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

APPLICANT:

TVS MOTOR COMPANY LIMITED, (an Indian Company)

at: “Chaitanya”, No. 12, Khader Nawaz Khan Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai – 600034, Tamil Nadu, India.

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

TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to one or more power connectors of an energy storage unit. More particularly, the present invention relates to one or more power connectors of the energy storage unit for a vehicle such as but not limited to two wheelers, three wheelers and other types of multi-axle vehicles.
BACKGROUND
[0002] In a vehicle, there are several locations where a battery is mounted in the conventional layouts. In an electric or hybrid vehicle, the battery packs may be increased in numbers and may also be increased in size, due to which the location of mounting of the battery packs may differ in different vehicles having different layouts. The size and capacity of the battery packs vary according to the requirements of the vehicle and the user, and due to space constraints in the vehicle, the battery packs are sometimes mounted at separate spaces as well. In a two- wheeled vehicle, a battery pack is either stored below the seating portion of the vehicle, or the steering region of the vehicle. Some vehicles have a fixed battery packs which are not easily removable and are not intended to be removed frequently. However, some vehicles are focused on easy removal of the battery packs to enable swapping mechanism, or to enable transportation of the battery packs in order to get it charged or serviced at a convenient location of the user. To enable swapping mechanism of the battery packs, it is important that the battery packs are provided with a convenient configuration to enable easier mounting and dismounting of the battery packs. Further, the location at which the battery packs are mounted should also be chosen carefully to maximise packaging efficiency of the vehicle and increased ease of accessibility of the swappable battery packs. In certain conventional vehicles, the battery packs are preferred to be stored below the seat assembly of the vehicle due to which the size of the storage compartment of the vehicle has to be reduced, which was undesirable. A vehicle such as a two-wheeled vehicle has space constraints for storage compartment, and installing a battery pack in the storage compartment could lead to reduction of space in the storage compartment. In order to maximise the space available for the storage, it is desirable to place the battery pack at a different location. This enables the storage space to be sued by the user to store more objects in the storage compartment such as storing at least two helmets in the storage compartment. In conventional vehicles, the storage compartment could only store one helmet.
[0003] An attempt to solve such problems was provided where the battery packs were mounted on the floorboard of the vehicle, due to which the requirement of mounting the battery in the storage compartment is eliminated thereby increasing storage space. However, this attempt to provide the solution had many drawbacks such as special configurations have to be made for different vehicles having different layouts. Further, the battery packs were directly mounted on the floorboard due to which the battery pack was not provided with a swappable mechanism. Further since the battery packs had different configurations for different vehicle layout, it was also not possible to provide a swappable battery system for different kinds of vehicle. Due to this, the conventional systems of location of swappable battery packs were only known to be applicable when the swappable battery packs were stored in the storage compartment of the vehicle. Hence there exists a need for a swappable battery system which increases the overall packaging efficiency of the vehicle and also provides a better location for providing the battery packs.
[0004] Such swappable battery packs have to be provided with a connector to connect the swappable battery packs to the vehicle. The connectors are manually connected by the user of the vehicle in the conventional systems of swappable battery packs. The connectors transfer the power between the battery and the vehicle. The manual connection of the connectors of the battery packs and the connectors of the vehicle is an unnecessary extra step in the swappable battery system due to which the swappable mechanism of the battery becomes more time-consuming and also takes increased efforts for connection as well as installation. The configuration of the connectors which were fixed to the vehicle or the battery was unable to withstand the vibrations and jerks which are caused by the vehicle, and required manual intervention over time, since the connections tends to become loose. Further, the connectors provided in conventional vehicles tend to malfunction and misalign due to the vibrations and jerks caused by the vehicle. There were further several problems which were faced by the conventional vehicles such as the rigidity of the connector, routing issues of the wire, and mechanical stability of the vehicle after mounting the battery which led to the problems associated with the malfunction of the connection between the vehicle and the battery.
