The present invention claims priority from the provisional specification filed on 21/12/2017 vide application number 201711045964 which has been incorporated herein by reference in its entirety and made part of this complete specification for all purposes.
Field of invention:
The present invention relates to a mechanism for easy removal and insertion of a battery pack for electric or hybrid vehicles.
Background of the invention
Electric and hybrid vehicles are on the verge of experiencing rapid growth in both developed and developing vehicle markets. The broad-scale adoption of the electric and hybrid vehicles could bring significant changes for society in terms of not only the technologies used for personal transportation, but also moving economies away from petroleum and lessening the environmental footprint of transportation. There are different types of electric vehicles such as the plug-in type hybrid electric vehicles which use energy sources from both battery and gasoline to optimize driving and fuel cell type electric vehicles where Hydrogen is converted into electricity using fuel cells. This is in addition to the conventional battery-operated electric vehicles that have been increasing in popularity in the recent years. The present invention specifically targets battery operated electric or hybrid electric vehicle systems and, more particularly, to swappable battery vehicles.

At present, electric and hybrid vehicles usually require several hours to charge completely, rendering it un-usable during the charging process. Though a fast charger can help to expedite the process, its regular use can severally reduce the life of the battery used in the vehicle. A fast charger such as the Tesla Supercharger (when using high current) or Terra High Power DC fast charger uses high current to charge the battery which in the long run degrades the battery at a higher rate, thus making it unsustainable for use. A user is thus deprived of any option but to charge his/her vehicle for about 6-10 hours before each use.
Moreover, present day electric vehicles are introduced in the market with structural designs that make it difficult even for swapping of their batteries. The battery packs are usually placed at interior regions of the vehicle making it cumbersome for easy access and maintenance. Further, the battery packs are not designed for rugged use since they are mostly kept into confined places inside the vehicle which adds to the cost.
Present embodiments and technology on battery swapping incur high infrastructure and maintenance cost thus questioning feasibility in the longer run. The construction of charging/battery swap infrastructure is the prerequisite and basis for the rapid and healthy development of Electric Vehicle (EV) industry, and the development and applications of

charging/battery swap technologies is one of the most important factors for the construction of EV infrastructure.
The prior art US5585205 discloses a system apparatus for swapping vehicular batteries. A power pack of batteries are enclosed in an encasement for handling ease and safety of passengers riding in an electric vehicle. The encased batteries are hung underneath and outside the vehicular floor, and are air-cooled. Spent batteries are replaced with an encasement with charged ones, and the vehicle is driven forward. A special jack, provided as a part of the system, facilitates replacing operations.
Some embodiments in US20120248868A1 reveals a swappable battery configuration used in a battery car in conjunction with a battery car station. Access to the batteries of different types is controlled through a switch control processor selectively coupling batteries to one or more power grids depending upon a given battery's sensed energy.
However, none of the prior arts provide a solution to the existing limitations as identified in the present invention. The present invention offers a solution to this problem by introducing an effective battery swapping mechanism that is time and cost efficient with minimum infrastructural requirements and creates a battery pack configuration position for a vehicle that boosts the overall weight distribution stability

for the vehicle. Embodiments of the instant invention have application for easy removal and/or insertion of any battery pack.
Objective of the invention
Accordingly, an objective of the present invention is to provide a simple procedure for the swapping of a battery pack in an electric/hybrid vehicle. Yet another objective of the present invention is to reduce the time required for swapping the battery pack.
Yet another objective of the present invention is to make the swapping process less labour-intensive.
Yet another objective of the present invention is to create a battery pack configuration position for an electric vehicle that can boost the overall weight distribution stability for the vehicle.
Further objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from consideration of the drawings and descriptions that follow.
Statement of the Invention
The present invention relates to a mechanism for easy removal and insertion of a battery pack for electric and hybrid electric vehicle. Through this mechanism of battery swapping, a used/depleted/damaged/first battery

pack of a vehicle can be replaced with a charged/new/second battery pack with minimal infrastructure and labour. Moreover, the entire process can be achieved within less than 5 minutes.
Further objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Brief description of figures:
The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended figures, however, the invention is not limited to the specific assembly and methods disclosed in the said figures. The invention is illustrated through the accompanying figures, throughout which like reference numerals indicate corresponding parts in various figures:
• Figure 1 illustrates the front view of the vehicle (2) when the first battery pack (3) is detached or when a second battery pack (14) is being attached from/to the vehicle (2) and the swapping lifting system (6) with its docking tray (7) raised.
• Figure 2 illustrates the front view of the vehicle (2) when the swapping process is through a pit (9) system.
• Figure 3 illustrates a battery pack (3) with solenoid powered in-built clamps (5) positioned at the four vertical corners for easy and safe docking of the corresponding battery pack with the vehicle (2). The in-built clamps (5) are further connected to connector cables (15)

