Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention is primarily concerned with a simple and robust system for locking and unlocking single battery or a plurality of batteries present in stacks. The invention simplifies the process of locking and unlocking batteries by incorporating a single mechanical clamping system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Electric vehicles (EV) have numerous advantages over IC engine-powered vehicles. Several users are switching to electric vehicles due to the associated advantages such as reduction in carbon emission, sustainability, environmental benefits, etc.

One challenge that users of electric vehicle face is charging the batteries. Charging the batteries requires stationing of the electric vehicle at a charging station. Due to availability of fewer charging facilities, sometimes there is a longer waiting time to get the batteries charging. Also, users are always concerned about the charge left in the battery while travelling longer distances. It is also difficult for electric vehicle manufactures or battery suppliers to install charging stations as it involves a huge capital. Also, carrying additional batteries while travelling is difficult due to the size and weight of the batteries as well as lack of space in the electric vehicle. Thus, there is an urgent need in the electrical vehicle segment for ready availability of charged batteries.

US9783038B2 discloses a vehicle battery clamping device that comprises of a fixed beam mounted on the frame of a vehicle, a handle rotary shaft mounted on the fixed beam, and a winding wheel train mounted on the handle rotary shaft. The driving function of the steel wire rope and the guiding function of the guide wheel assembly are used to drive the front and rear clamping plates to rotate in order to clamp and release the batteries.

US4169191A discloses a battery retaining assembly that is used to secure several batteries for an electric vehicle. The batteries are arranged in a rectangular matrix. Two or more batteries can be retained to the frame by means of retainers. Retaining members are fixed to the frame with their ends extending into the elongated slots for self-adjustment relative to the frame ends, so that it can automatically accommodate variations in the battery dimensions.

KR200416150Y1 discloses a glass panel loading pallet for fixing liquid crystal digital (LCD) glass panel to be transported by ships, freight vehicles, airplanes, etc. The pallet comprises a holder with a mounting plate and a support plate, and a fixing device. It is configured by installing a spring-loaded tension control device and is operated by means of fixed toggle levers that are fixed to the pallet on either side to lock or unlock the glass panels.

Though the prior art discloses retention of multiple batteries, it is cumbersome to load each battery, and lock or unlock them individually. There is also prior art that discloses locking or unlocking multiple articles that are arranged in a stacked manner, wherein the retention of multiple articles is performed either by using a single clamp, or by using multiple clamps that are placed at different positions, to lock or unlock the stacked articles.

However, the clamping systems disclosed in the prior art are disadvantageous as the release of one article would lead to the release of other articles.

When there is a need to carry multiple batteries that could be irregular in shape and size, locking or unlocking them using a single clamping mechanism is difficult. Also, batteries may not have straight locking surfaces and may be profiled in multiple orientations. Also, another challenge would be to lock or unlock multiple batteries simultaneously.

Thus, there is a strong need for an easy to handle, simple and reliable approach to lock or unlock a single battery or a plurality of batteries present in stacks, and also hold the batteries firmly in place with a single user action, while possessing the ability to be charged during transportation. Furthermore, there is a need for locking and unlocking batteries even when one or more batteries are not present in the stack.

Based on the prior art problems, there is a need to develop a simple and robust system that will help alleviate the aforementioned issues.

The present invention is aimed at a novel approach whereby single battery or a plurality of batteries present in stacks can be rigidly locked or unlocked with a single user action.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
The principal object of the present invention is to provide a single rigid clamping mechanism which can lock or unlock a single or a plurality of batteries simultaneously.

Another object of the present invention is to lock or unlock batteries of the same or different sizes, and shapes using a single rigid clamping mechanism.

Yet another object of the invention is to lock or unlock the batteries even when the stack of batteries is not continuous or completely filled.

Further yet another object of the invention is to provide a single rigid clamping mechanism to aid in transporting multiple batteries of same or different sizes, and shapes simultaneously.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention deals with a simple, robust, and reliable system from locking or unlocking batteries simultaneously, using a single rigid clamping mechanism.

