DESC:CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[001] This Application is based on and derives the benefit of Indian Provisional Application 202241069141 filed on 30th November 2022, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[002] The embodiments herein generally relate to motorcycles and more particularly, to a modular battery mounting system and method of mounting a traction battery within a motorcycle frame of an electric motorcycle in an exposed manner for achieving better cooling of the traction battery.
BACKGROUND
[003] Generally, a traction battery is used to supply electric power to an electric motor for propulsion of an electric motorcycle. Typically, the traction battery is accommodated in a dedicated battery storage space in the electric motorcycle and plastic panels are used to fully cover the traction battery. Though the plastic panels enhances the aesthetics of the motorcycle, the plastic panels restricts air flow to the traction battery thereby affecting the thermal management of the traction battery due to fully covered/shielded battery mounting arrangement.
[004] Therefore, there exists a need for a modular battery mounting system for an electric motorcycle, which obviates the aforementioned drawbacks.
OBJECTS
[005] The principal object of embodiments herein is to provide to a battery mounting system for mounting a traction battery within a motorcycle frame of an electric motorcycle in an exposed manner for allowing better air flow to the traction battery thereby achieving better cooling of the traction battery.
[006] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide a method of mounting the traction battery in the electric motorcycle.
[007] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide the battery mounting system for a fixed traction battery in the electric motorcycle.
[008] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide the battery mounting system for a swappable traction battery in the electric motorcycle.
[009] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide the modular battery mounting system which allows different types of traction batteries to be mounted within the same motorcycle frame in a fixed manner or in a swappable manner, while simultaneously ensuring the securing of the traction batteries in the exposed condition with respect to the motorcycle frame.
[0010] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide the modular battery mounting system which allows better air flow to the traction battery thereby achieving better cooling of the traction battery as compared to a conventional fully covered/shielded battery mounting arrangement.
[0011] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide the battery mounting system which ensures better life of the traction battery in the electric motorcycle.
[0012] These and other objects of embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with following description and accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0013] The embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, throughout which like reference letters indicate corresponding parts in various figures. The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following description with reference to the drawings, in which:
[0014] Fig. 1 depicts a perspective view of a modular battery mounting system for mounting a traction battery within a motorcycle frame of an electric motorcycle in an exposed manner to ambient air, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0015] Fig. 2 depicts an exploded view of the battery mounting system, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0016] Fig. 3 illustrates a battery cage which is received by the motorcycle frame and is mounted on mounting members of the battery mounting system, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0017] Fig. 4 illustrates mounting members affixed on the motorcycle frame, according to embodiments as disclosed herein; and
[0018] Fig. 5 depicts a flowchart indicating steps of a method of mounting the traction battery in the electric motorcycle, according to embodiments as disclosed herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0019] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
[0020] The embodiments herein achieve a modular battery mounting system for mounting a traction battery within the motorcycle frame of an electric motorcycle in an exposed manner for allowing better air flow to the traction battery thereby achieving better cooling of the traction battery. Referring now to the Figs 1 through 5, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown embodiments.
[0021] Fig. 1 depicts a perspective view of a modular battery mounting system (100) for mounting a traction battery (10B) within a motorcycle frame (10F) of an electric motorcycle in an exposed manner to ambient air, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the modular battery mounting system (100) includes a battery cage (102), a plurality of retaining brackets (104, 106) (as shown in fig. 1 to fig. 3) and a plurality of mounting members (108) (as shown in fig. 3 and fig. 4). For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the modular battery mounting system (100) is explained herein below with reference to mounting the traction battery (10B) within a motorcycle frame (10F) of an electric motorcycle in an exposed manner for allowing better air flow to the traction battery (10B) thereby achieving better cooling of the traction battery (10B). However, it is also within the scope of the invention to provide the modular battery mounting system (100) for mounting the traction battery (10B) within a motorcycle frame of a hybrid motorcycle in an exposed manner for achieving better cooling of the traction battery (10B) without otherwise deterring the intended function of the modular battery mounting system (100) as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings.
