Description:FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 OF 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[Refer Section 10, Rule 13]

TITLE OF INVENTION
A Battery Module

APPLICANT
TVS MOTOR COMPANY LIMITED, an Indian company, having its address at “Chaitanya”, No.12 Khader Nawaz Khan Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai 600 006, Tamil Nadu, India.

PREAMBLE TO THE DESCRIPTION
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed. 
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention generally relates to a battery module and more particularly relates to interconnection of battery cells of the battery module.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] A battery module includes a plurality of battery cells interconnected to each other. The battery module achieves desired voltage by connecting several battery cells in series, such that each battery cell adds its voltage potential to derive the total terminal voltage. Similarly, the battery module achieves desired current by connecting several battery cells in parallel. If higher voltages or currents are needed and larger battery cells are not available or do not fit the design constraint, one or more battery cells can be connected in series or parallel to achieve the desired electrical output. Generally, the battery module employs a combination of series and parallel connections for its plurality of battery cells. This enables for design flexibility and achieves the desired voltage and current ratings with a standard battery cell size. Conventionally, the battery cell is provided with two cell tabs or terminals, one positive and other negative to connect the battery cell to another battery cell or to an external load. The aforementioned series and/or parallel connections between individual battery cells of the battery module are achieved by electrically connecting the cell tabs or terminals of different battery cells.
[003] Generally, a plurality of standard cylindrical battery cells is employed in the battery modules used in automobiles, power tools, etc. The plurality of standard cylindrical battery cells is electrically interconnected with each other in a combination of series and parallel to achieve the desired electrical output. Use of standardised battery cells brings down manufacturing cost per cell. Ideally, the plurality of battery cells is arranged in rows and columns within the battery module and some means is employed to isolate the plurality of battery cells from each other. In current electric vehicle battery module applications, 21700 battery cells are employed without insulation. The joining technique used for interconnection of the battery cells is parallel gap resistive spot welding or resistive welding technique. Since the battery cells are without insulation the present design includes a battery module where the battery cells are arranged in alternate fashion, and single row and dual row interconnectors are used to connect the plurality of battery cells.
[004] The joining technique described is employed on both of a top side of the battery module and a bottom side of the battery module. The single and dual row interconnectors which are used for interconnecting the battery cells lead to added metal material in the battery module thereby increasing its weight. Further, use of dual row interconnectors leads to voltage drop across terminals of the battery cells and battery cell imbalances. Thus, while dual row interconnectors are employed in the battery module, tapping of signals of each row/column of the plurality of battery cells and conveying the said signals to a Printed Circuit Board or Battery Management System to determine battery cell health information is not possible. Also, because of the dual side welding technique, proper heat dissipation is not achieved which can again cause battery cell imbalance. Furthermore, since the battery cells are devoid of insulation, there are fair chances of short circuiting while assembling the metal interconnectors. The dual side welding of interconnectors also detrimentally affects repairability and recyclability, as rework on the battery module and the plurality of battery cells become cumbersome, ultimately leading to have to discard the battery module as a whole once it becomes faulty.
[005] In another technique to interconnect the plurality of battery cells, electric wires are employed for connecting the positive and negative terminals of each battery cell to the positive and negative terminals of adjoining battery cells as the case may be. However, in this case a complete system of wiring harnesses is needed to connect the plurality of battery cells to the end terminals of the battery module for output. This makes wire routing within the battery module more complicated, time consuming and subject to variability in mechanical designs. Prior art also discloses use of materials with high thermal conductivity and high electrical conductivity, for example electrically conductive adhesives, which are utilised to provide electrical and conductive pathways and interface with the positive and negative terminals of the battery cells without having to weld the corresponding terminals of the battery cells. Such utilisation of electrically conductive materials, in light of acrylate, epoxy or silicone sciences, adds different difficulties such as increased expense of materials, increased electrical and thermal obstruction when contrasted with weld joints, etc. Yet another conventional technique includes use of busbars for connecting the positive and negative terminals of the battery cells aided by nuts and bolts. However, this increases chances of short circuit and has added mechanical complexity.
