Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention relates to saddle type vehicles and more particularly to a battery pack for such vehicles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] There is an ever-growing demand for higher capacity batteries for vehicles especially electric vehicles such as two wheelers to add to the range. At the same time, the location and installation of the battery is becoming more and more important with regard to the thermal management and the limited space available in two-wheelers. Further, it is also necessary to effectively cool down the battery with minimum components.
[003] In existing saddle-type two-wheeler vehicles, multiple Lithium-ion battery packs are used to meet range requirement. It is known in the art to connect multiple small capacity packs in parallel to build a higher capacity pack. However, such construction of making a higher pack by connecting multiple small packs in parallel has its inherent issues. Firstly, pack to pack imbalance issue is quite common that limits energy consumption in a real drive. Further, there is power loss due to multiple connections. Secondly, thermal management of the multiple small packs is also an issue.
[004] Furthermore, current design and construction known in the art do not provide for easy access to the electronic components. Also, safe proof features such as fuses and the like are not replaceable easily. Besides, assembly and disassembly of the battery connector is also a challenge.
[005] It has been proposed in a known prior art to make the shape of the battery correspond to the shape of a storage box of the vehicle. In this regard, an electric motorcycle includes a footrest board, a storage compartment, a cushion, and a battery. The storage compartment is disposed on the footrest board. The cushion is disposed on and connected to the storage compartment. The cushion includes a driver seat portion and a passenger seat portion connected thereto. The battery is disposed in the storage compartment, corresponds to the driver seat portion of the cushion, and is adjacent to the footrest board. In another known art, the battery is attached to a front seat of the vehicle. The battery has an L or U shape. A fixing piece is used to mount the battery to optimize the available space. However, thermal management of the battery remains an issue and the efficiency, performance and battery life of the battery are affected.
[006] Thus, there is a need in the art for a battery pack for a two-wheeler vehicle which addresses at least the aforementioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[007] In one aspect, the present invention is directed at a saddle type vehicle comprising a single battery pack located in an enclosure formed under a utility box of the vehicle. The enclosure is formed between a pair of side tubes of a main frame of the vehicle, ahead of a pair of rear suspensions and a rear wheel of the vehicle, and behind a front cover of the vehicle. The battery pack is oriented at a pre-defined inclination angle (α) with respect to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle.
[008] In an embodiment, the predefined inclination angle (α) is within a range of zero to 40 degrees. A first end of the battery pack is proximal to the ground and a second distal end of the battery pack is above the rear wheel.
[009] In an embodiment, the battery pack comprises venting valves disposed on a bottom battery pack holder of the battery pack for providing an opening and a release path for ejecting gases out from the battery pack.
[010] In an embodiment, the battery pack is located under the utility box near a centre of gravity of the vehicle. The battery pack has an orientation so that at least one surface of the battery pack is directly in line with a direction of the air entering the vehicle during a vehicle riding condition. During the riding condition of the vehicle, the air enters the vehicle from a front of the vehicle and glides over the at least one surface. The battery pack has a thermal casing. The thermal casing is made of a thermally conductive material. The air during gliding takes away the gases being ejected out of the battery pack and also the heat from the at least one surface of the thermal casing of the battery pack.
[011] In an embodiment, the saddle type vehicle comprises a housing for a fuse and a battery management system. The thermal casing houses an array of a plurality of cells. The plurality of cells are arranged in an array to form the battery pack. The housing is located outside the thermal casing of the battery pack.
[012] In an embodiment, the saddle type vehicle comprises a Phase Change Material (PCM) disposed within the thermal casing for cooling the plurality of cells of the battery pack.
[013] In an embodiment, the s/addle type vehicle comprises a controller configured for detecting and notifying a discharging status of the battery pack. The notification is communicated to a rider of the vehicle. The controller is configured for detecting an ignition status of the vehicle, detecting an engine status of the vehicle, and notifying the rider regarding the discharging status of the battery pack when the controller detects that for a first predetermined time: the ignition status is ON, the engine status is not-started. The controller is configured for notifying the rider regarding the discharging status of the battery pack when the controller detects that for a second predetermined time: the ignition status is ON, the engine status is not-started, and the controller detects an additional load being connected and actuated. The additional load is an electric load independent and separate from vehicle load. The controller is configured for blinking of a low battery telltale lamp of the vehicle at predetermined frequencies for notifying the rider regarding the discharging status of the battery pack.
[014] In an embodiment, the controller is configured for identifying if an ignition cycle is running, monitoring a brake of the vehicle for a pressing of the brake by a user during the ignition cycle, enabling cruise control if at least one pressing of the brake is detected during the monitoring, and delivering required torque depending upon a cruise speed input by the user of the vehicle.
[015] In an embodiment, the controller is configured for identifying if an ignition cycle is running, monitoring a clutch of the vehicle for a pressing of the clutch by a user during the ignition cycle, enabling cruise control if at least one pressing of the clutch is detected during the monitoring, and delivering required torque depending upon a cruise speed input by the user of the vehicle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[016] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.
