DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter relates generally to a layout of a battery assembly. More particularly but not exclusively, the present subject matter relates to a detachable battery assembly in a vehicle.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Nowadays, with increasing global warming, depletion of fossil fuels, there is advancement in the technology such as an electric or hybrid electric based systems. For example, an electric vehicle or hybrid vehicles which uses one or more battery assemblies that provides electrical power to run a motor which in turn rotates one or more wheels of the vehicle. The battery assembly are mounted in the vehicle by plurality of fixing or clamps. Conventionally, the battery assembly is fixed in the vehicle due to which the battery cannot be moved and docked somewhere else. However, due to various limitation relating to charging, servicing, and accessibility the demand for swappable batteries aroused in the industry. The swappable batteries allow portability, servicing, and accessibility as needed. Specially, for charging or servicing, the battery assembly are dismounted from the vehicle. With increasing demand for ecofriendly vehicles, the demand of high-power batteries such as lithium-ion batteries have increased. The lithium-ion batteries are bulky and large, therefore, even though the vehicles have provision of swappable batteries, it becomes difficult to access, and dismount the batteries without expertise.
[0003] Interest in electrically powered vehicles, including but not limited to electrically powered motorcycles and scooters, is increasing due to the rising costs, and environmental impacts of fossil fuel-powered vehicles. Nowadays, with increasing global warming, depletion of fossil fuels, there is advancement in the technology such as an electric or hybrid electric based systems. For example, an electric vehicle or hybrid vehicles uses one or more battery assemblies to provide electrical power to run a motor which in turn rotates one or more wheels of the vehicle. In general, as per current state of art it takes around seven to eight hours for charging a battery assembly to its full capacity. Even if with fast charging technology the approximate time for charging a vehicle battery assembly is four to five hours. This is a long awaiting duration for the rider to ride the vehicle efficiently. Therefore, to cut down the need for waiting time, the concept of swappable batteries evolved across the industry. Wherein when one of the battery assemblies has been discharged, the same can we replaced by another fully charged battery assembly. Additionally, the swappable batteries allow portability, servicing, and accessibility as needed specially for charging or servicing. To charge, or service, the battery assemblies are removed or dismounted from the vehicle.
[0004] The battery assembly comprises a plurality of pins for transmission of electrical power for charging or discharging of the battery. More specifically, the battery assembly comprises female connector and a male connector. For transmission of the electrical power, the female connecter connects to the male connector. To swap the battery assemblies, the male connector and the female connector needs to be disengaged every time as the battery is mounted or dismounted. This deteriorates the durability of the plurality of pins which leads to high maintenance, frequent servicing, inefficient functioning of the vehicle, and hefty economic expenses. Even a small damage or bend in any of the plurality of pins is sufficient to cause malfunction of the whole battery assembly.
[0005] Furthermore, in a vehicle, especially in a two wheeled vehicle, there is limited space availability. Therefore, it is even more challenging for a user to accommodate his/her hands in such a tiny space for disengaging the plurality of pins so that he/she can dismount the heavy battery assembly and gain engage the plurality of pins while swapping with another battery assembly. In addition, it is not safe for the user to dismount the plurality of pins of such a high voltage battery by bare hand as it may injure the hands due to electric shock, or due to limited availability of space.
[0006] Additionally, a high-density battery assembly such as a lithium-ion batteries are required for efficient operation of the vehicle The lithium-ion batteries are bulky and large, therefore, even though the vehicles have provision of swappable batteries, it becomes difficult to access, and dismount the batteries without excessive effort. It is a challenging task to remove the battery every time the battery requires charging or servicing.
[0007] Therefore, there is need for a swappable battery assembly which can efficiently overcome the above stated challenges of the prior art. More specifically, there is need of a system which can enable easy swapping of the battery assembly without damage to any of the parts of the battery assembly and the vehicle, thereby ensuring prolonged durability of the battery assembly and efficient functioning of the vehicle. Furthermore, there is also a need of a battery assembly which can be dismounted from the vehicle without any discomfort to the user.