The present invention deals with a clamping system for an electric logistic vehicle carrying a single battery or a plurality of batteries present in stacks. The invention provides a solution for transporting a single battery or a plurality of batteries present in stacks of same or different sizes, and shapes simultaneously. The present invention is related to a rigid single user action clamping system for locking or unlocking a battery or stacks of batteries of same or different sizes and shapes that are placed either horizontally one beside the other, or vertically stacked. The single battery or a plurality of batteries present in stacks can be locked or unlocked using single user action. Said clamping system also works even when one or more batteries are not present in the stack.

The present invention not only discloses transporting a single battery or a plurality of batteries present in stacks of same or different sizes and shapes, but also has a provision of charging the batteries while being transported.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The summary of the present invention, as well as the detailed description, are better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings that illustrate one or more possible embodiments of the present invention, wherein,
FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a battery clamping system for a single battery or a plurality of batteries present in stacks in an unlocked position in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a detailed view of ‘J’ of a battery clamping system for a single battery or a plurality of batteries present in stacks in an unlocked position as shown in FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a top view of a battery clamping system for a single battery or a plurality of batteries present in stacks in an unlocked position in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 4 is a detailed view of ‘T’ of a battery clamping system for a single battery or a plurality of batteries present in stacks in an unlocked position as shown in FIG. 3 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 5 is a top view of a battery clamping system for a single battery or a plurality of batteries present in stacks in a locked position in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 6 is a detailed view of ‘V’ of a battery clamping system for a single battery or a plurality of batteries present in stacks in a locked position as shown in FIG. 5 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 7 is an isometric view of a battery clamping system for a single battery or a plurality of batteries present in stacks in an unlocked position in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 8 is a front view of a battery clamping system for a single battery or a plurality of batteries present in stacks in an unlocked position in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 9 is a side sectional view Y-Y of a battery clamping system for a single battery or a plurality of batteries present in stacks in an unlocked position as shown in FIG. 8 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 10 is a detailed view of lifting mechanism of a battery clamping system for a single battery or a plurality of batteries present in stacks in an unlocked position shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 11 is a front view of a battery clamping system for a single battery or a plurality of batteries present in stacks in a locked position in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 12 is a side sectional view W-W of a battery clamping system for a single battery or a plurality of batteries present in stacks in a locked position as shown in section FIG. 11, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 13 is a detailed view of lifting mechanism of a battery clamping system for a single battery or a plurality of batteries present in stacks in a locked position shown in Fig. 11 and Fig. 12, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 14 is a top view of a battery clamping system for a single battery or a plurality of batteries present in stacks in a locked position in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 15 is a front view of a battery clamping system for a single battery or a plurality of batteries present in stacks with a missing battery, in a locked position in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 16 is a side sectional view AR-AR of a battery clamping system for a single battery or a plurality of batteries present in stacks with a missing battery, in a locked position as shown in FIG. 15, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 17 is an isometric view of a battery clamping system for a single battery or a plurality of batteries present in stacks in an unlocked position in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 18 is a side view of a battery clamping system for a single battery or a plurality of batteries present in stacks in an unlocked position in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 19 is a top view of a battery clamping system for a single battery or a plurality of batteries present in stacks in a locked position in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 20 is a rear view of a battery clamping system for a single battery or a plurality of batteries present in stacks in a locked position in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 21 is a side sectional view of AG-AG of a battery clamping system for a single battery or a plurality of batteries present in stacks in a locked position as shown in FIG. 20, in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 22 is an isometric view of a battery clamping system for a single battery or a plurality of batteries present in stacks in an unlocked position in accordance with still yet another embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 23 is a detailed view of ‘AK’ of a battery clamping system for a single battery or a plurality of batteries present in stacks in an unlocked position as shown in FIG. 22, in accordance with still yet another embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 24 is a top view of a battery clamping system for a single battery or a plurality of batteries present in stacks in an unlocked position in accordance with still yet another embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 25 is a detailed view of ‘AO’ of a battery clamping system for a single battery or a plurality of batteries present in stacks in a locked position as shown in FIG. 24, in accordance with still yet another embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 26 is a front view of a battery clamping system for a single battery or a plurality of batteries present in stacks in a locked position in accordance with still yet another embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 27 is a top view of a battery clamping system for a single battery or a plurality of batteries present in stacks in a locked position in accordance with still yet another embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 28 is a detailed view of AM of a battery clamping system for a single battery or a plurality of batteries present in stacks in a locked position shown in FIG. 27, in accordance with still yet another embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 29 is a side view of a battery clamping system for a single battery or a plurality of batteries present in stacks in a locked position in accordance with still yet another embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 30 is a detailed view of ‘AL’ of a battery clamping system for a single battery or a plurality of batteries present in stacks in a locked position shown in FIG. 29, in accordance with still yet another embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 31 is a top view of a battery clamping system for a single battery or a plurality of batteries present in stacks in a locked position with a missing battery in accordance with still yet another embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 32 is a detailed view of ‘AU’ of a battery clamping system for a single battery or a plurality of batteries present in stacks in a locked position shown in FIG. 31 in accordance with still yet another embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 33 is an isometric view of a battery clamping system for clamping multiple layers of stacked batteries in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 34 is an isometric left-hand side view of a battery clamping system for clamping multiple layers of stacked batteries in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 35 is an isometric right-hand side view of a battery clamping system for clamping multiple layers of stacked batteries in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 36 is an isometric view of a battery clamping system for clamping multiple layers of stacked batteries in accordance with still yet another embodiment of the present invention; and
FIG. 37 is an isometric view of a battery clamping system for clamping multiple layers of stacked batteries in accordance with further still yet another embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is related to a simple clamping system comprising a clamping mechanism for locking or unlocking a single battery or a plurality of batteries present in stacks simultaneously. Said clamping system comprises a clamping means, a frame for carrying said batteries, one or more sliding plates, one or more fixed plates on said frame, and a handle. Said handle is attached to said clamping means. Said battery or a plurality of batteries present in stacks are placed on the frame and locked or unlocked simultaneously using the handle attached to the clamping means by single user action.

