DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter relates to a saddle type two or three wheeled. More particularly, the present subject matter relates to an energy storage structure for any vehicle.
BACKGROUND
[0002] In recent times there is an increased demand to control emissions from automobiles, in view of stringent emission norms. As a result, a number of hybrid and electric vehicles are seeing the light of the day in order to minimize the amount of emissions. Generally, existing hybrid vehicles configured to be powered either by an internal combustion engine or electric motor or both, are replacing normal engine powered vehicles. For example, driving on terrain or for long distances, an internal combustion engine can be used and for shorter distances electric propulsion system can be used. However, incorporation of both internal combustion engine and electric motor assembly in the hybrid two-wheeled vehicle makes the system bulky and more complex. Thus, electric vehicles have gained popularity in recent years as the potential replacement for internal combustion vehicles, since they promise zero emission from electric drive system, and a break away from oil dependency.
[0003] Typically, electric vehicles are powered using an electric drive system having the electric motor as a powering source, one or more energy storage devices including batteries for powering the electric motor and a controller. The controller manages the operations of the electric motor and said one or more energy storage devices disposed on the vehicle. Positioning of said one or more energy storage devices on the electric motor driven two- wheeled vehicle is a critical task due to limited availability of space.
[0004] Conventionally, in an existing electric two-wheeled vehicle, said one or more energy storage devices are disposed within a utility box area below the seat. Positioning of said one or more energy storage devices including a battery pack inside the utility box leads to wastage of space that could have been used for storing other articles. This structure also prevents the dissipation of heat that is generated during charging and discharging of the battery pack resulting in decreased efficiency. Also, the energy storage device like battery being heavy in mass, there exists a challenge of achieving optimum mass center disposition of the vehicle to achieve good riding performance & comfort.
[0005] Therefore, there is a need to provide an improved structure for said one or more energy storage devices on the two-wheeled vehicle which allows proper utilization of available space, and provides adequate cooling structure for the one or more energy storage devices within the vehicle.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components.
[0007] Fig.1 is a side view of a two-wheeled vehicle illustrating one of a pair of left and right lid members being pivotally attached to one of a pair of left and right cover members of a rear body cover of the vehicle, as per one embodiment of the present invention.
[0008] Fig.2 is a perspective view of the two-wheeled vehicle illustrating one or more energy storage devices supported by said pair of left and right lid members being pivotally attached to at least a portion of said pair of left and right cover members of a rear body cover of the vehicle, as per one embodiment of the present invention.
[0009] Fig.3 is a perspective view of an energy storage structure illustrating one or more energy storage devices supported by said pair of left and right lid members, as per one embodiment of the present invention.
[00010] Fig.4 is a perspective view of said energy storage structure illustrating said one or more energy storage devices being accessed on opening movement of said pair of left and right lid members, as per one embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00011] In a known electric two-wheeled vehicle, an electric motor configured to drive wheels for driving the vehicle is disposed in a rear portion of the vehicle and is functionally coupled thereto. The electric motor is driven by a high capacity battery. High battery capacity leads to larger battery size and thus higher storage space requirement on the vehicle. Hence, it becomes difficult to accommodate the high capacity battery within the vehicle layout without limiting the packaging space of other components.
[00012] In another known two-wheeled vehicle, the utility space is provided below a seat assembly. Therefore, providing the battery below the seat assembly results in limiting the utility space of the vehicle. Further, the vehicle may have one or more batteries, which are to be replaced for charging, maintenance or for replacing with charged ones. Therefore, due to packaging constraints it is difficult to mount one or more batteries as an additional rechargeable back-up power source in the limited spaces of the vehicle which may involve further structural challenges for installing said one or more additional batteries thereon.
[00013] With the above objectives in view, the present invention provides an improved structure for one or more energy storage devices on the vehicle. Further, as per one embodiment of the present invention, said improved structure for one or more energy storage devices on the vehicle facilitates in easy assembling and quick removal of the one or more energy storage devices during maintenance and servicing. The center of mass of the energy storage device needs to be closer to the center of mass of the vehicle with the occupants as well as substantially upstream of the rider. Additionally, the energy storage is also disposed substantially downstream of the rider seating area to achieve good centralization of the higher mass of the vehicle closer to the ground to be able to achieve good control & dynamic performance behavior of the vehicle. As per an embodiment, the battery is disposed substantially below an imaginary line A-A (defining a vehicle longitudinal axis) extending from the front portion of the vehicle to the rear portion of the vehicle, adjacent below the seating surface of the seat assembly.