[0005] Thus, the conventional methods known in the art for placement and connecting the swappable battery packs of the vehicle have associated problems and limitations in terms of difficulty in providing a swappable battery system due to accessibility issues, increased time taken in mounting/dismounting the battery packs, the rigidity of the connector, routing issues of the wires and harnesses of the vehicle near the connectors, mechanical stability of the vehicle after mounting the battery packs, chances of malfunctions of the connectors, limited space constraints, etc. Therefore, there is a need for a connector for connecting one or more energy storage units of a vehicle that can overcome the problems that are known in the art and which provides an easier, stable and convenient way of assembly of the connectors, easier and convenient docking/swapping of the one or more energy storage units, better packaging efficiency of the vehicle, increased durability of the connectors, better overall mechanical stability and dynamics of the vehicle.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] The proposed invention is described with reference to an exemplary embodiment of one or more power connectors (206) of an energy storage unit (200). The same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to reference similar features and components. Description of certain details and implementations follow, including a description below, as well as a discussion of other potential embodiments described below, as well as a discussion of other potential embodiments or implementations of the inventive concepts provided below, followed by a more detailed description with reference to the drawings.
[0007] Figure 1 illustrates a side perspective view of an energy storage unit from one of the lateral sides of the energy storage unit as per one embodiment of the present invention.
[0008] Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of one or more energy cells with one or more power connectors as per one embodiment of the present invention.
[0009] Figure 3 illustrates a top view of the one or more energy cells of the one or more energy storage units as per one embodiment of the present invention.
[0010] Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of an energy storage unit from one of the narrow sides with one or more power connectors as per one embodiment of the present invention.
[0011] Figure 5 illustrates a side view of an energy storage unit with one or more power connectors as per one embodiment of the present invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] The present subject matter relates to an energy storage unit. The energy storage unit comprises one or more energy cells, a plurality of terminals, a housing, and one or more power connectors. The plurality of terminals is configured to transfer energy between the plurality of terminals and one or more energy cells. The housing is configured to house one or more energy cells. The housing comprises a top cover member, a bottom cover member, and one or more lateral cover members. The top cover member is configured to cover the energy storage unit from a top side of the energy storage unit. The bottom cover member is configured to cover the energy storage unit from the bottom side of the energy storage unit. One or more lateral cover members are configured to cover one or more lateral sides of the energy storage unit. One or more power connectors are configured to be electrically connected to the plurality of terminals of the energy storage unit. The one or more power connectors are configured to pass through the one or more lateral cover members at a predetermined location. The one or more power connectors are configured to transfer the energy between the energy storage unit and the vehicle and also configured to transfer the energy between an electric power source and the energy storage unit. The energy storage unit is configured to be disposed of within the floorboard region of a vehicle.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0013] While the present invention has been shown and described with reference to the foregoing preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes in form, connection, and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
[0014] This written 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. 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 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.
[0015] 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 light of the above disclosure.
[0016] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the techniques described herein can be practised without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring certain aspects.
[0017] Various features and embodiments of the present invention here will be discernible from the following further description thereof, set out hereunder. Further “front” and “rear”, and “left” and “right” referred to in the ensuing description of the illustrated embodiment refer to front and rear, and left and right directions as seen from a rear portion of the vehicle and looking forward. However, it is contemplated that the disclosure in the present invention may be applied to any vehicle without defeating the spirit of the present subject matter. The detailed explanation of the constitution of parts other than the present invention which constitutes an essential part has been omitted at suitable places.
[0018] In order to address the one or more of the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a vehicle having one or more connectors.
[0019] As per one embodiment of the present invention, an energy storage unit is provided. The energy storage unit comprises one or more energy cells, a plurality of terminals, a housing, and one or more power connectors. The plurality of terminals is configured to transfer energy between the plurality of terminals and one or more energy cells. The housing is configured to house one or more energy cells. The housing comprises a top cover member, a bottom cover member, and one or more lateral cover members. The top cover member is configured to cover the energy storage unit from a top side of the energy storage unit. The bottom cover member is configured to cover the energy storage unit from the bottom side of the energy storage unit. One or more lateral cover members are configured to cover one or more lateral sides of the energy storage unit. One or more power connectors are configured to be electrically connected to the plurality of terminals of the energy storage unit. The one or more power connectors are configured to pass through the one or more lateral cover members at a predetermined location. The one or more power connectors are configured to transfer the energy between the energy storage unit and the vehicle and also configured to transfer the energy between an electric power source and the energy storage unit.
