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

TITLE OF INVENTION
A Saddle Type Vehicle

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

PREAMBLE TO THE DESCRIPTION
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention generally relates to a saddle type vehicle and particularly relates to a battery accommodation structure of the saddle type vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Constantly rising fuel costs and concerns regarding climate change has affected customer choice and promoted use of alternate energy sources for transport. With advancements in technology, electric and hybrid electric vehicles have become cheaper to acquire, own and maintain for customers. Thus, electric and hybrid electric vehicles have become sustainable and lucrative options in comparison to conventional internal combustion vehicles in current market scenario. Electric vehicles are typically driven by a motor which draws power from an energy source like a battery. Hybrid electric vehicles, on the other hand, are powered by an internal combustion engine as well as an energy source like the battery, depending upon requirements of a rider of the vehicle and based on predetermined conditionalities.
[003] Consequently, usage of electric or hybrid two-wheeled vehicles for commuting has emerged as an alternative to traditional internal combustion two-wheeled vehicles. However, one challenge existing in using the electric two-wheeled vehicles is the range of distance the vehicle can travel on a single charge of a battery pack of the vehicle. This is a cause of anxiety to a user of the vehicle as range, charging times and location of charging stations need to be kept in mind while using the vehicle over longer distances. Further, in case of battery failure it becomes a tedious task for the user to replace the battery. The user will have to wait till the fault in the battery is fixed before being able to use the vehicle.
[004] Swappable batteries are a solution to the range problem in electric two-wheeled vehicles. Since electric two-wheeled vehicles use comparatively smaller batteries, the battery once totally discharged may be swapped by the user for a fully charged battery at a battery swapping station. This way the user will not have to plug in the electric two-wheeled vehicle for a prolonged time period to charge the batteries. In conventional designs of electric scooter type two wheeled vehicles, the battery or batteries for providing motive force to the vehicle are located either under a seat or under a floorboard of the vehicle or both. These dispositions are not user friendly and occupy a lot of space. Usually, the batteries that are placed under the floorboard are not swappable. The batteries that are located under the seat may be removed by opening the seat. However, the provision of battery under the seat and its removability provision encroaches into storage space available in a utility box provided under the seat.
[005] Thus, there is a need in the art for a saddle type vehicle having a convenient battery swapping mechanism which addresses at least the aforementioned problems and limitations.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[006] In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a saddle type vehicle. The vehicle includes a frame structure, a seat and a battery accommodation structure. The frame structure supports a front wheel and a rear wheel of the vehicle to be spaced apart in a vehicle front rear direction. The seat is disposed upwardly of the rear wheel and is adapted to accommodate a rider of the vehicle. The battery accommodation structure is disposed between the front wheel and the rear wheel and downwardly of the seat. In an embodiment, the battery accommodation structure is provided downwardly of the seat and in front of the seat. The battery accommodation structure includes a base member and at least one door member. The base member is supported on the frame structure and the at least one door member is mounted to the base member in a hinged manner. Further, the door member is capable of being operable between an open state and a closed state, such that a battery stored in the battery accommodation structure can be accessed in the open state of the door member. The door member is adapted to open in a vehicle width direction.
[007] In an embodiment, the door member includes a bottom plate and a side plate. The bottom plate is disposed upwardly of the base member and has a distal edge towards outside of the vehicle in the vehicle width direction. The side plate extends orthogonally upward from the distal edge of the bottom plate.
[008] In an embodiment, a base portion of the battery is supported by the bottom plate of the door member. In another embodiment, the door member is adapted for the battery to slide along the side plate for removing the battery from or placing the battery in the battery accommodation structure in the open state of the door member.
[009] In an embodiment, the side plate of the door member includes a first set of grooves on its sliding surface where the battery slides. The battery comprises a second set of grooves on its surface which slides on the side plate, such that the first set of grooves match with the corresponding second set of grooves to allow for clean sliding of the battery on the side plate. In another embodiment, the bottom plate of the door member includes one or more brackets at its distal edge. The one or more brackets are adapted to mount the door member to the base member in the hinged manner.
[010] In an embodiment, the bottom plate of the door member includes a plurality of cushion stoppers which are disposed between the bottom plate and the base member. The plurality of cushion stoppers allows the bottom plate to rest on the base member in the closed state of the door member.
