Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present subject matter is related, in general to an energy storage assembly, and more particularly, but not exclusively to a connecting member.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] A typical battery module comprises of a plurality of cells which are 5 interconnected in a series configuration or a parallel configuration or a combination of series and parallel configuration based on current, voltage and capacity requirements in the desired function. However, based on the power requirements in the defined application there may arise a requirement of combining multiple battery modules to support the power requirements. 10
[0003] Conventionally, to suit the energy requirements, such as but not limited to in high power applications, a battery assembly with multiple battery modules electrically connected is deployed. The construction of the battery assembly with multiple battery modules would lead to a bulky assembly with multiple busbars or interconnects or wires connecting the respective battery modules. Since the multiple 15 battery modules are connected electrically via the busbars and interconnects, and disassembly of the battery modules for future use in a different application is constrained, since the battery modules are linked electrically. Therefore, there is a requirement of a provision of connection between battery modules such that independent usage of the battery modules in a future application is permissible. 20
[0004] In known arts concerning the battery assembly where multiple battery modules are combined, there is relative motion between the adjacent battery modules. In high power applications such as in electric or hybrid vehicles, the road terrain transmits the vibrations onto the vehicle assembly. The battery assembly thereon may be subjected to the impacts or vibrations of the road, and the battery 25 modules may move relative to each other. The failure mode associated with the transmittance of the vibrations and impacts onto the battery assembly may lead to disconnection or fatigue to the electrical connections between the respective battery modules. Therefore, there arises a requirement of a battery assembly connecting
multiple battery modules where relative motion between the battery modules is effectively restricted. [0005] Additionally, some known arts use conventional fastening units such as screws or bolts which may be inserted between provisions of the cell holders. The insertion of screws and bolts in mechanically connecting the battery modules fail 5 to ensure isolation of one battery module from another, thereby increasing the potentiality of transmittance of an electrical anomaly, such as but not limited to thermal runaway or short circuit, from one module to another. Further, the mechanical joint would be limitative to connection of at most two battery modules which may fail to address energy requirements in high power applications 10 demanding multiple battery modules being connected.
[0006] Further, since multiple battery modules are connected and deployed in high power applications, the interconnector or busbar designs are designed such that bulky metal plates or connecting wires be used for electrical synchronicity between the battery modules. This leads to an unnecessary increase in the overall weight and 15 associated costs of the battery assembly which adversely affects the weight to power ratio.
[0007] Further limitations and disadvantages of conventional and traditional approaches will become apparent to one of skill in the art, through comparison of described systems with some aspects of the present disclosure, as set forth in the 20 remainder of the present application and with reference to the drawings.
SUMMARY
[0008] The following summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described below, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent 25 by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description. [0009] According to embodiments illustrated herein, the present disclosure provides an energy storage assembly comprising at least two energy storage units. The at least two energy storage units comprises one or more connecting members 3
provided on one or more surfaces of the at least two energy storage units. The at least two energy storage units are connected to form the energy storage assembly based on a pre-defined alignment of the one or more connecting members of the at least two energy storage units. [00010]
According to embodiments illustrated herein, the present disclosure further 5 provides a connecting member comprising a first member and a second member. The first member is provided on one or more surfaces of the at least two energy storage unit. The second member is inserted into a cavity of the first member. A fastening member is configured to pass through one or more holes of the first member and engage with a threaded hole portion of the second member. 10
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[00011] The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description given herein below and the accompanying drawings which are given by way of illustration only, and thus are not limitative of the present invention.
[00012] Figure 1 illustrates a front perspective view of an energy storage assembly, 15 in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[00013] Figure 2 illustrates an exploded view of the energy storage assembly, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[00014] Figure 3 illustrates a top perspective view of the energy storage assembly comprising cell holders omitting some features of the present subject matter, in 20 accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[00015] Figure 4 illustrates a side perspective view of a cell holder comprising a connecting member, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[00016] Figure 5(a) and 5(b) illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the second 25
member of the connecting member, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 4
5
[00017] The present disclosure may be best understood with reference to the detailed figures and description set forth herein. Various embodiments are discussed below with reference to the figures. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed descriptions given herein with respect to the figures are simply for explanatory purposes as the methods and systems may extend 5 beyond the described embodiments. For example, the teachings presented and the needs of a particular application may yield multiple alternative and suitable approaches to implement the functionality of any detail described herein. Therefore, any approach may extend beyond the particular implementation choices in the following embodiments described and shown. 10
[00018] References to “one embodiment,” “at least one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “one example,” “an example,” “for example,” and so on indicate that the embodiment(s) or example(s) may include a particular feature, structure, characteristic, property, element, or limitation but that not every embodiment or example necessarily includes that particular feature, structure, characteristic, 15 property, element, or limitation. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in an embodiment” does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.
