Battery box assembly

Abstract

This disclosure relates to a battery support for a battery. [Solution] The battery support comprises a first frame, a second frame spaced apart from the first frame to define a cavity, and a movable frame member 202 that can be positioned within the cavity. The movable frame member has a first interface, which is configured to interface with a corresponding second interface on the first frame when the movable frame member moves toward the first frame in a first direction. The movable frame member works in cooperation with the second frame to define a battery cavity 216 sized to receive a battery 206, and restricts the movement of the movable frame member in a second direction opposite to the first direction when the battery is received by the battery cavity.

Description

Background Art

[0001] [Related Applications]

[0002]

[0001] This disclosure claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 243,487, filed on September 13, 2021, entitled BATTERY BOX ASSEMBLY, docket PLR-12-29857.01P-US, the entire disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference. [Background of the Disclosure]

[0003]

[0002] Attaching battery boxes and related components can introduce additional complexity to vehicle manufacturing, especially in scenarios with space constraints. For example, a battery box assembly with a dense configuration of components may require the use of specialized tools or various tools during assembly, or may involve long and / or monotonous manufacturing steps. In other examples, a relatively less dense configuration may be used instead to avoid such complexity.

[0004]

[0003] Embodiments have been described with respect to these and other general considerations. Also, while relatively specific problems have been discussed, it should be understood that embodiments should not be limited to solving the specific problems identified in the background. Summary of the Disclosure

[0005]

[0004] An aspect of the present disclosure relates to a battery support for a battery. In one embodiment, the battery support comprises a first frame, a second frame spaced apart from the first frame to define a cavity, and a movable frame member that is positionable within the cavity. The movable frame member has a first interface, which is configured to interface with a corresponding second interface on the first frame when the movable frame member moves toward the first frame in a first direction. The movable frame member cooperates with the second frame to define a battery cavity sized to receive a battery, and restricts the movement of the movable frame member in a second direction opposite to the first direction when the battery is received by the battery cavity.

[0006]

[0005] In another embodiment, a vehicle having a battery is provided. The vehicle comprises a plurality of ground engagement members and a frame supported by the plurality of ground engagement members. The frame includes a first intermediate frame and a second intermediate frame, the first intermediate frame having a first interface defined inside the first intermediate frame, and the first and second intermediate frames are on opposite sides of the longitudinal centerline of the vehicle. The vehicle further comprises a movable frame member, the movable frame member having a second interface configured to interface with the first interface of the first intermediate frame when the movable frame member is moved in a first direction away from the longitudinal centerline toward the first intermediate frame. The movable frame member cooperates with the second intermediate frame to define a battery cavity sized to receive a battery, and restricts the movement of the movable frame member in a second direction opposite to the first direction when the battery is received by the battery cavity.

[0007]

[0006] In yet another embodiment, a battery support for a battery is provided. The battery support comprises a first movable frame member, a second movable frame member cooperating with the first movable frame member to define a battery cavity of a size for receiving a battery, and a cover that mechanically connects the first movable frame member and the second movable frame member to hold the battery in the battery cavity. The cover has a positive terminal feature positioned to cover the positive terminal of the battery, a negative terminal feature that restricts the removal of the cover when the negative terminal of the battery is electrically connected, and a busbar feature configured to allow a busbar to extend from the battery cavity, thereby allowing an electrical connection to the positive terminal of the battery via the busbar when the cover is coupled to the first and second movable frame members.

[0008]

[0007] This summary is provided to introduce in a brief manner the selection of concepts that will be further described in the following detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify any major or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009]

