FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to energy storage system and, more
particularly, to the energy storage system having a battery unit.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Rechargeable batteries are of growing significance in various fields and
applications where electrical power is required. Over the years, the rechargeable batteries have undergone various developments and evolutions, to make them more effective, and efficient. Right from electric vehicles, to household applications, rechargeable batteries are found all around us. When used in an automotive application, the rechargeable batteries are typically carried by the frame of the vehicle. Further, the rechargeable batteries are electrically coupled to a power generating motor, e.g., a motor that provides requisite traction power to the ground engaging members, e.g., the wheels.
[0003] Generally, the rechargeable batteries are contained within a casing
composed of a sturdy material, often a sturdy non-conducting material. As such, the casing containing the rechargeable batteries is connected to or carried by the frame of the vehicle. It is also required that the rechargeable batteries have their electrical connections made to a charging source or a charging port, one the rechargeable batteries are received within the casing. Since the rechargeable batteries may be removed from the casing, it remains important that charging port or electrical connection point does not create alignment problems or is not prone to damages, particularly during removal and insertion of the rechargeable batteries in the casing.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a
simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject

matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.
[0005] A battery pack comprising an outer housing configured to accommodate
a plurality of cells, an electrical connector disposed on the outer housing and at least one channel (250) configured along a length of the outer housing.
[0006] In an embodiment, the outer housing includes a plurality of upstanding
walls, a bottom lid, and a top lid.
[0007] In an embodiment, the plurality of upstanding walls, the bottom lid, and
the top lid constitute a cavity to accommodate the plurality of cells.
[0008] In an embodiment, the electrical connector disposed on the top lid of the
outer housing.
[0009] In an embodiment, the electrical connector disposed on the top lid of the
outer housing such that the electrical connector configured at a slot on the top lid.
[00010] In an embodiment, the electrical connector disposed on any one of the plurality of upstanding walls of the outer housing.
[00011] In an embodiment, the electrical connector configured with a male type receptacles pointing downwards for facilitating electrical connection with a female type receptacle configured at a vehicle side.
[00012] In an embodiment, the top lid further includes at least one holding provision.
[00013] In an embodiment, the channel is configured such that direction of insertion of the battery pack along a vertical direction to facilitate electrical connection of the electrical connector to a corresponding electrical connector at a vehicle side inside of a casing unit.

[00014] In an embodiment, the channel configured in a predetermined cross-sectional profile.
[00015] In another embodiment, the predetermined cross sectional profile of channel is C-shaped.
[00016] In an embodiment, the channel is configured on any one of the upstanding walls of the outer housing where the electrical connector is disposed.
[00017] In an embodiment, the channel is configured at a central portion of the first upstanding wall.
[00018] In an embodiment, the channel positioned at a position that is offset from the central portion of the first upstanding wall.
[00019] One of an advantage of the present invention is placement of the battery pack in the casing unit via the channel automatically results in electrical connection between the complimentary electrical connector and the electrical connector. The channel acts as a guide for the battery pack for the accurate placement inside the casing unit. Moreover, the positioning of the electrical connector in the channel, and the positioning of the complimentary electrical connector is such that any likelihood of damage thereto, while inserting the battery pack in the casing unit is substantially eliminated.
[00020] Additionally, since the placement of the battery pack in the casing unit causes electrical connection between the complimentary electrical connector and the electrical connector, the present invention avoids a need of performing an additional step of providing electrical connection after physically placing the battery in the casing, therefore the present invention improves convenience of the user.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[00021] The invention itself, together with further features and attended advantages, will become apparent from consideration of the following detailed