[00019] The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with different embodiments. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth 20 herein; rather those embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.
[00020] The present invention is illustrated with an energy storage assembly. However, a person skilled in the art would appreciate that the present invention is 25 not limited to an energy storage assembly and certain features, aspects and advantages of embodiments of the present invention are applicable to other forms of energy storage packs or energy storage devices or battery packs. The energy storage assembly in accordance with the present disclosure is applicable to rechargeable as well as non-rechargeable variants of energy storage packs. 30
[00021] It is an object of the present subject matter to provide an
energy storage assembly comprising at least two energy storage units securely connected to each other to address energy requirements of the application in which the energy storage assembly is deployed.
[00022] To this end, the present subject matter discloses one or more connecting 5 members disposed on one or more surfaces of the at least two energy storage units. The connection between the at least two energy storage units to form the energy storage assembly is established by disposition of the one or more connecting members of the at least two energy storage units in a pre-defined alignment.
[00023] In an aspect, each of the one or more connecting members comprise a first 10 member and a second member. The first member is provided on the one or more surfaces of the at least two energy storage units. The first member comprises one or more holes disposed in a lateral direction with a cavity configured to receive the second member. The pre-defined alignment ensures that the one or more holes of the first member disposed on the first energy storage unit aligns co-linearly with the 15 one or more holes of the first member of the second energy storage unit. The second member is then fitted onto the respective first members, and a fastening member securely connects the one or more connecting members of the first energy storage unit to the second energy storage unit. In the same way multiple energy storage units may be connected by using the configuration of the one or more connecting 20 members.
[00024] In conventional battery packs, the interconnectors comprise of bulky metal plates with connecting wires which tend to loosen upon being subjected to external shocks, vibrations and stresses. The present disclosure addresses this exact drawback of the conventional battery packs and protects the battery pack against 25 malfunction, unprecedented halt in functioning and potential safety hazards.
[00025] To this end the present configuration provides a robust energy storage assembly design, as the relative motion between adjacent energy storage units are restricted by the provision of the one or more connecting members. 6
[00026]
It is a further object of the present subject matter to provide a compact energy storage assembly comprising of a plurality of cells.
[00027] The disclosed configuration of the energy storage assembly comprising at least two energy storage units permits stacking of multiple energy storage units in a compact manner. Further, based on the space constraints in the layout, multiple 5 stacks of energy storage assemblies disposed in various regions of the layout may be connected to best utilized the packaging space available.
[00028] It is an object of the present subject matter to maintain flexibility of application of the energy storage assembly.
[00029] The energy storage assembly comprises at least two energy storage units 10 with adjacent energy storage units being electrically connected by a signal transmittance member, and mechanically connected by the one or more connecting members. The disclosed configuration of the one or more connecting members permits mechanical disassembly or disconnection between the adjacent energy storage units by removal of the fastening member from the one or more connecting 15 members followed by disconnection of the signal transmittance member. Therefore, the removed energy storage unit may be used in multiple applications.
[00030] It is an object of the present subject matter to provide a energy storage assembly having flexibility in range of power supply and energy capacity.
[00031] In accordance with the configuration of the disclosed subject matter, an 20 additional advantage of the disclosed energy storage assembly is the flexibility to manufacture variants in forms of size of the energy storage assembly, range of power supply and capacity of the energy storage assembly. The disclosed connecting member design can be easily implemented and modified in accordance with the electrical demands of the external electrical load. 25 [00032] It is an object of the present subject matter to electrically protect the energy storage assembly by provision of requisite isolation between adjacent energy storage units. 7
8
[00033]
The present configuration of the one or more connecting members disposed on the one or more lateral surfaces of the at least two energy storage units ensures a pre-defined gap be maintained between the adjacent energy storage units. The pre-defined gap maintains an electrical insulation between energy storage units. Typically, a battery management system (hereinafter referred to as BMS) connected 5 to each energy storage unit monitors and diagnoses the occurrence of any malfunction such as but not limited to thermal runaway, short circuit, over current or over voltage. However, in instances of delay of actuation of isolation mechanisms by the BMS, the pre-defined gap ensures that the adversities owing to latency in the BMS be alleviated. In an embodiment, the first member of the one or 10 more connecting members disposed on one or more surface of the energy storage units extend laterally offset to the surface of the energy storage unit up to a distance of half of the pre-defined gap.
[00034] Additionally, the counterintuitive diagnosis of potential electrical and thermal hazards in the energy storage assembly enables achievement of longer cycle 15 life of the energy storage assembly and improved performance of the energy storage assembly.
[00035] It is an object of the present invention to improve the weight to power ratio of the energy storage assembly.