[0008] Non-limiting and non-exclusive embodiments will be described with reference to the following figures. [Figure 1A] Figure 1A shows a side view of a vehicle having a battery box assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 1B] Figure 1B shows a top view of the vehicle shown in Figure 1A. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an exploded perspective view of an exemplary battery box assembly. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows a rear left perspective view of an exemplary battery box assembly. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows a rear view of an exemplary battery box assembly. [Figure 5]Figure 5 shows a top view of the battery box assembly of the embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows a bottom view of the battery box assembly of the embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows another top view of the battery box assembly of the embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows a right side view of the battery box assembly of the embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows a right-hand perspective view of the movable frame member of the battery box assembly in the embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows the left side view of the movable frame member shown in Figure 9. [Figure 11] Figure 11 shows a front perspective view of the movable frame member shown in Figure 9. [Figure 12] Figure 12 shows another front perspective view of the movable frame member shown in Figure 9. [Figure 13] Figure 13 shows a perspective view of the cover of the battery box assembly in the embodiment. [Figure 14] Figure 14 shows another perspective view of the cover shown in Figure 13. [Figure 15] Figure 15 shows a detailed view of the positive terminal feature area of ​​the cover in Figures 13 and 14. [Figure 16] Figure 16 shows a detailed view of the negative terminal feature of the cover in Figures 13 and 14. [Figure 17] Figure 17 shows a front perspective view of a battery box assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, in which the busbar is electrically connected to the positive terminal of a battery located therein. [Figure 18] Figure 18 shows a top perspective view of the battery box assembly of the embodiment shown in Figure 17. [Figure 19] Figure 19 shows a rear perspective view of the battery box assembly of the embodiment shown in Figures 17 and 18.

[0010] Detailed description of the drawing

[0011]

[0029] The following detailed description refers to accompanying drawings that form part of this specification and illustrate specific embodiments or examples. These embodiments may be combined, or other embodiments may be used, or structural modifications may be made without departing from the disclosure. Embodiments may be implemented as methods, systems, or apparatus. Accordingly, the following detailed description should not be construed as restrictive, and the scope of this disclosure is defined by the accompanying claims and their equivalents.

[0012]

[0030] In the embodiment, the battery box assembly and related components may be bolted to the vehicle chassis. For example, in a motorcycle, such a battery box assembly may be mounted to the vehicle's intermediate frame. In such embodiments, space may be limited, and therefore a higher density configuration may be preferred. However, this may introduce further complexity and time into the manufacturing process, for example, requiring the use of special and / or various tools, as well as a specific sequence of potentially tedious or complex assembly steps.

[0013]

[0031] Therefore, aspects of the present disclosure relate to a battery box assembly in which at least one movable frame member is used to hold one or more components between the movable frame member and the vehicle frame. For example, the movable frame member may be positioned within a cavity defined between the left intermediate frame and the right intermediate frame of the vehicle. As one example, the movable frame member can include one or more pegs that are received by corresponding cups of the vehicle frame (each of these may be referred to herein as, for example, an "interface" of the associated movable frame member or frame / "intermediate" frame). The pegs can allow the movable frame member to move laterally toward the vehicle frame such that components are held accordingly. In some embodiments, the pegs can have associated isolators that can reduce the transmission of vibrations from the frame to the movable frame member. The movable frame member can further at least partially define a battery cavity such that the lateral movement of the movable frame member is restricted by installing a battery within the battery cavity.

[0014]

[0032] Therefore, aspects of the present disclosure simplify the manufacture of the battery box assembly, where using the disclosed movable frame member allows for the holding of components between the vehicle frame and the movable frame member, while the movable frame member is ultimately fastened in place by the battery. Components of the example can include, but are not limited to, structural components or electrical components. Thus, the assembly process does not require fasteners or special tools. Further, while the battery is disclosed as fixing the position of the movable frame member, it will be understood that any of a variety of other objects, such as a cover or a temporary fixture, can also be used in other embodiments. In some embodiments, the battery may be further held within the disclosed battery box assembly, for example, by a cover that mechanically couples to the movable frame member.

[0015]

[0033] Figures 1A and 1B respectively show a side view and a top view of a vehicle 100 having a battery box assembly 200 according to an aspect of the present disclosure. As shown, the vehicle 100 includes two ground engaging members 106, a frame including a left intermediate frame 102 and a right intermediate frame 104, a seat assembly 108, and a handlebar 110. In an embodiment, an operator can control the speed and / or direction of the vehicle 100 by straddling the seat assembly 108 and using the handlebar 110. For example, the vehicle 100 can include a prime mover (not shown) that can be controlled by the operator using throttle control of the handlebar 110. Similarly, the handlebar 110 can include one or more brake control devices for controlling the brake system of the vehicle 100.

[0016]

[0034] As shown in FIG. 1B, the left intermediate frame 102 and the right intermediate frame 104 are mechanically coupled along a longitudinal centerline 120 and supported by the ground engaging members 106. The battery box assembly 200 is shown using a dashed line, which indicates that the battery box assembly may be inside the vehicle 100. For example, the battery box assembly 200 can be installed and / or positioned within a cavity defined by the left intermediate frame 102 and the right intermediate frame 104 (e.g., during assembly). In some embodiments, the seat assembly 108 may be further installed above the area where the battery box assembly 200 is positioned.

