Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention relates to a packaging structure for energy storage units. More specifically, the present invention is related to packaging structure for energy storage units for vehicles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Typically, a tail door is used to access energy storage units like battery packs in a vehicle, for example, a three-wheeled vehicle. The tail door is common with an IC engine platform, where it is used to service the IC engine of the vehicle. Conventional vehicle layouts are limited to accessibility of only two batteries through existent tail door. For three batteries being disposed on the vehicle, through the tail door the battery disposed in the extreme ends (Left hand end and right-hand end) are inaccessible. Since width of the tail door is less than the width of three batteries, removal of the batteries without modifying the design of high investment parts like, tail door, frame tail door is a challenging task. Further, for achieving higher range of electric vehicles, three batteries are required in the electric vehicles.
[003] In conventional vehicle layouts, batteries are disposed at a rear end of the vehicle. A tail door is provided to allow access for replacing or swapping, or servicing the batteries mounted on the rear end of the vehicle. This region of the rear end for disposing batteries was earlier used for servicing the engine and other parts. Additionally, the conventional vehicle layouts keeping with the tail door length and design constraints permit accommodation and accessibility to at most two batteries at the rear end.
[004] In development of electric vehicle for a higher range, at least three batteries are required to be disposed in the vehicle to provide the power for higher range. In existing vehicle layouts, the design of the tail door limits the accessibility and accommodation of batteries at the rear end to just two batteries. For disposal of three batteries at the rear end, and to achieve their accessibility the design of the tail cover is to be altered along the tail length, which has the following undesirable consequences. In vehicle layout, on either sides of the tail door, tail lamps are provided for the vehicle, which constrain the expansion of the tail door length in a lateral side of the vehicle. Thus, the size of the tail door is to be fixed. Further, the tail door being an existing mass production part, modifying the same to provide an access for all three batteries will require high investment. Additionally, if batteries are assembled without enlarging the tail door, removal of battery is difficult as there is no provision for sliding batteries since the clamping structure will obstruct the removal of batteries.
[005] In case of vehicle having three batteries, it would be difficult to service three batteries, difficult to replace the three batteries, and difficult to swap three batteries.
[006] Thus, for accessing more than two batteries and to achieve more efficient packaging at the rear end of the vehicle, a suitable mechanism / structure is to be designed which is configured to operate in conjunction with existent vehicle layouts.
[007] Thus, there is a need in the art for providing a packaging structure for energy storage units which addresses the aforementioned problems and limitations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[008] In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a packaging structure for two or more energy storage units, the packaging structure comprising: a base member, the base member being configured to accommodate the two or more energy storage units; a first set of pillars, the first set of pillars being configured to adjust a height of the packaging structure based on a height of the two or more energy storage units; a second set of pillars, the second set of pillars comprising a first end and a second end, the first end being removably connected the base member; one or more clamping members disposed laterally on the base member, each of the clamping member being configured to connect with the first set of pillars and the second set of pillars, whereby the two or more energy storage units are held in a position on the base member.
[009] In an embodiment, the base member comprises a frame portion and a plurality of horizontal members, the plurality of horizontal members being disposed on the frame portion of the base member in a longitudinal direction of the packaging structure, and the frame portion comprises a horizontal protrusion extending inwardly at a periphery of the frame portion.
[010] In an embodiment, the plurality of horizontal members is disposed at a middle location on the frame portion, whereby the horizontal protrusion and the plurality of horizontal members forms one or more mounting portions in the base member, each of the mounting portion being configured to accommodate one energy storage unit of the two or more energy storage units.
[011] In a further embodiment, the first set of pillars comprises a first portion and a second portion, one end of the first portion being fixedly or hingedly attached to the base member and another end of the first portion is slidably connected to the second portion for varying a height of the first set of pillars.
[012] In a further embodiment, the first set of pillars comprises a bent rod, the bent rod comprising a hook portion and a stud portion extending from the hook portion, the stud portion being attached to the second portion of the first set of pillars.
[013] In a further embodiment, each of the clamping member of the one or more clamping members comprises one or more mounting holes, mounting hole of the one or more mounting holes allows the second set of pillars to pass through and mounting hole of the one or more mounting holes allows a hook portion of a bent rod of the first set of pillars to pass through.
[014] In a further embodiment, the first portion comprises multiple holes and the second portion comprises multiple holes for achieving height adjustable feature, whereby allowing the second portion to slide up or down, and wherein the second portion is manually affixed to the first portion through one or more fasteners based on height of the energy storage units.
[015] In a further embodiment, each of the clamping member of the one or more clamping members comprises one or more extension portions, the one or more extension portions being configured to secure the position of each energy storage unit of the two or more energy storage units disposed on the base member.
[016] In a further embodiment, the packaging structure comprising a plurality of fastening members being fastened with the second set of pillars to clamp the one or more clamping members on the two or more energy storage units.
[017] In a further embodiment, the one or more mounting portions in the base member is configured to provide a passageway for air for cooling the two or more energy storage units from a bottom portion of the two or more energy storage units.
[018] In a further embodiment, each of horizontal member of the plurality of horizontal members comprises a cover plate, the cover plate being configured to contact a bottom portion of the two or more energy storage units and having a cut-out to receive a second end of the second set of pillars, and one or more slits to allow air circulation onto the two or more energy storage units; and a hatch member, the hatch member being disposed below the cover plate.
[019] In a further embodiment, the base member comprises one or more sliding members, the one or more sliding members being disposed along the periphery of the base member in a lateral direction, the one or more sliding members being at least one of ball bearings, four bar sliding mechanism, sliders, and gliders.
[020] In a further embodiment, the periphery of the base member and the two or more energy storage units forms an air gap to allow air circulation for cooling the two or more energy storage units.
[021] In a further embodiment, the packaging structure comprises a cooling assembly disposed along the periphery of the base member to circulate a coolant along the periphery of the base member.
[022] In a further embodiment, the plurality of horizontal members comprises a plurality of curved contours at one or more pre-defined locations at a side of the plurality of horizontal members to receive a plurality of projections of the two or more energy storage units, wherein the plurality of curved contours being configured to engage with the plurality of projections of the two or more energy storage units to secure position of the two or more energy storage units in a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction of the base member.
[023] In a further embodiment, the horizontal protrusion comprises a plurality of curved contours at one or more pre-defined locations at a side of the plurality of horizontal protrusion.
[024] In a further embodiment, the packaging structure comprises N–1 number of clamping members for accommodating the two or more energy storage units, wherein N is a number of energy storage units.
