A POWER SOURCE MODULE
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The subject matter as described herein, relates generally to a power
source and more particularly, but not exclusively, to a module for a power source in a two wheeled vehicle.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] With dwindling non-renewable energy resources, the need to
reduce fossil fuel consumption and emissions from vehicles powered by internal . combustion*"engines"!^ w^rioiowhV One "way to achieve the aforesaid goal is through an electrically driven vehicle. However, such a vehicle has greater body weight and shorter running distance per charge as compared to the conventional vehicles. Such drawbacks are overcome by hybrid vehicles, which utilize the advantages of dual powertrain in the form of an internal combustion engine and an electric traction motor into one vehicle. The electric traction motor is powered by an electric and rechargable power source. The engine and the traction motor are either used jointly or separately depeding upon the user requirement and input.
[0003] To select and control the power from the dual powertrain, a,
number of components are needed in addition to already present electrical components. Due to increase in the number of components, the packaging of all components becomes critical in the hybrid vehicle compared to a conventional vehicle.
[0004] In a four wheeled hybrid vehicle like a car, packaging of all
additional components is not an issue because adequate space is available owing to the size of the vehicle. However, in a two wheeled hybrid vehicle comprising dual powertrain, limited space is available for packaging the increased number of components. These components have to be disposed optimally to reduce length of

the wiring harness, minimize complexity and maintain optimal centre of gravity for the vehicle. Additionally, size of some components like the control unit increases compared to their size in a conventional two wheeled vehicle for enhanced efficiency.
[0005] A bigger capacity electric power source is required in such two
wheeled hybrid vehicle because in addition to powering all the existing electrical loads, it also has to drive the traction motor so that the vehicle can be propelled sufficiently with the mounted passenger(s). Accordingly, it is difficult to mount the bigger capacity electric power source in the two wheeled hybrid vehicle while overcoming the aforementioned constraints. Further, the bigger electric power source also requires efficient cooling at its location to ward off any heating issues. It is also essential that the bigger capacity electric power source is easily . serviceable at its mounting location so that in case of a replacement or service, minimum number of vehicle components are removed thereby decreasing the servicing time.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] It is essential to mount the bigger capacity electric power source
unit in the scooter-type hybrid vehicle at an optimal location while overcoming the aforementioned constraints. The mounting should be strong and rigid for supporting the bigger electric power source unit and avoid any rattling related issues during the operation of the vehicle. Meanwhile, such location should also ensure efficient cooling to ward off any heating issues. The mounting should also facilitate easy servicing of the electric power source unit and ensure its easy accessibility.
[0007] Therefore, the present invention proposes a two wheeled vehicle
with an electric power source unit having a plurality of cells integrated with a cell management and monitoring system, and a split type holding unit accommodating said electric power source unit within a space formed therebetween. The holding unit comprises of an upper covering member and a lower holding member

removably attachable to said upper covering member. The upper covering member and the lower holding member define at least one access opening on each side of the longitudinal axis of the holding unit to access the electronic power source unit. The power source module is mounted on a set of mounting brackets joined to a head tube of the vehicle frame above a lower bracket and extending in a forward direction from the head tube.
[0008] The present invention provides a front location in the hybrid
vehicle for mounting of the electric power source unit. The holding unit is constructed so as to allow accessibility to the electric power source unit through the access openings and hence also ensuring the cooling of the electric power source unit. The power source module leaves the space in the article storage device in the vehicle for keeping a full face helmet and hence the storage space is not compromised. Various components are mounted very close to the electric power source unit to minimize the length of the wiring harness.
[0009] The foregoing objectives and summary is provided to introduce a
selection of concepts in a simplified form, and is not limiting. To fully appreciate these and other objects of the present subject matter as well as the subject matter itself, all of which will become apparent to those skilled in the art, the ensuing detailed description of the subject matter and the claims should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[00010] The above and other features, aspects and advantages of the subject
matter will be better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims and accompanying drawings where:
[00011] FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of a scooter-type hybrid vehicle in
accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00012] FIG. 2 illustrates a side elevational view of a frame assembly of the
scooter-type hybrid vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[00013] FIG. 3 illustrates an assembled power source module mounted on
the vehicle chassis in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00014] FIG. 4 shows an exploded view of power source module of FIG. 3.
[00015] FIG. 5(a) and 5(b) respectively show a right side and a left side
rear perspective view of a holding unit in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00016] FIG. 6 shows a top view of the power source module of FIG. 3.
[00017] . FIG. 7(a) shows a right side front perspective view of the power
source module.
[0Q018] . FIG. 7(b) shows a left side front perspective view of the power source module.
[00019] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of the vehicle frame showing the
power source module and rear storage device installed in the vehicle.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[00020] The present subject matter relates to the location of a power source
module in a hybrid vehicle. Generally a conventional hybrid vehicle is provided with an internal combustion engine and a traction motor defining a dual powertrain. The traction motor, is powered by an electric power source unit. Generally, compared to a conventional vehicle, such hybrid vehicle has more number of electrical components functioning in the vehicle. Some of these are conventional components with increased dimensions to adapt to the requirements of the hybrid Vehicle and some of these are additional components, for example, a voltage converting unit and a plurality of safety relays, included specifically in the hybrid vehicle to ensure its successful operation. Further, an increased number of sensors are included. A bigger control unit is also provided to ensure proper functioning of the dual powertrain. Since the control unit performs multiple critical operations, it is provided with different circuit protections using higher current carrying wiring harness; All these lead to increase in electrical load of the