[011] In an embodiment, the battery accommodation structure includes a locking mechanism configured to arrest the door member in the closed state when the locking mechanism is engaged. In another embodiment, the battery accommodation structure includes a plurality of springs. Each of the plurality of springs has its one end attached to the base member and its other end attached to the door member. The plurality of springs is adapted to open the door member and maintain the open state of the door member when the locking mechanism is disengaged.
[012] In an embodiment, the battery accommodation structure includes a pair of left and right door members. In another embodiment, the saddle type vehicle further includes a plurality of batteries which are adapted to be removed from or placed in the battery accommodation structure via the pair of left and right door members.
[013] In another embodiment, the saddle type vehicle includes a floorboard which is disposed between the front wheel and the rear wheel of the vehicle so as to be downwardly of the seat and in front of the seat. The battery accommodation structure is disposed on the floorboard.
[014] In yet another embodiment, the frame structure includes a head tube at a front portion of the vehicle and a main tube. The head tube is operably connected to the front wheel and a handlebar of the vehicle. The main tube extends rearwardly from the head tube to be disposed above the battery accommodation structure. The main tube then bends downwardly at a rear of the battery accommodation structure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[015] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.
Figure 1 illustrates a side elevation view of an exemplary saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 illustrates a side perspective view of the saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 illustrates a side perspective view of the saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary battery accommodation structure of the saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 illustrates a rear elevation view of the battery accommodation structure of the saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 illustrates a rear elevation view of the battery accommodation structure of the saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 7 illustrates a rear elevation view of the battery accommodation structure of the saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[016] Various features and embodiments of the present invention here will be discernible from the following further description thereof, set out hereunder. In the ensuing exemplary embodiments, the saddle type vehicle is a two wheeled electric 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.
[017] The present invention generally relates to a saddle type vehicle 10 and particularly relates to a battery accommodation structure 100 of the saddle type vehicle 10. In the following description the term vehicle has been interchangeably used with the term saddle type vehicle in the interest of brevity.
[018] Figure 1 illustrates a side elevation view of an exemplary saddle type vehicle 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. As illustrated, the vehicle 10 is a scooter type two wheeled vehicle. However, it may be contemplated that the saddle type vehicle 10 can be any kind of saddle type vehicle. Thus, the example of the scooter type two wheeled vehicle illustrated in Figure 1 should not be meant to limit the scope of the present invention.
[019] The vehicle 10 includes a frame structure extending in a vehicle front rear direction F-R. The frame structure provides structural support for the vehicle 10 and is adapted to mount one or more vehicular components of the vehicle 10. In an embodiment, the frame structure includes a head tube (not shown) at a front portion of the vehicle 10. The head tube supports a steering shaft (not shown) and a front suspension 52 is attached to the steering shaft. The front suspension 52 supports a front wheel 36 which is adapted to steer the vehicle 10. A handlebar 62 is fixed to a top portion of the steering shaft and can rotate the steering shaft for changing direction of the vehicle 10. The frame structure also includes a main tube 24 extending rearwardly from the head tube. A rear suspension 54 (shown in Figure 2) is provided at a rear portion of the frame structure 20 for dampening the vibrations induced during travel of the vehicle 10 over undulations. A rear wheel 38 is supported by the rear suspension 54.
[020] In an embodiment, the front wheel 36 is covered at its upper portion by a front fender 46. A rear fender 48 is disposed above the rear wheel 38. In the illustrated embodiment, the vehicle 10 also has a pair of front and rear tyre huggers 49a, 49b (shown in Figure 2). A taillamp (not shown) is disposed at a rear end of the vehicle 10. Further, a seat 40 which is adapted to accommodate a rider of the vehicle 10 is disposed rearwardly of the handlebar 62 and supported by the frame structure. A pillion handle (not shown) is provided for facilitating a pillion rider to grip and/or balance on the vehicle 10 during movement. The vehicle 10 also includes a plurality of body panels for styling, including a front panel, a handlebar cover (not shown), right and left rear side panels (not shown), etc. The front panel is constituted of vanward panel 42a and a hindward panel 42b which are coupled together to enclose the head tube and other vehicular components mounted in its proximity. A cut-out is provided in the hindward panel 42b and the main tube 24 extends rearwardly through the cut-out. In the illustrated embodiment, the vehicle 10 includes a floorboard 44 (shown in Figure 2) disposed between the front wheel 36 and the rear wheel 38. In an embodiment, the floorboard 44 is provided downwardly of and in front of the seat 40 and is adapted to receive feet of a user of the vehicle 10.