description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. One or more embodiments of the present invention are now described, by way of example only wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:
[00022] Figure 1A illustrates a perspective view of an energy storage system, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[00023] Figure IB illustrates another perspective view of the energy storage system, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[00024] Figure 2 illustrates a side view of the energy storage system, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[00025] Figures 3 illustrates a side perspective view of an energy storage unit of the energy storage system, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[00026] Figures 4A illustrates a side perspective view of an energy storage unit of the energy storage system, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[00027] Figures 4B illustrates a side perspective view of an energy storage unit of the energy storage system, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[00028] Figures 5 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the housing of the energy storage system, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[00029] Figures 6 illustrates a perspective view of a battery carrier the energy storage system, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[00030] Figures 7 illustrates a top view of the housing of the energy storage system, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[00031] Figures 8 illustrates a view of a portion of the housing of the energy storage system, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[00032] Figure 9A illustrates a side view of a portion of the energy storage system, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
[00033] Figure 9B illustrates a side view of a portion of the energy storage system, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[00034] The drawings referred to in this description are not to be understood as being drawn to scale except if specifically noted, and such drawings are only exemplary in nature.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00035] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, an embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described here below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the spirit and the scope of the invention.
[00036] The term "comprises", comprising, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a setup, structure or method that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or structure or method. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus proceeded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or apparatus.
[00037] For better understanding of this invention, reference would now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the accompanying Figures and description here below, further, in the following Figures, the same reference numerals are used to identify the same components in various views.

[00038] Referring to Figure 1A and Figure IB, an energy storage system (100), according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The energy storage system (100) referred to herein, embodies a battery storage system of a two wheeled vehicle. Alternatively, the energy storage system (100) may embody any other energy storage system that may be used in vehicles such as scooters, motorcycles, three-wheeled vehicles, All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV) etc., or may be used in applications such as generators etc. without limiting the scope of the invention.
[00039] The energy storage system (100) comprises a plurality of energy storage
units (200), and a casing unit (300), also referred to as a battery carrier (300). The casing unit (300) is configured to receive, and store each of the plurality of energy storage units (200). In an illustrated example, the plurality of energy storage units (200) include a first energy storage unit (200a), and a second energy storage unit (200b). In other examples, the plurality of energy storage units (200) may include fewer or more number of energy storage units, such as the first energy storage unit (200a) or the second energy storage unit (200b), without limiting the scope of the invention. The energy storage unit (200) may be embodied as battery cells (210). The first energy storage unit (200a) may be the first battery pack (200a) (herein after alternatively referred to as the first battery pack (200a), and the second energy storage unit (200b) may be the second battery pack (200b) (herein after alternatively referred to as the second battery pack (200b). The battery pack (200b) may accommodate a plurality of cells (210).
[00040] Referring to Figures 1A and IB, each of the plurality of energy storage units (200) are stored perpendicular to the casing unit (300). In an example, the casing unit (300) may be composed of a durable, non-metallic material. In alternative embodiment, the casing unit (300) may be composed of any suitable material. In still another embodiment, the casing unit (300) may be composed of a plastic material.
[00041] Referring again to Figures 1A and IB, since the second battery pack (200b) is similar to the first battery pack (200a), only the second battery pack (200b) is explained in detail herein. However, the description is equally applicable to the first

battery pack (200a), without any limitations. The second battery pack (200b) herein after is also interchangeably referred to as battery pack (200b).
[00042] As shown in Figures 3, 4A, 4B, and 5, the battery pack (200b) comprising an outer housing (202) configured to accommodate a plurality of cells (210). An electrical connector (320) disposed on the outer housing (202). At least one channel (250) configured along a length of the outer housing.
[00043] The battery pack (200b) comprises an outer housing (202). The outer
housing (202) is defined by a plurality of upstanding walls, a bottom wall, and a top wall. More specifically, the outer housing (202) of the second battery pack (200b) includes a first upstanding wall (202a), a second upstanding wall (202b), and a third upstanding wall (202b), and a fourth upstanding wall (202c), refer figures 4 A and 4B.
[00044] In addition, the battery pack (200b) includes a bottom lid (210b), and a top lid (212b), shown in Figure 5. The first upstanding wall (202a), the second upstanding wall (202b), the third upstanding wall (202c), the fourth upstanding wall (202d), the bottom lid (210b), and the top lid (212b) are joined together to form a cavity, wherein fuel cells or battery cells (210) are arranged therein in a predetermined alignment and arrangement to form the second energy storage unit (200b).
[00045] As shown in Figure 3, at least one of the first upstanding wall (202a), the second upstanding wall (202b), the third upstanding wall (202b), and the fourth upstanding wall (202c) includes a channel (250). In another embodiment, one or more of the first upstanding wall (202), the second upstanding wall (202b), the third upstanding wall (206b), and the fourth upstanding wall (208b) includes the channel (250). The present invention encompasses the channel (250) that is configured on any of one of an upstanding walls (202a, 202b, 202c, 202d) of the outer housing (200) where the electrical connector (320) disposed. The channel (250) facilitates electrical connection of the cells (210) placed inside the outer housing (200) to a vehicle side electrical components such as motor, horn, headlight or tail light etc.

