Patent Description:
The invention can be applied in heavy-duty vehicles, such as trucks, buses and construction equipment. Although the invention will be described with respect to a truck, the invention is not restricted to this particular vehicle, but may also be used in other vehicles such as marine vessels, wheel loaders, excavators, buses and passenger cars.

A battery unit for a vehicle, such as a lithium-ion battery, may be enclosed in a battery housing. In particular, a battery housing for the battery unit is typically used for protecting the battery unit during use, e.g. during travelling of the vehicle.

It is known to provide such a battery housing with at least one ventilation device comprising an airflow opening which is arranged to provide an airflow between an inside of the battery housing and an external environment, such as in <CIT>. The ventilation device may be arranged to regulate pressure level and moisture level inside the battery housing.

Even though it is known to use the above-mentioned battery housing for protecting the battery unit during use, there is still a strive to develop further improved technology relating to such battery housings, in particular for battery housings which are used in harsh environments.

In view of the above, an object of the invention is to provide a protective cover for protecting a ventilation device of a battery housing which alleviates at least one drawback of the prior art, or which at least provides a suitable alternative. Other objects of the invention are to provide a ventilation arrangement, a battery housing and/or a vehicle, which alleviate at least one drawback of the prior art, or which at least provide suitable alternatives.

According to a first aspect of the invention, the object is at least partly achieved by a protective cover according to claim <NUM>.

Hence, there is provided a protective cover for protecting a ventilation device of a battery housing. The ventilation device comprises an airflow opening which is arranged to provide an airflow between an inside of the battery housing and an external environment, and the battery housing and/or the ventilation device comprises a first flange portion which extends around the airflow opening, and which further extends in a radially outward direction with respect to the airflow opening. Thereby, the first flange portion forms a grip surface around the airflow opening for the protective cover.

By the provision of the protective cover as disclosed herein, improved protection for the ventilation device is provided. More particularly, it has been realized that the ventilation function of the ventilation device may be impaired when the battery housing is used in a harsh environment. Thereby, by using the herein disclosed protective cover, the risk of impairing the ventilation function during use can be reduced. In addition, by the provision of the protective cover as disclosed herein, the mounting/dismounting procedures, i.e. attaching and releasing the protective cover to/from the ventilation device, can be improved. This is achieved by the specific configuration of the protective cover, i.e. that the protective cover comprises at least two separate parts.

Optionally, the at least two separate parts are further arranged to form the airflow duct when being attached to each other. This implies a further cost-effective configuration where the at least two separate parts are also arranged to form the airflow duct.

Optionally, the at least two separate parts are two halves of the protective cover which are releasably attachable to each other. This implies a facilitated mounting/dismounting procedure. For example, the mounting/dismounting procedure may thereby require fewer operations by a user.

Optionally, the attachment portion comprises a second and a third flange portion which extend around an inner perimeter surface of the attachment portion, and which further extend in a radially inward direction thereof, corresponding to the radial direction of the airflow opening when the protective cover is attached to the first flange portion. The second and the third flange portions are offset from each other, as seen in an axial direction of the protective cover, the axial direction being perpendicular to the radial direction of the protective cover, thereby forming a gap therebetween so that the first flange portion can be accommodated in-between the second and the third flange portions. This configuration has shown to provide a reliable and robust connection to the ventilation device during use. Radially inward and radially outward as used herein refers to radial directions with respect to a centre, in this case to a centre of the attachment portion, which may correspond to a centre of the airflow opening when the protective cover is attached to the ventilation device. The inner perimeter surface of the attachment portion may be annular, or round.