Figure 1A illustrates a schematic side view of a saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 1B illustrates a rear portion of the saddle type vehicle in a perspective view, and
Figure 1C illustrates the rear portion of the saddle type vehicle in another perspective view, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Figure 2 illustrates a battery pack in a perspective view, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figures 3, 3A, 3B and 3C illustrate the battery pack in different exploded perspective views, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method for detecting and notifying a discharging status of the battery pack to a user, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method for cruise control in the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method for cruise control in the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[017] The present invention relates to a saddle type vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to a battery pack for a two-wheeler vehicle.
[018] Figure 1A illustrates a schematic side view of a saddle type vehicle 190, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In various embodiments, the vehicle 190 is a two-wheeler vehicle. For example, the vehicle 190 is a two-wheeler type vehicle, a step-through scooter type vehicle, a saddle type vehicle, a straddle type vehicle, and the like. The vehicle 190 has a front wheel 190FW and a rear wheel 190RW. The vehicle 190 has a transmission system (not shown), a floorboard 145 and a seat assembly 135. In an embodiment, the transmission system includes an electric motor (not shown) or a combination of the electric motor and the internal combustion engine as the prime mover as per design feasibility and requirement. A front suspension supports the front wheel 190FW. The upper portion of the front wheel 190FW is covered by a front fender 120 mounted to the front suspension. In an embodiment, the front fender 120 is movable along with the front wheel 190FW, during travel over undulations on a road surface. A handlebar 105 is fixed to upper bracket (not shown) and can rotate about the steering shaft for turning the vehicle 190. The vehicle 190 includes a headlight 128 arranged on an upper portion of a head pipe and a brake lever 132 mounted on the handlebar 105.
[019] Further, a rear suspension (not shown) is provided to the rear wheel 190RW for dampening the vibrations induced during travel of the vehicle 190 over undulations on the road surface. A taillight unit 170 is disposed at the end of the vehicle 190 and at the rear of the seat assembly 135. A grab rail 165 is also provided for facilitating the grip and/or balance to a rider/pillion on the vehicle 190 during movement. The rear wheel 190RW is arranged below the seat assembly 135 and adapted to receive the motive force from the prime mover. A suitable transmission assembly is provided for transferring the drive force from the prime mover onto the rear wheel 190RW for driving the vehicle 190. In an embodiment, the driving force of the prime mover is transmitted through a chain drive (not shown) or a belt drive (not shown). A rear fender 180 is disposed above the rear wheel 190RW.
[020] Figure 1B illustrates a rear portion of the saddle type vehicle 190 in a perspective view and Figure 1C illustrates the rear portion of the saddle type vehicle 190 in another perspective view, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The saddle type vehicle 190 comprises a single battery pack 100 located in an enclosure formed under a utility box of the vehicle 190. The enclosure is formed between a pair of side tubes 190ST of a main frame of the vehicle 190, ahead of a pair of rear suspensions and a rear wheel 190RW of the vehicle 190, and behind a front cover140 of the vehicle 190. The battery pack 100 is oriented at a pre-defined inclination angle α with respect to a longitudinal axis 190A of the vehicle 190.
[021] In an embodiment, the predefined inclination angle α is within a range of zero to 40 degrees. A first end 100fe of the battery pack is proximal to the ground and a second distal end 100se of the battery pack 100 is above the rear wheel 190RW.
[022] In an embodiment, the battery pack 100 is located under the utility box near a centre of gravity of the vehicle 190. The weight of the battery pack 100 is distributed over a span of a wheel-base of the vehicle 190. The battery pack 100 is located under the utility box of the vehicle 190 and is therefore easily accessible.
[023] The battery pack 100 has an orientation so that at least one surface 100S of the battery pack 100 is directly in line with a direction of the air entering the vehicle 100 during a vehicle riding condition. During the riding condition of the vehicle 190, the air enters the vehicle 190 from a front of the vehicle 190 and glides over the at least one surface 100S.
[024] Figure 2 illustrates the battery pack 100 in a perspective view, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In an embodiment, the battery pack 100 comprises venting valves disposed on a bottom battery pack holder of the battery pack 100 for providing an opening and a release path for ejecting gases out from the battery pack 100. In an embodiment, the battery pack 100 has two venting valves, a first venting valve located near the front cover 140 and a second venting valve located towards the second distal end 100se of the battery pack 100. In an embodiment, the battery pack 100 has a thermal casing 100C. The thermal casing 100C is made of a thermally conductive material. The air during gliding takes away the gases being ejected out of the battery pack 100 and also the heat from the at least one surface 100S of the thermal casing 100C of the battery pack 100.
[025] Figures 3, 3A, 3B and 3C illustrate the battery pack 100 in various exploded perspective views, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In an embodiment, the saddle type vehicle 190 comprises a housing 110 for a fuse 112 and a battery management system 114. The thermal casing 100C houses an array of a plurality of cells 100a. The plurality of cells 100a are arranged in an array to form the battery pack 100. Single pack configuration of the battery pack 100 has equivalent energy capacity of plurality of cells 100a. This configuration has no pack imbalance problem and reduces power losses.
[026] The housing 110 is located outside the thermal casing 100C of the battery pack 100. In an embodiment, the saddle type vehicle comprises a Phase Change Material PCM disposed within the thermal casing 100C for cooling the plurality of cells 100a of the battery pack 100.