[00036] In conventional battery packs, bulky metal plates and connecting wires are 20 employed to individually connect the battery modules of the battery pack. The disposition of bulky metal plates and connecting wires increases the overall weight, component cost as well as complicates the layout of the battery pack. The drawbacks associated with conventional battery pack designs adversely affect manufacturability, serviceability, ease of assembly, accessibility and maintenance 25 of the battery pack.
[00037] As per the present disclosure, the one or more connecting members maintain the mechanical connection between the energy storage units, while a signal transmittance member connects the energy storage units electrically. Therefore, the number of parts, component weight and component cost of 30
9
employing multiple interconnector assemblies in the formation of the energy storage assembly is substituted by provision of a single signal transmittance member.
Therefore, the present disclosure negates the involvement of bulky metal plates and connecting wires, thus achieving a compact layout of the energy storage assembly at a reduced cost, number of components and weight. 5 [00038]
It is an additional object of the present subject matter to provide a poka yoke method of assembly of the energy storage assembly which reduces the overall assembly time.
[00039] To this end, one of the energy storage units of the energy storage assembly are provided with one or more lugs which interface and mate with one or more 10 orifices of the second energy storage unit. The disclosed configuration of the one or more lugs and the complimentary one or more orifices of the energy storage units ensure that there be only a pre-set method of assembly of the energy storage units. Additionally, the second member inserted into the first member of the energy storage unit ensures that the fastening member is engaging with the connecting 15 member in a pre-set fashion. In other words, during assembly of the two energy storage units, the fastening member is inserted into the connecting members of the first energy storage unit and the second energy storage unit in a pre-set direction. This mitigates the assembly time as there is a pre-destined direction of assembly owing to the configuration of the connecting members vis-à-vis the fastening 20 member.
[00040] Additionally, in accordance with the configuration of the one or more connecting member, the energy storage assembly comprising one or more connecting members provided on the energy storage units achieves ease of manufacturing and manufacturing feasibility of the energy storage assembly 25 without major revamping of conventional manufacturing processes. The disclosed subject matter enables implementation in modified versions of existing energy storage assembly with minimal changes in the energy storage unit design, electrical connections in the energy storage units and even the manufacturing set-up. The reduced weight, component cost further proffers the present subject matter as a cost-30
efficient solution addressing the limitations and drawbacks of conventional battery packs. [00041]
The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to an energy storage assembly along with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the present 5 embodiments. The present subject matter is further described with reference to accompanying figures. It should be noted that the description and figures merely illustrate principles of the present subject matter. Various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, encompass the principles of the present subject matter. Moreover, all statements herein reciting 10 principles, aspects, and examples of the present subject matter, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
[00042] Figure 1 illustrates a front perspective view of an energy storage assembly, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[00043] With reference to figure 1, 100 denotes an energy storage assembly, 102 15 denotes a first energy storage unit, 102a denotes a first cell holder, 104 denotes a second energy storage unit, 104a denotes a second cell holder, 106 denotes a transmission member and 200 denotes one or more connecting members.
[00044] Figure 1 illustrates the energy storage assembly 100 comprising two energy storage units 102, 104 for the sake of simplicity. The same shall not be construed 20 to be limited to only two energy storage units, the same configuration of connecting members may lead to formation of the energy storage assembly 100 comprising more than two energy storage units 102, 104.
[00045] In an aspect, the energy storage assembly 100 is provided with an external casing to secure and protect the internal components of the energy storage assembly 25
100 against external environmental factors such as dust, wind, external shocks, vibrations, etc. [00046] In an aspect, the energy storage assembly 100 comprising at least two energy storage units 102, 104 disclosed in relation to the present subject matter 10
11
includes any electrical energy storage device or system configured to store electrical energy and may include an energy storage pack, a battery pack, a plurality of battery packs, a plurality of battery modules and other forms of electrical energy storage equipment. The at least two energy storage units 102, 104 can be of rechargeable as well as non-rechargeable variant and is configured to have a charged and
5 discharged state. In a charged state of the at least two energy storage units 102, 104, the at least two energy storage units 102, 104 supplies the stored electrical energy to an external electrical load, an electrical or electronic equipment, electric or hybrid vehicle as and when required. [00047] In an embodiment, the at least two energy storage units 102, 104 comprises
10 of lithium-ion cells. Lithium-ion batteries are characterized by high energy density, high power density, excellent cycle performance and environmental friendliness. The apprehension in usage of Lithium-ion cells is the uncontrolled exothermic reaction occurring in thermal runaway of Lithium-ion cells are fast, violent and self-accelerating. 15
[00048] In an embodiment, the external casing is composed of a material and the material is a metal being composed of at least one of nickel, aluminium, copper, steel, zinc. In another embodiment, the external casing is composed of a plastic material.