Still optionally, the second flange portion comprises protrusions which extend in the radially inward direction, i.e. towards the centre of the attachment portion, wherein the protrusions are separated by intermediate recesses which extend radially outward so as to allow the protective cover to be attached to the first flange portion in more than one predefined angular position with respect to the first flange portion. The angular positions are angular positions with respect to a rotational axis of the protective cover. The rotational axis of the protective cover is preferably arranged to extend along a centre axis of the airflow opening when the protective cover is attached to the ventilation device. For example, the protrusions are formed as teeth, such as teeth with sharp edges, for example triangular shaped protrusions, and/or as smooth outwardly bulging protrusions, such as curved-shaped portions. The protrusions as disclosed herein provides increased flexibility for the protective cover. More specifically, by being able to provide the protective cover in more than one predefined angular position with respect to the first flange portion, i.e. by being able to rotate the protective cover, the second opening can be oriented in different directions. Thereby, it can be assured that the second opening is not directed in less favourable directions. For example, it can be assured that the second opening is not pointing in a direction so that mud, or any other debris, is entered into the second opening during use.

Optionally, the airflow duct comprises a first airflow duct extension associated with the first opening and a second airflow duct extension associated with the second opening, wherein the first airflow duct extension extends in an axial direction of the protective cover, corresponding to an axial direction of the airflow opening when the protective cover is attached to the first flange portion, and wherein the second airflow duct extension is angled with respect to the first airflow duct extension, such as angled so that the second airflow duct extension extends substantially in the radial direction. Thereby, a more compact protective cover can be provided where e.g. the second airflow duct extension extends in parallel to an outer surface of the battery housing during use. This configuration also implies that the second opening can be oriented in more favourable directions.

Optionally, the at least two separate parts further comprises fastening means for attaching the at least two separate parts to each other. Still optionally, the fastening means comprises any one of a screw, a bolt, a nut, a cable tie and a snap-fit connection member, such as a clip member.

Optionally, the protective cover comprises an outer peripheral surface, such as an annular outer peripheral surface, associated with the attachment portion, e.g. being provided radially outside the attachment portion, wherein the outer peripheral surface is adapted to receive a cable tie so that the attachment portion is clamped to the first flange portion. Still optionally, at least one radially protruding portion may be associated with the outer peripheral surface and arranged to align the cable tie on the outer peripheral surface during use. The outer peripheral surface implies a reliable and robust connection of the protective cover to the ventilation device.

Optionally, the protective cover further comprises a sealing member provided in an attachment interface in-between the at least two separate parts. Thereby, the risk of any leakage between the at least two separate parts can be reduced.

Optionally, the at least two separate parts are arranged so that respective portions thereof overlap each other when the at least two separate parts are attached to each other. This implies an improved connection interface and/or an improved sealing function between the at least two separate parts.

According to a second aspect of the invention, the object is at least partly achieved by a ventilation arrangement according to claim <NUM>.

Hence, there is provided a ventilation arrangement for a battery housing, comprising a ventilation device, wherein the ventilation device is arranged to provide an airflow through an airflow opening between an inside of the battery housing and an external environment. The battery housing and/or the ventilation device comprises a first flange portion which extends around the airflow opening, and which further extends in a radially outward direction with respect to the airflow opening, and wherein the ventilation arrangement further comprises a protective cover according to any one of the embodiments of the first aspect of the invention.

Advantages and effects of the second aspect of the invention are analogous to the advantages and effects of the first aspect of the invention. It shall also be noted that all embodiments of the second aspect of the invention are combinable with all embodiments of the first aspect of the invention, and vice versa.

Optionally, when the protective cover comprises protrusions as mentioned herein, the first flange portion comprises corresponding protrusions configured to be in meshing engagement with the protrusions of the second flange portion.

According to a third aspect of the invention, the object is at least partly achieved by a battery housing according to claim <NUM>.

Hence, there is provided a battery housing comprising a ventilation arrangement according to any one of the embodiments of the second aspect of the invention.

Advantages and effects of the third aspect of the invention are analogous to the advantages and effects of the first and second aspects of the invention. It shall also be noted that all embodiments of the third aspect of the invention are combinable with all embodiments of the first and second aspects of the invention, and vice versa.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, the object is at least partly achieved by a vehicle according to claim <NUM>.

