TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present subject matter relates generally but not exclusively to vehicles incorporating a traction motor, and more particularly to a vehicle with a step-through type frame assembly.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Generally, in a vehicle with a step-through type frame assembly, a floorboard is provided. The.floorboard enables a user riding the vehicle to rest his feet on the floorboard, which enables him to have a seating posture. For inclusion of the floorboard, a frame assembly of the vehicle is constructed with the step-through space. Conventionally, in a hybrid vehicle, a forward motion is provided by at least one of a traction motor or an internal combustion (IC) engine. In case of an electric vehicle, only the traction motor is available. The traction motor is driven by an auxiliary power source, for example battery or the like. The IC engine is powered by fuel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWLNGS

[0003] The detailed description of the present subject matter is described with
reference to the accompanying figures. Same numbers are used throughout the
drawings to reference like features and components.

[0004] Fig. 1 illustrates a left side view of an exemplary hybrid vehicle, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0005] Fig. 2 illustrates block diagram of an energy management system, in
accordance with an embodiment of the subject matter.

[0006] Fig 3 (a) illustrates a left side perspective view of primary battery
holder of an integrated battery holding structure, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present subject matter

[0007] Fig. 3 (b) illustrates another left side perspective view of primary
battery holder of Fig. 3 (a) without a battery-holding box, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0008] Fig. 3 (ca) illustrates a rear perspective view of a battery-holding box,
in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter

[0009] Fig. 3 (cb) illustrates a rear perspective view of a battery-holding box, in accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter. [00010] Fig, 4 depicts a left side perspective view of the exemplary hybrid vehicle employed with an integrated battery holding structure, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[00011] Fig. 5 depicts a left side perspective view of the exemplary electric vehicle employed with an integrated battery holding structure, in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION [00012] Typically, in a step-through type hybrid vehicle, the frame assembly comprises of a head tube and a main frame. The main frame extends rearward form the head tube in a downward direction and then extends to the rear portion of the vehicle in an inclined manner. A floorboard is disposed at the step-through space of the vehicle.

[00013] Typically, in the hybrid vehicle, a traction motor and an IC engine provide forward motion to the vehicle. The user can operate the hybrid vehicle in any one of three modes as required namely an engine mode, an electric mode, and a hybrid mode. The hybrid mode further comprises of a hybrid power mode and a hybrid economy mode. In the engine mode only the IC engine is operating. In the electric mode, only the traction motor is functioning. In electric mode, the hybrid vehicle functions like an electric vehicle. In the hybrid power mode, both the IC engine, and the traction motor setup are operated jointly. In the hybrid economy mode, the IC engine, and the traction motor are operated alternatively. [00014] Generally, the battery drives the traction motor when the vehicle is operated in electric or hybrid mode. The battery gets discharged upon use and user can charge the battery from an external power source. Frequency of recharge depends on the capacity of the battery. Furthermore, the driving range of the vehicle depends on the capacity of the battery. A battery with smaller capacity requires frequent recharging, as it gets drained faster. A battery with higher capacity.provides better driving range. However, this in turn increases the size of the battery thereby making the vehicle bulkier. Moreover, there is space constraint on the vehicle with step-through type frame assembly layout. Also, presence of IC engine further occupies additional space on the vehicle. The user can carry additional batteries or battery packs but replacing the battery is also a complex task. In addition, the utility space on the vehicle is also compromised for carrying multiple batteries. Further, the user has to charge each battery individually. Also, when multiple batteries are provided there is a need for affectively managing the multiple batteries.
[00015] Hence, an objective of the present subject matter is to provide a two-wheeled vehicle. Additionally, the vehicle enables user to increase the battery capacity by enabling mounting of multiple auxiliary power source(s) by utilizing underutilized space on the vehicle. According to one aspect, the vehicle is provided with a battery management system that enables affective management of utilization of the multiple batteries. According to another aspect, the energy management system enables identification of one or more parameters of the multiple battery pack(s) available and thereby determines, and alters any driving parameter(s) of the hybrid vehicle.

[00016] In an embodiment, the vehicle comprises an energy management system, A control unit of the energy management system is functionally coupled to one or more battery pack(s), which are mounted to the vehicle. The one or more battery pack(s) are selectively mounted to primary battery holder, a first sub-structure, and a second battery holding structure. The energy management system enables communication between one or more battery pack(s) and the control unit.

[00017] In an embodiment, the primary battery holder is positioned forwardly of the head tube, the first sub-structure is positioned at the floorboard, and the second sub-structure is positioned below a seat assembly of the vehicle.

