Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention relates to an energy storage unit of a vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Generally, due to raising environmental concerns, vehicles like two-wheeler vehicles are designed with one or more energy storage unit, like batteries. The vehicles may receive the required energy for driving the vehicles by the batteries instead of conventional internal combustion engines. Typically, the energy storage units convert chemical energy to electrical energy for driving the vehicle. The one or more energy storage units are mounted on a casing, which may be mounted on a frame member of the vehicle.
[003] Further, in conventional vehicles the energy storage units are detachably attached to the casing of the vehicle. The casing has a narrow passage into which the energy storage units of the vehicle is mounted. The narrow passage of the casing makes it difficult to mount the energy storage units at its position during servicing and swapping of energy storage units. Furthermore, the narrow passage of the casing makes it difficult to mount the energy storage unit quickly and properly at its position, especially during nighttime or when there is not enough light.
[004] An improperly mounted energy storage unit may result in vibrations which may damage child parts of the energy storage unit. Further, an improperly mounted energy storage units may loosen or damage connector connections which leads to safety and communication issues. Furthermore, improper placing of the energy storage units impacts the stability of vehicle which may cause unnecessary accidents, thereby raising safety concerns.
[005] The existing energy storage units or batteries have one or more limitations like, there are no indicating components in a battery pack assembly, while placing the battery pack inside the battery box, positioning of the batteries inside the battery box in case of electric vehicles becomes difficult, removing and insertion of the dockable battery pack from electric vehicle is difficult, while misplacing the battery inside the battery box the stability will be reduced and shaking happens while riding, swapping of the battery pack takes more time, due to misplacement of battery the connector connection may not take place correctly.
[006] Thus, there is a need in the art for an energy storage unit which addresses at least the aforementioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[007] In one aspect, the present invention is directed towards an energy storage unit. The energy storage unit has a base member, a plurality of walls which are extending from the base member. An open end which is being configured to receive one or more energy storage modules of the energy storage unit. The energy storage unit further has a top cover. The top cover which is disposed into the open end of the energy storage unit. The top cover comprises an extended portion in a longitudinal direction of the energy storage unit. The extended portion has one or more receptacles. The one or more receptacles is configured to accommodate at least one connector of the energy storage unit. The one or more receptacles is also configured to accommodate at least one illuminating member. The illuminating member is electrically connected with the one or more energy storage modules.
[008] In an embodiment of the invention, the illuminating member is mounted at a bottom portion of the receptacle.
[009] In a further embodiment of the invention, the illuminating member is a Light Emitting Diode (LED) torch. The one or more energy modules is being configured to supply electric energy to the LED torch for illuminating through wires.
[010] In a further embodiment of the invention, the LED torch is a stick with a combustible material.
[011] In a further embodiment of the invention, a switch member is connected to the wire. The switch member is being operated to enable supply of the electric energy from the one or more energy storing modules to the torch.
[012] In a further embodiment of the invention, the top cover is made of aluminium.
[013] In a further embodiment of the invention, a gasket is provided between the top cover and the open end of the energy storage unit. The gasket of the energy storage unit is to protect against foreign particles entering inside energy storage unit.
[014] In one aspect, the present invention is directed towards a vehicle. The vehicle comprises a frame member extending in a front-rear direction of the vehicle. The vehicle further comprises a casing connected to the rear frame. The vehicle further comprises an energy storage unit being disposed inside the casing of the vehicle. The energy storage unit comprises a base member, a plurality of walls being extending from the base member, an open end. The open end being configured to receive a one or more energy storage modules of the energy storage unit. The energy storage unit further comprises a top cover. The top cover being disposed onto the open end. The top cover comprises an extended portion in a longitudinal direction of the energy storage unit. The extended portion comprises one or more receptacles. The one or more receptacles being configured to accommodate at least one connector of the energy storage unit. The energy storge unit further comprises at least one illuminating member disposed at the one or more receptacles. The at least one illuminating member being electrically connected with the one or more energy storage modules.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[015] 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.
Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a vehicle having an energy storage unit in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of an assembly of the energy storage unit shown in Figure 1 with a casing connected to a frame member of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 illustrates exploded view of the assembly shown in Figure 2, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the energy storage unit shown in Figures 1 - 3, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 illustrates a bottom view of the energy storage unit shown in Figure 4, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 illustrates an exploded view of a top cover of the energy storage unit shown in Figures 1 – 5, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 7 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the top cover shown in Figure 6, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[016] Various features and embodiments of the present invention here will be discernible from the following further description thereof, set out hereunder.
