Battery frame kit for a vehicle battery assembly

Abstract

A battery frame kit 102 for a vehicle battery assembly (1004, Figure 10), has a first crossmember 106 and a second crossmember (104, Figure 2). Kit 102 also includes at least one locator pin 108 relea

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates to a battery frame kit for a vehicle battery assembly. Aspects of the invention relate to a battery frame kit, a vehicle battery assembly, a vehicle, and a method of assembling a battery frame kit for a vehicle battery assembly. BACKGROUND A vehicle battery assembly includes a battery frame configured to house and support one or more components of the vehicle battery assembly. The battery frame includes crossmembers, for example, upper crossmembers and lower crossmembers. During assembly of the vehicle battery assembly, an upper crossmember may be required to be located in a predetermined position relative to a lower crossmember, to allow the upper crossmember to be attached to the lower crossmember. In known arrangements, due to the spatial restrictions within the vehicle battery assembly, it may be difficult to accurately locate the upper crossmember in a predetermined position relative to the lower crossmember. Often accurately locating the upper crossmember in the predetermined position requires costly equipment. If the relative positioning between the upper crossmember and the lower crossmember is outside a desired tolerance, the upper crossmember and / or the lower crossmember may be damaged during assembly and attachment of the upper crossmember to the lower crossmember may not be achievable. It is an aim of the present invention to address one or more of the disadvantages associated with known arrangements. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Aspects and embodiments of the invention provide a battery frame kit, a vehicle battery assembly, a vehicle, and a method of assembling a battery frame kit for a vehicle battery assembly, as claimed in the appended claims. According to an aspect there is provided a locator pin for a battery frame kit, the locator pin including: a locator portion for insertion through a receiving hole in a surface of a crossmember; and an attachment portion extending from the locator portion, wherein the attachment portion is releasably connectable to a further crossmember. According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a battery frame kit for a vehicle battery assembly, the battery frame kit including: a first crossmember; at least one locator pin releasably connectable to the first crossmember; and a second crossmember including at least one receiving hole in a surface of the second crossmember, wherein in an assembled configuration of the battery frame kit: the at least one locator pin is releasably connected to the first crossmember; and a locator pin of the at least one locator pin is inserted through the at least one receiving hole of the second crossmember, such that the second crossmember is in a predetermined position relative to the first crossmember. During assembly of the battery frame, the relative positioning between first crossmembers and second crossmembers (for example, between lower crossmembers and upper crossmembers), within the vehicle battery assembly, is important. However, the presence of other components (e.g., battery modules) of the vehicle battery assembly can reduce access and inhibit the use of conventional location methods. Advantageously, with the described arrangement, the second crossmember (e.g., an upper crossmember) can be manually positioned, accurately, in relation to the first crossmember (e.g., a lower crossmember). That is, the locator pin extending from the first crossmember can be used as a locator, helping accurately position the second crossmember relative to the first crossmember. This arrangement avoids the use of additional, expensive manufacturing aids for providing the required relative positioning between the first crossmember and the second crossmember. In an embodiment, the at least one locator pin may include: a locator portion for insertion through the at least one receiving hole of the second crossmember; and an attachment portion extending from the locator portion, wherein the attachment portion may be releasably connectable to the first crossmember, and wherein in the assembled configuration of the battery frame kit the attachment portion may be releasably connected to the first crossmember. Advantageously, the at least one locator pin may be attached to the first crossmember, following manufacture of the first crossmember. As such, damage to the locator pins, during transport of the first crossmember, can be avoided. In an embodiment, the locator portion of the at least one locator pin may include a frustoconical portion. Advantageously, the frustoconical portion (ora tapered portion) of the at least one locator pin allows for improved tolerance when locating the locator pin into the receiving hole of the second crossmember. In an embodiment, the first crossmember may include at least one receiving hole in a surface of the first crossmember, wherein