Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] Present invention generally relates to a handle assembly, and more particularly relates to the handle assembly for an energy storage assembly.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Energy storage assembly typically include energy storage units, like batteries. The batteries, in particular heavy batteries used in a vehicle are commonly equipped with handles for transport to make them easier to carry and install in and/or remove from the vehicle. Unfortunately, the handles often may become an inconvenience once the battery is positioned for use, consuming physical space around the battery. Because of the limited open space around the battery, some handles are often designed to pivot when not in use so that less space is required. Other handles can be removed but may be lost in the process.
[003] Conventional pivoting battery handles are often difficult to assemble, requiring tools for assembly such as hand mallets, presses, or rollers. Battery handles that do not require tools for assembly are often insecurely attached and unreliable as the handle can detach while lifting or carrying the battery or sliding it on or off a shelf. Some handles are formed of a flexible member, such as a rope or strap which is permanently or removably attached to the battery. Unfortunately, flexible handles in batteries generally do not provide for a stable transport of the battery, as the battery is prone to sway or rock.
[004] In the existing electric vehicles, the battery is contained in a battery box. The battery box generally has a battery accommodating slot and a battery box cover. The battery box cover and the battery accommodating slot are engaged with each other. However, in order to facilitate users to detach and assemble the battery box cover, the engagement relationship between the battery box cover and the battery receiving slot is not stable. When the electric vehicle jumps during driving, the battery is likely to knock up the battery box cover, causing damage to the battery box cover, and a circuit break occurs between the battery and the battery contact in the battery accommodating slot.
[005] Conventional battery packs are not equipped with straps or the like for ease of portability. In some instances, there is a plastic moulded battery strap attached to the battery top cover, however that would strain the arms and furthermore, utilise unnecessary space and additionally lead to higher component weight.
[006] Thus, there is a need in the art for providing a handle assembly for an energy storage assembly of a vehicle, which addresses the aforementioned problems and limitations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[007] In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a handle assembly. The handle assembly comprises a handle member comprising a strip portion extending in a pre-defined direction and being made of a first material. The strip portion comprises a connecting part at each end of the strip portion. The handle member comprises a gripping portion provided over the strip portion and extending along the strip portion for a pre-defined length. The gripping portion being made of a second material. The handle member comprises a fastening assembly. The fastening assembly being attached with the connecting parts of the strip portion of the handle member and comprises at least one spool member at each of the connecting part of the strip portion.
[008] In an embodiment, the at least one spool member comprises a guider portion at at least one end of the at least one spool member.
[009] In a further embodiment, the first material of the strip portion being configured to provide flexibility and rigidity to the handle assembly, and the second material of the gripping portion being a rigid material comprising a tensile strength above a pre-set level and provided with one or more gripping protrusions.
[010] In a further embodiment, the connecting part of the strip portion forms a loop for accommodating the at least one spool member of the fastening assembly.
[011] In a further embodiment, the fastening assembly comprises two spool members, wherein a first spool member and a second spool member being disposed such that the guider portion of the first spool member in a first connecting part being diagonally opposite to the guider member of the second spool member in a second connecting part.
[012] In another aspect, the present invention is directed to an energy storage assembly. The energy storage assembly comprises a housing. The housing comprises a base member and a plurality of walls. The plurality of walls extends from the base member. The housing is configured to accommodate one or more energy storage units. The energy storage assembly further comprises a handle assembly. The handle assembly is attached to a surface of the housing. The handle assembly comprises a handle member. The handle member comprises a strip portion extending in a pre-defined direction and being made of a first material. The handle member further comprises a gripping portion provided over the strip portion and extends along the strip portion for a pre-defined length. The gripping portion is made of a second material. The handle assembly further comprises a fastening assembly. The fastening assembly is attached with connecting parts of the strip portion of the handle member and comprises at least one spool member at each connecting part of the strip portion.
[013] In an embodiment, the energy storage assembly comprises a top cover. The top cover comprises an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface is configured to cover an open end of the housing. The outer surface is opposite to the inner surface and comprises at least one mounting portion.
[014] In an embodiment, the strip portion comprises a connecting part at each end of the strip portion.
[015] In a further embodiment, the fastening assembly comprises at least one curved hinge member for fastening the spool member with a top cover of the energy storage assembly through a plurality of screws.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[016] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.
Figures 1 – 3 illustrates a top perspective view, a top view and a side view of an energy storage assembly comprising a handle assembly, respectively, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 illustrates an exploded view of a top cover of the energy storage assembly with the handle assembly shown in Figures 1 – 3, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 illustrates an exploded view of the handle assembly shown in Figure 4, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 illustrates various views of a handle member of the handle assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 7 illustrates various views of a gripping portion of the handle member, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 8 illustrates various views of a strip portion of the handle member, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[017] Various features and embodiments of the present invention here will be discernible from the following further description thereof, set out hereunder.