[006] Thus, there is a need in the art for a battery module which addresses at least the aforementioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[007] In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a battery module. The battery module includes a casing, a positive terminal and a negative terminal. A plurality of battery cells is stacked adjacent to each other inside the casing, and each battery cell has a positive cap and a negative rim at a top of the battery cell. The battery module further includes a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) disposed upwardly of the plurality of battery cells. The PCB has a first slit and a second slit corresponding to each of the plurality of battery cells. The first slit overlaps with the positive cap and the second slit overlaps with at least a portion of the negative rim of the corresponding battery cell. The positive terminal and the negative terminal of the battery module are integrated with the PCB.
[008] In an embodiment, the casing includes a base wall. The base wall has a plurality of cell holders, each cell holder being adapted to receive one battery cell. In another embodiment, the plurality of cell holders is pre-extruded from the base wall of the casing.
[009] In an embodiment, the plurality of battery cells is electrically interconnected in series and/or parallel configuration using electrically conductive wires. In another embodiment, the plurality of battery cells is electrically interconnected in series and/or parallel configuration via ultrasonic wire bonding. In yet another embodiment the electrically conductive wires are configured to act as a fuse for each of the plurality of battery cells.
[010] In an embodiment, the positive terminal and the negative terminal of the battery module comprise busbars. The busbars are embedded in the PCB.
[011] In another embodiment, the plurality of battery cells is covered with PCM (Phase Changing Material) to up to fifty percent of a length of each of the plurality of battery cells from a bottom of the plurality of battery cells.
[012] In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a vehicle which includes a battery module. The battery module includes a casing, a positive terminal and a negative terminal. A plurality of battery cells is stacked adjacent to each other inside the casing, and each battery cell has a positive cap and a negative rim at a top of the battery cell. The battery module further includes a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) disposed upwardly of the plurality of battery cells. The PCB has a first slit and a second slit corresponding to each of the plurality of battery cells. The first slit overlaps with the positive cap and the second slit overlaps with at least a portion of the negative rim of the corresponding battery cell. The positive terminal and the negative terminal of the battery module are integrated with the PCB. The vehicle further includes a headlamp, a pair of front turn signal lamps, a pair of rear turn signal lamps, a hazard signal lamp and a brake lamp.
[013] In an embodiment, the vehicle includes a controller. The controller is adapted to perform the steps of receiving deceleration of the vehicle and speed of the vehicle when brakes of the vehicle are applied, comparing deceleration of the vehicle to predefined values of deceleration, and generating a signal to blink the brake lamp at a first predetermined frequency if the deceleration is greater than a first predefined value. The controller is further adapted to perform the steps of generating a signal to blink the brake lamp, the pair of front turn signal lamps and the pair of rear turn signal lamps at a second predetermined frequency if the deceleration is greater than a second predefined value, continuance of blinking of the brake lamp and/or the pair of front turn signal lamps and the pair of rear turn signal lamps at the corresponding predetermined frequency for a predetermined period of time if the vehicle does not stop within the predetermined period of time, and stoppage of blinking of the brake lamp and/or the pair of front turn signal lamps and the pair of rear turn signal lamps when the vehicle stops.
[014] In another embodiment, the vehicle includes a pair of left and right pillion footrests, a pair of left and right footrest actuators, a Telematics Control Unit (TCU), a passenger presence detector sensor and a footrest state controller. In an embodiment, the footrest state controller is adapted to perform the steps of receiving a first signal to unfold the pair of left and right pillion footrests from a remote app in a personal computer device of a user or from a footrest toggle switch provided on a grab rail of the vehicle or a head unit of the user, generating a second signal to unfold the pair of left and right pillion footrests if the first signal to unfold the pair of left and right pillion footrests is received, generating a third signal to fold the pair of left and right pillion footrests if the passenger presence detector sensor does not detect the presence of a pillion rider on the vehicle when the vehicle is in motion, and generating a fourth signal to fold the pair of left and right pillion footrests if the passenger presence detector sensor does not detect the presence of a pillion rider on the vehicle for a predetermined period of time when the vehicle is not in motion. The footrest state controller is further adapted to perform the step of folding and/or unfolding the pair of left and right pillion footrests by the pair of left and right footrest actuators respectively, when the corresponding signal is received from the footrest state controller.