[025] In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a vehicle, comprising a frame member comprising a pair of long members extending in a vehicle front-rear direction, and a plurality of cross members disposed onto the pair of long members and extending in a vehicle width-wise direction; and a packaging structure disposed onto the frame member and at a rear portion of the vehicle, the packaging structure configured to accommodate two or more energy storage units, the packaging structure comprising a base member, the base member being configured to accommodate the two or more energy storage units; a first set of pillars, the first set of pillars being configured to adjust a height of the packaging structure based on a height of the two or more energy storage units; a second set of pillars, the second set of pillars comprising a first end and a second end, the first end being removably connected the base member; one or more clamping members disposed laterally on the base member, each of the clamping member being configured to connect with the first set of pillars and the second set of pillars, whereby the two or more energy storage units are held in a position on the base member.
[026] In an embodiment, each of horizontal member of the plurality of horizontal members comprises a cover plate, the cover plate being configured to contact a bottom portion of the two or more energy storage units and having a cut-out to receive a second end of the second set of pillars, and one or more slits to allow air circulation onto the two or more energy storage units; and a hatch member, the hatch member being disposed below the cover plate and connected to the cross member of the frame member.
[027] In a further embodiment, the vehicle comprises an outer body cover, the outer body cover being configured to enclose a front portion and the rear portion of the vehicle, and wherein the outer body cover is provided with a cut-out at the rear portion of the vehicle, the cut-out allows an access to the packaging structure and the two or more energy storage units.
[028] In a further embodiment, the vehicle comprises a top cover, the top cover being disposed at a top portion of the packaging structure to enable an access to the two or more energy storage units from a top direction.
[029] In a further embodiment, the vehicle comprising a pivotable tail door disposed at the rear portion of the vehicle, the pivotable tail door being provided to cover the cut-out.
[030] In a further embodiment, the base member being connected to the cross member through the frame portion and the plurality of horizontal members.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[031] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.
Figure 1 illustrates a top perspective view of a vehicle having a packaging structure, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 illustrates a top view of the vehicle shown in Figure 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 illustrates a rear view of the vehicle shown in Figures 1 – 2, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 illustrate a top perspective view of the packaging structure along with one or more energy storage units, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 illustrates a rear view of the packaging structure shown in Figure 4, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 illustrates a side view of the packaging structure shown in Figure 5, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 7 illustrates a top perspective views of the packaging structure, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 8 illustrates a rear view of the packaging structure shown in Figure 7, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 9 illustrates a bottom view of the packaging structure shown in Figures 7 – 8, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 10 illustrates a top view of the packaging structure shown in Figures 7 – 8, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 11 illustrates an exploded view of the packaging structure, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 12 illustrates an exploded view of the packaging structure along with the one or more energy storage units, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 13 illustrates an exploded view of the packaging structure along with the one or more energy storage units, wherein the energy storage unit at center is displaced longitudinally from the packaging structure, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 14 illustrates an exploded view of the packaging structure along with the one or more energy storage units, wherein the energy storage unit at a side is displaced laterally from the packaging structure, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 15 illustrates a rear perspective view of the packaging structure along with the two or more energy storage units at a frame member of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 16 illustrates an exploded view of the packaging structure, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 17 illustrates a top perspective view of a base member of the packaging structure, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 18 illustrates an exploded view of the base member shown in Figure 18, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[032] Various features and embodiments of the present invention here will be discernible from the following further description thereof, set out hereunder.
[033] Present invention relates to a packaging structure 100 for energy storage units 12.
[034] Figure 1 illustrates top perspective view of a vehicle 10 having the packaging structure 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 illustrates a top view of the vehicle 10 shown in Figure 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the vehicle 10 is a passenger vehicle comprising a packaging structure 100 for accommodating and securing one or more energy storage units 12. The packaging structure 100 as explained in the present invention may also find its application in vehicles other than the passenger vehicle. Therefore, the exemplary vehicle of the passenger vehicle as shown in the present invention should not meant to be limiting the scope of the present invention. Further, the vehicle in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is a three-wheeled passenger vehicle. It may be contemplated that the passenger vehicle in some embodiments be a four-wheeled vehicle or multi-axle and multi-wheeled vehicle as well.
[035] The vehicle 10 as illustrated in the embodiment of the present invention may be an electric vehicle having an electric powertrain (power generated by batteries). However, it may be contemplated that the vehicle 10 may also be an Internal Combustion (IC) engine or a hybrid vehicle driven by a power generated by the combination of the IC engine and batteries for driving the vehicle 10. The vehicle 10 typically includes one or more front wheels (not shown), two or more rear wheels (not shown), a seat assembly (not shown), a frame member 14 (shown in Figure 15). The frame member 14 includes a pair of long members 16 (shown in Figure15) that extend in a vehicle front-rear direction D1 between a front end and a rear end of the vehicle 10. In some embodiment, the pair of long members 16 extending in the vehicle front-rear direction D1 are substantially parallel to each other. The frame member 14 further includes a plurality of cross members 18 (shown in Figure15) that extend transversely between the pair of long members 16. That is to say, the plurality of cross members 18 is disposed onto the pair of long members 16 and extends in a vehicle width-wise direction W1.
[036] In some embodiment, the vehicle 10 further includes a steering assembly (not shown) operatively connected to the front wheel(s). The vehicle 10 further includes a front suspension which is adapted to support the front wheel of the vehicle 10. An upper portion of the front wheel may be covered by a front fender (not shown) which is mounted to a lower portion of the front suspensions at the end of a steering shaft (not shown). The vehicle 10 further includes a handlebar (not shown) which is fixed to an upper bracket (not shown) and can rotate about an axis of the steering shaft to both sides of the vehicle 10.
[037] Further, a front portion (not shown) of the frame member 14 is adapted to support a plurality of body panels to form a driver cabin (not shown). The driver cabin is adapted to accommodate vehicular components including, but not limited to, the seat assembly and the handlebar. The driver cabin includes a pair of headlights (not shown) on its front face. Each of the rear wheel of the vehicle 10 is covered by a rear fender 22 (shown in Figure 1) that is disposed above the rear wheel. The rear wheels are rotated by a driving force of a vehicle powertrain (not shown). The vehicle 10 further includes a passenger cabin 32 (shown in Figure 1) that is mounted to the frame member 14 and supported onto the pair of long members 16. In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the passenger cabin 32 is disposed at a rear portion 24 of the vehicle 10. In an exemplary embodiment, the vehicle 10 further includes the packaging structure 100 for accommodating the two or more energy storage units 12 of the vehicle 10. In an exemplary embodiment, the two or more energy storage units 12 are batteries configured to supplying electrical energy to the electrical and/or electronic components of the vehicle 10 and also to supply the electrical energy to one or more motors (not shown) of the vehicle 10 for providing a traction force to the vehicle 10 for movement of the vehicle 10.