[0017]

[0035] Further aspects of the battery box assembly 200 are described below with respect to FIGS. 2 - 16. The disclosed battery box assembly can also be referred to herein as a battery support. An exemplary vehicle 100 is provided as a two-wheeled vehicle having two ground engaging members positioned along a longitudinal centerline 120 that can use the described battery box assembly, but such aspects are equally applicable to any of a variety of other vehicles (e.g., having fewer or additional ground engaging members in similar or different configurations).

[0018]

[0036] Figures 2 and 3 show a rear left perspective view and an exploded view, respectively, of an exemplary battery box assembly 200 according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown, the battery box assembly 200 includes a left movable frame member 202, a right movable frame member 204, and a cover 208 in which the battery 206 is arranged. As shown, the battery 206 includes a negative terminal 241 and a positive terminal 243. The battery box assembly 200 is provided as an embodiment in which a plurality of movable frame members 202 and 204 are used. However, it will be understood that fewer movable frame members may be added and used. For example, the right movable frame member 202 may be omitted so that the battery 206 is held between the left movable frame member 204 and the right intermediate frame 104. In another embodiment, one or more of the movable frame members 202 and / or 204 may be divided into two or more such members, as a result of additional movable frame members being used to hold the battery 206 within and / or within one or more parts (e.g., parts 222 and 232) inside and / or outside the battery box assembly 200.

[0019]

[0037] Referring to the left movable frame member 202, Figures 2 and 3 show the left movable frame member 202 interfaced with the left intermediate frame 102. More specifically, the left movable frame member 202 includes a peg 228 interfaced with the cup 112 of the left intermediate frame 102. An isolator 210 is shown between the peg 228 and the cup 112. For example, each isolator 210 may be a rubber or foam sleeve covering at least a portion of the associated peg 228, thereby reducing the transmission of vibrations between the left intermediate frame 102 and the left movable frame member 202.

[0020]

[0038] It will be understood that any of the various isolators can be used, and they do not necessarily have to be sleeves. For example, isolator 210 can be a washer or a standoff in other embodiments. Furthermore, it will be understood that one or more fasteners can be used to mechanically connect the movable frame members to the intermediate frame, for example, in addition to or as an alternative to the illustrated use of cup 112 in conjunction with peg 228 (and isolator 210).

[0021]

[0039] As used herein, the interfaces of movable frame members may interface with the interfaces of intermediate frames. In practice, pegs 224 or 228 may be referred to as interfaces of movable frame members (for example, when isolator 210 is omitted or pre-installed in the associated cups), respectively. Similarly, associated cups of the intermediate frame may be referred to as interfaces of the intermediate frame. In another embodiment, peg 228 in combination with isolator 210 may be referred to as the interface of the left movable intermediate frame member 202.

[0022]

[0040] Component 232 is held between the left intermediate frame 102 and the left movable frame member 202. In some embodiments, component 232 may first be mechanically coupled to the left intermediate frame 102 or the left movable frame member 202 (for example, using one or more fasteners or friction fits). In other embodiments, component 232 may be held in place for the most part as a result of the fitting between the left intermediate frame 202 and the left movable frame member 202 when the left movable frame member 102 is moved laterally within the left intermediate frame 102.

[0023]

[0041] Figures 9 to 12 show additional details relating to the left movable frame member 202. For example, Figure 11 shows additional parts 230, 234, and 236 mechanically coupled to the left movable frame member 202, while Figure 12 shows exemplary feature portions 250, 252, and 256 of the left movable frame member 202 that can be used to hold parts 230, 232, and 236, respectively. For example, feature portions 250, 252, and 256 may cooperate with the left intermediate frame 102 to hold the corresponding portion, or, in another embodiment, the portion may be clipped to the left movable frame member 202 (as shown, for example, by feature portion 256) or fastened (as may be the case with portion 234). Thus, it will be understood that the parts may be held according to any of the various techniques.

[0024]

[0042] Referring to Figures 2, 3, and 8, the right movable frame member 204 interfaces with the right intermediate frame 104 such that part 222 is held between the right intermediate frame 104 and the right movable frame member 204. The right movable frame member 204 includes a peg 224 that interfaces with the cup of the right intermediate frame 104 via an isolator 210. In some embodiments, part 222 may first be mechanically coupled to the right intermediate frame 104 or the right movable frame member 204 (for example, using one or more fasteners or friction fits).