SUMMARY
[0008] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.
[0009] An aspect of the swappable battery assembly comprises a movable platform (also referred to as a movable platform/platform throughout the length of this document). A battery module is detachably disposed on the movable platform. The battery module is disposed movably onto at least one guiding element. The at least one guiding element is adapted to enable rolling of the movable platform. The at least one guiding element includes a guide rail and at least one roller. A handle holder is provided on the movable platform that is adapted to enable holding of the movable platform by a person or a hook such that on application of a force at the handle holder the movable platform rolls along a direction of said the applied on the at least one guiding element.
[00010] In an embodiment, the battery module comprises a first connector that has a plurality of pins disposed on it. A second connector is also provided with receptive openings disposed within the second connector to receive the plurality of pins of the first connector to form an electrical coupling. The second connector is adapted to automatically attach with the first connector. A switch is provided to actuate magnetization of the second connector. The switch is configured to magnetize the first connector and automatically establish the electrical coupling between the first connector and the second connector (102) on the switch being in closed position. The second connector may preferably be made of a ferromagnetic material.
[00011] In yet another embodiment, the first connector may be comprised of a coil winding such that actuation of the switch enables flow of electrical energy through the coil winding.
[00012] In yet another embodiment, the second connector includes a reception portion may be configured with receptive openings, a guiding portion. The guiding portion may be configured to guide movement of the receptive portions.
[00013] In yet another embodiment, the battery module may comprise a handle for holding the battery module.
[00014] In yet another embodiment, the switch may be provided at a top portion of the battery module.
[00015] In yet another embodiment, the movable platform comprises a holding structure that is adapted to lock the battery module firmly to the swappable battery assembly.
[00016] Yet another aspect of the present disclosure pertains to a method for swapping a battery module of a swappable battery assembly. The method includes dismounting the battery module from the swappable battery assembly. The step of dismounting the battery module includes switching OFF a switch on the battery module to stop flow of electric power through a first connector of the battery module. The first connector is automatically disengaged from a second connector disposed on the battery module. After disengaging the battery module, sliding outwards, the movable platform that houses the battery module on the guiding element, to pull the battery module outwards. The disengaged and removed battery is then pulled out the battery module from the movable platform and separated from the assembly.
[00017] In an embodiment, the step of swapping include mounting the battery module on the swappable battery assembly, wherein mounting the battery module on the swappable battery assembly comprises disposing the battery module on the movable platform. After positioning the battery assembly on the movable platform, engaging the second connector with the first connector to form an electrical coupling. Ater establishment of the electrical coupling switching ON the switch provided on the battery module for flow of electricity through the first connector.
[00018] Yet another aspect of the present disclosure pertains to a vehicle comprising a swappable battery assembly. The swappable battery assembly comprises a movable platform (also referred to as a movable platform/platform throughout the length of this document). A battery module is detachably disposed on the movable platform. The battery module is disposed movably onto at least one guiding element. The at least one guiding element is adapted to enable rolling of the movable platform. The at least one guiding element includes a guide rail and at least one roller. A handle holder is provided on the movable platform that is adapted to enable holding of the movable platform by a person or a hook such that on application of a force at the handle holder the movable platform rolls along a direction of said the applied on the at least one guiding element. The movable platform within the vehicle forms a holding structure that is adapted to lock the battery module firmly to the swappable battery assembly.
[00019] In an embodiment, the movable platform comprises a plurality of battery holding fixtures for holding the battery module.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[00020] The present invention is described with reference to a swappable battery assembly and a method thereof, for an exemplary embodiment along with the accompanying drawings. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to similar features and components.
[00021] Fig 1 exemplarily illustrates a swappable battery assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[00022] Fig 2 (a) and Fig 2(b) exemplarily illustrates essential elements of the swappable battery assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[00023] Fig 3 (a) and Fig 3 (b) exemplarily illustrates essential elements of the swappable battery assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[00024] Fig 4 exemplarily illustrates a flow chart of method of swapping battery modules in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00025] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a layout of a battery assembly. More particularly but not exclusively, the present subject matter relates to a detachable battery assembly in a vehicle. Easy swapping of the batteries will allow ease of charging, ease of servicing, and accessibility.
[00026] Taking note of the above, it is an objective of the present invention to provide a swappable battery assembly and a method thereof which can enable effortless, and failsafe dismounting and mounting of the battery assemblies while swapping the batteries. The present invention attempts to enhance durability, serviceability, ease of assembly, handling and comfort for the riders while handling the battery.
[00027] It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide an ease of lifting the battery assembly such that the battery assemblies can be pulled out of the vehicle effortlessly by the user.
[00028] As per an aspect of the present invention, a swappable battery assembly (sometimes referred to as assembly) comprises a battery module. The battery module comprises a first connector having plurality of pins. The first connector is also a male connector. The assembly also includes a second connector which is being configured with receptive openings to accommodate the plurality of pins of the first connector. More specifically, the second connector is a female connector. The second connector is configured with a magnetism property which gets attracted towards magnets. More certainly, the second connector is made up of ferromagnetic materials. The first connector is configured with a coil winding, which gets magnetized when electricity is flown through the coil. The battery module comprises a switch which enables flow of electricity through the coil windings in the first connector. When the switch is in ON mode, then electricity passed through the coil windings making the coil windings acts as a magnet. Thereby the second connector made up of ferromagnetic material is attracted towards the coil windings. This attraction enables accurate positioning of the plurality of pins of the first connector on the receptive openings of the second connector. When the battery module needs to be dismounted from the vehicle, the switch is turned OFF, which stops the flow of electric from the coils of the first connects due to which the first connector loses the magnetic properties. This disengages the second connector from the first connector.
[00029] As per an aspect of the present invention, the second connector is configured with a receptive portion. The receptive portion is the core of the connector which has the receptive openings. The second connector also includes a guide portion, which guides the movement of the receptive portions for appropriate positioning of the plurality of pins in the openings.
[00030] As per an aspect of the present, the assembly comprises a movable platform; a battery module being disposed on the movable platform; a guiding element which enables rolling of the movable platform in the vehicle. The assembly also includes handle holder, which enables holding of the platform for rolling on the guiding element along a direction of force applied.
[00031] As per an aspect of the present invention, the method of dismounting the battery module from the assembly comprises of few steps. At first the switch of the battery module is turned off to stop the flow of electricity from the coil windings of the first connector. This stops the magnetic property of the could winding, which eventually disengages the first connector and the second connector. For the mounting of another battery module in the vehicle, the battery module is first disposed on the platform. After proper positioning of the battery module, the switch on the battery modules is turned ON, which enables flow of electric power from the first connector. Thus, eventually magnetizing the first connector thereby the second connector made of ferromagnetic material is engaged automatically with the first connector. Thus, the assembly ensures that the battery modules can be swapped without manual intervention for engaging or disengaging the connectors of the battery assembly.