hybrid vehicle. Moreover, to dissipate heat, a larger heat sink is used. Hence, the size of the control unit is bigger in the hybrid vehicle. The control unit is powered by the electric power source unit.
[00021] The electric power source unit performs a wide set of-functions in
the hybrid vehicle. These functions include running the traction motor to propel the vehicle,, cranking the engine and powering all the electrical loads of the vehicle including the increased loads. Since more components and bigger components are involved, the size of the electric power source unit is larger. According to an estimate, the size of the electric power source unit is approximately three to four times its size in a conventional vehicle having engine driven powertrain.
[00022] If the hybrid vehicle is a -scooter-type- hybrid vehicle, it is difficult
to accommodate such bigger electric power source unit because all these improved and conventional components occupy space on the vehicle chassis leaving little space to mount the bigger electric power source.unit. The vehicle chassis also supports an ignition unit, ignition coil and an air filter along with the engine. Some locations are available for mounting of the electric power source unit in the hybrid vehicle but they have their own drawbacks.
[00023] For example, an alternative is to mount the electric power source
unit within an article storage device provided in a rear portion of the scooter-type hybrid vehicle. However, this would compromise the space available for storing articles and/or a full-face helmet. In another implementation, mounting the electric power source unit at a floorboard would compromise the vehicle rider's leg space. In yet another implementation, when the bigger electric power source unit is mounted below the floorboard, it reduces the vehicle ground clearance which may prove hazardous to the vehicle rider at steep bumps.
[00024] Therefore, it is essential to mount the bigger capacity electric
power source unit in the scooter-type hybrid vehicle at an optimal location while overcoming the aforementioned constraints, specially the packaging and layout constraints. It is desirable that the mounting should be strong and rigid for

supporting the bigger electric power source unit and should prevent any rattling related issues during the operation of the vehicle. Meanwhile, such location should also ensure efficient cooling to ward off any heating issues. The mounting should also facilitate easy servicing of the electric power source unit and ensure its easy accessibility. Further, other components like the voltage converting unit and a fuse unit should preferably be located closer to the power source unit so as to reduce the length and weight of the wiring harness.
[00025] To this end, the present subject matter discloses a power source
module for a hybrid vehicle comprising an electric power source unit and a holding unit. In an embodiment, the hybrid vehicle is a two wheeled scooter-type hybrid vehicle. The power source module is supported on the vehicle chassis through a set of mounting brackets joined to a head tube of the vehicle chassis above a lower bracket and extending in a forward direction of the head tube. In an embodiment, the holding unit is a split type holding unit comprising at least two removably attachable members namely an upper covering member and a lower holding member. Within the space created between the removably attachable members, the electric power source unit is disposed. The holding, unit also supports several components on its surface like a flashing unit, a converting unit and a fuse unit to reduce the length of wiring harness from the electric power source unit to these components.
[00026] An embodiment of the present subject matter would now be
described in greater detail in conjunction with the figures in the following description. Various other features and embodiments of the present invention here will be discernible from the following further description thereof, set out hereunder. The brief description is to be understood as an exemplary embodiment and reading of the invention is not intended to be taken restrictively. It is to be noted that the present invention is usable in vehicles with single power train, as well as in vehicles with dual power trains. It is to be further noted that "front" and "rear", and "left" and "right" wherever referred to in the ensuing description, refer to front and rear, and left and right directions as seen in a state of being seated on