[018] Present invention generally relates to a handle assembly, and more particularly relates to the handle assembly for an energy storage assembly.
[019] Figures 1 – 3 illustrates a top perspective view, a top view and a side view of an energy storage assembly 200 comprising a handle assembly 100, respectively, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In some embodiments, the energy storage assembly 200 is configured to be used in vehicles such as a two-wheeled vehicle, for example a two-wheeled electric vehicle or a two-wheeled hybrid vehicle. However, the energy storage assembly 200 as disclosed in the present disclosure may also find its applications in any other vehicles such as electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles like a two-wheeled vehicle, a three-wheeled vehicle, a four-wheeled vehicle, and a multi-wheeled vehicle. Thus, the example of two-wheeled electric vehicle as discussed in the present disclosure should not meant to be limiting the scope of the invention. The terms ‘two-wheeled electric vehicle’, ‘two-wheeled vehicle’ and ‘vehicle’ as used in the present invention are interchangeably used in the present disclosure. The said terms ‘two-wheeled electric vehicle’, ‘two-wheeled vehicle’ and ‘vehicle’ are one and the same and the term ‘vehicle’ is used in the present disclosure for sake of brevity.
[020] As illustrated in Figures 1 – 3, the energy storage assembly 200 comprises a housing 202 (shown in Figure 1 and 2). In an embodiment, the housing 202 comprises a base member 204 and a plurality of walls 206. The plurality of walls 206 extends vertically from the base member 204. In an exemplary embodiment, the base member 204 is a planar component, which is configured as a structural member for supporting one or more components placed onto the base member 204. In some exemplary embodiment, the one or more components may include, but not limited to, one or more energy storage units (not shown) and they are placed onto the base member 204. In another embodiment, the one or more components may include one or more energy storage units operable in conjunction with a thermal management system and a battery management system disposed in the housing 202. In an embodiment, the base member 204 comprises an outer surface (not shown) and an inner surface (not shown). The inner surface is opposite the outer surface. In some embodiments, the base member 204 is in a rectangular shape. However, the shape of the base member 204 may be any other geometric or non-geometric shape, which would facilitate mounting of the plurality of walls 206 of the housing 202 onto the base member 204 for forming a casing of the housing 202 for accommodating one or more energy storage units. In some other embodiments, the base member 204 may be made of a plastic or a polymer or a metallic or a composite material or any other material known in the art, which should be sufficient to withstand and accommodate load of the one or more components disposed onto the base member 204 and thus, the housing 202 is configured to accommodate one or more energy storage units. In some embodiments, the energy storage unit is a battery module that can be charged through an electric current and the electric energy from the battery module may be utilized for suppling electric current to one or more electric and electrical components of the vehicle and/or driving a motor of the vehicle for movement of the vehicle. As shown in Figures 1 – 3, the housing 202 of the energy storage assembly 200 comprises a handle assembly 100, which may be used for secure handling, lifting and carrying the energy storage assembly 200.
[021] Referring again to the Figures 1 – 3 in conjunction with Figure 4, the handle assembly 100 is attached to a surface of the housing 202. As illustrated, the energy storage assembly 200 comprises a top cover 208. The top cover 208 comprises an inner surface 208A and an outer surface 208B (shown in Figure 4). The inner surface 208A of the top cover 208 is configured to cover an open end of the housing 202. The outer surface 208B of the top cover 208 is opposite to the inner surface 208A. In an embodiment, the outer surface 208B comprises at least one mounting portion 208C (shown in Figures 2 and 4). In some embodiments, the mounting portion 208C is adapted to accommodate the handle assembly 100. In some exemplary embodiments, the mounting portion 208C may comprise a depression/ recess configured to accommodate the connecting part of the handle assembly 100. The mounting portion 208C facilitates compactness of the top cover 208 by reducing overall component thickness. Further, the mounting portion 208C may include a recess. The recess for disposition of the fastening assembly 112, which ensures that the fastening assembly 112 remains away from any human errors, mishandling, etc.
[022] Referring to Figures 4 – 8, the handle assembly 100 comprises a handle member 102. The handle member 102 comprises a strip portion 104 extending in a pre-defined direction “D1”. In some embodiments, the pre-defined direction “D1” is a direction parallel to a longitudinal direction of the vehicle. However, the pre-defined direction “D1” may not always be the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and it may also be a lateral direction of the vehicle. In some embodiments, the strip portion 104 is made of a first material. In an embodiment, the first material of the strip portion 104 is configured to provide flexibility and rigidity to the handle assembly 100. In some embodiments, the strip portion 104 of the handle member 102 may be made of, but not limited to, a nylon material, thereby providing the flexible and rigid nature in woven condition to the handle member 102.
[023] As illustrated in Figures 5, 6 and 8, the strip portion 104 comprises a connecting part 106 at each end 108A, 108B of the strip portion 104. In an embodiment, the connecting part 106 of the strip portion 104 forms a loop for accommodating the at least one spool member 114 of a fastening assembly 112. In some embodiments, the loop may have a diameter such that the spool member 114 can be easily passed through the loop and does not cause any restriction during assembling of the spool member 114 with the loop of the connecting part 106. In some embodiments, the stirp portion 104 may have a length of about 200 mm.