[0025]

[0043] When the left movable frame member 202 and the right movable frame member 204 are in their respective positions relative to the left intermediate frame 102 and the right intermediate frame 104, they cooperate to form a battery cavity 216 (see Figure 7) in which the battery 206 is placed. The movable frame members 202 and 204 may be movable during assembly (for example, to allow the installation and / or retention of parts 222, 230, 232, 234, and 236). The movable frame members 202 and 204 may be moved laterally toward the intermediate frame 102 or 104, respectively (as indicated by arrows 218 and 220 in Figure 7), such that the pegs 228 and 224 are in the corresponding cups of the intermediate frame, respectively. Next, by placing the battery 206 within the battery cavity 216 (for example, between the left movable frame member 202 and the right movable frame member 204), the lateral movement of the left movable frame member 202 and the right movable frame member 204 is restricted, preventing them from being removed from the left intermediate frame 102 and the right intermediate frame 104, respectively. Therefore, by installing the battery 206 within the battery box assembly 200, the movable frame members 202 and 204 (and related parts 222, 230, 232, 234 and / or 236) can be effectively "locked" in place, preventing them from being removed from the intermediate frames 102 and 104 without removing the battery 206.

[0026]

[0044] Figure 4 shows an embodiment in which the cover 208 of the battery box assembly 200 is removed. In some embodiments, the battery 206 can be held in the battery cavity 216 by gravity and / or friction, but the cover 208 further restricts the movement of the battery 206 within the battery cavity 216, preventing, for example, the battery 206 from being removed from the battery cavity 216 (by accident or otherwise). The cover 208 includes retaining clips 226 that interface with feature portions 227 of the left movable frame member 202 and feature portions 229 of the right movable frame member 204.

[0027]

[0045] Figures 13 to 16 show additional details relating to the cover 208. As shown in Figure 13, parts 237 and 239 are mechanically coupled to the cover 208, for example, using one or more fasteners or retaining clips. Referring now to Figure 14, the cover 208 includes a positive terminal feature section 238 and a negative terminal feature section 240. In this embodiment, when the cover 208 is mechanically coupled to the left movable frame member 202 and the right movable frame member 204, the positive terminal feature section 238 is positioned to cover the positive terminal of the battery 206, thereby reducing the possibility of accidental contact with the positive terminal. The negative terminal feature section 240 is such that the electrical connection to the negative terminal 241 of the battery 206 (see Figure 16) is made after the cover 208 is mechanically coupled to the movable frame members 202 and 204, thereby preventing the cover 208 from being removed while the negative terminal is electrically connected. Figure 15 provides a detailed view of the positive terminal feature section 238, while Figure 16 provides a detailed view of the negative terminal feature section 240 related to the negative terminal 241 of the battery 206.

[0028]

[0046] Similar to the battery 206, the cover 208 can additionally or alternatively lock the movable frame members 202 and 204 in place. In other embodiments, temporary fasteners (not shown) can be placed in the battery cavity 216 to restrict the movement of the movable frame members 202 and 204, such as, in other embodiments, pieces of cardboard or foam. For example, such temporary fasteners can be used during the transport of the vehicle 100, as the battery 206 cannot be installed during manufacturing but can instead be installed after delivery is complete. In another embodiment, one or more fasteners may be used additionally or alternatively to fasten the movable frame members 202 and / or 204 to the intermediate frame 102 or 104, respectively, thereby locking them in place without the battery 206 or other similar fasteners.

[0029]

[0047] As shown in Figures 5 to 7, the left movable frame member 202 and the right movable frame member 204 each have lower lips 242 and 244, respectively, that define the lower surface of the battery cavity 216. In the embodiment, a bottom component 212 is included that further defines the lower surface of the battery cavity 216. As illustrated, the left movable frame member 202 and the right movable frame member 204 each include pins 214 that interface with the corresponding feature portion of the bottom component 212, thereby restricting its lateral and vertical movement. As with the movable frame members 202 and 204, the vertical movement of the bottom component 212 is ultimately restricted as a result of installing the battery 206 within the battery cavity 216 (or, in other embodiments, one of various other fasteners). In other embodiments, it will be understood that the bottom component 212 may be held using one or more fasteners in addition to or as an alternative to one or more pins 214. In a further embodiment, the pin 214 may be omitted, and as a result, the bottom component 212 is placed between the left movable frame member 202 and the right movable frame member 204, and is ultimately secured in place by the battery 206 when arranged within the battery cavity 216.