a seat of the vehicle and looking forward. Furthermore, a longitudinal axis unless otherwise mentioned refers to a front to rear axis relative to the vehicle, while a lateral axis unless.otherwise mentioned refers generally to a side to side, or left to right axis relative to the vehicle. The two wheeled vehicle is exemplified in the form of a hybrid vehicle. However, the present invention is installable in a vehicle - having an engine equipped with automated manual transmission (AMT).
[00027] FIG. 1 shows a side, view of the concerned hybrid vehicle. The
vehicle has a frame assembly made up of several tubes welded together which usually supports the body of the said vehicle. The vehicle has a steerable front wheel 101. and a driven rear wheel 102. A handlebar assembly 109 and a seat assembly 113 are supported at opposing ends of the frame assembly and a generally open area is defined there between known as floorboard 110 which functions as a step through space. The seat for a driver and a pillion is placed forward to a fuel tank and rearwardly of the floorboard 110. A front fender 103 is provided above the front wheel 101 to avoid the said vehicle and its occupants from being splashed with mud. Likewise, a rear fender 104 is placed between fuel tank and rear wheel 102, and to the outer side in the radial direction of rear wheel 102. Rear fender 104 inhibits rain water or other impurities from being thrown up by rear wheel 102.
[00028] Suspensions are provided for comfortable steering of the vehicle
on the road. A.front suspension assembly (not shown) is connected to a front fork 107 while the rear suspension assembly is a hydraulic damped arrangement and is connected to the body frame. The rear suspension assembly comprises of at least . one rear suspension 121 preferably on the left side of the vehicle. However, a vehicle with two rear suspensions namely on the left side and the right side is also possible. For the safety of the user and in conformance with the homologation requirements, a headlight 106 in the front portion of the vehicle and a taillight 120 in the rear portion of the vehicle is also included.
[00029] In a preferred embodiment, the scooter type motorcycle has an
electromechanical powertrain including an internal combustion engine 115 and an

electrical traction motor 118 as drive sources. In an embodiment, the engine is a four stroke single cylinder engine. The engine 115 is disposed substantially forwardly of the rear wheel 102 at a lower rear portion of the vehicle. The traction motor 118 is powered by and connected to an electric power source unit whereas the engine 120 is cranked by a starter motor (not shown) powered by the electric power source unit; The rear wheel 102 is driven by driving force generated by either the engine 115 or the traction motor 118 or both. In a preferred embodiment, the traction motor 118 is coupled to a hub 119 of the rear wheel 102. The direct coupling of traction motor 118 to the rear wheel hub 119 outside the engine crankcase saves space and prevents transmission losses due to absence of any gear reduction.
[00030] FIG. 2 illustrates a side elevational view of the frame assembly
150 of the scooter-type hybrid vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The frame assembly of the vehicle is an elongated structure, which typically extends from a forward end to a rearward end of the vehicle. It is generally convex in shape, as viewed from a side elevational view. The frame assembly 150 comprises of a main tube 152 extending downwards from a head tube 151, a lower tube 153 supporting the low-slung floorboard 110 extending rearwards from a lower end of the main tube 152, and a plurality of rear tubes formed by curving a rear end section of the lower tube 153 diagonally upwards. A steering tube (not shown) is disposed partially inside the head tube
151 through a steering hole 158 and rotatably connected to it. The steering tube is manoeuvrable by a vehicle rider through the handlebar 109. In the description, the term 'head tube'- and 'steering tube' has been used interchangeably. A lower bracket 159 is attached to a lower ground end of the head tube (FIG. 8).
[00031] At least one rear tube is provided on one side of the longitudinal
axis of the vehicle namely a left rear tube 154b and a right rear tube 154a. The rear tubes are functionally joined to the lower tube 153 using appropriate joining mechanism. Each rear tube 154a, 154b is made of an inclined section extending diagonally upwards from a rear end of the lower tube 153, and a horizontal