[021] The vehicle 10 includes a prime mover (not shown) to provide motive force to the rear wheel 38. The rear wheel 38 is operatively coupled to the prime mover and is adapted to propel the vehicle 10 under motive force provided by the prime mover. The prime mover is mounted to the frame structure at a lower portion of the frame structure. In an embodiment, the vehicle 10 is a pure electric vehicle and the prime mover is an electric motor. In another embodiment, the vehicle 10 is a hybrid electric vehicle and the prime mover is an Internal Combustion (IC) engine. When the IC engine is the prime mover, a motor is adapted to provide supplementary motive force to the rear wheel 38. The motor may work in isolation or in conjunction with the prime mover to provide motive force to the rear wheel 38 for propelling the vehicle 10. A suitable transmission (not shown) is provided to operatively couple the prime mover and the supplementary mover to the rear wheel 38 for transferring motive force generated onto the rear wheel 38 for driving the vehicle 10. In an embodiment, the vehicle 10 includes a storage compartment (not shown) disposed below the seat 40 for storing one or more articles such as helmet.
[022] Figure 2 illustrates a side perspective view of the saddle type vehicle 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. Figure 3 illustrates a side perspective view of the saddle type vehicle 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the vehicle 10 includes a battery accommodation structure 100 disposed between the front wheel 36 and the rear wheel 38 of the vehicle 10. In an embodiment, the battery accommodation structure 100 is provided so as to be disposed downwardly of the seat 40 and in front of the seat 40. In another embodiment, the battery accommodation structure 100 is provided in between the hindward panel 42b and the seat 40. In yet another embodiment, the battery accommodation structure 100 is disposed on the floorboard 44. The floorboard 44 is adapted to have the battery accommodation structure 100 in the centre with area for receiving the feet of the user on either side of the battery accommodation structure 100. The main tube 24 extends rearwardly from the head tube to be disposed above the battery accommodation structure 100, and the main tube 24 then bends downwardly at a rear of the battery accommodation structure 100. In an embodiment, the battery accommodation structure 100 is covered at its top by style panels covering the main tube 24.
[023] Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary battery accommodation structure 100 of the saddle type vehicle 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The battery accommodation structure 100 includes a base member 110 and at least one door member 120. The base member 110 is supported on the frame structure of the vehicle 10. In an embodiment, the base member 110 is disposed in the floorboard 44 of the vehicle and is enveloped on either side by style panels of the floorboard 44. The floorboard 44 is provided with a cut-out to receive the base member 110. The door member 120 is mounted to the base member 110 in a hinged manner. The door member 120 is capable of being operable between an open state and a closed state such that a battery (not shown) stored in the battery accommodation structure 100 can be accessed in the open state of the door member 120. The closed state of the door member 120 is illustrated in Figures 2 and 5, and the open state of the door member 120 is illustrated in Figures 3 and 6. The door member 120 is adapted to open in a vehicle width direction W (shown in Figure 2). In an embodiment, the door member 120 includes a bottom plate 122 and a side plate 128. The bottom plate 122 is disposed upwardly of the base member 110. In an embodiment, the bottom plate 122 is parallel to the base member 110. In another embodiment, the bottom plate is of such a length and breadth that it matches with dimensions of the battery to accommodate the battery easily. Further, the bottom plate 122 has a distal edge 124 towards outside of the vehicle 10 in the vehicle width direction W. The distal end 124 of the bottom plate is an outer end of the bottom plate, either towards a left or a right side extreme of the bottom plate in the vehicle width direction W. The side plate 128 extends orthogonally upward from the distal edge 124 of the bottom plate 122. Thus, the bottom plate 122 and the side plate 124 are substantially perpendicular to each other. In another embodiment, the bottom plate 122 and the side plate 124 is at an obtuse angle with each other.
[024] Figure 5 illustrates a rear elevation view of the battery accommodation structure 100 of the saddle type vehicle 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The base portion of the battery is supported by the bottom plate 122 of the door member 120. The door member 120 is adapted for the battery to slide along the side plate 128 for removing the battery from or placing the battery in the battery accommodation structure 100 in the open state of the door member 120. The user can lift and remove a discharged battery from the battery accommodation structure 100 by sliding it upward along the side plate 124 and can lower and place a charged battery in the battery accommodation structure 100 by sliding it downward along the side plate 124. Thus, the discharged battery can be easily swapped for a charged battery by the user in the open state of the door member 120. When the door member 122 is in the closed state, weight of the battery is supported by the bottom plate 122. When the door member 120 is in the open state, the base portion of the battery rests on the bottom plate 122 and a face of the battery rests on the side plate 124. Thus, in the open state of the door member 120, weight of the battery is distributed between the bottom plate 122 and the side plate 124.