[0030]

[0048] Referring to Figure 7, the left movable frame member 202 can be installed within the left intermediate frame 102 by moving the left movable frame member 202 laterally, as indicated by arrow 218. Similarly, the right movable frame member 204 can be installed within the right intermediate frame 104 by moving the right movable frame member 204 laterally, as indicated by arrow 220. Arrows 218 and 220 are parallel to the horizontal axis 122, and the vertical centerline 120 indicates the vertical axis. During installation, the left movable frame member 202 and the right movable frame member 204 may be lowered vertically between the left intermediate frame 102 and the right intermediate frame 104 (for example, perpendicular to both the vertical centerline 120 and the horizontal axis 122) before they are installed laterally as described above. Therefore, the illustrated gap 246 between the left movable frame member 202 and the right movable frame member 204 in the installed position can correspond to the depth to which the pegs 228 and 224 contact the cups of the left intermediate frame 102 and the right intermediate frame 104, respectively. When the battery 206 (and / or other fasteners) is arranged in the battery cavity 216, the movement of the movable frame members 202 and 204 is restricted (for example, in the directions of arrows 220 and 218, respectively).

[0031]

[0049] Movement along the transverse axis, vertical axis, and / or vertical axis is discussed for illustrative purposes, and it will be understood that any of the various other axial and / or radial movements may be used in other embodiments. Furthermore, it will be understood that the disclosed battery box assembly allows for the placement of components in various areas within the frame of the vehicle 100. For example, components 230, 232, 234, and 236 are positioned between the left movable frame member 202 and the left intermediate frame 102, and component 222 is positioned between the right movable frame member 204 and the right intermediate frame 104. Furthermore, components 237 and 239 are mechanically coupled to the cover 208, while component 212 is held by the left movable frame member 202 and the right movable frame member 204 in cooperation with the battery 206.

[0032]

[0050] Accordingly, this embodiment illustrates examples in which components are positioned above (e.g., components 237 and 239), below (e.g., component 212), to the left (e.g., components 230, 232, 234, and 236), and to the right (e.g., component 222) of the battery box assembly 200. It will be understood that similar techniques may be used to position components on the front or back of the battery box assembly 200 (e.g., along the vertical centerline 120). Furthermore, it will be understood that components 212, 222, 230, 232, 234, 236, 237, and 239 are provided as components of embodiments having the relevant mechanical coupling techniques. In other embodiments, fewer, additional, or alternative components and the relevant mechanical coupling techniques may be used without departing from the present disclosure.

[0033]

[0051] Figures 17–19 show an embodiment in which a battery 206 has an associated busbar 260. As shown, the busbar 260 is electrically and mechanically coupled to the positive terminal 243 of the battery 206. The busbar 260 is sized and shaped to provide an area to which alligator clips (not shown) or other connectors are detachably coupled, thereby allowing a vehicle operator to establish a temporary electrical connection to the positive terminal 243 of the battery 206. For example, the busbar 260 may be used to push-start a vehicle including a battery box 200 (e.g., vehicle 100 in Figure 1).

[0034]

[0052] In one embodiment, the busbar 260 includes positioning or indexing features, which work in cooperation with the battery 206, the right movable frame member 204, the cover 270 (Figures 18 and 19), and / or any of the various other elements of the battery 206 and / or the battery box assembly 200 to orient the busbar 260 within the battery box 200 (for example, with respect to the battery 206). As shown, the busbar 260 includes a feature 262 that orients the positive cable 264 within the battery box 200 when coupled to the positive terminal 243 of the battery 206.