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 an exploded view of an exemplary battery module, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 illustrates a top perspective view of the battery module, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 illustrates a top perspective view of an exemplary PCB and a plurality of battery cells of the battery module, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 illustrates a top perspective view of the PCB of the battery module, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 illustrates a schematic view of an exemplary system for emergency braking of an exemplary vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 illustrates an exemplary method to perform emergency braking of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 7 illustrates a schematic view of an exemplary system for intelligent footrests of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 8 illustrates a schematic view of an exemplary method to perform folding/unfolding of footrests of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 9 illustrates another schematic view of the method to perform folding/unfolding of footrests of the vehicle, 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] The present invention generally relates to a battery module and more particularly relates to interconnection of battery cells of the battery module. In the ensuing exemplary embodiments, the battery cell is a cylindrical battery cell. However, it is contemplated that the disclosure in the present invention may be applied to a battery cell of any form factor capable of accommodating the present subject matter without defeating the scope of the present invention.
[018] Figure 1 illustrates an exploded view of an exemplary battery module 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The battery module 10 includes a casing 20 which forms an outer protective structure of the battery module 10. The casing 20 includes a base wall 22 and a plurality of side walls (not shown). The plurality of side walls extends upwardly from the base wall 22. In the illustrated embodiment, the casing 20 has a cuboidal shape and the four side walls are perpendicular to the base wall 22. However, the casing 20 can be of any shape based on design requirements of the battery module 10. The battery module 10 includes a top cover 26 adapted to cover the casing 20 from the top and protect components of the battery module 10 within the casing 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the top cover 26 is secured onto the casing 20 with the aid of fasteners 126.
[019] The battery module 10 further includes a plurality of battery cells 30 which are stacked adjacent to each other inside the casing 20. In an embodiment, 21700 battery cells are stacked adjacent to each other inside the casing 20. Each of the plurality of battery cells 30 includes a pair of terminals. Among the pair of terminals one terminal is negative and the other is positive. The terminals of the plurality of battery cells 30 are electrically connected to each other. The positive terminal is a positive cap 36 and the negative terminal is a negative rim 38 on each battery cell 30. The positive cap 36 and the negative rim 38 of each battery cell 30 is provided at the same end of the battery cell 30. In the illustrated embodiment, the battery cell 30 is a cylindrical battery cell and the positive cap 36 is provided at a centre of the negative rim 38 at a top of each battery cell 30. The positive cap 36 and the negative rim 38 of each battery cell 30 is more proximal to the top cover 26 of the battery module 10 than to the base wall 22 of the casing 20. In an embodiment, the base wall 22 includes a plurality of cell holders 24. In an embodiment, there are 21700 cell holders 24. Each of the plurality of cell holders 24 is adapted to receive one battery cell 30 and securely hold the battery cell 30 within the casing 20. In another embodiment, the plurality of cell holders 24 is pre-extruded from the base wall 22 of the casing 20, i.e., the cell holders 24 are integrally moulded along with the base wall 22. In yet another embodiment, the plurality of battery cells 30 is covered with PCM (Phase Changing Material) up to fifty percent from a bottom of the plurality of battery cells 30. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the plurality of battery cells 30 has a length between the top of the battery cell 30 and the bottom of the battery cell 30. PCM covers at least fifty percent of the length of each of the plurality of battery cells 30. PCM aids in effective temperature regulation and maintains the plurality of battery cells 30 in their optimum operational temperature range.
[020] The battery module 10 includes a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) 40 disposed upwardly of the plurality of battery cells 30. In an embodiment, the PCB 40 is secured to the casing 20 with the aid of fasteners 140. In another embodiment, the PCB 40 rests on top of the vertically stacked plurality of battery cells 30. The battery module 10 further comprises a positive terminal 12 and a negative terminal 14 adapted to connect the battery module 10 to another battery module or to an external load, i.e., for output of the battery module 10. The positive terminal 12 and the negative terminal 14 of the battery module 10 are integrated with the PCB 40. In an embodiment, the positive terminal 12 and the negative terminal 14 of the battery module 10 are integrally moulded with the PCB 40. In another embodiment, the positive terminal 12 and the negative terminal 14 of the battery module 10 include busbars, and the busbars are embedded in the PCB 40.
[021] Figure 2 illustrates a top perspective view of the battery module 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The PCB 40 has a first slit 42 and a second slit 44 corresponding to each of the plurality of battery cells 30 of the battery module 10. In an embodiment, there are 21700 first slits 42 and second slits 44 respectively, a pair of the first slit 42 and the second slit 44 corresponding to each battery cell 30 of the battery module 10.
