Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention generally relates to a cargo vehicle and particularly relates to a battery support structure of the cargo vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Typically, a three-wheeled or four-wheeled cargo vehicle is known for its utility and low cost. It may be contemplated that there is a scope for an increase in demand of new requirements in the existing cargo vehicle market. Reworking the existing vehicle to meet different customer requirements will avoid huge investments. This would further aid in commonization of major parts such as chassis, style parts etc.
[003] Generally, small cargo vehicles like the three-wheeled or four-wheeled cargo vehicles have a load deck at a rear of the vehicle and a driver cabin at a front of the vehicle. For modern vehicles, provision of a battery is a prerequisite for the vehicle’s operation. The battery acts as a source of power to drive a starter motor to start the vehicle, and drive an engine ignition, fuel pump, fuel injector, etc. of the fuel injection system. The battery further supplies electrical power to smoothly drive auxiliary loads like lamps, horn, fans, music system, etc.
[004] Layout of components in a cargo vehicle is starkly different from layout of components in a passenger vehicle, like a three-wheeled passenger vehicle. In three-wheeled passenger vehicles, the battery is generally disposed under the passenger seat and supported on any cross member of a frame of the vehicle. However, in cargo vehicles, there is a load deck rearward of the driver cabin, and no passenger seat exists. Due to a difference in layout at a rear portion of the vehicle in cargo vehicles, incorporating disposition of the battery as provided in passenger vehicles in the cargo vehicle posses challenges. Specifically, access to the battery and serviceability of the battery are major concerns.
[005] Conventionally, in cargo vehicles, the battery is mounted below the driver seat. However, this hinders easy driver ingress and exit. Further, placement of the battery under the driver seat eats into the limited storage space under the driver seat. In LPG/LNG vehicles, space under the driver seat is utilised to mount an LPG/LNG fuel tank. In such cases, there is no space to mount the battery under the driver seat. A solution to this would be to place the battery outside the driver cabin on a left or right side of the driver seat. However, in this case the battery projects outside the driver cabin and is exposed to the elements and prone to theft.
[006] Other challenges faced while determining the disposition of the battery and designing a battery layout structure for the cargo vehicle are providing compact structural frame design for mounting of the battery and convenience of performing daily maintenance check like battery voltage, salt formation on terminals of the battery, minimum or maximum acid levels, etc. Pursuantly, the battery needs to be placed at an accessible location in the cargo vehicle. However, foreign particle entry into a battery compartment and foreign particle deposition on the battery needs to be prevented. For e.g., mud and debris thrown up by wheels of the vehicle from the road may find its way to the battery and affect reliability and longevity of the battery. This increases maintenance costs and servicing costs of the battery of the cargo vehicle. Further, the battery needs to be protected from theft.
[007] Thus, there is a need in the art for a battery support structure in a cargo vehicle, which addresses at least the aforementioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[008] In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a cargo vehicle and a battery support structure of the cargo vehicle. The cargo vehicle includes a pair of long members substantially parallel to each other and extending rearward in a vehicle front rear direction. The pair of long members is adapted to support a load deck of the cargo vehicle at a rear portion of the pair of long members. The load deck is adapted to carry external loads. The cargo vehicle further includes a battery support structure disposed downwardly of the load deck. The battery support structure is adapted to house a battery of the vehicle.
[009] In an embodiment, the cargo vehicle includes a driver cabin mounted on the pair of long members. The driver cabin accommodates a driver of the cargo vehicle and vehicle controls thereof. The driver cabin is disposed forwardly of the load deck. In another embodiment, the cargo vehicle includes a cabin partition member mounted on the pair of long members and disposed between the driver cabin and the load deck. The cabin partition member separates the driver cabin from the load deck.
[010] In another embodiment, the pair of long members curve upwards at a rear of the cabin partition member and extend rearwardly and parallelly to the pair of long members to form the rear portion of the pair of long members.
[011] In yet another embodiment, the battery has a cuboidal shape. The battery includes a bottom face on which the battery rests, a rear face adjacent to and extending orthogonally upward from the bottom face, a pair of side faces adjacent to the bottom face and the rear face and extending orthogonally upward from the bottom face, and a front face adjacent to and extending orthogonally upward from the bottom face. The rear face faces toward the pair of long members in a vehicle width direction. The pair of side faces are opposite each other in a vehicle front rear direction. The front face is opposite the rear face and faces away from the pair of long members in a vehicle width direction.
[012] In a further embodiment, the battery support structure includes a pair of first brackets adapted to be mounted to one among the pair of long members at the rear portion of the pair of long members, a tray member mounted to the pair of first brackets and adapted to receive the battery, and a clamping device adapted to secure the battery in the tray member. The tray member supports the battery at its bottom face, its rear face and its pair of side faces. In an embodiment, the clamping device includes a first rod member and a second rod member respectively attached to opposite sides of the tray member on outer surface of the tray member. In another embodiment, a clamp member is operatively connected to the first rod member and the second rod member. The clamp member is adapted to secure the battery from its top. In yet another embodiment, each of the pair of first brackets is an open type hat section bracket having a C shaped cross section.
[013] In another embodiment, the tray member includes a wall portion adapted to be fastened to the pair of first brackets to mount the tray member to the pair of first brackets. In an embodiment, the wall portion includes a plurality of holes adapted to receive fasteners to mount the tray member to the pair of first brackets, and a dipped portion surrounding each of the plurality of holes. The dipped portion is adapted to accommodate a head of the corresponding fastener to prevent interference of the fastener with the battery. In another embodiment, the wall portion includes a slot adapted to provide optimum flow of air in the battery support structure for cooling the battery.