[027] As shown in Figure 1, the saddle type vehicle 190 comprises a controller 192 configured for detecting and notifying a discharging status of the battery pack 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The notification is communicated to a rider of the vehicle 190. The controller 192 is configured for detecting an ignition status of the vehicle 190, detecting an engine status of the vehicle 190, and notifying the rider regarding the discharging status of the battery pack 100 when the controller 192 detects that for a first predetermined time: the ignition status is ON, the engine status is not-started. The controller 192 is configured for notifying the rider regarding the discharging status of the battery pack 100 when the controller 192 detects that for a second predetermined time: the ignition status is ON, the engine status is not-started, and the controller 192 detects an additional load being connected and actuated. The additional load is an electric load independent and separate from vehicle load. The controller 192 is configured for blinking of a low battery telltale lamp of the vehicle 190 at predetermined frequencies for notifying the rider regarding the discharging status of the battery pack 100.
[028] In an embodiment, the controller 192 is configured for identifying if an ignition cycle is running, monitoring a brake of the vehicle 190 for a pressing of the brake by a user during the ignition cycle, enabling cruise control if at least one pressing of the brake is detected during the monitoring, and delivering required torque depending upon a cruise speed input by the user of the vehicle 190.
[029] In an embodiment, the controller 192 is an Electronic Control Unit of the vehicle 190. The ECU of the vehicle 190 delivers required torque demanded by the ABS within maximum permissible torque limits for maintaining the requested cruise speed decided by a user. For the vehicle 190 to enter cruise control, the ECU checks whether user has pressed front/rear brake at least once during the ignition cycle before entering into a cruise control mode. When front/rear brake of the vehicle 190 has been pressed at least once during a current ignition cycle from Ignition Key ON to Ignition Key OFF i.e., one ignition cycle, and other requirements of cruise control entry are satisfied, the vehicle 190 enters cruise control mode.
[030] In another embodiment, the controller 192 is configured for identifying if an ignition cycle is running, monitoring a clutch of the vehicle 190 for a pressing of the clutch by a user during the ignition cycle, enabling cruise control if at least one pressing of the clutch is detected during the monitoring, and delivering required torque depending upon a cruise speed input by the user of the vehicle 190.
[031] The ECU of the vehicle delivers the required torque demanded by ABS within maximum permissible torque limits for maintaining the requested cruise speed decided by the user. For the vehicle 190, to enter cruise control, the ECU checks whether the user has pressed the clutch at least once during the ignition cycle before entering into cruise control mode.
[032] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method 400 for detecting and notifying a discharging status of the battery pack to a rider, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. At step 402: detecting an ignition status of the vehicle. At step 404, detecting an engine status of the vehicle. At step 406: notifying the rider regarding the discharging status of the battery pack when the controller detects that for a first predetermined time: the ignition status is ON, the engine status is not-started. At step 408: notifying the rider regarding the discharging status of the battery pack when the controller detects that for a second predetermined time: the ignition status is ON, the engine status is not-started, and the controller detects an additional load being connected and actuated; the additional load being an electric load independent and separate from vehicle load. The steps 402-408 of the method 400 are performed using the controller 192.
[033] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method 500 for cruise control in the vehicle 190, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. At step 502: identifying if an ignition cycle is running. At Step 504: monitoring a brake of the vehicle for a pressing of the brake by a user during the ignition cycle. At step 506: enabling cruise control if at least one pressing of the brake is detected during the monitoring. At step 508: delivering required torque depending upon a cruise speed input by the user of the vehicle. The steps 502-508 of the method 500 are performed using the controller 192.
[034] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method 600 for cruise control in the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. At step 602: identifying if an ignition cycle is running. At step 604: monitoring a clutch of the vehicle for a pressing of the clutch by a user during the ignition cycle. At step 606: enabling cruise control if at least one pressing of the clutch is detected during the monitoring. At step 608: delivering required torque depending upon a cruise speed input by the user of the vehicle. The steps 602-608 of the method 600 are performed using the controller 192.
[035] In various embodiments, the cruise control is enabled and changes between various states of the cruise control (CC) depend upon various parameters and condition of the vehicle 190 being monitored by the controller 192. For example, the vehicle 190 includes a CC on/off button for switching on and off the CC state.
[036] The vehicle 190 may enter an enabled state of CC from an off state of CC when:
• CC on/off switch is pressed for switching ON
• Brake switch / brake amp switch is pressed at least once
• Clutch switch is pressed
[037] The vehicle 190 may switch from the enabled state to an active state of CC when a set button is pressed. A current vehicle speed is taken as CC speed. If the current speed is within min and max limits, and gear engaged is higher than threshold, cruise is set.
[038] The vehicle 190 may switch from the active state to a standby state of CC when:
• one of front or rear brake is pressed
• clutch switch is pressed
• throttle is in over-dose
• Vehicle speed is higher than threshold for predefined time
• Vehicle speed is lower than threshold for predefined time
• Engine RPM is lower than threshold for predefined time
• ABS is active and enabled for predefined time
• Traction Control is active and enabled for predefined time
• Lean Angle is greater than threshold