[00014] As per one embodiment, said electric two-wheeled vehicle comprises a frame structure including a head tube, an upper frame extending rearwardly from the head tube, a lower frame extending obliquely downwardly and comprises a floor frame adapted to support floorboard. In one embodiment, a vehicle body cover is configured for covering said frame structure. The vehicle body cover includes a front body cover covering a front portion of the vehicle and a rear body cover covering a rear portion of the vehicle. Referring to one embodiment, said front body cover includes a front covering member and a rear covering member. In one embodiment said front covering member is separated from the rear covering member through a gap portion. In one embodiment, said rear body cover includes a pair of left and right side covers and a top cover. As per one embodiment, said top cover of said rear body cover is adapted for covering said upper frame and accommodates a charging slot configured for charging said one or more storage devices on the vehicle. In one embodiment, a pair of left and right lid members is formed in at least a portion of each of said pair of left and right side covers. In one embodiment, said pair of left and right lid members is pivotally attached to said at least a portion of said pair of left and right side covers. Further, as per one embodiment, said two-wheeled vehicle comprises said one or more energy storage devices adapted for powering said electric motor for providing driving force to the vehicle. In one embodiment, said one or more energy storage devices include at least one primary energy storage device packaged below the floorboard and supported by the floor frame and at least one secondary energy storage device arranged on said floorboard and supported by said pair of left and right lid members. In one embodiment, said one or more energy storage devices are lithium ion batteries. Referring to one embodiment, said pair of left and right lid members is adapted for accessing said at least one secondary energy storage device of said one or more energy storage devices disposed below said upper frame and arranged on said floor frame of the vehicle frame structure, during packaging and removal.
[00015] Referring to one embodiment, said one or more energy storage devices is supported by said each of said pair of left and right lid members and hence, said pair of left and right lid members acts as a load carrying member for said one or more energy storage devices. In one embodiment, a supporting member is secured to said each of said pair of left and right lid members for supporting said one or more energy storage devices therein during closing and opening movement thereto. In one embodiment, said one or more energy storage devices are accessible for servicing, maintenance and replacement during closing and opening movement of each of said pair of left and right lid members. In one embodiment, said supporting member is a rubber strap for supporting said one or more energy storage devices on said pair of left and right lid members. Further, referring to one embodiment, said lid member comprises an air guide structure. In one embodiment, said air-guide structure is a non-uniform profile that is integrally formed therein and adapted for directing surrounding air to said one or more energy storage devices disposed on said floorboard, thereby facilitating cooling air thereto. However, said lid members may include or define any uniform/non-uniform profile to define said air guide structure. Also the lid members include at least one handle portion that facilitates holding the lid to open or close. Said handle portion may be of any shape or size and may be disposed on any location on the lid members/
[00016] Various other features and advantages of the invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference numbers generally indicate identical, functionally similar, and/or structurally similar elements. The drawing in which an element first appears is indicated by the leftmost digit(s) in the corresponding reference number. With reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference numerals will be used to identify the same or similar elements throughout the several views. It should be noted that the drawings should be viewed in the direction of orientation of the reference numerals.
[00017] It is to be noted that in the ensuing description, the present invention is usable in a saddle type vehicle exemplified in the form of a electric two-wheeled vehicle.
[00018] Further “front” and “rear”, and “left” and “right” referred to in the ensuing description of the illustrated embodiment refer to front and rear, and left and right directions as seen in a state of being seated on a seat of the two-wheeled vehicle. Furthermore, a longitudinal axis refers to a front to rear axis relative to the vehicle, while a lateral axis refers to a side to side, or left to right axis relative to the vehicle. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
[00019] With reference to FIG.1, a description is made of the electric two-wheeled vehicle (100) (hereinafter “vehicle”) in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, said vehicle (100) comprises the frame structure (116) extending from the front portion (F) to the rear portion (R) in a vehicle longitudinal direction (AA). In one embodiment, said frame structure (116) includes said head tube, said upper frame extending rearwardly from the head tube, said lower frame extending obliquely downwardly and comprises a floor frame adapted to support floorboard (117). In one embodiment, said vehicle body cover (101) is configured for covering said frame structure (116). The vehicle body cover (101) includes a front body cover (109) that covers the front portion (F) of the vehicle (100) and a rear body cover (105) that is disposed behind the front body cover (109) and extends rearward to cover the rear portion (R) of the vehicle (100).