Hence, there is provided a vehicle comprising a battery housing according to any one of the embodiments of the third aspect of the invention.

Advantages and effects of the fourth aspect of the invention are analogous to the advantages and effects of the first, second and third aspects of the invention. It shall also be noted that all embodiments of the fourth aspect of the invention are combinable with all embodiments of the first, second and third aspects of the invention, and vice versa.

The battery housing may comprise a battery unit, such as a lithium-ion battery unit. The battery unit may be configured to power one or more electric motors of the vehicle which are used for propulsion of the vehicle. The battery unit may be a high-voltage battery unit, such as a battery unit with a voltage level of <NUM>-<NUM> v, such as <NUM> v, <NUM> v or <NUM> v.

The drawings are schematic and not necessarily drawn to scale. It shall be understood that the embodiments shown and described are exemplifying and that the disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. It shall also be noted that some details in the drawings may be exaggerated in order to better describe and illustrate the disclosure. Like reference characters throughout the drawings refer to the same, or similar, type of element unless expressed otherwise.

<FIG> depicts a perspective view of a protective cover <NUM> according to an example embodiment of the present invention. <FIG> depicts the protective cover <NUM> in <FIG> when it is provided on a ventilation device <NUM>. Accordingly, <FIG> also shows a ventilation arrangement <NUM> according to an example embodiment of the invention. <FIG> shows a cross-sectional view, the cross-section being defined by a plane including an axis A. The axis A corresponds to a rotational axis of the protective cover <NUM> and to an axial direction of the protective cover <NUM>.

The protective cover <NUM> is intended to protect the ventilation device <NUM> during use. The ventilation device <NUM> is intended to be provided on a battery housing <NUM>, for example the battery housing <NUM> as shown in <FIG>.

The ventilation device <NUM> comprises an airflow opening <NUM> which is arranged to provide an airflow between an inside of the battery housing <NUM> and an external environment. As shown in <FIG>, the airflow opening <NUM> may also extend along the axis A, i.e. the axis A may also represent a main flow direction of the airflow opening <NUM>. In addition, the battery housing <NUM> and/or the ventilation device <NUM> comprises a first flange portion <NUM> which extends around the airflow opening <NUM>, and which further extends in a radially outward direction with respect to the airflow opening <NUM>. Accordingly, the first flange portion <NUM> extends radially outwardly with respect to the axis A. In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the ventilation device <NUM> comprises the first flange portion <NUM>.

The protective cover <NUM> comprises an airflow duct <NUM> extending between a first opening <NUM> and a second opening <NUM>. The first opening <NUM> of the airflow duct <NUM> is arranged to be fluidly connected to the airflow opening <NUM> of the ventilation device <NUM> and the second opening <NUM> is arranged to be fluidly connected to the external environment. By fluidly connected means herein that a connection for fluid, typically air, is provided. In other words, fluid, typically air, can thereby pass between the first opening <NUM> and the airflow opening <NUM>, and between the second opening <NUM> and the external environment.

The protective cover <NUM> further comprises an attachment portion <NUM> which is associated with the first opening <NUM> for attaching the protective cover <NUM> to the first flange portion <NUM> so that the protective cover <NUM> covers the airflow opening <NUM>. In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the attachment portion <NUM> defines the first opening <NUM>. When the attachment portion <NUM> is attached to the first flange portion <NUM>, it extends around the airflow opening <NUM>.

The first flange portion <NUM> is in this example extending continuously around the airflow opening <NUM>, i.e. it may for example be disc-shaped. However, it shall be noted that the first flange portion may in other embodiments extend around the airflow opening in a noncontinuous manner. For example, it may be formed by a plurality of radially extending protrusions (not shown) with intermediate recesses in-between the protrusions, such as forming a number of teeth-formed elements provided around the airflow opening <NUM>.