[022] Figure 3 illustrates a top perspective view of the PCB 40 and the plurality of battery cells 30 of the battery module 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the first slit 42 of the PCB 40 overlaps with the positive cap 36 of the corresponding battery cell 30. The second slit 44 of the PCB 40 overlaps with at least a portion of the negative rim 38 of the corresponding battery cell 30. Thus, the positive cap 36 and the negative rim 38 of the corresponding battery cell 30 can be accessed from above the PCB 40 for electrical interconnection of the plurality of battery cells 30. In an embodiment, the plurality of battery cells 30 is electrically interconnected in series and/or parallel configuration using electrically conductive wires 50. The electrically conductive wires 50 establish electrical contact among the plurality of battery cells 30 by connecting the positive cap 36 and the negative rim 38 of each battery cell 30 to the positive cap 36 and the negative rim 38 of other corresponding battery cells 30. The electrically conductive wires 50 also establish electrical contact between the battery cells 30 and the positive terminal 12 and the negative terminal 14 of the battery module 10. In another embodiment, the plurality of battery cells 30 is electrically interconnected by the electrically conductive wires 50 in series and/or parallel configuration via ultrasonic wire bonding process. Any ultrasonic wire bonding process known in the art may be employed for establishing the electrical interconnections. In yet another embodiment, the electrically conductive wires 50 are adapted to act as a fuse for each of the plurality of battery cells 30. The electrically conductive wires 50 are designed to have a specific thickness depending on the current they will be required to carry. If the current flow in the electrically conductive wires 50 surpass a set threshold limit, the temperature rise in the electrically conductive wires 50 will lead to wire breakage. This will terminate the electrical connection and isolate the respective battery cell 30 from the circuit of the battery module 10. Thus, unwanted damage to the plurality of battery cells 30 under a current surge is prevented and safety of the battery module 10 is enhanced by avoiding thermal runaway conditions. Since the electrically conductive wires 50 are welded to only one end of each of the plurality of battery cells 30, ease of manufacturing and assembly is also obtained with improved serviceability.
[023] Figure 4 illustrates a top perspective view of the PCB 40 of the battery module 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. In an embodiment, the the positive terminal 12 and the negative terminal 14 of the battery module 10 include busbars. The busbars respectively have a pair of protrusions 12a, 14a integrally formed with the corresponding bus bar. The protrusions 12a, 14a are respectively the external connectors of the positive terminal 12 and the negative terminal 14 of the battery module 10. Hence, the protrusion 12a is the positive output terminal of the battery module 10 and the protrusion 14a is the negative output terminal of the battery module 10.
[024] In another aspect, an exemplary vehicle includes the battery module 10. Figure 5 illustrates a schematic view of an exemplary system for emergency braking of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The vehicle also includes a headlamp 210, a pair of front turn signal lamps 212, a pair of rear turn signal lamps 216, a hazard signal lamp 218 and a brake lamp 220. The vehicle further includes a controller 230, which is communicatively connected to the headlamp 210, the pair of front turn signal lamps 212, the pair of rear turn signal lamps 216, the hazard signal lamp 218 and the brake lamp 220. The controller 230 is also communicatively connected to a break lever/pedal of the vehicle.
[025] Figure 6 illustrates an exemplary method to perform emergency braking of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The controller 230 performs the steps of receiving 304, deceleration of the vehicle and speed of the vehicle when brakes 240 of the vehicle are applied and comparing 306, deceleration of the vehicle to predefined values of deceleration. Thereafter, the controller 230 performs the step of generating 308, a signal to blink the brake lamp 220 at a first predetermined frequency if the deceleration is greater than a first predefined value. The controller 230 performs the step of generating 310, a signal to blink the brake lamp 220, the pair of front turn signal lamps 212 and the pair of rear turn signal lamps 216 at a second predetermined frequency if the deceleration is greater than a second predefined value. Further, the controller 230 performs the step of continuance of blinking 312, of the brake lamp 220 and/or the pair of front turn signal lamps 212 and the pair of rear turn signal lamps 216 at the corresponding predetermined frequency for a predetermined period of time, if the vehicle does not stop within the predetermined period of time. Lastly, the controller 230 performs the step of stoppage of blinking 314, of the brake lamp 220 and/or the pair of front turn signal lamps 212 and the pair of rear turn signal lamps 216, as the case may be, when the vehicle comes to a stop. The method to perform emergency braking of the vehicle ensures that operators of any surrounding vehicles or pedestrians are aware of the emergency stop condition of the vehicle.