[00020] Referring to one embodiment, said front body cover (109) includes the front covering member (102) and the rear covering member (110). In one embodiment, said rear body cover (105) includes a pair of left and right side covers (105L, 105R), (the right side cover is symmetrical to the left side cover and hence not shown) and the top cover (118). In one embodiment, a pair of left and right lid members (108L), (108R) is formed in at least a portion of each of said pair of left and right side covers (105L), (105R). In one embodiment, said pair of left and right lid members (108L), (108R) are pivotally attached to said at least a portion of said pair of left and right side covers (105L, 105R). Further, a seat assembly (113) is mounted to the upper frame in the rear portion (R) of the vehicle (100). In one embodiment, the seat assembly (113) includes a rider seat (113a) and a pillion seat (113b). However, the seat assembly (113) may include any configuration of seats such as single seat divided seats and the like. A utility box (not shown) is disposed below the seat assembly (113). A front fender (103) is disposed above a front wheel (104) and between left and right suspensions supporting the front wheel (104). A rear fender (114) is adapted for covering at least a portion of a rear wheel (115). One or more suspension(s)/shock absorbers (112) are provided in the rear portion of said vehicle (100) for comfortable ride. Further, said vehicle (100) comprises of plurality of electrical and electronic components including a headlight (107), a taillight, a transistor controlled ignition (TCI) unit (not shown), a starter motor (not shown) and the like. A touch screen LCD unit (not shown) is provided on a handle bar (106) to display various operating modes, power flow pattern and warning signals. Rear view mirrors are mounted on the right and left sides of the handle bar (106). In one embodiment, said vehicle (100) is also provided with hazard lamps (not shown). Further referring to one embodiment, at least a portion of said each of the pair of left and right lid members (108L), (108R) includes an illumination member (111). As per one embodiment, said illumination member (111) gets activated on receiving a signal from one or more signal transmitting device such as a key fob being carried by an authorized user of the vehicle (100), thereby preventing unauthorized access to the vehicle (100) and detecting the presence of one or more energy storage devices (200, 201). In an embodiment, the illumination member (111) also indicates state of charge of each of the one or more energy storage devices (200, 201). In an embodiment, the illuminating member (111) may be of any shape size or structure as required for the vehicle packaging.
[00021] In addition, at least a portion of each of the pair of left and right lid members (108L), (108R) define one or more air guide structures. Said air guide structure is adapted to direct surrounding air to said one or more energy storage devices (200, 201) supported on said pair of left and right lid members (108L), (108R). Also, at least a portion of each of the pair of left and right lid members (108L), (108R) includes a handle portion (119) that facilitate handling or holding the lid member during opening and closing movement. In an embodiment, the handle portion (119) may be of any shape/size, and may be disposed at any location of each of the pair of left and right lid members (108L), (108R).
[00022] Fig.2 is a perspective view of the vehicle (100) illustrating an energy storage structure (300) including one or more energy storage devices (200), (201). In one embodiment, said one or more energy storage devices (200), (201) are supported by said pair of left and right lid members (108L), (108R) being pivotally attached to said at least a portion of said pair of left and right side covers (105L), 105R) of the rear body cover (105) of the vehicle (100), as per one embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, said one or more energy storage devices (200), (201) include at least one primary energy storage device (not shown) and at least one secondary energy storage device (200, 201). Said at least one primary energy storage device (not shown) is disposed below the floorboard (117) and substantially below the vehicle longitudinal axis A-A. Said at least one primary energy storage device being supported by the floor frame (not shown).Said at least one secondary energy storage device (200, 201) is disposed on the floorboard (117) and below the vehicle longitudinal axis A-A. Said at least one secondary energy storage device (200, 201) being supported by said pair of left and right lid members (108L), (108R).. The vehicle longitudinal axis A-A extends from the front portion (F) to the rear portion (R) adjacent below a seating surface of the seat assembly (100) of the vehicle (100).