the at least one receiving hole of the first crossmember may include an internal thread, wherein the attachment portion of the at least one locator pin may be a threaded connector, and wherein in the assembled configuration of the battery frame kit the threaded connector may be connected to the threaded hole. Advantageously, the at least one locator pin may be efficiently attached to the first crossmember, during assembly. In an embodiment, the at least one receiving hole of the second crossmember may correspond in shape to the locator portion of the at least one locator pin. Advantageously, this configuration helps ensure accurate positioning of the second crossmember onto the first crossmember, during assembly. In an embodiment, the locator portion of the at least one locator pm may include a recess extending from an end of the locator pin, wherein the recess may be configured to receive a tool for torquing the attachment portion of the at least one locator pin, and wherein in the assembled configuration the at least one locator pin is arranged in a torqued position, such that the attachment portion is releasably connected to the first crossmember. Advantageously, using a recess of the locator portion to receive a tool, rather than an external profile of the locator portion, ensures that the attachment portion can be tightened where space is constrained. Additionally, the amount of rotation, and thereby the applied torque, applied to the locator pin, can be effectively controlled. In an embodiment, the at least one receiving hole of the second crossmember may be a slotted hole. Advantageously, this configuration enables movement of the first crossmember and / or second crossmember along a given axis, allowing for improved tolerances, during assembly. In an embodiment, the first crossmember may be a lower crossmember, and wherein the second crossmember may be an upper crossmember. Advantageously, an upper crossmember may be accurately positioned relative to a lower crossmember, where visibility to the underside of the upper crossmember is poor. In an embodiment, in the assembled configuration of the battery frame kit the surface of the second crossmember may abut a surface of the first crossmember. Advantageously, when the surface of the second crossmember abuts the surface of the first crossmember, the battery frame is configured to receive mechanical fixings to attach the first crossmember and the second crossmember to one another. In an embodiment, the battery frame kit may include at least two locator pins releasably connectable to the first crossmember, wherein the second crossmember may include at least two receiving holes in the surface of the second crossmember, and wherein in the assembled configuration of the battery frame kit: the at least two locator pins may be releasably connected to the first crossmember, and each locator pin of the at least two locator pins may be inserted through a receiving hole of the at least two receiving holes of the second crossmember, such that the second crossmember may be in a predetermined position relative to the first crossmember. Advantageously, an increased number of locator pins allows for improved positioning over the length of the first crossmember and / or the second crossmember. In an embodiment, the battery frame kit may include: at least one locator pin releasably connectable to a second crossmember; and a third crossmember including at least one receiving hole in a surface of the third crossmember, wherein in the assembled configuration: the at least one locator pin may be releasably connected to the second crossmember; and a locator pin of the at least one locator pin may be inserted through the at least one receiving hole of the third crossmember, such that the third crossmember may be in a predetermined position relative to the second crossmember. According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle battery assembly including the battery frame kit of the invention in the assembled configuration of the battery frame kit. In an embodiment, the vehicle battery assembly may include at least one battery module, and wherein the at least one battery module may be disposed adjacent to the first crossmember. According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle including the vehicle battery assembly according to the invention. According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of assembling a battery frame kit for a vehicle battery assembly, the method including: providing a first crossmember; providing at least one locator pin releasably connectable to the first crossmember; providing a second crossmember including at least one receiving hole in a surface of the second crossmember; releasably connecting the at least one locator pin to the first crossmember; and inserting a locator pin of the at least one locator pin through the at least one receiving hole of the second crossmember, such that the second crossmember is in a predetermined position relative to the first crossmember. During assembly of the battery frame, the relative positioning between first crossmembers and second crossmembers (for example, between lower crossmembers and upper crossmembers), within the vehicle battery assembly, is important. However, the presence of other components (e.g., battery modules) of the vehicle battery assembly can reduce access and inhibit the use of conventional location methods. Advantageously, with the described arrangement, the second crossmember (e.g., an upper crossmember) can be manually positioned, accurately, in relation to the first crossmember (e.g., a lower crossmember). That is, the locator pin extending from the first crossmember can be used as a locator, helping accurately position the second crossmember relative to the first crossmember. This arrangement avoids the use of additional, expensive manufacturing aids for providing the required relative positioning between the first crossmember and the second crossmember. In an embodiment, the first crossmember may include at least one receiving hole in the surface of the first crossmember, and wherein the at least one receiving hole of the first crossmember may include an internal thread, wherein an attachment portion of the at least one locator pin may be a threaded connector, and wherein the method further may include connecting the threaded connector to the threaded hole. Advantageously, the at least one locator pm may be efficiently attached to the first crossmember, during assembly. Within the scope of this application it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and / or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and / or features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and / or combination, unless such features are incompatible. The applicant reserves the right to change any originally filed claim or file any new claim accordingly, including the right to amend any originally filed claim to depend from and / or incorporate any feature of any other claim although not originally claimed in that manner. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a crossmember and a locator pin of a battery frame kit for a vehicle battery assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; FIG. 2 illustrates a bottom view of a crossmember of a battery frame kit for a vehicle battery assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a locator pin of a battery frame kit for a vehicle battery assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a battery frame for a vehicle battery assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the battery frame corresponding to a battery frame kit in an assembled configuration; FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of the battery frame of FIG. 4; FIG. 6 illustrates an end view of the battery frame of FIG. 4; FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a battery frame for a vehicle battery assembly in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention, the battery frame corresponding to a battery frame kit in an assembled configuration and including a first crossmember, a second crossmember, and a third crossmember; FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of the first crossmember, the second crossmember, and locator pins of the battery frame of FIG. 7; FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of a battery frame in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; FIG. 10 illustrates a side view of a vehicle battery assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the vehicle battery assembly including a battery frame and battery modules; FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the vehicle including a vehicle battery assembly; and FIG. 12 illustrates a method of assembling a battery frame kit for a vehicle battery assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION FIG. 1 to FIG. 6 illustrate a battery frame kit 102 for a vehicle battery assembly 1004 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The battery frame kit 102 includes a first crossmember 106, and at least one locator pin 108 releasably connectable to the first crossmember 106. As shown in FIG. 1, in this example, the battery frame kit 102 includes a single locator pin 108, although in other examples the battery frame kit 102 may include more than one locator pin 108, for example, two, three, or more locator pins. As shown in FIG. 1, in this example the first crossmember 106 is an elongate member, including a central portion 126 extending along a length of the elongate member, and flanges 124 extending laterally from the central portion 126. As shown in FIG. 6, the central portion 126 includes an upper tier 128, a middle tier 130, and a lower tier 142, where each of the tiers of the central portion 126 are integral with one another. In some instances, the upper tier 128 and lower tier 142 are discontinuous over a length of the first crossmember 106. The flanges 124 are disposed either side of the middle tier 130 of the central portion 126, and are integral with the middle tier 130 of the central portion 126. In this example, the flanges 124 are used to support battery modules 1002 of the vehicle battery assembly 1004 (as described in relation to FIG. 10). As further