DESC:ARRANGEMENT FOR ACCESSING SWAPPABLE BATTERY PACK OF ELECTRIC VEHICLE
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICTIONS
The present application claims priority from Indian Provisional Patent Application No. 202221074278 filed on 21/12/2022, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by a reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
Generally, the present disclosure relates to electric vehicles. Particularly, the present disclosure relates to arrangement for insertion and extraction of battery packs of electric vehicles.
BACKGROUND
The description in the Background section includes general information related to the field of the present application. The background is only meant to provide context to a reader in understanding the present invention. It is neither to be taken as an admission that any of the provided information relates to prior art for the presently claimed invention nor that any publication explicitly or implicitly referenced within this section relates to prior art. The background section is merely meant to be illustrative rather than exhaustive and is primarily intended to identify problems associated with the present state of the art.
Generally, the design of battery compartments is a critical aspect for electric vehicles (EV). Conventional designs of battery compartments have significant limitations in terms of allowing access to the battery packs stored within the battery compartments while ensuring safety of users, particularly during maintenance and battery replacement tasks.
For example, extraction of the battery pack from the battery compartment that is integrated deep within the volume of the chassis of the EV can be difficult for various users such as elderly users and user incapable of lifting heavy weights in a safe and reliable manner. Further, the disconnection and reconnection of electrical connections in such conventional designs are problematic, increasing the time taken and risks for battery swapping.
Consequently, the growth of the EV market has led to an increase in the demand for quicker, safer, and more efficient battery swapping systems. Therefore, there is an urgent need for an improved system for swapping battery packs in EVs.
SUMMARY
An object of the present disclosure is to provide an arrangement for accessing swappable battery pack of electric vehicle to provide better access to the battery pack, making easier for users to reach and handle the battery pack, such as, in constrained spaces.
In accordance with first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an arrangement for insertion and extraction of at least one battery pack of an electric vehicle (EV). The arrangement comprises a battery compartment to securely hold the at least one battery pack, a sliding unit is mounted with a chassis of the EV and a pivot mechanism. The battery compartment is mounted on the sliding unit via the pivot mechanism. The sliding unit and the pivot mechanism enable sliding and opening/closing of the of the battery compartment for insertion and extraction of at least one battery pack.
The present disclosure provides the arrangement for accessing swappable battery pack of electric vehicle to improve safety during battery disconnection and access to minimize the risk of electrical hazards. Advantageously, the disclosed arrangement synchronizes mechanical and electrical disengagements of the battery pack from the battery compartment to minimize the risk of errors or malfunctions during such disengagements. Advantageously, the disclosed arrangement ensures that mechanical and electrical disconnections occur simultaneously during the pivoting phase, thereby, reducing the complexity and time involved in battery swapping and minimizing the risk of errors or malfunctions during disengagement. Furthermore, the disclosed wound core assembly does not comprise any overhang windings. Furthermore, the disclosed arrangement provides a safety feature that restricts the pivoting or rotation of the compartment until the guiderail is fully extended, thereby, ensuring that battery access is conducted in a safe manner by preventing accidental movements that could lead to injuries or damage.
Additional aspects, advantages, features and objects of the present disclosure would be made apparent from the drawings and the detailed description of the illustrative embodiments constructed in conjunction with the appended claims that follow.
It will be appreciated that features of the present disclosure are susceptible to being combined in various combinations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The summary above, as well as the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the present disclosure, exemplary constructions of the disclosure are shown in the drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed herein. Moreover, those in the art will understand that the drawings are not to scale. Wherever possible, like elements have been indicated by identical numbers.
Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following diagrams wherein:
FIG. 1 illustrates a top-perspective view of an arrangement for insertion and extraction of at least one battery pack of an electric vehicle (EV in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 2 illustrates a bottom-perspective view of the arrangement for insertion and extraction of at least one battery pack of EV, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 3 illustrates the bottom-perspective view of the arrangement for insertion and extraction of at least one battery pack of EV, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 4 illustrates the bottom-perspective view of the arrangement for insertion and extraction of at least one battery pack of EV, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 5 illustrates the top-perspective view of the arrangement for insertion and extraction of at least one battery pack of EV, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 6 illustrates the top-perspective view of the arrangement for insertion and extraction of at least one battery pack of EV, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 7 illustrates a front-perspective view of the arrangement for insertion and extraction of at least one battery pack of EV, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 8, illustrates a front-perspective view of the arrangement 100 of FIG. 7, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
In the accompanying drawings, an underlined number is employed to represent an item over which the underlined number is positioned or an item to which the underlined number is adjacent. A non-underlined number relates to an item identified by a line linking the non-underlined number to the item. When a number is non-underlined and accompanied by an associated arrow, the non-underlined number is used to identify a general item at which the arrow is pointing.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The following detailed description illustrates embodiments of the present disclosure and ways in which they can be implemented. Although some modes of carrying out the present disclosure have been disclosed, those skilled in the art would recognise that other embodiments for carrying out or practising the present disclosure are also possible.
The description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of certain embodiments of a motor of an electric vehicle and is not intended to represent the only forms that may be developed or utilised. The description sets forth the various structures and/or functions in connection with the illustrated embodiments; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the disclosure that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale; some features may be exaggerated or minimised to show details of particular components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention.
While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail below. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure.
The terms “comprise”, “comprises”, “comprising”, “include(s)”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a setup, system that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or system. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus preceded by “comprises... a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or apparatus.
In the following detailed description of the embodiments of the disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawings and which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the disclosure may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The following description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.
The present disclosure will be described herein below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, well known functions or constructions are not described in detail since they would obscure the description with unnecessary detail.
As used herein, the terms ‘electric vehicle’, ‘2W-EVs’, ‘electric two-wheeler’, ‘EV’, ‘EVs’ and ‘two-wheel electric vehicle’ are used interchangeably and refer to any vehicle having stored electrical energy, including those vehicles capable of being charged from an external electrical power source. This may include vehicles having batteries which are exclusively charged from an external power source, as well as hybrid-vehicles which may include batteries capable of being at least partially recharged via an external power source.
As used herein, the term “battery compartment” refers to enclosure that is intended to accommodate at least one battery pack. The battery compartment securely houses the battery or batteries, providing the necessary electrical connections and ensuring that the batteries remain in place during operation of EV. The battery compartment may also include features for easy access to the batteries for maintenance or replacement purposes.
As used herein, the term “pivot mechanism” refers to a mechanical assembly that allows the battery compartment to be connected to a chassis member in such a way that battery compartment can rotate or pivot around a fixed point or axis. This pivoting capability enables the battery compartment to move relative to the rest of the device, which can be particularly useful for accessing the batteries. The pivot mechanism would be designed to support the weight of the battery compartment and allow battery compartment to move smoothly between different positions.
As used herein, the term “support member” refers to a component or set of components, such as hydraulics, that aid in the movement and positioning of the battery compartment. When used in conjunction with the pivot mechanism, a support member like a hydraulic system can facilitate a soft opening and closing of the battery compartment. Thus, the support member can help control the speed and force with which the compartment opens or closes, making battery compartment safer and easier to operate, especially if the battery pack is heavy or the compartment is located in a hard-to-reach place.
As used herein, the terms ‘swappable battery’, and ‘replaceable battery’ are used interchangeably and refer to a battery pack which facilitates exchanging discharged batteries for charged ones when power gets drained out.
As used herein, the term “chassis” or “frame” comprises a separate frame and body construction (i.e., body-on-frame construction), a unitary frame and body construction (i.e., a unibody construction), or any other construction defining the structure of the electric vehicle. The frame is made from one or more materials including, not limited to, steel, titanium, aluminum, carbon fiber, plastic, polymers, etc., and/or combinations thereof.
