EP4210982A1

EP4210982A1 - A battery holding structure for a vehicle

Info

Publication number: EP4210982A1
Application number: EP21806043.2A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Vishwanath Patil LOHIT; Ramakrishna Naraharisetti; Sridhar Balaguru
Original assignee: TVS Motor Co Ltd
Current assignee: TVS Motor Co Ltd
Priority date: 2020-09-14
Filing date: 2021-09-14
Publication date: 2023-07-19
Also published as: JP2023541274A; WO2022054104A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a battery holding structure (200) for an alternative powertrain vehicle (100). The battery holding structure (200) comprising of an upper structure (205) and a lower structure (210). Further, said battery holder structure (200) is attached to and disposed below a front portion (F) of chassis frame structure of said alternative powertrain vehicle (100). Furthermore, said upper structure (205) has a front support (405A), a rear support (405B), a bottom support (405C) and a plurality of swivel type battery holders (410A, 410B). The swivel type battery holders (410A, 410B) configured to accommodate at least one removable battery. Thus, it is easy to lift and remove the batteries from the swivel type battery holders (410A, 410B). The lower structure (210) has a holder tray (225) configured to accommodate at least one fixed battery.

Description

A BATTERY HOLDING STRUCTURE FOR A VEHICLE

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present subject matter relates to the alternative powertrain vehicle. More particularly, the present subject matter relates to battery holding structure for an alternative powertrain vehicle.

BACKGROUND

[0002] The investment and market viability of the alternative powertrain vehicle are growing in a wide range because of high costs of fossil -based fuel and at the same time pressing need to be environment-friendly leading to alternative means of transportation. The alternative means includes electric vehicles (or battery electric vehicles), electric vehicles with or without a supplemental IC engine (i.e., hybrid electric vehicle), extended-range electric vehicles. The battery electric vehicles are the electric vehicles that are solely powered by electricity and have no backup fuel source. The hybrid electric vehicles are the electric vehicles that employ both electric as well as fuel power. The onboard battery helps the fuel to be used more efficiently, while the fuel aids in recharging the battery. The extended-range electric vehicle is a vehicle that is powered by battery for a certain distance and then the fuel powers an electric generator for the extended-range driving.

[0003] The electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles require onboard batteries to power their electric drive systems and use motor as the prime mover. The electric vehicle is environmentally clean because the power unit is in the form of a rechargeable battery pack that does not pollute the air during its operation. The most critical factor to consider with an electric vehicle is the onboard battery’s estimated distance range covered on a full charge. However, an EV’s actual range on charge can vary according to a number of factors. For instance, during acceleration and driving at higher speeds the battery tends to consume more kWh (kilowatt-hour) in comparison to a more mannerly drive around the city/ town. Similarly, the battery drains at a quicker rate when operating with a full load of passengers and cargo. Furthermore, a heavy vehicle consumes more energy to reach and maintain a given speed in comparison to vehicle with less weight.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] The detailed description is described with reference to the embodiment of a saddle ride type two wheeled vehicle along with the accompanying figures. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components.

[0005] Fig. 1 illustrates a side view of an alternative powertrain vehicle (100) where few parts are omitted from the figure, as per preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0006] Fig. 2 illustrates a perspective view of said battery holding structure (200) as per preferred embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0007] Fig. 3 illustrates a top view of said battery holding structure (200) as per preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0008] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of said battery holding structure (200) with the mounting provisions as per preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0009] Fig. 5a illustrates an exploded view of said upper structure (205) and said lower structure (210) of said battery holding structure (200) as per preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[00010] Fig. 5b illustrates an exploded view of said upper structure (205) and said lower structure (210) of said battery holding structure (200) as per preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[00011] Fig. 6 illustrates the exploded view of said battery holding structure (200) as per preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[00012] Fig. 7a illustrates the side view of said battery holding structure (200) as per preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[00013] Fig. 7b illustrates a sectional view of said battery holding structure (200) as per preferred embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[00014] Various features and embodiments of the present invention here will be discernible from the following further description thereof, set out hereunder. Further "front" and "rear", and "left" and "right" referred to in the ensuing description of the illustrated embodiment refer to front and rear, and left and right directions as seen from a rear portion of the powertrain and looking forward. Furthermore, a longitudinal axis (X-X’) unless otherwise mentioned, refers to a front to rear axis relative to the vehicle, while a lateral axis (Y-Y’) unless otherwise mentioned, refers generally to a side to side, or left to right axis relative to the vehicle.