According to an embodiment of the present invention as shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3, FIG. 4, FIG. 5, and FIG. 6, said clamping system (1) comprises a clamping means (2), a frame (3) for carrying said batteries (B), one or more sliding plates (4), one or more fixed plates (5) on the frame (3), wherein the frame is an ‘L’ shaped frame (3) with one of the fixed plate (5) present towards the end of said frame (3), a handle (6), and a pair of connecting links (7). Said handle (6) is connected to a first connecting link (7a) and one of the fixed plates (5) with the help of pivots. A second connecting link (7b) connects to said first connecting link (7a), as well as said sliding plates (4) pivotally. Said sliding plates (4) are connected such that they move sideways. The length of said connecting links (7a, 7b), is adjustable such that it can accommodate batteries (B) of different sizes and shapes. An assembly comprising said sliding plates (4), fixed plates (5), and connecting links (7a, 7b) forms a 4-bar mechanism which causes the sliding plates (4) to move towards and away from the fixed plates (5) when the handle (6) is actuated. The assembly is configured such that the 4-bar mechanism toggles to unlock the batteries as shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3, and FIG. 4, and lock the batteries (B) as shown in FIG. 5, and FIG. 6.
A plurality of batteries present in stacks (B) are positioned on the frame (3), and are locked or unlocked simultaneously by actuating said handle (6) that is attached to the first connecting link (7a). The mechanism benefits by locking or unlocking the batteries (B) from the sides. Said 4-bar mechanism is such that it is adjustable to accommodate batteries (B) of the same size or batteries (B) of different sizes and shapes. Said 4-bar mechanism is connected to said handle (6) in such a way that movement of one toggle mechanism causes movement across all the toggle mechanisms. Once the battery (B) is positioned on the frame (3), the sliding plates (4) move based on the 4-bar mechanism. Actuating the 4-bar mechanism causes the sliding plates (4) to move towards the battery (B) and lock the battery (B) rigidly against the fixed plates (5) that is present on one side of the frame (3). The 4-bar mechanism comprises a pair of connecting links (7) such that they are adjustable in length to accommodate batteries (B) of different widths. Said connecting links (7) can be adjusted independently. Adjustment of the length of the connecting links (7) alters the distance of the movement before it toggles, thereby enabling accommodation of batteries (B) of different sizes and shapes. A nut (9) that is bolted on a slot (8) is provided for adjusting the length of the first connecting link (7a), and a thread rod mechanism is provided for adjusting the length of the second connecting link (7b). According to this embodiment, said sliding plates (4) may further comprise a soft rubber sheet on the inner surface to improve the contact surface area for locking. This way, a plurality of batteries (B) of same or different sizes and shapes can be locked or unlocked easily with a single action by the user. According to this embodiment, said 4-bar mechanism would enable proper locking or unlocking of the batteries (B) irrespective of whether the batteries (B) are stacked continuously, or one or more batteries (B) are missing from the stack. Further, according to this embodiment, the 4-bar mechanism can be carried out for locking or unlocking batteries (B) in a single layer or multiple layers. An additional plate (10) is attached to a first frame (3) carrying a battery (B) or a plurality of batteries present in stacks (B), wherein the 4-bar mechanism is attached to said frame (3). According to this embodiment, another frame (3) carrying another battery (B) or a plurality of batteries present in stacks (B) is placed over the first frame (3) carrying a battery (B) or a plurality of batteries present in stacks (B). An additional plate (10) is provided to connect the frames (3). Any number of frames carrying a battery (B) or a plurality of batteries present in stacks (B) can be stacked vertically and attached to said additional plate (10). The handles (6) present on both the ends of the frame could be rigidly connected. Additional links (11, 12) are positioned to connect said handles (6) of vertically stacked batteries (B). Movement of one handle (6) causes actuation of all the toggles of said 4-bar mechanisms thereby locking or unlocking all the batteries (B) simultaneously.