[00049] Each of the at least two energy storage units 102, 104 comprises a plurality 20 of cells disposed on a cell holder. In an embodiment, the at least two energy storage units 102, 104 comprises a first energy storage unit 102 and a second energy storage unit 104. A plurality of cells of the first energy storage unit 102 are disposed in a first cell holder and a plurality of cells of the second energy storage unit 104 are disposed in a second cell holder. The plurality of cells of the at least two energy 25 storage units 102, 104 are electrically connected in a parallel configuration, a series configuration or a combination of parallel and series configuration via a plurality of interconnectors or busbars. The configuration in which the plurality of cells of the at least two energy storage units 102, 104 is based on the current, voltage, energy and power requirements of the energy storage unit 102, 104. The interconnectors or 30
12
busbars achieve the desired current, voltage, energy and power requirements of each of the at least two energy storage units 102, 104. [00050] In an aspect, each cell of the plurality of cells are disposed in a cell holder, where each cell holder secures a position of the cell on the energy storage unit 102, 104 and facilitates a compact layout and robust functioning of the energy storage
5 unit 102, 104. In an embodiment, the cell holders are placed apart from each other at a range of 1 millimetre to 3 millimetre. In an embodiment, the cell holder for the cells of the battery pack 100 is composed of a plastic material.
[00051] The plurality of cells of the at least two energy storage units 102, 104 are electrically connected in a parallel configuration, a series configuration or a 10 combination of parallel and series configuration via a plurality of interconnectors or busbars. The configuration in which the plurality of cells of the at least two energy storage units 102, 104 is based on the current, voltage, energy and power requirements of the energy storage unit 102, 104. The interconnectors or busbars achieve the desired current, voltage, energy and power requirements of each of the 15 at least two energy storage units 102, 104.
[00052] The electrical connection of the plurality of cells of the at least two energy storage units 102, 104 established by the interconnector in series or parallel is based on the sector in which the energy storage unit 102, 104 is utilised, and the energy demands of the external electrical load, electrical or electronic equipment or the 20 electric vehicle. The difference in series configuration and parallel configuration of the plurality of cells of the energy storage unit 102, 104 impacts the energy storage unit’s output voltage and the capacity.
[00053] In an aspect, each interconnector comprises of one or more rows of cells where each row comprises of a plurality of cells. The electrical connection between 25 each cell of the plurality of cells in each row is in parallel configuration. The one or more row of the interconnector are connected in series. Thus, the energy storage unit 102, 104 illustrated in accordance with the present disclosure comprises of a plurality of cells of a row connected in parallel with the rows of the interconnectors being connected in series. 30
[00054] The signal transmittance member 106 establishes an electrical connection or signal connection via electrical connection or other form of communication between the energy storage units 102 104. In an aspect, the signal transmittance member serves as a medium of communication between the plurality of cells of the respective energy storage units 102, 104.
5
[00055] In an aspect, the energy storage assembly 100 comprises a signal transmittance member 106 connecting the at least two energy storage units 102, 104.In another aspect, the signal transmittance member 106 connects the firstenergy storage unit 102 to the second energy storage unit 104 through signal tappingprovisions of the first cell holder 102a and the second cell holder 104a. 10
[00056] In an aspect, the energy storage assembly 100 comprises at least two energy storage units 102, 104. The at least two energy storage units 102, 104 comprises one or more connecting members 200 disposed on one or more surfaces of the at least two energy storage units 102, 104. In an embodiment, the one or more surfaces are external edges of the at least two energy storage units 102, 104. 15
[00057] In an aspect, the at least two energy storage units 102, 104 comprises at least: a first energy storage unit 102 and a second energy storage unit 104. Each of the first energy storage unit 102 and the second energy storage 104 comprises a plurality of cells disposed in a first cell holder 102a and a second cell holder 104a respectively. In an embodiment, the one or more connecting members 200 are 20 connected to the one or more surfaces of the first cell holder 102a and the second cell holder 104a.
[00058] In an embodiment, the one or more connecting members be located on one or more surfaces of an external casing of each energy storage unit. The one or more connecting members may then connect the energy storage unit as per the present 25
disclosure. [00059] In an aspect, the at least two energy storage units 102, 104 are connected to form the energy storage assembly 100 based on a pre-defined alignment of the 13
one or more connecting members 200 of the at least two energy storage units 102, 104. [00060] In an aspect, the one or more connecting members 200 disposed on the first energy storage unit 102 connects to the one or more connecting members 200 disposed on the second energy storage unit 104. The connection between the one or
5 more connecting members 200 of the first energy storage unit 102 and the second energy storage unit 104 maintains a pre-defined gap (d) between the first energy storage unit 102 and the second energy storage unit 104.
[00061] In an aspect, the one or more connecting members 200 emerging from the one or more surfaces of the at least two energy storage units 102, 104 are laterally 10 off-set in order to maintain the pre-defined gap (d) between the adjacent at least two energy storage units 102, 104.
