DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter described herein generally relates to a battery holder, and particularly but not exclusively relates to a mounting mechanism for a battery holder for a straddle type two or three wheeled vehicle.

BACKGROUND
[0002] Two wheeled vehicles or three wheeled vehicles have been one of the most convenient means of mobility. Conventionally, two wheeled vehicles have been powered by internal combustion engines, but with rapid growth in technology and environmental concerns, electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles are becoming preferred choice of riders. More so the rider prefers an electric vehicle or hybrid vehicle if such a vehicle fulfils all the needs which a conventional internal combustion based vehicle would fulfil. Some of the most common requirements include a long battery range, ample space for storage, safe packaging batteries and a comfortable seating. Battery safety has been prime concern especially in areas having hot and humid weather and in crowded cities. In such areas, the battery may overheat and result in accident such as fire or any other electrical hazard.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0003] The detailed description of the present subject matter is described with reference to an embodiment of a straddle type two wheeled vehicle along with the accompanying figures. Same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components.
[0004] Fig.1 illustrates a left side view of a two wheeled vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0005] Fig.2 illustrates a perspective view of a battery holder in accordance with a an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0006] Fig.3 illustrates an exploded view of the battery holder and a frame member in accordance with a an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0007] Fig.4 illustrates a left side perspective view of the battery holder and the frame member in accordance with a an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0008] Fig.5 illustrates a right perspective view of the battery holder and the frame member in accordance with a another embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0009] Fig.6 illustrates an exploded view depicting the battery holder, a cover member, plurality of batteries and a wheel hugger in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[00010] In an aspect of the present invention, the present subject matter discloses an improved battery holder having a first side portion, a second side portion, a third side portion and a base portion. The second side portion is parallel to the first side portion. The third side portion is perpendicular to each of the first side portion and the second side portion. The base portion is perpendicular to each of the first side portion, the second side portion and the third side portion. Further, the base portion is attached with each of the first side portion, the second side portion and the third side portion such that the base portion is configured as a base of an open bucket. The first side portion, the second side portion and the third side portion respectively cover three sides of the open container. In such configuration, a top portion and a fourth side of the open bucket is left uncovered. The third side portion is configured to be disposed on a frame of a vehicle through one or more attachment portions.
[00011] In another aspect of the present invention, the present subject matter discloses a vehicle having a frame. The frame being configured with a head tube, a down tube, and a floorboard portion. The down tube extending downwardly rearward from the head tube, and the down tube connects to the floorboard portion. The floorboard portion having a first sideward tube, a second sideward tube and a cross member. The cross member connects the first sideward tube and the second sideward tube. A battery holder is attached to the cross member from a first side of the cross member through one or more attachment portions of the battery holder.
[00012] Summary provided above explains the basic features of the invention and does not limit the scope of the invention. The nature and further characteristic features of the present invention will be made clearer from the following descriptions made with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[00013] Exemplary embodiments detailing features of the battery holder and the mounting thereof, in accordance with the present subject matter will be described hereunder with reference to the accompanying drawings. Various aspects of different embodiments of the present subject matter will become discernible from the following description set out hereunder. Rather, the following description provides a convenient illustration for implementing exemplary embodiments of the present subject matter. Further, it is to be noted that terms “upper”, “lower”, “right”, “left”, “front”, “forward”, “rearward”, “downward”, “upward”, “top”, “bottom” and like terms are used herein based on the illustrated state or in a standing state of the saddle-type vehicle with a driver sitting thereon unless otherwise elaborated. Furthermore, a longitudinal axis refers to a front to rear axis relative to the saddle-type vehicle, defining a vehicle longitudinal direction; while a lateral axis refers to a side to side, or left to right axis relative to said vehicle, defining a vehicle lateral direction. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[00014] In the present times, the electric vehicles and the hybrid vehicles are equipped with high power batteries. These batteries are big in size, heavy in weight and bulky in terms of space occupation. Further such batteries are often installed on a battery holder. The battery holder is usually made of resin or alike material and the battery holder is mounted to the frame of the vehicle. The existing battery holders do not provide required packaging to the batteries.
[00015] In known battery holders, all degrees of freedom of the battery holder are not being arrested. Conventionally, only the degree of freedom in a vertical direction, that is along a direction perpendicular to a vehicle longitudinal axis is provided to the battery holders. This vertical support may result in bending of the frame due to weight of the batteries and continuous movement of the batteries because of vehicle movement. In conventional battery holders all degree of freedom for the batteries are not contained and as a result the battery tend to move or vibrate in a forward, rearward, upward or downward direction with the vehicle movement. This exasperates the safety concerns. Any battery movement during vehicle running condition is not desirable.