[00015] It is contemplated that the disclosure in the present invention may be applied to any vehicle without defeating the spirit of the present subject matter. The detailed explanation of the constitution of parts other than the present invention which constitutes an essential part has been omitted at suitable places.

[00016] Typically, the high costs of fossil-based fuel and its impact on pollution is leading to research and development of alternative means of transportation. Moreover, original equipment manufacturer (OEMs) and customers are being driven down a path to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. One feasible way is by electrifying the drivetrain which has the capability to propel vehicles while enabling space inside the vehicles to allow large enough battery pack to give adequate range. In automobiles the torque and speed are critical parameters, these can vary as per different segment of the vehicle. Likewise, the electric vehicles are designed by keeping these two critical parameters in mind. However, the power generated from the electric motor when transmitted directly to drive wheel will lead to inappropriate torque as the direct drive results in an uncontrolled or sub-optimal speed. Hence, it is always a challenge for the automobile designers to have appropriate balance between both torque and speed. In order to achieve different speed and different torque at varying loads, an optimal transmission ratios/system is required. However, a trade-off between torque requirement and range of distance covered by the vehicle is difficult since the range of the vehicle drops at higher torque requirements. Therefore, to assure an effective torque developed by the drive wheel and the force applied to road surface special attention has been given to the electric drive and the power source i.e. batteries. Therefore, high capacity electric motor are employed and adapted to deliver more torque as per the operating condition albeit at more weight and cost. Moreover, the higher capacity electric motors draw more power from the batteries. Thus, to increase the range of distance covered by the electric vehicle, high watt-hour batteries are arranged within the electric vehicle in addition to the high capacity motors. Further, the high capacity motor and high watt-hour batteries adversely affects its passenger space or operator space and also involves complete redesign of a stock or conventional frame assembly to support the high capacity electric motor and high watt-hour batteries as well as its location/mountings.

[00017] In addition to that, the principal drawbacks of electric vehicles, are the relatively low energy capacity or density of the traction batteries as compared to an IC powered vehicle running on hydrocarbon-based fuel. Further, another demerit of electric vehicles is the excessive length of time required to recharge a battery-based vehicle, as compared to the length of time to refuel a fossil fuel-powered vehicle. In some cases, layers of batteries are tiered one over the other in a heap to meet torque and speed demands which can adversely contribute to majority of the vehicle's weight particularly when the batteries are of the lead-acid variety.

[00018] Further, separate battery holding structures are required to hold the batteries which includes a battery box accommodating stack of batteries. The battery box connected to the vehicle body using plurality of nuts and bolts is known in the art. But it is time-consuming and laborious task to move stack of batteries and requires separate equipment’s to access the batteries particularly, in small commercial vehicles using lead-acid accumulator or lithium battery as dynamic power source, which require frequent charging. Further, this frequent replacement of batteries leads to bolt failure or bolt loosening which can have adverse consequences on safety, service etc. Consequently, it is a loss of opportunity time for the user. In addition to above, the current efforts to provide high capacity advanced batteries do not effectively address the above-noted problems. This is because such advanced batteries are generally relatively expensive, and the gain in capacity or charge density vis-a-vis current batteries tend to be incremental. Moreover, advanced batteries, like all batteries, require a relatively longer time to recharge, owing to the inherent limitations of chemical-based electric power sources.

[00019] At the same time the automobile manufacturers need to cater to different market segments and users with product offerings and variants meeting demands of respective users. These could involve variants in form of size, capacity of vehicle, range of usage, cost, ease of manufacturing, etc. From manufacturers’ points of view, once a platform product is designed, the product economics would be viable based on the numbers sold. Therefore, it is always a challenge for automobile manufacturer to have vehicle layout and design which can be flexible to cater to the variants and the demands and enable modified versions with minimum changes in the vehicle layout, assembly time, manufacturing set-up etc. Additionally, from convenience of usage and utility space point of view, multi-wheeled vehicles with more luggage space have become more popular rather than conventional multi wheeled type configuration. The challenge is further complicated when the vehicle architecture / platform requirement needs to cater to different powertrains like Internal combustion engine (ICE) to an Electric Powertrain or a Hybrid powertrain.