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, said clamping system (1) comprises a clamping means (2), a frame (3) for carrying said batteries (B), and a handle (6). Said clamping means in accordance with this embodiment, further comprises, a stopper (13), a stopper plate (14), one or more pulleys (15), a ratchet pawl mechanism (16) comprising a ratchet (17) and a pawl (18), a torsional spring (19), a lever (20), a connector (21), and a lifting mechanism (23) shown in FIG. 7, FIG. 8, FIG. 9, FIG. 10, FIG. 11, FIG. 12, FIG. 13, FIG. 14, FIG. 15, and FIG. 16. In accordance with this embodiment, said frame (3), is a ‘U’ shaped frame and further comprises a bridge cut (3a). Said clamping means further comprises one or more cloth type members (22) for locking said batteries (B). Said cloth (22) is assembled such that tightening the cloth (22) causes the clamping means (2) to lock the batteries (B). Said ratchet pawl mechanism (16) is used to pull the cloth (22) such that it prevents the cloth (22) from rolling back. Said connector (21) is provided on the side of the first battery (B) for disengaging the ratchet pawl mechanism (16) when the handle (6) is actuated as shown in FIG. 8, and FIG. 10. FIG. 10 shows detailed view of lifting mechanism (23) shown in FIG. 8, and the the detailed sectional view of AA-AA shown in FIG.9. Said cloth (22) is placed over the batteries (B) from the top and on the pulleys (15) at the bottom, and is connected to the ratchet pawl mechanism (16). Pushing the cloth (22) into the pulley (15) using said ratchet pawl mechanism (16) causes tightening of the cloth (22) thereby locking the battery (B) as shown in FIG. 11, FIG. 12, FIG. 13, and FIG. 14. FIG. 13 shows detailed view of lifting mechanism (23) shown in FIG. 11, and the detailed sectional view of BA-BA shown in FIG. 12. Said connector (21) is provided on the side of the first battery (B) for disengaging the ratchet pawl mechanism (16) when the handle (6) is actuated, and the movement of said handle (6) actuates said lever (20), thereby loosening the cloth (22) and unlocking the battery (B). The movement of said handle (6) is such that all the clothes (22) are lifted up thereby unlocking all the batteries (B) simultaneously. The position of said handle (6) is adjustable in accordance with the different heights of the batteries (B). The movement of said lever (20) connected to the handle (6) is adjustable with a nut (24) and bolt (25) mechanism. This adjustment is such that it adjusts the height of the lever (20) by moving the stopper (13), stopper plate (14), to reach the height of the battery (B) thereby limiting the variation in the length of the cloth (22) when the battery (B) is removed or missing from the stack. According to this embodiment, said clamping means (2) enables proper locking or unlocking of batteries (B) irrespective of batteries being stacked continuously or a battery (B) is missing from the stack as shown in FIG. 15, and FIG. 16. This mechanism involving cloth type members (22) has the ability to provide better friction thereby enhancing the locking, as the cloth type members (22) are flexible in nature and can adjust to any size and shape of the battery (B). According to this embodiment, a soft rubber sheet can be placed on the frame (3) below the battery (B) to increase the friction for holding the batteries (B) compactly. Further, according to this embodiment, a ratchet pawl mechanism (16) can be carried out for locking or unlocking a single battery or vertical layers of stacked batteries (B). An additional plate (10) is attached to said frame (3) having a bridge cut (3a) carrying a single battery (B) or a plurality of batteries present in stacks (B). Further, another frame (3) having a bridge cut (3a) carrying a single battery (B) or a plurality of batteries present in stacks (B) is placed over the first frame (3) having a bridge cut (3a) carrying a single battery (B) or a plurality of batteries present in stacks (B), and is attached to said additional plate (10). Any number of frames (3) having a bridge cut (3a) carrying said battery (B) or a plurality of batteries present in stacks (B) can be stacked vertically and attached to said additional plate (10). A common vertical handle (11) is attached pivotally to all the handles of the frames carrying said battery (B) or a plurality of batteries present in stacks. Additional links (11, 12) are positioned to connect said handles (6) of vertically stacked batteries (B). Movement of one handle (6) causes actuation of all the handles (6) in each of the frames (3) which in turn release the ratchet pawl mechanism (16) thereby tightening or loosening of the cloth (22) and locking or unlocking all the batteries (B) simultaneously.