[038] In the illustrated embodiments as shown in Figures 1and 3, the vehicle 10 further includes an outer body cover 20. The outer body cover 20 is configured to enclose a front portion and the rear portion 24 of the vehicle 10. In an embodiment, the outer body cover 20 is provided with a cut-out 26 at the rear portion 24 of the vehicle 10. The cut-out 26 allows an access to the packaging structure 100 and the two or more energy storage units 12 disposed on the rear portion 24 of the vehicle 10. Figure 3 illustrates a rear view of the vehicle shown in Figures 1 – 2, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figures 1 – 3, the vehicle 10 includes a pivotable tail door 30, which is disposed at the rear portion 24 of the vehicle 10. The pivotable tail door 30 is provided to cover the cut-out 26 made in the outer body cover 20 at the rear portion 24 of the vehicle 10. As shown in Figure 1, the vehicle 10 further includes a top cover 28 at the rear portion 24 of the vehicle 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the top cover 28 is disposed at a top portion 114 (shown in Figure 2) of the packaging structure 100 to enable an access to the two or more energy storage units 12 from a top direction D2 (shown in Figure 3).
[039] Referring to Figures 4 – 6, the packaging structure 100 accommodating and securing the two or more energy storage units 12 are more clearly illustrated. In an exemplary embodiment, the packaging structure 100 comprises a base member 102. The base member 102 is configured to accommodate and/or support the two or more energy storage units 12. In an embodiment, the base member 102 comprises a frame portion 102A (shown in Figures 9, 10, 11, 16, and 18) and a plurality of horizontal members 102B (shown in Figures 7 and 13). In an embodiment, the plurality of horizontal members 102B is disposed on the frame portion 102A of the base member 102 in a longitudinal direction L of the packaging structure 100. As shown in Figures 10, 11, 17 and 18, the frame portion 102A comprises a horizontal protrusion 102A’ extending inwardly at a periphery 102P of the frame portion 102A.
[040] Further, in an embodiment, the plurality of horizontal members 102B is disposed at a middle location M on the frame portion 102A (shown in Figure 10). Thus, the horizontal protrusion 102A’ and the plurality of horizontal members 102B forms one or more mounting portions M1 in the base member 102. In some embodiments, each of the mounting portion M1 is configured to accommodate one energy storage unit 12 of the two or more energy storage units 12 (shown in Figure 13).
[041] In an embodiment, each of the horizontal member 102B of the plurality of horizontal members 102B comprises a cover plate 102B1 (clearly shown in Figures 11, 16, 17 and 18). The cover plate 102B1 is configured to contact a bottom portion 12A of the two or more energy storage units 12 and having a cut-out 102B2 to receive a second end 106B of the second set of pillars 106. The horizontal members 102B further comprises one or more slits 102B3 to allow air circulation onto the two or more energy storage units 12. In the illustrated embodiments in Figures 19, 17 and 18, the one or more slits 102B3 are in oblong shape in the longitudinal direction L of the packaging structure 100. In a further embodiment, each of the horizontal member 102B further comprises a hatch member 102B4 (shown in Figure9, 16 and 18). The hatch member 102B4 is disposed below the cover plate 102B1and connected to the cross member 18 of the frame member 14. The hatch member 102B4 may further include a ventilation hole 102B4’ (shown in Figure 18) for allowing air ventilation from below the packaging structure 100 and through the hatch member 102B4.
[042] In an embodiment, the base member 102 comprises one or more sliding members (not shown). The one or more sliding members are disposed along the periphery 102P of the base member 102 in a lateral direction L1. In some embodiments, the one or more sliding members include, but not limited to, at least one of ball bearings, four bar sliding mechanism, sliders, and gliders.
[043] In an embodiment as shown in Figure 5, the periphery 102P of the base member 102 and the two or more energy storage units 12 forms an air gap G to allow air circulation for cooling the two or more energy storage units 12.
[044] Further, the packaging structure 100 comprises a cooling assembly (not shown) which is disposed along the periphery 102P of the base member 102 to circulate a coolant along the periphery 102P of the base member 102.
[045] In an embodiment as shown in Figures 10 and 18, the plurality of horizontal members 102B comprises a plurality of curved contours 102B’ at one or more pre-defined locations at a side of the plurality of horizontal members 102B. The plurality of curved contours 102B’ is configured to receive a plurality of projections 12B (shown in Figure 5) of the two or more energy storage units 12. The plurality of curved contours 102B’ is configured to engage with the plurality of projections 12B of the two or more energy storage units 12 to secure position of the two or more energy storage units 12 in a longitudinal direction L and a lateral direction L1 of the base member 102. Thus, an assembly of the plurality of projections 12B with the plurality of curved contours 102B’ prevents movement of the one or more energy storage units in X axis i.e., with respect to the horizontal direction with respect to a ground surface.
[046] In an embodiment as shown in Figures 17 and 18, the horizontal protrusion 102A’ of the frame portion 102A comprises a plurality of curved contours 102A1 (similar to the curved contours 102B’) at one or more pre-defined locations at a side of the plurality of horizontal protrusion 102A’. Along with the plurality of curved contours 102B’, the horizontal protrusions 102A’ having the plurality of curved contours 102A1 also prevents movement of the one or more energy storage units in X axis i.e., with respect to the horizontal direction with respect to the ground surface. In the illustrated embodiments referring to the Figure 10 in conjunction with the Figures 17 and 18, the curved contours 102B’ and the plurality of curved contours 102A1 together forms a restraining portions at four corners of the mounting portions M1 preventing the movement of the one or more energy storage units on the base member 102.
[047] In some embodiment, the frame portion 102A as shown in Figure 16, may include four fragments, wherein two fragments at sides and two fragments at a front and rear portions of the frame portion 102A. Each of the fragments of the frame portion 102A may have the horizontal protrusion 102A’ integrally formed with the fragments. In some further embodiments, the horizontal protrusion 102A’ may be joined with the periphery 102P and internally through a known process like welding. Further, each of the fragments may be fabricated using a known process including, but not limited to, welding, for forming a frame portion 102A. Referring again to Figure 16, the horizontal members 102B disposed on the frame portion 102A of the base member 102 in the longitudinal direction L of the packaging structure 100 may also be welded to the fragments of the frame portion 102A at the front and rear portions of the frame portion 102A. In some further embodiment, the cover plate 102B1 and the hatch member 102B4 of the horizontal members 102B may be welded or glued to form a single horizontal member 102B.
