WO2022246287A1

WO2022246287A1 - Battery housing having a platform

Info

Publication number: WO2022246287A1
Application number: PCT/US2022/030385
Authority: WO
Inventors: Christopher M. Bonin; Jason D. Fuhr
Original assignee: Cps Technology Holdings Llc
Priority date: 2021-05-21
Filing date: 2022-05-20
Publication date: 2022-11-24

Abstract

A housing for an electrical power storage device is described herein. The housing includes a compartment and a cover, each having a first wall, a second wall, and two sidewalls respectively, the compartment further having a base. The cover includes a platform structure having a platform surface to be used as part of a hold- down assembly for holding down the housing. The cover includes a multi-port receptacle having a gas port and an electrical port, the receptacle to receive a singular interface. The cover also includes terminal covers disposed over terminals extending through apertures on a surface of the cover, the terminal covers coupled to the cover by way of a living hinge.

Description

BATTERY HOUSING HAVING A PLATFORM

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of United States Provisional Patent

Application No. 63/196,809, filed June 4, 2021, entitled “BATTERY HOUSING HAVING A PLATFORM,” and claims the benefit of United States Provisional Patent Application No. 63/191,673, filed May 21, 2021, entitled “BATTERY CONNECTOR AND BATTERY COVER,” the entire contents of each of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

[0002] The disclosure relates to an electrical power storage device, such as a lead- acid battery or lithium-ion battery, having a platform structure hold-down assembly. Various types of lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries are used in electrical systems, such as an electrical system of, or part of, a vehicle. The batteries may vary in size, shape, battery chemistry, and amp hours. The batteries are typically held in place by a battery hold-down. Hold-down assemblies are typically provided on the battery casing in the form of an apron and enable the battery to be connected to a vehicle using, for example, clamps. The battery hold-down keeps the battery from moving as the vehicle moves. Numerous battery hold-down designs exist, including clamps, braces, and straps. One such example is shown in FIGs. 1 and 2.

[0003] Referring to FIGs. 1 and 2, an internal combustion engine 10 of a vehicle is shown. Also shown is a battery 15 according to a construction of the prior art. The battery 15 is configured to provide at least a portion of the power to start or operate the vehicle and/or various vehicle systems. The battery 15 includes a housing 20 having a box-like container (or compartment) 25 and can be made, at least in part, of a moldable resin. For the construction shown in FIGs. 1 and 2, the compartment 25 includes aprons (aprons 30 and 35 are shown in FIG. 2) at the bottom of the front, rear, and sidewalls (walls 40, 45 are shown in FIG. 2). A clamp (clamp 50 is shown in FIG. 1) couples to the aprons and holds the battery 15 in place. [00041 The disclosure also relates to an electrical power storage device, such as a lead-acid battery or lithium-ion battery, having a utility or multi-port receptacle and terminal covers. Vapor communication ports and/or gas exhaust vents are typically provided to permit exhausting of gases generated during the electrochemical reaction. In certain applications, a battery may vent directly to the local environment, such as, for example, a battery mounted under the hood of a vehicle. In other example embodiments, a gas and/or vapor communication port is typically exhausted to an outside environment by way of a gas connector (e.g., exhaust tubing). Additionally, a battery may have a communication port for allowing the battery to communicate with its environment. An example would be the battery communicating with a vehicle control unit or module via the communication port. Traditional batteries w'ould have distinct receptacles for each port.

[0005] Batteries typically have positive and negative terminals. Example terminals may be posts that are substantially cylindrical and extend above a top surface of a cover of the battery, or out of a side of the battery container. In many applications, the terminals are connected to a device or machine (such as a vehicle) using a clamp-style connector. This disclosure also relates to terminal covers, which may be provided to seal the terminals against water damage or incidental electrical contact. In many applications, terminal covers may prevent shorts or accidental arcing. Traditional terminal covers are removed and discarded as part of the coupling process to an apparatus (for example, a vehicle).