[017] For the purpose of the present invention, the term “vehicle” relates to a saddle type vehicle provided with an energy storage unit. Further, a longitudinal axis of the vehicle refers to an axis along a length of the vehicle, a lateral axis of the vehicle refers to an axis along a width of the vehicle and a vertical axis of the vehicle refers to an axis along the height of the vehicle.
[018] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary vehicle 10 comprising an energy storage unit 100. As shown the energy storage unit 100 is positioned at a substantial central portion of the vehicle 10. In an embodiment the energy storage unit 100 can be placed at any position in the vehicle 10 as per design and user requirements. Thus, the illustrated position of the energy storage unit 100 should not be meant to be limiting the scope of the present invention. The energy storage unit 100 is typically used in a vehicle such as, but not limited, a two-wheeled vehicle. However, it should be understood that the energy storage unit 100 as illustrated may also find its application in other kinds of vehicle like, a three wheeled vehicle, or a four wheeled vehicle, or other multi-wheeled vehicles, or any non-automotive application which may use the energy storage unit 100. The terms “energy storage unit” and “battery pack” may be interchangeably used in the present disclosure. However, the term “battery pack” may be used more often for brevity. In some embodiments, the battery pack 100 may include a plurality of energy storage modules (not shown). The term “energy storage module” as referred in the present disclosure is a “battery module”. The term “battery module” is interchangeably used in place of the term “energy storage module” and more often with the “battery module” for brevity. In some embodiments, each battery module may further include a plurality of cells (not shown). In some embodiments, the plurality of cells of the energy storage module may be made of, but not limited to, Lithium-ions. It may be contemplated that the plurality of cells is not limited to only Lithium-ions, and the cells may be made of any other material known in the art. Thus, the scope of application of the present invention may not be limited to only the battery modules having the Lithium-ions. The plurality of cells may be rechargeable by an external electrical source (not shown) and/or by a regenerative braking system in the vehicle, and the stored energy from the energy storage modules may be utilized for supplying electrical energy to one or more electric and/or electrical components of the vehicle and/or for suppling electrical energy to a motor (not shown) for driving the vehicle. Thus, the application of the present invention may be found in vehicles, such as, but not limited to, internal combustion engine vehicles, electric vehicles, and hybrid vehicles. In some embodiments, the present invention may also find its applications apart from vehicles like any machine driven or operated by the energy of the battery pack.
[019] Referring to Figure 2 in conjunction with Figure 3, the vehicle 10 includes a frame member 200 extending in a vehicle front-rear direction “F-R”. In an embodiment, the frame member 200 comprises a head pipe 220 for supporting one or more components at a front of the vehicle 10, a main frame 230, a rear frame 250, and a base frame 240. In some embodiments, the head pipe 220 is configured to receive a steering shaft (not shown) of the vehicle 10. As illustrated, the frame member 200 extends rearwardly from the head pipe 220 in the vehicle front-rear direction “F-R” of the vehicle 10. That is to say, the main frame 230 of the frame member 200 extends rearwardly from the head pipe 220 in the vehicle front-rear direction “F-R” of the vehicle 10. Further, the rear frame 250 extends rearwardly and upwardly from the main frame 230 in the vehicle front-rear direction “F-R” (longitudinal direction) of the vehicle 10. The base frame 240 extends rearwardly from the main frame 230. In some embodiments, the frame member 200 provides a structural support to different vehicular components of the vehicle 10 and is adapted to mount one or more vehicular components of the vehicle 10. The one or more vehicular components may, include, but not limited to, an instrument cluster, a handle member, a seat assembly 12, a casing 210 with the energy storage unit 100.
[020] Referring again to Figures 2 and 3, in an embodiment, the energy storage units 100 are removably mounted on the casing 210. The casing 210 comprises a base member (not shown) and a plurality of walls (not shown). The plurality of walls extends from the base member of the casing 210. The plurality of walls along with the base member of the casing 210 forms a chamber for accommodating the energy storage units 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the casing 210 is mounted onto the base frame 240 of the frame member 200. In some embodiments, the casing 210 may be connected to the base frame 240 using one or more fasteners (not shown). In some other embodiments, the casing 210 may also be connected to the base frame 240 through any other mechanisms known in the art, for example a welding method. In some embodiments, the casing 210 may be made of materials including but not limited to, a polymeric material, a metallic material and a composite material. In an embodiment, the casing 210 can be mounted at any position of the vehicle 10 according to design requirements. In some embodiments, one or more energy storage units 100 are removably placed into the chamber of the casing 210.
[021] Figure 4 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the energy storage unit 100 shown in Figures 1 - 3, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The energy storage unit 100 comprises a base member 112. The base member 112 forms the base of the energy storage unit 100. In other words, the base member 112 is a structural support member for the plurality of energy storage modules (not shown).
[022] The energy storage unit 100 further comprises a plurality of walls 114 extending from the base member 112. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of walls 114 extends in a vertical direction from the base member 112.
[023] The energy storage unit 100 further comprises an open end 116. The open end 116 of the energy storage unit 100 is configured to receive the one or more energy storage modules. In an embodiment, there can be one or more energy storage modules configured in the energy storage unit 100 based on design and energy requirements of the vehicle 10. The energy storage modules provide a required motive energy to a prime mover like a motor (not shown) of the vehicle 10 for movement of the vehicle 10. The open end 116 of the energy storage unit 100 can be closed by a top cover 120 for arresting the one or more energy storage modules from movement in a vertical direction.