[0020] As per another embodiment of the present invention, the energy storage unit is configured to be disposed within a floorboard region of the vehicle.
[0021] As per another embodiment of the present invention, one or more lateral cover members include at least two cover members. The predetermined location is disposed on an intersection of the at least two lateral cover members.
[0022] As per another embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle comprises one or more connectors, the one or more power connectors of the energy storage unit are configured to align with the one or more connectors of the vehicle. The one or more connectors are configured to electrically connect with one or more power connectors of the energy storage unit for transfer of the energy between the energy storage unit and the vehicle.
[0023] As per another embodiment of the present invention, one or more power connectors are configured to be detachably connected to the one or more lateral cover members via a plurality of fastening members.
[0024] As per another embodiment of the present invention, the energy storage unit is a swappable battery whereby upon being discharged, the swappable battery is configured to be removed from the vehicle by a user of the vehicle and connected to a charging station while enabling the user to swap the discharged swappable battery with a charged swappable battery.
[0025] As per another embodiment of the present invention, the energy storage unit is mounted in a horizontal orientation within the floorboard region of the vehicle by a mounting assembly.
[0026] As per another embodiment of the present invention, the one or more lateral sides comprise a plurality of narrow sides and a plurality broad sides. The one or more power connectors are provided on at least one of the plurality of narrow sides.
[0027] As per another embodiment of the present invention, the housing is made up of a material selected from a group comprising a metal, an aluminium, an iron, a steel, and an alloy.
[0028] As per another embodiment of the present invention, the one or more power connectors are electrically connected to a control unit. The control is configured to control an operation of the energy storage unit. The control unit comprises a rectifier device. The rectifier device is configured to receive an alternating current from the electric power source and convert the alternating current to direct current for charging the one or more energy cells.
[0029] As per another embodiment of the present invention, the predetermined location is centre of the one or more lateral cover members of the vehicle.
[0030] As per another embodiment of the present invention, the one or more power connectors are configured to be electrically connected to the plurality of terminals via a plurality of electricity transmission members.
[0031] As per another embodiment of the present invention, the one or more power connectors are electrically connected to a plurality of terminals through a plurality of electricity transmission members. The plurality of electricity transmission members is configured to connect to the plurality of terminals and a control unit.
[0032] As per another embodiment of the present invention, the one or more power connectors comprise one or more latching members. The one or more latching members is configured to guide the one or more power connectors towards the one or more power connectors of the vehicle. The one or more latching members is configured to latch onto the one or more connectors of the vehicle and secure the movement of the one or more power connectors.
[0033] As per another embodiment of the present invention, the predetermined location is a right side of the energy storage unit. The right side is the side on the X – axis which is towards the right of the Y- axis.
[0034] Thus, the above invention provides an energy storage unit comprising one or more connectors.
[0035] The present subject matter is further described with reference to the accompanying figures. It should be noted that the description and figures merely illustrate the principles of the present subject matter. Various configuration may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, encompass the principles of the present subject matter. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects and examples of the present subject matter, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
[0036] The foregoing disclosure is not intended to limit the present disclosure to the precise forms of particular fields of use disclosed. As such, it is contemplated that various alternate embodiments and/or modifications to the present disclosure, whether explicitly described or implied herein, are possible in light of the disclosure. Having thus described embodiments of the present disclosure, a person of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
[0037] In the foregoing specification, the disclosure has been described with reference to specific embodiments disclosed herein can be modified or otherwise implemented in various other ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, this description is to be considered illustrative and is for the purpose of teaching those skilled in the art the manner of making and using various embodiments of the disclosure. It is to be understood that the forms of the disclosure herein shown and described are to be taken as representative embodiments. Equivalent elements, materials processed or steps may be substituted for those representatively illustrated and described herein. Moreover, certain features of the disclosure may be utilized independently of the use of other features, all as would be apparent to one skilled in the art after having the benefit of this description of the disclosure. Expressions such as “including”, “comprising”, “incorporating”, “consisting of”, “have”, and “is”, used to describe and claim the present disclosure are intended to be construed in a non-exclusive manner, namely allowing for items, components, or elements not explicitly described also to be present. Reference to the singular is also to be construed to relate to the plural.