[0006] Another battery alternative is desired to address one or more of the above issues.

SUMMARY

[0007] A platform structure hold-down assembly for a battery is disclosed herein. The platform structure hold-down assembly offers an alternative solution for securing a battery. The platform structure hold-down assembly, in one embodiment, comprises a housing including a base and a cover having a platform on a surface of the battery cover for securing the battery. The platform structure can include a platform region and front and back portions. The platform region is a platform surface having a substantially parallel surface to a base or base portion of the battery. The front and back portions can each be sloped upward from a back edge relative to the top surfrice of the battery cover. The platform structure can also include left and right portions having a side wall proximate an inner edge of each respective left and right portion of the platform surface. The side walls and/or guide walls can define a central platform or region to receive a hold-down.

[0008] One example platform structure hold-down assembly includes one or more features that provide a more stable mounting connection between a battery and a mounting surface of a vehicle. That is, having the platform structure on a surface of the cover offers a more stable solution over the battery of the prior art. Also, by placing of the mounting structure on a surface of the battery cover, vibrations are reduced within the cover assembly which provides greater stability for connected components over the battery of the prior art.

[0009] In another embodiment, a housing for an electrical power storage device is disclosed. The housing comprises a compartment having a base or base portion, a first wall extending from the base, a second wall extending from the base, and two sidewalls extending from the base. The housing further includes a cover coupled to the base to be used as part of a hold-down assembly, the cover having angled surfaces to receive a hold down. A platform structure is disposed on a surface of the cover, the cover further having a wall and projecting edges or notches integral with the sidewalls of the base.

[0010] In a further embodiment, an electrical power storage device comprises a housing including a base portion and a cover for the same is disclosed. The battery cover comprises a utility and/or multi-port receptacle. The receptacle includes a vapor port or gas port for exhausting gas to a gas connector (e.g., exhaust vent) of a vehicle and a connection (or electrical) port for connecting a vehicle control module to a control module in the battery. In another embodiment, the electrical port may couple the electrical power storage device to a battery monitoring system (BMS); in some examples, the receptacle may furnish a connection and/or communication to a BMS further coupled to a vehicle. A singular interface (e.g., connector) including both a gas connector and an electrical connector, is received by the receptacle.

[0011] Example terminals covers for a battery are also described herein. In one example embodiment, an electrical power storage device comprising a housing including a base portion and a cover is disclosed. The cover having a surface including an aperture to receive a terminal, the terminal extending from within the housing through the aperture and external to the battery. Terminal covers or caps are disposed over the terminal or a portion thereof, the terminal covers including a lip proximate a bottom or lower edge. In one example, the terminal covers are moved or flexed by a flex hinge (or living hinge) connecting the terminal covers to the main battery cover body. In another example, the living hinge or flex hinge may be hidden (i.e., not visible on the surface of the batteiy) or integral with a top surface of the cover. In another example embodiment, the terminal covers include a finger hold. In yet another example, the terminal covers inchide a gap or space (e.g., a recess or slot), which a cable or a connector can be disposed through to connect to the terminals. The gap can expose a portion of the terminal to a surface of the cover.

[0012] In at least another embodiment, an electrical power storage device comprising the housing and cover including the multi-port receptacle and flex hinge terminal covers is disclosed. In yet at least another embodiment, a vehicle having the aforementioned is disclosed. The vehicle further comprises a mounting surface, the electrical power storage device, a platform structure hold-down assembly, and a holddown configured to engage with the platform structure surface and secure to the mounting surface in the vehicle.

[0013] These and other features, advantages, and embodiments of apparatus and methods according to this invention are described in, or are apparent from, the following detailed descriptions of various examples of embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Various examples of embodiments of the systems, devices, and methods according to this invention will be described in detail, with reference to the following figures.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a representative prior electrical power storage device, such as a battery, coupled to an internal combustion engine.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a battery capable of being used with the internal combustion engine of FIG. 1.