[026] Figure 7 illustrates a schematic view of an exemplary system for intelligent footrests of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The vehicle includes a pair of left and right pillion footrests 410, 412, a pair of left and right footrest actuators 420, 422, a Telematics Control Unit (TCU) 430, a passenger presence detector sensor 440 and a footrest state controller 450. Footrests 410, 412 are the bar or pad like structure that is used in two wheeled vehicles as a resting pad for the riders’ feet. Existing methods or designs of footrests in two wheeled vehicles simply focus on automatic actuation of footrests by a mechanical way or simply uses an electric motor-based footrest without any intelligence. However, use of footrests can be a bit of a struggle most of the times for a user and bringing an intelligence to the same and by reducing the mechanical elements for automatic actuation will take the user experience to the top and reduce the effort by the users. Thus, pillion rider opening the footrest uncomfortably can be replaced with automatic actuation. According to 1088/MUM/2012, a method to automatically unfold and fold the footrest is designed by mechanically transferring the actuation command to the footrests when the pillion seat is occupied. However, this system is not scalable based on modern customer needs and is prone to mechanical wear and tear of the system.
[027] In an embodiment, there will be a mechanism mimicking a click pen. When a pillion rider presses either of the pair of left and right pillion footrests 410, 412, the footrests will unlock and open up. When pushed back on either of the pair of left and right pillion footrests 410, 412, the footrests will fold back, lock and stays in the locked state. In another embodiment, there will be a button placed on the footrest side. When the button is pressed, an electronic actuator opens the footrest for use. The same button can be pressed while the pair of left and right pillion footrests 410, 412 are in the open state to fold and lock the footrests. The proposed solution provides a seamless experience to the users of two wheeled vehicles when it comes to the usage of footrests 410, 412. It takes away human effort by intelligently sensing presence of a pillion rider and automatically unfolding the footrests 410, 412 and lets the user remotely control the footrest operation from the two wheeled vehicle’s head unit and/or via an app in the case of connected vehicles. Because of the added processing power for the footrest operations, the use cases can be expanded to provide further experiences such as a welcome function, like unfolding and folding on vehicle unlock, fold on vehicle lock, adjust the angle of unfolding to cater to passengers of different heights, etc.
[028] The pair of left and right footrest actuators 420, 422 are components that facilitate folding and unfolding of the footrests 410, 412 based on inputs received from any of the several sensors and interfaces. The passenger presence detector sensor 440 is a single or combination of sensing devices that can intelligently detect the presence of a passenger, capable of differentiating between a passenger or baggage on the pillion seat, so that the footrest state controller 450 can decide on whether to fold or unfold the footrests 410, 412. In an embodiment, the passenger presence detector sensor 440 detects if there is a pillion rider on the vehicle and includes algorithms to detect weight on the pillion seat is of a passenger or some other load and give appropriate trigger signals to the footrest state controller 450. The footrest state controller 450 is a decision-making device (with processing power), that decides on the state of the footrests 410, 412 (folded, unfolded or partially unfolded) and gives the trigger to the pair of left and right footrest actuators 420, 422 to change the state of the footrests 410, 412. The footrest state controller 450 is the central logic handler of the system which gathers inputs from various sensors and interface devices and arrives at a decision about the state of the footrest and sends a trigger to the footrests 410, 412 to execute the decision of folding and/or unfolding as the case may be. A user interaction device can be a hardware switch on a handlebar or a pillion grabrail of the vehicle, a soft button on a touch enabled head unit or a remote button on the user’s phone device, with which the user can adjust the state of the footrest 410, 412. In an embodiment, the user interaction device is the interface between the user and the footrest state controller 450 which generates the signals to fold and/or unfold and/or partially fold the footrests 410, 412 based on user requirement. In an embodiment the user interaction device can be the handlebar panel of the two wheeled vehicle with a dedicated switch 470 for footrest toggle, or a software button in the vehicle infotainment unit or a mobile/remote app 460 to remotely adjust the footrests 410, 412. The footrest state controller 450 communicates with external devices (wireless key fob, or mobile app, etc.) using the TCU of a connected vehicle. A TCU interface 432 is the interface between the footrest state controller 450 and the TCU 430 of the vehicle to enable the remote operation of the footrests 410, 412 from a paired mobile device or other remote devices. Since the whole design is controlled by software, innovative user experiences and personalization can be implemented in future based on market trends. The proposed solution brings in the perspective of the user by making the footrest operation intelligent, engaging and futuristic according to changing trends in the automotive industry. The existing solutions provide a basic operation that is not scalable to extract more use cases from the design. Footrests 410, 412 are an integral part of a good ride on a two wheeled vehicle, but when it comes to innovations in this area, especially including this unit into the scope of connected vehicles is not obvious.
