Abstract: A battery array frame according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a frame body extending along a longitudinal axis and including a top frame rail, a bottom frame rail and frame arms that connect between the top frame rail and the bottom frame rail. An insert extends inside the frame body.

Abstract: A battery stack is provided having lower and upper battery tiers each formed of at least two battery cell arrays. A pair of brackets are provided for connecting the lower arrays along a top surface of the lower tier and connecting the upper arrays to a bottom surface of the upper tier. The lower and upper battery tiers are secured together by the brackets without hardware mounted to an exterior surface of the stack.

Abstract: A battery assembly according to a non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a housing, an array of battery cells provided within the housing, and a thermal exchange assembly adjacent the array and including an inlet, an outlet, and a tube configured to direct fluid from the inlet to the outlet. Further, the tube is overmolded with the housing. This disclosure also relates to a method of forming a battery assembly.

Abstract: An exemplary battery assembly includes, among other things, a frame, and a thermal fin extending through an aperture in the frame. The thermal fin is configured to transfer thermal energy between a battery cell and a thermal exchange plate. An exemplary method of thermal energy transfer within a battery pack includes, among other things, transferring thermal energy between at least one battery cell and a thermal exchange plate using a thermal fin that extends through an aperture in a frame.

Abstract: A battery pack includes an array frame having a fastener housing, a mounting insert positioned within the fastener housing, and a column bolt extending through the mounting insert. The mounting insert may be secured to a battery pack enclosure structure using one or more fasteners.

Abstract: An exemplary battery pack heat exchanger includes a wall of an enclosure, and a heat exchanger lid held against the wall to provide a chamber that receives a fluid to exchange thermal energy with a battery array that is outside of the chamber. An exemplary method of managing battery pack thermal energy includes moving a fluid through a chamber within an enclosure wall of a battery pack to adjust thermal energy levels of the battery pack.

Abstract: An exemplary battery pack retention assembly includes, among other things, a conforming bracket that secures a battery array within a battery pack. The conforming bracket includes platforms configured to flex as the conforming bracket is secured. The flexing facilitates aligning an area of the conforming bracket with a thermal exchange plate. An exemplary battery pack retention method includes, among other things, flexing a conforming bracket to reduce a gap between the battery array and a thermal exchange plate. The flexing occurs when securing a battery array to within a battery pack.

Abstract: A battery assembly includes a plurality of battery cells and a support structure positioned about the plurality of battery cells. The support structure includes at least one sidewall and the at least one sidewall includes a first flange that extends adjacent a top surface of each of the plurality of battery cells and a second flange that extends beyond a bottom surface of each of the plurality of battery cells.

Abstract: A battery assembly includes a grouping of battery cells and an array plate assembly contacting at least one cell of the grouping of battery cells. The array plate assembly including a spring plate adapted to exert a compressive spring force against the at least one cell. The compressive spring force may be based on a dimensional profile of the grouping of battery cells.

Abstract: A battery pack includes a grouping of battery cells and a plurality of array frames for retaining the grouping of battery cells. Each of the plurality of array frames includes a ratchet feature. A column bolt includes a raised surface configured to mate with the ratchet feature of each of the plurality of array frames to secure the plurality of array frames together.

Abstract: A battery pack includes a heat dissipating structure, an array frame positioned against the heat dissipating structure, and a battery cell retained by the array frame and arranged so at least one surface of the battery cell is exposed by the array frame and is contiguous with the heat dissipating structure. The heat dissipating structure may be a heat exchanger plate or a thermal interface material (TIM).

Abstract: A battery assembly according to a non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a housing, an array of battery cells provided within the housing, and a thermal exchange assembly adjacent the array and including an inlet, an outlet, and a tube configured to direct fluid from the inlet to the outlet. Further, the tube is overmolded with the housing. This disclosure also relates to a method of forming a battery assembly.

Abstract: An exemplary support assembly for a battery array includes a spacer axially separating a first battery cell from a second battery cell, a frame that holds the spacer, and an insert secured to the frame. The insert is compressed against the first battery cell. An exemplary method of supporting a battery cell includes compressing an insert against a corner region of a battery cell. The insert is secured to a frame made of a first material. The insert is made of a second material that is softer than the first material.

Abstract: An exemplary battery assembly includes, among other things, battery cells distributed along an axis and disposed on a base. A bracket extends axially along a side of the battery cells. A plate extends from a first side to an opposing, second side of the battery cells. A retention flange of the plate is held between the bracket and the base. An exemplary method of retaining includes holding battery cells relative to a base using a bracket extending along a side of the array, and positioning a retention flange of a plate between the bracket and the base. A primary portion of the plate is disposed along an axial end of the array.

Abstract: This disclosure details battery assemblies for electrified vehicles. An exemplary battery assembly may employ one or more compression limiters that maintain the integrity and positioning of a plurality of battery arrays housed inside the battery assembly. The compression limiters may include a body and an attachment head near an end of the body. The attachment head is configured to engage a portion of a support structure of a battery array.

Abstract: A battery pack includes a support structure, an array frame mounted relative to the support structure, and a thermal fin held within the array frame and grounded to the support structure. The thermal fin may include a grounding extension that is grounded to the support structure.

Abstract: A battery assembly according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a compression limiter including a body and an attachment head near a first end of the body and configured to engage a structural member of the battery assembly.

Abstract: A battery pack includes a support structure, an array frame including a fastener housing, and a fastener received through the fastener housing for mounting the array frame to the support structure. The array frame may be mounted to the support structure using a top-down approach that includes inserting a fastener through a fastener housing of the array frame.

Abstract: A battery assembly according to a non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, an array of battery cells, and a thermal exchange plate assembly adjacent the array. The thermal exchange plate assembly includes an inlet, an outlet, a main channel, and a bypass channel configured to direct fluid from the inlet to the outlet while substantially bypassing the main channel.

Abstract: A two-part fastener for an assembly having a sealed joint formed by at least two flanges or sealing surfaces. A first flange defines a first opening, a second flange defines a second opening with a seal being disposed between the first and second flanges. The flanges and seal are secured together with a bolt and a receiver that defines a threaded hole for receiving the bolt. The receiver includes an end face engaging the first flange and a shoulder engaging the second flange. The spacing between the end face and the shoulder defines a gap for the seal. The shoulder of the receiver may include a weld bead that is welded to the second flange. In one embodiment, three flanges are assembled together with a seal between each flange.