[0017] FIG. 3 is an example environment in which an electrical power storage device described herein may be used.

[0018] FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of an electrical power storage device, such as a battery or battery system.

[0019] FIG. 5 is a front elevation view of the battery of FIG. 4.

[0020] FIG. 6 is a top perspective view a battery cover for the battery of FIG. 4;

[0021] FIG. 7 is a front elevation view of the battery cover of FIG. 6.

[0022] FIG. 8 is a rear elevation view of the battery cover of FIG. 6.

[0023] FIG. 9 is a left side elevation view of the battery cover of FIG. 6.

[0024] FIG. 10 is a right side elevation view of the battery cover of FIG. 6.

[0025] FIG. 11 is a top view of the battery cover of FIG. 6.

[0026] FIG. 12 is a bottom view of the battery cover of FIG. 6.

[0027] FIG. 13 is a detailed view of a terminal cover for use with the battery cover of FIG. 6. [0028] FIG. 14 is a top perspective view of the flex hinge of FIG. 13 in a flexed or operational position.

[0029] FIG. 15 is a top perspective view of example terminal (connectors) being used with the terminal covers of FIG. 13.

[0030] FIG. 16 is a detailed view of the multi-port receptacle of die battery of

FIG. 4.

[0031] FIG. 17 is top perspective view of the multi-port receptacle of FIG. 16 receiving a single interface connector.

[0032] FIG. 18 is a top perspective view of example hold-downs disposed on a platform structure used with flie battery of FIG. 4.

[0033] FIG. 19 is a top perspective view of the interaction between the platform structure and an example hold-down assembly.

[0034] FIG.20 is a top perspective view of the battery of FIG. 4 with the terminal covers removed.

[0035] FIG. 21 is a detailed view of a terminal cover connecting region of the embodiment of FIG. 20.

[0036] It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale. In certain instances, details that are not necessary to the understanding of the invention or render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. It should be understood, of course, that the invention is not necessarily limited to the particular embodiments illustrated herein.

[0037] Within the scope of this application, it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples, and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, and the claims and/or 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 all features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and/or combination, unless such features are incompatible. The applicant reserves the right to change any originally filed claim or file any new claim accordingly, including the right to amend any originally filed claim to depend from and/or incorporate any feature of any other claim although not originally claimed in that manner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] One or more specific embodiments will be described below, In an effort to provide a concise description of these embodiments, not ail features of an actual implementation are described in the specification. It should be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developers’ specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business- related constraints, which may vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it should be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0039] Referring to the Figures, an electrical power storage device 100 is disclosed, and in particular is a rechargeable battery, such as, for example, a lead-acid battery or a lithium-ion battery. Lithium-ion storage batteries are sealed. Various embodiments of lead-acid storage batteries may be either sealed (e.g., maintenance- free) or unsealed (e.g., wet). According to one or more examples of embodiments, the electrical power storage device 100 is a lithium-ion battery, a sealed lead-acid battery or an AGM lead-acid battery. While specific examples are described and illustrated, the battery 100 may be any secondary battery suitable for the purposes provided (i.e., any different battery chemistry). A battery 100 is provided and shown in a vehicle 102 in FIG. 3. The battery can be used in one of a variety of types of vehicles including, among others, automobiles, motorcycles, buses, recreational vehicles, boats, and the like. The electrical power storage device 100 is configured to provide at least a portion of tile power to start or operate the vehicle and/or various vehicle systems. Further, it should be understood that the battery 100 may be utilized in a variety of applications not involving a vehicle, and such applications are intended to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0040] Referring now to FIGs. 4 and 5, an electrical power storage device 100 or energy accumulator (e.g., a battery or battery system) is shown. The battery includes a housing 110. The housing 110 includes a box-like container 115 (e.g., a compartment or base portion) having a base wall 116 and can be made at least in part of a moldable resin. In various constructions, including tiie construction shown in FIGs. 4 and 5, compartment 115 has a plurality of walls including first and second walls 120A, 120B opposite one another and third and fourth walls 120C, 120D opposite one another. As viewed in the figures, the first and second walls 120A, 1208 are front and back walls and the third and fourth walls 120C, 120D are side walls.