[0038] Further, various embodiments disclosed herein are to be taken in the illustrative and explanatory sense, and would in no way be construed as limiting the present disclosure. All joinder references (e.g., attached, affixed, coupled, connected, etc.) are only used to aid the reader’s understanding of the present invention, and may not create limitations, particularly as to the position orientation, or use of the system disclosed herein. Therefore, joinder references, if any, are to be construed broadly. Moreover, such joinder references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected to each other.
[0039] Additionally, all numerical terms, such as, but not limited to, “first”, “second”, “primary”, “secondary”, “main” or any other ordinary and/or numerical terms, should also be taken as identifiers, to assist the reader’s understanding of the various elements, embodiments, variations and/or modifications of the present disclosure, and may not create any limitations, particularly as to the order, or preference, of any element, embodiment, variation, and/or modification relative to, or over, another element, embodiment, variation and/or modification.
[0040] It will also be appreciated that one or more of the elements depicted in the drawings/ figures can also be implemented in a more separated or integrated manner, or even removed, or rendered as inoperable in certain cases, as is useful in accordance with a particular application. The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the disclosed invention is not limited to the present embodiments.

[0041] Figure 1 illustrates a side perspective view of an energy storage unit (200) from one of the lateral sides of the energy storage unit (200). The energy storage unit (200) comprises one or more energy cells (201 ,shown in Figure 2), a plurality of terminals (not shown), a housing (202), one or more power connectors (206) located at a predetermined location (207), a plurality of fastening members (208), a plurality of electricity transmission members (211,) (shown in Figure 2) and a control unit (212,shown in Figure 2).
[0042] The energy storage unit (200) is transfers electrical energy stored in one or more energy cells (201, shown in Figure 2) via one or more power connectors (206) to power a vehicle (not shown in figures). The one or more energy cells (201) stores the energy, whereas the plurality of terminals (not shown in figures) transfer the energy between the plurality of terminals and the one or more energy cells (201). The one or more power connectors (206) are electrically connected to the plurality of terminals.
[0043] The housing (202) comprises a top cover member (203), a bottom cover member (204) and one or more lateral cover members (205), where one or more lateral cover members (205) may comprise a single part or multiple parts. In one embodiment, the housing (202) may be made up of a material and the material may have heat dissipating characteristics and selected from a group comprised of a metal, an aluminium, an iron, a steel, an alloy etc. The housing (202) houses one or more energy cells (201, shown in Figure 2). The top cover member (203) covers the top side of the energy storage unit (200), the bottom cover (204) covers the bottom side of the energy storage unit (200) and the one or more lateral cover members (205) covers the lateral sides of the energy storage unit (200).
[0044] In the present embodiment, the one or more power connectors (206) pass through one or more lateral cover members (205) at the predetermined location (207). The one or more lateral cover members (205) includes at least two lateral cover members (205). The predetermined location (207) is disposed on an intersection of the at least two lateral cover members (205). The one or more power connectors (206) is electrically connected to the plurality of terminals of the energy storage unit (200). The predetermined location (207) may be the centre of one or more lateral cover members (205) and is located to the left side of an Z- axis and in the direction of an X-axis.
[0045] The one or more power connectors (206) comprise one or more latching members (213). The one or more latching members (213) guides the connection of the one or more power connectors (206) with one or more connectors of the vehicle.
[0046] In one embodiment, the one or more power connectors (206) aligns with one or more connectors of the vehicle, whereas the one or more connectors of the vehicle electrically connects with the one or more power connectors (206) to transfer the electrical energy between the energy storage unit (200) and the vehicle. The one or more power connectors (206) also transfer the energy between an electric power source and the energy storage unit (200).
[0047] In one embodiment, the one or more power connectors (206) are detachably connected to the one or more lateral cover members (205) via the plurality of fastening members (208). The plurality of fastening members (208) includes but not limited to screws, nuts, bolts, pins and fasteners.
