[001] The present subject matter in general relates to battery modules. More particularly, but not exclusively, the subject matter relates to a system and a method for lifting, locating and fastening the battery modules.
BACKGROUND
[002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present subject matter. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed subject matter, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[003] Referring to FIG. 1, disclosed is a conventional way of mounting a battery module 12 to a mounting member 16. The battery module 12 defines a through hole for a bolt 14 to pass through. The battery module 12 is affixed to the mounting member 16 by fastening the bolt 14 to the mounting member 16 using a nut 18.
[004] The drawback associated with the instant solution is that the battery module 12 cannot be physically carried around as is. There needs to be additional fixtures attached to the body of the battery module so that one can carry lifting the battery module 12 using the additional fixture. However, the use of additional fixture consumes more space, adding weight to the existing battery module 12 and increasing the costs associated with the structure.
[005] Furthermore, the limitations associated with the prevalent structural solution(s) are that the battery module 12 can only be placed at the appropriate mounting member 16 by manually moving around the battery module 12 so that the bolt 14 comes in contact with the corresponding hole defined on the mounting member 16. This procedure not only consumes more time but also requires more man-hours, thereby making the entire set up structure and the process involved onerous in nature.
[006] Chinese utility patent CN204607356U discloses a similar way of installing the battery module to a solid base. A docking mechanism is used to affix the battery module to the base and separate lifting rings are attached throughout the top surface of the battery module to help in lifting of the battery module.
OBJECTS OF THE DISCLOSURE
[007] In view of the foregoing limitations inherent in state-of-the-art, some of the objects of the present subject matter, which at least one embodiment herein satisfy, are listed herein below.
[008] It is an object of the present subject matter to propose a system for mounting a battery module to a base.
[009] It is another object of the present subject matter to propose a method for mounting the battery module to the base.
[0010] It is yet another object of the present subject matter to propose a bolt that can be used to lift the battery module.
[0011] It is still yet another object of the present subject matter to propose a bolt that can be used to locate a mounting location for the battery module.
[0012] It is still yet another object of the present disclosure to propose a bolt that can be used to fasten the battery module to the mounting location.
[0013] These and other objects and advantages of the present subject matter will be apparent to those skilled in the art after a consideration of the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which a preferred form of the present invention is illustrated.
SUMMARY
[0014] This summary is provided to introduce concepts related to mounting of battery modules. The concepts are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.
[0015] The present subject matter relates to a system for mounting a battery module to a base. The system includes a module housing defining a stepped through hole comprising a through hole and a step down through hole, and a bolt configured to pass through the stepped through hole. The step down through hole is threaded and defined away from the base. The bolt comprises a locator configured to locate a mounting location on the base, a first threaded portion configured to fasten the bolt to a threaded hole defined by the mounting location, a second threaded portion configured to fasten the bolt to the step down through hole and a bolt head configured to lift the battery module.
[0016] The present subject matter further relates to a method for mounting a battery module to a base. The method describes fastening, using a second threaded portion, a bolt to a step down through hole defined by a stepped through hole. The bolt comprises a bolt head, the second threaded portion, a first threaded portion and a locator. A module housing defines the stepped through hole. The stepped through hole defines a through hole. The method further illustrates protruding, using the bolt, the locator from outer surface of the module housing. The outer surface of the module housing is adjacent to the base. There is further described lifting, using the bolt head, the battery module; and locating, using the locator, a mounting location on the base. The mounting location defines a threaded hole. The method further enables fastening, using the first threaded portion, the bolt to the threaded hole.
[0017] Other objects, features and advantages of the present subject matter will become apparent from the following detailed description. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and the specific examples, while indicating specific embodiments of the subject matter, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0018] While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter that is regarded as forming the present subject matter, it is believed that the present disclosure will be better understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, where like reference numerals designate like structural and other elements, in which:
[0019] FIG. 1 discloses a conventional way of mounting battery module 12;
[0020] FIG. 2 discloses a system for mounting a battery module 102 to a base 104; and
[0021] FIG. 3 illustrates the method steps for mounting the battery module 102 to the base 104.
[0022] The figures depict embodiments of the present subject matter for the purposes of illustration only. A person skilled in the art will easily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] The detailed description of various exemplary embodiments of the subject matter is described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments are described herein in such details as to clearly communicate the subject matter. However, the amount of details provided herein is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present subject matter as defined by the appended claims.
[0024] It is also to be understood that various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the present subject matter. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the present subject matter, as well as specific examples, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
[0025] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “includes”, “consisting” and/or “including” when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and/or groups thereof.
[0026] It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions/acts noted may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two figures shown in succession may, in fact, be executed concurrently or may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved.