[00411 In various constructions not shown, the interior of the container 115 includes at least one cell compartment and at least one cell, in other embodiments the housing 110 may include more than one cell compartment and cell, respectively. The housing 110 may include internal partitions separating the cells, hi other implementations, the number of partitions and compartments may vary to create electrical power storage devices with different voltages.

[00421 With reference to FIGs. 6- 12, a cover 130 (or cap or lid) is provided for the housing 110 and is coupled to the base or base portion 115. The cover includes a first and second walls 140A and 1408 opposite one another, and third and fourth walls 140C, MOD opposite one another. A platform structure 150 for securing the battery is provided on a surface 135 of the cover 130 and is integral thereto. The platform structure includes a platform surface 155. In the shown construction, the platform surface 155 includes angled surfaces 160A, 160B to provide a form-fitting surface to receive a hold-down 50 (e.g., a clamp or strap). The cover 130 comprises a wall or sidewall 136, 137 on either side of the platform surface 150. The walls 136, 137 comprise projecting edges or regions 138, 139 integral with the sidewalls 140C, MOD of the cover. The walls 136, 137 may be referred to as guide walls or guide edges. [0043] To permit exhausting of gas and to facilitate communication to a battery monitoring unit or system (BMS), the cover further includes a utility and/or multi-port receptacle 165 having a gas connection port 165 A and an electrical connection port 165B. The receptacle is disposed on a sidewall 140C, 140D of the cover and is capable of receiving a single interface 166.

[0044] The cover further comprises a surface 135 including an aperture 103 to receive a terminal 105, the terminal extending from within the housing 110 and through the aperture and external to the battery. Terminal covers 205 or caps are disposed over the terminal 105 or a portion thereof, the terminal covers include a lip 210 proximate a bottom or lower edge and, as shown in FIG. 13, the terminal covers 205 are coupled to the cover by way of a flex hinge or living hinge 230.

[0045] A positive terminal 105A and a negative terminal 105B extend through a surface 135 of the battery cover 130. The example terminals of FIG. 14 are threaded to receive a threaded female connector and/or a clamp-style terminal connector.

[0046] Referring to FIGs. 13 and 14, terminal covers 205 (e.g., caps, or sleeves) can extend over and cover the terminals 105 or a portion thereof. In the example shown in FIG. 14, the terminal covers 205 can be moved or removed to expose a terminal cavity 206 and to allow connection of the vehicle electrical system to the terminals. In some examples, the terminal covers 205 may snap in place to better secure the components connected to the terminals. In other words, in addition to providing protection against corrosion and accidental electrical contact, the terminal covers 205 provide a means to fixedly secure and reduce vibrations in the terminal assembly, thus serving to improve the electrical connection between the terminal connectors 106 and the terminal 105 and reduce overall wear.

[0047] In the shown construction, the terminal covers 205 are moved or flexed (e.g., deformed) by a flex hinge or living hinge 230 connecting the terminal covers to the main battery cover body 130. In another example embodiment, the hinge or flex hinge 230 may be hidden (i.e., not visible on the surface of the battery) or integral with the cover 130. In the construction shown in FIG. 13, the living hinge 230 extends forward from a raised or projected region 138, 139 on either side of the battery cover 130 and is integrally coupled proximate a rear surface 225 of the terminal cover.