According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, said clamping system (1) comprises a clamping means (2), a frame (3) for carrying the batteries (B), and a handle (6). In accordance with this embodiment, said clamping means comprises toggle clamps (26) with adjustable bolt (27) and nuts (28, 29) as shown in FIG. 17, FIG. 18, FIG. 19, FIG. 20, and FIG. 21. The height of the bolt (27) can be adjusted using two nuts (28, 29), wherein one nut (28) is present above the bolt (27), and the other nut (29) is present below the bolt (27). Said clamping means (2) according to this embodiment comprises a series of toggle clamps (26). Said toggle clamps (26) are positioned such that a bolt (27), and nuts (28, 29) are provided on the toggle clamp for each battery (B). According to this embodiment, said bolt (27) has limited area for pressing the batteries (B) and with a tendency to rotate about the locking point when there are sudden vibrations. Hence, an additional bolt (30) is introduced along with the existing bolt (27) with similar adjustments. Said bolt (27) and nuts (28, 29) configuration is used to adjust the height and depth depending on the size and shape of the batteries (B) for locking. According to this embodiment, actuating the toggle clamp (26) presses the bolt (27) against the battery and locks the battery (B). Said toggle clamp (26) rigidly locks the batteries (B) irrespective of their sizes and shapes. The toggle clamps (26) are connected together at their heads by said handle (6) either in a pivotable manner or a rigid manner. Said toggle clamps (26) are connected to the handle (6) to enable simultaneous actuation of the toggle clamps (26). Each of the toggle clamps (26) can be independently adjusted such that multiple batteries (B) of different sizes and shapes can be locked or unlocked with said toggle clamp mechanism. The height of the bolt (30) can be adjusted using two nuts (31, 32), wherein one nut (31) is present above the bolt (30), and the other nut (32) is present below the toggle bolt (30). Moving the bolt (30) above or below with the help of said nuts (31, 32) enables adjustment of the height of the bolt (30). The depth can be adjusted by moving the bolt (30) and nut (32) into a slot (33) present on the toggle clamp (26). Based on the movement of said handle (6), said toggle clamps (26) are unlocked as shown in FIG. 17, and FIG. 18, and locked as shown in FIG. 19, FIG. 20, and FIG. 21, with a single actuating movement. According to this embodiment, said clamping means (2) enables proper locking or unlocking of batteries (B) irrespective of batteries (B) being stacked continuously or one or more batteries (B) missing from the stack. The toggle clamps (26) are adjusted such that batteries (B) of different sizes and shapes can be locked. According to this embodiment, a soft rubber sheet can be placed between the frame (3) and the battery (B) to increase the friction for holding the batteries (B) compactly. Further, according to this embodiment, said toggle clamp mechanism can be carried out for locking or unlocking a single battery (B) or a set of batteries (B) arranged in vertical stacks. An additional plate (10) is attached to the frame (3) carrying a single battery (B) or a plurality of batteries present in stacks (B). Another frame (3) carrying a single battery (B) or a plurality of batteries present in stacks (B) is placed over the first frame (3) carrying a single battery (B) or a plurality of batteries present in stacks (B) attached to said additional plate (10). Any number of frames (3) carrying a single battery (B) or a plurality of batteries present in stacks (B) can be placed one over the other and attached to said additional plate (10). The handle (6) from one battery frame (3) is connected to the handle (6) of another battery frame (3) through additional links (11, 12). This forms a 4-bar mechanism which moves all the handles simultaneously through a single user action. The movement of a single handle (6) actuates all the toggle clamps (26) thereby simultaneously locking or unlocking all the batteries (B).

