Description:FORM 2

THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
The Patents Rules, 2003

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See Section 10 and Rule 13)

AN ENERGY STORAGE UNIT AND A MOUNTING ASSEMBLY THEREOF

APPLICANT:

TVS MOTOR COMPANY LIMITED, an Indian Company at: “Chaitanya”, No.12 Khader Nawaz Khan Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai 600 006.

The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

 
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter relates generally to a mounting assembly for one or more energy storage units of a vehicle. More particularly but not exclusively, the present subject matter relates to a mounting assembly for one or more energy storage units of a vehicle.

BACKGROUND
[0002] In conventional vehicles, in order to service energy storage units such as a battery, various style panels are required to be removed. Moreover, it is difficult to access the bolts and other parts of the one or more energy storage units of the vehicles such as battery units while servicing due to interference of plurality of electrical components placed on and around the energy storage units.
[0003] Conventional vehicles use sheet metal for clamping an energy storage unit which requires more components thereby increasing weight and cost of vehicle.
[0004] Further, in the proposed designs in various existing vehicles, fins are provided on the surface of the energy storage units for dissipation of heat. These fins may often get covered fully or partially. Metals brackets are Velcro, positioned in a manner which obstructs the air path. These layouts hinder the cooling of the energy storage unit, which can be damaging to the energy storage units. Energy storage unit being a large part can affect the vibration, stability, assembly and serviceability of the energy storage unit and vehicle if it is not clamped to the vehicle in a secure way. These problems are further amplified in electric vehicles where the energy storage units are large in size.
[0005] In case of a two wheeled electric vehicle there is an additional challenge to accommodate the energy storage units to be compactly arranged with sufficient clearance from ground or surrounding parts for ventilation and ease of servicing.
[0006] Furthermore, the conventional structures used for mounting the energy storage unit interferes with the floorboard of the vehicle. The vehicle may not fulfil the homologation requirements. It may also cause discomfort to the rider.
[0007] Therefore, it is important to arrest the energy storage unit in place specially when the vehicle is in running condition while ensuring good serviceability of the energy storage unit and the vehicle, natural air cooling of the energy storage unit and sufficient clearance of energy storage unit with surrounding vehicular components and the ground.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present subject matter relates generally to a mounting assembly for one or more energy storage units of a vehicle. The mounting assembly comprises at least one first holding member, at least one second holding member and a support member. Disclosed invention improves the clamping, stability, assembly and serviceability of the one or more energy storage units without causing any hinderance to the natural cooling of the one or more energy storage units.
[0009] The present subject matter also relates to one or more energy storage unit. The one or more energy storage unit comprises a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is configured to be received by at least one first holding member of a mounting assembly. The at least one first holding member is detachably attached to a frame of the vehicle. The second portion is configured to be received into at least one second holding member. The at least one second holding member is attached to a support member. The support member is detachably attached to the frame of the vehicle.
[0010] The present subject matter also relates to a vehicle. The vehicle comprises a power unit, a frame, one or more energy storage units and a mounting assembly for mounting the one or more energy storage units. The mounting assembly further comprises at least one first holding member, at least one second holding member and a support member. The at least one first holding member is configured to receive a first portion of the one or more energy storage units. The at least one first holding member is detachably attached to the frame of the vehicle. The at least one second holding member is configured to receive a second portion of the one or more energy storage units. The at least one second holding member is configured to support the one or more energy storage units. The support member is attached to the at least one second holding member. The support member is detachably attached to the frame of the vehicle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The details herein are described with reference to an embodiment of a mounting assembly for one or more energy storage units of a vehicle along with the accompanying figures. While the Figures depict a plurality of energy storage units, the invention is not limited to plurality of energy storage unit but is also applicable for single energy storage unit. In some applications, the one or more energy storage unit can also include controllers for controlling the working of the one or more energy storage unit. Consistent numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference similar features and components.
[0012] Figure 1 illustrates an exploded view of a mounting assembly for the one or more energy storage units of a vehicle along with the one or more energy storage units mounted to the frame of the vehicle.
[0013] Figure 2 illustrates a rear perspective view of the mounting assembly in an assembled condition, without the one or more energy storage units from a rear side of the vehicle.
[0014] Figure 3 illustrates another exploded view of the mounting assembly and the one or more energy storage units.
[0015] Figure 4 illustrates a sectional view of an energy storage unit assembled in the mounting assembly cut across A-A’ shown in Figure 3.
[0016] Figure 5 illustrates a partially exploded view of a mounting assembly for one or more energy storage units of the vehicle along with the one or more energy storage units mounted to the frame as a sub-assembly of the vehicle with the various fastening members and mounting members.
[0017] Figure 6a illustrates a bottom perspective view of the at least one first holding member of the mounting assembly for one or more energy storage units.
[0018] Figure 6b illustrates a top perspective view of the at least one first holding member of the mounting assembly for one or more energy storage units.
[0019] Figure 7 illustrates the placement of the at least one first holding member on the frame of the vehicle when seen from a bottom portion of the vehicle.
[0020] Figure 8 illustrates an exploded view of the mounting assembly showing the at least one second holding member and the support member with the various fastening members and mounting members.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] The current invention addresses the above concerns and other associated concerns in the prior arts, including, but not limited to, straddle type electric vehicles. The disclosed invention is able to effectively arrest the energy storage unit in place specially when the vehicle is in running condition while ensuring, good serviceability of the energy storage unit and the vehicle, natural air cooling of the energy storage unit, and sufficient clearance of energy storage unit with surrounding vehicular components and from the ground.
