Clamp assembly for vehicle battery

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a clip assembly for a vehicle battery. The clamp assembly is configured to hold the battery in place and is configured to key interface with the locking lug nut. The clamp assembly provides a balance between preventing accidental movement or displacement of the battery and not excessively complicating the process of tightening or loosening the clamp assembly. In addition, the number of parts is reduced because the locking lug nut and the clamp assembly do not require separate keys.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a clamp assembly for a battery of a motor vehicle. The clamp assembly is configured to interface with a locking lug nut key. Background Art

[0002] For example, motor vehicles are known to include a battery located under the hood of the motor vehicle. Such batteries typically include a voltage level of 12 volts and are configured to power auxiliary systems and / or facilitate starting the motor vehicle's engine. Some motor vehicles include a clamp assembly configured to stabilize the battery and hold it in place. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a motor vehicle comprising: a battery; and a clamp assembly configured to hold the battery in place, wherein the clamp assembly is configured to interface with a locking lug nut key.

[0004] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a motor vehicle, wherein the locking lug nut key is further configured to interface with a locking lug nut of the motor vehicle.

[0005] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a motor vehicle wherein the clamp assembly includes a bolt, and wherein a head of the bolt is configured to engage the locking lug nut key.

[0006] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a motor vehicle wherein the head of the bolt includes an inner wall providing a cavity, and the inner wall exhibits a pattern configured to interface with the locking lug nut key.

[0007] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a motor vehicle wherein the pattern of the interior wall includes one or more of splines, grooves, notches, lobes, points, protrusions, and dimples.

[0008] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a motor vehicle wherein an outer wall of the head of the bolt is substantially circular.

[0009] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a motor vehicle, wherein: the locking lug nut key includes a first section and a second section, the first section includes a protrusion exhibiting a negative shape of the pattern, the protrusion is configured to protrude into the cavity of the head of the bolt and abut the inner wall of the head of the bolt, and when the protrusion protrudes into the cavity of the head of the bolt and abuts the inner wall of the head of the bolt, the bolt is configured to rotate as the locking lug nut key rotates.

[0010] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a motor vehicle wherein the outer wall of the second section is configured to interface with a wrench.

[0011] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a motor vehicle wherein the outer wall of the second section is configured to interface with a standard socket.

[0012] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a motor vehicle, wherein: the clamp assembly further includes a first clamp portion and a second clamp portion, and the bolt is configured to interface with the first clamp portion and the second clamp portion such that the clamp assembly selectively applies a force to the battery.

[0013] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a motor vehicle wherein: the battery includes a protrusion, and the bolt is configured to interface with the first clamp portion and the second clamp portion to selectively apply a force to the protrusion.

[0014] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a motor vehicle, wherein: the first clamping portion includes a recess in a surface facing away from the second clamping portion, and the recess is configured to receive the head of the bolt so that the head bolt of the bolt does not protrude beyond the surface of the first clamping portion in a direction away from the second clamping portion.

[0015] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a motor vehicle wherein the second clamping portion is configured to contact a battery tray and is located on an opposite side of the battery tray from the first clamping portion.

[0016] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a motor vehicle in which the battery is a 12-volt battery.

[0017] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a clamp assembly for holding a vehicle battery in place, comprising: a first clamp portion; a second clamp portion; a bolt configured to interface with the first clamp portion and the second clamp portion and further configured to selectively tighten and loosen the clamp assembly, wherein the bolt is configured to interface with a locking lug nut key.

[0018] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a clamp assembly wherein: a head of a bolt includes an inner wall providing a cavity, the inner wall exhibiting a pattern configured to interface with a locking lug nut key, the locking lug nut key includes a protrusion exhibiting a negative of the pattern, the protrusion being configured to protrude into the cavity of the head of the bolt and interface with the inner wall of the head of the bolt, and the bolt is configured to rotate as the locking lug nut key rotates when the protrusion protrudes into the cavity of the head of the bolt and interfaces with the inner wall of the head of the bolt.