[00062] In an aspect, the first energy storage unit 102 and the second energy storage unit 104 comprises a pre-defined gap (d) upon the pre-defined alignment of the one or more connecting members 200 of the at least two energy storage units 102, 104. 15 In an aspect, the pre-defined gap (d) ensures a lag in the propagation of an electrical anomaly from one energy storage unit to the adjacent energy storage unit by creating a zone of isolation.
[00063] Figure 2 illustrates an exploded view of the energy storage assembly, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. 20
[00064] Figure 3 illustrates a top perspective view of the energy storage assembly comprising cell holders omitting some features of the present subject matter, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[00065] For the sake of brevity Figure 2 and Figure 3 shall be explained in conjunction. With reference to Figure 2, 202 denotes a first member, 204 denotes a 25 second member and 206 denotes a fastening member. [00066] In an aspect, each of the one or more connecting members 200 comprises a first member 202 extending from the one or more surfaces of each of the first energy storage unit 102 and the second energy storage unit 104. The first member 14
202 comprises a cavity 402 (as depicted in Figure 4) extending perpendicularly away from the one or more surface to a pre-defined length.
The cavity 402 is configured to receive a second member 204. One or more holes 404 are disposed on lateral surfaces of the first member 102 perpendicular to the cavity 402. [00067] In an aspect, the pre-defined alignment comprises the one or more holes
5 404 of the one or more connecting members 200 of the first energy storage unit 102 and the second energy storage unit 104 being colinear.
[00068] Figure 3 depicts an assembled view of the energy storage assembly 100 comprising the first energy storage unit 102 and the second energy storage unit 104. As depicted in Figure 3, the one or more connecting members 200 of the first energy 10 storage unit 102 and the corresponding one or more connecting members 200 of the second energy storage 104 are aligned in the pre-defined alignment. The second member 206 of the one or more connecting members 200 is inserted into the cavity 402 of the first member 202. The fastening member 206 is inserted through the one or more holes 404 of the first member 202. 15
[00069] Figure 4 illustrates a side perspective view of a cell holder comprising a connecting member, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[00070] Figure 5(a) and 5(b) illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the second member of the connecting member, in accordance with some embodiments of the 20 present disclosure.
[00071] For the sake of brevity, Figure 4 and Figure 5(a) and 5(b) shall be explained in conjunction. With reference to Figure 4 and 5(a) and 5(b), 402 denotes a cavity, 404 denotes one or more holes, 406 denotes one or more slots, 408 denotes one or more lugs, 502 denotes one or more protrusions, 504 denotes a threaded hole 25
portion and 506 denotes a flat head. [00072] In an aspect, the first member 202 comprises one or more slots 406. The one or more slots are disposed on lateral surfaces of the first member 202. The first member 202 comprises one or more holes 404 which extend through the material 15
16
thickness of the first member 202. The first member 202 comprises a cavity 402 which extends to a pre-defined length until it meets the external surface of the cell holder 102a, 102b over which the first member 202 is disposed. The pre-defined length of the cavity 402 provides the requisite space for insertion of the second member 204 through the cavity 402. The
one or more slots 406 of the first member 5 202 is configured to engage with one or more protrusions 502 of the second member 204. [00073] In an aspect, the second member 204 comprises one or more protrusions 502.The one or more protrusions 502 may be elastic members. The second member204 comprises a threaded hole portion 504 connected to the one or more protrusions
10 502.The second member 204 additionally comprises a flat head 506 connected tothe threaded hole portion 504 and disposed opposite to the one or more protrusions502.The plurality of protrusions 502 extend perpendicular to the disposition of thethreaded hole portion 504 and are configured to engage with the one or more slots406 of the first member 202. 15
[00074] During assembly of the second member 204 is inserted into the first member 202 of one of the mating connecting members 200 of the first energy storage unit 102 and the second energy storage unit 104. In other words, when the first member 202 of the connecting member 200 of the first energy storage unit 102 is in the pre-defined alignment with the first member 202 of the connecting member 20 200 of the second energy storage unit 104, the second member 204 is inserted into either one of the two first members 202.
[00075] For instance, as depicted in Figure 3, the second member 204 is inserted into the first member 202 of the first energy storage unit 102. The insertion of the second member 204 into the first member 204 of the first energy storage unit 102 25 ensures that the assembly action by insertion of the fastening member 206 is first through the one or more holes 404 of the first member 204 of the second energy storage unit 104, which is then secured by the second member 204 disposed in the first member 202 of the first energy storage unit 102. This ensures, that there is only a single direction of assembly of the first energy storage unit 102 to the second 30
17
energy storage unit 104 for easing the process of assembly and alleviating assembly time. In other words, the act of securing or fastening the first energy storage unit 102 with the second energy storage unit 104 is from a rightward direction (r). [00076] Vice versa, in the event the second member 204 be inserted onto the first member 202 of the second energy storage unit 104, the insertion of the fastening
5 member 206 would be from the first member 202 of the first energy storage unit 102, i.e. from a leftward direction (L).