section extending rearwards substantially horizontally from the inclined section. Further, as shown in FIG. 1, said frame assembly is covered by a plurality of vehicle body covers including a front panel 105, a leg shield 111, an under seat cover 112 and a side panel 114.
[00032] A cross member 155 is supported between the rear tubes extending
laterally from the left rear tube 154b to the right rear tube 154a. The cross member 155 mounts a supporting structure 156 at a central portion for mounting a control unit (not shown) operating the hybrid vehicle. In an embodiment, the control unit is mounted forwardly of an article storage device 160. As shown in FIG. 8, the article storage device 160 receives a full face helmet 161 when the vehicle rider is not riding the vehicle or when the rider is using a half face helmet. He may also keep a full face helmet stored so that it can be used later by a pillion rider. Moreover, since the control unit is bigger than the conventional control unit, it cannot be mounted on the left or right rear tube of the frame assembly. Mounting the control unit centrally within the supporting structure 156 along the centre of gravity of the vehicle helps in vehicle dynamics and this location reduces the length of the wiring harness to the traction motor 118.
[00033] According to a feature of present invention, a set of mounting
brackets 171, 176 are joined to the head tube 151 of the vehicle frame above the lower bracket 159 and extending in a forward direction from the head tube 151. The set of mounting brackets include an upper mounting bracket 176 joined at an upper portion of the head tube and a lower mounting bracket 171 joined at a lower portion of the head tube.
[00034] A power source module 200 is mounted on the set of mounting
brackets. FIG. 3 shows a front perspective view of the power source module. The power source module 200 comprises of a holding unit 202 and an electric power source unit 201. In an embodiment, the holding unit is split type comprising at least two removably attachable members namely an upper covering member 203 and a lower holding member 215 removably attachable to the upper covering member. The upper covering member 203 covers the electric power source unit

201 from the upper and front direction whereas the lower holding member 215 forms the base on which the electric power source unit is disposed and supported. The upper covering member 203 and the lower covering member 215 when assembled define a space within which the electric power unit 201 is substantially enclosed or accommodated.
[00035] The construction of the power source module 200 is now explained
in detail using FIG. 4. The upper covering member 203, when seen from a side view of the vehicle, has an inverted-L constructioncomprising of an upper portion 204 and a front portion 205. The upper portion includes an upper surface facing towards the handlebar 109 and covers an upper portion of the electric power source unit 201. The front portion 205 includes a front surface facing in the front direction of the vehicle. The front portion 205 extends downward from one of the forward edges of the upper portion 204 and covers a front portion of the electric power source unit 201. A lower edgeportion of the front portion 205 is provided with a first set of attaching protrusions 206 which help in the attachment of the upper covering member 203 with the lower holding member 215. In an embodiment, the first set of attaching protrusions 206 includes at least two upper attaching protrusions 206-1, 206-2 spaced apart from each other. Each upper attaching protrusion protrudes from the front portion 205 in a forward direction and has a hole for passage of fasteners. Meanwhile, the upper portion 204 and the front portion 205 are integrally formed.
.[00036] The lower holding member 215 is constructed in the form of a
mirror image of L shape. It comprises of a vertically upward portion 217 and a lower portion 218. The vertically upward portion 217 covers the rear portion of the electric power source unit 201. It has at least two integrally formed forwardly protruding walls 214a, 214b from each of its vertical edge. The lower edges of these forwardly protruding walls 214a, 214b protrudes forwardly and are connected to each other through the lower portion 218. The lower portion 218 includes a lower surface and protrudes forwardly from a lower edge of the