[014] In yet another embodiment, the clamp member of the battery support structure includes a first end and a second end opposite the first end. In an embodiment, the first end is attached to the first rod member and the second end is detachably attached to the second rod member.
[015] In a further embodiment, the battery support structure includes a locking mechanism disposed on the clamp member. The locking mechanism is adapted to lock and unlock the movement of the clamp member at its second end.
[016] In another embodiment, the battery support structure includes a seating member disposed in the tray member. The seating member is adapted to receive the bottom face of the battery. In an embodiment, the seating member includes upwardly extending edges adapted to support all side faces extending orthogonally upwards from the bottom face of the battery at a bottom of the respective side faces to securely hold the battery in the tray member.
[017] In an embodiment, the battery support structure includes a cushion member disposed in the seating member, the battery being rested on the cushion member to isolate the battery from vibrations.
[018] In another embodiment, the battery support structure includes a cover member adapted to substantially cover the battery from the front face of the battery. The cover member is secured to the tray member with aid of the clamping device. In an embodiment, the cover member includes a first face substantially parallel to the front face of the battery, a pair of second faces extending orthogonally from either side of the first face towards the tray member, and a third face extending orthogonally from top of the first face towards the tray member. In another embodiment, the third face includes a stepped portion adapted to accommodate terminals of the battery. In an embodiment, the stepped portion includes an inclined portion adapted to arrest movement of the clamping device. In yet another embodiment, the first face, the pair of second faces and the third face are integrally formed as a single unit. In a further embodiment, a distal edge of the first face, the pair of second faces and the third face is having profile matching profile of the tray member for proper seating of the cover member with the tray member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[019] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.
Figure 1 illustrates a schematic right side elevation view of an exemplary cargo vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 illustrates a right side elevation view of a frame of the cargo vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 illustrates a front perspective view of the cargo vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the cargo vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 illustrates a rear elevation view of the cargo vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 illustrates an exploded view of an exemplary battery support structure with respect to the cargo vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 7 illustrates a rear elevation view of the cargo vehicle and a mounting of the battery support structure with the cargo vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 8 illustrates an exploded view of the battery support structure, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 9 illustrates another exploded view of the battery support structure, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 10 illustrates a front perspective view of the battery support structure, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 11 illustrates a rear perspective view of the battery support structure, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 12 illustrates a front perspective view of the battery support structure, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 13 illustrates a front perspective view of an exemplary cover member of the battery support structure, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 14 illustrates a rear perspective view of the cover member of the battery support structure, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[020] Various features and embodiments of the present invention here will be discernible from the following further description thereof, set out hereunder. The present invention generally relates to a cargo vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to a battery support structure of the cargo vehicle. In the ensuing exemplary embodiments, the cargo vehicle is a three- wheeled vehicle. However, it is contemplated that the disclosure in the present invention may be applied to any automobile capable of accommodating the present subject matter without defeating the scope of the present invention. The term ‘vehicle’ has been used below for referring to the term ‘cargo vehicle’ in favour of brevity.
[021] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic right side elevation view of an exemplary cargo vehicle 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The vehicle 10 as illustrated in the embodiment of the present invention includes an internal combustion engine (not shown) or an electric powertrain (not shown) for driving the vehicle 10. The vehicle 10 further includes one or more front wheels (not shown), two or more rear wheels (not shown) and a frame. The rear wheels are rotated by a driving force of a vehicle powertrain, i.e., the internal combustion engine or the electric powertrain as the case may be. The frame includes a pair of long members 22 that extend in a vehicle front-rear direction F-R between a front end and a rear end of the vehicle 10. The pair of long members 22 extending in the vehicle front-rear direction F-R are substantially parallel to each other. The vehicle 10 further includes a steering assembly (not shown) operatively connected to the one or more front wheels. A front suspension is adapted to support the front wheel of the vehicle 10.
[022] The vehicle further includes a cargo deck or load deck (not shown) that is mounted to the frame and supported onto the pair of long members 22 and is disposed at a rear portion of the vehicle 10. The pair of long members 22 is adapted to support the load deck of the cargo vehicle 10 at a rear portion 26 of the pair of long members. The load deck is adapted to carry external loads. A front portion of the frame is adapted to support a plurality of body panels to form a driver cabin (not shown). The driver cabin is adapted to accommodate a seat assembly for a driver seat, the steering assembly, and other vehicle controls thereof. The driver cabin is disposed forwardly of the load deck in a vehicle rear front direction R-F. In an embodiment, the vehicle 10 further includes a cabin partition member 24 mounted on the pair of long members 22 and disposed between the driver cabin and the load deck. The cabin partition member 24 separates the driver cabin from the load deck. The cabin partition member 24 also acts as a structural member of the vehicle 10 to support the driver seat, a roof frame, etc.