[0022] In order to overcome the problems in the art, the present invention provides a novel and inventive mounting assembly for one or more energy storage units for a vehicle and several embodiments thereto. The embodiments also include one or more novel energy storage unit and a vehicle and several embodiments thereto. The invention is premised on the principle that in order to solve said problems, it is beneficial to have the one or more energy storage units, such as a battery packs, to be mounted using the novel mounting assembly in such a manner that their movements or vibrations during the vehicle running condition is eliminated or minimized. In order to achieve the same, the mounting assembly includes at least one first holding member and at least one second holding member. The at least one first holding member is configured to be attached to a first portion of the one or more energy storage units. The at least one second holding member is configured to be attached to a second portion of the one or more energy storage unit. Further, a support member is provided which is attached to the second holding member as well as frame of the vehicle. This arrangement ensures a rigid and robust mounting of the one or more energy storage unit to the vehicle but at the same time is easy to remove because the above components i.e., the at least one first holding member, the one or more energy storage units, the at least one second holding member and the support member, are attached in a sub-assembly so that they can be easily removed from the frame by removing just a few fastening members. Another advantage is that since the one or more energy storage members are only covered on two portions, other portions remain uncovered for natural cooling, thereby eliminating a need for active forced air-cooling system. Further advantages shall become apparent hereinafter with the description of the embodiments and the Figures.
[0023] As per one embodiment of the present invention, the mounting assembly for one or more energy storage units of the vehicle comprises at least one first holding member, at least one second holding member and a support member. The at least one first holding member is configured to receive a first portion of the one or more energy storage units and the at least one first holding member is detachably attached to a frame of the vehicle. The at least one second holding member is configured to receive a second portion of the one or more energy storage units and the at least one second holding member is configured to support the one or more energy storage units. The support member is attached to the at least one second holding member and the support member is detachably attached to the frame of the vehicle.
[0024] As per one embodiment of the invention, in the mounting assembly, the first portion is a top portion of the one or more energy storage units, and the second portion is a bottom portion of the one or more energy storage units.
[0025] As per one embodiment of the invention, in the mounting assembly, the frame of the vehicle is configured to provide a structural support to the vehicle and the frame includes a main frame and a down frame.
[0026] As per one embodiment of the invention, in the mounting assembly, a rear portion of the at least one first holding member is detachably attached to the main frame by a plurality of first fastening members and a front portion of the at least one first holding member is detachably attached to the down frame by a plurality of second fastening members.
[0027] As per one embodiment of the invention, in the mounting assembly, the at least one first holding member is detachably attached to the first portion of the one or more energy storage units by a plurality of third fastening members.
[0028] As per one embodiment of the invention, in the mounting assembly, the at least one first holding member is provided with a plurality of ribs on a surface of the at least one first holding member. The plurality of ribs is configured to provide structural strength to the at least one first holding member.
[0029] As per one embodiment of the invention, in the mounting assembly, the plurality of ribs can be provided either on the top surface of the at least one first holding member or on the bottom surface of the at least one first holding member.
[0030] As per one embodiment of the invention, the plurality of ribs is having a shape such as but not limited to X-shaped profile, linearly arranged profile, mesh type profile and a combination thereof.
[0031] As per one embodiment of the invention, the at least one first holding member is shaped in a curved profile thereby enabling a proper ventilation of the one or more energy storage units through an open space.
[0032] As per one embodiment of the invention, in the mounting assembly, the one or more energy storage units include two battery packs and the at least one first holding member is provided with an extended wall protruding from the at least one first holding member. The extended wall is configured to fill in the space between the plurality of battery packs thereby arresting a movement of the plurality of battery packs.
[0033] As per one embodiment of the invention, the extended wall is protruding from a center of a bottom surface the at least one first holding member.
[0034] As per one embodiment of the invention, in the mounting assembly, the at least one second holding member is provided with a plurality of cavities. The plurality of cavities is configured to receive a plurality of protruding members of the one or more energy storage units whereby the mounting assembly is configured to arrest a movement of the one or more energy storage units in at least directions namely, two lateral directions, two longitudinal directions, one upward and/or one downward direction.
[0035] As per one embodiment of the invention, the at least one second holding member is configured to include one or more drainage holes thereby preventing accumulation of water in the at least one second holding member.
[0036] As per one embodiment of the invention, in the mounting assembly, the plurality of protruding members is integrally formed with the second portion of the one or more energy storage units.
[0037] As per one embodiment of the invention, in the mounting assembly, the plurality of protruding members is detachably attached with the second portion of the one or more energy storage units.
[0038] As per one embodiment of the invention, in the mounting assembly, the plurality of protruding members is made of a material such as but not limited to a metal, alloy, resin, polymer, rubber or a combination thereof.
[0039] As per one embodiment of the invention, in the mounting assembly, a profile of the plurality of cavities is conforming to the profile of the plurality of protruding members thereby the plurality of protruding members gets snug fit into the corresponding plurality of cavities.
[0040] As per one embodiment of the invention, the profile of the plurality of protruding members is selected from a shape such as but not limited to a cylindrical shape, conical shape, prism shape, polyhedron shape, cuboidal shape, trapezoid shape or combinations thereof.
[0041] As per one embodiment of the invention, in the mounting assembly, the at least one second holding member is configured to include one or more interspersed openings thereby allowing ventilation for the one or more energy storage units.
[0042] As per one embodiment of the invention, in the mounting assembly, the at least one second holding member is provided with a plurality of integrated walls at the edges of the at least one second holding member. The plurality of integrated walls is extended upward and perpendicularly to the base of the at least one second holding member thereby arresting the any movement of the one or more energy storage units.
[0043] As per one embodiment of the invention, in the mounting assembly, the support member is a sub-frame cradle. The sub-frame cradle is disposed below the down frame. The support member is detachably attached to the at least one second holding member by a plurality of fourth fastening members.
[0044] As per one embodiment of the invention, in the mounting assembly, the support member is configured to include a plurality of first mounting members. The down frame is configured to include a plurality of second mounting member. The support member is detachably attached to the down frame by a plurality of fifth fastening members through the plurality of first mounting members and the plurality of second mounting members.
[0045] As per one embodiment of the invention, in the mounting assembly, the plurality of first mounting members comprises a plurality of mounting brackets. The plurality of mounting brackets is attached to the support member.