[0048] In a preferred embodiment, the energy storage unit (200) is disposed of within a floorboard region of a vehicle (not shown). The energy storage unit (200) of the vehicle may be disposed in various different locations which may be based on different layouts and different configurations of the vehicle. For example, in case of four wheeled vehicles, the energy storage unit (200) can be mounted in a front portion or in a rear portion. In another embodiment, the energy storage unit (200) can be located in the rear portion or may also be located in the storage compartment of the vehicle. It may also be located underneath the seating compartment in a three-wheeled vehicle. In another embodiment the energy storage unit (200) may also be mounted on the ladder frame of a multi-axle vehicle or in another embodiment. The vehicle may include but is not limited to a two-wheeled vehicle, a three-wheeled vehicle or any multi-axle vehicle. In another embodiment, the vehicle is an step through type electric vehicle with swappable energy storage unit (200). In another aspect of the invention, the floorboard region of a vehicle may include but is not limited to the area underneath the footrest of a step-through vehicle, the area underneath the seating compartment of a four-wheeled vehicle etc. In one embodiment, the energy storage unit (200) is a swappable battery. The swappable battery is removed from the vehicle, upon being discharged. Then, the swappable battery is connected to a charging station while enabling the user to swap the discharged swappable battery with a charged swappable battery.
[0049] The embodiments shown in Figure 2 and Figure 3 are taken together for discussion. Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of one or more energy cells (201) with one or more power connectors (206). Figure 3 illustrates a top view of the one or more energy cells (201). Figure 2 and Figure 3 illustrate one or more energy cells (201), a plurality of terminals (not shown), a plurality of electricity transmission members (211), a control unit (212), one or more power connectors (206) and a predetermined location (207).
[0050] In the present embodiment, the one or more power connectors (206) are located on the right side of the energy storage unit (200). The right side is the side on the X – axis which is towards the right of the Y- axis. The plurality of terminals transfer the electrical energy between the plurality of terminals and one or more energy cells (201). The one or more power connectors (206) is electrically connected to a control unit (212). The control unit (212) controls an operation of the energy storage unit (200).
[0051] The one or more power connectors (206) are electrically connected to the control unit (212) via the plurality of electricity transmission members (211). The control unit (212) is located on the left side of the axis Y (shown in Figure 3). The control unit (212) comprises a rectifier device (not shown). The rectifier device receives an alternating current from a power source (not shown). The rectifier converts the alternating current to a direct current for charging the one or more energy cells (201).
[0052] The one or more power connectors (206) are connected to the plurality of terminals via the plurality of electricity transmission members (211). The plurality of electricity transmission members (211) is connected to the plurality of terminals and the control unit (212). The one or more power connectors (206) are located at the predetermined location (207). The predetermined location (207) is the right side of the energy storage unit (200) and is located at the right side of the axis Y and is in the direction of the X-axis.
[0053] The embodiments shown in Figure 4 and Figure 5 are taken together for discussion. Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of an energy storage unit (200) from one of the narrow sides (209) with one or more power connectors (206). Figure 5 illustrates a side view of an energy storage unit (200) with one or more power connectors (206). Figure 4 and Figure 5 illustrate an energy storage unit (200), one or more lateral cover members (205), one or more power connectors (206), a plurality of narrow sides (209) and a plurality of broad sides (210).
[0054] In the present embodiment, the one or more lateral sides of the energy storage unit (200) comprises the plurality of narrow sides (209) and the plurality of broad sides (210). Whereas, the one or more power connectors (206) are provided on at least one of the plurality of narrow sides (209). The energy storage unit (200) is mounted within the floorboard region of the vehicle in a horizontal orientation along the plane of the plurality of broad sides (210).