[024] As illustrated in Figures 5, 6 and 7, the handle member 102 further comprises a gripping portion 110 which is provided over the strip portion 104. In some embodiments, the gripping portion is made of a rubber material. The gripping portion 110 is wrapped around the strip portion 104 and made of the rubber material which provides a better perceptible surface for gripping of the handle member 102, thereby effectuate a better grip from a user perspective. The gripping portion 110 is extended along the strip portion 104 for a pre-defined length “L1”. In some exemplary embodiment, the pre-defined length “L1” of the gripping portion 110 may be based on overall weight of the energy storage assembly 200. However, the pre-defined length “L1” may be 120 mm, which would substantially cover the strip portion 104 of the handle member 102. It may be noted that based on the size of the energy storage unit, the suggested workable lengths of the strip portion 104 may vary. In some exemplary embodiment, the gripping portion 110 being configured to occupy at least 60% of the length of the strip portion 104.
[025] In some embodiment, the gripping portion 110 is made of a second material. In an exemplary embodiment, the second material of the gripping portion 110 is a rigid material comprising a tensile strength above a pre-set level and provided with one or more gripping protrusions. The tensile strength of the gripping portion 110 may be, but not limited to, 8 MPa. Further, the griping portion 110 may include 570.8% elongation at break, and 23.0% rebound resilience.
[026] In some other embodiments, the strip portion 104 may be made of plastic material. In case when the plastic is used, then manufacturing costs for having the plastic part embossed with the gripper portion 110 must be undertaken.
[027] In yet another embodiment, to accommodate usability of the handle member 102 in a thermal runaway or elevated temperature, the grade of the material used can be a UV grade material. Thus, the first material and the second material can be made of a UV grade material as well.
[028] Referring to Figure 5, the handle assembly 100 further comprises a fastening assembly 112. The fastening assembly 112 being attached with connecting parts 106 of the strip portion 104 of the handle member 102. The fastening assembly 112 comprises at least one spool member 114 at each connecting part 106 of the strip portion 104. In an exemplary embodiment, the fastening assembly 112 comprises two spool members 114A, 114B. A first spool member 114A and a second spool member 114B are disposed such that the guider portion 116A of the first spool member 114A in a first connecting part 106A is diagonally opposite to the guider member 116B of the second spool member 114B in a second connecting part 106B. In an embodiment, the at least one spool member 114 comprises a guider portion 116 at at least one end of the spool member 114.
[029] In some embodiments, the spool member 116 will effectively arrest the horizontal movement of the strip portion 104. Specifically, the spool members 114 are placed inside the strip portion 104, providing a secure and reliable attachment to mounting points which serves as mounting mechanism for the handle member 102 and the spool member 114 will take the complete load when the energy storage assembly 200 having battery modules are lifted, and it will distribute the load equally. This way the handle assembly 100 ensures that the handle member 102 remains firmly in place, even under heavy loads or rigorous usage. By distributing the load equally at each screwed location, mechanical stability is achieved and thus enhances both safety and durability. In other words, a configuration of the spool member 114A being integrated with the guider member 116A at one end and the spool member 114B being placed with the guider member 116B in the opposite direction arrests movement of the handle assembly 100 in all three axes (X, Y and Z axes). Further, the diagonally opposite disposition of the guider members 116A, 116B reduces component cost of providing the guider members 116A, 116B at each end.
[030] The fastening assembly 112 further comprises at least one curved hinge member 118 for fastening the spool member 114 with a top cover 208 of the energy storage assembly 200 through a plurality of screws 120. In the illustrated embodiments in Figures 4 and 5, there are two curved hinge members 118 provided at each spool member 114.
[031] Advantageously, the handle assembly disclosed in the present disclosure provides durability, easy handling due to better grip of the energy storage assembly, improves comfort and aesthetics of the energy storage assembly. The handle assembly prevents abrasion on user’s while handling the energy storage assembly. Further, the handle assembly provides advantages of secure means for mounting the handle member along the center of gravity (CG) of the energy storage assembly comprising the energy storage unit (battery pack). The handle assembly further enhances portability of the energy storage assembly and is ergonomic design.
[032] Present invention helps to overcome the drawback of inconvenience of lifting and removing batteries from an electric vehicle, particularly the drawback of being incapable of lifting and removing two batteries simultaneously with one single hand is solved.
[033] The handle member is engineered to bear more weight or stress without compromising its structural integrity. This aspect highlights its robustness and suitability for various applications where complete energy storage assembly having the battery modules load acts on it. The handle member is mounted by calculating the Center of Gravity (CG) of the energy storage assembly so that there will be no imbalance while handling the energy storage assembly. This not only improves the overall aesthetics of the energy storage assembly, but also enhances its portability. Users can now easily carry and transport the product without any hassle, by ensuring mechanical rigidity and equal load distribution. By incorporating this handle assembly, the energy storage assembly provide with a visually appealing and user-friendly product that meets customer’s practical needs.
[034] A new design feature by incorporating a handle assembly 100 made of nylon strip and rubber material. This not only enhances the overall appearance of the energy storage assembly but also ensures smooth handling for the users. As a result, the product - energy storage assembly can now be easily utilized as a portable device, providing convenience and ease of use to customers. Thus, the present invention addresses the problems / changes for customers in terms of comfort and portability. The present invention provides the energy storage assembly to be highly portable, allowing users to conveniently carry with them wherever they go.
[035] While the present invention has been described with respect to certain embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modification may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