vertically upward portion 217. It supports a lower portion of the electric power source unit 201.
[00037] A front edgeportion of the lower portion 205 is provided with a
second set of attaching protrusions 219 which help in the attachment of lower holding member 215 with the upper covering member 203. In an embodiment, the . second set of attaching protrusions 219 includes at least two lower attaching protrusions 219-1, 219-2 spaced apart from each other. Each lower attaching protrusion protrudes from the lower portion 218 in a forward direction and has a hole for passage of fasteners. The second set of attaching protrusions 219 is located corresponding to, and co-axial with, the first set of attaching protrusions 206.
[00038] The electric power source unit 201. is accomodated in -the space
created between the upper covering member 203 and the lower holding member 215 so that the electric power source unit is substantially enclosed by the holding unit 202 from all sides. In an embodiment, the electric power source unit 201 is a Lithium cell based power source unit and provides at least 40 V of electromotive force. However, the voltage would vary depending upon the electric loads connected to the power source unit 201 and a lower voltage power source unit is possible. Further, the electric power source unit 201 includes a plurality of Lithium ion cells integrated with a cell management and monitoring system. (CMS). The Lithium cells and CMS are integrated within a single casing and they are referred to as electric power source unit 201 in this description. Thus, the space for separately mounting the CMS is saved and requirement of lengthier wiring harness is eliminated between the two.
[00039] According to another aspect, the holding unit 202 is provided with
at least one access opening through which the electric power source unit 201, disposed within the holding unit ,202, can be accessed. In an embodiment as shown in FIG. 3, the upper covering member 203 and the lower holding member 215 define at least one access opening on each side of the longitudinal axis of the holding unit 202. In an implementation, a first access opening 211-1 replaces a

right front corner on the right side of the holding unit. A second access opening 211-2 replaces a left front corner on the left side of the holding unit. The electric power source unit is connected to various components in the vehicle through electrical couplers 225, 226. Therefore, the access opening enables the electrical couplers 225, 226 to access the electric power source unit 201. If the electric power source unit does not have a pin for connecting the electrical coupler on the left side, then the second access opening 211-2 can be dispensed with. In the present embodiment, the electrical couplers 225, 226 connect to the electric power source unit 201 through the first access opening 211-1.
[00040] According to yet another feature, various components are mounted
in close proximity to the electric power source unit 201 in order to reduce the length of wiring harness connecting the two. These components include a voltage converting unit 212, a fuse unit 220 and a flashing unit 221. In an implementation, these components are mounted on the power source module 200 and specifically on the holding unit 202. These are explained below with the help of FIGs. 3, 4 and 5(a). As shown in FIG. 4, the voltage converting unit 212 is mounted on the upper covering member 203. The voltage converting unit 212 steps down the voltage level in the hybrid vehicle because the hybrid vehicle has different voltage systems. In an embodiment, at least two mounting points 208-1, 208-2 are formed integral with the upper portion 204 of the upper covering member. The voltage converting unit 212 is secured to the mounting, points 208-1, 208-2 through fasteners.
[00041] The lower holding member 215 further includes at least two
integrally formed mounting brackets namely a first mounting bracket 216 and a second mounting bracket 209. In an embodiment, the first mounting bracket 216 and the second mounting bracket 209 are present on either side of the lower holding member 215. In an implementation as shown in FIG. 4, the first mounting bracket 216 is provided on one forwardly protruding wall 214b on the left side of the long axis of the lower holding member 215. The flashing unit 221 is slidably mounted on the first mounting bracket 216 so that it can be taken out easily during .

servicing. The flashing unit 221 passes signal to turn signal lamps of the hybrid vehicle when the rider intends to turn the vehicle.
[00042] As shown in FIG. 5(a), the second mounting bracket 209 is
provided on the other forwardly protruding wall 214a on the left side of the long . axis of the lower holding member 215. The forwardly protruding wall 214a projects out from the vertically upward portion 217 in forward direction. The second mounting bracket mounts fuse unit 220 in close proximity to the electric power source unit 201 so that the length of the wiring harness between the two is reduced. The fuse unit 220 minimizes the unprotected wiring harness length and protects the vehicle components from being affected from high current wires in case of an electrical malfunction. The second mounting bracket 209 has a hole through which the fuse unit 220 can be secured to the lower holding member 215.
[00043] The assembly of the power source module 200 on the set of
mounting brackets 176, 171 is now explained with the help of FIG. 2, FIG. 4, FIG. 5(b) and FIG. 7(b). As shown in FIG. 2, the upper mounting bracket 176 is supported on the head tube 151 and extends laterally from side to side. In a preferred embodiment, the upper mounting bracket 176 is welded to the head tube 151. It comprises of upper mounting recesses 177-1, 177-2 through which the holding unit is secured to the upper mounting bracket 176. Further the lower mounting bracket 171 is a triangular ' structure extending forwardly and divergently so that the arms converge at the head tube 151. The lower mounting bracket 171 comprises of a plurality of lower mounting recesses spaced apart from each other and shown by the numeral 172. In a preferred embodiment, the lower mounting bracket 171 is welded to the head tube 151."
[00044] The upper mounting bracket 176 and the lower mounting bracket
171 are spaced apart from each other to accommodate the power source module 200 between them. The distance can be increased between the two depending upon the size of the power source module 200. The power source module 200 is significantly mounted on the lower mounting bracket and is secured to the upper mounting bracket 176 and the lower mounting bracket 171. Firstly, the lower