[048] Referring to Figures 4 - 16, the packaging structure 100 further includes a first set of pillars 104 and they are located at opposite sides of the packaging structure 100. In an embodiment, the first set of pillars 104 are configured to adjust a height H (shown in Figure5) of the packaging structure 100 based on a height h (shown in Figure 6) of the two or more energy storage units 12. In a further embodiment, the first set of pillars 104 comprises a first portion 104A and a second portion 104B. In the illustrated embodiment, one end of the first portion 104A is fixedly or hingedly attached to the base member 102 and another end of the first portion 104A is slidably connected to the second portion 104B for varying a height 104h (shown in Figure 8) of the first set of pillars 104. In an embodiment, the first portion 104A is provided with multiple holes 104A1 (shown in Figure 16) and the second portion 104B is provided with multiple holes 104B1 (shown in Figure 16) for achieving adjustable feature so as to allow the second portion 104B to slide up or down, and then the second portion 104B is manually affixed to the first portion 104A through one or more fasteners (for example: nuts) based on height of the energy storage units 12. That is to say, the first portion 104A comprises multiple holes 104A1 and the second portion 104B comprises multiple holes 104B1 for adjusting height of the first set of pillars 104, whereby allowing the second portion 104B to slide up or down over the first portion 104A, and the second portion 104B is manually affixed to the first portion 104A through one or more fasteners based on height of the two or more energy storage units 12. Further, the first set of pillars 104 comprises a bent rod 104C. The bent rod 104C comprises a hook portion 104C1 and a stud portion 104C2 extending from the hook portion 104C1. The stud portion 104C2 is attached to the second portion 104B of the first set of pillars 104. In an embodiment, the stud portion 104C2 is fixedly attached to the second portion 104B of the first set of pillars 104. The first portion 104A and the second portion 104B of the first set of pillars are a plate like structures having a central groove or channel and thus forming a stepped cross section. In some embodiment, the stud portion 104C2 of the bent rod 104C is fixedly connected to the central groove or the channel of the second portion 104B of the first set of pillars 104. In some other embodiment, a stepped portion is formed on an opposite side of the central groove or channel of the first portion 104A of the first set of pillars 104. The stepped portion of the first portion 104A faces the central groove or the channel of the second portion 104B and thus the overall width of the packaging structure 100 is not increased due to the first set of pillars 104. Further, since the second portion 104B of the first set of pillars 104 can be varied in height (vertically with respect to the base member 102), the height 104h of the first set of pillars 104 can be varied and thus varying the height H of the packaging structure 100 to accommodate the one or more energy storage units 12 based on the heights of the one or more energy storage units 12. Hence, the present invention having the first set of pillars 104 can accommodate the one or more energy storage units 12 with varying heights.
[049] Referring to Figure 5, 7, 8, 10, 11, 14 and 16, the packaging structure 100 further includes a second set of pillars 106. In some embodiment, the second set of pillars 106 can be a solid rod or a hollow rod. As shown in Figure 8, the second set of pillars 106 comprises a first end 106A and a second end 106B. The first end 106A of the second set of pillars 106 is removably connected the base member 102.
[050] The packaging structure 100 further includes one or more clamping members 108. The one or more clamping members 108 are disposed laterally on the base member 102. Each of the clamping member 108 is configured to connect with the first set of pillars 104 and the second set of pillars 106, whereby the two or more energy storage units 12 are held in a position on the base member 102. In an embodiment, each of the clamping member 108 of the one or more clamping members 108 comprises one or more mounting holes 108M1, 108M2. In an embodiment, the mounting hole 108M1 of the one or more mounting holes 108M1, 108M2 allows the second set of pillars 106 to pass through. In an embodiment, the mounting hole 108M2 of the one or more mounting holes 108M1, 108M2 allows a hook portion 104C1 of a bent rod 104C of the first set of pillars 104 to pass through.
[051] In an embodiment, each of the clamping member 108 of the one or more clamping members 108 comprises one or more extension portions 108A. The one or more extension portions 108A are configured to secure the position of each energy storage unit 12 of the two or more energy storage units 12 disposed on the base member 102. In an embodiment, the packaging structure 100 comprises N–1 number of clamping members 108 for accommodating the two or more energy storage units 12, wherein N is a number of energy storage units 12.
[052] In an embodiment shown in Figure 7, the packaging structure 100 comprises a plurality of fastening members 110 is fastened with the second set of pillars 106 to clamp the one or more clamping members 108 on the two or more energy storage units 12.
[053] In an embodiment, the one or more mounting portions M1 in the base member 102 is configured to provide a passageway for air for cooling the two or more energy storage units 12 from a bottom portion 12A of the two or more energy storage units 12.
[054] As shown in Figures 12-14, in some embodiment, for removing the one or more energy storage units 12, firstly, the bolts at the clamping members and the second set of pillars are untightened and removed. Thereafter, the one or more clamping members are removed. Upon removal of the one or more clamping members, the energy storage unit at a centre is removed from and out of the packaging structure through the cut-out made in the outer body cover. Once the energy storage unit is removed out the packaging structure, the second set of pillars are removed. Upon removal of the second set of pillars, any one of the energy storage units from either side is slide to a centre or middle portion of the packaging structure for further removal for maintenance or for swapping. Similarly, the remaining energy storage unit is slide to a center or middle portion of the packaging structure for further removal for maintenance or for swapping.
[055] Advantageously, the packaging structure in the present invention accommodates two or more energy storage units (batteries) without modifications in existing vehicle layouts. Further, the present invention provides a battery clamping structure designed in such a way, it will allow the batteries to slide when unclamped. On the other hand, the conventional battery clamping structure is welded to the base of the battery holder and it will obstruct the sliding of the battery for replacement / servicing / swapping.
[056] Furthermore, the packaging structure can be used for mounting any identical parts which requires in multiple quantities and having similar interface issues. The packaging structure facilitates the use of an additional battery for high range variant in a vehicle, without adding extra weight.
[057] The packaging structure for the batteries is a modular mounting structure and there won’t be any change in high investment parts and the tail door will be common across platforms. Further, there is no major revamping of conventional manufacturing processes. Also, the packaging structure as disclosed in the present invention reduces number of components and associated weight. Thus, improves mileage (range) of the electric vehicle. The packaging structure having the cooling assembly provides cooling to the one or more energy storage units. Further, the periphery of the base member and the two or more energy storage units forms an air gap which allows air circulation / ventilation for cooling the two or more energy storage units.
[058] The packaging structure as disclosed in the present invention is effective and provides rigid positioning of the energy storage units (battery pack) at a rear end by arresting movement of the battery pack in the X, Y and Z axes of the vehicle.
[059] The packaging structure provides improved serviceability, manufacturability, ease of assembly time, efficient packaging layout of the vehicle, permitting existing vehicle layouts to be modified for higher range applications without modification of existing vehicle layouts.
[060] In a conventional battery holding structure, it consists of two vertical pillars welded with studs on two opposite side of the battery and a plate above the battery will be used for clamping the battery taking support from vertical pillars. Clamping plate will be secured by tightening two nuts on the studs. Tightening torque gets converted to clamping force for the battery and ensures the safety of the battery. However, the said vertical pillars, obstruct battery removal and sliding the batteries. Whereas in the present invention, instead of welding the clamping member, the clamping member is made as removable structure.
[061] In conventional mounting structures accommodating three batteries, three clamps and six vertical pillars are required. Whereas in the present packaging structure, two clamp members and four pillars are required and thus the present packaging structure reduces number of components and corresponding weight.
[062] In the present packaging structure, the hooks are provided on both the extreme ends to ensure easy removal of battery clamps and thus there is no access to tighten bolts. In the middle portion of the packaging structure, two bolts are provided. By using the extended hooks, it is possible to secure three batteries by using only two bolts. Thus, an operator or user has to tighten only two bolts for the removable vertical pillars (second set of pillars) and the other ends a hook like structure is provided at the vertical pillars (first set of pillars) disposed at the two ends.
[063] In an embodiment, in the event when two batteries are disposed at two ends of the packaging structure, the middle portion can be used for utility, which can be accessible from the pivotable tail door.
[064] While the present invention has been described with respect to certain embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modification may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