[00046] The at least one channel (250) is configured such that direction of insertion of the battery pack (200b) along a vertical direction to facilitate electrical connection of the electrical connector (320) to a corresponding electrical connector (320) at a vehicle side inside of a casing unit (300). In an embodiment, the channel (250) extends on at least one of the first upstanding wall (202a), the second upstanding wall (202b), the third upstanding wall (202c), and the fourth upstanding wall (202d) along a direction of insertion of the battery pack (200b) in the casing unit (300). In an example, the channel (250) extends on the first upstanding wall (202) wherein the electrical connector (320) is positioned, along a vertical length of the casing unit (300).
[00047] In an embodiment, the channel (250) is configured on any one of the upstanding walls (202a, 202b, 202c, 202d) of the outer housing (200) where the electrical connector (320) is disposed. In an embodiment, the first upstanding wall (202), includes the channel (250). In an example, the channel (250) extends on the first upstanding wall (202a), along a vertical length thereof. The channel (250) may be positioned at a central portion of the first upstanding wall (202a). In alternative embodiments, the channel (250) may be positioned at a position that is offset from the central portion of the first upstanding wall (202a). In another embodiment, the electrical connector (320) is aligned within a grove of the channel (250) that is running along the vertical length of the outer housing (202).
[00048] In another embodiment, the first upstanding wall (202a), includes at least one channel (250) such as the channel (250), wherein each of the at least one channel extends on the first upstanding wall (202a), along the vertical length thereof.
[00049] The channel (250) has a predetermined cross sectional profile. The predetermined cross sectional profile of the channel (250) remains same through the length thereof. In an embodiment, the predetermined cross sectional profile of channel (250) is C-shaped. Therefore, the channel (250), in such an embodiment is an extended groove.

[00050] In alternative embodiments the channel (250) may have any other cross sectional profile, such as U-shaped profile, semicircular profile, V-shaped profile, Dove tail shaped profile, a groove, a cylindrical section, without deviating from the spirit of the present invention.
[00051] In an embodiment, the first upstanding wall (202a), the second upstanding wall (202b), the third upstanding wall (206b), the fourth upstanding wall (208b) are all composed of a metal such as aluminum. On the other hand, the bottom lid (210b), and the top lid (212b) are composed of a plastic material. In another embodiment, the first upstanding wall (202a), the second upstanding wall (202b), the third upstanding wall (206b), the fourth upstanding wall (208b) may be composed of any suitable conducting material. In another embodiment, the bottom lid (210b), and the top lid (212b) may be composed of any non-conducting material.
[00052] As stated above, the first upstanding wall (202a), the second upstanding wall (202b), the third upstanding wall (202c), the fourth upstanding wall (202d), the bottom lid (210b), and the top lid (212b) are joined together to form the battery pack (200b).
[00053] As such, the bottom lid (210b), and the top lid (212b) are connected to the first upstanding wall (202a), the second upstanding wall (202b), the third upstanding wall (202c), and the fourth upstanding wall (202d). Specifically, the bottom lid (210b), and the top lid (212b) are also connected to the first upstanding wall (202a).
[00054] Therefore, the top lid (212b) includes a slot (250a). Likewise bottom lid (210b) also includes a slot (250b). Each of the slot (250a) and the slot (250b) have an identical profile. Moreover, each of the slot (250a) and the slot (250b) have an identical profile identical to the profile of the channel (250). Therefore, in an embodiment, where the channel (250) has a cross sectional profile of C-shape, each of the slot (250a) and the slot (250b) has a cross sectional profile of C-shape.