[0055] According to the above disclosure, the present invention provides various advantages. In a preferred embodiment, the energy storage unit (200) is mounted within the floorboard region of a vehicle. The floorboard placement of the energy storage unit (200) provides better weight distribution to the vehicle as the centre of gravity is lower hence the handling characteristics are better compared to conventional placement where one or more energy units are situated below the seat of a two-wheeled vehicle. Further, the floorboard placement of the energy storage unit (200) allows more storage area in the storage compartment of the two-wheeled vehicle to store at least two helmets. Alternatively, the energy storage unit (200) is provided in the rear portion of the vehicle below the passenger seat assembly in a horizontal orientation to enable a slidable mounting and dismounting of the energy storage unit (200) from the sides of the vehicle. Other alternatives can also be that the energy storage unit (200 can be placed at different locations of the vehicle (100). However, the placement of the energy storage unit (200) is not limited to the floorboard region of the vehicle. In other embodiments, the energy storage unit (200) can be mounted to the vehicle in any desired orientation depending upon the requirement, characteristics or available space in the vehicle like in a front portion, or in a rear portion of a four wheeled vehicle, where it will be easier for the user to swap the energy storage unit (200) as compared with the conventional battery packs which is fixedly assembled in a vehicle. In case of three-wheeled vehicles, the energy storage unit (200) can be placed in the rear side behind the passenger seat or may also be placed below the passenger seat and provide a slidable mounting and dismounting mechanism for the energy storage unit (200) and the energy storage unit (200) and the placement of the one or more power connectors (206) as per the present invention can also be implemented in such three-wheeled vehicles.
[0056] The energy storage unit (200) comprises the housing (202) which provides structural support to the one or more energy cells (201). The housing (202) maybe made of heat-dissipating materials such as aluminium, copper, iron, steel, metals or an alloy etc. This helps in heat dissipation during the operation of the vehicle and protects the energy storage unit (200) from damage.
[0057] The one or more connectors (206) are provided on the plurality of narrow side (209) in the middle of the storage unit (200) to achieve a better centre of gravity that can distribute the weight evenly and prevent any tilting or strain on the connectors of the vehicle during connection or disconnection with one or more power connectors (206). This contributes to better stability and durability of the battery storage unit (200) as it prevents any unnecessary movement of the energy storage unit (200).
[0058] The one or more connectors (206) are provided on the plurality of narrow side (209) in the middle of the storage unit (200). This ensures a proper and balanced connection while avoiding any external damage and also helps in proper connection and disconnection of the energy storage unit (200).
[0059] The one or more power connectors (206) comprises one or more latching members (213). The one or more latching members (213) guides the one or more power connectors (206) towards one or more connectors of the vehicle. The one or more latching members (213) latches onto the one or more connectors of the vehicle to secure the movement of the one or more power connectors (206). The one or more latching members (213) facilitate a secure joint and a proper alignment with one or more connectors of the vehicle. The one or more latching member (213) provides stability to the energy storage unit (200) and prevents any sliding and movement of the energy storage unit (200) during operations of the vehicle.
[0060] The one or more latching members (213) facilitates an efficient detachable connection between one or more power connectors (206) of the energy storage unit (200) and one or more connectors of the vehicle, which further enables an ergonomic and convenient swapping and docking configuration of the energy storage unit (200).
[0061] The energy storage unit (200) is provided with a support plate on the vehicle side. The support plate is configured such that the load of the energy storage unit (200) slides towards the one or more charging connectors as a result the one or more power connectors (206) remain connected with the one or more connectors of the vehicle.
[0062] Hence the present subject matter discloses, among other novel features, an energy storage unit with the power connector at a predetermined location provides a secure and robust connection which ensures that the connection of the energy storage unit remains secure during the operation of the vehicle which does not get damaged due to jerks and vibrations caused by the vehicle. The novel and inventive energy storage unit provides flexibility to the user and makes the operation of the vehicle user friendly as the swapping of the energy storage unit such as but not limited to battery packs is made easier and convenient. Further, the mounting of the one or more power connectors at the predetermined location provides a proper and balanced connection while avoiding any external damage to the energy storage unit. Also, the placement of power connectors at predetermined location provides a better weight distribution to the vehicle as the centre of gravity is lower hence the handling characteristics of the vehicle are improved. Further, this placement also ensures that the energy storage unit does not cause any interference to any other components of the vehicle.
[0063] While the present invention has been shown and described with reference to the foregoing preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes in form, connection, and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
[0064] This written 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. 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 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.
[0065] 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 light of the above disclosure.