[0048] Returning to FIGs. 6-10, the terminal covers shown allow for a gap or space 207, which a cable or a connector 106 (e.g., terminal connector) can be disposed through to connect to the terminals 105. The gap 207 may expose the terminal cavity 206, and thus the terminals 105, or a portion thereof, to the external environment In the example shown in FIG. 6, the gap or slot 207 extends from a region proximate a sidewall of the cover 140C, 140D toward a region proximate a first wall 104A of the cover. That is, the gap or space is provided in a region adjacent to a first and second corner 141 A, 141B of the battery cover 130. In other words, the gap allows terminal connectors 106 to be received from a region proximate a first wall of the cover as well as from regions proximate the sidewalls opposite one another, thus facilitating a varying degree of possible connections. In the example shown in FIG. 15, the connectors pass under and/or beneath the terminal cover, into the terminal cavity, and connect to the terminals 105.

[0049] In the example construction, the slot follows an arcuate path defined by a lower edge or lip 210 of the terminal cover 205. As shown in FIG. 15, the gap 207 allows connected components 106 to remain covered such that the terminal and the connected components are protected against undesirable electrical contact. The terminal covers include a top surface 218 having an arcuate leading and/or upper edge 220, and an angled wall and/or sidewall 215 extending therefrom. Similarly, the terminal covers include an arcuate or curved (e.g., rounded) lower edge or lip 210, the angled wall 215 tapering from the lower edge 210 to the leading edge 220. In the example construction, the sidewall is substantially beveled and tapers from a bottom surface to a top surface. In alternative embodiments, the sidewall 215 may be perpendicular to a surface of the cover 135. In another embodiment, the terminal cover 205 may include a notch, or cutout (e.g., a thumb/finger hold) 208, best shown in FIGs. 9-11. Thus, the combination of the slot 207 and the notch 208 may aid in removing the terminal cap 205. In other example constructions, the terminal covers are malleable and flexible (e.g., deformable), such that the terminal covers may take the shape of and/or form around the cables and connectors attached to the terminal. The terminal covers 205 may snap in place or be self-securing. In the example shown in FIGs. 20 and 21, the terminal covers 205 may snap in place and/or couple to a surface 135 of the cover by way of tracks or rails 240. Tracks 240 may include a notch or edge 245 to interact and/or be received by a corresponding notch or edge 250 on terminal cover 205. In at least one embodiment, the retaining edge 245 may interlock with a receiving edge 250 of the terminal cover 205. That is, the tracks 240 provides a means to fixedly retain the terminal cover securely in place.

[0050] Referring to FIGs. 16 and 17, exhaust ports allow for venting of gases generated during the electrochemical reaction. As shown in FIG. 16, a utility and/or multi-port receptacle 165 is provided on the cover and recessed therein. The receptacle can include a gas port 165 A for exhausting gas to a gas connector (e.g., exhaust vent) of the vehicle. The receptacle can further include a connection (or electrical) port 165B for connecting a vehicle control module to a control module in the battery. In other words, the electrical port may facilitate communication between a battery and a battery monitoring system (BMS). As shown in FIG. 17, a singular interface 166 (e.g., connector, contact, jack, plug, hookup, socket, valve, or any of the like) including both a gas connector and an electrical connector, can be received by the receptacle. In at least one embodiment, the first port 165 A and the second port 165B include a projection or lip (e.g., a retaining edge or catch) to receive and fixedly retain an interface connector 166. In other example embodiments, the receptacle 165 may include more than two ports. The receptacle can receive male and female connectors or both. In the example construction, the ports I65A, 165B are adjacently arranged in a horizontal array. In alternative embodiments, the example ports may be arranged vertically.

[00511 In the construction shown, the receptacle 165 is recessed or integrated within a sidewall 140C, 140D of the cover. The multi-port receptacle may also be configured on a front wall or back wall of the cover. The receptacle includes a top surface 167A and bottom surface 167B, a first side surface 167C and a second side surface 167D. A cross-section of the receptacle is substantially rectangular, in other example embodiments the receptacle may have a substantially prismatic cross-section or a substantially round cross-section. It should be understood that a variety of shapes of cross-sections may be contemplated within the meaning of this disclosure.