[0019] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a method that includes tightening or loosening a clamp assembly using a locking lug nut key of a motor vehicle, wherein the clamp assembly is configured to hold a battery of the motor vehicle in place.

[0020] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a method wherein: a clamp assembly includes a first clamp portion, a second clamp portion, and a bolt, wherein the bolt is configured to selectively tighten and loosen the first clamp portion relative to the second clamp portion, and the bolt is configured to engage a locking lug nut key.

[0021] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a method wherein: a head of a bolt includes an inner wall providing a cavity, the inner wall exhibiting a pattern configured to interface with a locking lug nut key, the locking lug nut key includes a protrusion exhibiting a negative of the pattern, the protrusion being configured to protrude into the cavity of the head of the bolt and interface with the inner wall of the head of the bolt, and a tightening or loosening step is performed when the protrusion protrudes into the cavity of the head of the bolt and interfaces with the inner wall of the head of the bolt.

[0022] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a method that also includes tightening or loosening a locking lug nut of a motor vehicle using a locking lug nut key. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Figure 1 is a front perspective view of an exemplary motor vehicle. Figure 1 In the case of a motor vehicle, the hood is open.

[0024] Figure 2 is a top perspective view of an exemplary vehicle battery relative to a clamp assembly.

[0025] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view showing an exemplary arrangement of a battery, battery tray, and clamp assembly.

[0026] Figure 4is a view of an exemplary bolt and an exemplary locking lug nut key from a top perspective.

[0027] Figure 5 is a view of an exemplary bolt and an exemplary locking lug nut key from a bottom perspective. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The present disclosure relates to a clamp assembly for a battery in a motor vehicle. The clamp assembly is configured to interface with a locking lug nut key. The present disclosure strikes a balance between preventing accidental movement or displacement of the battery while not overly complicating the process of tightening or loosening the clamp assembly. These and other benefits will be apparent from the following description.

[0029] With reference to the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 is a front perspective view of an exemplary motor vehicle 10, which in this example is a pickup truck. Although a pickup truck is shown, the present disclosure extends to other vehicle types.

[0030] exist Figure 1 1 , the hood 12 of the motor vehicle 10 is open. In this example, the motor vehicle 10 includes an internal combustion engine 14 and a battery 16. In this example, the battery 16 is a 12-volt battery that is configured to power auxiliary systems of the motor vehicle 10 and / or facilitate starting the internal combustion engine 14 of the motor vehicle 10.

[0031] Although the battery 16 is disposed under the hood 12 in this example, the battery 16 may be disposed in another location. Furthermore, although the motor vehicle 10 is shown with an internal combustion engine 14, it should be understood that the present disclosure extends to electrified vehicles, including hybrid electric vehicles. The present disclosure also extends to other electrified vehicles, such as battery electric vehicles (BEVs), which may include a battery, such as a 12-volt battery, configured to power various auxiliary systems, for example.

[0032] The motor vehicle 10 also includes four wheel assemblies. Referring to one of the wheel assemblies 18, each wheel assembly includes a tire 20 and a wheel hub 22. The wheel hub 22 is attached to a vehicle attachment point, which may be an axle, via a plurality of lugs 24A-24F. In this example, all of the lugs 24A-24E are configured to interface with a standard socket, allowing a user to rotate the lugs 24A-24E by placing a standard socket over the lugs 24A-24E and using a tool that interfaces with the standard socket, such as a socket wrench, a brake lever, a power drill, or the like, to rotate the socket and the lugs 24A-24E. However, in the present disclosure, the lug 24F is a locking lug nut and is not configured to interface with a standard socket. Instead, the locking lug nut 24F is configured to interface with a locking lug nut key. The locking lug nut key, in turn, is configured to interface with a tool. In this example, the locking lug nut key is unique to the motor vehicle 10 and may be provided by the manufacturer of the motor vehicle 10 to the owner of the motor vehicle 10. The locking lug nut 24F makes it difficult for anyone without the locking lug nut key to remove the locking lug nut 24F, and therefore the wheel assembly 18, from the motor vehicle 10. Although only one wheel assembly is described, each wheel assembly may be similarly arranged, and in particular, each wheel assembly may include a locking lug nut similar to the locking lug nut 24F.