[0046] As per one embodiment of the invention, in the mounting assembly, the plurality of mounting brackets is welded to the support member.
[0047] As per another embodiment of the invention, the one or more energy storage unit comprises a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is configured to be received by at least one first holding member of a mounting assembly. The at least one first holding member is detachably attached to a frame of the vehicle. The second portion is configured to be received into at least one second holding member. The at least one second holding member is attached to a support member. The support member is detachably attached to the frame of the vehicle.
[0048] As per another embodiment of the invention, in the one or more energy storage unit, the second portion of the one or more energy storage unit includes a plurality of protruding members. The plurality of protruding members is configured to be received into a plurality of cavities. The plurality of cavities is formed in the at least one second holding member.
[0049] As per another embodiment of the invention, in the one or more energy storage unit, wherein the first portion is a top portion of the one or more energy storage unit and the second portion is a bottom portion of the one or more energy storage unit.
[0050] As per another embodiment of the invention, in the one or more energy storage unit, the plurality of protruding members is integrally formed to the second portion of the one or more energy storage units.
[0051] As per another embodiment of the invention, in the one or more energy storage unit, the plurality of protruding members is detachably attached to the second portion of the one or more energy storage units.
[0052] As per another embodiment of the invention, in the one or more energy storage unit, the plurality of protruding members is made of material such as but not limited to metal, alloy, resin, polymer, rubber or a combination thereof.
[0053] As per another embodiment of the invention, a profile of the plurality of protruding members is such as, but not limited to cylindrical shape, conical shape, cuboidal shape, trapezoid shape, prism shape, polyhedron shape and a combination thereof.
[0054] As per another embodiment of the invention, in the one or more energy storage unit, a profile of the plurality of cavities is conforming to a profile of the plurality of corresponding protruding members thereby the plurality of protruding members gets snug fit into the corresponding plurality of cavities.
[0055] As per yet another embodiment of the invention, a vehicle comprises a power unit, a frame, one or more energy storage units and a mounting assembly for mounting the one or more energy storage units. The mounting assembly further comprises at least one first holding member, at least one second holding member and a support member. The at least one first holding member is configured to receive a first portion of the one or more energy storage units. The at least one first holding member is detachably attached to the frame of the vehicle. The at least one second holding member is configured to receive a second portion of the one or more energy storage units. The at least one second holding member is configured to support the one or more energy storage units. The support member is attached to the at least one second holding member. The support member is detachably attached to the frame of the vehicle.
[0056] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to an embodiment in the mounting assembly along with the accompanying drawings. However, the disclosed invention is not limited to the present embodiments.
[0057] Figures 1, 2 and 3 shall be described together hereinafter. The embodiment shown in Figure 1 illustrates a side perspective view of arrangement of a mounting assembly (200) for one or more energy storage units (300a, 300b) of a vehicle (not shown) along with the one or more energy storage units (300a, 300b) with respect to the frame (101) of the vehicle. The embodiment shown in Figure 2 illustrate a rear perspective view of the mounting assembly (202) for one or more energy storage units (300a, 300b). The embodiment shown in Figure 3 illustrates an exploded view of the mounting assembly and the one or more energy storage units.
[0058] As per one embodiment, the vehicle is a saddle type vehicle, including but not limited to a motorcycle or a scooter. However, the invention is not limited to the saddle type vehicles. The vehicle comprises a plurality of wheels (not shown), frame (101), one or more energy storage units (300a, 300b), and a mounting assembly (200) for the one or more energy storage units (300a, 300b). In one aspect of the invention the mounting assembly (200) is provided on a front portion of the vehicle. The frame (101) provides structural support to the vehicle. In the vehicle, the one or more energy storage units (300a, 300b) are disposed below the floorboard (not shown), at step through region of the vehicle. The one or more energy storage units (300a, 30b) can be used to supply power to one or more electrical components (not shown) of the vehicle such as horn, lights, control systems, communication systems, starter systems, fuel injection systems and the like. In another aspect the vehicle can be an electric or a hybrid vehicle wherein the one or more energy storage units (300a, 300b) is configured to supply power to a power unit (not shown) such as a motor which is coupled to one or wheels of the vehicle to move the vehicle.
[0059] The one or more energy storage units (300a, 300b) can be individual battery packs, individual batteries, etc. which can be selected from lithium-ion batteries, lead-acetate batteries, nickel-based batteries, or the like. The figure shows two battery packs which may be lithium batteries however the invention can cover a greater number of such batteries. In another aspect of the invention, the one or more energy storage units (300a, 300b) are the main source of an energy for a power unit (not shown) such as an electric motor for an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle. The at least one first holding member (201) is configured to receive a first portion (300f) of the one or more energy storage units (300a, 300b). The at least one first holding member (201) is detachably attached to a frame (101) of the vehicle. The at least one first holding member (201) can also be replaced by more than one first holding members, for example, one first holding member (201) for each battery pack. The at least one second holding member (202) is configured to receive a second portion (300s) of the one or more energy storage units (300a, 300b). In another aspect of the invention, the at least one second holding member (202) can be replaced by more than one second holding members (202), for example one second holding member (202) for each battery pack or one or more energy storage unit (300a, 300b). The at least one second holding member (202) is configured to support the one or more energy storage units (300a, 300b). A support member (203) is attached to the at least one second holding member (202). The support member (203) is detachably attached to the frame (101) of the vehicle. The mounting assembly (200) arrests the one or more energy storage units (300a, 300b) in place, to ensure that it does not move around due to jerks or sudden movements when the vehicle (not shown) is in running condition. Also, through this configuration the one or more energy storage units (300a, 300b) can be easily accessed by detaching the at least one first holding member (201) of the mounting assembly (200) and the support member (203) of the mounting assembly (200) from the vehicle frame (101). It further helps in achieving easier handling of one or more energy storage units (300a, 300b), which are generally heavy and bulky to handle at the time of servicing or assembly.