[0052] A platform structure 150 is provided on a surface of the cover, a portion of the structure is configured to serve as a top or upper surface of the receptacle. In the example construction in FIG. 4, the receptacle is substantially rectangular and includes a first side surface, a second side surface and a bottom surface; the raised region or projection 138, 139 of the platform structure providing a top surface to the receptacle. As shown, the top surface 167 A may be slightly recessed relative to the first and second side surfaces and the bottom surface of the receptacle.

[0053] A hold-down assembly 175 holds down the electrical power storage device (e.g., battery) with respect to a main device (e.g., vehicle). The hold-down assembly can include a hold-down device or tie down 50, such as a strap or clamp. In the first embodiment as shown in FIGs. 4-12, the hold-down assembly includes a platform structure (or simply platform) 150 integrated into the top surface of the cover. The platform structure 150 includes a platform surface 155 provided in a central region of the cover and substantially parallel to the bottom face or base wall 116 of the battery. In some embodiments, the platform surface may be rough or textured; in the shown example in FIG. 4, the platform surface 155 is smooth. The platform surface includes a first and second side wall or projection (e.g., guide walls or guides) 136 and 137 to help retain the hold-down device in or on the platform 155. Guides 136, 137 are disposed on either side of the platform surface, each extending at an angle perpendicular to a surface of the cover 135 and running along a path extending from the first wall 140A to the second wall 140B of the cover. In other example constructions, the side walls 136, 137 may project at an acute or obtuse angle relative to a surface of the cover.

[0054] With reference to FIGs. 4 and 11 , the platform structure further comprises angled surfaces 160A, 160B to help provide a better form factor for the hold-down device. In the illustrated example, first angled surface 160 A and second angled surface 160B mirror one another about a midline 161 of the surface 135. Angled surfaces 160 A and 160B may, in alternative embodiments, represent different angles with respect to a surface of the cover 135. As shown in FIGs. 18 and 19, the projections or guide walls 136, 137 work in tandem with the platform 155 to align the straps and/or tie downs 50. That is, the platform structure 150 allows for a better retaining surface for the hold-down device and limits the hold-down device 50 from impeding with the side terminal covers or terminals.

[0055] As shown in the illustrated example in FIG. 18, the electrical power storage device 100 may be mounted in a vehicle by way of a clamp or strap 50. The base wall (or simply base) 116 of the container 115 can be placed in or on a mounting surface (or tray) 185, A hold-down assembly 175 can be similar to the hold-down assembly 175 shown in FIG. 1. The hold-down assembly 175 can be used to hold the electrical power storage device 100 in place. Referring to FIGs. 18 and 19 the holddown assembly 175 can include a clamp or strap 50 to be received by the platform surface 155, a bolt 190, an aperture 51 on the clamp 50 to receive the bolt 190, and a retaining mechanism (e.g., a washer and locking nut). The platform structure holddown assembly further comprises a mounting surface 185 disposed in vehicle 102, the mounting surface having an aperture 191 or structure similar to aperture 51 to receive and secure clamp 50. As discussed above and with reference to FIG. 19, the clamp or strap 50 is disposed on the platform surface 155 and retained within the guide walls 136, 137. The design of the hold-down assembly can vary as known in the art.

[0056] Detailed embodiments are disclosed herein. However, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are intended only as examples. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the aspects herein in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further and unless explicitly noted, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting but rather to provide an understandable description of possible implementations. Various implementations are shown in the drawings, but the implementations are not limited to the illustrated structure or application. [00571 For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structures and/or members or connector or other elements of the system may be varied, file nature or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be varied (e.g. by variations in the number of engagement slots or size of the engagement slots or type of engagement). The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the various examples of embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

[00581 The terms “a” and “an,” as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term “plurality,” as used herein, is defined as two or more than two. The term “another,” as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms “including” and/or “having,” as used herein, are defined as comprising (e.g., open language). The phrase “at least one of ... and ... as used herein refers to and encompasses any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. As an example, the phrase “at least one of A, B, and C” includes A only, B only, C only, or any combination thereof (e.g. AB, AC, BC, or ABC).