[023] Figure 2 illustrates a right side elevation view of a frame of the cargo vehicle 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. In the illustrated embodiment, the pair of long members 22 curve upwards at a rear of the cabin partition member 24 and extend rearwardly and parallelly to the pair of long members 22 to form the rear portion 26 of the pair of long members. Referring to Figures 3, 4 and 5, the cargo vehicle 10 includes a battery support structure 100 disposed downwardly of the load deck. The battery support structure 100 is disposed at the rear portion 26 of the pair of long members. The battery support structure 100 is adapted to house a battery 200 (shown in Figure 8) of the vehicle 10.
[024] Figure 6 illustrates an exploded view of the battery support structure 100 with respect to the cargo vehicle 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. Referring to Figures 2 and 6, the battery support structure 100 includes a pair of first brackets 102. The pair of first brackets 102 is adapted to be mounted to one among the pair of long members 22 at the rear portion 26 of the pair of long members 22. The pair of first brackets 102 is disposed downwardly of the load deck in a vehicle up down direction UP-DW. In the illustrated embodiment (shown in Figure 8), each of the pair of first brackets 102 includes an open type hat section bracket having a C shaped cross section. In an embodiment, the pair of first brackets 102 is welded on the pair of long members 22. The pair of first brackets 102 act as main support members to carry the whole weight of the battery 200. The pair of first brackets 102 also acts as a rigid support structure from any external factors like loads, vibrations and stresses.
[025] Figure 7 illustrates a rear elevation view of the cargo vehicle 10 and a mounting of the battery support structure 100 with the cargo vehicle 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. Figure 7 also illustrates a magnified view of a mounting means used. Figure 8 illustrates an exploded view of the battery support structure 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. Referring first to Figure 8, in an embodiment, the battery 200 has a cuboidal shape. The battery 200 includes a bottom face 210, a pair of side faces 214, 216 and a front face 218. The battery 200 rests in the battery support structure 100 or any other platform on its bottom face 210. In the illustrated embodiment, the battery 200 is disposed in the vehicle whereby, the rear face 212 is adjacent to the bottom face 210 and extends orthogonally upward from the bottom face 210. The rear face 212 faces toward the pair of long members 22 in a vehicle width direction W. The pair of side faces 214, 216 is adjacent to the bottom face 210 and the rear face 212. In an embodiment, the pair of side faces 214, 216 extends orthogonally upward from the bottom face 210 and the pair of side faces 214, 216 are disposed opposite to each other in a vehicle front rear direction F-R. The front face 218 is adjacent to the bottom face 210 and extends orthogonally upward from the bottom face 210. The front face 218 is opposite the rear face 212 and faces away from the pair of long members 22 in a vehicle width direction W.
[026] Referring to Figures 7 and 8, the battery support structure 100 includes a tray member 110 mounted to the pair of first brackets 102. The tray member 110 is adapted to receive the battery 200. In the illustrated embodiment, the tray member 110 supports the battery 200 at its bottom face 210, its rear face 212 and its pair of side faces 214, 216. In an embodiment, the tray member 110 is mounted to the pair of first brackets 102 with the aid of fasteners 1101. In another embodiment, the fasteners 1101 are secured at their distal ends using lock nuts 1021.
[027] Figure 9 illustrates another exploded view of the battery support structure 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. Figure 10 illustrates a front perspective view of the battery support structure 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. Referring to Figures 8, 9 and 10, the battery support structure 100 includes a clamping device 130. The clamping device 130 is adapted to secure the battery 200 in the tray member 110. In an embodiment, the clamping device 130 includes a first rod member 132 and a second rod member 134. The first rod member 132 and the second rod member 134 are respectively attached to opposite sides of the tray member 110 on an outer surface of the tray member 110). The clamping device 130 further includes a clamp member 136 operatively connected to the first rod member 132 and the second rod member 134. The clamp member 136 is adapted to secure the battery 200 from its top, by clamping the battery 200 to the tray member 110.
[028] In an embodiment, the clamp member 136 of the battery support structure 100 includes a first end 136a and a second end 136b opposite the first end 136a. In the illustrated embodiment, the first end 136a of the clamp member 136 is attached to the first rod member 132 in a hinged manner and the second end 136b of the clamp member 136 is detachably attached to the second rod member 134. Thus, in order to service the battery 200 or replace the battery 200, the battery 200 can be taken out of the battery support structure 100 by either detaching the clamp member 136 from the battery support structure 100 to unclamp the battery from its top. In another embodiment, the battery 200 can be taken out of the battery support structure 100 by detaching the second end 136b of the clamp member 136 from the second rod member 134. This way the clamp member 136 is not completely detached from the battery support structure 100, but rather rotates about the second end 136b of the clamp member 136 due to the hinged attachment. Hence, the clamp member 136 can be rotated away from the top of the battery 200 to unclamp the battery and remove it from the battery support structure 100. In a further embodiment, the battery support structure 100 is provided with a locking mechanism 138. The locking mechanism 138 is disposed on the clamp member 136. The locking mechanism 138 is adapted to lock and unlock the movement of the clamp member 136 at its second end 136b which is detachably attached to the second rod member 134.