[0060] Additionally, the one or more energy storage units (300a, 300b) are supported by the at least one first holding member (201) and the at least one second holding member (202) through the first portion (300f) and the second portion (300s) of the one or more energy storage units (300a, 300b) respectively while the remaining portions of the one or more energy storage units (300a, 300b) are kept unconcealed. In the disclosed embodiments in Figures 1-3 of present invention, for example, the at least one first holding member (201) covers a first portion (300f) which in this embodiment is a top surface of the one or more energy storage units (300a, 300b) while the at least one second holding member (202) covers a second portion (300s) which in this embodiment is a bottom portion. While this configuration ensures rigid and secure mounting of the one or more energy storage units (300a, 300b) as per the objective of the invention, it ensures that said remaining portions such as lateral portions, sides, edges, remain exposed to air for heat dissipation. It can also be seen the at least one first holding member (201) and the at least one second holding member (202) can also be provided with cut-outs, openings and curved edges to enable some exposure of the top surface to air to enable cooling. Further, additional cooling elements like fins may be provided on the remaining portions like lateral surfaces of the one or more energy storage units (300a, 300b) for dissipation of heat and the fins remain exposed to air as they are not covered by the at least one first holding member (201) and the at least one second holding member (202). Therefore, the cooling of the one or more energy storage units (300a, 300b) is not obstructed. Alternatively, the at least one first holding member (201) and the at least one second holding member (202) can also be configured to be attached to other portions such as one or more sides while the one or more of the top and bottom surfaces remain exposed to air for cooling. The above configurations lead to the benefit that additional equipment for forced cooling of the one or more energy storage units (300a, 300b) can be avoided to a large extent. This not only saves costs towards additional cooling equipment, but also avoids additional bulky components like a fan, motor etc, for a bulky cooling system which are heavier in weight and can increase power load on.
[0061] In one aspect of the invention, the first portion (300f) of the one or more energy storage units (300a, 300b) is a top portion of the one or more energy storage units (300a, 300b) such that the at least one first holding member (201) covers and holds the top portion of the one or more energy storage units (300a, 300b). The second portion (300s) of the one or more energy storage units (300a, 300b) is a bottom portion of the one or more energy storage units (300a, 300b) such that the at least one second holding member (202) covers and holds the bottom portion of the one or more energy storage units (300a, 300b). The frame (101) of the vehicle includes a main frame (101a) and a down frame (101b). A rear portion (201b) of the at least one first holding member (201) is detachably attached to the main frame (101a) by a plurality of first fastening members (204) which includes, but is not limited to, first fastening nuts (204a), first fastening brackets (204b) and other attaching mechanisms. A front portion (201f) of the at least one first holding member (201) is detachably attached to the down frame (101b) by a plurality of second fastening members (205) which includes, but is not limited to, second fastening nuts (205a), second fastening brackets (205b) and other attaching mechanisms. The support member (203) is configured to include a plurality of first mounting members (211). As can be seen in Figure 3 also, the at least one first holding member (201) is detachably attached to the first portion (300f) of the one or more energy storage units (300a, 300b) by a plurality of third fastening members (206a, 206b, 206c, 206d, 206e, 206f). The down frame (101b) is configured to include a plurality of second mounting members (212a, 212b, 212c, 212d). The support member (203) is detachably attached to the down frame (101b) by a plurality of fifth fastening members (208a, 208b, 208c, 208d) through the plurality of first mounting members (211) and the plurality of second mounting members (212a, 212b, 212c, 212d). The plurality of first mounting members (211) includes a plurality of mounting brackets (211a, 211b, 211c, 211d). The plurality of mounting brackets (211a, 211b, 211c, 211d) can be attached using such as but not limited to, welding to the support member (203). Alternatively, the plurality of mounting brackets (211a, 211b, 211c, 211d) can also be detachably attached to the support member (203). The mounting assembly (200) is provided with sufficient clearance from surrounding vehicular components which ensures easy access to these fastening members and less interference during servicing of the vehicle.
[0062] The embodiments shown in Figure 4 illustrate a sectional view of the energy storage unit (300) assembled in the mounting assembly (200) cut across A-A’ as shown in Figure 3. In this aspect of the invention, the one or more energy storage units (300a, 300b) are being shown as a battery pack comprising of a plurality of energy cells (300c). The one or more energy storage units (300a, 300b) can be lithium-ion batteries or the like having the plurality of energy cells (300c). The at least one second holding member (202) at the bottom portion (300s) of the one or more energy storage unit (300b) is provided with a plurality of cavities (209). The plurality of cavities (209) is configured to receive a plurality of protruding members (210) of the one or more energy storage units (300a, 300b) whereby the mounting assembly (200). This way when the plurality of protruding members (210) is received into the corresponding plurality of cavities (209), this arrangement is capable of further arresting a movement of the one or more energy storage units (300a, 300b) in at least one of plurality of directions namely, two lateral directions, two longitudinal directions, one upward and/or one downward direction. In one aspect, the plurality of protruding members (210) is integrally formed with the second portion (300s) of the one or more energy storage units (300a, 300b) which in this case is shown as the bottom portion of the battery pack (300b). In another aspect of the invention, the plurality of protruding members (210) can be detachably attached with the second portion (300s) of the one or more energy storage units (300a, 300b). The plurality of protruding members (210) can be made of different types of materials available in the market including such as metal, alloy, resin, polymer, rubber or a combination thereof. Preferably, the plurality of protruding members (210) is made of rubber or resin so that they impart better vibration absorbing properties to the assembly and allow for snug fitting of the protruding members (210) in the corresponding cavities. In another aspect of the invention, for effective snug fitting of the plurality of protruding members (210) in the plurality of cavities (209), the profile of the plurality of cavities (209) is chosen so as to conform to the profile of the plurality of protruding members (210). This ensures that the plurality of protruding members (210) gets snug fit into the corresponding plurality of cavities (209). A profile of the plurality of protruding members (210) can be such as but not limited to cylindrical shape, circular, conical shape, prism shape, polyhedron shape, cuboidal shape, trapezoid shape or combinations thereof. Naturally, the profile of the corresponding plurality of cavities (209) can also be selected from the above said group of profiles. In the present set of embodiments (shown in Figure 7), the profile of the plurality of cavities (209) in the at least one second holding member is shown as cylindrical shape to snug fit the plurality of protrusions (210).
