FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a modified chassis of an electric rickshaw. More particularly, the invention relates to an electric rickshaw chassis with a battery replacement module for reversibly attaching and replacing the battery unit safely without any risk of causing injury and eliminating need of long waiting hours for charging the batteries.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Electric rickshaws emerged as efficient alternative for public transport in countries concerned with the emissions caused by vehicles. Electric rickshaws are battery operated, environment friendly and less costly option for commuting from one place to another.
E-rickshaws typically comprises of an electric motor, a three wheeled frame and a battery bank. The electric motor used is usually a brushless DC motor. The battery bank includes four rechargeable batteries which are generally required to be recharged overnight. Currently, the E-rickshaw chassis have been designed in which the batteries are positioned in housing below the driver's seat.
The main drawback in the conventional design wherein the batteries are fixed is that the E-rickshaw is engaged while recharging the batteries. Further, the problem arises if the batteries get discharged in the daytime when people commute mostly and this causes monetary loss to the driver for the inability of E-rickshaw to run while batteries are recharging.
Also, the batteries installed in the E-rickshaw are considerably weighted and lifting a battery to move it from one place to another is a difficult task. An individual must lift a battery using a correct lifting technique otherwise involves the risk of back damage.

Although, there are battery replacement modules introduced for replacing batteries from battery operated vehicle. However, such arrangements are not adaptable for replacing battery module in an E-Rickshaw. US 5,760,569 discloses a system for "refueling" an electric vehicle includes a traction battery on a tray that is slidably disposed in a battery compartment of the vehicle and that is electrically connected to the traction motor of the vehicle. When the battery is depleted, the vehicle stops at an energy replenishment centre which stores charged replacement traction batteries. The traction battery is electrically disengaged from the motor and the tray in the vehicle is slid out of the vehicle onto a dolly or into a receptacle of a carousel. Then, the replacement battery tray, which is disposed on another dolly or in another receptacle of the carousel, is juxtaposed with the battery compartment and slid into the compartment. Next, the fresh battery is electrically engaged with the motor, and the vehicle quickly resumes its journey. The depleted battery is recharged at the energy replenishment centre and reused on a subsequent vehicle. The main drawback in this invention is that trolley used for battery replacement is static and not adjustable with the height of the electric vehicle. Also, this invention is limited for a particular type of electric vehicle that must have a defined arrangement of electrical contacts as given in this invention.
Therefore, there is a need to develop some technology that eliminates the need of waiting for hours till the batteries of the E-Rickshaw are charged. Also, there is need to develop some technology adaptable for all types of E-Rickshaw to make the replacement of batteries quick, hassle free and risk free method and system of removing and reinstalling these batteries.
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, the main object of the invention is to provide a modified E-rickshaw chassis.

Another object of the invention is to provide an E-rickshaw chassis having a reversibly attachable and detachable battery housing or casing.
Yet another object of the invention is to provide a battery housing to hold a battery bank with electrical contacts to allow connection between the battery housing and ignition system of the E-rickshaw.
Yet another object of the invention is to provide an E-rickshaw chassis having at least a pulley system to enable the battery unit removal and loading.
Yet another object of the invention is to provide an E-rickshaw chassis comprising: a reversibly attachable battery housing with wheels at its base, a battery trolley onto which slide the battery housing out of the E-rickshaw, a pulley system to drive out the battery housing and vice versa.
Yet another object of the invention is to provide a time saving and safe method of replacing the battery bank of the E-rickshaw.
Still another object of the invention is to provide a battery trolley comprising of at least two jacks operating independently, to manipulate the height of the platform of the battery and hence adaptable for every type of E-Rickshaw.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In an embodiment of the present invention is provided an E-rickshaw chassis comprising of a battery housing or casing with sliding and rolling means at its base; an access panel attached to the chassis from one side a side to open the chamber where battery housing is located, a battery trolley which is attached to the chassis at the time of either driving out i.e. dismounting or loading i.e. mounting the battery housing and a pulley system to drive the battery housing out of the chamber under the driver's seat and vice versa.