holding member 215 of the holding unit 202 is secured to the lower mounting recesses 172 of the lower mounting bracket 171. The two lower attaching protrusions 219-1, 219-2 are extended rearwardly and downwardly to secure those to the lower mounting recesses 172. The electric power source unit 201 is then placed into the lower holding member 215. The upper covering member 203 is then placed over the lower holding member 215. The two upper attaching protrusions 206-1, 206-2 from the front portion 205 of the upper covering member 203 locate themselves corresponding to the two lower attaching protrusions 219-. 1, 219-2 from the lower portion 218 of the lower holding member 215. They are secured to each other through the fasteners 207-1, 207-2. Thus, the holding unit 202 now encloses the electric power source unit 201.
[00045] Further, the upper mounting bracket 176 is sandwiched between at
least one rearward extending lower flange of the lower holding member 215 and at least one rearward extending upper flange of the upper covering member 203 during the assembly of the power source module 200 [FIG.5(b)]. In an embodiment, the lower holding member 215 has two rearward extending lower flanges 222-1, 222-2 and the upper covering member 203 has two rearward extending upper flanges 210-1, 210-2 corresponding to the lower flanges 222-1, 222-2. The lower flanges and the upper flanges are located on either side of the head tube 151.
[00046] The lower flanges 222-1, 222-2 extend from the uppermost edge of
the vertically upward portion 217 of the lower holding member 215. They are equally spaced apart from the head tube 151 so that the steering of the vehicle is not affected. The upper flanges 210-1, 210-2 extend rearwardly from a rear edge of the upper portion 204 of the upper covering member 203. During assembly, the upper mounting bracket 176 is sandwiched between the lower flanges 222-1, 222-2 of the lower holding member 215 and upper flanges 210-1, 210-2 of the upper covering member 203 and all of them are secured by fasteners. For example, a fastener passes through the upper flange 210-1, then to the upper

mounting recess 177-1 and finally to the lower flange 222-1 and is tightened by a nut.
[00047] In another embodiment, it is possible that the upper mounting
bracket is disposed closer to the lower mounting bracket and the space between the two reduces. Therefore, at least one rearward extending lower flange 222-1, 222-2 of the lower holding member is sandwiched between at least one rearward extending upper flange 210-1, 210-2 of upper covering member and the upper mounting recess 177-1,177-2 of the upper mounting bracket 176.
[00048] After the assembly of the power source module 200, the various
components are mounted. As shown in FIG. 5(a) and 7(b), the voltage converting unit (also known as DC-DC converter) 212 is secured to the two mounting points 208-1, 208-2 through- fasteners. Further, the fuse unit 220 is supported on the— — power source module 200 through the second mounting bracket 209. The flashing unit 221 is slidably secured to the first mounting bracket 216. Thus, the assembly of the power source module is complete and it is covered by the front panel 105 of the hybrid vehicle so that the underlying things are not visible.
[00049] According to a further aspect of the. present invention, the upper
covering member 203 also comprises at least one button strap holder 213. In an embodiment as shown in FIG. 6, the upper covering member 203 has two button strap holders 213. They facilitate easy support of the wiring harness on the power source module without being rattled. Each button strap holder 213 is in the form of a protrusion from an edge of the upper portion 204 of the upper covering member 203 and having a recess for attachment of wiring harness.
[00050] The holding unit 202 is made of any material including a group
consisting of plastic resin, metal or alloy. However, when made of plastic resin, it reduces weight which increases the manoeuvrability of the hybrid vehicle.
[00051] Further, the same power source module is usable in a vehicle with
automated manual transmission (AMT). However, since the electric loads are low in an AMT vehicle compared to a hybrid vehicle, the size of the power source