[00018] In an embodiment, the one or more battery pack(s) are detachably mounted to the vehicle. The primary battery holder is provided with at least one battery pack.of the one or more battery pack(s). Further, the first sub-structure has a first set of battery pack(s) of the one or more battery pack(s) that are detachably mounted and the second sub-structure has a second set of battery pack(s) of the one or more battery pack(s) that are detachably mounted. The one or more battery pack(s) are communicatively coupled to the control unit.

[00019] In an embodiment, the control unit detects available battery pack(s) mounted to the vehicle. Further, the control unit detects operational parameters of each of the available battery pack(s), which includes state of charge, temperature. The energy management system further enables identification external parameters of the vehicle such as load, driving conditions, mode of operation of the vehicle. The control unit modifies one or more vehicle parameters of the vehicle depending on at least one of the.detected operational parameters and external parameters.

[00020] The energy management system of the vehicle further enables selectively charging of one or more battery pack(s) by plurality sources that includes an external power source or a magneto setup or a traction motor setup, thereby eliminating the need for charging the battery pack(s) individually.

[00021] Additionally, driving range of the vehicle is improved, as the vehicle is capable of accommodating multiple battery pack for driving the traction motor. Further, the energy management system of the vehicle modifies the vehicle parameters. In another embodiment, the one or more battery pack(s) are detachably mounted to the vehicle, thereby enabling ease of replacement or maintenance of the battery packs. Furthermore, the battery pack(s) are mounted to the vehicle without compromising utility space on the vehicle.

[00022] The present subject matter is applicable to vehicles incorporating a traction motor, which is an electric mode vehicle. Moreover, the present subject matter is applicable to hybrid vehicles incorporating a traction motor and an IC • engine.

[00023] The aforesaid and other advantages of the present subject matter would be described in greater detail in conjunction with the figures in the following description.

[00024] Fig. 1 illustrates a left side view of an exemplary hybrid vehicle 100, . in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The vehicle 100 illustrated, has a step-through type frame assembly 105. The step-through type frame assembly 105 includes a head tube 105A, a main frame 105B. One or more suspensions 110A connect a front wheel HOB, and a handlebar assembly HOC forming a steering assembly 110. The steering assembly 110 is rotatably connected through the head tube 105A. The main frame 105B is connected to the head tube 105A and is extending rearwardly downward from the head tube 105A. Further, one or more rear tubes 105C extend inclinedly rearward from a rear portion of the main tube 105B towards a rear portion of the vehicle 100. An internal combustion (IC) engine assembly 115 and a traction motor 120, for example a brush less direct current (BLDC) traction motor 120, are coupled to a rear wheel 125 through a transmission assembly (not shown). In a preferred embodiment, the traction motor 120 is hub mounted on the rear wheel 125 and the IC engine 115 is mounted to a swing arm 130, which is swingably connected to the main frame 105B using a toggle link. An onboard battery (not shown) drives the traction motor 120. Further, the frame assembly 105 is covered by plurality of body panels including a front panel 135A, a leg shield 135B, an under-seat cover 135C, and a left and a right side panel 135D, mounted on the frame assembly 105 and covering the frame assembly 105 and parts mounted thereof.

[00025] A front fender 140 is covering the front wheel 110A. In the present embodiment, the front fender 140 is integrally formed with the front panel 135A. A floorboard 145 is provided at the step-through space and mounted to the main tube 105B. A seat assembly 150 is mounted to the main frame 105B. A utility box (not shown) is disposed below the seat assembly 150 and is supported by the main frame 105B. A fuel tank (not shown) is positioned below the utility box. A rear fender 155 is covering at least a portion of the rear wheel 125 and is positioned below the fuel tank and upwardly of the rear wheel 125. One or more suspension(s) 160 are provided in the rear portion of the vehicle 100 for connecting the swing arm 130 to the mainframe 105B thereby providing comfortable ride. The vehicle 100 comprises of plurality of electrical and electronic components including a headlight 165A, a tail light 165B, a transistor controlled ignition (TCI) unit (not shown), an alternator (not shown), a starter motor (not shown). Further, the vehicle, 100 is provided with an energy management system 200 (shown in Fig. 2).