List of Reference Numerals and Characters
10: Vehicle
12: Energy storage units
12A: Bottom portion of energy storage units
12B: Projections of energy storage units
14: Frame member
16: Long members
18: Cross members
20: Outer body cover
22: Rear fender
24: Rear portion of the vehicle
26: Cut-out in outer body cover
28: Top cover
30: Pivotable tail door
32: Passenger cabin
100: Packaging structure
102: Base member
102A: Frame portion
102A’: Horizontal protrusion
102A1: Curved contours
102B: Horizontal members
102B’: Curved contours of horizontal members
102B1: Cover plate
102B2: Cut-out in horizontal members
102B3: Slits
102B4: Hatch member
102B4’: Ventilation hole
102P: Periphery of frame portion
104: First set of pillars
104A: First portion of first set of pillars
104A1: Multiple holes in the first portion
104B: Second portion of first set of pillars
104B1: Multiple holes in the second portion
104C: Bent rod
104C1: Hook portion of the bent rod
104C2: Stud portion of the bent rod
104h: Height of the first set of pillars
106: Second set of pillars
106A: First end of the second set of pillars
106B: Second end of the second set of pillars
108: Clamping members
108A: Extension portions of the clamping members
108M1: Mounting holes in the clamping members
108M2: Mounting holes in the clamping members
110: Fastening members
114: Top portion of the packaging structure
D1: Vehicle front-rear direction
D2: Top direction
G: Air gap
H: Height of the packaging structure
h: Height of the two or more energy storage units
L: Longitudinal direction
M: Middle location on frame portion
M1: Mounting portions
N: Number of energy storage units
W1: Vehicle width-wise direction

