WO2022200892A1

WO2022200892A1 - An arrangement for accessing the battery pack of an electric vehicle

Info

Publication number: WO2022200892A1
Application number: PCT/IB2022/051985
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sachin Anant Jadhav
Original assignee: Sachin Anant Jadhav
Priority date: 2021-03-23
Filing date: 2022-03-07
Publication date: 2022-09-29

Abstract

The present disclosure discloses a mechanism (100) for accessing the battery pack (6) of an electric vehicle (1000). The mechanism (100) comprises a battery holder (12) configured to be attached to the bottom surface of a compartment defined on the body of the vehicle (1000). The battery holder (12) is configured to secure the battery pack (6). A battery sliding mechanism is configured to be attached to the bottom surface of the compartment of the vehicle (1000) to allow sliding of the battery holder (12). Bottom hinges (14) are configured on an operative bottom of the holder (12) for angularly displacing the battery holder (12) about the bottom hinges (14) to allow ease of access to the battery.

Description

AN ARRANGEMENT FOR ACCESSING THE BATTERY PACK OF AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to the field of batter packs of electric bikes. BACKGROUND

The background information herein below relates to the present disclosure but is not necessarily prior art.

Generally, an electric bike is provided with a battery pack which is disposed in a compartment located beneath a protective deck of the body of the bike. The battery pack is mostly charged by taking the battery pack out of the body of the bike to overcome the location constraints limiting the method of charging. Once charged, the battery pack can be slid in to the compartment. Other situations which require removal of the battery pack from the compartment are for replacing the battery pack if damaged, or when it ceases to give a good range of performance. However, the relatively heavier battery packs require more lifting power and make it difficult for a user to remove the battery pack from beneath the protective deck, especially on a frequent basis for charging the battery pack.

There is therefore felt a need for an arrangement for accessing the battery pack of an electric vehicle that alleviates the aforementioned drawbacks. OBJECTS

Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies, are as follows:

An object of the present disclosure is to provide an arrangement for accessing the battery pack of an electric vehicle for an electric bike. Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an arrangement for accessing the battery pack of an electric vehicle that facilitates ease and safety in the removal operation of the battery pack. Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide an arrangement for accessing the battery pack of an electric vehicle that facilitates ease in swapping battery packs from an electric bike.

Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide an arrangement for accessing the battery pack of an electric vehicle that provides maximum operation access in less space.

Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an arrangement for accessing the battery pack of an electric vehicle that helps in charging the battery while the battery is offboard as well as on- vehicle.

Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an arrangement for accessing the battery pack of an electric vehicle that facilitates ease of daily removal of battery pack, one which can be handled properly, one which is less damageable and one which is safe to operate.

Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide an arrangement for accessing the battery pack of an electric vehicle that offers ease, safety and a positive locking mechanism while the battery is installed onto the vehicle as well as when the battery is removed from the vehicle.

Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide an arrangement for accessing the battery pack of an electric vehicle that offers faster interchangeability of battery pack while being easy to handle. Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description, which is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure discloses an arrangement for accessing the battery pack of an electric vehicle. The arrangement comprises a battery holder configured to be attached to the bottom surface of a compartment defined on the body of the vehicle. The battery holder is configured to secure the battery pack therein. A battery sliding mechanism is configured to be attached to the bottom surface of the compartment of the vehicle to allow sliding of the battery holder. Bottom hinges are configured on an operative bottom of the battery holder for angularly displacing the battery holder about the bottom hinges to allow ease of access to the battery. In a preferred embodiment, a latch is configured on an operative top of the compartment. The latch is configured to secure the battery pack.

In a preferred embodiment, a battery latch handle is configured to be attached to the battery holder. The battery latch handle is engaged with the latch in the secured condition of the battery pack.

In a preferred embodiment, the battery latch handle is hingeably attached to an operative top of the battery holder.

In a preferred embodiment, top hinges are configured on an operative top of the battery holder for angularly displacing the battery latch handle.

In a preferred embodiment, a battery clamp bracket is configured on the operative top of the latch handle to secure the battery.

In a preferred embodiment, the latch is hingeably attached to a rear support bracket.

In a preferred embodiment, the battery sliding mechanism includes a pair of guide rails.

In a preferred embodiment, a battery antislide lever is configured on said battery holder to prevent the battery holder from sliding freely, said battery antislide lever configured to be rotated to allow the battery holder to slide on the guide rails.