[0027] In addition, the descriptions of "first", "second", “third”, and the like in the present invention are used for the purpose of description only, and are not to be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated. Thus, features defining "first" and "second" may include at least one of the features, either explicitly or implicitly.
[0028] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which example embodiments belong. It will be further understood that terms, e.g., those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
[0029] Referring to FIG. 2, disclosed is a system 100 for mounting a battery module 102 to a base 104, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The battery module 102 is configured to store a plurality of batteries 128.
[0030] In an embodiment, the base 104 is flat surface on which the battery module 102 is going to rest when mounted.
[0031] In an embodiment, the system 100 comprises a module housing 106 and a bolt 114. The module housing 106 is a part of the battery module 102 and is configured to cover the plurality of batteries 128 stored within the battery module 102.
[0032] In an embodiment, the module housing 106 is configured to define a stepped through hole 108. The stepped through hole 108 comprises a through hole 110 and a step down through hole 112. The step down through hole 112 is threaded and is defined away from the base 104 to which the battery module 102 is to be mounted.
[0033] In an embodiment, the step down through hole 112 defines a diameter that is smaller than a diameter defined by the through hole 110.
[0034] In an embodiment, the bolt 114 is configured to pass through the stepped through hole 108. The bolt 114 comprises a locator 116, a first threaded portion 120, a second threaded portion 124 and a bolt head 126.
[0035] According to an embodiment, the locator 116 defines a diameter that is smaller than a diameter defined by the first threaded portion 120. The first threaded portion 120 defines a diameter that is smaller than a diameter defined by the second threaded portion 124. The bolt head 126 defines a diameter that is larger than a diameter defined by the second threaded portion 124.
[0036] It is in accordance to an embodiment of the present subject matter that the locator 116 is configured to locate a mounting location 118 on the base 104. The mounting location 118 defines a threaded hole 122 such that the perimeter defined by the locator 116 is smaller than a diameter defined by the threaded hole 122. This configuration allows the locator 116 to pass through the threaded hole 122 when the first threaded portion 120 of the bolt 114 is being fastened to the threaded hole 122. The locator 116 avoids misalignment of the battery module 102 while mounting onto the base 104. Also, the threaded hole 122 can be made using a nut which may be welded or un-welded on the base 104.
[0037] In an embodiment, the first threaded portion 120 is configured to fasten the bolt 114 to the threaded hole 122.
[0038] In an embodiment, the second threaded portion 124 is configured to fasten the bolt 114 to the step down through hole 112.
[0039] In an embodiment, the bolt head 126 is configured to lift the battery module 102 and be moved around using a gap 130 formed when the second threaded portion 124 of the bolt 114 is partially fastened to the step down through hole 112.
[0040] In an embodiment, a plurality of stepped through holes 108 may be defined along the edges of the module housing 106.
[0041] Referring to FIG. 3, the present subject matter illustrates the method steps 200 for mounting the battery module 102 to the base 104.
[0042] At step 202, the second threaded portion 124 of the bolt 114 is partially fastened to the step down through hole 112 of the stepped through hole 108 defined by the module housing 106. The bolt 114 is partially fastened so that the gap 130 is formed between top surface of the battery module 102 and the bolt head 126.
[0043] In an embodiment, the gap 130 is used to lift the battery module 102 using the bolt 126 so that the battery module can be moved to a desired mounting location.
[0044] At step 204, the partial fastening of the bolt 114 to the stepped through hole protrudes the locator 116 from bottom surface of the module housing 106. In an embodiment, the bottom surface of the module housing 106 is the surface of the module housing 106 that is adjacent to the base 104.
[0045] At step 206, the battery module 102 is lifted using the bolt head 126 and moved towards the mounting location 118.
[0046] At step 208, the mounting location 118 is located on the base 104 using the locator 116. The mounting location 118 defines a threaded hole 122. The locator 116 passes through the threaded hole 122 and the battery module 102 is disposed on the base 104.
[0047] At step 210, the bolt 114 is tightened so that the first threaded portion 120 fastens to the threaded hole 122.
TECHNICAL ADVANTAGES
[0048] The present subject matter proposes a system for mounting a battery module to a base.
[0049] The present subject matter proposes a method for mounting the battery module to the base.
[0050] The present subject matter proposes a single bolt that is integrated into the set up structure of battery modules and is used for different applications, including lifting the battery module, locating a mounting location for the battery module, and fastening the battery module to the mounting location, thereby resulting in better space utilization and optimal cost operations along with drastic improvements in the time and manpower requirements for setting up the structure.
[0051] Furthermore, each of the appended claims defines a separate invention, which for infringement purposes is recognized as including equivalents to the various elements or limitations specified in the claims. Depending on the context, all references below to the “invention” may in some cases refer to certain specific embodiments only. In other cases, it will be recognized that references to the “invention” will refer to subject matter recited in one or more, but not necessarily all, of the claims.
[0052] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all groups used in the appended claims.
[0053] Furthermore, those skilled in the art can appreciate that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure. It will be appreciated that several of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be combined into other systems or applications. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements therein may subsequently be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as encompassed by the following claims.
[0054] The claims, as originally presented and as they may be amended, encompass variations, alternatives, modifications, improvements, equivalents, and substantial equivalents of the embodiments and teachings disclosed herein, including those that are presently unforeseen or unappreciated, and that, for example, may arise from applicants/patentees and others.
[0055] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the present disclosure, other and further embodiments of the present disclosure may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the present disclosure is determined by the claims that follow. The present disclosure is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.