The protective cover <NUM> further comprises at least two separate parts <NUM>, <NUM> which are releasably attachable to each other and arranged so that the attachment portion <NUM> can be split into at least two separate attachment sections <NUM>, <NUM> to allow the protective cover <NUM> to be attached to and released from the first flange portion <NUM>.

As shown in the embodiment of <FIG>, the protective cover <NUM> may be split along a plane which includes the axis A.

As further shown, the at least two separate parts <NUM>, <NUM> may further be arranged to form the airflow duct <NUM> when being attached to each other. Accordingly, the at least two separate parts <NUM>, <NUM> may be two halves of the protective cover <NUM> which are releasably attachable to each other.

As further depicted in e.g. <FIG>, the attachment portion <NUM> may comprise a second and a third flange portion <NUM>, <NUM> which extend around an inner perimeter surface of the attachment portion <NUM>, and which further extend in a radially inward direction thereof, corresponding to the radial direction of the airflow opening <NUM> when the protective cover <NUM> is attached to the first flange <NUM>. In addition, the second and the third flange portions <NUM>, <NUM> are offset from each other, as seen in the axial direction A of the protective cover <NUM>, the axial direction A being perpendicular to the radial direction of the protective cover <NUM>, thereby forming a gap therebetween so that the first flange portion <NUM> can be accommodated in-between the second and the third flange portions <NUM>, <NUM>.

As further depicted, the second flange portion <NUM> may comprise protrusions <NUM> which extend in the radially inward direction, i.e. towards the axis A, wherein the protrusions <NUM> are separated by intermediate recesses which extend radially outward so as to allow the protective cover <NUM> to be attached to the first flange portion <NUM> in more than one predefined angular position with respect to the first flange portion <NUM>. As shown, the protrusions <NUM> may be formed as teeth, such as teeth with sharp edges, for example triangular shaped protrusions. Additionally, or alternatively, the protrusions may be formed as smooth outwardly bulging protrusions, such as curved-shaped portions.

For example, as shown, the inner perimeter surface of the attachment portion <NUM> and/or of the first airflow opening <NUM> is/are annular, i.e. circular. This for example enables the protective cover <NUM> to be rotated with respect to the axis A before it is firmly attached to the ventilation device <NUM>.

<FIG> depicts one half <NUM> of the two separate parts as shown in e.g. <FIG>. As shown, the airflow duct <NUM> may comprise a first airflow duct extension <NUM> associated with the first opening <NUM> and a second airflow duct extension <NUM> associated with the second opening <NUM>. The first airflow duct extension <NUM> extends in the axial direction A of the protective cover <NUM>, corresponding to the axial direction of the airflow opening <NUM> when the protective cover <NUM> is attached to the first flange portion <NUM>. The second airflow duct extension <NUM> is angled with respect to the first airflow duct extension <NUM>, in this example angled so that the second airflow duct extension <NUM> extends substantially in the radial direction. In other words, the protective cover <NUM> is in this example formed so that the airflow duct <NUM> is bent by an angle α, which in this example is <NUM> degrees. Other angles α are also feasible, such as a bending angle α between the two extensions in the range of <NUM>-<NUM> degrees.

As further depicted in e.g. <FIG> and <FIG>, the at least two separate parts <NUM>, <NUM> may further comprise fastening means <NUM>, <NUM> for attaching the at least two separate parts <NUM>, <NUM> to each other. For example, as shown, the fastening means <NUM> may be a screw or bolt connection, i.e. the connection <NUM> may comprise two corresponding apertures on each separate part <NUM>, <NUM> for receiving a screw or bolt therethrough. Additionally, or alternatively, the fastening means <NUM> may be a snap-fit connection member. In the shown example, the snap fit connection member is in the form of a clip member which snaps into a corresponding clip receiving member.