[00023] In one embodiment, said one or more energy storage devices (200,201) are lithium ion batteries. In another embodiment of the present invention, said one or more energy storage devices (200, 201) may include lead acid battery or the like. Referring to one embodiment, said pair of left and right lid members (108L), (108R) are adapted for accessing said one or more energy storage devices (200), (201) disposed below said upper frame and arranged on said floor frame of the vehicle frame structure (116), during packaging and removal.
[00024] Fig.3 is a perspective view of said energy storage structure (300) illustrating one or more energy storage devices (200), (201) supported by said pair of left and right lid members (108L), (108R), as per one embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, one or more supporting members (108H, 108B, 108P) are provided with said each of said pair of left and right lid members (108L), (108R) for supporting said one or more energy storage devices (200), (201) therein during closing and opening movement thereto. In one embodiment, said one or more supporting members include one or more hooks (108H), one or more brackets (108B), and at-least one base plate (108P) provided with each of said pair of left and right lid members (108L), (108R). Said one or more hooks (108H) are disposed on upper portion of the each of said pair of left and right lid members (108L), (108R) to support the upper part of said one or more energy storage devices (200), (201). Said one or more brackets (108B) and at-least one base plate (108P) are disposed on the lower portion of the each of said pair of left and right lid members (108L), (108R) to hold the lower part of said one or more energy storage devices (200), (201). In another embodiment, said one or more supporting members may be of any structure(s), shape, combination thereof such as a rubber strap fitted across each of said pair of left and right lid members (108L), (108R), or one or more brackets or hooks or any holding means. Said one or more supporting members may be disposed on any location of each of said pair of left and right lid members (108L), (108R) to support/hold the one or more energy storage devices (200), (201).
[00025] Fig.4 is a perspective view of said energy storage structure (300) illustrating said one or more energy storage devices (200), (201) being accessed on opening movement of said pair of left and right lid members (108L), (108R), as per one embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, said one or more energy storage devices (200), (201) are partially or fully accessible for servicing, maintenance and replacement during closing and opening movement of each of said pair of left and right lid members (108L), (108R). During closing and opening movement of each of said pair of left and right lid members (108L), (108R), the one or more energy storage devices (200), (201) are attached with each of said pair of left and right lid members (108L), (108R) using the one or more hooks (108H), the one or more brackets (108B), and the at-least one base plate (108P). during said opening and closing movement, the energy storage devices (200), (201) obtain the orientation of the left and right lid members (108L), (108R) respectively and are easily accessible for servicing/replacing in the open position of the left and right lid members (108L), (108R).
[00026] Further, in another embodiment, the vehicle (100) includes the body cover (101) extending from the front portion (F) to the rear portion (R) along the vehicle longitudinal axis (AA). The body cover (101) includes a front body cover (109) disposed in the front portion (F) of the vehicle (100) and a rear body cover (105) disposed behind the front body cover (109). In addition, the vehicle (100) includes at least one lid member (108) pivotally attached to at least a portion of at least one of the front body cover (109) and the rear body cover (105). For example, in an embodiment, the at least one lid member (108) is disposed on at least a portion of front body cover (109), whereas in another embodiment, the at least one lid member (108) is disposed on at least a portion of rear body cover (109). Said at least one lid member (108) supports one or more unit mounted within the vehicle such as battery, motor, muffler, engine, or any other unit mounted within the vehicle (100). Said at least one lid member (108) includes a pair of left and right lid members (108L), (108R). The left lid member (108L) being disposed on a left side of the vehicle (100) and the right lid member (108R) being disposed on a right side of the vehicle (100). In addition, at least a portion of said at least one lid member (108) (each of a pair of left and right lid members (108L), (108R)) includes the illumination member (111) configured to indicate one or more parameters secured within said lid members. Said illumination member (111) is configured to get activated on receiving a signal from one or more signal transmitting device being carried by an authorized user of the vehicle (100).

[00027] It is advantageous to provide an improved structure for said one or more energy storage devices on the vehicle that does not influence the bank angle, provides an improved operation efficiency and improved operating posture of the operator. Further, it is desirable to provide an improved electric two-wheeled vehicle in a manner that provides the consumer with an economical solution in terms of fuel efficiency as well as reduction in emissions.
[00028] Improvements and modifications may be incorporated herein without deviating from the scope of the invention.