[00020] Furthermore, in a step-through type vehicle, adding more batteries below the floorboard results in low ground clearance. The vehicle’s ground clearance (also known as ride height) is one of the most critical dimensions. It is defined as the minimum distance between the lowermost end of the vehicle body (or chassis) and the ground. Thus, the ground clearance of a vehicle indicates the height of the lowermost part of the vehicle with respect to the ground. Generally, most of the manufacturers specify this dimension when the vehicle is in un-loaded condition i.e. without any load of cargo or passengers. Therefore, when the load is applied on the vehicle via passengers and cargo; the available ground clearance is lower than the specified clearance. Therefore, the placement and location of battery is critical in maintaining a desirable and high ground clearance in order to prevent damage due to the bumps on the road.

[00021] In a step-through vehicle another problem is the generation of space to package batteries. As discussed above, a higher capacity electric motors draw more power from the batteries. Thus, to increase the range of distance covered by the electric vehicle, high watt-hour batteries are arranged within the electric vehicle in addition to the high capacity motors. Hence, providing additional batteries involves complete redesign of frame assembly to support and accommodate these batteries as well as its location/mountings. Furthermore, when the batteries are packaged in a limited space and in close proximity, they tend to heat up. Replacing the damaged batteries incur an additional cost on the user of the vehicle.

[00022] Hence in light of increasing fossil-based fuel prices, market demand and current battery technology associated with nuisance of lengthier recharging periods there is need to develop the battery holding structure that can help to address above issues and which is affordable and within the means of the masses is need of the hour.

[00023] Thus, a battery holding structure with ease of access for an alternative powertrain vehicle is proposed in the present subject matter in order to alleviate one or more drawbacks highlighted above and other problems of known art.

[00024] It is object of the invention to provide an alternative powertrain vehicle having a structure to securely and safely hold the battery pack and a mechanism for quick swapping and assembling of battery packs without detriment to the vehicle’s performance.

[00025] It is a yet another object of the present invention to provide an alternative powertrain vehicle configured to secure stacks of batteries in such a way that the batteries remain tightly packed and environmentally sealed. [00026] It is another object of the invention to provide an alternative powertrain vehicle configured to have stack of batteries configured in such way that it does not compromise the performance and range of the vehicle.

[00027] It is yet another object of the invention to provide an alternative powertrain vehicle configured to accommodate stack of batteries which is highly reliable, cost effective, and easily assessable without using lifting device to take out the battery packs.

[00028] It is an object of the invention to provide an alternative powertrain vehicle configured to give design flexibility for variety of battery pack configurations.

[00029] Furthermore, the details as well as other features and advantages of this invention are set forth in the remainder of the specification and are shown in the accompanying drawings. The present subject matter is further described with reference to accompanying figures. It should be noted that the description and figures merely illustrate principles of the present subject matter. Various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, encompass the principles of the present subject matter. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and examples of the present subject matter, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.

[00030] Figure 1 illustrates a side view of an alternative powertrain vehicle (100). This is an exemplary vehicle, and by no way is limiting the scope of the subject matter. The present invention has a chassis frame structure (not shown) comprising of a front portion (F) and a rear portion (R). A seat (105) is mounted on seat frame assembly (not shown) of said chassis frame structure (not shown). In one of the embodiments of the present invention, said seat frame assembly (not shown) is detachably attached to said chassis frame structure (not shown). In an embodiment, said front portion (F) of said chassis frame structure (not shown) includes a head pipe (215) (shown in Fig. 2) holding a handle bar assembly (120). As per an embodiment of the present invention, said chassis frame structure (not shown) includes a steering assembly (not shown) comprising of a steering shaft (not shown) that is rotatably connected to said head pipe (215) (shown in Fig. 2) of said front portion (F). In one of the embodiments a plurality of body cover panels are attached to said chassis frame structure (not shown). In an embodiment said plurality of body cover panels includes one or more side cover panels (110) on the left hand side and right hand side of said alternative powertrain vehicle (100). According to an embodiment of the present invention said one or more side cover panels (110) are detachable from said alternative powertrain vehicle (100). As per an embodiment of the present invention a floor board member (115) is attached to said chassis frame structure (not shown) of said alternative powertrain vehicle (100). As per an embodiment of the present invention, a battery holding structure (200) (shown in Fig. 2) is housed partially in said floor board member (115) and partially via said one or more side cover panels (110). Further, as per an embodiment of the present invention, said battery holding structure (200) is attached to said front portion (F) of said chassis frame structure (not shown).