According to still yet another embodiment said clamping system (1) comprises a clamping means (2), a frame (3) for carrying said batteries (B), one or more sliding plates (4), wherein said frame (3) has a bridge cut (3b), and said clamping means in accordance with this embodiment, is a toggle clamp (34), wherein said toggle clamp (34) comprises a bolt (35) and nut (36). Said sliding plates (4) are connected to said frame (3) to enable sideways movement. As shown in FIG. 22, FIG. 23, FIG. 24, FIG. 25, FIG. 26, FIG. 27, FIG. 28, FIG. 29, FIG. 30, FIG. 31, and FIG. 32,in accordance with this embodiment, said clamping means further comprises a link mechanism (37), wherein a link (38) is provided such that one end of said link (38) is attached to the frame (3), and the other end is movably fixed to the sliding plates (4). The next moving link (38) in the sequence is connected to the preceding moving link (38). This action is followed to link all the connections. Each link (38) is pivotably connected to a hole (39) at one end and to a slot (40) at the other end on the sliding plate (4). Said mechanism is similar to a scissor mechanism such that opening of the link (38) causes sliding of each of the sliding plates (4) one after the other. Said links (38) are opened such that there is enough space created to place the batteries (B) inside said sliding plates (4) on the frame (3) as shown in FIG. 22, FIG. 23, and FIG. 24. The link (38) is pulled back such that said sliding plates (4) move closer to the batteries (B). Said toggle clamp (34) is provided at the end of the sliding plates (4). Said toggle clamp (34) is locked to clamp the link mechanism (37) along with the batteries (B) in place as shown in FIG. 25, FIG. 26, FIG. 27, FIG. 28, FIG. 29, FIG. 30, FIG. 31, and FIG. 32, wherein Fig. 31 and Fig. 32 show a battery (B) missing from the stack. The toggle clamp bolt (35) passes through the bridge cut (3b) provided on the frame (3) for enabling the movement of the sliding plates (4). Moving the toggle clamp (34) towards the frame (3) locks the movement of all the sliding plates (4). Said frame (3) is designed such that said toggle clamp (34) slides towards and away from said frame (3) through the bridge cut (3b). Said link (38) is engaged such that it provides a connection for the next link 38and sliding plate (4), and provides space for the links (38) to move inwards and outwards. According to this embodiment, said sliding plates (4) may further comprise a soft rubber sheet on the inner surface to increase the friction for holding the batteries (B) compactly. This mechanism enables the batteries (B) to slide sideways and use minimum space, thereby rendering the system compactness. According to this embodiment, said link mechanism (37) enables proper locking or unlocking of batteries (B) irrespective of batteries (B) being stacked continuously or a battery (B) missing from the stack. Further, according to this embodiment, the link mechanism (37) can be used for locking or unlocking a single battery (B) or vertical layers of stacked batteries (B). The mechanism also works for batteries (B) of different sizes and shapes. An additional plate (10) is attached to the frame (3) having a bridge cut (3b) carrying a single battery (B) or a plurality of batteries present in stacks (B). Another frame (3) having a bridge cut (3b) carrying a single battery (B) or a plurality of batteries present in stacks (B) is placed over the first frame (3) having a bridge cut (3b) carrying a single battery (B) or a plurality of batteries present in stacks (B), and is attached to said additional plate (10). Any number of frames (3) having a bridge cut (3b) carrying a single battery (B) or a plurality of batteries present in stacks (B) can be placed one over the other and attached to said additional plate (10). The sliding plates (4) could be pushed on each battery frame (3) having a bridge cut (3b) to press the batteries (B), and toggle clamps (34) could be applied on each of the battery frames (3), thereby locking or unlocking all the batteries (B).