,CLAIMS:We Claim:
1. A vehicle (100) comprising:
a front portion (F) and a rear portion (R);
a floorboard (117) provided between said front portion (F) and said rear portion (R);
an energy storage structure (300) adapted to house one or more energy devices (200), (201) arranged on said floorboard (117);
a body cover (101) extending from the front portion (F) to the rear portion (R) along a vehicle longitudinal axis (AA); said body cover (101) comprising a front body cover (109) disposed in the front portion (F) of the vehicle (100) and a rear body cover (105) disposed behind the front body cover (109), said rear body cover (105) includes a pair of left and right side covers (105L), (105R) and a top cover (118); and
a pair of left and right lid members (108L), (108R) being pivotally attached to at least a portion of said pair of left and right side covers (105L), (105R); and wherein said pair of left and right lid members (108L), (108R) is configured to support one or more energy storage devices (200), (201).
2. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, each of said pair of left and right lid members (108L), (108R) include one or more supporting members (108H, 108B, 108P) for supporting said one or more energy storage devices (200), (201) therein during closing and opening movement thereto, the one or more supporting members (108H, 108B, 108P) being disposed at one or more locations on each of said pair of left and right lid members (108L), (108R).
3. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least a portion of each of the pair of left and right lid members (108L), (108R) includes an illumination member (111).
4. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein said illumination member (111) gets activated on receiving a signal from one or more signal transmitting device being carried by an authorized user of the vehicle (100).
5. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least a portion of each of the pair of left and right lid members (108L), (108R) includes a handle portion (119).
6. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least a portion of each of the pair of left and right lid members (108L), (108R) define one or more air guide structures adapted to direct surrounding air to said one or more energy storage devices (200, 201) supported on said pair of left and right lid members (108L), (108R).
7. A vehicle (100) comprising:
a front portion (F) and a rear portion (R);
a floorboard (117) provided between said front portion (F) and said rear portion (R);
an energy storage structure (300) adapted to house one or more energy devices (200), (201) arranged on said floorboard (117, said one or more energy storage devices (200, 201) being disposed substantially downstream of rider seating surface of a seat assembly (113) of the vehicle (100), and below a vehicle longitudinal axis A-A extending from the front portion (F) to the rear portion (R) adjacent below a seating surface of a seat assembly (100) of the vehicle (100);
a body cover (101) extending from the front portion (F) to the rear portion (R) along a vehicle longitudinal axis (AA); said body cover (101) comprising a front body cover (109) disposed in the front portion (F) of the vehicle (100) and a rear body cover (105) disposed behind the front body cover (109), said rear body cover (105) includes a pair of left and right side covers (105L), (105R) and a top cover (118); and
a pair of left and right lid members (108L), (108R) being pivotally attached to at least a portion of said pair of left and right side covers (105L), (105R); and wherein said pair of left and right lid members (108L), (108R) is configured to support one or more energy storage devices (200), (201).
8. The vehicle as claimed in claim 7, wherein said said one or more energy storage devices (200, 201) include at least one primary energy storage device (not shown) and at least one secondary energy storage device ((200, 201)
9. The vehicle as claimed in claim 8, wherein said at least one primary energy storage device (not shown) is disposed below the floorboard (117) and substantially below the vehicle longitudinal axis A-A, said at least one primary energy storage device being supported by the floor frame (not shown).
10. The vehicle as claimed in claim 8, wherein said at least one secondary energy storage device (200, 201) is disposed on the floorboard (117) and below the vehicle longitudinal axis A-A, said at least one secondary energy storage device (200, 201) being supported by said pair of left and right lid members (108L), (108R).
11. A vehicle (100) comprising:
a front portion (F) and a rear portion (R);
a body cover (101) extending from the front portion (F) to the rear portion (R) along a vehicle longitudinal axis (AA); said body cover (101) comprising a front body cover (109) disposed in the front portion (F) of the vehicle (100) and a rear body cover (105) disposed behind the front body cover (109); and
at least one lid member (108) being pivotally attached to at least a portion of at least one of the front body cover (109) and the rear body cover (105); wherein said at least one lid member (108) being adapted to support one or more units mounted within the vehicle (100), at least a portion of said at least one lid member (108) includes an illumination member (111) configured to get activated on receiving a signal from one or more signal transmitting device being carried by an authorized user of the vehicle (100).
12. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 11, wherein said at least one lid member (108) includes a pair of left and right lid members (108L), (108R), the left lid member (108L) being disposed on a left side of the vehicle (100) and the right lid member (108R) being disposed on a right side of the vehicle (100).