[0059] As utilized herein, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially”, and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should be understood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described and claimed without restricting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the invention as recited in the appended claims. [0060] It should be noted that references to relative positions (e.g., “top” and “bottom”, “front” and “back, and “left” and “right”) in this description are merely used to identify various elements as are oriented in the Figures. It should be recognized that the orientation of particular components may vary greatly depending on die application in which they are used.

[0061] For the purpose of this disclosure, the term “coupled” means file j oining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or moveable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being attached to one another. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature.

[0062] The terms fixedly, non-fixedly, and removably, and variations thereof, may be used herein. The term fix, and variations thereof, refer to making firm, stable, or stationary. It should be understood, though, that fixed doesn’t necessarily mean permanent — rather, only that a significant or abnormal amount of work needs to be used to make unfixed. The term removably, and variations thereof, refer to readily changing the location, position, or station. Removably is meant to be the antonym of fixedly herein. Alternatively, the term non-fixedly can be used to be the antonym of fixedly.

[0063] The technical effects and technical problems in the specification are exemplary and are not limiting. It should be noted that the embodiments described in the specification may have other technical effects and can solve other technical problems.

[0064] Aspects herein can be embodied in other forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof. Accordingly, reference should be made to the following claims, rather than to the foregoing specification, as indicating the scope hereof.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A housing for an electrical power storage device, the housing comprising: a base portion; and a cover coupled to the base portion, the cover including a platform to receive a hold-down.

2. The housing of claim 1 , wherein the base portion includes a base wall, a first side wall, and a second side wall, and wherein the platform includes a surface parallel to the base wall.

3. The housing of claim 2, wherein die platform further includes a first angled surface disposed at an angle to the surface, and a second angled surface disposed at a second angle to the surface.

4. The housing of claim 3, wherein the first angled surface is mirrored to the second angled surface with resect to a midline of the surface.

5. The housing of one of claims 2-4, wherein the platform includes a first wall perpendicular to the surface and a second wall perpinduclar to the surface.

6. The housing of one of claims 1 -5, wherein the platform is a platform structure including a platform surface, and wherein the surface is the platform surface.

7. The housing of one of claims 1-6, wherein the cover includes a receptical comprising a first port to receive an electrical connector and a second port to receive a gas connector.

8. The housing of claim 7, wherein the electrical connector and the gas connector are part of a single interface, and wherein the receptical receives the single interface.

9. The housing of one of claim 1-8, wherein the cover includes: a surface having an aperature for a terminal, the terminal to extend from phousing through the aperature and external to the surface; and a tenninal cover disposed over at least a portion of the surface and the terminal external to the surface, the surface and the terminal cover form a gap exposing a portion of the tenninal external to the surface.

10. A housing for an electrical power storage device, the housing comprising: a base portion; and a cover coupled to the base portion, the cover including a receptical comprising a first port to receive an electrical connector and a second port to receive a gas connector.

11. The housing of claim 10, wherein the electrical connector and the gas connector are part of a single interface, and wherein the receptical receives the single interface.

12. A housing for an electrical power storage device, the housing comprising: a base portion; a cover coupled to the base portion, the coyer including a surface having an aperature for a terminal, the terminal to extend from the housing through the aperature and external to the surface; a terminal cover disposed over at least a portion of the surface and the terminal external to the surface; and wherein the surface and the terminal cover form a gap exposing a portion of the terminal external to the surface.

13. The housing of claim 12, wherein tire cover includes a flex hinge coupling the terminal cover to the cover.

14. An electrical power storage device comprising the housing of any one of claims 1-13.

15. A vehicle comprising: a mounting surface; the electrical power storage device of claim 14; and a hold-down engaged with the platform of the housing cover.