[00016] In other known battery holders, a box shaped cover is provided to contain the vertical and horizontal movement of the battery. The cover being designed to completely cover the plurality of batteries. However, such a cover may be counterproductive. Such a cover may result in heat accumulation in the battery holder which may cause overheating in the battery holder. Also, couplers/connectors which are single interface of the battery and the electric motor or other electrical components are packaged constrainedly. The coupler/connectors are packaged in the battery box which makes the serviceability of the battery a tedious task.
[00017] In other known battery holders, if a box shape coveris removed, the batteries are prone to receive dust, water and mud during vehicle running conditions. In vehicles with such battery holders, additional problems associated with packaging of wiring harness also arise. The wiring harness are loosely disposed which is not desirable.
[00018] In addition to the battery safety, a vehicle manufacturer has to ensure vehicle size is compact and the battery packaging is safely placed in the vehicle. A safe disposition of the battery packaging is a challenge in two wheeled straddle type vehicles due to layout constraints. In contrast to cars or heavy vehicles, the manufacturer of two wheeled vehicles face space and layout constraints. The two wheeler manufacturer cannot increase the wheelbase beyond a certain range. Neither, battery or batteries can be disposed closer to the ground.
[00019] Therefore the present invention is to provide an improved battery holder that is designed to address the abovementioned problems and provide a compact, convenient, durable and safe battery holder and battery holder mounting thereof.
[00020] The present invention along with all the accompanying embodiments and their other advantages would be described in greater detail in conjunction with the figures in the following paragraphs
[00021] Fig 1 illustrates a left side view of a two wheeled vehicle (100) in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. As per the illustrated embodiment, a longitudinal axis (F-R) represent a frontward side (F) and a rearward side (R) of the vehicle (100). The vehicle (100) comprises a frame (101) which forms the skeleton of the vehicle (100). The frame (101) includes a head tube (101A), a main tube (101B) and a floorboard portion (103). The head tube (101A) is a main support structure for a steering assembly (109) and a front panel(s) (104) of the vehicle (100). The main tube (101B) extends downwardly rearward from the head tube (101A) and merges with the floorboard portion (103) of the vehicle (100). The floorboard portion (103) of the vehicle (100) being configured to provide ample space to a rider to keep his/her legs and luggage while riding the vehicle (100). The vehicle (100) also includes a front wheel (105) and a rear wheel (106). The distance between the front wheel (105) and the rear wheel (106) is called a wheelbase of the vehicle (100). Further, a seat assembly (108) has been disposed on a rear portion of the frame (101). Also, plurality of rear panels (107) cover the rear portion of the frame (101) from the rearward side (R) of the vehicle (100).
[00022] Fig.2 illustrates a perspective view of a battery holder (111) in accordance with a an embodiment of the present subject matter. As per the illustrated embodiment, the battery holder (111) is provided to hold one or more batteries (not shown) safely. The battery holder (111) is comprising: a first side portion (111A), a second side portion (111B), a third side portion (111C) and a base portion (111D). The second side portion (111B) is parallel to the first side portion (111A). The third side portion (111C) is perpendicular to each of the first side portion (111A) and the second side portion (111B). The base portion (112) is perpendicular to each of the first side portion (111A), the second side portion (111B) and the third side portion (111C) of the battery holder (111). The base portion (111D) is attached with each of the first side portion (111A), the second side portion (111B) and the third side portion (111C) such that the base portion (111D) is configured to function as a base of the battery holder (111) and the first side portion (111A), the second side portion (111B), the third side portion (111C) respectively covers three sides of the battery holder (111). A top side and a fourth side of the battery holder (111) are left uncovered. Additionally, the second side portion (111B) includes a plurality of mounting portions (113A, 113B, 113C) on a outer surface of the second side portion (111B). The plurality of mounting portions (113A, 113B, 113C) are configured to support one or more cables.
[00023] In another embodiment, the plurality of mounting portions (113A, 113B, 113C) are provided on the first side portion (111A).