[00077] In the process of securing or fitment of the first energy storage unit 102 with the second energy storage unit 104, the one or more protrusions 502 of the second member 204 engages with the one or more slots 406 of the first member 10 202.The engagement of the one or more protrusions 502 with the one or more slots406 may be in a snap fit configuration such that the threaded hole portion 504 ofthe second member 204 is colinear with the one or more holes 404 of the firstmember 202.
[00078] In an embodiment in addressing poka yoke to ensure that a pre-defined 15 procedure of fitment of the first energy storage unit 102 with the second energy storage unit 104, one or more lugs 408 are provided on the first member 202 of one of the first energy storage unit 102 and the second energy storage unit 104. The one or more lugs 408 extend in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the first member 202, in a direction of interaction with the first member 202 with the 20 adjacent energy storage unit. Additionally, one or more orifices are provided on the complimentary first member 202 of the adjacent energy storage unit.
[00079] For instance, the one or more lugs 408 are provided on the first member 202 of the first energy storage unit 102. The complimentary first member 202 of the second energy storage unit 104 being adjacent to the first energy storage unit 25 102 comprises one or more orifices. During assembly, the one or more lugs 408 of the first energy storage unit 102 is configured to interface with the one or more orifice of the second energy storage unit 104. Therefore, there is a pre-set pattern of fitment or connection of the first energy storage unit 102 with the second energy storage unit 104. 30
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[00080]
In an aspect, the pre-defined alignment through which the first energy storage unit 102 be connected to the second energy storage unit 104 being at least one of: the one or more holes 404 of the one or more first members 202 of the first energy storage unit 102 and the second energy storage unit 104 being colinear with the threaded hole portion 504 of the second member 204. The one or more lugs 408 5 of the first energy storage unit 102 being interfacing with the one or more orifices of the second energy storage unit 104. The fastening member 206 is configured to pass through the one or more holes 404 of the first members 202 of the at least two energy storage units 102, 104.
[00081] A threaded portion of the fastening member 206 engages with the threaded 10 hole portion 504 of the second member 204 to secure the first energy storage unit 102 to the second energy storage unit 104. The disclosed configuration eliminates the requirement of additional fastening unit assemblies such as but not limited to nuts and bolts, by integration of aspects into the connecting member 200 configuration. 15
[00082] In an aspect, the connecting member 200 for an energy storage assembly 100 comprises a first member 202 and a second member 204. The first member is provided on one or more surfaces of each of the at least two energy storage units 102, 104 forming the energy storage assembly 100. The second member 204 inserts into a cavity 402 of the first member 202. A fastening member 206 is configured to 20 pass through one or more holes 404 of the first member 202 and engages with a threaded hole portion 504 of the second member 204.
[00083] In an aspect, the connecting member 200 is configured to connect at least two energy storage units 102, 104. The fastening member 206 passes through the one or more holes 404 of the first member 202 of a first energy storage unit 102 and 25 a second energy storage unit 104 of the at least two energy storage units 102, 104. The threaded hole portion 504 of the second member 204 secures the connection between the at least two energy storage units 102, 104.
[00084] In an aspect, the first member 202 comprises a cavity 402, one or more holes 404 and one or more slots 406. The cavity 402 extends perpendicularly away 30
19
from the one or more surface to a pre-defined length. The cavity 402 is configured to receive the second member 204. The one or more holes 404 are disposed on lateral surfaces of the first member 102 perpendicular to the cavity 402. The one or more slots 406 is configured to engage with one or more protrusions 502 of the second member 204. 5 [00085]
In another aspect, the second member 204 comprises a threaded hole portion 504, a plurality of protrusions 502 and a flat head 506 portion. The plurality of protrusions 502 extend perpendicular to the disposition of the threaded hole 504 and is configured to engage with the one or more slots 406 of the first member 202. The flat head portion 506 is disposed above the threaded hole portion 504. Upon 10 securing the connection between the at least two energy storage units 102, 104 to form the energy storage assembly 100 the flat head portion 506 is disposed above the cavity 402 of the first member 202. The provision of the flat head 506 ensures that the service personnel do not interact with sharp edges of the threaded portion and further prevents any wear and tear which may transcend into the threaded 15 portion of the connecting member 200.