List of Reference Numerals and Characters:
100: Handle assembly
102: Handle member
104: Strip portion
106: Connecting part
106A: First connecting part
106B: Second connecting part
108A, 108B: End
110: Gripping portion
112: Fastening assembly
114, 114A.114B: Spool member
116, 116A, 116B: Guider portion
118: Curved hinge member
120: Plurality of screws
200: Energy storage assembly
202: Housing
204: Base member
206: Plurality of walls
208: Top cover
208A: Inner surface of top cover
208B: Outer surface of top cover
208C: Mounting portion
D1: Pre-defined direction
L1: Pre-defined length , Claims:
1. A handle assembly (100), the handle assembly (100) comprising:
a handle member (102), the handle member (102) comprising:
a strip portion (104), the strip portion (104) extending in a pre-defined direction (D1); and being made of a first material, the strip portion (104) comprises a connecting part (106) at each end (108A, 108B) of the strip portion (104); and
a gripping portion (110), the gripping portion (110) being provided over the strip portion (104); and extending along the strip portion (104) for a pre-defined length (L1), the gripping portion (110) being made of a second material; and
a fastening assembly (112), the fastening assembly (112) being attached with the connecting parts (106) of the strip portion (104) of the handle member (102); and comprises at least one spool member (114) at each of the connecting part (106) of the strip portion (104).