[0022] The battery cage (102) is adapted to house/accommodate the traction battery (10B) thereon to the motorcycle frame (10F). The battery cage (102) is adapted to be received by the motorcycle frame (10F) and is mounted on the mounting members (108) located on the motorcycle frame (10F). For example, the battery cage (102) is removably mounted onto the mounting members (108) by using fasteners such as but not limited to bolts. The battery cage (102) is adapted to mount the traction battery (10B) in the exposed manner within the motorcycle frame (10F) without compromising safety or stability of the traction battery (10B) or the electric motorcycle. In an embodiment, the battery cage (102) is a separate part received by the motorcycle frame (10F). In another embodiment, the battery cage (102) is an integral part of the motorcycle frame (10F). The battery cage (102) is made of sheet metal. The construction of the battery cage (102) can be different based on the space constraint provided by the motorcycle frame (10F). For example, the battery cage (102) can be made of cast metal or any other material. In an embodiment, the battery cage (102) includes a base (102A), a first wall (102B), a second wall (102C) and a divider wall (102D) (as shown in fig. 3). The base (102A) of the battery cage (102) is positioned on the mounting members (108) and is adapted to mount the traction battery (10B) within the motorcycle frame (10F). The first wall (102B) is transversely connected to a front end of the base (102A) of the battery cage (102) and is spaced away from a portion of the motorcycle frame (10F). The second wall (102C) is transversely connected to a rear end of the base (102A) of the battery cage (102) and is spaced away from another portion of the motorcycle frame (10F). The second wall (102C) is parallel and spaced away from the first wall (102B) of the battery cage (102). The divider wall (102D) is transversely positioned on the base (102A) along a lengthwise direction of the motorcycle. One end of the divider wall (102D) is connected to the first wall (102B) and another end of the divider wall (102D) is connected to the second wall (102C) of the battery cage (102) thereby reinforcing the battery cage (102). The divider wall (102D) of the battery cage (102) is adapted to separate battery packs/ traction battery (10B) disposed onto the battery cage (102). For example, more than one battery pack is mounted onto the battery cage (102) with respect to a left side of the divider wall (102D), and more than one battery pack is mounted onto the battery cage (102) with respect to a right side of the divider wall (102D).
[0023] The plurality of retaining brackets (104, 106) are adapted to retain the traction battery (10B) within the battery cage (102). In embodiment, the plurality of retaining brackets (104, 106) includes a plurality of first retaining brackets (104) and a plurality of second retaining brackets (106). The plurality of first retaining brackets (104) are adapted to retain the traction battery (10B) within the battery cage (102). Each first retaining bracket (104) is connected to at least one of the battery cage (102) and the motorcycle frame (10F) once the traction battery (10B) is loaded onto battery cage (102). The first retaining brackets (104) are located at both of top lateral ends of the traction battery (10B). In an embodiment, each first retaining bracket (104) is made of metallic material and is in contact with the traction battery (10B) to facilitate better heat transfer from the traction battery (10B) to ambient and motorcycle frame (10F) during operation of the electric motorcycle. In an embodiment, the first retaining brackets (104) are removably connected to at least one of the battery cage (102) and the motorcycle frame (10F) by using temporary joints, where the temporary joints can be considered to be fasteners such as but not limited to bolts. It is also within the scope of the invention to use removable rivets or any other threaded inserts or removable locking elements for affixing the first retaining brackets (104) with the battery cage (102) and the motorcycle frame (10F).
[0024] The plurality of second retaining brackets (106) are adapted to retain the traction battery (10B) within the battery cage (102). Each second retaining bracket (106) is connected to at least one of the battery cage (102) and the motorcycle frame (10F) once the traction battery (10B) is loaded onto battery cage (102). The second retaining brackets (106) are located at both of bottom lateral ends of the traction battery (10B). In an embodiment, each second retaining bracket (106) is made of metallic material and is in contact with the traction battery (10B) to facilitate better heat transfer from the traction battery (10B) to ambient and motorcycle frame (10F) during operation of the electric motorcycle. In an embodiment, the second retaining brackets (104) are removably connected to at least one of the battery cage (102) and the motorcycle frame (10F) by using temporary joints, where the temporary joints can be considered to be fasteners such as but not limited to bolts. It is also within the scope of the invention to use removable rivets or any other threaded inserts or removable locking elements for affixing the second retaining brackets (106) with the battery cage (102) and the motorcycle frame (10F). Further, depending on the type of battery configuration or battery type or configuration of the motorcycle, the fastening mechanism of the retaining brackets (104, 106) would vary thereof. For example, fasteners could be replaced with suitable locking arrangements.