In yet another embodiment at least one battery housing is installed in a chamber under the driver's seat. Said chamber is provided with an access door which is attached to the chassis from one side. The battery housing is provided with wheels at its base such that it can slide over the battery trolley. The battery housing is replaceable with another battery housing wherein the battery bank is fully charged. The battery housing is provided with contacts so as to allow electrical connection between the batteries and ignition system of the E-rickshaw. Also, the battery housing has a frame such that the ropes of the pulley system can be attached or detached via an engaging means such as a spring hook clip.
In yet another embodiment at least one pulley system for sliding operation of the battery housing is installed comprising primarily of ropes coiled over pulley and at least one handle which is steered clockwise or counterclockwise to either remove i.e. dismount or load i.e. mount the battery housing. Also, the ropes of the said pulley system are provided with a engaging means such that they are attached to the frame of the battery housing.
In yet another embodiment the battery trolley is disclosed which is attached to the E-rickshaw chassis at the time of removing and loading the battery housing. The battery trolley comprises of a metallic trolley frame, handled jack and wheels. The height of the battery trolley can be adjusted though jack relative to the location of battery housing.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention a safe and time saving method for removal and replacement of battery housing is disclosed. With this method the E-rickshaw doesn't need to go out of service till the batteries are charging. In this method a height adjustable battery trolley is attached to the access door of the battery housing. Further, the battery housing is driven out using the pulley system such that it is placed on the battery trolley. Now, the ropes of the pulley system are detached from the battery housing. Therefore, the discharged battery bank is removed. The fully charged battery housing is brought on the battery trolley to the E-rickshaw. The battery housing is attached to the ropes of the pulley system and is driven inside the chamber under the driver's

seat. Hence, the E-rickshaw battery is replaced in a short time and the usage of battery trolley prevents any damage to the back of a person while lifting up the batteries for replacement.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
A complete understanding of the system and method of the present invention may be obtained by reference to the following drawings:
Figure 1 is a side view of the E-Rickshaw, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 2 is a perspective view of the E-rickshaw chassis, showing the battery housing;
Figure 3a is another perspective view of the E-rickshaw chassis, showing the battery housing driven out of the chamber and a battery trolley nearby;
Figure 3b is another perspective view of the E-Rickshaw chassis and battery trolley with battery bank placed on it;
Figure 4 is a perspective view of the battery trolley and its components; and
Figure 5 is an exploded view of the battery trolley elucidating its various components.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiment set forth herein. Rather, the embodiment is provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

In the main embodiment of the present invention, the proposed E-Rickshaw chassis comprises of a reversibly attachable battery housing 11 wherein a battery bank 12 is placed; an access door to the battery housing 11; a battery chamber 10 where battery housing 11 is located; a battery trolley 16 attached to the chassis assist in dismounting the battery housing 11 with discharged battery bank 12 and bringing the battery housing 11 with fully charged battery bank 12.
Figure 1 elucidates a side view of the E-Rickshaw with battery housing 11, a battery bank 12 placed in the battery housing 11, a battery chamber 10 under the driver's seat where battery housing 11 is located in the present invention.
In a most preferred embodiment, a battery replacement module for hassle free and safe replacement of discharged battery bank 12 with fully charged battery bank 12 within very less time in an E-Rickshaw comprises of:
a battery chamber 10 for storing at least one battery bank 12 to energize the E-Rickshaw and a battery housing 11 to hold at least one battery bank 12; and a battery trolley 16 to mount or dismount the battery bank 12 from the battery chamber 10;
wherein,
the battery housing 11 in the battery chamber 10 is slidably moved to be mounted
or dismounted via a pulley system;
the battery trolley 16, comprises of at least two jacks 13 operating independently,
to manipulate the height of the platform;
said battery trolley 16 is raised from the front side while mounting the battery
housing 11 out from the battery chamber 10; and
said battery trolley 16 is raised from the rear side while dismounting pulling the
battery housing 11 inside the battery chamber 10.
Here, the battery housing 11 is preferably a cuboidal metallic frame with plurality of wheels in the base, the pulley system comprises of at least one pulley fixed inside the battery chamber 10, a rope steered using at least one handle to mount