In another embodiment, casters are configured to be attached to the operative bottom surface of the battery holder. The casters are configured to be slid along the guide rails.

In a preferred embodiment, a panel door is configured on at least one of the side panels of the compartment to provide access to the battery pack secured inside the battery holder. The panel door is pivotably secured about an edge of the compartment.

In a preferred embodiment, a panel lock cover is attached to the panel door to secure the compartment.

In a preferred embodiment, a panel door lock is provided on the door to allow interlocking of the panel door lock with the panel lock cover.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWING An arrangement for accessing the battery pack of an electric vehicle, of the present disclosure, for an electric bike will now be described with the help of the accompanying drawing, in which:

Figure 1 illustrates a schematic view of the battery pack in the bike, in accordance to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 2 illustrates a schematic view of the panel door in closed configuration;

Figure 3 illustrates a schematic view of the panel door lock cover in open configuration;

Figure 4 illustrates a schematic view of the panel door in open configuration;

Figure 5 illustrates a schematic view showing the opening of the battery latch handle and the sliding of the battery pack;

Figure 6 illustrates a schematic view showing the angular displacement of the battery pack as well as the disengagement of the connector;

Figure 7 illustrates a schematic view showing the removal of the battery pack;

Figure 8 illustrates a schematic side view showing of the arrangement; Figure 9 illustrates a front view of the Figure 8;

Figure 10 illustrates a schematic side view after the battery pack has been slided along the slide rails;

Figure 11 illustrates a schematic side view after the battery pack has been angularly displaced about the bottom hinges; Figure 12 illustrates a schematic isometric view of the battery pack in an assembled condition on the vehicle;

Figure 13 illustrates a schematic isometric view after the battery pack has been slided along the slide rails; and

Figure 14 illustrates a schematic isometric view after the battery pack has been angularly displaced about the bottom hinges. LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

1 left hand panel

2 right hand panel

3 left hand panel door 4 panel door lock

5 panel door lock cover

6 battery pack

7 battery connector

8 battery clamp bracket 8a battery antislide lever

9 battery latch

9a battery rear support bracket

10 battery latch handle

11 guide rails 12 battery holder

13 battery handle

14 bottom hinges

15 top hinges

100 arrangement 1000 vehicle

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Embodiments, of the present disclosure, will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing.

Embodiments are provided so as to thoroughly and fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to the person skilled in the art. Numerous details are set forth relating to specific components to provide a complete understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to the person skilled in the art that the details provided in the embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, well-known processes, well-known apparatus structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail. The terminology used, in the present disclosure, is only for the purpose of explaining a particular embodiment and such terminology shall not be considered to limit the scope of the present disclosure. As used in the present disclosure, the forms “a,” “an,” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly suggests otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” are open ended transitional phrases and therefore specify the presence of stated elements, modules, units and/or components, but do not forbid the presence or addition of one or more other elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

The terms first, second, third, etc., should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure as the aforementioned terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another component, or section. Terms such as first, second, third etc., when used herein do not imply a specific sequence or order unless clearly suggested by the present disclosure.

A preferred embodiment for an arrangement for accessing the battery pack of an electric vehicle, of the present disclosure, from an electric bike (100) will now be described in detail with reference to Figure 1 through Figure 7. The preferred embodiment does not limit the scope and ambit of the present disclosure.

The arrangement for accessing the battery pack of an electric vehicle (hereinafter referred to as ‘the arrangement’) includes a compartment provided in the body of the bike. The compartment is defined by a left hand side panel (1), a right hand side panel (2), a door (3) configured on the left hand panel (1), and a panel lock cover (5) provided on the panel door (3). The panel door lock (4) is provided on the left hand panel door (3) to allow interlocking of the panel door lock (4) with the panel lock cover (5).