[00026] Fig. 2 illustrates . a schematic block diagram of an energy management system 200, in accordance with an embodiment of the subject matter. The energy management system 200 of the hybrid vehicle 100 comprises of various electronic and electrical components that include, a magneto 215, a regulator and rectifier (RR) unit 220, an ignition control unit 225, an ignition coil assembly 230, plurality of vehicle loads 235, and a direct current-direct current (DC-DC) converter 240. Further, a connection port 245 connecting communicatively coupled one more battery pack(s) 205 that are mounted to the control unit 210. The ignition control unit 225 controls ignition timing of an IC engine 115. A display unit 255 depicts various vehicle related information. An example of a display unit 255 is digital instrument cluster or the like. The one more battery pack(s) 205 are mounted to the vehicle, which acts as integrated battery holding structure.

[00027] In a preferred embodiment, the one or more battery pack(s) 205 comprises a battery management system (BMS) each integrated to each individual battery pack 205. The BMS integrated to each battery pack monitors operational parameters of each battery pack' 205 including the state of charge, temperature, working condition. The one or more battery pack(s) 205 and various electrical and electronic components on the hybrid vehicle are interconnected through the control unit 210. The energy management system 200 enables communication between various components, which include the control unit 210, one or more battery pack(s) 205, ignition control unit 225, and a display unit 255. [00028] In another embodiment, the one or more battery pack(s) 205 are interconnected and a single battery management system (BMS) integrated to one battery pack 205 communicates with the control unit 210.

[00029] The control unit enables the one or more battery pack(s) 205 to drive the traction motor 120. A fuse (not shown) protects the control unit 210 from high currents from the battery pack(s) 205 and is intermediately coupled therebetween. The one or more battery pack(s) 205 are connected in a first connection or a second connection, wherein the first connection is a series connection and the second connection is a parallel connection/ [00030] In a preferred embodiment, the one or more battery pack(s) 205 individuality communicate with the control unit 210 providing respective battery pack related operational parameters, which includes the state of charge (SOC) of battery, temperature of the battery, working condition. In a preferred embodiment, a CAN communication protocol enables communication between the control unit 210 and the one or more battery pack(s) 205 for transferring aforementioned operational parameters.
[00031] The energy management system 200 enables the control unit 210 to identify the one or more battery pack(s) 205 mounted to the vehicle. Further, the control unit 210 identifies the SOC of the one or more battery pack(s) that are available. In addition, the control unit also indentifies operational parameters of each of the one or more battery pack(s) 205.

[00032] Fig. 3 (a) illustrates a left side view of primary battery holder 300 of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The primary battery holder comprises a battery-holding box 305 and one or more bracket(s) 310A, 310B for securing the battery-holding box 305 to the head tube 105A. In a preferred embodiment, the primary battery holder 300 comprises a first bracket 310A, a second bracket 310B, and a battery-holding box 305. Further, the battery-holding box 305 has one or more opening(s) for disposing at least one primary battery pack(s) 205A, 205B. The primary battery holder 300 is adapted to receive the primary battery pack(s) 205A, 205B, which are detachably mounted. At least one primary battery pack(s) 205A, 205B are slidably mounted to the primary battery holder 300 and a battery locking mechanism (not shown) is

provided such that at least one ends of the primary battery pack(s) 205A, 205B are secured to the battery-holding box 305.

[00033] Fig. 3 (b) illustrates a left side perspective view of the primary battery holder 300 of Fig. 3 (a) without a battery-holding box 300. Fig. 3 (ca) illustrates a rear perspective view of a battery-holding box 305, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. In a preferred embodiment, the battery-holding box 305 takes a rectangular box shape. The battery-holding box 305 comprising of a third bracket 320A that is extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, disposed on a rear surface. A flange with a rib is provided for strengthening the third bracket 320A, said rib joins the third bracket 320A and a surface of the battery-holding box 305. At the bottom surface of the battery-holding box .305, a.-fourth.bracket 320B is provided that is extending in the axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle is extending in the downward direction. For example, the vertical protruding can be of rib structure, which provides reinforcement. In a preferred embodiment, the third bracket 320A and the fourth bracket 320B are integrally formed with the battery-holding box 305. Further, one or more hole(s) are provided for fastening the battery-holding box 305 to the head tube 105A. [00034] Fig. 3 (cb) illustrates a rear perspective view of a battery-holding box 405, in accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter. The battery-holding box 405 has an opening 430 on the left hand side. The at least one primary battery pack(s) 205A, 205B can be mounted to the battery-holding box 405 in a first orientation that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle 100, through the opening 430. In a preferred embodiment, the at. least one or more battery pack(s) 405 can be mounted to the battery-holding box 405 by sliding in. Further, the battery-holding box 305 has plurality of guiding members 440A, 440B on the inner surface, extending in the lateral direction of the vehicle. The plurality of guiding members 440A, 440B can be positioned on any of the inner surfaces of the battery-holding box 405. The plurality of guiding members 340A, 340B hold the at least one primary battery pack(s) 205A, 205B.