and dismount the battery housing 11 and at least engaging means preferably a spring hook clip to engage with the battery housing 11.
Figure 2 elucidates a perspective view of the E-Rickshaw chassis, showing the battery housing 11 along with the battery bank 12 located inside the battery chamber 10 under the driver's seat. The battery chamber 10 is the framework on which the driver's seat is built.
Figure 3a elucidates another perspective view of the E-Rickshaw chassis showing the battery housing 11 along with the battery bank 12 removed out of the chamber 10 for its replacement. A battery trolley 16 is placed near the battery housing 11 and the platform 17 of the trolley 16 is placed just below the battery housing 11 to mount or dismount the battery housing 11 from the battery chamber 10. The platform 17 is raised from the rear side 21 when the charged battery bank 12 is to be mounted in the battery chamber 10. And, the platform 17 of the battery trolley 16 is to be raised from the front side 20 when the discharged battery bank 12 is to be dismounted in the battery chamber 10.
Figure 3b elucidates another perspective view of the E-Rickshaw chassis and battery trolley 16 with battery bank 12 placed on it. In order to mount or dismount the battery bank 12, the front side 20 of the battery trolley 16 is brought near to the battery chamber 10. Then, the height of the battery trolley 16 is manipulated accordingly for mounting or dismounting the battery bank 12. In another preferred embodiment, a method for mounting the battery housing 11 from the battery chamber 10 comprises of:
leveling the height of the platform 17 of the battery trolley 16 to the height of
the battery chamber 10;
engaging the rope of the pulley with the battery housing 11 kept on the battery
trolley 16 using at least one hook;
raising the rear side 21 of the battery trolley 16 using the jack 13 and handle
15 for mounting; and
winding the rope of the pulley system for mounting the battery housing 11;

wherein,
the battery trolley 16, comprises of at least two jacks 13 operating independently,
to manipulate the height of the platform 17.
Further, a method for dismounting the battery housing 11 out from a battery chamber 10 comprises of:
leveling the height of the platform 17 of the battery trolley 16 to the height of
the battery chamber 10;
engaging the rope of the pulley with the battery housing 11 kept on the battery
trolley 16 using at least one hook;
raising the front side of the battery trolley 16 using the jack 13 and handle 15
for dismounting; and
unwinding the rope of the pulley system for dismounting the battery housing
ii;
wherein,
the battery trolley 16, comprises of at least two jacks 13 operating independently,
to manipulate the height of the platform 17.
Here, manipulating the height of the platform 17 comprises of leveling the height of the platform 17 of the battery trolley 16 with the height of the battery chamber 10, raising the front side 20 or raising the rear side 21 of the platform 17 of the battery trolley 16.
Figure 4 elucidates a perspective view of the battery trolley 16 used as a support for battery bank 12 removal and replacement. The battery trolley 16, comprises of at least two jacks 13 operating independently, to manipulate the height of the platform 17. Manipulating the height of the platform 17 comprises of leveling the height of the platform 17 of the battery trolley 16 with the height of the battery chamber 10, raising the front side 20 or raising the rear side 21 of the platform 17 of the battery trolley 16. Here, the platform 17 is preferably a metallic rectangular rod frame. The platform 17 includes but not limited to a solid platform, a metallic rod frame or a two parted platform. One out of the two side i.e. front side 20 or

rear side 21 of platform 17 is raised at a time while the other is kept fixed for mounting and dismounting operation.
Figure 5 elucidates an exploded view of the battery trolley showing the jacks 13 installed in the battery trolley for the adjustment of height of battery trolley in accordance with the E-rickshaw chassis, a handle 15 used to operate the jack 13 in the battery trolley 16 assembled on the front side 20 and rear side 21 of the battery trolley 16 and the wheels 14 attached in the battery trolley.
In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the invention provides a method of removal and replacement of the battery bank 12 located inside the reversibly attachable battery housing 11. The access door present on one side of the chamber 10 is opened and the battery trolley 16 is attached to the E-rickshaw chassis. The height of the battery trolley 16 is adjusted relative to the reversibly attachable battery housing 11 using a jack 13 installed in the battery trolley 16.
Further, the reversibly attachable battery housing 11 is driven out of the chamber 10 using a pulley system installed in the E-rickshaw chassis. The handle of the pulley system is steered such that the reversibly attachable battery housing 11 comes out of the chamber 10 and gets placed on the battery trolley. The ropes of the pulley system are detached from reversibly attachable battery housing 11. Hence, the reversibly attachable battery housing 11 along with the battery bank 12 is taken away for recharging.
Now, another reversibly attachable battery housing 11 that is completely charged is brought to the E-rickshaw chassis on the battery trolley 16. And, the ropes of the pulley system are attached to reversibly attachable battery housing 11. The handle of the pulley system is steered such that the reversibly attachable battery housing 11 is driven inside the chamber 10. The electrical contacts available on the reversibly attachable battery housing 11 make contact with the ignition system of the E-rickshaw.