[0063] The embodiments shown in Figure 5 illustrate a partially exploded view of a mounting assembly (200) for the one or more energy storage units (300a, 300b) of the vehicle. It shows how the one or more energy storage units (300a, 300b) being mounted and removed as a sub-assembly on the frame (101) of the vehicle. For the purpose of servicing, the one or more energy storage units (300a, 300b), the plurality of first fastening members (204), plurality of second fastening members (205) and the plurality of fifth fastening members (208a, 208b, 208c, 208d) can be removed. This way the one or more energy storage units (300a, 300b), the at least one first holding member (201), the at least one second holding member (202) and the support member (203) remain attached to each other as a sub-assembly, while said sub-assembly can be conveniently removed from the frame without disturbing any other component in the vehicle. Referring to Figure 1, it can also be seen that the down frame (101b) facilitates the easy detachability of the above said sub-assembly. The down frame (101b) shown is a double tube type down frame where there is sufficient space between the double tubes to attach the mounting assembly (200). Alternatively, the down frame (101b) can also be a single tube wherein the mounting assembly (200) can be attached as explained in Figures 1, 2, 3 and removed as explained above for Figure 4. Thus, the mounting assembly (200) can be attached and removed to the vehicle as a sub-assembly without disturbing other vehicular components. This enhances the ease of serviceability of the one or more energy storage units (300a, 300b).
[0064] The embodiments shown in Figure 6a, 6b and Figure 7 are taken together for description. Figure 6a illustrates a bottom perspective view of the at least one first holding member (201). The at least one first holding member (201) is provided with plurality of extended wall (201w) protruding from a center of the at least one first holding member (201). Figure 7 particularly illustrates the placement of the at least one first holding member (201) on the frame (101) of the vehicle (not shown). Referring to Figure 1 and 2 along with Figure 6a and Figure 7, the one or more energy storage units (300a, 300b) include two battery packs disposed longitudinally with a space therebetween. The plurality of extended wall (201w) is configured to fill in the space between the one or more energy storage units (300a, 300b) thereby arresting a movement of the one or more energy storage units (300a, 300b) between each other. The embodiments shown in Figure 6b illustrate a top perspective view of the at least one first holding member (201). The at least one first holding member (201) is provided with a plurality of ribs (201r) on the top surface of the at least one first holding member (201). The plurality of ribs (201r) provides structural strength to the at least one first holding member (201). As shown in Figure 6b, the plurality of ribs (201r) is configured in X-shape to cover maximum area while reinforcing the structural strength but at the same time leave sufficient space therebetween for ventilation and cooling of the one or more energy storage units (300a, 300b) disposed below the at least one first holding member (201). This concept can also be achieved by having different profile of the plurality of ribs (201r) for example, linearly arranged profile, mesh type profile and a combination thereof. The at least one first holding member (201) can be made of materials such as metals, alloys, composite, polymer including ABS plastic with the required strength depending on the design of the vehicle and the one or more energy storage units (300a, 300b).
[0065] The embodiments shown in Figure 8 illustrate an exploded view of the mounting assembly (200) showing the at least one second holding member (202) and the support member (203) with the various fastening members and mounting members. Figure 8 illustrates the placement of the at least one second holding member (202) over the support member (203) along with the plurality of fourth fastening members (207) and the plurality of first and second mounting members (211, 212). The at least one second holding member (202) includes one or more interspersed openings (202a). This allows for ventilation for the one or more energy storage units (300a, 300b). The at least one second holding member (202) is also configured to include one or more drainage holes (202b) thereby preventing accumulation of water in the at least one second holding member (202). The at least one second holding member (202) is provided with a plurality of integrated walls (202w) which are extended upward. In this embodiment, they extend substantially perpendicularly to the base of the at least one second holding member (202). Accordingly, once the one or more energy storage unit (300a, 300b) is disposed in the at least one second holding member (202) and the plurality of protruding members (210) are snug fit into the plurality of cavities (209) in the second holding member, while the protruding member (209) substantially restrict the lateral or longitudinal movement of the one or more energy storage units (300a, 300b), the plurality of integrated walls (202w) ensure that any such lateral or longitudinal movement is completely eliminated and in spite of significant jerks or sudden movement of the vehicle, the one or more energy storage units (300a, 300b) remain confined in the at least one second holding member (202). The support member (203), in this embodiment is configured as sub frame cradle, the sub-frame cradle being disposed below the down frame (101b). The support member (203) is detachably attached to the at least one second holding member (202) by the plurality of fourth fastening members (207a, 207b, 207c, 207d). In this embodiment, the fourth fastening members (207a, 207b, 207c, 207d) are shown as nuts and bolts being configured to be fastened through openings provided in the at least one second holding member (202) and the support member (203). However, alternative attachments measures can also be taken to attach the at least one second holding member (202) and the support member (203) including, screws, clip-on members, latches etc., as suitable for the design, alignment and packaging requirements of the vehicle.
[0066] The above disclosed invention, therefore, improves the clamping, stability, assembly and serviceability of the one or more energy storage units (300a, 300b) without causing any hinderance to the cooling of the one or more energy storage units (300a, 300b). The various embodiments also ensure to reduce vibrations and movement (lateral and longitudinal) in the one or more energy storage units (300a, 300b) when the vehicle is motion. This also substantially improves the ride quality and driving experience of the user of the vehicle. Further, the disclosed invention accommodates one or more the energy storage units compactly in a vehicle and ensures that sufficient clearance from the ground or the surrounding parts is provided to one or more energy storage units for ease of servicing and ventilation. Furthermore, the mounting assembly for the one or more energy storage unit does not interfere with the floorboard of the vehicle and fulfils the homologation requirement.
[0067] The embodiments of this invention are not limited to particularly two-wheeled or saddle type electric vehicle and can cover any type of multi wheeled vehicle. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “they” can include plural referents unless the content clearly indicates otherwise. Further, when introducing elements/components/etc. of the assembly/system described and/or illustrated herein, the articles “a”, “an”, “the”, and “said” are intended to mean that there is one or more of the element(s)/component(s)/etc. The terms “comprising”, “including”, and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional element(s)/component(s)/etc. other than the listed element(s)/component(s)/etc.
[0068] This description uses examples to provide details on the disclosure, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the disclosure is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be illustrative while being within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.
[0069] It is to be understood that the aspects of the embodiments are not necessarily limited to the features described herein. Many modifications and variations of the present subject matter are possible in the light of above disclosure.
 