A sliding mechanism is provided to an operative bottom surface of the compartment. In an embodiment, the sliding mechanism includes a pair of guide rails (11) which extends along the operative lateral edges of the compartment. A pivotable battery holder is attached to the compartment such that the operative lower portion of the battery holder is fastened to the operative portion of the compartment. In an embodiment, the longitudinal sides of the battery holder are parallel to the longitudinal axis of the compartment. The battery holder assenbly on sliding mechanism includes a battery holder (12). The lateral sides of the battery holder (12) are fastened to the lateral walls of the compartment with the help of hinges that facilitate pivoting of the battery holder (12) to a predetermined angle. Bottom hinges (14) are configured on an operative bottom of the battery holder (12) for angularly displacing the battery holder (12) about the bottom hinges (14) to allow ease of access to the battery pack (6). In an embodiment, casters are provided on the operative bottom surface of the battery holder (12). Top hinges (15) are configured on an operative top of the battery holder (12) for angularly displacing the battery latch handle (10). The casters are configured to be received in the sliding mechanism, typically the guide rails (11), to enable sliding movement of the battery holder (12). The battery latch handle (10) further includes a battery clamp bracket (8) provided at an operative top portion of the battery latch handle (10), and connected to the battery holder (12) with the help of ribs extending from the edges of the battery holder (12). The bracket (8) is configured to be clamped to the battery latch (9) once the battery pack (6) is inserted in the battery holder (12) to ensure that the battery pack (6) is securely held in the battery holder (12).

A battery latch handle (10) is hingeably attached to the battery holder (12). In an embodiment, a first end of the latch handle (10) is attached to the side of the battery holder (12) facing the door (3), with the help of top hinges (15). The second end of the latch handle (10) is attached to the clamp bracket (8). The latch (9) is pushed open in an operative configuration, to unlock the latch handle (10) from the latch (9), and allow the latch handle (10) to be pulled. The latch handle (10) is configured to allow sliding of the battery holder (12) along the sliding mechanism when pulled out, after rotating the battery antislide lever (8 A) to unlock the locking plunger which allows the battery holder 12 to slide on the guide rails 11. The latch handle (10) is further configured to enable angular displacement of the battery holder (12) to a predefined angle. The arrangement further includes a connector (7) provided at the operative top portion of the compartment. The connector (7) is configured to be connected to the battery pack (6) when the battery pack (6) is inserted in the bike. In an embodiment, the connector is a two-way connector.

In an embodiment, a clearance of a predefined distance is provided between the door (3) and the side of the battery holder facing the door (3). The clearance allows sliding of the battery holder (12) till the edge of the compartment.

In an embodiment, the battery pack (6) is provided with a handle (13) at an operative top surface thereof. The handle (13) is configured to enable the removal of the battery pack (6) from the battery holder (12).

In an operative configuration, when the battery pack (6) needs to be removed from the compartment, the battery latch handle (10) is first disengaged from from the latch (9) and then pulled outwards to facilitate sliding of the battery holder (12) along the guide rails (11), towards the operative edge of the compartment. Thereafter, the latch handle (10) is pulled downwards to angularly displace the battery holder (12) to a predefined angle. In an embodiment, the latch handle (10) allows angularly displacement of the battery holder (12) to a predefined angle that ranges between 15 degrees to 25 degrees. At this stage, the connector 7 is disengaged from the battery pack (6) of the vehicle (1000). The handle (13) of the battery pack (6) is pulled to remove the battery pack (6).

In an embodiment, cutouts are provided on the battery latch handle (10) to enable cooling of the battery pack (6).

The arrangement, of the present disclosure, allows removal of the battery pack (6) with relatively less power. Further, the arrangement ensures that the centre of gravity of the battery remains within the footprint of the bike, while simultaneously making sure that the bike belly does not expand to accommodate the battery and the arrangement therein.

In an embodiment, the arrangement, of the present disclosure, can be used for a pedal assisted on-road legal electric two wheeler.

In another embodiement, the panel door (3) is configured on at least one of the side panels (1, 2) of the compartment to provide access to the battery pack (6) secured inside said battery holder (12), said panel door (3) being pivotably secured about an edge of the compartment. In an embodiment, the electric vehicle (100) is a two wheeled vehicle selected from the group consisting of a bike, a motorcycle, a moped.

The present disclosure also envisages a method for removing a battery pack (6) from an electric two wheeled bike (100). The battery pack (6) is configured to be inserted into a battery holder (12) defined by a battery holder (12) provided at an operative bottom portion of the battery holder (12), a battery clamp bracket (8) provided at an operative top portion of the battery latch handle (10) having a battery latch (9), pivotably attached to the battery rear support bracket (9a). The battery rear support bracket (9a) holds the battery latch (9) with hinges. The battery latch (9) is clamped with the battery latch handle (10) by operating the battery clamp bracket (8). The battery holder (12) is configured with the battery antislide lever (8a) which prevents the battery holder (12) form sliding freely i.e. in absence of manual application of force. To slide battery holder (12), it is required to rotate the battery antislide lever (8 A) to unlock the locking plunger to allow battery holder (12) to slide on the guide rails (11).