shown in FIG. 1, a receiving hole 150a disposed in a surface 146 of the upper tier 128 is configured to enable the locator pin 108 to be releasably connected to the first crossmember 106. This arrangement is described further in relation to FIG. 3. When connected to the first crossmember 106, the locator pin 108 extends outwardly from the surface 146 of the upper tier 128. Along a length of the first crossmember 106, the first crossmember 106 includes a plurality of other receiving holes, for example receiving hole 150b, disposed in surfaces of the central portion 126. The plurality of other receiving holes of the first crossmember 106 may be configured to receive other locator pins, receive mechanical fixings to connect the first crossmember 106 to a second crossmember 104, or enable other ancillary functions of the first crossmember 106. The receiving hole 150a, and similarly any other receiving hole of the first crossmember 106, may be disposed in surfaces of each of the upper tier 128, middle tier 130, and lower tier 142 of the central portion 126. In some instances, the receiving hole 150a may align between the upper tier 128, the middle tier 130, and the lower tier 142 of the central portion 126, such that a bore extends through a height of the first crossmember 106. In other instances, the receiving hole 150a is only disposed in surfaces of one, or two, of the upper tier 128, middle tier 130, and lower tier 142. For example, the receiving hole 150a may align between only the upper tier 128 and the middle tier 130. The battery frame kit 102 includes a second crossmember 104. As shown in FIG. 2, in this example, the second crossmember 104 is an elongate member, including a central portion 132 extending along a length of the elongate member, and flanges 134 extending laterally from the central portion 132. As shown in FIG. 6, the central portion 132 includes at least an upper tier 144 and a lower tier 136, where each of the tiers of the central portion 132 are connected to one another. In this instance, the upper tier 144 and the lower tier 136 are connected to one another via side portions. As shown in FIG. 5, the side portions may include fixing portions 138 for connecting the second crossmember 104 to side rails of the vehicle battery assembly 1004, as described in relation to FIG. 4 to FIG. 6. The flanges 134 are disposed either side of the upper tier 144 of the central portion 132, and are integral with the upper tier 144. The second crossmember 104 includes at least one receiving hole disposed in a surface 122 of the second crossmember 104 for receiving the locator pin 108 for locating the second crossmember 104 to a predetermined position relative to the first crossmember 106. In the example of FIG. 2, the second crossmember 104 includes a single receiving hole 140a for receiving the locator pin 108 shown in FIG. 1. Along a length of the second crossmember 104, the second crossmember 104 includes a plurality of other receiving holes, for example receiving hole 140b. The plurality of other receiving holes of the second crossmember 104 may be configured to receive other locator pins 108, receive mechanical fixings for connecting the second crossmember 104 to the first crossmember 106, or enable other ancillary functions of the second crossmember 104. The receiving hole 140a, and similarly any other receiving hole of the second crossmember 104, may be disposed in surfaces of at least the upper tier 144 and the lower tier 136 of the central portion 132. In some instances, the receiving hole 140a is aligned between the upper tier 144 and the lower tier 136, such that a bore extends through a height of the second crossmember 104. In other instances, the receiving hole 140a is only disposed in surfaces of at least one of the upper tier 144 and the lower tier 136. The receiving hole 140a of the second crossmember 104 corresponds in shape to a locator portion 114 of the locator pin 108 (as described in relation to FIG. 3). That is, an internal dimension (e.g., the internal diameter) of the receiving hole 140a substantially corresponds with at least one external dimension (e.g., the external diameter) of the locator portion 114 of the locator pin 108. Advantageously, this configuration helps ensure accurate positioning of the second crossmember 104 onto the first cross member 106, during assembly. For example, where the locator portion 114 of the locator pin 108 is cylindrical, the receiving hole 140a has a circular or conical opening. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the receiving hole 140a of the second crossmember 104 is a slotted hole. In this instance, the slotted hole extends in a transverse direction, relative to the length of the second crossmember 104. In other instances, the slotted hole may extend in a longitudinal direction, relative to the length of the second crossmember 104. Advantageously, this configuration enables movement of the first crossmember 106 and / or second crossmember 104 along a given axis, allowing for improved tolerances, during assembly. FIG. 3 illustrates an example locator pin 108. The locator pin 108 includes a locator portion 114 for insertion through the receiving hole 140a of the second crossmember 104. The locator pin 108 also includes an attachment portion 112 extending from the locator portion 114. The attachment portion 112 is releasably connectable to the first crossmember 106. In this example, the attachment portion 112 and the locator portion 114 of the locator pin 108 are integral with one another. In the assembled configuration, the locator portion 114 extends outwardly from a surface 146 of the first crossmember 106, whereas the attachment portion 112 extends inwardly from the surface 146 of the first crossmember 106. In some instances, the receiving hole 150a of the first crossmember 106 may have an internal thread, and the attachment portion 112 of the locator pin 108 may be a threaded connector. In the assembled configuration of the battery frame kit 102, the threaded connector may be connected to the internal thread of the receiving hole 150a. The threaded connector may be connected to the threaded hole using a tool for torquing (or rotating) the locator pin 108. The threaded connector may, in turn, be disconnected from the threaded hole, such that the locator pin 108 is removed from the first crossmember 106. In other instances, the attachment portion 112 of the locator pin 108 may be connected to the first crossmember 106 via a push-fit configuration, or by any other means known in the art. In this example, the locator portion 114 of the locator pin 108 includes a frustoconical portion 116 (or a tapered portion). Advantageously, the frustoconical portion 116 of the locator pin 108 allows for improved tolerance when locating the locator pin 108 into the receiving hole 140a of the second crossmember 104. The frustoconical portion 116 extends from a cylindrical portion 148 of the locator portion 114, and reduces in diameter from an end of the cylindrical portion 148, towards an end 120 of the locator pin 108. The external dimensions (e.g., the external diameter) of the cylindrical portion 148 may substantially correspond with the internal dimensions (e.g., the internal diameter) of the receiving hole 140a of the second crossmember 104. The external dimensions (e.g., the external diameter) of the frustoconical portion 116 at the end 120 of the locator portion 114 may be smaller than the internal dimensions (e.g., the internal diameter) of the receiving hole 140a of the second crossmember 104, such that the second crossmember 104 may move in relation to the first crossmember 106 during assembly. The frustoconical portion 116 is integral with the cylindrical portion 148 of the locator portion 114 in some examples. As further shown in FIG. 3, the locator portion 114 of the locator pin 108 includes a recess 118 extending from an end 120 of the locator pin 108. The recess 118 extends along at least part of a length of the frustoconical portion 116 of the locator portion 114. The recess 118 is configured to receive a tool for torquing (or rotating) the attachment portion 112 of the locator pm 108. In the assembled configuration, the locator pin 108 is arranged in a torqued position, such that the attachment portion 112 is releasably connected to the first crossmember 106. The recess 118 is shaped so as to correspond to the shape of the tool for torquing (or rotating) the attachment portion 112. In instances where the attachment portion 112 includes a threaded connector, rotation of the attachment portion 112 engages the threaded connector of the attachment portion 112 with the threaded hole of the first crossmember 106, such that the threaded connector is connected to the threaded hole. Advantageously, using a recess 118 of the locator portion 114 to receive a tool, rather than an external profile of the locator portion 114, ensures that the attachment portion 112 can be tightened where space is constrained. Additionally, the amount of rotation, and thereby the applied torque, applied to the locator pin 108, can be effectively controlled. In an assembled configuration, the locator pin 108 is releasably connected to the first crossmember 106, and the locator pin 108 is inserted through the receiving hole 140a of the second crossmember 104, such that the second crossmember 104 is in a predetermined position relative to the first crossmember 106. The locator pin 108 may be inserted through the receiving hole 140a until a surface 122 of the second crossmember 104 abuts a surface 146 of the first crossmember 106, such that further insertion of the locator pin 108 is prevented. Advantageously, with the described arrangement, the second crossmember 104 (e.g., an upper crossmember) can be manually positioned, accurately, in relation to the first crossmember 106 (e.g., a lower crossmember). That is, the locator pin 108 extending from the first crossmember 106 can be used as a locator, helping accurately position the second crossmember 104 relative to the first crossmember 106. This arrangement avoids the use of additional, expensive manufacturing aids for providing the required relative positioning between the first crossmember 106 and the second crossmember 104. As shown in FIG. 4 to FIG. 6, in