2. The handle assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one spool member (114) comprises a guider portion (116) at at least one end of the at least one spool member (114).

3. The handle assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first material of the strip portion (104) being configured to provide flexibility and rigidity to the handle assembly (100); and the second material of the gripping portion (110) being a rigid material comprising a tensile strength above a pre-set level and provided with one or more gripping protrusions.

4. The handle assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the connecting part (106) of the strip portion (104) being configured to form a loop for accommodating the at least one spool member (114) of the fastening assembly (112).

5. The handle assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fastening assembly (112) comprises two spool members (114A, 114B), wherein a first spool member (114A) and a second spool member (114B) of the two spool members (114A, 114B) being disposed such that the guider portion (116A) of the first spool member (114A) in a first connecting part (106A) being diagonally opposite to the guider member (116B) of the second spool member (114B) in a second connecting part (106B).

6. An energy storage assembly (200), the energy storage assembly (200) comprising:
a housing (202), the housing (202) comprising:
a base member (204); and
a plurality of walls (206), the plurality of walls (206) extending from the base member (204),
wherein the housing (202) being configured to accommodate one or more energy storage units; and
a handle assembly (100), the handle assembly (100) being attached to a surface of the housing (202), the handle assembly (100) comprising a handle member (102), the handle member (102) comprising:
a strip portion (104), the strip portion (104) extending in a pre-defined direction (D1) and being made of a first material,
a gripping portion (110), the gripping portion (110) provided over the strip portion (104) and extending along the strip portion (104) for a pre-defined length (L1), the gripping portion (110) being made of a second material; and
a fastening assembly (112), the fastening assembly (112) being attached with connecting parts (106) of the strip portion (104) of the handle member (102); and comprises at least one spool member (114) at each connecting part (106) of the strip portion (104).

7. The energy storage assembly (200) as claimed in claim 6, comprising a top cover (208) comprising an inner surface (208A) and an outer surface (208B), the inner surface (208A) being configured to cover an open end of the housing (202), and the outer surface (208B) being opposite to the inner surface (208A) and comprising at least one mounting portion (208C).

8. The energy storage assembly (200) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the strip portion (104) comprises a connecting part (106) at each end (108A, 108B) of the strip portion (104).

9. The energy storage assembly (200) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the at least one spool member (114) comprises a guider portion (116) at at least one end of the at least one spool member (114).

10. The energy storage assembly (200) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the fastening assembly (112) comprises two spool members (114A, 114B), wherein a first spool member (114A) and a second spool member (114B) of the two spool members (114A, 114B) being disposed such that the guider portion (116A) of the first spool member (114A) in a first connecting part (106A) being diagonally opposite to the guider member (116B) of the second spool member (114B) in a second connecting part (106B).

11. The energy storage assembly (200) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the fastening assembly (112) comprises at least one curved hinge member (118) for fastening the at least one spool member (114) with the top cover (208) of the energy storage assembly (200) through a plurality of screws (120).

Dated this 18 day of October 2023

TVS MOTOR COMPANY LIMITED
By their Agent & Attorney

(Nikhil Ranjan)
of Khaitan & Co
Reg No IN/PA-1471