As used herein, the term “battery-pack” refers to a power supply unit of the electric vehicle. The battery-pack includes at least one battery-cell array. The battery-pack is an assembly of individual battery cells grouped together to provide a desired voltage and capacity. Generally, the battery pack is typically composed of numerous lithium-ion cells due to their high energy density, efficiency, and recharging capabilities.
As used herein, the terms ‘battery-cell array’ and ‘cell array’ are used interchangeably and refer to a set of electrically connected individual battery cells, that may be configured in a series, parallel or a mixture of both to deliver the desired voltage, capacity, or power density.
As used herein, the terms such as “slidably”, “pivotally”, “rotatably” are used interchangeably and refer to coupling between two or more components such that a first component can move (such as, slide, pivot or rotate) with respect to a second component that is movably coupled to the first component without completely detaching from the first component. It will be appreciated that more than two components may be operably coupled to each other.
FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment describes a top-perspective view of an arrangement 100 for insertion and extraction of at least one battery pack 102 of an electric vehicle (EV) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The arrangement 100 comprises a battery compartment 104 to securely hold at least one battery pack 102. The battery compartment 104 securely holds the battery pack 102. Further, the battery compartment 104 is shaped to tightly fit the battery pack 102, thereby, helping to keep the battery pack 102 stable during the operation of the EV. The battery compartment 104 is fabricated using strong materials to overcome temperature changes and moisture. The design of the battery compartment 104 also helps to dissipate of heat from the battery pack 102, which is important for ensuring operation of the battery pack 102.
Optionally, the battery compartment 104 is designed to be modular, enabling the battery compartment 104 to fit different sizes and shapes of battery packs. Such a modular design of the battery compartment 104 makes the EV more flexible as the EV can use different kinds of batteries. Optionally, the battery compartment 104 enables wireless charging to enable to charge the battery pack 102 without needing to plug in the battery pack 102, making charging easier. Optionally, the battery compartment 104 could be expandable, enabling the battery compartment 104 to get bigger to hold more or bigger battery packs for a longer driving range or more power.
FIG. 2, in accordance with an embodiment describes a bottom-perspective view of the arrangement 100 of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the arrangement 100 comprises a sliding unit 202 mounted with a chassis 204 of the EV and a pivot mechanism 206. The battery compartment 104 is mounted on the sliding unit 202. The sliding unit 202 enables the movement of the battery compartment 104 in relation to the chassis 204 of the EV. Such movement allows for easier access to the battery pack 102, such as, for swapping of an uncharged battery pack 102 with a charged battery pack 102. The sliding unit 202 is built to be robust, thereby, ensuring smooth operation and durability under various conditions, such as road vibrations and temperature changes.
As shown, the sliding unit 202 is in a completely retracted state with respect to the chassis 204. Such a retracted state of the sliding unit 202 is associated with normal operation of the EV, such as, when the battery pack 102 is at least partially charged and operating power is being drawn from the battery pack 102 for operation of the EV.
Further, the pivot mechanism 206 provides the battery compartment 104 with the ability to tilt or pivot, thereby, enabling to ease the process of battery insertion and extraction. The pivot mechanism 206 is designed to be sturdy and reliable, offering precise control over the movement of the battery compartment 104. As shown, the pivot mechanism 206 is in a disengaged state, such as, during the normal operation of the EV when operating power is being drawn from the battery pack 102 for operation of the EV.
Optionally, the sliding unit 202 can be provided with automated controls to move and align the battery compartment 104 automatically, thereby, reducing manual effort. Optionally, the pivot mechanism 206 can be designed to offer varying degrees of movement, allowing for more flexibility in how the battery is accessed and handled.