The method includes the following steps:

• open a panel lock cover (5) provided on an operative side of the vehicle body to access a battery compartment door (3);

• unclamping the battery clamp bracket (8) from the battery latch handle (10);

• opening the battery latch (9) by operating the battery clamp (8) to pull out the battery latch handle (10) and rotate the battery antislide lever (8A) to unlock the locking plunger to allow the battery holder (12) to slide on the guide rails (11);

• pulling the latch handle (10) and the battery holder (12) outwards to slide the battery pack (6) along with the battery holder (12) out of the compartment with the help of the sliding mechanism;

• angular displacing the battery holder (12) to a predefined angle;

• unplugging the battery connector (7);

• lifting the battery pack (6) from the battery holder (12).

The arrangement of the present disclosure is one: • that helps in charging the battery while the battery is offboard as well as on- vehicle;

• that facilitates ease of daily removal of battery pack, one which can be handled properly, one which is less damageable and one which is safe to operate;

• that offers ease, safety and a positive locking mechanism while the battery is installed onto the vehicle as well as when the battery is removed from the vehicle; and

• that offers faster interchangeability of battery pack while being easy to handle;

The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Individual components of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, are interchangeable. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENTS

The present disclosure described herein above has several technical advantages including, but not limited to, the realization of an arrangement for accessing the battery pack of an electric vehicle, which:

• facilitates ease and safety in removal of a battery pack from the electric bike;

• ensures that the centre of gravity of the battery pack remain within the footprint of the bike; · ensures that the belly of the bike is not enlarged to accommodate the battery therein;

• facilitates ease in swapping battery packs from an electric bike; and

• provides maximum operation access in less space.

The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.

The foregoing description of the specific embodiments so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.

The use of the expression “at least” or “at least one” suggests the use of one or more elements or ingredients or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment of the disclosure to achieve one or more of the desired objects or results.

Any discussion of devices, articles or the like that has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form a part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the disclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application.

While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the components and component parts of the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that many embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other changes in the preferred embodiment as well as other embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. An arrangement (100) for accessing the battery pack (6) of an electric vehicle (1000), said arrangement (100) comprising:

• a battery holder (12) configured to be attached to the bottom surface of a compartment defined on the body of the vehicle (1000); said battery holder (12) configured to secure the battery pack (6) therein;

• a battery sliding mechanism configured to be attached to the bottom surface of the compartment of the vehicle (1000) to allow sliding of said battery holder (12); and

• bottom hinges (14) configured on an operative bottom of said battery holder (12) for angularly displacing said battery holder (12) about said bottom hinges (14) to allow ease of access to the battery.

2. The arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a latch (9) is configured on an operative top of the compartment, said latch (9) configured to secure the battery pack (6).

3. The arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein a battery latch handle (10) is configured to be attached to said battery holder (9), said latch handle (10) configured to be engaged with said latch (9) in a secured condition of the battery pack (6).

4. The arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein said battery latch handle (10) is hingeably attached to an operative top of said battery holder (12).

5. The arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein top hinges (15) are configured on an operative top of said battery holder (12) for angularly displacing said battery latch handle (10).

6. The arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a battery clamp bracket (8) is configured on the operative top of said latch handle (10) to secure the battery (6).

7. The arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said latch (9) is hingeably attached to a rear support bracket (9a).

8. The arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said battery sliding mechanism includes a pair of guide rails (11).

9. The arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein a battery antislide lever (8a) is configured on said battery holder (12) to prevent the battery holder (12) from sliding freely, said battery antislide lever (8a) configured to be rotated to allow the battery holder (12) to slide on the guide rails (11).

10. The arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein casters are configured to be attached to the operative bottom surface of said battery holder (12).

11. The arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said casters are configured to be slid along said guide rails (11).

12. The arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a panel door (3) is configured on at least one of the side panels (1, 2) of the compartment to provide access to the battery pack

(6) secured inside said battery holder (12), said panel door (3) being pivotably secured about an edge of the compartment.

13. The arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 11, wherein a panel lock cover (5) is attached to said panel door (3) to secure the compartment.

14. The arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 12, wherein a panel door lock (4) is provided on said door (3) to allow interlocking of said panel door lock (4) with said panel lock cover (5).