[00031] Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of said battery holding structure (200) as assembled on the vehicle frame where few parts are omitted from the figure. In one of the embodiments of the present invention said front portion (F) further includes said head pipe (215), a right frame member (220A) and a left frame member (220B). As per an embodiment of the present invention, said front portion (F) extends rearward from said head tube (215) and then downwards. In one of the embodiments of the present invention, said battery holding structure (200) is disposed below said front portion (F). In an embodiment of the present invention, said battery holding structure (200) includes an upper structure (205) and a lower structure (210). As per an embodiment of the present invention, said upper structure (205) is configured to accommodate at least one removable battery. As per an embodiment of the present invention, said upper structure (205) of said battery holding structure (200) is attached to said front portion (F) of said chassis frame structure at a plurality of locations.

[00032] As per an embodiment of the present invention, said lower structure (210) is configured to accommodate at least one fixed battery. In one of the embodiments of the present invention, said lower structure (210) includes a holder tray (225). According to an embodiment of the present invention, said holder tray (225) is provided with mounting provisions on its upper end on a front side and lower end on a rear side. In an embodiment of the present invention, said holder tray (225) is provided with a plurality of cutouts (not shown) to enhance air contact with the battery surface, for better cooling of the battery. As per an embodiment of the present invention, said holder tray (225) defines a housing space for one or more fixed batteries. According to an embodiment of the present invention, said holder tray (225) may be provided with defined compartments for multiple batteries or may have a flat surface where one or more batteries can be accommodated. In one of the embodiments of the present invention the front mounting points of said holder tray (225) are fixed with the lower mounting points of said upper structure (205) and the rear mounting points of said holder tray (225) are fixed with the downward extension of said front portion (F) of said chassis frame structure (not shown).

[00033] As per an embodiment of the present invention, the batteries disposed in said holder tray (225) are securely held by said upper structure (205) fixed above said lower structure (210) to arrest the vertical movement of the batteries disposed in said holder tray (225) of said lower structure (210). Figure 3 illustrates a top view of said battery holding structure (200) assembled in vehicle frame as per an embodiment of the present invention with many parts omitted for clarity. According to an embodiment of the present invention, said holder tray (225) arrests the batteries from all directions. Said holder tray (225) further provides the structural support and strength to mount said floor board member (115) (as shown in Fig. 1), to carry the rider load and to mount the side stand (not shown). Furthermore, said holder tray (225) protects the batteries in case of an accident and from the stones which might damage the batteries when coming from the bottom portion of said alternative powertrain vehicle (100).

[00034] Figure 4 is a perspective view of said battery holding structure (200) with the mounting provisions as per an embodiment of the present invention. In one of the embodiments of the present invention, said upper structure (205) includes a front support (405A), a rear support (405B), and a bottom support (405 C). As per an embodiment of the present invention said front support (405 A) has at least two structure members i.e. LH side and RH side. In one of the embodiment of the present invention, said rear support (405B) has at least two structure members i.e. LH side and RH side. According to an embodiment of the present invention, said bottom support (405 C) has at least two structure members i.e. LH side and RH side. In an embodiment of the present invention, said bottom support (405C) connects said front support (405A) and said rear support (405B) on a lower end of said upper structure (205) through one or more side edge members. As per an embodiment of the present invention, said front support (405 A) is provided with mounting points on the upper and lower side. According to an embodiment of the present invention, said upper side mounting points of said front support (405A) is connected to said front portion (F) of vehicle frame and said lower side mounting of said front support (405A) is connected to said holder tray (225). In an embodiment of the present invention, said rear support (405B) is provided with mounting provisions on the upper side. As per an embodiment of the present invention, the mounting provisions on the upper side of said rear support (405B) are attached to said front portion (F) of vehicle frame. In an embodiment of the present invention one or more pivotal mounting provisions (420) are provided on the side edge members of said bottom support (405C).