In accordance with the various embodiments of the present invention, said clamping system (1) comprises a clamping means (2) that is dependent on the mode of actuation. Said clamping means (2) may comprise a 4-bar mechanism attached to a handle (6) at one end and attached to the fixed plate (5) on the other end, or a cloth assembly (22) along with a ratchet pawl mechanism (16) for pulling the cloth (22), or a of series of toggle clamps (26) positioned such that two toggle bolts (27, 30) are provided for each battery (B) wherein the toggle bolt and nut configuration is used for the adjustment of the height and depth depending on the size and shape of the batteries (B) to be clamped, or a link mechanism (37) attached to a fixed plate (5) of the frame (3) with the other end movably fixed on a sliding plate (4). According to the various embodiments of the present invention, the clamping mechanism is used to simultaneously lock and unlock a single battery (B) or a plurality of batteries present in stacks (B) placed on one or more frames (3). The sliding plates (4) moves inwards or outwards based on the clamping mechanism for locking and unlocking respectively said battery (B) or a plurality of batteries present in stacks (B). Further as shown in FIG. 33, FIG. 34, FIG. 35, FIG. 36 and FIG. 37, the clamping mechanism can be carried out for locking a single battery (B) or a plurality of batteries (B) present in vertical stacks using an additional plate (10) that is attached to the frame (3) carrying said batteries (B), wherein the clamping mechanism is already attached to said frame (3), and another frame (3) carrying a single battery (B) or a plurality of batteries present in stacks (B) is placed over the first frame (3) carrying a single battery (B) or a plurality of batteries present in stacks (B) and is attached to said additional plate (10). Any number of frames (3) carrying a single battery (B) or a plurality of batteries present in stacks (B) can be placed one over the other and attached to said additional plate (10). The handle (6) of one battery frame (3) is connected to the handle (6) of another battery frame (3). The movement of said handle (6) actuates the clamping mechanism thereby simultaneously locking or unlocking all the batteries (B). Also, the clamping means according to various embodiments of the present invention, enables proper locking and unlocking of batteries (B) irrespective of batteries (B) being stacked continuously or a battery (B) missing from the stack.