, C , Claims:1. A packaging structure (100) for two or more energy storage units (12), the packaging structure (100) comprising:
a base member (102), the base member (102) being configured to accommodate the two or more energy storage units (12);
a first set of pillars (104), the first set of pillars (104) being configured to adjust a height (H) of the packaging structure (100) based on a height (h) of the two or more energy storage units (12);
a second set of pillars (106), the second set of pillars (106) comprising a first end (106A) and a second end (106B), the first end (106A) being removably connected the base member (102);
one or more clamping members (108) disposed laterally on the base member (102), each of the clamping member (108) being configured to connect with the first set of pillars (104) and the second set of pillars (106), whereby the two or more energy storage units (12) are held in a position on the base member (102).

2. The packaging structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the base member (102) comprises a frame portion (102A) and a plurality of horizontal members (102B), the plurality of horizontal members (102B) being disposed on the frame portion (102A) of the base member (102) in a longitudinal direction (L) of the packaging structure (100), and wherein the frame portion (102A) comprises a horizontal protrusion (102A’) extending inwardly at a periphery (102P) of the frame portion (102A).

3. The packaging structure (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the plurality of horizontal members (102B) is disposed at a middle location (M) on the frame portion (102A), whereby the horizontal protrusion (102A’) and the plurality of horizontal members (102B) forms one or more mounting portions (M1) in the base member (102), each of the mounting portion (M1) being configured to accommodate one energy storage unit (12) of the two or more energy storage units (12).