[00035] As per an embodiment of the present invention, said upper structure (205) further includes a plurality of swivel type battery holders (410A, 410B), disposed on left hand side and right hand side of said bottom support (405 C). In one of the embodiments of the present invention, said plurality of swivel type battery holders (410A, 410B) are attached to said one or more pivotal mounting points (420) on said bottom support (405 C), such that said plurality of swivel type battery holders (410A, 410B) are capable of opening sideways. As per an embodiment of the present invention each of the swivel type battery holders (410A, 410B) is capable of holding one or more removable battery. In an embodiment of the present invention, each of the swivel type battery holders (410A, 410B) is provided with a locking projection (415) (similar locking projection are available on the opposite side wall disposed in a front-rear direction) on the side walls of said plurality of swivel type battery holders (410A, 410B). As per an embodiment of the present invention, said locking projection (415) fits into a corresponding complimentary slot provided on the battery and aids in securing as well as arresting the battery inside said plurality of swivel type battery holders (410A, 410B). In one of the embodiments of the present invention an additional locking member operatively connected to said upper structure (205) may also be provided for arresting the vertical movement of the battery disposed in said upper structure (205). As per an embodiment of the present invention, said front support (405A), said rear support (405B), said bottom support (405C) and said plurality of swivel type battery holders (410A, 410B) are provided with a plurality of opening slots to enhance the cooling of the batteries. Figure 5a and 5b illustrates an exploded and assembled side view as well as a perspective exploded view respectively of said upper structure (205) and said lower structure (210) of said battery holding structure (200) as per an embodiment of the present invention. As per an embodiment of the present invention, said upper structure (205) of said battery holding structure (200) is attached through a plurality of mounting provisions (W, X) to said front portion (F) of chassis frame structure (not labelled) of said alternative powertrain vehicle (100). As per an embodiment of the present invention, said holder tray (225) of said lower structure (210) is attached through a plurality of mounting provisions (Z) to said upper structure (205) of said battery holding structure (200). In one of the embodiments of the present invention, said lower structure (210) of said battery holding structure (200) is attached through a plurality of mounting provisions (Y) to said front portion (F) of chassis frame structure (not labelled) of said alternative powertrain vehicle (100).

[00036] Figure 6 illustrates the exploded perspective view of said battery holding structure (200) when assembled in vehicle frame structure as per an embodiment of the present invention with many parts omitted for brevity. As per an embodiment of the present invention, at least two batteries C, D are disposed in said holder tray (225) of said battery holding structure (200). In one of the embodiments, said bateries C, D shall be assembled with said holder tray (225) on said alternative powertrain vehicle (100) as a sub assembly before the assembly being assembled onto the vehicle. As per an embodiment of the present invention, said bateries C, D disposed in said lower structure (210) are fixed bateries. According to an embodiment of the present invention, said upper structure (205) of said batery holding structure (200) is assembled above said lower structure (210) and atached via said plurality of mounting provisions (Y, Z). In one of the embodiment of the present invention, at least two bateries A, B are disposed in said plurality of swivel type batery holders (410A, 410B). In an embodiment of the present invention, said bateries A, B are interlocked with said plurality of swivel type batery holders (410A, 410B) via said locking projection (415) on the side walls of said plurality of swivel type batery holders (410A, 410B). In an embodiment of the present invention, said bateries A, B disposed in said upper structure (205) are removable bateries. As per an embodiment of the present invention, said upper structure (205) and said lower structure (210) of said batery holding structure (200) is atached through plurality of mounting provisions (W, X, Y, Z) to said front portion (F) of chassis frame structure (not labelled) of said alternative powertrain vehicle (100). Hence, the fixed as well as removable bateries are securely held by said batery holding structure (200).