the assembled configuration of the battery frame kit 102, the surface 122 ofthe second crossmember 104 abuts a surface 146 ofthe first crossmember 106. When the surface 122 of the second crossmember 104 abuts the surface 146 of the first crossmember 106, the first crossmember 106 and the second crossmember 104 may then be attached to one another with mechanical fixings. In this instance, the first crossmember 106 is a lower crossmember, and the second crossmember 104 is an upper crossmember. Thereby, a surface 122 ofthe lower tier 136 ofthe central portion 132 ofthe second crossmember 104 abuts a surface 146 ofthe upper tier 128 ofthe central portion 126 ofthe first crossmember 106. Advantageously, an upper crossmember may be accurately positioned relative to a lower crossmember, where visibility to the underside ofthe upper crossmember is poor. When in the assembled configuration, the second crossmember 104 and first crossmember 106 are configured to be connected to one another. As described in relation to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, a mechanical fixing may be inserted through other receiving holes 140b, 150b of both the first crossmember 106 and second crossmember 104, such that the first crossmember 106 and the second crossmember 104 are connected to one another. When in the assembled configuration, and the first crossmember 106 is connected to the second crossmember 104, the second crossmember 104 may be connected to further components of the battery frame kit 102. For example, the battery frame kit 102 may also include side rails (not shown), the side rails including coupling members (not shown) for connecting the side rails to the second crossmember 104. The side rails may include a first side rail and a second side rail, the first side rail disposed at a first end of the second crossmember 104 and the second side rail disposed at a second end of the second crossmember 104. The side rails may be oriented perpendicular to the second crossmember 104. End portions of the second crossmember 104 may be coupled to a coupling member of each side rail, such that the side rails are connected to the second crossmember 104. As shown in FIG. 5, in this example each end portion of the second crossmember 104 includes fixing portions 138, the fixing portions 138 disposed in side portions of the second crossmember 104. The fixing portions 138 may be configured to receive mechanical fixings, the mechanical fixings configured to couple the end portions of the second crossmember 104 to the coupling members of the side rails. The side rails may include multiple coupling members for connecting to multiple second crossmembers 104 of battery frame kits 102. FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 illustrate a battery frame kit 702 for a vehicle battery assembly 1004 in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 7, in this example the battery frame kit 102 includes a first crossmember 704, a second crossmember 706, and a third crossmember 708. The first crossmember 704 may be a lower crossmember, the second crossmember 706 may be a middle crossmember, and the third crossmember 708 may be an upper crossmember. As shown in FIG. 8, locator pins 712 are used to help locate the third crossmember 708 with respect to the second crossmember 706 in the same manner as described above for the relative positioning of the first crossmember 106 and the second crossmember 104. That is, the locator pins 712 are releasably connectable to the second crossmember 706 and the third crossmember 708 includes corresponding receiving holes (not shown) to receive a locator portion of each locator pin 712. In this example, the battery frame kit 702 includes two locator pins 712, and the third crossmember 708 includes two receiving holes, however, the battery frame kit 702 mat include any number of locator pins and the third crossmember 708 may include any number of receiving holes. It would be understood that a battery frame 906 may include the assembled configuration of one or more of the aforementioned described battery frame kits 102, 702. For example, FIG. 9 illustrates an example battery frame 906 including both the battery frame kit 102 in the assembled configuration and the battery frame kit 702 in the assembled configuration. It would be understood that other battery frames may differ in structure and arrangement to that shown in FIG. 9. The battery frame 906 includes multiple battery frame kits 102 and at least one battery frame kit 702, each battery frame kit 102, 702 spaced from one another along a length of the battery frame 906. The battery frame kit 702 is disposed at a first end 902 of the battery frame 906, whereas the battery frame kits 102 are disposed between the first end 902 and second end 904 of the battery frame 906. FIG. 10 illustrates a vehicle battery assembly 1004 including the battery frame 906 shown in FIG. 9. As shown in FIG. 10, the vehicle battery assembly 1004 includes a plurality of battery modules 1002, with each battery module 1002 being disposed adjacent to the first crossmember 106 of the battery frame kit 102. Each battery module 