[029] In another embodiment, the battery support structure 100 includes a seating member 120 disposed in the tray member 110. The seating member 120 is adapted to receive the bottom face 210 of the battery 200 to support a bottom portion of the battery in the tray member 110. In an embodiment, the seating member 120 includes upwardly extending edges 122. The upwardly extending edges 122 are adapted to support all side faces of the battery 200 which extend orthogonally upwards from the bottom face 210 of the battery 200. All side faces of the battery 200 are supported by the extending edges 122 of the seating member 120 at a bottom of the respective side faces to securely hold the battery 200 in the tray member 110. In yet another embodiment, the battery support structure 100 includes a cushion member 125 disposed in the seating member 120. The battery 200 is rested on the cushion member 125 within the tray member 110 to isolate the battery 200 from vibrations emanating from the vehicle and road undulations.
[030] Figure 11 illustrates a rear perspective view of the battery support structure 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. Referring to Figures 7, 9 and 11, the tray member 110 of the battery support structure 100 includes a wall portion 112. The wall portion 112 is adapted to be fastened to the pair of first brackets 102 to mount the tray member 110 to the pair of first brackets 102. In an embodiment, the wall portion 112 includes a plurality of holes 114 and a dipped portion 116 surrounding each of the plurality of holes 114. The plurality of holes 114 is adapted to receive the fasteners 1101 to mount the tray member 110 to the pair of first brackets 102. The dipped portions 116 surrounding each of the plurality of holes 114 are adapted to accommodate a head of the corresponding fastener 1101. This ensures that the head of the corresponding fastener 1101 stays within the dipped portions 116 and thus prevents the head of the corresponding fastener 1101 from projecting into a side of the tray member 110 where the battery 200 is accommodated. Therefore, interference of the fastener 1101 with the battery 200 is avoided. In a further embodiment, the wall portion 112 includes a slot 118. The slot 118 is adapted to provide optimum flow of air in the battery support structure 100 for cooling the battery 200. In the illustrated embodiment, the slot 118 is provided centrally of the wall portion 112 and disposed between the plurality of holes 114 provided on the left and right sides of the wall portion 112.
[031] Figure 12 illustrates a front perspective view of the battery support structure 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The battery support structure 100 includes a cover member 140 adapted to substantially cover the battery 200 from the front face 218 of the battery 200. In an embodiment, the cover member 140 is secured to the tray member 110 with the aid of the clamping device 130.
[032] Figure 13 illustrates a front perspective view of the cover member 140 of the battery support structure 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. Figure 14 illustrates a rear perspective view of the cover member 140 of the battery support structure 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. Referring to Figures 12, 13 and 14, the cover member 140 includes a first face 142 substantially parallel to the front face 218 of the battery 200, a pair of second faces 144 extending orthogonally from either side of the first face 142 towards the tray member 110, and a third face 146 extending orthogonally from top of the first face 142 towards the tray member 110. In an embodiment, the third face 146 includes a stepped portion 148. The stepped portion 148 is adapted to accommodate terminals of the battery 200. The terminals of the battery 200 can be accommodated with ease without the consumption of excess space by the cover member 140. This also prevents dust and mud from coming into contact with the terminals of the battery 200.
[033] In another embodiment, the stepped portion 148 includes an inclined portion 149 adapted to arrest movement of the clamping device 130. The provision of the stepped portion 148 and the inclined portion 149 also allows for the placement of the clamping device 130 within the area footprint of the cover member 140 without compromising on the space constraint in mounting the battery support structure 100 on the vehicle 10. In yet another embodiment, the first face 142, the pair of second faces 144 and the third face 146 of the cover member 140 are integrally formed as a single unit. In a further embodiment, a distal edge 145 of the first face 142, the pair of second faces 144 and the third face 146 is having a profile which matches with a profile of the tray member 110. This enables to ensure proper seating of the cover member 140 with the tray member 110. The cover member 140 is adapted to have optimum stiffness. The cover member 140 is provided to cover the battery 200 while maintaining aesthetic appeal of the vehicle 10. The cover member 140 protects the battery 200 from environmental factors like dust, water entry and further prevents salt formation at the terminals of the battery 200. It also helps in preventing shorting issues of the battery 200.
[034] Advantageously, the present invention provides a battery support structure 100 of a cargo vehicle 10. The use of minimum number of components to support the battery 200 on the vehicle frame using the battery support structure 100 decreases the component costs and assembly costs, and addresses other battery 200 packaging issues. Disposition of the battery 200 under the load deck and protected by the battery support structure 100, offers better protection for the battery during a side impact under collision. The mounting of the battery 200 on the pair of long members 22 ensures that a heavy side door of the load deck does not collide with the battery support structure 100 when the side door of the load deck is opened. The design of the battery support structure 100 ensures that the terminals of the battery 200 does not come into direct contact with any metal part of the vehicle 10, thus ensuring safety of people and longevity of the battery 200. The robust clamping device 130 of the battery support structure 100 provided with the locking mechanism 138 deters theft of the battery 200. The battery support structure 100 also prevents ingress and accumulation of mud, dirt, water and the like into the battery 200 or on its terminals.
[035] Other advantages include better durability, manufacturability, ease of assembly, weight reduction, cost reduction, improved aesthetics, improved serviceability and market attractiveness.
[036] 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. , Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A cargo vehicle (10) comprising:
a pair of long members (22) substantially parallel to each other and extending rearward in a vehicle front rear direction (F-R), the pair of long members (22) being configured to support a load deck of the cargo vehicle (10) at a rear portion (26) of the pair of long members (22);
a battery support structure (100) disposed downwardly of the load deck and configured to house a battery (200) of the vehicle (10).