[00037] Figure 7a illustrates the side view of said batery holding structure (200) assembled onto the frame structure in the front portion (F) as per an embodiment of the present invention. The line O-O’ represents the plane through which said batery holding structure (200) is cut to provide a sectional view of said batery holding structure (200) as shown in Figure 7b. In one of the embodiments of the present invention, said plurality of swivel type batery holders (410A, 410B) are capable of holding said plurality of removable bateries A, B. As per an embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of batery cushions (705) are provided between said plurality of removable bateries A, B. According to an embodiment of the present invention, said plurality of swivel type batery holders (410A, 410B) are accessible via swivel opening of the batery holders after opening the said one or more side cover panels (110) (as shown in Fig. 1) on the left hand side and right hand side of said alternative powertrain vehicle (100).

[00038] According to above architecture, the primary efficacy of the present invention is that battery holding structure is provided with movable type upper structure , so that it provides an easy movement of the plurality of swivel type battery holders in the lateral direction of the vehicle. Thus, it is easy to lift and remove the batteries from the battery holding structure.

[00039] According to above architecture, the primary efficacy of the present invention is that, one or more batteries positioned and connected together such that at least one battery can be easily removed and replaced via the plurality of swivel type battery holders, while other batteries are securely fixed in the lower structure. This facilitates easy installation and removal of batteries from the upper structure of the battery holding structure.

[00040] According to above architecture, the second efficacy of the present invention is that battery holding structure is arranged at a location below the chassis frame structure and in the floorboard member, which is an effective space utilization to achieve compact packaging within standard or stock frame of a vehicle. As a result, a flexible design platform of frame can be achieved which can cater to an installation of a conventional internal engine powertrain disposed in the front portion (F) of the frame or an energy storage space for an electric powered vehicle. Moreover, as per an embodiment of the present embodiment, plurality of batteries are packaged and oriented such that their maximum surface area is exposed to cooling air for efficient cooling using battery holding structure. As per preferred embodiment the incoming natural air passes through the upper structure and the cutout openings in the lower structure ensuring passive cooling of batteries without use additional forced cooling mechanism i.e. cooling fans. Thus, effective cooling of batteries improves the range of vehicle without use of additional forced cooling means. Hence, above architecture provides simple and cost-effective solution.

[00041] According to above architecture, the third efficacy of the present invention is that the locking and unlocking operation of one or more batteries disposed in the upper structure can be done using locking projections in the walls of the swivel type battery holders and vertical movement of batteries are arrested via front portion positioned over the upper structure, so that reliability of locking operation is enhanced. The reliability of operation is enhanced due to lesser number of parts involved in locking operation.

[00042] According to above architecture, the fourth efficacy of the present invention is that the plurality of batteries is held securely in the lower structure by the holder tray and vertical movement of batteries are arrested via top structure, so that the stability of the batteries on rough and un-metalled roads is ensured.

[00043] According to above architecture, the fifth efficacy of the present invention is that the holder tray of the battery holding structure can be provided with plurality of grooves and slots which are in different shape and size, so that it is easy for the workmen to assemble the plurality of batteries without any confusion. This further ensures ease of assembly as it reduces assembly time and improves the production rate of the vehicle.

[00044] According to above architecture, the sixth efficacy of the present invention is that stack of batteries disposed in the lower structure is provided with the upper structure and front portion in form of additional shield. Thus, stack of batteries and their terminals is environmentally sealed from dust and water which improves the durability of the batteries.

[00045] According to above architecture, the eight efficacy of the present invention is that the battery holding structure described above, the batteries are located partially in the floor board member. This location brings about an effect of increasing the rigidity against a direct load input into the vehicle body when a side of the vehicle undergoes a collision or an upward impact load transmitted from the suspension to the vehicle body. Thus, this architecture contributes to an increase in the rigidity and strength of the vehicle body.

[00046] According to above architecture the ninth efficacy of the present invention is that the batteries disposed in the upper structure are stacked such that the upper structure is covered by the side cover panel. This layout of the batteries is preferable in terms of protecting the batteries in case of collision of the vehicle. [00047] According to above architecture, the tenth efficacy of the present invention is that the battery holding structure is designed to enable variety of power platforms as a retrofit unit which can be implemented into existing IC engine vehicles to convert into Hybrid or Electric vehicle. [00048] Further, the number of battery packs can be altered depending on the dimension of the vehicle in the lateral direction. For example, the stack of batteries may be constituted by three batteries or five batteries or more.