Additionally, in a preferred embodiment the plurality of guiding members 440A, 440B act as electrical contacts for coupling the at least one primary battery pack(s) 205A, 205B to the control unit 210. In yet another embodiment, the plurality of guiding members 440A, 440B act as mechanical contacts for holding the at least one primary battery pack(s) 205A, 205B and the electrical connections are enabled by providing contacts.

[00035] The user can add one or more one battery pack(s) 205, which improves total battery capacity. The improved battery capacity enables in improving driving range of the vehicle 100. The control unit 210, which is functionally coupled the battery pack(s) 115 through the connection port 245 identifies the available one or more battery pack(s) 205 and thereby determines operational parameters of the vehicle and modifying driving parameters of the vehicle 100 depending on the operational parameters. Additionally, the primary battery holder 300 is enclosed by the front panel 135A of the vehicle 100. In another embodiment, at least a portion of the battery-holding box is integrated with at least a portion of the front panel 135A.

[00036] Fig. 4 depicts a side perspective view of the exemplary hybrid vehicle 100. in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The vehicle 100 comprises the primary battery holder 300. The vehicle 100 further comprises a first sub-structure 410 and a second sub-structure 420. In a preferred embodiment, the first sub-structure 410 is positioned below a floorboard 145 and is disposed on either sides of the main tube 105B at the floorboard portion. In a side view at least a portion of the battery, overlaps with at least a portion of the main tube 105B. Also, the first sub-structure is supported and affixed by the main tube 105B. In a preferred embodiment, the first sub-structure includes a holder box (not shown) that covers at least a portion of the battery packs 205C, 205D mounted thereof and one or more brackets (not shown) for securing the holder box to the main tube 105B.

[00037] The second sub-structure 420 is positioned below a seat assembly 150 and is supported by the pair of rear tubes 105C. The second sub-structure 420 is capable of accommodating one or more battery pack(s) 205E, 205F that
are operationally connected to the control unit 210. A wiring harness enables connection between the one or more battery pack(s) 205 and the control unit 210 through the connection port 245. Further, the wiring harness enables connection to the traction motor 120 thorough the control unit 210, which controls various functional characteristics of the traction motor.

[00038] The first set of battery 'pack(s) 205C, 205D of the one or more battery pack(s) 205 are mounted to the first sub-structure 410, which is positioned below a floorboard 145 and are disposed on either sides of the main tube 105B passing below the floorboard 145. The first sub-structure 410 has one or more opening(s) for mounting the one or more battery pack(s) 205C, 205D. The first set of battery pack(s) 205C, 205D is capable of being mounted to the first sub-structure 410 in the first orientation or the second orientation. [00039] ' Further, the second set of batter)' pack(s) 205E, 205F of the one or more battery pack(s) 205 are mounted to the second sub-structure 420, which is positioned below a seat assembly 150. In preferred embodiment, the second battery sub-structure 420 is integrated within a utility box 430 positioned below the seat assembly 150. The utility box 430 is located below a seat assembly 150 ■ and above the IC engine 115 of the vehicle 100. In addition, in a plan view the seat assembly covers the second set of battery pack(s) 205E, 205F. The second set of one or more battery pack(s) 205E, 205F are accessible in a seat open condition. In a seat-closed condition, the battery pack(s) 205E, 205F are securely disposed. Additionally, battery pack(s) 205E, 205F are slidably mountable to the second sub-structure 420 in a vertical direction. Further, depending on the geometry of the battery pack(s), the battery pack(s) can be stacked or adjacently disposed.

[00040] The control unit 210 of the energy management system identifies the available battery pack(s) of the one or more battery pack(s) 205 and identifies operational parameters ~of the battery pack(s). Further, the control unit 210 driving parameters of the vehicle 100, including modification of operational parameters of the traction motor, top speed of vehicle, change over, speed from

traction motor 120 to IC engine, when the vehicle 100 is operating in the hybrid mode.

[00041] Furthermore, the control unit 210 manages the charging of the one or more battery pack(s) 205 without the need for un-mounting form vehicle. Furthermore, the energy management system 200 displays the determined vehicle parameters on the display unit 255, which is an instrument cluster disposed on the handle bar assembly HOC. Additionally, the control unit 210 identifies external parameters including load on the vehicle, driving conditions that are considered for modification of various driving parameters of the vehicle 100.