[0035]

[0053] Referring here to Figures 18 and 19, the battery box assembly 200 includes a cover 270. The aspects of the cover 270 are similar to those of the cover 208 described above and will therefore not be described again in detail. As shown, the cover 270 includes a busbar feature 272 from which the busbar 260 extends. Similar to the cover 208, the cover 270 includes a positive terminal feature 238 and a negative terminal feature 240, respectively, which cover the positive terminal 243 and expose the negative terminal 241. Thus, electrical connection to the positive terminal 243 is permitted via the busbar 260 when the cover 270 is installed, while physical access to the positive terminal 243 is restricted until the electrical connection to the negative terminal 241 is disconnected (for example, the negative terminal feature 240 prevents the cover 270 from being removed while the negative terminal 241 is electrically connected). Similarly, since access to the positive terminal 243 is restricted after the cover 270 is installed, the electrical connection to the positive terminal 243 may be re-established before installing the cover 270 during reassembly.

[0036]

[0054] Furthermore, a safety cap 274 is provided, which is sized and shaped to cover the busbar 260 when it is not in use. Thus, the safety cap 274 can prevent accidental electrical contact with the busbar 260. The safety cap 274 is anchored to the cover 270 via a tether 276, but it will be understood that any of a variety of additional or alternative retaining mechanisms may be used. For example, the safety cap 274 may instead be anchored to one of the movable frame members 202 or 204 and remain attached even after the cover 270 has been removed. Alternatively or additionally, the cover 270 may be formed to include a feature portion having a similar size and shape to the busbar 260, so that the feature portion may hold the safety cap 274 when removed from the busbar 260.

[0037]

[0055] The following clauses are provided as embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

[0038]

[0056] [Clause 1] In battery support for batteries, The first frame and, A second frame separated from the first frame and defining the cavity, A movable frame member that can be positioned within the cavity, comprising a first interface, the first interface being configured to interface with a corresponding second interface of the first frame when the movable frame member moves toward the first frame in a first direction, A battery support comprising a movable frame member that, in cooperation with the second frame, defines a battery cavity sized to receive the battery, and restricts the movement of the movable frame member in a second direction opposite to the first direction when the battery is received by the battery cavity.

[0039]

[0057] [Clause 2] The battery support according to Clause 1, further comprising a cover mechanically coupled to the movable frame member and holding the battery in the battery cavity in a third direction angled with respect to the first direction.

[0040]

[0058] [Clause 3] The battery support according to Clause 2, wherein the cover comprises a positive terminal feature portion positioned to cover the positive terminal of the battery, and a negative terminal feature portion that restricts the removal of the cover when the negative terminal of the battery is electrically connected.

[0041]

[0059] [Clause 4] The battery support according to any one of the clauses 1 to 3, wherein the movable frame member is a first movable frame member, and the battery box assembly further comprises a third interface configured to interface with a fourth interface of the second frame when the second movable frame member is moved toward the second frame in a second direction, and the first movable frame member and the second movable frame member cooperate to define the battery cavity and restrict the movement of the second movable frame member in the first direction when the battery is received in the battery cavity.

[0042]

[0060] [Clause 5] The battery support according to Clause 4, further comprising a lower battery support supported by the first movable frame member and the second movable frame member, wherein the lower battery support is positioned to restrict the movement of the first movable frame member in the second direction.

[0043]

[0061] [Clause 6] The battery support according to any one of the clauses 1 to 5, further comprising a lower battery support supported by the movable frame member and the first frame, which restricts the movement of the movable frame member in the second direction.

[0044]

[0062] [Clause 7] The first interface comprises a peg and an isolator, as described in any one of clauses 1 to 6.

[0045]

[0063] [Clause 8] A battery support according to any one of Clauses 1 to 7, wherein the first interface includes a peg, and the second interface includes an isolator cooperating to connect the movable frame member to the first frame, the isolator, and the peg.

[0046]

[0064] [Clause 9] In a vehicle equipped with a battery, Multiple ground engagement members, A frame supported by the plurality of ground engagement members, comprising: a first intermediate frame having a first interface defined inside the first intermediate frame; and a second intermediate frame having the first and second intermediate frames on opposite sides of the longitudinal centerline of the vehicle. A movable frame member, comprising a second interface configured to interface with the first interface of the first intermediate frame when the movable frame member is moved toward the first intermediate frame in a first direction away from the vertical centerline, Equipped with, A vehicle wherein the movable frame member cooperates with the second intermediate frame to define a battery cavity sized to receive the battery, and restricts the movement of the movable frame member in a second direction opposite to the first direction when the battery is received by the battery cavity.

[0047]

[0065] [Clause 10] The vehicle according to Clause 9, further comprising a cover mechanically coupled to the movable frame member and holding the battery in the battery cavity in a third direction angled with respect to the first direction.