FIG. 3, in accordance with an embodiment describes a bottom-perspective view of the arrangement 100 of FIGs. 1-2 as per another embodiment of the present disclosure. Further, the sliding unit 202 and the pivot mechanism 206 enables sliding and opening/closing of the of the battery compartment 104 for insertion and extraction of at least one battery pack 102. The sliding unit 202 is specifically designed to enable the battery compartment 104 to move smoothly along a predetermined path. Such movement is essential for providing easy access to the battery compartment 104 when inserting or removing the battery pack 102. The design of the sliding unit 202 focuses on ensuring a stable and controlled movement, which is vital for handling the battery pack 102 securely and avoiding any potential damage during the process. As shown, the sliding unit 202 has been partially extended by having been moved along the corresponding members of the chassis 204 to enable subsequent pivoting of the pivot mechanism 206 and removal of the battery pack 102 from the battery compartment 104.
FIG. 4, in accordance with an embodiment describes a bottom-perspective view of the arrangement 100 of FIGs. 1-3 as per yet another embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the sliding unit 202 has been moved forwards on the corresponding members of the chassis 204 such that the battery compartment 104 partially engages the pivot mechanism 206. The pivot mechanism 206 complements the sliding unit 202 by providing an additional degree of movement. Such additional movement allows the battery compartment 104 to open or close by effectively tilting or pivoting as needed. Such tilting or pivoting is particularly beneficial when space constraints require a more compact arrangement for the battery compartment 104, or when an angled approach is necessary for easier handling of the battery pack 102. The pivot mechanism 206 offers a smooth and reliable operation, ensuring that the opening and closing action is both efficient and safe for the battery pack 102.
Referring now to FIG. 5, there is shown a top-perspective view of the arrangement 100 of FIG. 4 as per one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the sliding unit 202 has been partially extended along the corresponding members of the chassis 204 (shown in FIG. 4) such that the battery compartment 104 imminently engages the pivot mechanism 206.
FIG. 6, in accordance with an embodiment describes a top-perspective view of the arrangement 100 of FIG. 5 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the battery compartment 104 has been the sliding unit 202 has been fully extended along the corresponding members of the chassis 204 (shown in FIG. 4) such that the battery compartment 104 has engaged the pivot mechanism 206. Further, the pivot mechanism 206 has been actuated to partially pivot the battery compartment 104 with respect to the chassis 204 by a certain angle. As discussed in detail hereinabove, complete pivoting of the pivot mechanism 206 with respect to the chassis 204 enables convenient extraction of the battery pack 102 from the battery compartment 104.
FIG. 7, in accordance with an embodiment describes a front-perspective view of the arrangement 100 of FIGs. 1-6. As shown, the sliding unit 202 has been fully extended along corresponding members of the chassis 204 to cause engagement of the battery compartment 104 with the pivot mechanism 206. The pivot mechanism 206 has been actuated to cause complete pivoting of the battery compartment 104 by a predefined angle with respect to the corresponding members of the chassis 204 to enable convenient extraction of the battery pack 102 from the battery compartment 104. Optionally, the arrangement 100 further comprises a lifting mechanism 700 disposed rearwardly to the battery compartment 104 with the sliding unit 202 such that the lifting mechanism 700 is actuated upon engagement of the battery compartment 104 with the pivot mechanism 206. The lifting mechanism 700 provides an upward thrust to a rear edge of the battery compartment 104 to ease the pivoting of the battery compartment 104 and further increase the convenience associated with extraction of the battery pack 102 from the battery compartment 104.
FIG. 8, in accordance with an embodiment describes a front-perspective view of the arrangement 100 of FIG. 7. As shown, the lifting mechanism 700 comprises a hydraulic unit 800 that is operated to cause the lifting mechanism 700 to provide the upward thrust to the rear edge of the battery compartment 104. The lifting mechanism 700 disposed rearwardly to the battery compartment 104 with the sliding unit 202 such that the lifting mechanism 700 is actuated upon engagement of the battery compartment 104 with the pivot mechanism. Such a hydraulic unit enables to conveniently provide the upward thrust to the battery compartment 104 with expenditure of comparatively less energy as compared to operating, for example an electrical motor to provide the upward thrust. The hydraulic unit 800 utilizes fluids under pressure to achieve significant force multiplication, allowing the lifting mechanism 700 to handle the substantial weight of the battery compartment 104 with ease and precision. The upward thrust provided is both steady and controlled, minimizing any risk of jerking or instability that could potentially damage the delicate components within the battery compartment 104. Consequently, the hydraulic unit enables to cause convenient, safe and reliable pivoting of the battery compartment 104.
