APPARATUS FOR BATTERY COOLING CONSIDERING BATTERY EXPANSION
Disclosed herein are implementations of a cooling apparatus for use with a battery or battery pack. The battery may be a lithium-ion battery, and the battery pack may be two or more lithium-ion batteries. A cooling apparatus may include a heatsink. The heatsink may have a clearance portion configured to allow expansion of the lithium-ion battery. The cooling apparatus may include a metal plate coupled to the heatsink. The heatsink may be configured to contact the battery on at least three sides.
1 - 20 . (canceled)
21 . An apparatus for cooling a battery, comprising:
a battery cage configured to contact the battery on at least three sides, the battery cage comprising a clearance portion configured to allow expansion of the battery; and
a metal plate coupled to the battery cage, wherein the metal plate comprises a spring arm.
22 . The apparatus of claim 21 , wherein the spring arm is configured to exert a force against the battery such that the battery maintains surface contact with at least three sides of the battery cage.
23 . The apparatus of claim 22 , wherein the spring arm is constructed of stainless steel or copper.
24 . The apparatus of claim 21 , wherein the battery cage is constructed of stainless steel or copper.
25 . The apparatus of claim 21 , wherein the battery is removably attached to the battery cage.
26 . The apparatus of claim 21 , wherein the metal plate further comprises a slot.
27 . The apparatus of claim 21 , wherein the battery cage is configured to absorb heat from the battery.
28 . An apparatus for cooling a battery, comprising:
a battery cage configured to secure the battery; and
a thermally conductive elastomer adhered to a wall of the battery cage.
29 . The apparatus of claim 28 , wherein the thermally conductive elastomer comprises a pocket portion.
30 . The apparatus of claim 29 , wherein the pocket portion is configured to deform to allow expansion of the battery.
31 . The apparatus of claim 29 , wherein the pocket portion contains an inert gas.
32 . The apparatus of claim 28 , wherein the thermally conductive elastomer is configured to exert a force against the battery such that the battery maintains surface contact with the battery cage.
33 . The apparatus of claim 28 , wherein the battery cage comprises a heat sink.
34 . The apparatus of claim 33 , wherein the heat sink comprises a flange portion that is configured to secure the battery.
35 . An apparatus for cooling a battery, comprising:
a battery cage comprising:
at least three walls, wherein each of the at least three walls are configured to contact the battery; and
a portion configured to allow expansion of the battery; and
a metal plate coupled to the battery cage, wherein the metal plate comprises at least one spring arm that is configured to exert a force against the battery.
36 . The apparatus of claim 35 , wherein the portion configured to allow expansion of the battery is a thermally conductive elastomer adhered to one of the at least three walls of the battery cage.
37 . The apparatus of claim 36 , wherein the thermally conductive elastomer is configured to deform to allow expansion of the battery.
38 . The apparatus of claim 36 , wherein the thermally conductive elastomer is a liquid, a gel, or a foam material.
39 . The apparatus of claim 35 , wherein the at least one spring arm is constructed of aluminum.
40 . The apparatus of claim 35 , wherein the at least three walls are constructed of aluminum.