[024] In an embodiment, the energy storage unit 100 along with the top cover 120 is removably attached to the casing 210. In some embodiments, there can be one or more number of casings 210 and/or one or more number of energy storage units 100 disposed into the casings 210 as per design and energy requirements.
[025] Referring to Figure 5 in conjunction with Figures 6 and 7, the top cover 120 is disclosed. The top cover 120 is adapted to accommodate one or more child components of the energy storage unit 100. In some embodiments, the one or more child components may include, but not limited to, a first style cover 136, a second style cover 138, a third style cover 140, a fourth style cover 142, a handle 144, a base cover 146 and a pin 148. In some embodiments, the base cover 146 extends along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle 10 and is mounted with the second style cover 138 and the third style cover 140. The second style cover 138 and third style cover 140 are connected by the handle 144. The first style cover 136 extends along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle 10 and is mounted over the second style cover 138 and the third style cover 140. The first style cover 136 has an opening on its middle portion to receive the handle 144. The first style cover 136, the second style cover 138, the third style cover 140, the fourth cover 142 are mounted to the base cover 146 using one or more fasteners 150. In an embodiment, the top cover 120 comprises an extended portion 122. In the illustrated embodiment, the base cover 146 of the top cover 120 comprises an extended portion 122.
[026] In an embodiment, the extended portion 122 of the top cover 120 extends from the longitudinal direction “D1” (shown in Figure 3) of the energy storage unit 100. The extended portion 122 comprises one or more receptacles 130 (shown in Figure 6). In an embodiment, the extended portion 122 also houses the one or more connectors 132 (shown in Figures 5 and 7) of the energy storage unit 100. Particularly, the one or more receptacles 130 of the extended portion 122 are configured to accommodate one or more connectors 132. The one or more receptacles 130 are further configured to accommodate one or more components including, but not limited to, at least one illuminating member 134 (shown in Figures 4 – 7) of the energy storage unit 100. The one or more illuminating member 134 are mounted to a bottom of the extended portion 122. That is to say, the illuminating member 134 is mounted at a bottom portion 130A (shown in Figure 7) of the receptacle 130. In some embodiments, the illuminating member 134 may be press fitted inside receptacle 130. In some other embodiments, the illuminating member 134 may be fixed to the receptacle 130 through threads or adhesive. In an embodiment, the illuminating member 134 can be a Light Emitting Diode (LED) torch. In yet an embodiment the LED torch is a stick with a combustible material. The combustible material of the LED torch is provided at one end of a stick which can be used as a light source. The extended portion 122 is mounted with a fourth style cover 142 (shown in Figure 6). In an embodiment, the fourth style cover 142 can be a mounting bracket which houses all the child parts of the energy storage unit 100.
[027] Furthermore, the energy storage unit 100 comprises the energy storage module. The energy storage module is configured to supply electric energy to the illuminating member 134 through wires (not shown). The wires are electrically connected to a switch member (not shown). The switch member is electrically connected to supply the electric energy from the one or more energy modules to the illuminating member 134. The switch member along with the connecting members are provided at the top cover 120 of the energy storage unit 100. In an embodiment, the switch member can be placed at any position of the energy storage unit 100 as per design requirements. In an embodiment, the switch member is operated to supply electric current to the LED torch when required.
[028] In an embodiment, the top cover 120 is provided with a gasket 118 (shown in Figure 7). The gasket 118 is provided between a bottom end of the top cover 120 and the open end 116 of the energy storage unit 100. The gasket 118 is provided to protect the energy storage modules (not shown) from entry of foreign particles (dust, moisture or any other particles). In an embodiment, the top cover 120 is made of aluminium as per design requirements.
[029] Advantageously, the present invention provides the energy storage unit, where the energy storage unit can be easily swapped during recharging even when there is no sufficient light, thereby making the handling of the energy storage unit easier. The present invention provides advantages of reduced assembling and disassembling time of the energy storage units, thereby easing the serviceability of the energy storage units. The present invention provides advantage of proper disposal or mounting of the energy storage units with connectors of the vehicle. This further helps in stability of the vehicle and in turn enhances user comfort and safety of the user.
[030] The present invention provides advantages of utilization of the battery and the utilization of the vehicle is higher, swapping time of the batteries is minimized, reduces difficulty in service and maintenance, placement constrains are eliminated, the top cover placement is done considering the vehicle in dynamic condition, stability increases which reduce the damage while riding off-road.
[031] Battery assembling and disassembling time will be reduced. Customer satisfaction towards stability while riding the vehicle is improved. Swapping of the battery in the minimal time is possible. Charging of the batteries becomes easy since the batteries can be removed from the vehicle and charging can be done at any place. Locking of connectors or connector plugs can be ensured by the customer. Initial level maintenance and external service or cleaning of the batteries becomes easier.
[032] Electrical vehicle becomes multipurpose vehicle and can be adopted for the use of e-commerce purposes. Standby batteries can be maintained separately whenever required and can be replaced in the vehicle with the lesser time.
[033] Present invention further provides advantages of handling, comfort, aesthetics, serviceability, manufacturing, ease of assembly, ergonomics, market attractiveness, safety, and durability.