Optionally, the arrangement 100 comprises a U-shaped enclosure that partially or fully encloses the hydraulic unit. For example, the U-shaped enclosure is disposed such that edges of the U-shaped enclosure are disposed parallely/co-planarly with a front face of the battery compartment 104 and a curved portion of the U-shaped enclosure is disposed behind a rear face of the battery compartment 104. Further, the hydraulic unit 800 is arranged between the rear face of the battery compartment 104 and the curved portion of the U-shaped enclosure. Consequently, the disposing of the hydraulic unit 800 within the U-shaped enclosure enables to protect the hydraulic unit and/or the battery compartment 104 from shocks transmitted to the chassis 204 during operation of the EV while also providing support to the battery compartment 104 during pivoting of the battery compartment 104.
The sliding unit 202 and the pivot mechanism 206 enhance the overall usability of the power management system (comprising the battery pack 102) of the EV by allowing a more ergonomic and user-friendly approach to battery management, significantly easing the process of battery maintenance and replacement. Such dual functionality not only simplifies the operation but also contributes to the longevity and reliability of the battery pack 102 in the EV. Optionally, the pivot mechanism 206 does not work until interlock unit (described in detail herein later) is activated to ensure that the pivoting of the battery compartment 104 does not occur until the battery compartment 104 has been fully slid out on the guiderail (described hereinafter).
In an embodiment, the sliding unit 202 comprises at least one guiderail to enable sliding of the battery compartment 104. The inclusion of at least one guiderail in the sliding unit 202 ensures a precise and stable path for the movement of the battery compartment 104. The guiderail is designed to reduce friction and accurately align the movement of the battery compartment 104, ensuring that the battery compartment 104 slides in a straight, controlled manner. Such a feature is crucial for maintaining the alignment of electrical connectors as the battery compartment 104 having the battery pack 102 stored therein is moved. The guiderail can be fabricated using high-strength materials, such as reinforced steel or durable polymers, to ensure that the guiderail can handle the weight and frequent motion of the battery compartment 104. The surface of the guiderail can be treated or coated to reduce friction and wear over time. The guiderail is designed to be straight, ensuring that the battery compartment 104 moves smoothly and without deviation, which is crucial for maintaining the alignment of the electrical connectors and avoiding any potential damage to the battery pack 102 or the EV. Optionally, the guiderail can be curved, thereby, enabling simultaneous movement and pivoting of the battery compartment 104.
In an embodiment, the at least one guiderail comprises a stopper to limit a sliding range of the battery compartment 104. The stopper on the guiderail serves as a critical safety feature by acting as a physical barrier that prevents the battery compartment 104 from sliding beyond a predetermined point, thus avoiding overextension or accidental detachment. This stopper is particularly useful in scenarios where the battery compartment 104 needs to be partially extended for maintenance or swapping of the battery pack 102. The stopper is designed to engage firmly and reliably, ensuring that the battery compartment 104 does not slide out of the EV. The stopper can be fabricated made from materials that can withstand repeated impact without deforming or failing.
In an embodiment, the arrangement 100 comprises an access panel that is hingedly connected to the battery compartment 104 to enable access to the at least one battery pack 102. The hingedly connected access panel offers convenient and direct access to the at least one battery pack 102. Such a design allows for quick inspection, maintenance, or replacement of the at least one battery pack 102 without needing to remove the entire battery compartment 104. The hinge mechanism is robust and designed for frequent use, ensuring longevity and reliability. Optionally, the access panel includes self-lubricating bearings or robust pivot points to ensure smooth operation. The access panel can be fabricated from materials that match the body of the EV, ensuring a consistent and seamless look.