Therefore, the discharged battery bank 12 is replaced with a completely charged battery bank 12 in a very short period of time and the E-rickshaw does not need to go out of service while the batteries are charging. In addition, the battery is replaced safely without causing any physical damage to the person.
Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention set forth herein will readily occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

We claim:
1. A battery replacement module for an E-Rickshaw chassis comprising of:
a battery chamber (10) for storing at least one battery bank (12) to energize
the E-Rickshaw and a battery housing (11) to hold at least one battery
bank (12); and
a battery trolley (16) to mount or dismount the battery bank (12) from the
battery chamber (10); wherein,
the battery housing (11) in the battery chamber (10) is slidably moved to be
mounted or dismounted via a pulley system;
the battery trolley (16), comprises of at least two jacks (13) operating
independently, to manipulate the height of the platform (17);
said battery trolley (16) is raised from the front side (20) while mounting
the battery housing (11) out from the battery chamber (10); and
said battery trolley (16) is raised from the rear side (21) while dismounting
pulling the battery housing (11) inside the battery chamber (10).
2. The battery replacement module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the battery bank (12) comprises a plurality of batteries interconnected.
3. The battery replacement module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the battery housing (11) is preferably a cuboidal metallic frame with plurality of wheels in the base.
4. The battery replacement module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pulley system comprises of at least one pulley fixed inside the battery chamber (10), a rope steered using at least one handle to mount and dismount the battery housing (11) and at least engaging means to engage with the battery housing (11).

5. The battery replacement module as claimed in claim 4, wherein the engaging means is preferably a spring clip hook.
6. The battery replacement module as claimed in claim 1, wherein, manipulating the height of the platform (17) comprises of leveling the height of the platform (17) of the battery trolley (16) with the height of the battery chamber (10), raising the front side (20) or raising the rear side (21) of the platform (17) of the battery trolley (16).
7. A method for mounting the battery housing (11) from the battery chamber (10) comprises of:
leveling the height of the platform (17) of the battery trolley (16) to the height of the battery chamber (10);
engaging the rope of the pulley with the battery housing (11) kept on the battery trolley (16) using at least one hook;
raising the rear side (21) of the battery trolley (16) using the jack (13) and handle (15) for mounting; and
winding the rope of the pulley system for mounting the battery housing (11);
wherein,
the battery trolley (16), comprises of at least two jacks (13) operating
independently, to manipulate the height of the platform (17).
8. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein, manipulating the height of the platform (17) comprises of leveling the height of the platform (17) of the battery trolley (16) with the height of the battery chamber (10), raising the front side (20) or raising the rear side (21) of the platform (17) of the battery trolley (16).
9. A method for dismounting the battery housing (11) out from a battery chamber (10) comprises of:

leveling the height of the platform (17) of the battery trolley (16) to the height of the battery chamber (10);
engaging the rope of the pulley with the battery housing (11) kept on the battery trolley (16) using at least one hook;
raising the front side (20) of the battery trolley (16) using the jack (13) and handle (15) for dismounting; and
unwinding the rope of the pulley system for dismounting the battery housing (11); wherein,
the battery trolley (16), comprises of at least two jacks (13) operating independently, to manipulate the height of the platform (17).
10. The method as claimed in claim 9, wherein, manipulating the height of the platform (17) comprises of leveling the height of the platform (17) of the battery trolley with the height of the battery chamber (10), raising the front side (20) or raising the rear side (21) of the platform (17) of the battery trolley (16).