[00032] The present subject matter is further described with reference to the accompanying figures. It should be noted that the description and figures merely illustrate the principles of the present subject matter. Various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, encompass the principles of the present subject matter. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and examples of the present subject matter, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
[00033] The foregoing disclosure is not intended to limit the present disclosure to the precise forms or fields of use disclosed. As such, it is contemplated that various alternate embodiments and/or modifications to the present disclosure, whether explicitly described or implied herein, are possible considering the disclosure. Having thus described embodiments of the present disclosure, a person of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Thus, the present disclosure is limited only by the claims.
[00034] Fig 1 exemplarily illustrates a swappable battery assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The swappable battery assembly (100) comprises a battery module (106) which is disposed on a platform (108). The battery module comprises a first connector (104), a handle (114). The first connector (104) is a male connector which has plurality of pins (104a). The platform (108) comprises a handle holder (110) and a pair guiding elements (112) on both sides. The guiding element (112) comprises of plurality of rollers (not shown) which enables easy rolling of the platform (108). The handle holder (110) provides the grip to the user for ease of rolling the platform (108). Since the platform (108) can be rolled forwards and backwards in the vehicle, the user can effortlessly pullout the heavy battery module (106) while swapping. As per an embodiment of the platform can be roller in the guiding element (112) in horizontal, vertical, or inclined direction. The assembly (100) also comprises a second connector (102) which is a receptive connector i.e., a female connector having a plurality of receptive openings (shown in fig 2(a)). The second connector (102) is configured to accommodate the plurality of pins of the first connector (104) in the plurality of receptive openings for flow of electrical energy during battery modules (106) charging or discharging. Further, the assembly (100) also comprises of a switch (116) provided on the top portion of the battery module for ease of accessibility.
[00035] Fig 2 (a) and Fig 2(b) exemplarily illustrates essential elements of the swappable battery assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The Fig 2 (a) and Fig 2(b) are explained together for comprehensive understanding of the invention. The battery module (106) comprises the first connector (104) having plurality of pins (104a). The first connector (104) is a male connector having a plurality of pins (104a) which protrudes. The second connector (102) is being configured with plurality of receptive openings (102a) to accommodate the plurality of pins (104a) of the first connector (104). The second connector (102) is configured with a magnetism property which gets attracted towards magnets. More certainly, a core portion of the second connector (102) is made up of ferromagnetic materials due to which the second connector (102) is capable of being attracted towards a magnet. On the other side, the first connector (104) is configured with a coil winding (not shown) at the core portion. The coil winding which gets magnetic in nature when electricity is flown through the coils. The switch (116) of the battery module (106) enables flow of electricity through the coil windings when the switch is in ON condition. Thereby the electricity passing through the coil winding enables the first connector (104) to exhibit magnetic properties. The second connector (102) made up of ferromagnetic material is attracted towards the first connector due to magnetic force. This attraction of the first connector (104) and the second connector (102) enables accurate positioning of the plurality of pins (104a) on the plurality of receptive openings (102a). When the battery module (106) is required to be dismounted from the vehicle, the switch (116) is turned OFF by the user. This stops the flow of electric from the coils of the first connector (104) due to which the first connector loses the magnetic properties. The loss of magnetic property by the first connector (104) assists in disengaging the second connector (102) and the first connector (104) automatically. Thus, the swappable battery assembly as per the present invention ensures that the connectors of the battery modules (106) are engaged and disengaged automatically by an operation of an easily accessible switch (116). Therefore, the present invention ensures that the battery module (106) can be mounted and dismounted from the vehicle without manual intervention of disengaging the connectors hence, eliminating any discomfort or injury to the user. The second connector (102) is configured with a receptive portion having the receptive openings (102a). The second connector (102) also includes a guide portion (102b), which guides the movement of the receptive portions for appropriate positioning of the plurality of pins (104a) in the plurality of receptive openings (102a).
[00036] Fig 3 (a) and Fig 3 (b) exemplarily illustrates essential elements of the swappable battery assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The Fig 3 (a) and Fig 3 (b) are explained together for comprehensive understanding of the invention. The movable platform (108) comprises a holding structure (300) which is capable of holding the battery module (106) firmly to restrict the unwanted sliding or movement of the battery module (106) during vehicle running condition. The holding structure is an “I” shaped structure having two vertical and two horizontal side portions.
[00037] As per yet another embodiment of the present invention, the platform (108) comprises plurality of battery holding fixtures (302) for holding the battery module (106) firmly to restrict the movement of the battery module (106). The plurality of battery holding fixtures (302) are protruding portions on the platform (108) in all the direction such that battery module (106) is positioned at its appropriate position.
[00038] Fig 4 exemplarily illustrates a flow chart of method of swapping battery modules in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As per an aspect of the present invention, the method of dismounting the battery module from the assembly comprises of a few steps as explained herein. For dismounting (402) the battery module (106), the switch (116) of the battery module (106) is turned off (403) to stop the flow of electricity from the coil windings (405) of the first connector (104). This stops the magnetic property of the coil winding, which eventually automatically disengages (408) the first connector (104) and the second connector (102). For the mounting of another battery module in the vehicle (402), the battery module (106) is first positioned on the platform (108). After proper positioning of the battery module (108), the switch (116) is switched ON (116), which enables flow of electric power from the coil winding of the first connector (104) (406). Thus, eventually magnetizing the first connector (104) thereby the second connector (102) made of ferromagnetic material is engaged automatically with the first connector (106) (409). Thus, the assembly ensures that the battery modules can be swapped without manual intervention for engaging or disengaging the connectors of the battery assembly.
[00039] Therefore, the swappable battery assembly (100) enables installation and re-installation of batteries to and from the vehicle. The easy swapping of the batteries allows ease of charging under difficult charging circumstances or with constrained/limited charging resources. Furthermore, the simplified swap ability enabled by the handle, Furthermore, the guiding elements-based battery swapping and the automated attachment and detachment of the electrical connectors enable ease of servicing, and accessibility. The guided attachment and detachment enhance durability, serviceability, ease of assembly, handling and comfort for the riders while handling the battery. In addition, lifting the battery becomes convenient and easy because of the guiding element provided on the movable platform.
[00040] Furthermore, the step-by-step approach to dismounting the battery assembly (100) enables effortless, and failsafe dismounting and mounting of the battery assemblies while swapping the batteries.
[00041] The present invention successfully overcomes the challenges of the prior art. The present invention automatically engages and disengages the first connector (104) and the second connector (102) without manual intervention. Thus, the prolonged durability of the connectors is ensured. Further, the aggregate time for swapping the batteries is also reduced as compared to manual operation.
[00042] The present invention additionally, ensures highest safety to the user as direct interaction of the user with the electrical connectors positioned in a compact space is eliminated. The switch (116) being provided on the top portion of the battery module (106) provides easy accessibility. Since the present invention is being executed through to existing vehicle parts and simple design, the economic value of manufacturing, and assembly time is significantly less.
[00043] It is to be understood that the aspects of the embodiments are not necessarily limited to the features described herein. Many modifications and variations of the present subject matter are possible considering the above disclosure. Therefore, within the scope of claims of the present subject matter, the present disclosure may be practiced other than as specifically described.