In an embodiment, the arrangement comprises a door panel that is hingedly connected to the chassis 204 to enable sliding and opening/closing of the battery compartment 104. The door panel is locked with the chassis 204 to enable sliding and subsequent pivoting of the battery compartment 104. The door panel, connected to the chassis 204, provides an integrated approach to accessing the battery compartment 104 by ensuring that the door panel can swing open, consequently, providing ample space for battery compartment 104 operations. The integration of the door panel with the chassis 204 enhances the overall structural integrity and security of the EV. Further, the hinged connection of the door panel is robust, made to withstand frequent use without compromising integrity. The hinges can be fabricated to be heavy-duty and designed to support the weight of the door panel and to resist wear over time. Additionally, the door panel may include weatherproof seals and locking mechanisms, ensuring that the battery compartment 104 is protected from environmental elements and unauthorized access.
In an embodiment, the pivot joint is associated with a locking pin to secure the access panel in a desired position. The locking pin in the pivot joint is a safety and convenience feature that allows the access panel to be securely locked in either an open or closed position, preventing unintentional movement that could lead to damage or injury. The construction of the locking pin is sturdy, ensuring that the locking pin can withstand the forces exerted during the operation of the EV. Such a feature is important for maintaining safety and stability, especially when the EV is in motion or when the battery compartment 104 is accessed on uneven ground.
In an embodiment, the arrangement 100 comprises a locking arrangement to lock the battery compartment 104 with the chassis 204. The locking arrangement ensures that the battery compartment 104 remains securely attached to the chassis 204, thereby, preventing the battery compartment 104 from dislodging, especially when the EV is in motion or during rough driving conditions. The locking arrangement further ensures that the battery compartment 104 remains firmly attached to the chassis 204, preventing any unintended detachment or movement during driving of the EV, especially in rough or uneven terrain. The locking mechanism is designed to be strong and reliable. The locking mechanism is operated either manually or automatically. Optionally, the locking mechanism is integrated with a safety interlock system that prevents the EV from moving while the battery compartment 104 is not securely locked. Such a mechanism is also user-friendly, allowing for quick and easy locking or unlocking of the battery compartment 104 for maintenance or battery pack 102 swapping. The construction of the locking mechanism takes into account factors such as ease of access, resistance to corrosion, and the ability to withstand the damage during regular and frequent use.
In an embodiment, the sliding unit 202 comprises a control unit to control a speed of the sliding of the battery compartment 104. The control unit for adjusting the sliding speed of the battery compartment 104 allows for a tailored approach to accessing the battery pack 102 stored within the battery compartment 104. Such a feature can slow down or speed up the sliding action based on different operational requirements, ensuring safety and precision. The control unit can adjust the sliding speed based on various factors, such as the weight of the battery pack 102, the angle of the EV, or specific user requirements. Such a functionality is important in ensuring a gentle and precise placement of the battery pack 102, which is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the electrical connections and preventing any physical damage to the battery pack 102. Optionally, the control unit can be fabricated using hydraulics, pneumatics and the like. The control unit may be programmable or have preset speed settings. Optionally, the control unit incorporates safety features to prevent abrupt movements that could be hazardous to users of the EV or, for example, maintenance personnel.
In an embodiment, the sliding unit 202 is associated with a motorized drive unit to enable sliding of the battery compartment 104. The motorized drive unit automates the sliding action, significantly easing the process of accessing the battery pack 102 inside the battery compartment 104. Such a feature is especially useful for heavy battery packs, reducing physical strain and improving efficiency of swapping the battery pack 102. The motorized drive unit can be designed to operate smoothly and quietly, integrating seamlessly into the overall functionality of the EV. Optionally, the motorized drive unit include features such soft-start and soft-stop to reduce mechanical stress, and safety mechanisms to prevent accidental activation or overextension. The motorized drive unit is typically powered by the electrical system of the EV. Optionally, the motorized drive unit can be controlled either from inside the EV or remotely, thereby, adding an extra layer of convenience and flexibility.