[0033] Figure 2 An exemplary locking lug nut key 26 configured to interface with a locking lug nut 24F is shown in FIG. Figure 2 Also shown is the battery 16 supported on the battery tray 28. In the present disclosure, a clamp assembly 30 is used to stabilize and hold the battery 16 in place relative to the battery tray 28. The clamp assembly 30 is configured to be selectively tightened and loosened relative to the battery 16. The clamp assembly 30 is configured to interface with the locking lug nut key 26. Specifically, the clamp assembly 30 is not configured to interface with a standard socket or another type of standard interface. In this manner, a user who can access the locking lug nut key 26 can easily access the battery 16, while a user who cannot access the locking lug nut key 26 would have difficulty tightening or loosening the clamp assembly 30, and thus, accessing the battery 16. Furthermore, the user of the motor vehicle 10 can access the battery 16 using the same locking lug nut key that is configured to interface with the locking lug nut on the wheel of the motor vehicle 10, which increases convenience and reduces the number of parts (i.e., keys) that the user must store and maintain (i.e., keep track of).

[0034] In this disclosure, the term “key” is used to refer to a specialized tool that is configured to interface with the clamp assembly 30 that locks the lug nut and battery 16 .

[0035] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3The clamp assembly 30 includes a bolt 32, a first clamping portion 34, and a second clamping portion 36. The first clamping portion 34 and the second clamping portion 36 are arranged on opposite sides of the battery tray 28. Figure 3 For example, the first clamping portion 34 is above the battery tray 28 and the second clamping portion 36 is below the battery tray 28. The first clamping portion 34 and the second clamping portion 36 may be provided by plates or other structures configured to selectively increase or decrease the force applied to the battery 16.

[0036] The first clamping portion 34 includes a surface 38 that is opposite to the battery tray 28 and the second clamping portion 36. Figure 3 , surface 38 is the upper surface. Surface 38 includes a recess 40 configured to receive a head 42 of bolt 32. In this example, recess 40 is wider than head 42 of bolt 32 to allow a portion of locking lug nut key 26 to be inserted laterally into recess 40 between head 42 and bolt 32. Recess 40 is configured to receive head 42 of bolt 32 such that head 42 of bolt 32 does not protrude beyond surface 38, and in particular is vertically above surface 38, which increases the difficulty of accessing head 42 unless one can access locking lug nut key 26.

[0037] The first clamping portion 34 also includes a body section 44. Opposite the battery 16, the body section 44 includes an inclined wall 46 that is configured to interface with a corresponding inclined wall 48 of the battery tray 28. Opposite the inclined wall 46, the body section 44 includes a wall 50 having substantially vertical sections 52, 54 separated by an inclined section 56. The inclined section 56 contacts a surface 58 of a protrusion 60 of the battery 16. The protrusion 60 of the battery 16 can be provided by the outer housing of the battery 16. The protrusion 60 can alternatively be a separate component attached to the outer housing of the battery 16. Regardless, in this disclosure, the protrusion 60 can be considered to be part of the battery 16. The surface 58 faces generally away from the battery tray 28 and the second clamping portion 36, and in particular, generally away from the surface of the battery tray 28 that is vertically directly below the protrusion 60.

[0038] The first clamping portion 34 also includes a channel 62 configured to allow a shank 64 of the bolt 32 to pass therethrough. The shank 64 can be partially or fully threaded. The shank 64 passes through the channel 62, through the battery tray 28, and threadably engages the second clamping portion 36. In some examples, the second clamping portion 36 can be rotatably secured to the battery tray 28. The bolt 32 is rotated to selectively apply force to the first clamping portion 34 and the second clamping portion 36, and rotation of the bolt 32, in turn, selectively causes the first clamping portion 34 to apply force to the protrusion 60 of the battery 16, thereby selectively stabilizing the battery 16 and holding it in place.