1002 may span between battery frame kits 102, 702, such that the first crossmember 106 may support a battery module 1002. More specifically, the battery modules 1002 may be supported by the flanges 124 of the first crossmember 106. The second crossmember 706 of the battery frame kit 702 may also support the battery module 1002. The battery module 1002 may include any of cells, coolant circuits, or battery electronics. In the example shown in FIG. 10, the vehicle battery assembly 1004 has a two-tier configuration, with the battery modules 1002 including upper battery modules 1002a and lower battery modules 1002b. In this instance, the upper battery modules 1002a are supported by at least one of the first crossmembers 106 of the battery frame kit 102, and the second crossmember 706 of the battery frame kit 702. Lower battery modules 1002b are supported by further crossmembers of the battery frame kit 102, and the first crossmember 704 of the battery frame kit 702. FIG. 11 illustrates a vehicle 1102 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The vehicle 1102 includes the vehicle battery assembly 1004. The vehicle battery assembly 1004 may be the vehicle battery assembly 1004 described in relation to FIG. 10. The vehicle battery assembly 1004 may be connected to a vehicle body of the vehicle 1102 using mechanical fixings, or by any other means known in the art. For example, a mechanical fixing, coupling the vehicle battery assembly 1004 to the vehicle body, may be connected to other receiving holes 140b, 150b of a crossmembers 104, 106 of the battery frame kit 102. The vehicle battery assembly 1004 may be configured to distribute electrical power to the vehicle 1102, enabling functions of the vehicles 1102, including: movement of the vehicle 1102, and operation of entertainment systems of the vehicle 1102. As shown in FIG. 11, the vehicle 1102 is an automobile (e.g., a car), however, the vehicle 1102 may be a boat, plane, or any other vehicle 1102 suitable to be used in conjunction with the vehicle battery assembly 1004. FIG. 12 illustrates a method 1202 of assembling a battery frame kit 102 for a vehicle battery assembly 1004 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The method 1202 includes a first step 1204 of providing a first crossmember 106; and a further step 1206 of providing at least one locator pin 108 releasably connectable to the first crossmembers 106. For example, a single locator pin 108 may be releasably connectable to the first crossmember 106. A further step 1208 includes providing a second crossmember 104 including at least one receiving hole 140a in a surface 122 of the second crossmember 104. For exa mple, the second crossmember 104 may include a single receiving hole 140a. The receiving hole 140a of the second crossmember 104 may correspond in shape to a locator portion 114 of the locator pin 108. The method 1202 further includes the step 1210 of releasably connecting the locator pm 108 to the first crossmember 106. In some instances, the first crossmember 106 includes at least one receiving hole 150a in a surface 146 of the first crossmember 106. For example, the first crossmember 106 may include a single receiving hole 150a. The receiving hole 150a of the first crossmember 106 may include an internal thread, and an attachment portion 112 of the at least one locator pin 108 may be a threaded connector. In such an instance, the step 1210 of the method 1202 further includes connecting the threaded connector to the threaded hole. The method 1202 further includes the step 1212 of inserting the locator pin 108 through the receiving hole 140a of the second crossmember 104, such that the second crossmember 104 is in a predetermined position relative to the first crossmember 106. When in the assembled configuration, the second crossmember 104 and first crossmember 106 are configured to be connected to one another. It will be appreciated that various changes and modifications can be made to the present invention without departing from the scope of the present application. It would be understood by the skilled person that the battery frame kit 102, vehicle battery assembly 1004, and vehicle 1102 may differ from those illustrated in the figures. For example, instead of the first crossmember 106 being a lower crossmember and the second crossmember 104 being an upper crossmember, the first crossmember 106 may be an upper crossmember and the second crossmember 104 may be a lower crossmember. As a further example, instead of the locator pin 108 being releasably connectable to the first crossmember 106, the locator pin 108 may be integral with the first crossmember 106. As a further example, at least one locator pin of the battery frame kit 102 may be releasably connected to a further crossmember, the locator pin may, in turn, be inserted through a receiving hole of the first crossmember 106, such that the further crossmember is in a predetermined position relative to the first crossmember 106. As a further example, specific structural features of the first crossmember 106, second crossmember 104 and locator pin 108 may differ from those illustrated.