[039] The vehicle 190 may switch from the standby to the off state stae of CC when the CC on/off switch is pressed.
[040] The vehicle 190 may switch from the standby to active state of CC when:
• Reset Switch pressed;
o Here, the CC target Speed set to previous speed
• Set Switch pressed
o Here CC target speed set to current speed
[041] If any failure or any DTC code is detected, CC will be deactivated irrespective of its current state and CC will move to failure state.
[042] The vehicle 190 may switch from the active to the suspended state of CC when the rider overrides the throttle, i.e., the throttle is opened by the rider.
[043] The vehicle 190 may switch from the suspended to the active state of CC when:
• Throttle is closed/released within predefined time
• Set button is pressed
o Here, CC Target speed is updated to current speed
[044] The vehicle 190 may switch from the active state of CC to a state when rider takes control when:
• Rider is informed to change/shift gear when engine is about to stall or when engine RPM higher than threshold for predefined time
[045] If rider shifts gear using quick shifter available in system within predefined time, then CC state will move from Rider take control to active state of the CC.
[046] Increment/Decrement Target Speed:
• Set Button for Single Press increments: target speed by marginal threshold upto 3 kph.
• Long press greater than threshold increments: target speed between2kph to 10kph.
• Reset Button for Single Press decrements: target speed by marginal threshold upto 3 kph.
• Long press greater than threshold: decrements target speed between 2kph to 10kph.
[047] Advantageously, the single battery pack of the saddle type vehicle of the invention is located under the utility box around the centre of gravity of the vehicle and therefore has better weight distribution over the wheel span. The location also ensures that a large space is made available for connector assembly to wiring harness. The orientation of the battery pack ensures that the air can glide over the surface and take the heat and ejected gases away. This ensures thermal management of the battery. As a result, the efficiency, life and performance of the battery is increased. Because of the single pack battery configuration comprising multiple packs, pack to pack imbalance and power losses are reduced.
[048] Further, the battery pack of the invention provides better accessibility of the safe proof features as the fuse and other electronics are located outside the battery casing. The battery pack provides ease of access to the fuse and the battery management system.
[049] 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
100: Battery pack
100a: Plurality of cells
100fe: First end of battery pack
100se: Second distal end of battery pack
100S: Surface of battery pack
100C: Thermal casing
105: Handlebar
110: Housing
112: Fuse
114: Battery Management System
120: Front fender
128: Headlight
132: Head pipe
135: Seat assembly
140: Front cover
145: Floorboard
165: Grab rail
170: Taillight unit
180: Rear fender
190: Saddle type vehicle
190A: Longitudinal axis
190ST: Pair of side tubes
190RW: Rear wheel
190FW: Front wheel
192: Controller , Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A saddle type vehicle (190) comprising a battery pack (100), the battery pack (100) being a single battery pack located in an enclosure formed under a utility box of the vehicle (190), the enclosure being formed:
between a pair of side tubes (190ST) of a main frame of the vehicle (190),
ahead of a pair of rear suspensions and a rear wheel (190RW) of the vehicle (190), and
behind a front cover (140) of the vehicle (190);
wherein the battery pack (100) is oriented at a pre-defined inclination angle (α) with respect to a longitudinal axis (190A) of the vehicle (190).