[0039] exist Figure 4 and Figure 5 The locking lug nut key 26 and bolt 32 are shown in greater detail in FIG. Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the head 42 of the bolt 32 includes an inner wall 66 that provides a cavity 68. The inner wall 66 exhibits a pattern configured to interface with the locking lug nut key 26. The pattern of the inner wall 66 includes one or more of splines, grooves, notches, lobes, points, protrusions, and dimples to provide a unique pattern that is not configured to interface with standard tools. In the example, while the pattern may include some hexagonal-shaped components, the pattern is not provided by only hexagonal patterns. In other words, a standard socket or a standard hexagonal wrench will not be able to interface with the pattern of the inner wall 66. In this example, the inner wall 66 includes a plurality of dimples 69 circumferentially spaced around the inner wall 66. The dimples 69 prevent standard tools from easily interfacing with the bolt 32. Furthermore, in this example, the outer wall 70 of the head 42 of the bolt 32 is substantially rounded, which reduces the likelihood that it can interface with standard tools.

[0040] The locking lug nut key 26 includes a first section 72 and a second section 74. The first section 72 includes a wall 76 that is sized and shaped to fit within the recess 40 in the lateral space between the recess 40 and the head 42. Within the wall 76, the first section 72 includes a protrusion 78 that is configured to fit within the cavity 68 and exhibits a negative shape of the pattern of the inner wall 66. The protrusion 78 exhibits a complementary negative shape of the pattern of the inner wall 66, such that the protrusion 78 can be slidably received within the cavity 68. In this example, the protrusion 78 includes a plurality of protrusions 80, each of which is configured to be slidably received within a corresponding one of the recesses 69 when the protrusion 78 is slid into the cavity 68.

[0041] The second section 74 exhibits an outer wall 82 configured to engage with a tool 84 ( Figure 2 ) docking. Outer wall 82 may be a standard hexagonal profile configured to dock with a standard tool. Tool 84 represents a standard tool, such as a wrench, lever spanner, etc. Tool 84 also represents a standard socket that can be attached to a socket spanner, lever spanner, or drill bit. In some examples, an extension may be provided between tool 84 and the wrench, lever spanner, or drill bit.

[0042] When the protrusion 78 of the locking lug nut key 26 protrudes into the cavity 68, the bolt 32 is configured to rotate with the rotation of the locking lug nut key 26 to selectively tighten or loosen the clamp assembly 30, thereby selectively increasing or decreasing the force applied to the protrusion 60 of the battery 16, respectively.

[0043] In this example, while the bolt 32 includes a cavity 68 (i.e., a female portion) configured to receive a protrusion 78 (i.e., a male portion) of the locking lug nut key 26, it should be understood that the bolt 32 may include a male portion and the locking lug nut key 26 may include a female portion.

[0044] It should be understood that directional terms such as "bottom," "top," "forward," "backward," "upward," "downward," etc. are used for explanation purposes only and should not be considered limiting. Additionally, it should be understood that terms such as "about," "substantially," and "substantially" are not intended to be open-ended terms and should be interpreted consistent with how those terms would be interpreted by one skilled in the art. It should be understood that certain aspects of the present disclosure are exaggerated in the figures for illustrative purposes only.

[0045] Although the different examples have specific components shown in the figures, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to those specific combinations. Some of the components or features from one of the examples may be used in combination with features or components from another example.

[0046] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the above-described embodiments are illustrative and not restrictive. That is, modifications of the present disclosure will fall within the scope of the claims. Therefore, the appended claims should be studied to determine their true scope and content.

[0047] According to the present invention, a clamp assembly for holding a vehicle battery in place is provided, comprising: a first clamp portion; a second clamp portion; and a bolt configured to interface with the first clamp portion and the second clamp portion and further configured to selectively tighten and loosen the clamp assembly, wherein the bolt is configured to interface with a locking lug nut key.