4. The packaging structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first set of pillars (104) comprises a first portion (104A), a second portion (104B) and a bent rod (104C), wherein one end of the first portion (104A) being fixedly or hingedly attached to the base member (102) and another end of the first portion (104A) is slidably connected to a second portion (104B) for varying a height (104h) of the first set of pillars (104), and wherein the bent rod (104C) comprising a hook portion (104C1) and a stud portion (104C2) extending from the hook portion (104C1), the stud portion (104C2) being attached to a second portion (104B) of the first set of pillars (104).

5. The packaging structure (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the first portion (104A) comprises multiple holes (104A1) and the second portion (104B) comprises multiple holes (104B1) for adjusting height of the first set of pillars (104), whereby allowing the second portion (104B) to slide up or down over the first portion (104A), and wherein the second portion (104B) is manually affixed to the first portion (104A) through one or more fasteners based on height of the two or more energy storage units (12).

6. The packaging structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the clamping member (108) of the one or more clamping members (108) comprises one or more mounting holes (108M1, 108M2), mounting hole (108M1) of the one or more mounting holes (108M1, 108M2) allows the second set of pillars (106) to pass through and mounting hole (108M2) of the one or more mounting holes (108M1, 108M2) allows a hook portion (104C1) of a bent rod (104C) of the first set of pillars (104) to pass through.

7. The packaging structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the clamping member (108) of the one or more clamping members (108) comprises one or more extension portions (108A), the one or more extension portions (108A) being configured to secure the position of each energy storage unit (12) of the two or more energy storage units (12) disposed on the base member (102), and the packaging structure (100) comprising a plurality of fastening members (110) being fastened with the second set of pillars (106) to clamp the one or more clamping members (108) on the two or more energy storage units (12).

8. The packaging structure (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the one or more mounting portions (M1) in the base member (102) is configured to provide a passageway for air for cooling the two or more energy storage units (12) from a bottom portion (12A) of the two or more energy storage units (12).

9. The packaging structure (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein each of horizontal member (102B) of the plurality of horizontal members (102B) comprises:
a cover plate (102B1), the cover plate (102B1) being configured to contact a bottom portion (12A) of the two or more energy storage units (12) and having a cut-out (102B2) to receive a second end (106B) of the second set of pillars (106), and one or more slits (102B3) to allow air circulation onto the two or more energy storage units (12); and
a hatch member (102B4), the hatch member (102B4) being disposed below the cover plate (102B1).

10. The packaging structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the base member (102) comprises one or more sliding members, the one or more sliding members being disposed along the periphery (102P) of the base member (102) in a lateral direction (L1), the one or more sliding members being at least one of ball bearings, four bar sliding mechanism, sliders, and gliders.
11. The packaging structure (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the periphery (102P) of the base member (102) and the two or more energy storage units (12) forms an air gap (G) to allow air circulation for cooling the two or more energy storage units (12).

12. The packaging structure (100) as claimed in claim 2 comprising a cooling assembly disposed along the periphery (102P) of the base member (102) to circulate a coolant along the periphery (102P) of the base member (102).

13. The packaging structure (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the plurality of horizontal members (102B) comprises a plurality of curved contours (102B’) at one or more pre-defined locations at a side of the plurality of horizontal members (102B) to receive a plurality of projections (12B) of the two or more energy storage units (12), wherein the plurality of curved contours (102B’) being configured to engage with the plurality of projections (12B) of the two or more energy storage units (12) to secure position of the two or more energy storage units (12) in a longitudinal direction (L) and a lateral direction (L1) of the base member (102).

14. The packaging structure (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the horizontal protrusion (102A’) comprises a plurality of curved contours (102A1) at one or more pre-defined locations at a side of the plurality of horizontal protrusion (102A’).

15. The packaging structure (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprising N–1 number of clamping members (108) for accommodating the two or more energy storage units (12), wherein N is a number of energy storage units (12).

16. A vehicle (10), comprising:
a frame member (14) comprising:
a pair of long members (16) extending in a vehicle front-rear direction (D1), and
a plurality of cross members (18) disposed onto the pair of long members (16) and extending in a vehicle width-wise direction (W1); and
a packaging structure (100) disposed onto the frame member (14) and at a rear portion of the vehicle (10), the packaging structure (100) configured to accommodate two or more energy storage units (12), the packaging structure (100) comprising:
a base member (102), the base member (102) being configured to accommodate the two or more energy storage units (12);
a first set of pillars (104), the first set of pillars (104) being configured to adjust a height (H) of the packaging structure (100) based on a height (h) of the two or more energy storage units (12);
a second set of pillars (106), the second set of pillars (106) comprising a first end (106A) and a second end (106B), the first end (106A) being removably connected the base member (102);
one or more clamping members (108) disposed laterally on the base member (102), each of the clamping member (108) being configured to connect with the first set of pillars (104) and the second set of pillars (106), whereby the two or more energy storage units (12) are held in a position on the base member (102).

17. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 16, wherein the base member (102) comprises a frame portion (102A) and a plurality of horizontal members (102B), the plurality of horizontal members (102B) being disposed on the frame portion (102A) of the base member (102) in a longitudinal direction (L) of the packaging structure (100), and wherein the frame portion (102A) comprises a horizontal protrusion (102A’) extending inwardly at a periphery (102P) of the frame portion (102A).

18. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 17, wherein the plurality of horizontal members (102B) are disposed at a middle location (M) on the frame portion (102A), whereby the horizontal protrusion (102A’) and the plurality of horizontal members (102B) forms one or more mounting portions (M1) in the base member (102), wherein each of the mounting portion (M1) being configured to accommodate one energy storage unit (12) of the two or more energy storage units (12).

19. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 16, wherein the first set of pillars (104) comprises a first portion (104A) and a second portion (104B), one end of the first portion (104A) being fixedly or hingedly attached to the base member (102) and another end of the first portion (104A) is slidably connected to the second portion (104B) for varying a height (104h) of the first set of pillars (104), wherein the first portion (104A) comprises multiple holes (104A1) and the second portion (104B) comprises multiple holes (104B1) for adjusting height of the first set of pillars (104), whereby allowing the second portion (104B) to slide up or down over the first portion (104A), and wherein the second portion (104B) is manually affixed to the first portion (104A) through one or more fasteners based on height of the two or more energy storage units (12), wherein the first set of pillars (104) comprises a bent rod (104C), the bent rod (104C) comprising a hook portion (104C1) and a stud portion (104C2) extending from the hook portion (104C1), the stud portion (104C2) being attached to a second portion (104B) of the first set of pillars (104).

20. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 16, wherein each of the clamping member (108) of the one or more clamping members (108) comprises one or more mounting holes (108M1, 108M2), mounting hole (108M1) of the one or more mounting holes (108M1, 108M2) allows the second set of pillars (106) to pass through and mounting hole (108M2) of the one or more mounting holes (108M1, 108M2) allows a hook portion (104C1) of a bent rod (104C) of the first set of pillars (104) to pass through.

21. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 16, wherein each of the clamping member (108) of the one or more clamping members (108) comprises one or more extension portions (108A), the one or more extension portions (108A) being configured to secure the position of each energy storage unit (12) of the two or more energy storage units (12) disposed on the base member (102), and the vehicle (10) comprising a plurality of fastening members (110) being fastened with the second set of pillars (106) to clamp the one or more clamping members (108) on the two or more energy storage units (12).

22. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 18, wherein the one or more mounting portions (M1) in the base member (102) is configured to provide a passageway for air for cooling the two or more energy storage units (12) from a bottom portion (12A) the two or more energy storage units (12).

23. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 17, wherein each of horizontal member (102B) of the plurality of horizontal members (102B) comprises:
a cover plate (102B1), the cover plate (102B1) being configured to contact a bottom portion (12A) of the two or more energy storage units (12) and having a cut-out (102B2) to receive a second end (106B) of the second set of pillars (106), and one or more slits (102B3) to allow air circulation onto the two or more energy storage units (12); and
a hatch member (102B4), the hatch member (102B4) being disposed below the cover plate (102B1) and connected to the cross member (18) of the frame member (14).

24. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 16, wherein the base member (102) comprises one or more sliding members, the one or more sliding members being disposed along the periphery (102P) of the base member (102) in a lateral direction (L1), the one or more sliding members being at least one of ball bearings, four bar sliding mechanism, sliders, and gliders.

25. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 17, wherein the periphery (102P) of the base member (102) and the two or more energy storage units (12) forms an air gap (G) to allow air circulation for cooling the two or more energy storage units (12).

26. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 17 comprising a cooling assembly disposed along the periphery (102P) of the base member (102) to circulate a coolant along the periphery (102P) of the base member (102).

27. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 17, wherein the plurality of horizontal members (102B) comprises a plurality of curved contours (102B’) at one or more pre-defined locations at a side of the plurality of horizontal members (102B) to receive a plurality of projections (12B) of the two or more energy storage units (12), wherein the plurality of curved contours (102B’) being configured to engage with the plurality of projections (12B) of the two or more energy storage units (12) to secure position of the two or more energy storage units (12) in the longitudinal direction (L) and the lateral direction (L1) of the base member (102).

28. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 16 comprising an outer body cover (20), the outer body cover (20) being configured to enclose a front portion and the rear portion (24) of the vehicle (10), and wherein the outer body cover (20) is provided with a cut-out (26) at the rear portion (24) of the vehicle (10), the cut-out (26) allows an access to the packaging structure (100) and the two or more energy storage units (12), and a pivotable tail door (30) disposed at the rear portion (24) of the vehicle (10), the pivotable tail door (30) being provided to cover the cut-out (26).

29. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 17, wherein the horizontal protrusion (102A’) comprises a plurality of curved contours (102A1) at one or more pre-defined locations at a side of the plurality of horizontal protrusion (102A’).

30. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 16 comprising a top cover (28), the top cover (28) being disposed at a top portion (114) of the packaging structure (100) to enable an access to the two or more energy storage units (12) from a top direction (D2).

31. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 16, wherein the base member (102) being connected to the cross member (18) through the frame portion (102A) and the plurality of horizontal members (102B).