It is to be understood, however, that according to present invention, the frame could be of different shapes and sizes depending on the number of batteries being placed on the frame. Similarly, the sliding plate could be of different shapes and sizes depending on the assemblage of the various parts associated with the clamping means assembly.

It is to be understood, however, that the present invention would not be limited by any means to the components, arrangements and materials that are not specifically described, and any change to the materials, variations, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope described in the present invention.
, Claims:We Claim:
1. A clamping system (1) for locking or unlocking a battery (B) or a plurality of batteries (B) present in stacks comprising:
a) a clamping means (2);
b) a frame (3) for carrying the batteries (B); and
c) a handle (6);
wherein, said clamping means (2) is selected from a 4-bar mechanism, a pulley with rachet pawl mechanism, a toggle clamp mechanism, or a link mechanism.
2. A clamping system (1) for locking or unlocking a battery or a plurality of batteries (B) present in stacks according to claim 1, wherein said clamping means (2) is a 4-bar mechanism further comprising one or more sliding plates (4), one or more fixed plates (5), and connecting links (7).
3. A clamping system (1) for locking or unlocking a battery or a plurality of batteries (B) present in stacks according to claim 2, wherein said handle (6) is attached to said fixed plates (5) pivotally, and said connecting links (7) are connected to said sliding plates (4) pivotally.
4. A clamping system (1) for locking or unlocking a battery or a plurality of batteries (B) present in stacks according to claim 2, wherein, said sliding plates (4) move towards and away from said fixed plates (5) when said handle (6) is actuated to achieve locking or unlocking respectively.
5. A clamping system (1) for locking or unlocking a single battery or a plurality of batteries (B) present in stacks according to claim 1, wherein said clamping means (2) is a pulley with ratchet pawl mechanism further comprising a frame (3) having a bridge cut (3a), a handle (6), a stopper (13), a stopper plate (14), a pulley (15), and a ratchet pawl mechanism (16) comprising a ratchet (17), a pawl (18), a torsional spring (19), a lever (20), a connector (21), a cloth type member (22), and a lifting mechanism (23), wherein the lever further comprises a nut (24), and a bolt (25).
6. A clamping system (1) for locking or unlocking a battery or a plurality of batteries (B) present in stacks according to claim 5, wherein said cloth (22) is placed over the batteries (B) from the top and on the pulleys (15) at the bottom, and is connected to the ratchet pawl mechanism (16).
7. A clamping system (1) for locking or unlocking a battery or a plurality of batteries (B) present in stacks according to claim 5, wherein said ratchet pawl mechanism (16) tightens the cloth (22) thereby locking the battery (B).
8. A clamping system (1) for locking or unlocking a battery or a plurality of batteries (B) present in stacks according to claim 5, wherein said connector (21) is provided on the side of the first battery (B) for disengaging the ratchet mechanism when the handle (6) is actuated, and the movement of said handle (6) actuates said lever (20), thereby loosening the cloth (22) and unlocking the battery (B).
9. A clamping system (1) for locking or unlocking a battery or a plurality of batteries (B) present in stacks according to claim 1, wherein said clamping means (2) is a toggle clamp mechanism further comprising toggle clamps (26) with bolts (27, 30) and nuts (28, 29, 31, 32), and said toggle clamps (26) are connected to the handle (6).
10. A clamping system (1) for locking or unlocking a battery or a plurality of batteries (B) present in stacks according to claim 9, wherein moving the handle (6) causes said toggle clamps (26) to lock or unlock the batteries (B) simultaneously.
11. A clamping system (1) for locking or unlocking a battery or a plurality of batteries (B) present in stacks according to claim 1, wherein said clamping means (2) is a link mechanism further comprising a frame (3) with a bridge cut (3b), one or more sliding plates (4), a toggle clamp (34) with a bolt (35) and a nut (36) provided on said frame (3), and a connecting link (38).
12. A clamping system (1) for locking or unlocking a battery or a plurality of batteries (B) present in stacks according to claim 11, wherein said sliding plates (4) are connected to said frame (3) through said connecting link (38), wherein moving the toggle clamp (34) enables sliding of said sliding plates (4) towards and away from said batteries (B) resulting in locking or unlocking of said batteries (B) respectively.