In an embodiment, the arrangement 100 comprises an interlock unit to disable sliding of the battery compartment 104 during the pivoting of the access panel. The interlock unit ensures that sliding and pivoting actions of the battery compartment 104 and access panel do not interfere with each other. Such a mechanism therefore prevents potential mechanical conflicts, enhancing the safety and reliability of operation of the arrangement 100. The interlock unit can be a mechanical or electronic system that automatically engages when the access panel is opened. Optionally, the interlock unit may require manual activation. Such a feature is crucial for maintaining the structural integrity of the battery compartment 104 and the safety of users, especially during maintenance or battery swapping procedures. The design of the interlock unit is focused on reliability and fail-safe operation, ensuring that the interlock unit consistently functions as intended under various operational conditions.
In an embodiment, the battery compartment 104 comprises a damping unit to provide damping effect. The damping unit enables to absorb aftereffect energy. For example, the damping unit provides the damping effect after the battery compartment 104 is slid in or out, such as, to absorb shocks or vibrations experienced due to jerks at the end of sliding and/or pivoting of the battery compartment 104. The damping unit in the battery compartment 104 is designed to absorb shocks and vibrations during operation of the EV. It will be appreciated that such absorption of shocks and vibrations is crucial for sensitive battery components, reducing the risk of damage from sudden movements or impacts during driving of the EV. The damping unit could consist of materials such as shock-absorbing polymers, springs, or gel pads strategically placed within the battery compartment or around the battery packs. Such a design of the damping unit is focused on absorbing and dissipating kinetic energy, reducing the impact of sudden movements or jolts. The feature not only protects the physical structure of the battery packs but also contributes to maintaining the stability of the electrical connections within the battery compartment 104. Further, in addition to protecting the battery pack 102, the damping effect can also contribute to the overall ride quality of the EV, making the ride smoother and more comfortable for the users.
In an embodiment, the pivot mechanism 206 enables pivoting of the battery compartment 104 after sliding of the battery compartment 104 to a pre-set distance. Such a design ensures that the battery compartment 104 is properly positioned before battery compartment 104 begins to pivot, which is critical for safe and efficient access to the battery pack 102. The pre-set distance is carefully calculated based on the size of the EV, the dimensions of the battery compartment 104, and the operational space available within the EV. Such feature is advantageous in tight spaces or when precise alignment is necessary for battery pack 102 insertion or removal. The controlled sliding and subsequent pivoting facilitate ease of use, especially in maintenance or emergency situations, ensuring that the battery compartment 104 is always conveniently accessible.
In an embodiment, the battery compartment 104 is associated with a cooling arrangement. Such a cooling arrangement is crucial for maintaining the optimal temperature of the battery pack 102, particularly in high-power and high-capacity EV applications where heat generation can be significant. The cooling arrangement could utilize various technologies, such as air cooling, liquid cooling, or a combination of both, depending on the specific requirements of the battery pack 102 type and design of the EV. The cooling arrangement would include elements like cooling fins, fans, or coolant channels integrated into the battery compartment 104. Such a cooling arrangement helps in prolonging the life of the battery pack 102 by preventing overheating while also enhancing the overall safety of the EV by reducing the risk of thermal runaway. The cooling arrangement is designed to be efficient, reliable, and easy to maintain without adding significant complexity or weight to the EV.