[0048] According to an embodiment, the head of the bolt includes an inner wall providing a cavity, the inner wall exhibiting a pattern configured to interface with a locking lug nut key, the locking lug nut key includes a protrusion exhibiting a negative shape of the pattern, the protrusion being configured to protrude into the cavity of the head of the bolt and interface with the inner wall of the head of the bolt, and when the protrusion protrudes into the cavity of the head of the bolt and interface with the inner wall of the head of the bolt, the bolt is configured to rotate as the locking lug nut key rotates.

[0049] According to the present invention, a method includes tightening or loosening a clamp assembly using a locking lug nut key of a motor vehicle, wherein the clamp assembly is configured to hold a battery of the motor vehicle in place.

[0050] In one aspect of the present invention, a clamp assembly includes a first clamping portion, a second clamping portion, and a bolt configured to selectively tighten and loosen the first clamping portion relative to the second clamping portion, and the bolt is configured to engage a locking lug nut key.

[0051] In one aspect of the present invention: the head of the bolt includes an inner wall providing a cavity, the inner wall exhibiting a pattern configured to abut against a locking lug nut key, the locking lug nut key includes a protrusion exhibiting a negative shape of the pattern, the protrusion being configured to protrude into the cavity of the head of the bolt and abut against the inner wall of the head of the bolt, and a tightening or loosening step is performed when the protrusion protrudes into the cavity of the head of the bolt and abuts against the inner wall of the head of the bolt.

[0052] In one aspect of the invention, the method includes tightening or loosening a locking lug nut of a motor vehicle using a locking lug nut key.

Claims

1. A motor vehicle comprising: Battery; as well as A clamp assembly is configured to hold the battery in place, wherein the clamp assembly is configured to interface with a locking lug nut key. 2 . The motor vehicle of claim 1 , wherein the locking lug nut key is further configured to interface with a locking lug nut of the motor vehicle.

3. The motor vehicle of claim 1 , wherein: The clamp assembly includes a bolt, and The head of the bolt is configured to engage the locking lug nut key.

4. A motor vehicle as claimed in claim 3, wherein: The head of the bolt includes an inner wall providing a cavity, and The inner wall exhibits a pattern configured to interface with the locking lug nut key.

5. The motor vehicle of claim 4, wherein the pattern of the interior wall comprises one or more of splines, grooves, notches, lobes, points, protrusions, and dimples.

6. The motor vehicle of claim 4, wherein an outer wall of the head of the bolt is substantially circular.

7. The motor vehicle of claim 4, wherein: The locking lug nut key includes a first section and a second section, the first section comprises a protrusion exhibiting the negative shape of the pattern, The protrusion is configured to protrude into the cavity of the head of the bolt and abut against the inner wall of the head of the bolt, and When the protrusion protrudes into the cavity of the head of the bolt and abuts against the inner wall of the head of the bolt, the bolt is configured to rotate with the rotation of the locking lug nut key.

8. The motor vehicle of claim 7, wherein the outer wall of the second section is configured to interface with a wrench.

9. The motor vehicle of claim 7, wherein the outer wall of the second section is configured to interface with a standard socket.

10. The motor vehicle of claim 3, wherein: The clamp assembly further includes a first clamping portion and a second clamping portion, and The bolt is configured to interface with the first clamp portion and the second clamp portion such that the clamp assembly selectively applies a force to the battery.

11. The motor vehicle of claim 10, wherein: The battery includes a protrusion, and The bolt is configured to interface with the first clamping portion and the second clamping portion to selectively apply a force to the protrusion.

12. The motor vehicle of claim 10, wherein: The first clamping portion includes a recess in a surface facing away from the second clamping portion, and The recess is configured to receive the head of the bolt such that the head of the bolt does not protrude beyond the surface in a direction away from the second clamping portion.

13. The motor vehicle of claim 10, wherein the second clamping portion is configured to contact a battery tray and is located on an opposite side of the battery tray from the first clamping portion.

14. The motor vehicle of claim 1, wherein the battery is a 12 volt battery.

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