to one or more of the secondary side panels.

10. A thermal insulation jacket as claimed in claim 9, wherein the or each top panel comprises at least one top panel fastener for releasably fastening the first thermal insulation section to the second thermal insulation section.

511. A thermal insulation jacket as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the or each primary side panel and / or the or each secondary side panel comprise a thermal insulation core having a thermal conductivity in the range 0.03 to 0.40 watts per meter-kelvin).10 12. A thermal insulation jacket as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the or eachthermal insulation core comprises a thermally bonded fibre matrix.

13. A thermal insulation jacket as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the or each primary side panel and / or the or each secondary side panel comprises an outer sheet material having an outer 15 face configured to releasably engage a hook portion of a hook-and-loop fastener.

14. A vehicle comprising a non-traction battery and a thermal insulation jacket as claimed in any one of the preceding claims.s

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