Additionally, or alternatively, the at least two separate parts <NUM>, <NUM> may be attached to each other by providing a cable tie (not shown) around the at least two separate parts <NUM>, <NUM>. For example, as shown in e.g. <FIG>, the protective cover may comprise an outer peripheral surface <NUM>, in this example an annular outer peripheral surface, which is associated with the attachment portion <NUM>. In the shown embodiment, the outer peripheral surface <NUM> is provided radially outside the attachment portion <NUM>. The outer peripheral surface <NUM> is adapted to receive a cable tie so that the attachment portion <NUM> is clamped to the first flange portion <NUM>. Still optionally, as further shown in e.g. <FIG>, at least one first radially protruding portion <NUM> may be associated with the outer peripheral surface <NUM> and arranged to align the cable tie on the outer peripheral surface <NUM> during use. In the shown example, the first radially protruding portion <NUM> is provided adjacent the outer peripheral surface <NUM>, in this example axially above the outer peripheral surface <NUM>. By the at least one first radially protruding portion <NUM>, unintentional release of the cable tie can be avoided, i.e. the cable tie is prevented from moving upwardly in the axial direction, i.e. in a direction corresponding the axis A. Additionally, or alternatively, as further shown, at least one second radially protruding portion <NUM> may be associated with the outer peripheral surface <NUM> and arranged to align the cable tie on the outer peripheral surface <NUM> during use. In the shown example, the second radially protruding portion <NUM> is provided adjacent the outer peripheral surface <NUM>, in this example axially below the outer peripheral surface <NUM>.

The protective cover <NUM> may further comprise a sealing member (not shown) which is provided in an attachment interface in-between the at least two separate parts <NUM>, <NUM>. For example, the sealing member may be a rubber-strip.

As further depicted in e.g. <FIG>, the at least two separate parts <NUM>, <NUM> may be arranged so that respective portions <NUM>, <NUM> thereof overlap each other when the at least two separate parts <NUM>, <NUM> are attached to each other. In the shown example, the respective portions <NUM>, <NUM> form a connection interface between the at least two separate parts <NUM>, <NUM>. One portion <NUM> of one of the at least two separate parts <NUM> forms a seat surface for the other portion <NUM> of the other separate part <NUM>, wherein the other portion <NUM> is received on the seat surface <NUM>.

<FIG> depicts the ventilation arrangement <NUM> from below.

The ventilation arrangement <NUM> comprises the ventilation device <NUM>. The ventilation device <NUM> is arranged to provide an airflow through the airflow opening <NUM> between an inside of the battery housing <NUM> and an external environment. The ventilation arrangement <NUM> further comprises the protective cover <NUM>.

As shown, the first flange portion <NUM> may comprises corresponding protrusions <NUM> which are configured to be in meshing engagement with the protrusions <NUM> of the second flange portion <NUM>. The corresponding protrusions <NUM> are here facing downwardly and away from the first flange portion <NUM>. The first flange portion <NUM> is partly concealed in <FIG> by the protrusions <NUM> of the protective cover <NUM>.

As further shown, the attachment portion <NUM> may comprise one or more spring-biasing members <NUM> which are configured to exert a force in a radial direction on the ventilation device <NUM>. In the shown example, the spring-biasing members <NUM> are in the form of elongated pins extending substantially in a tangential direction of the inner perimeter surface of the attachment portion <NUM>. The spring-biasing members <NUM> are elastic so that they can flex outwardly and/or inwardly towards and/or away from the axis A. Additionally, or alternatively, the ventilation device <NUM> may comprise spring-biasing members (not shown) which are configured to exert a force in a radial direction on the protective cover <NUM>. By the spring-biasing members <NUM>, an improved and more reliable attachment between the protective cover <NUM> and the ventilation device <NUM> can be achieved. For example, by said spring-biasing members <NUM>, the risk of unwanted vibrations can be reduced.