Claims

1. A battery frame kit for a vehicle battery assembly, the battery frame kit comprising:a first crossmember;at least one locator pin releasably connectable to the first crossmember; anda second crossmember comprising at least one receiving hole in a surface of the second crossmember,wherein in an assembled configuration of the battery frame kit:the at least one locator pin is releasably connected to the first crossmember; anda locator pin of the at least one locator pin is inserted through the at least one receiving hole of the second crossmember, such that the second crossmember is in a predetermined position relative to the first crossmember.

2. A battery frame kit according to claim 1, wherein the at least one locator pin comprises:a locator portion for insertion through the at least one receiving hole of the second crossmember; andan attachment portion extending from the locator portion,wherein the attachment portion is releasably connectable to the first crossmember, andwherein in the assembled configuration of the battery frame kit the attachment portion is releasably connected to the first crossmember.

3. A battery frame kit according to claim 2, wherein the locator portion of the at least one locator pin comprises a frustoconical portion.

4. A battery frame kit according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the first crossmember comprises at least one receiving hole in a surface of the first crossmember,wherein the at least one receiving hole of the first crossmember comprises an internal thread, wherein the attachment portion of the at least one locator pin is a threaded connector, and wherein in the assembled configuration of the battery frame kit the threaded connector is connected to the threaded hole.

5. A battery frame kit according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the at least one receiving hole of the second crossmember corresponds in shape to the locator portion of the at least one locator pin.

6. A battery frame kit according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the locator portion of the at least one locator pin comprises a recess extending from an end of the locator pin,wherein the recess is configured to receive a tool for torquing the attachment portion of the at least one locator pin, andwherein in the assembled configuration the at least one locator pin is arranged in a torqued position, such that the attachment portion is releasably connected to the first crossmember.7, A battery frame kit according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the at least one receiving hole of the second crossmember is a slotted hole.

8. A battery frame kit according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein in the assembled configuration of the battery frame kit the surface of the second crossmember abuts a surface of the first crossmember.

9. A battery frame kit according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the battery frame kit comprises at least two locator pins releasably connectable to the first crossmember,wherein the second crossmember comprises at least two receiving holes in the surface of the second crossmember, andwherein in the assembled configuration of the battery frame kit:the at least two locator pins are releasably connected to the first crossmember, andeach locator pin of the at least two locator pins is inserted through a receiving hole of the at least two receiving holes of the second crossmember, such that the second crossmember is in a predetermined position relative to the first crossmember.

10. A battery frame kit according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the battery frame kit comprises: at least one locator pin releasably connectable to a second crossmember; anda third crossmember comprising at least one receiving hole in a surface of the third crossmember, wherein in the assembled configuration:the at least one locator pin is releasably connected to the second crossmember; anda locator pin of the at least one locator pin is inserted through the at least one receiving hole of the third crossmember, such that the third crossmember is in a predetermined position relative to the second crossmember.

11. A vehicle battery assembly comprising the battery frame kit of any one of claims 1 to 10 in the assembled configuration of the battery frame kit.

12. A vehicle battery assembly according to claim 11, wherein the vehicle battery assembly comprises at least one battery module, andwherein the at least one battery module is disposed adjacent to the first crossmember.

13. A vehicle comprising the vehicle battery assembly according to claim 11 or 12.

14. A method of assembling a battery frame kit for a vehicle battery assembly, the method comprising: providing a first crossmember;providing at least one locator pin releasably connectable to the first crossmember;providing a second crossmember comprising at least one receiving hole in a surface of the second crossmember;releasably connecting the at least one locator pin to the first crossmember; andinserting a locator pin of the at least one locator pin through the at least one receiving hole of the second crossmember, such that the second crossmember is in a predetermined position relative to the first crossmember.5 15. A method according to claim 14, wherein the first crossmember comprises at least one receiving holein the surface of the first crossmember,wherein the at least one receiving hole of the first crossmember comprises an internal thread, wherein an attachment portion of the at least one locator pin is a threaded connector, and wherein the method further comprises connecting the threaded connector to the threaded hole.16

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