that shall help the in-built clamps to retract during removal of the battery pack.
• Figure 4 illustrates the position of the battery pack (3/14) when fixed on the chassis (12).
• Figure 5 illustrates an isometric view of the battery pack (3/14) supported by the clamping structure (1).
• Figure 6 illustrates an isometric view of the clamped battery pack onto the chassis (12). The battery pack is clamped between the long members (4) of the chassis (12).
• Figure 7 illustrates the top view of the battery pack and the chassis (12).
• Figure 8 illustrates the pit (9) system with the retractable track (11) drawn in. The electric vehicle (2) is positioned into the pit (9) through the retractable track (11). The stopper (16) aids in preventing vehicle movement during the entire process.
• Figure 9 illustrates the pit system (9) with the retractable track (11) drawn back. The trolley (6) is moved into the pit in this position. The trail (17) helps in track movement.
The aforesaid figures describe an embodiment of the present invention. The said figures in no way restrict the scope of the present invention as described in the specification and accompanying drawings.

Detailed Description of the invention
The embodiments herein and the various features and 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. It is to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention which will be limited only by the appended claims. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The illustrations and 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, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
The battery pack swapping structure involves the following embodiments:
1. A clamping structure (1) fixed on to the chassis (12) of the vehicle (2) using which the battery pack (3/14) is fixed between the long members (4) of the chassis (12).
2. A battery pack (3/14) with in-built clamps (5) positioned at the four vertical corners for easy and safe docking of the battery pack with the vehicle (2). One of the circuits of the connector cable (15) of the battery pack is also connected to the in-built clamps (5) and this helps in retracting the clamps when desired, especially for removal

of the battery pack (3/14). This circuit is facilitated with a standard switch placed at an accessible position of the vehicle (2). 3. A lifting system (6) with an on-board docking tray (7) which shall be used to carry the battery pack (3/14) towards the electric vehicle (2). The lifting system (6) has the capability of vertically adjusting the position of the tray (7) through a jacking system (13) and is also equipped with a mirror (8) so as to easily identify the clamping structure (1) on the chassis (12). Moreover, the docking tray (7) can safely dock the battery pack (3/14) onto the lifting system (6).
The above stated battery pack (3) configuration position boosts the overall weight distribution stability of the vehicle (2).
Another factor required for effectuating the swapping mechanism is adequate ground clearance of the vehicle (2). Enough space is required between the ground and the chassis (12) members so as to ensure that the lifting system (6) carrying the battery pack (3/14) can easily move beneath the chassis (12). For vehicles with lower ground clearance, an embodiment of the present invention also describes a methodology through a pit system (9). The pit system (9) primarily involves construction of a pit with a declining ramp (10) from the ground towards it along with a retractable projection track (11) for positioning the vehicle (2) towards the pit. The said embodiment of the present invention is illustrated through Figures 2, 8 and 9.

In different implementations, different types of batteries can be swapped depending upon the state and condition of the batteries. For example, in an embodiment a used battery pack (first battery pack) shall be replaced with a newly charged /unused battery pack (second battery pack). Similarly, a damaged/depleted battery (fist battery pack) can be swapped with a partially charged replacement battery pack (second battery pack).
The jacking system (13) as stated in the instant invention may comprise of jacks and jack stands such as floor jack, hydraulic bottle jack, scissor jack and the like.
Similarly, lifting system (6) as stated in the instant invention may comprise of trolley/linkages/rotating joints/elevators and the like.
The following steps describe an embodiment of the invention. None of the steps mentioned herein below shall restrict the scope of the invention.
For vehicles with adequate ground clearance: For the purpose of describing this invention, adequate ground clearance shall mean adequate space (in the range of 205mm-305 mm) for the lifting system (6) along with the battery pack to move freely beneath the chassis (12) of the vehicle (2). Also, for the instant embodiment, the lifting system shall comprise of a trolley.

1. The empty trolley (6) is introduced beneath the vehicle (2) from any of the two sides.
2. With the help of the mirror (8) equipped on the trolley (6), the position of the trolley (6) is aligned with the clamping structure (1) on the chassis (12).
3. The docking tray (7) on the trolley (6) is lifted to the height of the first battery pack (3) using a jacking system (13).
4. The first battery pack (3) is slightly lifted with the help of the docking tray (7) and the jacking system (13) and a switch is pressed to retract the built-in clamps (5) and subsequently the battery pack is made to supported onto the docking tray (7) of the trolley (6).
5. The platform of the trolley (6) is then lowered along with the first battery pack (3).
6. The trolley (6) is then pulled out from the side of the vehicle (2).
7. The first battery pack (3) is replaced with a second battery pack (14).
8. The trolley (6) with the docking tray (7) in lowered position along with the second battery pack (14) is introduced beneath the chassis (12) of the vehicle (2).
9. With the help of the mirror (8) equipped on the trolley (6), the position of the trolley (6) is aligned with the clamping structure (1) on the chassis (12).
10.The supporting docking tray (7) along with the second battery pack (14) is lifted towards the designated space for the battery pack on the chassis (12).