[00055] In addition, the position of the slot (250a) on the top lid (212b) and that of the slot (250b) on the bottom lid (210b) is such that, when the bottom lid (210b), and the top lid (212b) are connected to the first upstanding wall (202), each of the slot (250a) and the slot (250b) get aligned with the channel (250).
[00056] It may herein be noted that the battery pack (200b, or 200a) includes
mechanical and electrical connectors (320) for connecting to the vehicle or to the various elements of the battery exchange station.
[00057] The electric connectors have two separate groups of connectors. The first group of connectors is for power supply. The second group of connectors is for data communications. The connectors have several pins for the power supply and data communications.
[00058] The first group of connectors includes a first pair of connectors for power to the battery pack from a charging mechanism. The charging mechanism may be a stand-alone charging station that connects to the vehicle and charges the battery pack while it is still coupled to the vehicle.
[00059] In another embodiment, the electrical connector comprises a male connector with a housing having electrical contacts in the housing to conduct AC or DC current. A female connector couples with the male connector to establish the electrical connection. Electrical contacts are in the female housing to couple with the electrical contacts in the male housing.
[00060] Each battery pack includes an electrical connector. The battery pack (200b) further an electrical connector (320). The electrical connector (320) is positioned on the top lid (212b). The electrical connector (320) is positioned on the top lid (212b) such that the electrical connector (320) is positioned at the slot (250a) on the top lid (212b). The electrical connector (320) may face, and point towards, a downward direction. In an embodiment, the electrical connector (320) disposed on any one of the plurality of upstanding walls (202a, 202b, 202c, 202d) of the outer housing (202).

[00061] The top lid (212b) further includes at least one holding provision (252).
The top portion (400b) conforms to the one holding provision (252) on the top lid (212b). On the other hand the bottom plate (400a) conforms to the bottom lid (210b) and also includes a slot (400d) corresponding to and in alignment with the slot (250b).
[00062] Referring now to Figure 6, 7, and 8, the casing unit (300) is adapted to store each of the plurality of energy storage units (200). In particular, the casing unit (300) is adapted to store the battery pack (200b). In the disclosed embodiment, the casing unit (300) is adapted to store two battery packs, such as the battery pack (200b).
[00063] The casing unit (300) includes a box like structure having a plurality of
walls, a bottom wall, and a top open portion through which the plurality of energy storage units (200) are inserted. The plurality of walls of the casing unit (300) includes a front wall (302), a rear wall (304), a set of side walls (306), and a bottom wall (not shown).
[00064] The front wall (302) includes at least one complimentary electrical
connector (320a). In the same manner, the rear wall (304) includes a complimentary electrical connector (320a). Each of the complimentary electrical connector (320a) on front wall (302), and the complimentary electrical connector (320a) on the rear wall (304) faces upwards. In an example, the casing unit (300) also includes at least one complimentary channel, such as a complimentary channel (260). In an embodiment there may be multiple complimentary channels, such as complimentary channel (260).
[00065] In another embodiment, the number of complimentary electrical connector (320a) on the casing unit (300), may correspond to the number of energy storage units, the casing unit (300) is designed to hold.
[00066] As shown in Figure 9A and 9B, when the battery pack (200b) is inserted in the casing unit (300), the channel (250) is aligned with the complimentary channel (260), alternatively, when the battery pack (200b) is inserted in the casing unit (300), the channel (250) is aligned with the complimentary electrical connector (320a). Subsequently, the battery pack (200b) is moved in the casing unit (300). As the battery