[0048]

[0066] [Clause 11] The vehicle according to Clause 10, wherein the cover further comprises a positive terminal feature positioned to cover the positive terminal of the battery, and a negative terminal feature that restricts the removal of the cover when the negative terminal of the battery is electrically connected.

[0049]

[0067] [Article 12] The vehicle according to any one of the clauses 9 to 11, wherein the movable frame member is a first movable frame member, and the vehicle further comprises a second movable frame member having a third interface configured to interface with a fourth interface defined inside the second intermediate frame when the second movable frame member moves toward the second intermediate frame in a second direction, and the first movable frame member and the second movable frame member cooperate to define the battery cavity and restrict the movement of the second movable frame member in the first direction when the battery is received in the battery cavity.

[0050]

[0068] [Clause 13] The vehicle according to Clause 12, further comprising a lower battery support supported by the first movable frame member and the second movable frame member, wherein the lower battery support is positioned to restrict the movement of the first movable frame member in the second direction.

[0051]

[0069] [Clause 14] The vehicle according to any one of the clauses 9 to 13, further comprising a lower battery support supported by the movable frame member and the first frame, which restricts the movement of the movable frame member in the second direction.

[0052]

[0070] [Article 15] The vehicle according to any one of clauses 9 to 14, wherein the second interface comprises pegs and isolators.

[0053]

[0071] [Clause 16] The vehicle according to any one of Clauses 9 to 15, wherein the second interface includes a peg, the first interface includes an isolator, and the isolator and the peg cooperate to connect the movable frame member to the first intermediate frame.

[0054]

[0072] [Article 17] In battery support for batteries, A first movable frame member, A second movable frame member, which cooperates with the first movable frame member to define a battery cavity of a size that receives the battery, A cover that is mechanically coupled to the first movable frame member and the second movable frame member to hold the battery in the battery cavity, the cover comprising: a positive terminal feature portion positioned to cover the positive terminal of the battery; a negative terminal feature portion that restricts the removal of the cover when the negative terminal of the battery is electrically connected; and a busbar feature portion configured to allow the busbar to extend from the battery cavity when the cover is coupled to the first movable frame member and the second movable frame member, thereby enabling an electrical connection to the positive terminal of the battery via the busbar, A battery support for batteries, equipped with a battery.

[0055]

[0073] [Clause 18] The battery support according to Clause 17, further comprising a safety cap anchored to the cover, wherein the safety cap is sized and molded to be mechanically coupled to the bus bar.

[0056]

[0074] [Article 19] The battery support according to any one of the clauses 17 to 18, further comprising the busbar, the busbar being electrically coupled to the positive terminal of the battery.

[0057]

[0075] [Clause 20] The battery support according to Clause 19, wherein the busbar includes an indexing feature within the battery support for oriented at least one of the busbar or a positive cable electrically connected to the positive terminal of the battery.

[0058]

[0076] The descriptions and illustrations of one or more embodiments provided in this application are not intended to limit or restrict in any way the scope of the claimed disclosure. The embodiments, examples and details provided in this application are considered sufficient to enable others to possess and create and use the best embodiments of the claimed disclosure. The claimed disclosure should not be construed as being limited to any embodiments, examples or details provided in this application. Various features (both structural and methodological), whether shown and described together or separately, are intended to be selectively included or omitted to produce embodiments having a particular set of features. Now that the descriptions and illustrations of this application are provided, a person skilled in the art can envision variations, modifications and alternative embodiments that fall within the spirit of the broader aspects of the general inventive concept embodied in this application and do not deviate from the broader scope of the claimed disclosure.

Claims

1. In battery support for batteries, The first frame and A second frame separated from the first frame and defining a cavity, A movable frame member that can be positioned within the cavity, comprising a first interface, the first interface being configured to interface with a corresponding second interface of the first frame when the movable frame member moves toward the first frame in a first direction, Equipped with, A battery support comprising a movable frame member that, in cooperation with the second frame, defines a battery cavity sized to receive the battery, and restricts the movement of the movable frame member in a second direction opposite to the first direction when the battery is received by the battery cavity.

2. The battery support according to claim 1, further comprising a cover mechanically coupled to the movable frame member and holding the battery in the battery cavity in a third direction angled with respect to the first direction.