11. With the help of the clamping structure (1), the second battery pack (14) is locked and positioned onto the designated space.
For vehicles with lower ground clearance: For the purpose of describing this invention, lower ground clearance shall mean insufficient space (less than 205 mm) for the trolley along with the battery pack to move freely beneath the chassis (12) of the vehicle (2).
1. The retractable tracks (11) are drawn in and the vehicle (2) is positioned onto the pit system (9).
2. Once the vehicle (2) is in stationary position, the retractable tracks (11) are drawn back and the trolley (6) is manually pushed towards the pit (9) through the ramp (10). The empty trolley (6) is introduced beneath the vehicle (2) from any of the two sides.
3. With the help of the mirror (8) equipped on the trolley (6), the position of the trolley (6) is aligned with the clamping structure (1) on the chassis (12).
4. The docking tray (7) on the trolley (6) is lifted to the height of the first battery pack (3) using the jacking system (13).
5. The first battery pack (3) is unlocked from the chassis (12) with the help of the retractable in-built clamps (5) and is made to be supported onto the docking tray (7) of the trolley (6).
6. The platform of the trolley (6) is then lowered along with the first battery pack (3).
7. The trolley (6) is then pulled out from the side of the vehicle (2).

8. The trolley (6) along with the first battery pack (3) is then pushed
back from the pit (9) towards the ground through the ramp (10).
9. The first battery pack (3) is replaced with a second battery pack (14).
10.The trolley (6) with the second battery pack (14) is pushed back
towards the pit (9) through the ramp (10).
11. The trolley (6) with the docking tray (7) in lowered position along with the second battery pack (14) is introduced beneath the chassis (12) of the vehicle (2).
12. With the help of the mirror (8) equipped on the trolley (6), the position of the trolley (6) is aligned with the clamping structure (1) on the chassis (12).
13.The supporting docking tray (7) along with the second battery pack
(14) is lifted towards the designated space for the battery pack on
the chassis (12). 14. With the help of the clamping structure (1), the second battery pack
(14) is locked and positioned onto the designated space. 15.The trolley (6) along with the first battery pack (3) is taken out from
the pit (9) and the retractable tracks (11) are drawn for the vehicle
(2) to move out from the pit system (9).
The present invention has, inter alia, the following advantages:
1. Through this mechanism of battery swapping, a used battery of an electric vehicle can be replaced with a fully charged battery and a user can resume his journey within less than 5 minutes. Similarly

swapping of any kind of batteries can be performed easily using the instant invention.
2. The present mechanism of battery swapping makes it possible to better manage the energy used to power the batteries.
3. Minimal/little infrastructure: A simple lifting structure such as a trolley facilitates the swapping as compared to conveyer belts, vehicle lifts and vehicle rollers used in the prior arts.
4. Minimum human intervention: Another major advantage of the instant invention is that it can be performed with limited monitoring by technicians.
5. No external power required: No extra power is required to achieve the swapping process whereas the prior arts are power reliant.
6. Less time: Since the battery is swapped in the stationary position itself, the instant invention significantly reduces the time taken for swapping the batteries.
Having described but a preferred embodiment of the invention, it will be appreciated that variations can be made thereto without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. A number of implementations have been described as examples. Nevertheless, other implementations exist and are covered by the following claims.

claim:
1. A system for easy removal and insertion of a battery pack (3/14) for a vehicle
(2), the said system comprising:
i. An in-built clamping structure (5) on the battery pack (3/14); ii. A means for transporting the battery pack (3/14) to and from a charging
point towards the said vehicle (2); iii. A means for determining the exact location of the battery pack (3) in
the vehicle (2) as well as the battery pack slot of the vehicle (2) by
means of a mirror (8) attached to a lifting system (6) configured to
replace the battery pack (3); iv. A lifting system (6) with an on-board docking tray which shall be used
to carry the battery pack (3/14) towards the electric vehicle (2) through
a jacking mechanism (13); and v. A docking mechanism (7) wherein a battery pack (3/14) can be safely
ejected towards a platform for transporting batteries.
2. A system for easy removal and insertion of a battery pack (3/14) for a vehicle (2) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the battery pack (3/14) is constructed with inbuilt clamps (5) positioned at the four vertical corners of the vehicle (2).
3. A system for easy removal and insertion of a battery pack (3/14) for a vehicle (2) as claimed in claim 1, wherein one of the circuits of the connector cable (15) of the battery pack is also connected to the in-built clamps (5).
4. A system for easy removal and insertion of a battery pack (3/14) for a vehicle (2) as claimed in claim 1, comprising of a pit system (9), in case of low ground