[00042] In a preferred embodiment, change over speed lies in the range of 10-50 kilometers per hour. The control unit 210 varies the change over speed value depending on the operational parameters of the battery pack(s) 205. In. yet another embodiment, the energy management system 200 enables user to alter the changeover speed through a. user interface that is adapted to communicate with the control unit 210. In an embodiment, the display unit 255 is integrated with the user interface whereby it acts as an input and output information device. [00043] Fig. 5 depicts a side perspective view of the exemplary electric vehicle 101 employed with an integrated battery holding structure, in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present subject matter. The vehicle 101 is provided with a charger 510 that is essential for charging the one or more battery pack(s) 205 mounted to the vehicle. Further, the charger 510 is mounted to either to. a first sub-structure 410 that is disposed below a floorboard 145, and adjacent to the main tube 105B or a second sub-structure 420 that is disposed below the seat assembly 150. The user can easily access the charger 510 for charging the one or more battery pack(s) 205.

[00044] Many modifications and.variations of the present subject matter are possible in the light of above disclosure. Therefore, within the scope of claims of the present subject matter, the present disclosure may be practiced other than as specifically described.

We claim:

1. A two-wheeled vehicle (100,101) comprising:.
a frame assembly (105) including a head tube (105A), a main tube (105B) extending rearwardly downward from the head tube (105A), and a pair of rear tubes (105C) extending inclinedly rearward from a rear portion of the main tube (105B);
a traction motor (120) functionally coupled to a rear wheel (125) of the vehicle (100,101);
one or more battery pack(s) (205) for driving the traction motor (120),
wherein
the one or more battery pack(s) (205) includes at least one primary battery pack(s) (205A, 205B) mounted to a primary battery holder (300) including a battery-holding box (305), said battery-holding box (305) is adapted to detachably-mount said at least one primary battery pack(s) (205A, 205B) and is covering at least a portion of the at least one primary battery pack(s) (205A, 205B), and said primary battery holder (300) is disposed forwardly of the head tube (105A) and secured to the head tube (105A).

2. The two-wheeled vehicle (100, 101) of claim 1, wherein the one or more
battery pack(s) (205) includes a first set of battery pack(s) (205C, 205D) of
the one or more battery pack(s) (205), said first set of batter}' pack(s) (205C,
205D) being mounted to a first sub-structure (410) disposed below a floor board (145) and being supported by at least a portion of the main tube (105B), and said first set of battery pack(s) (205C, 205D) being disposed adjacently of the main tube (105B).

3. The two-wheeled vehicle (100, 101) of claim 1, wherein the one or more battery pack(s) (205) includes a second set of battery pack(s) (205E, 205F), said second set of battery pack(s) (205E, 205F) being mounted to a second sub-structure (420) disposed below a seat assembly (150) and being accessible in a seat open condition, and said second sub-structure (420) is supported by at least.a portion of the pair of rear tubes (105C).

4. The two-wheeled vehicle (101) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the first sub-structure (410) is adapted to accommodate at least one charger (510), said charger (510) being detachably mounted to the first sub-structure (410) and said
charger (510) enables user to charge the one or more battery pack(s) (205).

5. The two-wheeled vehicle (100, 101) of claim 1, wherein said vehicle further comprises an internal combustion engine (115) functionally coupled to the rear wheel (125).

6. The two-wheeled vehicle (100, 101) of claim 1, wherein the one or more battery pack(s) (205). being communicatively coupled to a control unit (210), said control unit (210) identifies at least one of one or more operational parameters of each of the one or more battery pack(s) (205), or one or rnore external parameters of the vehicle (100) and subsequently modifies one or more vehicle parameters.

7. The two-wheeled vehicle (100, 101) of claim 1 or 6, wherein the one or more operational parameters includes state of charge of said battery pack(s) (205), and temperature of said battery pack(s) (205) and the one or more external parameters includes load on said vehicle (100).

8. The two-wheeled vehicle (100, 101) of claim 1 or 6, wherein the one or more vehicle parameters includes a speed limit of the traction motor (120), a change over speed for switching operation from traction motor (120) to the internal combustion engine (115).

9. The two-wheeled vehicle (100, 101) of "claim 1, wherein the battery-holding box (305) is made of a rigid material including plastic or the like, said battery-holding box (305) is affixed to the head tube (105A) through one or
. more bracket(s) (310A, 310B).

10. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) of claim 1, 2, or 3, wherein the primary
battery holder (300), the first sub-structure (410), and the second
15 sub-structure (420) is provided with plurality of guiding members (440A,
440B) for supporting the one or more battery pack(s) (250) and said guiding member (440A, 440B) act as electrical contacts.