[00024] In an embodiment of the present invention, the third side portion (111C) is configured to be abuttingly supported to the frame (101) of a vehicle (100) through a one or more attachment portions (112) provided on an external surface of the one or more the first side portion (111A), the second side portion (111B) and the third side portion (111C). In an embodiment, the one or more attachment portions being a plurality of protruding portions (112) protruding orthogonally from an external surface of the third side portion (111C). In such a configuration, each of the plurality of protruding portions (112) are configured to be abuttingly supported on the frame (101) of the vehicle (100). Also, each of the plurality of protruding portions (112) comprises of a resting surface (112C). The resting surface (112C) of each of the protruding portion (112) is configured to support or abut with the frame (101) of the vehicle (100). As per a preferred embodiment, the protruding portion (112) has a base portion (112A), a cantilever portion (112B) and the resting surface (112C) is disposed on a lower surface of the cantilever portion (112B). The resting surface (112C) of each of the plurality of protruding portions (112) is a C-shaped surface when seen from a length direction of the third side portion (111C) so that in an assembled condition of the battery holder (111) onto the vehicle (100), the resting surface (112C) is abuttingly and swingably supported on a tubular portion of the frame (101) of the vehicle (100). As per a preferred embodiment, the C shaped surface profile conforms to the profile of the tubular portion of the frame (101).
[00025] Fig.3 illustrates an exploded view of the battery holder (111) and the frame (101) in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. As per the illustrated embodiment, the frame includea a plurality of side tubes (103A, 103B). The plurality of side tubes (103A, 103B) extends rearward from the floorboard portion (103). The plurality of side tubes (103A, 103B) include a first side tube (103A) on a right side of the frame (101) and a second side tube (103A) on a left side of the frame (101). The first side tube (103A) and the second side tube (103B) are connected with each other through plurality of cross members (102A, 102B). The plurality of cross members (102A, 102B) include a first cross member (102B) and a second cross member (102A). The first cross member (102B) connects the first side tube (103A) and the second side tube (103B) with a first longitudinal end of the floorboard portion (103). In an embodiment, the first end of the floorboard portion (103) is a rear end of the floorboard portion (103). In another embodiment, the second cross member (102A) connects the first side tube (103A) and the second side tube (103B) with a second longitudinal end of the floorboard portion (103). In an embodiment, the second longitudinal end of the floorboard portion (103) is a forward end of the floorboard portion (103). The main tube (101B) is attached to the second cross member (102A) on an upward portion of the second cross member (102A).
[00026] Fig.4 illustrates a side view of the battery holder (111) and the frame (101) in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. As per the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of protruding portions (112) of the battery holder (111) are swingably supported on the first cross member (102B) of the frame (101). As per the illustrated embodiment, the C-shaped resting portions (112C) shown in Fig 2 compliment an outer surface profile of the first cross member (102B). This abutment of the resting portions (112C) of the plurality of protruding portions (112) to the first cross member (102B) provide additional stability to the battery holder (111) while still enabling a swinging movement of the battery holder (111). The floorboard portion (103) is configured to withstand strong weights in comparison to a single side tube. Therefore, the swingable abutting support of the plurality of protruding portions (112) to the first cross member (102B) provides additional mounting durability to the battery holder (111). Also, the present configuration prevents bending of the plurality of side tubes (103A, 103B) which otherwise could occur due to the heavy load of the battery unit and vehicle dynamic loads and vibrations. The bending of the side tubes (103A, 103B) does not occur, as the weight distribution from the battery holder on to the cross member (102B) is now uniform. The uniform weight distribution being enabled by the protruding portions (112) of the battery holder (111).
[00027] Fig.5 illustrates a perspective view of the battery holder (111) and the frame (101) in accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter. As per the illustrated embodiment, the frame (101) includes first cross member (102B) which connects the plurality of side tubes (103A, 103B). The main tube (101B) is directly attached to the plurality of side tubes (103A, 103B). Further, the third side portion (111C) of the battery holder (111) is swingably supported to first cross member (102B) of the frame (101) through one or more attachment portions (112). As per the illustrated additional embodiment, the one or more attachment portions (112) comprises one or more lugs (118). The one or more lugs (1118) are provided on the third side portion (111C) of the battery holder for for attachment of the battery holder (111) to the floorboard portion (103) of the frame (101). As per the illustrated embodiment, the one or more lugs (118) are attached to the first cross member (102B) of the frame (101).
[00028] Conventionally, for an electric vehicle, having multiple batteries and with a requirement of high capacity batteries, the weight of the batteries are heavy. The plurality of batteries have to be supported such that the movement of the batteries, that is, the degrees of freedom of the batteries are arrested along with the battery holder (111) which holds the batteries. In assembled condition, while the battery is held securely to the battery holder (111), the battery holder, when installed or mounted on the vehicle, is required to be held securely and firmly in place such that in vehicle running condition, there is no undesired displacement of the batteries and the battery holder (111). The undesirable movement of the batteries may cause damage or rubbing with the surrounding parts that are compactly packaged around the plurality of batteries. In order to achieve the same, multiple clamps are used to mount the battery in place as desired, during the assembly. The multiple clamps can be metal brackets mounted to the frame and that take mounting from the battery holder as well. In order to arrest the degree of movement of the battery in all directions, the multiple clamps should be provided in all the sides of the battery holder (111) which often leads to a trade-off of the vehicle layout space resulting in a non-compact vehicle. As per the requirement of achieving a rigid and stable mounting of the battery holder (111), it becomes imperative for a designer to provide as many possible attachment provisions to secure the battery holder (111) in a stable manner in the vehicle. However, for purpose of service or swapping, there is often a contradictory requirement to have minimum attachments for the battery holder (111) so as to enable it to be quickly removed. This makes, the task of locating the battery in the layout of a compact straddle type two or three wheeled vehicle, very difficult.