In an embodiment, the battery compartment 104 comprises a locking unit to secure each battery pack 102 within the battery compartment 104. The locking unit is designed to hold each battery pack 102 firmly in place, preventing any movement that could lead to disconnection or damage, especially during the vibrations and jolts experienced during operation of the EV. The locking unit can be implemented as a combination of mechanical latches, clasps, or even electromagnetic locks, depending on the design requirements. Such feature is particularly important for EVs that operate in rough terrains or high-speed environments, where the risk of battery pack 102 dislodgement is higher. Additionally, the locking units are designed to be easily accessible and operable, ensuring that battery pack 102 replacement or maintenance can be conducted swiftly and safely, without needing specialized tools or excessive force. Such an individualized locking approach also adds a layer of modularity to the battery system, allowing for individual battery packs to be replaced or serviced as needed, without disturbing the entire battery system (such as a battery pack array).
In the description of the present invention, it is also to be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified or limited, the terms “disposed,” “mounted,” and “connected” are to be construed broadly, and may for example be fixedly connected, detachably connected, or integrally connected, either mechanically or electrically. They may be connected directly or indirectly through intervening media, or they may be interconnected between two elements. The specific meaning of the above terms in the present invention can be understood in specific cases to those skilled in the art.
Modifications to embodiments and combination of different embodiments of the present disclosure described in the foregoing are possible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the accompanying claims. Expressions such as “including”, “comprising”, “incorporating”, “have”, “is” used to describe and claim the present disclosure are intended to be construed in a non- exclusive manner, namely allowing for items, components or elements not explicitly described also to be present. Reference to the singular is also to be construed to relate to the plural where appropriate.
Although embodiments have been described with reference to a number of illustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art that will fall within the spirit and scope of the principles of this disclosure. More particularly, various variations and modifications are possible in the component parts and/or arrangements of the subject combination arrangement within the scope of the present disclosure, the drawings and the appended claims. In addition to variations and modifications in the component parts and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also be apparent to those skilled in the art.

,CLAIMS:WE CLAIMS
1. An arrangement (100) for insertion and extraction of at least one battery pack (102) of an electric vehicle (EV), the arrangement (100) comprising:
- a battery compartment (104) to securely hold the at least one battery pack (102);
- a sliding unit (202) is mounted with a chassis (204) of the EV; and
- a pivot mechanism (206), wherein the battery compartment (104) is mounted on the sliding unit (202) via the pivot mechanism (206),
- wherein the sliding unit (202) and the pivot mechanism (206) enable sliding and opening/closing of the of the battery compartment (104) for insertion and extraction of at least one battery pack (102).
2. The arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sliding unit (202) comprises the guiderails to enable sliding of the battery compartment (104).
3. The arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein at least one guiderail comprising a stopper to limit a sliding range of the battery compartment (104).
4. The arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising an access panel that is hingedly connected to the battery compartment (104) to enable access of the at least one battery pack (102),
5. The arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a door panel that is hingedly connected to the chassis (204) to enable sliding and opening/closing of the battery compartment (104).
6. The arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the pivot joint is associated with a locking pin to secure the access panel in a desired position.
7. The arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a locking arrangement to lock the battery compartment (104) with the chassis (204).
8. The arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sliding unit (202) comprise a control unit to control a speed of the sliding of the battery compartment (104).
9. The arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sliding unit (202) is associated with a motorized drive unit to enable sliding of the battery compartment (104).
10. The arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising an interlock unit to disable sliding of the battery compartment (104) during the pivoting of the access panel.
11. The arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the battery compartment (104) comprising a damping unit to provide damping effect.
12. The arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pivot mechanism (206) enables pivoting of the battery compartment (104) after sliding of the battery compartment (104) to a pre-set distance.
13. The arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the battery compartment (104) is associated with a cooling arrangement.
14. The arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the battery compartment (104) comprising a locking unit to secure each battery pack (102) within the battery compartment (104).

Dated 15 December 2023 Kumar Tushar Srivastava
IN/PA- 3973
Agent for the Applicant