2. The cargo vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1 wherein, the load deck is configured to carry external loads.

3. The cargo vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1 comprising: a driver cabin mounted on the pair of long members (22) to accommodate a driver of the cargo vehicle (10) and vehicle controls thereof, the driver cabin being disposed forwardly of the load deck; a cabin partition member (24) mounted on the pair of long members (22) and disposed between the driver cabin and the load deck, the cabin partition member (24) separating the driver cabin from the load deck.

4. The cargo vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 3 wherein, the pair of long members (22) curve upwards at a rear of the cabin partition member (24) and extend rearwardly and parallelly to the pair of long members (22) to form the rear portion (26) of the pair of long members (22).

5. The cargo vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the battery (200) comprises a cuboidal shape having: a bottom face (210); a rear face (212) adjacent to and extending orthogonally upward from the bottom face (210), the rear face (212) facing toward the pair of long members (22) in a vehicle width direction (W); a pair of side faces (214, 216) adjacent to the bottom face (210) and the rear face (212), and extending orthogonally upward from the bottom face (210), the pair of side faces (214, 216) being opposite each other in a vehicle front rear direction (F-R); a front face (218) adjacent to and extending orthogonally upward from the bottom face (210), the front face (218) being opposite the rear face (212) and facing away from the pair of long members (22) in a vehicle width direction (W).