[00029] However, as per the present invention, the protrusions 112 are designed such that, the battery holder is swingably abutted against the first cross member 102B which helps is providing a stable support to the battery holder against undesirable vibrations, loads etc while still enabling removal of the battery holder quickly. The shape of the protrusion being provided to be in conformation with that of the first cross member 102B which permits a desired compliance movement of the battery holder unit in a swinging manner on the external surface of the first cross member (102B) during vehicle running condition, while the forward movement of the battery holder is prevented by the protrusions 112 provided.
[00030] Therefore, additional parts like multiple claims and their mounting to the frame, which requires additional space in the vehicle layout is eliminated.
[00031] Fig.6 illustrates an exploded view depicting the battery holder (111), a cover member (116), a plurality of batteries (115) and a wheel hugger (117) in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. As per the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of batteries (115) are disposed parallel to each other in the battery holder (111). The battery holder (111) covers a portion of the plurality of batteries (115) from each of three sides. In order to cover a portion of a top side and a fourth side, the cover member (116) is provided. As per an embodiment, the cover portion (116) partly covers the top side of the battery holder (111). The top side is parallel to the base portion (111D) of the battery holder (111). Also, the cover portion (116) covers a large portion of the fourth side of the battery holder (111) . The fourth side is parallel to the third side portion (111C) of the battery holder (111).
[00032] As per an alternate embodiment, the cover member (116) partly covers the top side of the plurality of batteries (115) to allow air flow enter into the battery holder which cools down the plurality of batteries (115) and prevents heat accumulation in the battery holder (111). Also, the cover member (116) includes a plurality of openings n(116A) which allow access to a plurality of battery couplers/connectors (118) and a battery valve (115A) from the fourth side of the battery holder (111). The fourth side of the battery holder (111) is parallel to the third side portion (111C) of the battery holder (111). The provision of openings (116A) provide ease in serviceability and improve safety standard for transport of the vehicle. While servicing of the plurality of batteries (115) only the plurality of couplers/connectors (118) would be removed easily. Similarly, in case of overheating, access to the battery valve (115A) is provided from the openings (116A). Also, during transport of the vehicle (100) through carriage, the safety can be ensured by quickly and easily disconnecting the couplers (118) through plurality of said openings (116A).
[00033] As per an additional embodiment, a U shaped cut out (116B) is provided on the cover member (116) on the forth side of the battery holder (111). The U shaped cut out (116B) accommodates either a static or a dynamic wheel hugger (117) when the vehicle (100) experience an upward jerk, for example, during a full bump condition. The wheel hugger (117) may also be called as a mudguard. In a situation of upward jerk, the wheel (106) and the wheel hugger (117) would tend to move vertically upward and may hit various electrical components or the cover member (116). Therefore, the depth of the U in the U shaped cut out (116B) is configured greater in length compared to the wheel hugger peak position so as to provide sufficient working clearance with the wheel hugger (117).
[00034] While the present subject matter has been embodied for a two wheeled vehicle, the features of the present subject matter can be extended to a three wheeled vehicle.
[00035] The claimed steps as discussed herein are not routine, conventional, or well understood in the art, as the claimed steps enable the following solutions to the existing problems in conventional technologies. Prior to the present invention, the plurality of batteries (115) and the battery holder (111) experienced vertical and longitudinal movements along a vehicle vertical and longitudinal direction. However due to compliant abutting attachment of the battery holder (111) with the first cross member (102B), the longitudinal movement of the battery holder (111) is adequately arrested. Similarly, the cover member (116) also arrest vertical and longitudinal movements of the plurality of batteries (115). As per an aspect of the current invention, the abutting guide mechanism configured enables compliance movement of the battery holder (111) in a vehicle lateral direction which thereby enhances the durability of the battery holder (111) by reducing direct transfer of vibration and road shocks to the battery holder (111)
[00036] Although the subject matter has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain embodiments thereof, other embodiments are possible. It is to be understood that the appended claims are not necessarily limited to the features described herein. Rather, the features are disclosed as embodiments of the present subject matter.