clearance, that can accommodate the lifting system (6) for the removal and insertion of the battery pack (3,14).
5. A system for easy removal and insertion of a battery pack (3/14) for a vehicle (2) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising of retractable ground surface wheel tracks for positioning the vehicle (2) in line with the pit (9).
6. A system for easy removal and insertion of a battery pack (3/14) for a vehicle (2) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a declining ramp (10) towards the pit (9) from the ground for the movement of a lifting system (6) in and out of the pit (9).
7. A method for easy removal and insertion of a battery pack (3,14) for a vehicle (2) with adequate ground clearance, comprising the steps of:
i. Introducing the empty lifting system (6) beneath the vehicle (2) from
any of the two sides, ii. Aligning the position of the lifting system (6) with the clamping structure (1) on the chassis (12) with the help of the mirror (8) equipped on the lifting system (6). iii. Lifting the docking tray (7) on the lifting system (6) to the height of the
used battery pack (3) using a jacking system (13). iv. Unlocking the first battery pack (3) from the chassis (12) with support of the retractable in-built clamp and placing it to the docking tray (7) of the lifting system (6). v. Lowering the platform of the lifting system (6) along with the first
battery pack (3). vi. Pulling the lifting system (6) out from the side of the vehicle (2). vii. Replacing the first battery pack (3) with a second battery pack (14).

viii. Introducing the lifting system (6) with the docking tray (7) in lowered
position along with the second battery pack (14) beneath the chassis
(12) of the vehicle (2). ix. Aligning the position of the lifting system (6) with the clamping
structure (1) on the chassis (12) with the help of the mirror (8) equipped
on the lifting system (6). x. Lifting the supporting docking tray (7) along with the second battery
pack (14) towards the designated space for the battery pack on the
chassis (12). xi. Positioning and locking the second battery pack (14) towards the
designated space with the help of the clamping structure (1).
8. A method for easy removal and insertion of a battery pack (3,14) for a vehicle (2) with lower ground clearance comprising the steps of: i. Positioning the vehicle (2) onto the pit (9) once the retractable tracks
(11) are drawn in. ii. Manually pushing the lifting system (6) towards the pit (9) through the ramp (10) once the vehicle (2) is in stationary position and the retractable tracks (11) are drawn back, iii. Introducing the lifting system (6) beneath the vehicle (2) from any of
the two sides, iv. Aligning and positioning the lifting system (6) with the clamping structure (1) on the chassis (12) with the help of the mirror (8) equipped on the lifting system (6). v. Lifting the docking tray (7) on the lifting system (6) to the height of the battery pack (3) using the jacking system (13).

vi. Unlocking the first battery pack (3) from the chassis (12) with the
support of the retractable in-built clamp and placing it to the docking
tray (7) of the lifting system (6). vii. Lowering the platform of the lifting system (6) along with the first
battery pack (3). viii. Pulling the lifting system (6) out from the side of the vehicle (2) and
pushing it towards the grounds from the pit (9) ix. Replacing the first battery pack (3) with a second battery pack (14). x. Pushing back the lifting system (6) along with second battery pack (14)
towards the pit (9). xi. Introducing the lifting system (6) with the docking tray (7) in lowered
position along with the second battery pack (14) beneath the chassis
(12) of the vehicle (2). xii. Aligning the position of the lifting system (6) with the clamping
structure (1) on the chassis (12) with the help of the mirror (8) equipped
on the lifting system (6). xiii. Lifting the supporting docking tray (7) along with the second battery
pack (14) towards the designated space for the battery pack on the
chassis (12). xiv. Positioning and locking the second battery pack (14) towards the said
designated space with the help of the clamping structure (1). xv. Lowering the docking tray (7), and pushing back the lifting system (6)
towards the ground from the pit (9). xvi. Moving the vehicle out from the pit (9) position once the retractable
tracks (11) are drawn in.

9. A system for easy removal and insertion of a battery pack (3,14) for a vehicle (2) as claimed in claim 1, described with reference to the foregoing illustrations and accompanying drawings.
10. A method for easy removal and insertion of a battery pack (3,14) for a vehicle (2) as claimed in claim 7 and 8, described with reference to the foregoing illustrations and accompanying drawings.