[029] Figure 8 illustrates a schematic view of an exemplary method to perform folding/unfolding of footrests 410, 412 of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. Figure 9 illustrates another schematic view of the method to perform folding/unfolding of footrests of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. Referring to Figures 8 and 9, the footrest state controller 450 is adapted to perform the step of receiving 804, a first signal to unfold the pair of left and right pillion footrests 410, 412 from a remote app 460 or from a footrest toggle switch 470. The remote app 460 can be installed in a personal computer device of the user. The footrest toggle switch 470 can be provided on a grab rail of the vehicle or a head unit or helmet of the user. Thereafter, the footrest state controller 450 performs the steps of generating 806, a second signal to unfold the pair of left and right pillion footrests 410, 412, if the first signal to unfold the pair of left and right pillion footrests 410, 412 is received, and generating 808, a third signal to fold the pair of left and right pillion footrests 410, 412, if the passenger presence detector sensor 440 does not detect the presence of a pillion rider on the vehicle when the vehicle is in motion. The footrest state controller 450 performs the step of generating 810, a fourth signal to fold the pair of left and right pillion footrests 410, 412, if the passenger presence detector sensor 440 does not detect the presence of a pillion rider on the vehicle for a predetermined period of time when the vehicle is not in motion. Further, the footrest state controller 450 performs the step of folding and/or unfolding 812, the pair of left and right pillion footrests 410, 412, by the pair of left and right footrest actuators 420,422 respectively, when the corresponding signal is received from the footrest state controller 450.
[030] In an embodiment, the method to perform folding/unfolding of footrests 410, 412 of the vehicle proposes an intelligent footrest system which functions as follows. The footrest state controller 450 collects inputs from the passenger presence detector sensor 440, user interaction device and other remote devices via the TCU 430 of a connected vehicle. In an embodiment, the user interaction device can be a hardware or software button on the vehicle handlebar and/or any other remote devices such as mobile, smart speakers, smart bands/watches etc. The footrest state controller 450 then decides how to actuate the footrests 410, 412 of the vehicle based on various parameters and the current status of the ride and sends a trigger to the pair of left and right footrest actuators 420,422. The footrest actuators 420, 422 control the footrest state based on the trigger from the footrest state controller 450 by either folding/unfolding/partially unfolding the footrest of the vehicle for maximum user convenience. This ensures that the user can have a seamless and effortless experience with the use of footrests 410, 412. It also provides the user with added convenience of controlling the footrests 410, 412 in multiple interactive ways and to suite the user’s comfort. In another embodiment, the footrest state controller 450 creates logical decisions based on the user’s request via user interaction devices, engine and running status of the vehicle, pillion seat occupancy status etc. and provides a usage that optimizes the user convenience and riding experience. The system for intelligent footrests of the vehicle can be used to achieve a wide use case spectrum including but not limited to a welcome function on vehicle unlock and auto fold of footrests 410, 412 on vehicle lock, auto folding the footrests 410, 412 in case of non-pillion occupancy to improve aero dynamics (based on the vehicle design) and to reduce disturbance to the rider, remotely checking status of the footrests 410, 412 and controlling the unfolding height to match the user’s convenience. In yet another embodiment, there can also be personalization use cases included such that a memory function can be brought in for user specific experiences for the controlled unfolding use case.
[031] Advantageously, the present claimed invention provides a battery module and interconnection of a plurality of battery cells in the battery module. The claimed configurations of the battery module as discussed above are not routine, conventional, or well understood in the art, as the claimed configurations of the battery module enable the following solutions to the existing problems in conventional technologies. Specifically, the present invention achieves ease of manufacturing/assembly of the battery module since the electrical connections interconnecting the plurality of battery cells are provided on only one side of each of the plurality of battery cells and the battery module. This also improves recyclability and repairability as rework on the battery module and the plurality of battery cells are rendered easier. Therefore, instead of having to discard the battery module as a whole once it becomes faulty, it may be serviced and reused or easily recycled. Interconnection of battery cells using the electrically conductive wires and ultrasonic wire bonding methods offers a less complex mechanical design and reduces risk of short circuits. Further, the use of thin and light electrically conductive wires reduces material usage and overall weight of the battery module. The electrical connections for the plurality of battery cells being restricted to only one side, allows more space for incorporating better thermal management systems for effective heat dissipation thereby enhancing safety of the battery module and increasing its operational efficiency. Good heat dissipation also increases longevity of the battery cells. Furthermore, the use of the PCB disposed over the plurality of battery cells with dedicated slits to enable electrical connection for each of the plurality of battery cells enables achievement of direct and clean connections of the electrically conductive wires, without undesired cross contact between different battery cells. This reduces the risk of short circuits in the battery module. The electrically conductive wires also break on a current surge and prevent thermal runaway of the battery module.
[032] 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 modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