[00086] In an aspect, the present configuration of the connecting members 200 may be extensively provided on casings or external covers of other electronic and electrical equipment in view of ensuring close vicinity of disposition relative to a complementary component. For instance and in a non-limiting example, the vehicle 20 control unit and the motor control unit in vehicles have high tension wires disposed between them, therefore it is preferable that the vehicle control unit and the motor control unit be placed in close vicinity. An optimized configuration of achieving the same such that relative motion between the respective control units is arrested is by provision of one or more connecting members on the external casing of the 25 vehicle control unit and the motor control unit. The disclosed configuration permits arrangement of the vehicle control unit and the motor control unit in close vicinity, whilst relative motion between the respective control units being arrested and an isolation between the respective control units being achieved. In another alternative embodiment and non-limiting example, the present configuration of the one or more 30
connecting members may be employed on the external casings with reference to relative disposition of the vehicle control unit and the energy storage units of the vehicle. In another non-limiting example, the disclosed configuration of the one or more connecting members may be employed on the external casings with reference to relative disposition of the motor control unit and the motor.
5 [00087] The terms “an embodiment”, “embodiment”, “embodiments”, “the embodiment”, “the embodiments”, “one or more embodiments”, “some embodiments”, and “one embodiment” mean “one or more (but not all) embodiments of the invention(s)” unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “including”, “comprising”, “having” and variations thereof mean “including but not
10 limited to”, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “a”, “an” and “the” mean “one or more”, unless expressly specified otherwise.
[00088] The present configuration of the energy storage assembly 100 connecting at least two energy storage units 102, 104 by provision of one or more connecting members 200 addresses packaging concerns in compact vehicle layouts. The energy 15 storage assembly as per the present disclosure permits effective stacking of the at least two energy storage units 102, 104 with relative motion between the energy storage units being arrested.
[00089] In conventional energy storage assemblies, the connection between adjacent battery packs are established through wires and other connecter, where 20 relative motion of the adjacent battery packs ignored from consideration. The rubbing action serving as a direct manifestation of the relative motion may cause wear and tear to the electrical and electronic components of the adjacent battery packs affecting the assembly’s functionality. Additionally, the provision of long wiring harnesses or connectors increases the aspersions of signal transmission and 25
communication between the adjacent battery packs. [00090] The present subject matter effectively packages multiple energy storage units by provision of one or more connecting members 200 and a single signal transmittance member 106 for establishing communication between the adjacent 20
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energy storage units provides a technical solution thereby providing technical enhancement within the field of battery packaging. [00091] The specific conditions, such as provision of the connecting member 200 on the one or more surfaces of the at least two energy storage units 102, 104 such that upon the pre-defined alignment being achieved, a fastening member 206
5 directly engages with the combination of the first member 202 and the second member 204 of the connecting member 200. The engagement of the fastening member 206 secures the connection between the at least two energy storage units 102, 104 whilst maintaining a pre-defined gap (d). The configuration of the connecting members 200 in maintenance of the pre-defined gap eliminates the 10 possibility of any malfunction in one energy storage unit permeating onto the adjacent energy storage unit contributing to the tangibility of the present subject matter.
[00092] In light of the above-mentioned advantages and the technical advancements provided by the connecting member and the energy storage 15 assembly, the claimed system as discussed above are not routine, conventional, or well understood in the art, as the claimed steps enable the following solutions to the existing problems in conventional technologies. Further, the claimed steps clearly bring an improvement in the functioning of the device itself as the claimed steps provide a technical solution to a technical problem. 20
[00093] A description of an embodiment with several components in communication with another does not imply that all such components are required, On the contrary, a variety of optional components are described to illustrate the wide variety of possible embodiments of the invention,
[00094] Finally, the language used in the specification has been principally selected 25 for readability and instructional purposes, and it may not have been selected to delineate or circumscribe the inventive subject matter and is therefore intended that the scope of the invention be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by any claims that issue on an application based here on. Accordingly, the
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embodiments of the present invention are intended to be illustrative, but not limiting, of the scope of the invention, which is set forth in the following claims. [00095] While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are
5 not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.
[00096] A person with ordinary skills in the art will appreciate that the systems, modules, and sub-modules have been illustrated and explained to serve as examples and should not be considered limiting in any manner. It will be further appreciated 10 that the variants of the above disclosed system elements, modules, and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be combined to create other different systems or applications.
[00097] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that any of the aforementioned steps and/or system modules may be suitably replaced, reordered, or removed, and 15 additional steps and/or system modules may be inserted, depending on the needs of a particular application.
[00098] While the present disclosure has been described with reference to certain embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope 20 of the present disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from its scope. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed, but that the present disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. , Claims:We claim:
1.An energy storage assembly (100), the energy storage assembly (100)comprising:
at least two energy storage units (102, 104), the at least two energy storage units (102, 104) comprising: 5
one or more connecting members (200) provided on one or more surfaces of the at least two energy storage units (102, 104),
wherein the at least two energy storage units (102, 104)being connected to form the energy storage assembly(100)based on a pre-defined alignment of the one or more10 connecting members (200) of the at least two energy storageunits (102, 104).