[0025] The mounting members (108) are adapted to mount the battery cage (102) within the motorcycle frame (10F) thereby mounting the traction battery (10B) thereon to the motorcycle frame (10F). In an embodiment, each mounting member (108) is a separate part. In another embodiment, each mounting member (108) is an integral part of the battery cage (102). In an embodiment, the mounting members (108) are removably/ fixedly connected to the motorcycle frame (10F) by using fasteners in case of fixed traction battery. For example, the mounting members (108) are removably affixed to the motorcycle frame (10F) by using fasteners such as but limited to bolts. In another embodiment, the mounting members (108) are movably connected to the motorcycle frame (10F) in case of swappable type traction battery. For example, the mounting members (108) may include hinged arrangement or a sliding arrangement (sliding rack or rails).
[0026] Fig. 5 depicts a flowchart indicating steps of a method (200) of mounting the traction battery (10B) in the electric motorcycle, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. At step 202, the method (200) includes, receiving, by a motorcycle frame (10F) of the electric motorcycle, a battery cage (102) therein and mounting, by a plurality of mounting members (108), the battery cage (102) thereon and within the motorcycle frame (10F). At step 204, the method (200) includes, receiving, by the battery cage (102), the traction battery (10B) thereon to mount the traction battery (10B) to the motorcycle frame (10F) in an exposed manner in which the traction battery (10B) is exposed to ambient air. At step (206), the method (200) includes retaining, by a plurality of retaining brackets (104, 106), the traction battery (10B) within the battery cage (102) by affixing the retaining brackets (104, 106) to at least one of the battery cage (102) and the motorcycle frame (10F). Further, the method step (206) includes retaining, by a plurality of first retaining brackets (104), the traction battery (10B) within the battery cage (102) by removably connecting the first retaining brackets (104) to at least one of the battery cage (102) and the motorcycle frame (10F) by using temporary joints such as but limited to bolts (step 206A), where the first retaining brackets (104) are positioned in vicinity of both top lateral ends of the traction battery (10B). Furthermore, the method step (206) includes, retaining, by a plurality of second retaining brackets (106), the traction battery (10B) within the battery cage (102) by removably connecting the second retaining brackets (106) to at least one of the battery cage (102) and the motorcycle frame (10F) by using temporary joints such as but not limited to bolts, where the second retaining brackets (106) are positioned in vicinity of both bottom lateral ends of the traction battery (10B).
[0027] The technical advantages of the modular battery mounting system (100) are as follows. The battery mounting system (100) is modular in design such that it allows for different types of traction batteries to be mounted within the same motorcycle frame in a fixed manner or in a swappable manner, while simultaneously ensuring the securing of the traction batteries in the exposed condition with respect to the motorcycle frame. The modular battery mounting system (100) allows better air flow to the traction battery thereby achieving better cooling of the traction battery as compared to a conventional fully covered/shielded battery mounting arrangement. The battery mounting system ensures better life of the traction battery in the electric motorcycle.
[0028] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modifications within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
,CLAIMS:We claim,
1. A modular battery mounting system (100) for a motorcycle, said modular battery mounting system (100) comprising:
a battery cage (102) defined within a motorcycle frame (10F), wherein said battery cage (102) is adapted to receive a traction battery (10B) thereon to mount said traction battery (10B) within said motorcycle frame (10F) in an exposed manner in which said traction battery (10B) is exposed to ambient air; and
a plurality of retaining brackets (104, 106) adapted to be affixed to at least one of said battery cage (102) and said motorcycle frame (10F) thereby retaining said traction battery (10B) within said battery cage (102).
2. The modular battery mounting system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said modular battery mounting system (100) includes a plurality of mounting members (108) adapted to mount said battery cage (102) within said motorcycle frame (10F) thereby mounting said traction battery (10B) thereon to the motorcycle frame (10F).