6. The cargo vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the battery support structure (100) comprises:
a pair of first brackets (102) configured to be mounted to one among the pair of long members (22) at the rear portion (26) of the pair of long members (22);
a tray member (110) mounted to the pair of first brackets (102) and configured to receive the battery (200), the tray member (110) supporting the battery (200) at its bottom face (210), its rear face (212) and its pair of side faces (214, 216); and
a clamping device (130) configured to secure the battery (200) in the tray member (110), the clamping device (130) having: a first rod member (132) and a second rod member (134) respectively attached to opposite sides of the tray member (110) on outer surface of the tray member (110); and a clamp member (136) operatively connected to the first rod member (132) and the second rod member (134), the clamp member (136) being configured to secure the battery (200) from its top.

7. The cargo vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 6, wherein each of the pair of first brackets (102) comprises an open type hat section bracket having a C shaped cross section.

8. The cargo vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the tray member (110) comprises a wall portion (112) configured to be fastened to the pair of first brackets (102) to mount the tray member (110) to the pair of first brackets (102).

9. The cargo vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the wall portion (112) comprises: a plurality of holes (114) configured to receive fasteners (1101) to mount the tray member (110) to the pair of first brackets (102); and a dipped portion (116) surrounding each of the plurality of holes (114) and configured to accommodate a head of the corresponding fastener (1101) to prevent interference of the fastener (1101) with the battery (200).

10. The cargo vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the wall portion (112) comprises a slot (118) configured to provide optimum flow of air in the battery support structure (100) for cooling the battery (200).

11. The cargo vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the clamp member (136) of the battery support structure (100) comprises a first end (136a) and a second end (136b) opposite the first end (136a), the first end (136a) being attached to the first rod member (132) and the second end (136b) being detachably attached to the second rod member (134).

12. The cargo vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the battery support structure (100) comprises a locking mechanism (138) disposed on the clamp member (136) and configured to lock and unlock the movement of the clamp member (136) at its second end (136b).

13. The cargo vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the battery support structure (100) comprises a seating member (120) disposed in the tray member (110), the seating member (120) being configured to receive the bottom face (210) of the battery (200).

14. The cargo vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 13, wherein the seating member (120) comprises upwardly extending edges (122) configured to support all side faces extending orthogonally upwards from the bottom face (210) of the battery (200) at a bottom of the respective side faces to securely hold the battery (200) in the tray member (110).

15. The cargo vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 14, wherein the battery support structure (100) comprises a cushion member (125) disposed in the seating member (120), the battery (200) being rested on the cushion member (125) to isolate the battery (200) from vibrations.

16. The cargo vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the battery support structure (100) comprises a cover member (140) configured to substantially cover the battery (200) from the front face (218) of the battery (200), the cover member (140) being secured to the tray member (110) with the aid of the clamping device (130).

17. The cargo vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 16, wherein the cover member (140) comprises: a first face (142) substantially parallel to the front face (218) of the battery (200); a pair of second faces (144) extending orthogonally from either side of the first face (142) towards the tray member (110); and a third face (146) extending orthogonally from top of the first face (142) towards the tray member (110).

18. The cargo vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 17, wherein the third face (146) comprises a stepped portion (148) configured to accommodate terminals of the battery (200).

19. The cargo vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 18, wherein the stepped portion (148) comprises an inclined portion (149) configured to arrest movement of the clamping device (130).

20. The cargo vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 19, wherein the first face (142), the pair of second faces (144) and the third face (146) are integrally formed as a single unit.

21. The cargo vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 20, wherein a distal edge (145) of the first face (142), the pair of second faces (144) and the third face (146) is having profile matching profile of the tray member (110) for proper seating of the cover member (140) with the tray member (110).

Dated this 03rd day of June 2022
TVS MOTOR COMPANY LIMITED
By their Agent & Attorney

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