pack (200b) completely gets inserted in the casing unit (300), the complimentary electrical connector (320a) gets electrically engaged with the electrical connector (320) of the battery pack (200b).
[00067] In an example, the complimentary electrical connector (320a) is a female connector, whereas the electrical connector (320) is a male connector. In alternative example, the complimentary electrical connector (320a) may be a male connector, whereas the electrical connector (320) may be a female connector
[00068] In light of the foregoing, the present invention provides various advantages such as, in the present invention, placement of the battery pack (200b) in the casing unit (300) automatically results in electrical connection between the complimentary electrical connector (320a) and the electrical connector (320).
[00069] Further, since the electrical connector (320) is positioned on the top lid (212b), the electrical connections between the complimentary electrical connector (320a) and the electrical connector (320) remain at a considerable height from a ground surface. Accordingly, if and when a vehicle is in a position where there is water, and there is a likelihood of water reaching parts of the battery, the higher positioning of the electrical connector (320) on the top lid (212b), and higher positioning of the electrical connections between the complimentary electrical connector (320a) and the electrical connector (320), ensures that the safe operation of the vehicle is sustained.
[00070] In addition, since the placement of the battery pack (200b) in the casing unit (300) causes electrical connection between the complimentary electrical connector (320a) and the electrical connector (320), the present invention avoids a need of performing an additional step of providing electrical connection after physically placing the battery in the casing, therefore the present invention improves convenience of the user.
[00071] Moreover, the positioning of the electrical connector (320) in the channel (250), and the positioning of the complimentary electrical connector (320a) is such

that any likelihood of damage thereto, while inserting the battery pack (200b) in the casing unit (300) is substantially eliminated.
[00072] While few embodiments of the present invention have been described
above, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the above embodiments and modifications may be appropriately made thereto within the spirit and scope of the invention.
[00073] While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the particular features of this invention, it will be appreciated that various modifications can be made, and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the invention. These and other modifications in the nature of the invention or the preferred embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the invention and not as a limitation.

We claim:

1. A battery pack (200b) comprising:
an outer housing (202) configured to accommodate a plurality of cell s (210); an electrical connector (320) disposed on the outer housing (202); and at least one channel (250) configured along a length of the outer housing.
2. The battery pack (200b) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the outer housing (202) includes a plurality of upstanding walls (202a, 202b, 202c, 202d), a bottom lid (210b), and a top lid (212b).
3. The battery pack (200b) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the plurality of upstanding walls (202a, 202b, 202c, 202d), the bottom lid (210b), and the top lid (212b) constitute a cavity to accommodate the plurality of cells.
4. The battery pack (200b) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the electrical connector (320) disposed on the top lid (212b) of the outer housing (202).
5. The battery pack (200b) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the electrical connector (320) disposed on the top lid (212b) of the outer housing (202) such that the electrical connector (320) configured at a slot (250a) on the top lid (212b).
6. The battery pack (200b) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the electrical connector (320) disposed on any one of the plurality of upstanding walls (202a, 202b, 202c, 202d) of the outer housing (202).
7. The battery pack (200b) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the electrical connector (320) configured with a male type receptacles pointing downwards for facilitating electrical connection with a female type receptacle configured at a vehicle side (100).
8. The battery pack (200b) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the top lid (212b) further includes at least one holding provision (252).

9. The battery pack (200b) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the channel (250) is configured such that direction of insertion of the battery pack (200b) along a vertical direction to facilitate electrical connection of the electrical connector (320) to a corresponding electrical connector (320) at a vehicle side inside of a casing unit (300).
10. The battery pack (200b) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the channel (250) configured in a predetermined cross-sectional profile.
11. The battery pack (200b) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the predetermined
cross sectional profile of channel (250) is C-shaped.
12. The battery pack (200b) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the channel (250) is configured on any one of the upstanding walls (202a, 202b, 202c, 202d) of the outer housing (200) where the electrical connector (320) is disposed.
13. The battery pack (200b) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the channel (250) is configured at a central portion of the first upstanding wall (202).
14. The battery pack (200b) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the channel (250) positioned at a position that is offset from the central portion of the first upstanding wall (202).
15. The battery pack (200b) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the electrical connector (320) is aligned within a grove of the channel (250) that is running along the vertical length of the outer housing (202).