List of Reference Numerals
10 - battery module
12 - positive terminal of the battery module
12a - external connector of the positive terminal of the battery module
14 - negative terminal of the battery module
14a - external connector of the negative terminal of the battery module
20 - casing
22 - base wall of the casing
24 - plurality of cell holders
26 - top cover
126 - fasteners to secure the top cover onto the casing
30 - plurality of battery cells
36 - positive cap of the battery cell
38 - negative rim of the battery cell
40 - Printed Circuit Board (PCB)
140 - fasteners to secure the PCB to the casing
42 - first slit of the PCB
44 - second slit of the PCB
50 - electrically conductive wires
210 - headlamp
212 - pair of front turn signal lamps
216 - pair of rear turn signal lamps
218 - hazard signal lamp
220 - brake lamp
230 - controller
240 - brakes
410 - left pillion footrest
412 - right pillion footrest
420 - left footrest actuator
422 - right footrest actuator
430 - Telematics Control Unit (TCU)
432 - TCU interface
440 - passenger presence detector sensor
450 - footrest state controller
460 - remote app in a personal computer device of a user
470 - footrest toggle switch
, Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A battery module (10) comprising:
a casing (20);
a positive terminal (12) and a negative terminal (14);
a plurality of battery cells (30) stacked adjacent to each other inside the casing (20), each battery cell (30) having a positive cap (36) and a negative rim (38) at a top of the battery cell (30); and
a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) (40) disposed upwardly of the plurality of battery cells (30), the PCB (40) having a first slit (42) and a second slit (44) corresponding to each of the plurality of battery cells (30), wherein the first slit (42) overlaps with the positive cap (36) and the second slit (44) overlaps with at least a portion of the negative rim (38) of the corresponding battery cell (30); and
wherein the positive terminal (12) and the negative terminal (14) of the battery module (10) being integrated with the PCB (40).