[00049] Thus, even when the layout of the vehicle is changed, an optimum layout of the batteries can be realized by simply altering the number of the battery stacks without modifying dimensions of the chassis frame structure. As a result, the battery holding structure can be applied to various types of vehicles.

List of reference numerals

100 Alternative powertrain vehicle

105 Seat

110 Side cover panel

115 Floor Board Member

120 Handle bar Assembly

F Front Portion (Chassis Frame structure)

R Rear Portion (Chassis Frame structure)

200 Battery Holding Structure

205 Upper structure

210 Lower structure

215 Head Pipe

220A Right frame member

220B Left Frame member

225 Holder Tray

405A Front support

405B Rear support

405 C Bottom Support

41 OA, 41 OB Swivel type battery holders

415 Locking projection

705 Battery cushions

A, B Removable Batteries

C, D Fixed Batteries

W, X, Y, Z Mounting Provisions

Claims

We Claim:

1. A batery holding structure (200) for an alternative powertrain vehicle (100), said batery holding structure (200) comprising: an upper structure (205) configured to accommodate at least one removable batery; and a lower structure (210) configured to accommodate at least one fixed batery.

2. The batery holding structure (200) for an alternative powertrain vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said upper structure (205) includes front support (405 A), rear support (405B) and a botom support (405C);

3. The batery holding structure (200) for an alternative powertrain vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said lower structure (210) includes a holder tray (215).

4. The batery holding structure (200) for an alternative powertrain vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said botom support (405 C) connects said front support (405A) and said rear support (405B) on a lower end of said upper structure (205).

5. The batery holding structure (200) for an alternative powertrain vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said front support (405 A) is provided with a plurality of mounting provisions on an upper interface (W) with frame assembly and a lower interface (Z) with lower structure (225).

6. The batery holding structure (200) for an alternative powertrain vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said upper side mounting provisions (W) of said front support (405A) is connected to said front portion (F) and said lower side mounting provisions (Z) of said front support (405 A) is connected to said holder tray (225).

7. The batery holding structure (200) for an alternative powertrain vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said rear support (405B) is provided with a plurality of mounting provisions on the upper interface (X) connected to said front portion (F) and a lower interface (Y) with lower structure (225).

8. The batery holding structure (200) for an alternative powertrain vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein of said botom support (405 C) has one or more pivotal mounting provisions provided on the left hand and right hand side edge members of said botom support (405 C).

9. The batery holding structure (200) for an alternative powertrain vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said upper structure (205) has a plurality of Swivel type batery holders (410A, 410B) disposed on left hand side and right hand side of said botom support (405 C) and said plurality of Swivel type batery holders (410A, 410B) are connected via said one or more pivotal mounting provisions (W, Y) of said botom support (405 C).

10. The batery holding structure (200) for an alternative powertrain vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said swivel type batery holders (410A, 410B) is capable of housing one or more removable batery (A, B).

11. The batery holding structure (200) for an alternative powertrain vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said swivel type batery holders (410A, 410B) is provided with a plurality of locking projections (415) on the side walls of said plurality of swivel type batery holders (410A, 410B) for inter-locking complimentary projections on said one or more removable batery (A, B).

12. The batery holding structure (200) for an alternative powertrain vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said front support (405A), said rear support (405B), said botom support (405C) and said plurality of swivel type batery holders (410A, 410B) are provided with a plurality of slot openings.

13. The batery holding structure (200) for an alternative powertrain vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said upper structure (205) is atached to a front portion (F) of a chassis frame structure of said alternative powertrain vehicle (100) via said plurality of mounting provisions (W, X).

14. The batery holding structure (200) for an alternative powertrain vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said holder tray (225) is capable of housing one or more fixed bateries (C, D).

15. The batery holding structure (200) for an alternative powertrain vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said holder tray (225) is provided with a plurality of mounting provisions on its upper end (Z) on a front side and a plurality of mounting provisions on a lower end (Y) on a rear side.

16. The batery holding structure (200) for an alternative powertrain vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said holder tray (225) is provided with a plurality of cutout openings.