2.The energy storage assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the atleast two energy storage units (102, 104) comprising at least:15
a first energy storage unit (102) and a second energy storage unit (104),
wherein each of the first energy storage unit (102) and the second energy storage (104) comprises a plurality of cells disposed in a first cell holder (102a) and a second cell holder (104a) 20 respectively; and
wherein the one or more connecting members (200) being connected to the one or more surfaces of the first cell holder (102a) and the second cell holder (104a).
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3.The energy storage assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each ofthe one or more connecting members (200) comprising:
a first member (202) provided on the one or more surface of each of the first energy storage unit (102) and the second energy storage unit (104),
wherein the first member (202) comprising: 30
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a cavity (402) extending perpendicularly away from the one or more surface to a pre-defined length,
wherein the cavity (402) being configured to receive a second member (204); and
one or more holes (404), the one or more holes (404) 5 being disposed on lateral surfaces of the first member (102) perpendicular to the cavity (402).
4.The energy storage assembly (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the firstmember (202) comprising one or more slots (406), the one or more slots10 (406)of the first member (202) configured to engage with one or moreprotrusions (502) of the second member (204).
5.The energy storage assembly (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the firstmember (202) provided on one of the first energy storage unit (102) and the15 second energy storage unit (104) comprising one or more lugs (408), andthe first member (202) of other of the first energy storage unit (102) and thesecond energy storage unit (104) comprising one or more orifice,
wherein the one or more lugs (408) of the first energy storage unit (102) being configured to interface with the one or more orifice 20 of the second energy storage unit (104).
6.The energy storage assembly (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein thesecond member (204) comprises:
a threaded hole portion (504); and 25
the plurality of protrusions (502) extending perpendicular to the disposition of the threaded hole portion (504) and configured to engage with the one or more slots (406) of the first member (202).
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7.The energy storage assembly (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the pre-defined alignment being at least one of:
the one or more holes (404) of the first member (202) of the first energy storage unit (102) and the second energy storage unit (104) being colinear with the threaded hole portion (504) of the second member (204); 5 and
the one or more lugs (408) of the first member (202) of the first energy storage unit (102) being interfacing with the one or more orifices of the first member (202) of the second energy storage unit (104).
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8.The energy storage assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein afastening member (206) being configured to pass through the one or moreholes (404) of the first member (202) of the one or more connectingmembers (200) provided on each of the at least two energy storage units(102, 104),15
wherein a threaded portion of the fastening member (206) engaging with the threaded hole portion (504) of the second member (204) to secure the first energy storage unit (102) to the second energy storage unit (104).
9.The energy storage assembly (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the20 energy storage assembly (100) comprising a signal transmittance member(106), the signal transmittance member (106) connecting the at least twoenergy storage units (102, 104).
10.The energy storage assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first25 energy storage unit (102) and the second energy storage unit (104)comprising a pre-defined gap (d) upon the pre-defined alignment of the oneor more connecting members (200) of the at least two energy storage units(102, 104).
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11.A connecting member (200) for an energy storage assembly (100), theconnecting member (200) comprising:
a first member (202), the first member (202) being provided on one or more surfaces of each of the at least two energy storage units (102, 104) of the energy storage assembly 100; and 5
a second member (204), the second member (204) being inserted into a cavity (402) of the first member (202),
wherein a fastening member (206) being configured to pass through one or more holes (404) of the first member (202) and engage with a threaded hole portion (504) of the second member 10 (204).
12.The connecting member (200) for the energy storage assembly (100) asclaimed in claim 11, wherein the connecting member (200) beingconfigured to connect at least two energy storage units (102, 104),15
wherein the fastening member (206) being passing through the one or more holes (404) of the first member (202) of a first energy storage unit (102)and a second energy storage unit (104) of the at least two energystorage units (102, 104), with the threaded hole portion (504) of the secondmember (204) securing the connection between the at least two energy20 storage units (102, 104).
13.The connecting member (200) for the energy storage assembly (100) asclaimed in claim 11, wherein the first member (202) comprising:
a cavity (402) extending perpendicularly away from the one or more 25 surface to a pre-defined length, wherein the cavity (402) being configured to receive the second member (204);
the one or more holes (404) being disposed on lateral surfaces of the first member (102) perpendicular to the cavity (402); and
one or more slots (406), the one or more slots (406) configured to 30 engage with one or more protrusions (502) of the second member (204).
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14.The connecting member (200) for the energy storage assembly (100) as
5
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claimed in claim 13, wherein the second member (204) comprises:a threaded hole portion (504); the plurality of protrusions (502) extending perpendicular to the disposition of the threaded hole (504) and configured to engage with the one or more slots (406) of the first member (202); and a flat head (506) disposed above the threaded hole portion (504), wherein upon securing the at least two energy storage units (102, 104) the flat head being disposed above the cavity of the first member (202).