Reference Numerals:
100: Vehicle
101: Frame
101A: Head Tube
101B: Main Tube
102A: Second cross member
102B: First cross member
103: Floorboard Portion
103A: First side tube
103B: Second side tube
104: Front Panels
105: Front Wheel
106: Rear Wheel
107: Rear Panels
109: Steering Assembly
111: Battery Holder
111A: First side portion
111B: Second side portion
111C: Third side portion
11D: Base Portion
112: One or more attachment portions
112C: Resting surface
112A: Base portion
112B: Cantilever portion
1113A, 113B, 113C: Plurality of Mounting Portions
115: Plurality of Batteries
115A: Battery valve
116: Cover Member
116A: Openings
116B: U shaped cut out
117: Wheel Hugger
118: Plurality of Couplers/Connectors

,CLAIMS:We Claim:
1. A battery holder (111) comprising:
a first side portion (111A);
a second side portion (111B), said second side portion being parallel to said first side portion (111A);
a third side portion (111C), said third side portion (111C) being perpendicular to each of said first side portion (111A) and said second side portion (111B); and
a base portion (111D), said base portion (112) being perpendicular to each of said first side portion (111A), said second side portion (111B) and said third side portion (111C),
said base portion (111D) being attached with each of said first side portion (111A), said second side portion (111B) and said third side portion (111C),

wherein said third side portion (111C) being configured to be abuttingly supported on a frame (101) of a vehicle (100) through one or more attachment portions (112) provided on an external surface of said one or more said first side portion (111A), said second side portion (111B) and said third side portion (111C).
2. The battery holder (111) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said one or more attachment portions being a plurality of protruding portions (112), said plurality of protruding portions protruding orthogonally from said external surface of said third side portion (111C), wherein each of said plurality of protruding portions (112) being configured to be abuttingly supported against a floorboard portion (103) of a frame (101) of said vehicle (100) for enabling a compliant and stable support of said battery holder (111).
3. The battery holder (111) as claimed in claim 2, wherein each of said plurality of protruding portions (112) comprises a resting surface (112C), said resting surface (112C) being configured to abut with said frame (101) of said vehicle (100).
4. The battery holder (111) as claimed in claim 3, wherein said protruding portion (112) has a base portion (112A), a cantilever portion (112B) and said resting surface (112C), said resting surface (112C) being disposed on a lower surface of said cantilever portion (112B), and said resting surface (112C) being C-shaped surface when seen from a length direction of said third side portion (111C).
5. The battery holder (111) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said second side portion (111B) being configured to have a plurality of mounting portions (113A, 113B, 113C) on a outer surface of said second side portion (111B), said plurality of mounting portions (113A, 113B, 113C) being configured to support one or more cables.
6. The battery holder (111) as claimed in claim 5, wherein said plurality of mounting portions (113A, 113B, 113C) being disposed on said first side portion (111A).
7. The battery holder (111) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said battery holder (111) being covered by a cover member (116), said cover member (116) partly covering a top side of said battery holder (111)wherein said top side being parallel to said base portion (111D).
8. The battery holder (111) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said battery holder (111) being covered by a cover member (116), said cover member (116) covering a fourth side of said battery holder (111); wherein said fourth side being parallel to said third side portion (111C).
9. The battery holder (111) as claimed in claim 8, wherein said cover member (116) having a plurality of openings (116A) wherein said openings (116A) being configured for enabling access to a plurality of battery connectors (118) and a battery valve (115A).
10. The battery holder (111) as claimed in claim 8, wherein said cover member (116) having a U shaped cut out (116B) on said fourth side of said cover ,wherein said U shaped cut out (116B) being configured for accommodating one of a static and a dynamic wheel hugger (117) maintaining a desired working clearance between said cover member (116) and said wheel hugger (117) .
11. The battery holder (111) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said one or more attachment portions having one or more lugs (118) for attachment of said battery holder (111) to a floorboard portion (103) of a frame (101).
12. A vehicle (100) comprising:
a frame (101), said frame (101) comprising:
a head tube (101A);
a down tube (101B), said down tube (101B) extending downwardly rearward from said head tube (101A),
wherein said down tube (101B) connecting a floorboard portion (103) of said frame (101),
said floorboard portion (103) comprises:
a first sideward tube (103A);
a second sideward tube (103B); and
a first cross member (102B), said first cross member (102B) connecting said first sideward tube (103A) and said second sideward tube (103B);
wherein, a battery holder (111) being swingably supported on said first cross member (102B).