17. The batery holding structure (200) for an alternative powertrain vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said lower structure (210) attached to said upper structure (205) via said plurality of mounting provisions (Z) and said lower structure (210) attached to said front portion (F) of said chassis frame structure of said alternative powertrain vehicle (100) via said plurality of mounting provisions (Y) on said rear side of said lower structure (210).

18. An alternative powertrain vehicle (100), comprising: a chassis frame structure having a front portion (F) and a rear portion (R); wherein, said front portion (F) extending rearward from a head pipe

(215) and downwards towards said rear portion (R); and a batery holding structure (200) connected to said front portion (F) and disposed below said front portion (F); wherein, said batery holding structure (200) includes an upper structure (205) and a lower structure (210); wherein, said upper structure (205) configured to accommodate at least one removable batery; wherein, said structure (210) configured to accommodate at least one fixed batery.

19. The alternative powertrain vehicle (100), as claimed in claim 18, wherein said upper structure (205) has a front support (405A), a rear support

19 (405B), a botom support (405C) and a plurality of swivel type batery holders (410A, 410B).

20. The alternative powertrain vehicle (100), as claimed in claim 18, wherein said lower structure (210) has a holder tray (225).

21. The alternative powertrain vehicle (100), as claimed in claim 18, wherein said botom support (405 C) connects said front support (405 A) and said rear support (405B) on a lower end of said upper structure (205).

22. The alternative powertrain vehicle (100), as claimed in claim 18, wherein said front support (405A) is provided with a plurality of mounting provisions on an upper side (W) and a lower side (Z).

23. The alternative powertrain vehicle (100), as claimed in claim 18, wherein said upper side mounting provisions (W) of said front support (405A) is connected to said front portion (F) of frame structure and said lower side mounting provisions (Z) of said front support (405A) is connected to said holder tray (225).

24. The alternative powertrain vehicle (100), as claimed in claim 18, wherein said rear support (405B) is provided with a plurality of mounting provisions on the upper side (X) connected to said front portion (F).

25. The alternative powertrain vehicle (100), as claimed in claim 18, wherein of said botom support (405 C) has one or more pivotal mounting provisions provided on the left hand and right hand side edge members of said botom support (405C).

26. The alternative powertrain vehicle (100), as claimed in claim 18, wherein said plurality of swivel type batery holders (410A, 410B) disposed on left hand side and right hand side on said botom support (405 C) and said plurality of Swivel type batery holders (410A, 410B) is connected via said one or more pivotal mounting provisions on said botom support (405 C).

27. The alternative powertrain vehicle (100), as claimed in claim 18, wherein said swivel type batery holders (410A, 410B) is capable of housing one or more removable batery (A, B).

20 The alternative powertrain vehicle (100), as claimed in claim 18, wherein said swivel type battery holders (410A, 41 OB) is provided with a plurality of locking projections (415) on the side walls of said plurality of swivel type battery holders (410A, 410B) for inter-locking corresponding complimentary projections on said one or more removable battery (A, B). The alternative powertrain vehicle (100), as claimed in claim 18, wherein said front support (405A), said rear support (405B), said bottom support (405 C) and said plurality of swivel type battery holders (410A, 410B) are provided with a plurality of slot openings. The alternative powertrain vehicle (100), as claimed in claim 18, wherein said upper structure (205) attached to said front portion (F) of said chassis frame structure of said alternative powertrain vehicle (100) via said plurality of mounting provisions (W, X). The alternative powertrain vehicle (100), as claimed in claim 18, wherein said holder tray (225) is capable of housing one or more fixed batteries (C, D). The alternative powertrain vehicle (100), as claimed in claim 18, wherein said holder tray (225) is provided with a plurality of mounting provisions near its front upper end (Z) on a front side and a plurality of mounting provisions near its rear lower end (Y) on a rear side. The alternative powertrain vehicle (100), as claimed in claim 18, wherein said holder tray (225) is provided with a plurality of cutouts openings. The alternative powertrain vehicle (100), as claimed in claim 18, wherein said lower structure (210) attached to said upper structure (205) via said plurality of mounting provisions (Z) and said lower structure (210) attached to said front portion (F) of said chassis frame structure of said alternative powertrain vehicle (100) via said plurality of mounting provisions (Y) on said rear side of said lower structure (210).

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