List of Reference numerals
100 : Swappable battery assembly 102: Second connector
102a: Plurality of receptive openings 102b: Guide portion
104: First connector 104a: Plurality of pins
106: Battery module 108: Movable Platform
110: Handle holder 112: Pair guiding elements
114: Handle 116: Switch
300: Holding structure
302: Plurality of battery holding fixtures
400-409: Flow chart
,CLAIMS:We Claim:
1. A swappable battery assembly (100) comprising:
a movable platform (108);
a battery module (106), said battery module (106) being detachably disposed on said movable platform (108);
at least one guiding element (112), said at least one guiding element (112) being adapted to enable rolling of said movable platform (108);
a handle holder (110), said handle holder (110) being adapted to enable holding said movable platform (108) wherein,
on application of a force at said handle holder (110), said movable platform (108) rolls along a direction of said force on said at least one guiding element (112),
said battery module (106) comprising:
a first connector (104), said first connector (104) having a plurality of pins (104a);
a second connector (102) comprising receptive openings disposed within said second connector (102) to receive said plurality of pins (104a) to form an electrical coupling;
said second connector (102) being adapted to automatically attach with said first connector (104).
2. The swappable battery assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a switch (116) being provided to actuate magnetization of said second connector (102), said switch (116) being configured to magnetize said first connector (104) and automatically establish said electrical coupling between said first connector (104) and said second connector (102) on said switch (116) being in closed position.