[025] In an embodiment, the side plate 128 of the door member 120 has a first set of grooves (not shown) on its sliding surface where the battery slides, i.e., on an inner surface of the side plate 128. The battery has a second set of grooves on its surface which slides on the side plate 128. The first set of grooves of the side plate 128 and the second set of grooves of the battery match with each other to allow the battery to be slid in and out of the battery accommodation structure 100 without any slipping in the vehicle front rear direction F-R. The first and second set of grooves also act as a locator to ensure that the battery is placed in the battery accommodation structure 100 in the correct alignment.
[026] Figure 6 illustrates a rear elevation view of the battery accommodation structure 100 of the saddle type vehicle 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The bottom plate 122 of the door member 120 has a plurality of cushion stoppers 130 disposed on its lower surface. The plurality of cushion stoppers 130 are adapted to be disposed between the bottom plate 122 and the base member 110 in the closed state of the door member 120. The plurality of cushion stoppers 130 allow the bottom plate 122 to rest on the base member 110 in a safe manner. The plurality of cushion stoppers 130 absorb the impact of the closing of the door member 120 and also reduces road vibrations transmitted to the frame from creeping into the batteries stored in the battery accommodation structure 100. In an embodiment, the battery accommodation structure 100 includes a locking mechanism (not shown) which is adapted to arrest the door member 120 in the closed state when the locking mechanism is engaged. This ensures that the door member 120 will not open up accidentally while the vehicle 10 is in use.
[027] In another embodiment, the battery accommodation structure 100 includes a plurality of springs 132. Each spring 132 has its one end attached to the base member 110 and its other end attached to the door member 120. The plurality of springs 132 are adapted to open the door member 120 when the locking mechanism is disengaged. Further, once the door member 120 is opened, the plurality of springs 132 maintains the open state of the door member 120 so that the battery can be easily removed or placed in the battery accommodation structure 100. In an embodiment, the door member 120 is pushed inwardly in the vehicle width direction W to bring the door member 120 to the closed state after the battery is removed from or placed in the battery accommodation structure 100 as the case may be, and the locking mechanism is engaged to secure the door member 120 in the closed state.
[028] Figure 7 illustrates a rear elevation view of the battery accommodation structure 100 of the saddle type vehicle 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The bottom plate 122 of the door member 120 has one or more brackets 126 at its distal edge 124 which protrude outwardly in the vehicle width direction W. The one or more brackets 126 is adapted to mount the door member 120 to the base member 110 in the hinged manner. As illustrated in Figure 4, the cut-out provided in the floorboard 44 of the vehicle 10 has a clearance to accommodate movement of door member 120 and the one or more brackets 126 while opening or closing the door member 120.
[029] In an embodiment, the battery accommodation structure 100 includes a pair of left and right door members 120L, 120R (shown in Figure 5) each adapted to open outwardly in the vehicle width direction W in the left and right directions respectively. In another embodiment, the vehicle 10 has a plurality of batteries adapted to be removed from or placed in the battery accommodation structure 100 via the pair of left and right door members 120L, 120R.
[030] Advantageously, the present claimed invention provides a saddle type vehicle having a battery accommodation structure which enables battery swapping. The claimed configurations of the saddle type vehicle as discussed above are not routine, conventional, or well understood in the art, as the claimed configurations of the saddle type vehicle enable the following solutions to the existing problems in conventional technologies. The battery accommodation structure of the vehicle has door members that open and close to expose the batteries of the vehicle. This offers convenient and easy swapping of the batteries. The discharged batteries can be swapped for charged batteries by the user with ease. This offers a quick solution by circumventing the need for charging batteries for long hours. Further, in case battery charging provisions are not available in parking areas of the vehicle, the battery can be removed, remotely charged and placed back inside the vehicle. This makes charging more accessible. Further, since the battery is placed in a location over the floorboard, utility space under the seat of the vehicle can be retained.
[031] 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 saddle type vehicle (10) comprising:
a frame structure supporting a front wheel (36) and a rear wheel (38) of the vehicle (10) spaced apart in a vehicle front rear direction (F-R);
a seat (40) disposed upwardly of the rear wheel (38) and configured to accommodate a rider of the vehicle (10); and
a battery accommodation structure (100) disposed between the front wheel (36) and the rear wheel (38) so as to be downwardly of the seat (40) and in front of the seat (40), the battery accommodation structure (100) including
a base member (110) being supported on the frame structure; and
at least one door member (120) mounted to the base member (110) in a hinged manner,
the door member (120) capable of being operable between an open state and a closed state, wherein a battery stored in the battery accommodation structure (100) can be accessed in the open state of the door member (120) and the door member (120) is configured to open in a vehicle width direction (W).

2. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the door member (120) comprises: a bottom plate (122) disposed upwardly of the base member (110), the bottom plate (122) having a distal edge (124) towards outside of the vehicle (10) in the vehicle width direction (W), and a side plate (128) extending orthogonally upward from the distal edge (124) of the bottom plate (122).

3. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 2, wherein a base portion of the battery is supported by the bottom plate (122) of the door member (120).

4. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the door member (120) is configured for the battery to slide along the side plate (128) for removing the battery from or placing the battery in the battery accommodation structure (100) in the open state of the door member (120).

5. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the side plate (128) of the door member (120) comprises a first set of grooves on its sliding surface where the battery slides, and the battery comprises a second set of grooves on its surface which slides on the side plate (128), the first set of grooves configured to match with the corresponding second set of grooves.

6. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the bottom plate (122) of the door member (120) comprises one or more brackets (126) at its distal edge (124), the one or more brackets (126) configured to mount the door member (120) to the base member (110) in the hinged manner.

7. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the bottom plate (122) of the door member (120) comprises a plurality of cushion stoppers (130) configured to be disposed between the bottom plate (122) and the base member (110) to allow the bottom plate (122) to rest on the base member (110) in the closed state of the door member (120).

8. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the battery accommodation structure (100) comprises a locking mechanism configured to arrest the door member (120) in the closed state when the locking mechanism is engaged.

9. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the battery accommodation structure (100) comprises a plurality of springs (132), each spring (132) having its one end attached to the base member (110) and its other end attached to the door member (120), the plurality of springs (132) configured to open the door member (120) and maintain the open state of the door member (120) when the locking mechanism is disengaged.

10. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the battery accommodation structure (100) comprises a pair of left and right door members (120L, 120R).

11. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 10 comprising a plurality of batteries configured to be removed from or placed in the battery accommodation structure (100) via the pair of left and right door members (120L, 120R).

12. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1 comprising a floorboard (44) disposed between the front wheel (36) and the rear wheel (38) so as to be downwardly of the seat (40) and in front of the seat (40), the battery accommodation structure (100) being disposed on the floorboard (44).

13. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the frame structure comprises: a head tube at a front portion of the vehicle (10), the head tube operably connected to the front wheel (36) and a handlebar of the vehicle (10); and a main tube (24) extending rearwardly from the head tube to be disposed above the battery accommodation structure (100), and the main tube (24) bending downwardly at a rear of the battery accommodation structure (100).

Dated this 02nd day of August 2022
TVS MOTOR COMPANY LIMITED
By their Agent & Attorney

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