[034] Present invention overcomes the problems faced by the existing batteries while docking or placement of the batteries inside a casing or a battery box. In order to overcome the above stated problems at the background portion of the present disclosure, the batteries are to be conveniently removable or inserted inside the casing or the battery box. For achieving the convenient removable or inserting features of the batteries with the casing or the battery box, an indicator is provided to ensure that the battery pack placement inside the battery box is made. The batteries in vehicles like, electric vehicles are used as a power source and are placed or docked generally in a utility box area. If the batteries are not provided with a proper mounting features, it would be difficult to swap or dock the batteries inside the battery box in a correct position. The incorrect positioning of the batteries inside the casing may lead to safety consequences or damage to the batteries and/or the casing.
[035] In the exiting batteries, there are no indicating components or features provided in batteries that aids the customer / user in placing the battery pack correctly in the vehicle. Further, the positioning of the batteries in the battery box is difficult. Thus, swapping of the batteries is also difficult, and may take more time to swap the batteries when required. If the batteries are placed incorrectly, it would lead to vibration of the battery pack. Furthermore, a connector connecting the batteries and other electrical / electric components of the vehicle through wires may loosen or damage leading to safety and communication consequences.
[036] The present invention overcomes the above listed issues, wherein the battery is provided with a feature that helps the customer / user to align the battery as per requirement in the casing or the battery box. Thus, the present invention provides an easy swapping of batteries when required and increases stability of the vehicle while riding. In addition, customer comfort is increased while insertion and/or removal of batteries from the vehicle.
[037] The present invention provides a top cover in the batteries and the top cover is provided with a feature of LED torch to help the customer / user to dock the battery pack with comfort. The top cover of the batteries carries a maximum load while lifting the batteries. The top cover has extended part or portion in front side and acts as a supportive member for the battery pack handle. The top cover is a base which fastens all other child parts of the battery handle. The increase of height and length in the top cover makes wiring a lot easier compared to the older batteries.
[038] The torch may be an LED bulb that is positioned adjacent to the connector of the battery on the top cover. The LED torch is a stick with combustible material at one end, which can be used as a light source. Chemical energy stored in cells of the batteries is converted into an electrical energy. The electrical energy, which flows through the bulb of the torch is then transformed into light energy and the torch bulb glows. The LED torch will glow and help the customer / user in assembling the batteries inside the battery box or the casing particularly in a nighttime. The LED torch helps the customer to place the dockable batteries in its correct position which improves the stability of the dockable batteries inside the battery box and ensures the connector position.
[039] While taking the batteries in the nighttime, the LED bulb will act as a torch, which helps in assembling the battery pack inside the battery box. The LED torch is a predefined feature and operation for defining placement to battery pack.
[040] Present invention overcomes the problems of the existing designs and provides a promising solution for stability by an introduction of LED torch. The LED torch indicates a path to the customer where the battery inside the battery box or casing is inserted. The LED torch plays a vital role because the entire design is made considering the safety of the pack and customer.
[041] The narrow-shaped battery box or casing makes the placement of battery more difficult. The LED torch gets its input from the batteries and helps the customer to place the battery perfectly inside the battery box. In the present invention, battery parameter for safety consideration taken on all aspects, so at low cost, safety, battery endurance, battery failure, ease of assembly is addressed.
[042] Generally, the top cover in batteries used to cover the battery casings, but in the present application, the top cover acts as a base member which has provisions to fasten LED torch unit within it. The top cover is an aluminium part which carries the maximum load while lifting. Cells in the battery are the source of electricity that is inserted in the torch. The electric cell is connected to the bulb of the torch through a wire. The filament inside bulb heats up and glows producing light. This LED Torch design is a predefined feature and operation for defining placement to battery pack.
[043] The top cover fastened to a plurality of walls of the batteries with a gasket which gives a complete protection against water and dust particles entering inside the battery.
[044] The LED Torch is connected to the cells inside the battery through the wires. There is a switch member present in the wire which when switched ON completes the circuit and the bulb glows. The battery has positive and negative electrodes and when the bulb is connected across these terminals current flow starts and chemical energy in battery is converted to electrical energy. This is further converted to light energy by the bulb.
[045] Present invention provides a handy solution in case of scooters that have portable batteries that can be easily removed and inspected with ease. Battery accommodates in the vehicle layout eliminate packaging constraint. This new design prevents the battery from external water or dust particles entering the battery. Swapping of the battery in the minimal time is possible. Charging of the battery becomes easy since the battery can be removed from the vehicle and charging can be done at any place. The LED Torch gives good visibility even at nights to the customer in order to place the battery pack in perfect position.
[046] 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
10: Vehicle
100: Energy storage unit
112: Base member
114: Plurality of walls
116: Open end
118: Gasket
120: Top cover
122: Extended portion
130: One or more receptacles
130A: Bottom portion
132: Connector
134: Illuminating member
136: First style cover
138: Second style cover
140: Third style cover
142: Fourth style cover
144: Handle
146: Base cover
148: Pin
150: Fasteners
200: Frame member
210: Casing
220: Head pipe
230: Main frame
240: Base frame
250: Rear frame