List of Reference numerals:

101
101a
101b
Frame
Main frame
Down frame
200
201
201b
201f
201r
201w
202
202a
202b
202w
203
204
204a
204b
205
205a
205b
206a, 206b, 206c, 206d, 206e, 206f
207a, 207b, 207c, 207d
208a, 208b, 208c, 208d
209
210
211
211a, 211b, 211c, 211d
212a, 212b, 212c, 212d Mounting assembly
First holding member
Rear portion of First holding member
First portion of First holding member
Plurality of Ribs
Extended wall
Second holding member
Interspersed openings
Drainage holes
Plurality of Integrated walls
Support member
Plurality of first fastening members
First fastening nut
First fastening brackets
Plurality of Second fastening members
Second fastening nut
Second fastening brackets
Third fastening members
Fourth fastening members
Fifth fastening members
Cavities
Protruding members
Plurality of First mounting members
Mounting brackets
Plurality of Second mounting members
300a, 300b
300c
300f
300s
Energy storage units
Plurality of Energy cell
First portion/top portion
Second portion/ bottom portion

, C , Claims:We Claim:
1. A mounting assembly (200) for one or more energy storage units (300a, 300b) of a vehicle, the mounting assembly (200) comprising:
at least one first holding member (201), the at least one first holding member (201) being configured to receive a first portion (300f) of the one or more energy storage units (300a, 300b) and the at least one first holding member (201) being detachably attached to a frame (101) of the vehicle;
at least one second holding member (202), the at least one second holding member (202) being configured to receive a second portion (300s) of the one or more energy storage units (300a, 300b) and the at least one second holding member (202) being configured to support the one or more energy storage units (300a, 300b); and
a support member (203), the support member (203) being attached to the at least one second holding member (202) and the support member (203) being detachably attached to the frame (101) of the vehicle.
2. The mounting assembly (200) for the one or more energy storage units (300a, 300b) of the vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first portion (300f) being a top portion of the one or more energy storage units (300a, 300b) and the second portion (300s) being a bottom portion of the one or more energy storage units (300a, 300b).
3. The mounting assembly (200) for the one or more energy storage units (300 a, 300b) of the vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the frame (101) being configured to provide a structural support to the vehicle and the frame (101) including a main frame (101a) and a down frame (101b); and a rear portion (201b) of the at least one first holding member (201) being detachably attached to the main frame (101a) by a plurality of first fastening members (204) and a front portion (201f) of the at least one first holding member (201) being detachably attached to the down frame (101b) by a plurality of second fastening member (205).