Claims:We claim:
1. A system (100) for mounting a battery module (102) to a base (104), the system (100) comprising:
a module housing (106) defining a stepped through hole (108) comprising a through hole (110) and a step down through hole (112), wherein the step down through hole (112) is threaded and defined away from the base (104);
a bolt (114) configured to pass through the stepped through hole (108), wherein the bolt (114) comprises:
a locator (116) configured to locate a mounting location (118) on the base (104);
a first threaded portion (120) configured to fasten the bolt (114) to a threaded hole (122) defined by the mounting location (118);
a second threaded portion (124) configured to fasten the bolt (114) to the step down through hole (112); and
a bolt head (126) configured to lift the battery module (102).

2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the battery module (102) is configured to store a plurality of batteries (128).

3. The system (100) as claimed in one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the module housing (106) is configured to cover the plurality of batteries (128) stored within the battery module (102).

4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the locator (116) defines a perimeter that is smaller than a diameter defined by the threaded hole (122).

5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the locator (116) defines a perimeter that is smaller than a diameter defined by the first threaded portion (120).
6. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first threaded portion (120) defines a diameter that is smaller than a diameter defined by the second threaded portion (124).

7. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bolt head (126) defines a perimeter that is larger than a diameter defined by the second threaded portion (124).

8. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the step down through hole (112) defines a diameter that is smaller than a diameter defined by the through hole (110).

9. A method (200) for mounting a battery module (102) to a base (104), the method comprising the steps:
fastening, using a second threaded portion (124), a bolt (114) to a step down through hole (112) defined by a stepped through hole (108), wherein,
the bolt (114) comprises a bolt head (126), the second threaded portion (124), a first threaded portion (120) and a locator (116);
a module housing (106) defines the stepped through hole (108); and
the stepped through hole (108) defines a through hole (110);
protruding, using the bolt (114), the locator (116) from bottom surface of the module housing (106), wherein the bottom surface of the module housing (106) is adjacent to the base (104);
lifting, using the bolt head (126), the battery module (102);
locating, using the locator (116), a mounting location (118) on the base (104), wherein the mounting location (118) defines a threaded hole (122); and
fastening, using the first threaded portion (120), the bolt (114) to the threaded hole (122).

10. The method (200) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the battery module (102) is configured to store a plurality of batteries (128).

11. The method (200) as claimed in one of claims 9 and 10, wherein the module housing (106) is configured to cover the plurality of batteries (128) stored within the battery module (102).

12. The method (200) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the locator (116) defines a perimeter that is smaller than a diameter defined by the threaded hole (122).

13. The method (200) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the locator (116) defines a perimeter that is smaller than a diameter defined by the first threaded portion (120).

14. The method (200) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the first threaded portion (120) defines a diameter that is smaller than a diameter defined by the second threaded portion (124).

15. The method (200) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the bolt head (126) defines a perimeter that is larger than a diameter defined by the second threaded portion (124).

16. The method (200) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the step down through hole (112) defines a diameter that is smaller than a diameter defined by the through hole (110).