2. The battery module (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the casing (20) comprises a base wall (22) having a plurality of cell holders (24), each cell holder (24) configured to receive one battery cell (30).

3. The battery module (10) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the plurality of cell holders (24) is pre-extruded from the base wall (22) of the casing (20).
4. The battery module (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of battery cells (30) is electrically interconnected in series and/or parallel configuration using electrically conductive wires (50).

5. The battery module (10) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the plurality of battery cells (30) is electrically interconnected in series and/or parallel configuration via ultrasonic wire bonding.

6. The battery module (10) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the electrically conductive wires (50) are configured to act as a fuse for each of the plurality of battery cells (30).

7. The battery module (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the positive terminal (12) and the negative terminal (14) of the battery module (10) comprise busbars, the busbars being embedded in the PCB (40).

8. The battery module (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of battery cells (30) is covered with PCM (Phase Changing Material) up to fifty percent from a bottom of the plurality of battery cells (30).

9. A vehicle comprising:
a battery module (10) having:
a casing (20);
a positive terminal (12) and a negative terminal (14);
a plurality of battery cells (30) stacked adjacent to each other inside the casing (20), each battery cell (30) having a positive cap (36) and a negative rim (38) at a top of the battery cell (30); and
a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) (40) disposed upwardly of the plurality of battery cells (30), the PCB (40) having a first slit (42) and a second slit (44) corresponding to each of the plurality of battery cells (30), wherein the first slit (42) overlaps with the positive cap (36) and the second slit (44) overlaps with at least a portion of the negative rim (38) of the corresponding battery cell (30); and
wherein the positive terminal (12) and the negative terminal (14) of the battery module (10) being integrated with the PCB (40);
a headlamp (210), a pair of front turn signal lamps (212), a pair of rear turn signal lamps (216), a hazard signal lamp (218) and a brake lamp (220).

10. The vehicle as claimed in claim 9 comprising a controller (230), the controller (230) being configured to perform the steps of:
receiving (304), deceleration of the vehicle and speed of the vehicle when brakes (240) of the vehicle are applied;
comparing (306), deceleration of the vehicle to predefined values of deceleration;
generating (308), a signal to blink the brake lamp (220) at a first predetermined frequency if the deceleration is greater than a first predefined value;
generating (310), a signal to blink the brake lamp (220), the pair of front turn signal lamps (212) and the pair of rear turn signal lamps (216) at a second predetermined frequency if the deceleration is greater than a second predefined value;
continuance of blinking (312), of the brake lamp (220) and/or the pair of front turn signal lamps (212) and the pair of rear turn signal lamps (216) at the corresponding predetermined frequency for a predetermined period of time, if the vehicle does not stop within the predetermined period of time; and
stoppage of blinking (314), of the brake lamp (220) and/or the pair of front turn signal lamps (212) and the pair of rear turn signal lamps (216) when the vehicle stops.

11. The vehicle as claimed in claim 9 comprising a pair of left and right pillion footrests (410, 412), a pair of left and right footrest actuators (420, 422), a Telematics Control Unit (TCU) (430), a passenger presence detector sensor (440) and a footrest state controller (450).

12. The vehicle as claimed in claim 11, wherein the footrest state controller (450) being configured to perform the steps of:
receiving (804), a first signal to unfold the pair of left and right pillion footrests (410, 412) from a remote app (460) in a personal computer device of a user or from a footrest toggle switch (470) provided on a grab rail of the vehicle or a head unit of the user;
generating (806), a second signal to unfold the pair of left and right pillion footrests (410, 412), if the first signal to unfold the pair of left and right pillion footrests (410, 412) is received;
generating (808), a third signal to fold the pair of left and right pillion footrests (410, 412), if the passenger presence detector sensor (440) does not detect the presence of a pillion rider on the vehicle when the vehicle is in motion;
generating (810), a fourth signal to fold the pair of left and right pillion footrests (410, 412), if the passenger presence detector sensor (440) does not detect the presence of a pillion rider on the vehicle for a predetermined period of time when the vehicle is not in motion; and
folding and/or unfolding (812) the pair of left and right pillion footrests (410, 412), by the pair of left and right footrest actuators (420,422) respectively, when the corresponding signal is received from the footrest state controller (450).

Dated this 26th day of August 2022
TVS MOTOR COMPANY LIMITED
By their Agent & Attorney

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