, Claims:1. An energy storage unit (100), the energy storage unit (100) comprising:
a base member (112);
a plurality of walls (114) being extending from the base member (112);
an open end (116), the open end (116) being configured to receive a one or more energy storage modules of the energy storage unit (100);
a top cover (120), the top cover (120) being disposed onto the open end (116), the top cover (120) comprising an extended portion (122) in a longitudinal direction (D1) of the energy storage unit (100), the extended portion (122) comprising one or more receptacles (130), the one or more receptacles (130) being configured to accommodate at least one connector (132) of the energy storage unit (100); and
at least one illuminating member (134) disposed at the one or more receptacles (130), the at least one illuminating member (134) being electrically connected with the one or more energy storage modules.

2. The energy storage unit (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the illuminating member (134) is mounted at a bottom portion (130A) of the receptacle (130).

3. The energy storage unit (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the illuminating member (134) is a Light Emitting Diode (LED) torch, the one or more energy storage modules being configured to supply electric energy to the LED torch for illuminating through wires.

4. The energy storage unit (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the LED torch is a stick with a combustible material.

5. The energy storage unit (100) as claimed in claim 3 comprising a switch member connected to the wire, the switch member being operated to enable supply of the electric energy from the one or more energy modules to the torch.

6. The energy storage unit (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the top cover (120) is made of aluminium.

7. The energy storage unit (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprising a gasket (118) between the top cover (120) and the open end (116) of the energy storage unit (100) to protect against foreign particles entering inside energy storage unit (100).

8. A vehicle (10) comprising:
a frame member (200) extending in a front-rear direction (F-R) of the vehicle (10);
a casing (210) connected to the rear frame (250); and
an energy storage unit (100) being disposed inside the casing (210) of the vehicle (10), the energy storage unit (100) comprising:
a base member (112);
a plurality of walls (114) being extending from the base member (112);
an open end (116), the open end (116) being configured to receive a one or more energy storage modules of the energy storage unit (100);
a top cover (120), the top cover (120) being disposed onto the open end (116), the top cover (120) comprising an extended portion (122) in a longitudinal direction (D1) of the energy storage unit (100), the extended portion (122) comprising one or more receptacles (130), the one or more receptacles (130) being configured to accommodate at least one connector (132) of the energy storage unit (100); and
at least one illuminating member (134) disposed at the one or more receptacles (130), the at least one illuminating member (134) being electrically connected with the one or more energy storage modules.

9. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the illuminating member (134) is mounted at a bottom portion (130A) of the receptacle (130), and wherein the illuminating member (134) is a Light Emitting Diode (LED) torch, the one or more energy modules being configured to supply electric energy to the LED torch for illuminating through wires.

10. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 8 comprising a switch member connected to the wire, the switch member being operated to enable supply of the electric energy from the one or more energy modules to the torch.