List of References

Reference Numeral Meaning
200 An energy storage unit
201 One or more energy cells
202 A housing
203 A top cover member
204 A bottom cover member
205 One or more lateral cover members
206 One or more power connectors
207 A predetermined location
208 A plurality of fastening members
209 A plurality of narrow sides
210 A Plurality of broad sides
211 A plurality of electricity transmission members
212 A control unit
213 A one or more latching members
, C , Claims:We claim:
1. An energy storage unit (200) for supplying an energy to a vehicle, the energy storage unit (200) comprising:
one or more energy cells (201), the one or more energy cells (201) being configured to store the energy;
a plurality of terminals, the plurality of terminals being configured to transfer the energy between the plurality of terminals and the one or more energy cells (201);
a housing (202), the housing (202) being configured to house the one or more energy cells (201), the housing (202) comprising:
a top cover member (203), the top cover member (203) being configured to cover the energy storage unit (200) from a top side of the energy storage unit (200);
a bottom cover member (204), the bottom cover member (204) being configured to cover the energy storage unit (200) from a bottom side of the energy storage unit (200);
one or more lateral cover members (205), the one or more lateral cover members (205) being configured to cover the energy storage unit (200) from one or more lateral sides of the energy storage unit (200);
one or more power connectors (206), the one or more power connectors (206) being configured to be electrically connected to the plurality of terminals of the energy storage unit (200), the one or more power connectors (206) being configured to pass through the one or more lateral cover members (205) at a predetermined location (207), the one or more power connectors (206) being configured to
transfer the energy between the energy storage unit (200) and the vehicle and
transfer the energy between an electric power source and the energy storage unit (200).

2. The energy storage unit (200) as claimed in claim 1 the energy storage unit (200) being configured to be disposed within a floorboard region of a vehicle.
3. The energy storage unit (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more lateral cover members (205) including at least two lateral cover members (205), and the predetermined location (207) being disposed on an intersection of the at least two lateral cover members (205).
4. The energy storage unit (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the vehicle comprises one or more connectors, the one or more power connectors (206) of the energy storage unit (200) being configured to align with the one or more connectors of the vehicle, the one or more connectors being configured to electrically connect with the one or more power connectors (206) of the energy storage unit (200) for transfer of the energy between the energy storage unit (200) and the vehicle.
5. The energy storage unit (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more power connectors (206) being configured to be detachably connected to the one or more lateral cover members (205) via a plurality of fastening members (208).
6. The energy storage unit (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the energy storage unit (200) being a swappable battery, wherein upon being discharged a discharged swappable battery being configured to be removed from the vehicle by a user of the vehicle and connected to a charging station while enabling the user to swap the discharged swappable battery with a charged swappable battery.
7. The energy storage unit (200) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the energy storage unit (200) being mounted in a horizontal orientation within the floorboard region of the vehicle.
8. The energy storage unit (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more lateral sides comprising a plurality of narrow sides (209) and a plurality of broad sides (210),
and the one or more power connectors (206) being provided on at least one of the plurality of narrow sides (209).
9. The energy storage unit (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the housing (202) being made up of a material being selected from a group comprising a metal, an aluminium, an iron, a steel, and an alloy.
10. The energy storage unit (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more power connectors (206) being electrically connected to a control unit (212), the control unit (212) being configured to control an operation of the energy storage unit (200), the control unit (212) comprising a rectifier device, the rectifier device being configured to receive an alternating current from the electric power source and convert the alternating current to direct current for charging the one or more energy cells (201).
11. The energy storage unit (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the predetermined location (207) being a centre of the one or more lateral cover members (205) of the vehicle.
12. The energy storage unit (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more power connectors (206) being configured to be electrically connected to the plurality of terminals via a plurality of electricity transmission member (211).
13. The energy storage unit (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more power connectors (206) being electrically connected to the plurality of terminals via a plurality of electricity transmission members (211), the plurality of electricity transmission members (211) being configured to connect to the plurality of terminals and the control unit (212).
14. The energy storage unit (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more power connectors (206) comprising one or more latching members (213), the one or more latching members (213) being configured to guide the one or more power connectors (206) towards one or more connectors of the vehicle, the one or more latching members (213) being configured to latch onto the one or more connectors of the vehicle and secure the movement of the one or more power connectors (206).
15. The energy storage unit (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the predetermined location (207) being a right side of the energy storage unit (200), the right side being the side on the X – axis which is towards the right of the Y- axis.

Dated this 04th day of November, 2023
[Digitally Signed]
Sudarshan Singh Shekhawat
IN/PA – 1611
Agent for the Applicant