module reduces. The Lithium ion based power source unit is replaced by a lead acid based power source unit in the AMT vehicle.
[00052] From the foregoing description, it will be appreciated that the
present invention offers many advantages including those described above. The present invention provides a front location in the hybrid vehicle for mounting of the electric power source unit. The holding unit is constructed so as to allow accessibility to the electric power source unit through the access openings and hence also ensuring the cooling of the electric power source unit. The power source module leaves the space in the article storage device in the vehicle for keeping a full face helmet and hence the storage space is not compromised. Various components are mounted very close to the electric power source unit to minimize the length of the wiring harness.
[00053] The present subject matter is thus described. It is to be noted that
the aforementioned hybrid vehicle is a parallel type hybrid vehicle. The description is not intended to be exhaustive nor is it intended to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the disclosed embodiments may be modified in light of the above description. The embodiments described are chosen to provide an illustration of principles of the invention and its practical application to enable thereby one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. Therefore the forgoing description is to be considered exemplary, rather than limiting, and the true scope of the invention is that described in the appended claims. .

We claim:
1. A two wheeled vehicle comprising an article storage device (160)
configured to accommodate a full face helmet, and a power source module
. (200) comprising:
an electric power source unit (201) having a plurality of cells integrated with a cell management and monitoring system in a single casing, and
a split type holding unit (202) comprising an upper covering member (203) and a lower holding member (215) removably attachable to said upper covering member, the holding unit (202) accommodating said " "electric power source unit (201) within a space formed between the uppera " covering member and the lower holding member,
wherein the upper covering member (203) and the lower holding member (215) define at least one access opening (211-1, 211-2) on each side of the longitudinal axis of the holding unit (202) to access the electronic power source unit (201), and wherein further the power source module (200) is. mounted on a set of mounting brackets (171, 176) joined to a head tube (151) of the vehicle frame above a lower bracket (159) and extending in a forward direction from the head tube (151).
2. The two wheeled vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein said set of
mounting brackets includes an upper mounting bracket (176) and a lower
mounting bracket (171) and wherein the upper mounting bracket (176) is
sandwiched between at least one rearward extending lower flange (222-1)
of the lower holding member and at least one rearward extending upper
flange (210-1) of the upper covering member.

3. The two wheeled vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the vehicle includes a flashing unit (221), a voltage converting unit (212), and a fuse unit (220) all supported on the holding unit.
4. The two wheeled vehicle as claimed in claim 3, wherein the lower holding member (215) further includes an integrally formed first mounting bracket (216) for slidably mounting the flashing unit (221) and an integrally formed second mounting bracket (209) to mount the fuse unit (220)
. adjacent to the electric power source unit.
5. The two wheeled vehicle as claimed in claim 3, wherein the voltage converting unit (212) is mounted on the upper covering member (203) at least at two mounting points (208-1, 208-2).
6. The two wheeled vehicle as claimed in claim 4, wherein first mounting bracket (216) and the second mounting bracket (209) is present on either side of the lower holding member (215).
7. The two wheeled vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the upper covering member (203) includes a first set of attaching protrusions (206) protruding forwardly from a lower edgeportion of a front portion (205) of the upper covering member, and the lower holding member (215) includes a second set of attaching protrusions (219) protruding forwardly from a front edgeportion of a lower portion (218) of the lower holding member, and wherein further the first set of attaching protrusions (206) are secured with the second set of attaching protrusions (219).
8. The two wheeled vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the upper covering member also comprises at least one button strap holder (213) protruding from an edge of an upper portion (204) of the upper covering member.

9. The two wheeled vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the holding unit is made of any material from a group consisting of plastic resin, metal or alloy.
10. The two wheeled vehicle as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the vehicle includes a hybrid vehicle and a vehicle equipped with an engine having automated manual transmission.