4. The mounting assembly (200) for the one or more energy storage units (300 a, 300b) of the vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one first holding member (201) being detachably attached to the first portion (300f) of the one or more energy storage units (300a, 300b) by a plurality of third fastening member (206a, 206b, 206c, 206d, 206e, 206f).
5. The mounting assembly (200) for the one or more energy storage units (300a, 300b) of the vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one first holding member (201) being provided with a plurality of ribs (201r) on a surface of the at least one first holding member (201), the plurality of ribs (201r) being configured to provide structural strength to the at least one first holding member (201).
6. The mounting assembly (200) for the one or more energy storage units (300a, 300b) of the vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one first holding member (201) being shaped in a curved profile thereby enabling a proper ventilation of the one or more energy storage units (300a, 300b) through an open space.
7. The mounting assembly (200) for the one or more energy storage units (300 a, 300b) of the vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more energy storage units (300a, 300b) comprising plurality of battery packs (300a, 300b), the at least one first holding member (201) being provided with a plurality of extended walls (201w) protruding from a surface of the at least one first holding member (201), the plurality of extended walls (201w) being configured to interface with the plurality of battery packs (300a, 300b) so as to occupy a space between the plurality of battery packs (300a, 300b) thereby arresting a movement of the plurality of battery packs (300a, 300b).
8. The mounting assembly (200) for the one or more energy storage units (300 a, 300b) of the vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one second holding member (202) being provided with a plurality of cavities (209), the plurality of cavities (209) being configured to receive a plurality of protruding members (210) of the one or more energy storage units (300a, 300b) whereby the mounting assembly (200) being configured to arrest a movement of the one or more energy storage units (300a, 300b) in at least one of plurality of directions including, two lateral directions, two longitudinal directions, one upward and one downward direction.
9. The mounting assembly (200) for the one or more energy storage units (300 a, 300b) of the vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one second holding member (202) being configured to include one or more drainage holes (202b) thereby preventing accumulation of water in the at least one second holding member (202).
10. The mounting assembly (200) for the one or more energy storage units (300 a, 300b) of the vehicle as claimed in claim 8, wherein the plurality of protruding members (210) being integrally formed or detachably attached with the second portion (300s) of the one or more energy storage units (300a, 300b) and a profile of the plurality of cavities (209) being conforming to a profile of the plurality of protruding members (210) thereby the plurality of protruding members (210) being snug fit into the corresponding plurality of cavities (209).
11. The mounting assembly (200) for the one or more energy storage units (300a, 300b) of the vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one second holding member (202) being configured to include one or more interspersed openings (202a), thereby allowing ventilation for the one or more energy storage units (300a, 300b).
12. The mounting assembly (200) for the one or more energy storage units (300a, 300b) of the vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more energy storage units (300a, 300b) comprising plurality of battery packs (300a, 300b), the at least one second holding member (202) being provided with a plurality of integrated walls (202w) at the edges of the at least one second holding member (202), the plurality of integrated walls (202w) being extended upward and perpendicularly to the base of the second holding member (202) thereby arresting the a movement of the one or more energy storage units (300a, 300b).