3. The aforementioned cover is A positive terminal feature portion positioned to cover the positive terminal of the aforementioned battery, A negative terminal feature that restricts the removal of the cover when the negative terminal of the battery is electrically connected, The battery support according to claim 2, comprising:

4. The aforementioned movable frame member is a first movable frame member, The battery box assembly further comprises a third interface configured to interface with a fourth interface of the second frame when the second movable frame member is moved toward the second frame in the second direction, The battery support according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first movable frame member and the second movable frame member cooperate to define the battery cavity, and when the battery is placed in the battery cavity, the movement of the second movable frame member in the first direction is restricted.

5. The battery support according to claim 4, further comprising a lower battery support supported by the first movable frame member and the second movable frame member, wherein the lower battery support is positioned to restrict the movement of the first movable frame member in the second direction.

6. The battery support according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a lower battery support supported by the movable frame member and the first frame, which restricts the movement of the movable frame member in the second direction.

7. The battery support according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first interface comprises a peg and an isolator.

8. The first interface includes a peg, The battery support according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the second interface includes an isolator cooperating to connect the movable frame member to the first frame, the isolator and the peg.

9. In a vehicle equipped with a battery, Multiple ground engagement members, A frame supported by the plurality of ground engagement members, comprising: a first intermediate frame having a first interface defined inside the first intermediate frame; and a second intermediate frame having the first and second intermediate frames on opposite sides of the longitudinal centerline of the vehicle. A movable frame member, comprising a second interface configured to interface with the first interface of the first intermediate frame when the movable frame member is moved toward the first intermediate frame in a first direction away from the vertical centerline, Equipped with, A vehicle in which the movable frame member cooperates with the second intermediate frame to define a battery cavity sized to receive the battery, and restricts the movement of the movable frame member in a second direction opposite to the first direction when the battery is received by the battery cavity.

10. The vehicle according to claim 9, further comprising a cover mechanically coupled to the movable frame member and holding the battery in the battery cavity in a third direction angled with respect to the first direction.

11. The aforementioned cover is A positive terminal feature portion positioned to cover the positive terminal of the aforementioned battery, A negative terminal feature that restricts the removal of the cover when the negative terminal of the battery is electrically connected, The vehicle according to claim 10, further comprising the following:

12. The aforementioned movable frame member is a first movable frame member, The vehicle further comprises a second movable frame member having a third interface configured to interface with a fourth interface defined inside the second intermediate frame when the second movable frame member moves toward the second intermediate frame in the second direction, The vehicle according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the first movable frame member and the second movable frame member cooperate to define the battery cavity and restrict the movement of the second movable frame member in the first direction when the battery is received in the battery cavity.

13. The vehicle according to claim 12, further comprising a lower battery support supported by the first movable frame member and the second movable frame member, wherein the lower battery support is positioned to restrict the movement of the first movable frame member in the second direction.

14. The vehicle according to any one of claims 9 to 13, further comprising a lower battery support supported by the movable frame member and the first frame, which restricts the movement of the movable frame member in the second direction.

15. The vehicle according to any one of claims 9 to 14, wherein the second interface comprises a peg and an isolator.

16. The second interface includes a peg, The vehicle according to any one of claims 9 to 15, wherein the first interface includes an isolator, and the isolator and the peg cooperate to connect the movable frame member to the first intermediate frame.

17. In battery support for batteries, A first movable frame member, A second movable frame member, which cooperates with the first movable frame member to define a battery cavity of a size that receives the battery, A cover that is mechanically coupled to the first movable frame member and the second movable frame member to hold the battery in the battery cavity, the cover comprising: a positive terminal feature portion positioned to cover the positive terminal of the battery; a negative terminal feature portion that restricts the removal of the cover when the negative terminal of the battery is electrically connected; and a busbar feature portion configured to allow the busbar to extend from the battery cavity when the cover is coupled to the first movable frame member and the second movable frame member, thereby enabling an electrical connection to the positive terminal of the battery via the busbar, A battery support for batteries, equipped with a battery.

18. The battery support according to claim 17, further comprising a safety cap anchored to the cover, wherein the safety cap is sized and molded to be mechanically coupled to the bus bar.

19. The battery support according to any one of claims 17 to 18, further comprising the busbar, the busbar being electrically coupled to the positive terminal of the battery.

20. The battery support according to claim 19, wherein the busbar includes an indexing feature within the battery support for oriented at least one of the busbar or a positive cable electrically connected to the positive terminal of the battery.

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