2. The saddle type vehicle (190) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the predefined inclination angle (α) is within a range of zero to 40 degrees, a first end (100fe) of the battery pack being proximal to the ground and a second distal end (100se) of the battery pack being above the rear wheel (190RW).

3. The saddle type vehicle (190) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the battery pack (100) comprises venting valves disposed on a bottom battery pack holder of the battery pack (100), the venting valve (120) providing an opening and a release path for ejecting gases out from the battery pack (100).

4. The saddle type vehicle (190) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the battery pack (100) is located under the utility box near a centre of gravity of the vehicle (190), the battery pack (100) having an orientation so that at least one surface (100S) of the battery pack (100) is directly in line with a direction of the air entering the vehicle (100) during a vehicle riding condition.

5. The saddle type vehicle (190) as claimed in claim 4, wherein during the riding condition of the vehicle (190), the air enters the vehicle (190) from a front of the vehicle (190) and glides over the at least one surface (100S), the battery pack (100) having a thermal casing (100C), the thermal casing (100C) being made of a thermally conductive material, the air during gliding taking away the gases being ejected out of the battery pack (100) and taking away heat from the at least one surface (100S) of the thermal casing (100C) of the battery pack (100).

6. The saddle type vehicle (190) as claimed in claim 5 comprises a housing (110) for a fuse (112) and a battery management system (114), the thermal casing (100C) housing an array of a plurality of cells (100a), the plurality of cells (100a) being arranged in an array to form the battery pack (100), the housing (110) being located outside the thermal casing (100C) of the battery pack (100).

7. The saddle type vehicle (190) as claimed in claim 1 comprises a Phase Change Material (PCM) disposed within the thermal casing (100C) for cooling the plurality of cells (100a) of the battery pack (100).

8. The saddle type vehicle (190) as claimed in claim 1 comprises a controller (192) configured for detecting and notifying a discharging status of the battery pack (100), the notification being communicated to a rider of the vehicle (190), the controller (192) being configured for:
detecting an ignition status of the vehicle (190);
detecting an engine status of the vehicle (190); and
notifying the rider regarding the discharging status of the battery pack (100) when the controller (192) detects that for a first predetermined time: the ignition status is ON and the engine status is not-started.

9. The saddle type vehicle (190) as claimed in claim 7 wherein the controller (192) is configured for notifying the rider regarding the discharging status of the battery pack (100) when the controller (192) detects that for a second predetermined time: the ignition status is ON, the engine status is not-started, and the controller (192) detects an additional load being connected and actuated; the additional load being an electric load independent and separate from vehicle load.

10. The saddle type vehicle (190) as claimed in claim 8 wherein the controller (192) is configured for blinking of a low battery tell-tale lamp of the vehicle (190) at predetermined frequencies for notifying the rider regarding the discharging status of the battery pack (100).

11. The saddle type vehicle (190) as claimed in claim 1 wherein the controller (192) is configured for:
identifying if an ignition cycle is running;
monitoring a brake of the vehicle (190) for a pressing of the brake by a user during the ignition cycle;
enabling cruise control if at least one pressing of the brake is detected during the monitoring; and
delivering required torque depending upon a cruise speed input by the user of the vehicle (190).

12. The saddle type vehicle (190) as claimed in claim 1 wherein the controller (192) is configured for:
identifying if an ignition cycle is running;
monitoring a clutch of the vehicle (190) for a pressing of the clutch by a user during the ignition cycle;
enabling cruise control if at least one pressing of the clutch is detected during the monitoring; and
delivering required torque depending upon a cruise speed input by the user of the vehicle (190).

Dated this 06th day of September 2022
TVS MOTOR COMPANY LIMITED
By their Agent & Attorney

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