3. The swappable battery assembly (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said first connector (104) being comprised of a coil winding such that actuation of said switch (116) enables flow of electrical energy through said coil winding.

4. The swappable battery assembly (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said second connector (102) being made of a ferromagnetic material.

5. The swappable battery assembly (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said second connector (102) comprises a reception portion configured with receptive openings, a guiding portion (102b), said guiding portion (102b) being configured to guide movement of said receptive portions.

6. The swappable battery assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said battery module (106) comprises a handle (114) for holding said battery module (106).

7. The swappable battery assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said at least one guiding element (112) includes a guide rail and at least one roller.

8. The battery module (106) of said swappable battery assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said switch (116) being provided at a top portion of said battery module (106).

9. The battery module (106) of said swappable battery assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said movable platform (108) comprises a holding structure (300) being adapted to lock said battery module (106) firmly to said swappable battery assembly (100).

10. A method for swapping a battery module (106) of a swappable battery assembly (100), said method comprising:
dismounting said battery module (106) from said swappable battery assembly, dismounting said battery module (106) includes:
switching OFF (403) a switch (116) on said battery module to stop flow of electric power through a first connector (104) of said battery module (106);
disengaging automatically (408), said first connector (104) from a second connector (102) disposed on said battery module (106);
sliding a movable platform (108) that houses said battery module (106), said movable platform (108) being slid on a guiding element (112) outwards away from said swappable battery assembly (100); and,
pulling out said battery module (106) from said movable platform (108).

11. The method for swapping a battery module (106) of said swappable battery assembly (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein swapping comprises:
mounting said battery module (106) on said swappable battery assembly (100), wherein mounting said battery module (106) on said swappable battery assembly (100) comprises:
disposing said battery module (106) on said movable platform (108);
engaging said second connector (102) with said first connector (104) to form an electrical coupling;
switching ON said switch (116) provided on said battery module (106) for flow of electricity through said first connector (102).

12. A vehicle comprising:
a swappable battery assembly (100), said swappable battery assembly (100) being comprised of:
a movable platform (108);
a battery module (106), said battery module (106) being detachably disposed on said movable platform (108);
at least one guiding element (112), said at least one guiding element (112) being adapted to enable rolling of said movable platform (108);
a handle holder (110), said handle holder (110) being adapted to enable holding said movable platform (108) such that on application of a force at said handle holder (110), said movable platform roll along a direction of said force on said at least one guiding element (112).

13. The vehicle as claimed in claim 12, wherein said movable platform (108) comprises a holding structure (300) being adapted to lock said battery module (106) firmly to said swappable battery assembly (100).

14. The vehicle as claimed in claim 12, wherein said movable platform (108) comprises a plurality of battery holding fixtures (302) for holding said battery module (106).