13. The mounting assembly (200) for the one or more energy storage units (300a, 300b) of the vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the support member (203) being a sub frame cradle, the sub-frame cradle being disposed below the down frame (101b) and the support member (203) being detachably attached to the at least one second holding member (202) by a plurality of fourth fastening member (207a, 207b, 207c, 207d).
14. The mounting assembly (200) for the one or more energy storage units (300 a, 300b) of the vehicle as claimed in claim 3, wherein
the support member (203) being configured to include a plurality of first mounting member (211);
the down frame (101b) being configured to include a plurality of second mounting member (212a, 212b, 212c, 212d); and
the support member (203) being detachably attached to the down frame (101b) by a plurality of fifth fastening member (208a, 208b, 208c, 208d) through the plurality of first mounting member (211) and the plurality of second mounting member (212a, 212b, 212c, 212d).
15. The mounting assembly (200) for the one or more energy storage units (300a, 300b) of the vehicle as claimed in claim 14, wherein the plurality of first mounting member (211) includes a plurality of mounting brackets (211a, 211b, 211c, 211d), the plurality of first mounting brackets (211a, 211b, 211c, 211d) being attached to the support member (203).
16. An energy storage unit (300) for a vehicle, the energy storage unit (300) comprising:
a first portion (300f), the first portion (300f) being configured to be received by at least one first holding member (201) of a mounting assembly (200), the at least one first holding member (201) being detachably attached to a frame (101) of the vehicle; and
a second portion (300s), the second portion (300s) being configured to be received into at least one second holding member (202), the at least one second holding member (202) being attached to a support member (203), the support member (203) being detachably attached to the frame (101) of the vehicle.
17. The energy storage unit (300) for the vehicle as claimed in claim 16 wherein the second portion (300s) of the energy storage unit (300) including a plurality of protruding members (210), the plurality of protruding members (210) being configured to be received into a plurality of cavities (209), the plurality of cavities (209) being formed in the at least one second holding member (202).
18. The energy storage unit (300) for the vehicle as claimed in claim 16, wherein the first portion (300f) being a top portion of the energy storage unit (300) and the second portion (300s) being a bottom portion of the energy storage unit (300).
19. The energy storage unit (300) for the vehicle as claimed in claim 17, wherein the plurality of protruding members (210) being integrally formed or detachably attached with the second portion (300s) of the one or more energy storage units (300); and a profile of the plurality of cavities (209) being conforming to a profile of the plurality of corresponding protruding members (210) thereby the plurality of protruding members (210) being snug fit into the corresponding plurality of cavities (209).
20. A vehicle, the vehicle comprising:
a power unit, the power unit being configured to drive the vehicle;
a frame (101), the frame (101) being configured to provide a structural support to the vehicle;
one or more energy storage units (300a, 300b), the one or more energy storage units (300a, 300b) being configured to supply a power to the power unit; and
a mounting assembly (200) for mounting the one or more energy storage units (300a, 300b), wherein the mounting assembly (200) comprising
at least one first holding member (201), the at least one first holding member (201) being configured to receive a first portion (300f) of the one or more energy storage units (300a, 300b) and the at least one first holding member (201) being detachably attached to the frame (101) of the vehicle,
at least one second holding member (202), the at least one second holding member (202) being configured to receive a second portion (300s) of the one or more energy storage units (300a, 300b) and the at least one second holding member (202) being configured to support the one or more energy storage units (300a, 300b), and
a support member (203), the support member (203) being attached to the at least one second holding member (202) and the support member (203) being detachably attached to the frame (101) of the vehicle.

Dated this 14th day of June, 2023

(Digitally Signed)
Sudarshan Singh Shekhawat
IN/PA-1611
Agent for the Applicant