<FIG> depicts an example of a battery housing <NUM> in perspective view. The battery housing <NUM> comprises a ventilation arrangement <NUM> as e.g. shown in <FIG>. Accordingly, as shown in this example, two protective covers <NUM> are provided on respective ventilation devices <NUM> (not shown in <FIG>) of the battery housing <NUM>. The direction of the axis A of each respective protective cover <NUM> is in this embodiment corresponding to an extension of a normal of a surface <NUM> on which the respective ventilation device <NUM> is provided.

<FIG> depicts a side view of a vehicle <NUM> comprising a battery housing <NUM> according to the invention. The vehicle <NUM> is in this example a truck, more specifically a towing truck. The truck <NUM> is configured to be driven by one or more electric motors (not shown) which are powered by a battery unit (not shown). The battery unit is provided inside the battery housing <NUM>. The one or more electric motors are configured to drive wheels <NUM>, or any other type of ground engaging means, of the vehicle <NUM>. It shall be noted that the vehicle may be any other type of vehicle as for example disclosed herein.

<FIG> show schematic views from above of respective protective covers <NUM> according to example embodiments of the invention. The embodiments depict that the second opening <NUM> can have different shapes. The different shapes may for example as shown be noticed when viewing the protective cover <NUM> from above, i.e. in a view directed along the axis A. As shown in <FIG>, an outer peripheral portion of the protective cover <NUM> defining the second opening <NUM> may be angled with respect to a main flow direction F of an airflow passing the second opening <NUM>. <FIG> shows another example where an outer peripheral portion of the protective cover <NUM> defining the second opening <NUM> comprises respective chamfered sections at respective corner portions of the second opening <NUM>. <FIG> shows yet another example where an outer peripheral portion of the protective cover <NUM> defining the second opening <NUM> is formed by two angled sections which together form a tip pointing away from the protective cover <NUM> in a radial direction with respect to the axis A. It has been found that it may be advantageous if the outer peripheral portion of the protective cover <NUM> defining the second opening <NUM> has an irregular shape. Thereby, the risk of ice getting stuck at the second opening during use may be reduced. More particularly, by the irregular shape, i.e. in contrast to a straight cut which is perpendicular to the main flow direction F of the airflow passing the second opening <NUM>, a rattling or vibrating effect may be accomplished at the outer peripheral portion defining the second opening <NUM>. This effect may reduce the risk of ice getting stuck at the second opening <NUM> during use in cold conditions.

Claim 1:
A protective cover (<NUM>) for protecting a ventilation device (<NUM>) of a battery housing (<NUM>), wherein the ventilation device (<NUM>) comprises an airflow opening (<NUM>) which is arranged to provide an airflow between an inside of the battery housing (<NUM>) and an external environment, and wherein the battery housing (<NUM>) and/or the ventilation device (<NUM>) comprises a first flange portion (<NUM>) which extends around the airflow opening (<NUM>), and which further extends in a radially outward direction with respect to the airflow opening (<NUM>),
the protective cover (<NUM>) comprising:
- an airflow duct (<NUM>) extending between a first opening (<NUM>) and a second opening (<NUM>), wherein the first opening (<NUM>) of the airflow duct (<NUM>) is arranged to be fluidly connected to the airflow opening (<NUM>) of the ventilation device (<NUM>) and wherein the second opening (<NUM>) is arranged to be fluidly connected to the external environment,
- an attachment portion (<NUM>) associated with the first opening (<NUM>) for attaching the protective cover (<NUM>) to the first flange portion (<NUM>) so that the protective cover (<NUM>) covers the airflow opening (<NUM>), wherein the attachment portion (<NUM>), when being attached to the first flange portion (<NUM>), extends around the airflow opening (<NUM>),
- wherein the protective cover (<NUM>) comprises at least two separate parts (<NUM>, <NUM>) which are releasably attachable to each other and arranged so that the attachment portion (<NUM>) can be split into at least two separate attachment sections (<NUM>, <NUM>) to allow the protective cover (<NUM>) to be attached to and released from the first flange portion (<NUM>).