3. The modular battery mounting system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said plurality of retaining brackets (104, 106) includes,
a plurality of first retaining brackets (104), wherein each of said first retaining bracket (104) is adapted to be removably affixed to at least one of said battery cage (102) and said motorcycle frame (10F),
wherein
said first retaining brackets (104) are located at both of top lateral ends of said traction battery (10B).
4. The modular battery mounting system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said plurality of retaining brackets (104, 106) includes,
a plurality of second retaining brackets (106), wherein each of said second retaining bracket (106) is adapted to be affixed to at least one of said battery cage (102) and said motorcycle frame (10F),
wherein
said second retaining brackets (106) are located at both of bottom lateral ends of said traction battery (10B).
5. The modular battery mounting system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said battery cage (102) is a separate part or an integral part of said motorcycle frame (10F).
6. The modular battery mounting system (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said mounting members (108) are removably connected to said motorcycle frame (10F) by using fasteners when said traction battery (10B) is a fixed traction battery.
7. The modular battery mounting system (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said mounting members (108) are movably connected to said motorcycle frame (10F) when said traction battery (10B) is a swappable traction battery.
8. The modular battery mounting system (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said battery cage (102) includes,
a base (102A) positioned on said mounting members (108) and is adapted to mount said traction battery (10B) within the motorcycle frame (10F);
a first wall (102B) transversely connected to a front end of said base (102A) of said battery cage (102) and is spaced away from a portion of said motorcycle frame (10F);
a second wall (102C) transversely connected to a rear end of said base (102A) of said battery cage (102) and is spaced away from another portion of said motorcycle frame (10F); and
a divider wall (102D) transversely positioned on said base wall (102A) along a lengthwise direction of said motorcycle,
wherein
said second wall (102C) is parallel and spaced away from said first wall (102B) of said battery cage (102);
one end of said divider wall (102D) is connected to said first wall (102B) and another end of said divider wall (102D) is connected to said second wall (102C) of said battery cage (102) thereby reinforcing said battery cage (102); and
each of said mounting member (108) is a separate part or an integral part of said battery cage (102).
9. A method (200) of mounting a traction battery (10B) in motorcycle, said methos (200) comprising:
receiving, by a battery cage (102), the traction battery (10B) thereon to mount the traction battery (10B) within a motorcycle frame (10F) in an exposed manner in which the traction battery (10B) is exposed to ambient air; and
retaining, by a plurality of retaining brackets (104, 106), the traction battery (10B) within the battery cage (102) by affixing the retaining brackets (104, 106) to at least one of the battery cage (102) and the motorcycle frame (10F).
10. The method (200) as claimed in claim 9, wherein said retaining, by the plurality of retaining brackets (104, 106), the traction battery (10B) within the battery cage (102) by affixing the retaining brackets (104, 106) to at least one of the battery cage (102) and the motorcycle frame (10F) includes,
retaining, by a plurality of first retaining brackets (104), the traction battery (10B) within the battery cage (102) by removably connecting the first retaining brackets (104) to at least one of the battery cage (102) and the motorcycle frame (10F),
wherein
the first retaining brackets (104) are positioned in vicinity of both top lateral ends of the traction battery (10B).
11. The method (200) as claimed in claim 9, wherein said retaining, by the plurality of retaining brackets (104, 106), the traction battery (10B) within the battery cage (102) by affixing the retaining brackets (104, 106) to at least one of the battery cage (102) and the motorcycle frame (10F) includes,
retaining, by a plurality of second retaining brackets (106), the traction battery (10B) within the battery cage (102) by removably connecting the second retaining brackets (106) to at least one of the battery cage (102) and the motorcycle frame (10F),
wherein
the second retaining brackets (106) are positioned in vicinity of both bottom lateral ends of the traction battery (10B).
12. The method (200) as claimed in claim 9, wherein said method (200) includes receiving, by the motorcycle frame (10F), the battery cage (102) therein and mounting, by a plurality of mounting members (108), the battery cage (102) thereon and within the motorcycle frame (10F) prior to said receiving, by the battery cage (102), the traction battery (10B) thereon to mount the traction battery (10B) within the motorcycle frame (10F) in the exposed manner.