Battery Retaining Structure for a Vehicle - Patent application

Abstract

The present invention relates to a battery support structure (200) for an alternative powertrain vehicle (100). The battery support structure (200) is composed of an upper structure (205) and a lower structure (210). The battery support structure (200) is attached to and disposed below a front portion (F) of a chassis frame structure of the alternative powertrain vehicle (100). The upper structure (205) includes a front support (405A), a rear support (405B), a bottom support (405C), and a plurality of swivel-type battery holders (410A, 410B). The swivel-type battery holders (410A, 410B) are configured to accommodate at least one removable battery. Therefore, the battery can be easily lifted and removed from the swivel-type battery holders (410A, 410B). The lower structure (210) has a holder tray (225) configured to receive at least one fixed battery.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to alternative powertrain vehicles, and more particularly to a battery retention structure for alternative powertrain vehicles. [Background technology]

[0002] Due to the high cost of fossil-based fuels and, at the same time, the pressing need to be environmentally friendly, investment and market viability of alternative powertrain vehicles has grown extensively, leading to alternative means of transportation. The alternative means include electric vehicles (or battery electric vehicles), electric vehicles with or without a supplemental IC engine (i.e., hybrid electric vehicles), and extended-range electric vehicles. Battery electric vehicles are electric vehicles that are powered only by electricity and do not have a backup fuel supply. Hybrid electric vehicles are electric vehicles that use both electric and fuel power. An on-board battery helps fuel to be used more efficiently while assisting the fuel to recharge the battery. Extended-range electric vehicles are vehicles that are powered by a battery for a certain distance, and then the fuel powers a generator for extended-range operation.

[0003] Electric or hybrid vehicles require on-board batteries to power their electric drive systems and use motors as motive power. Electric vehicles are environmentally clean because the power unit is in the form of a rechargeable battery pack, which does not pollute the air during its operation. The most important factor to consider with an electric vehicle is the estimated distance range of the on-board battery covered on a full charge. However, the range on an actual charge of an EV can vary according to multiple factors. For example, during acceleration and while driving at a faster speed, the battery tends to consume more kWh (kilowatt hours) compared to more careful driving in urban areas. Similarly, the battery depletes at a faster rate when driving with a full load of passengers and luggage. Moreover, a heavy vehicle consumes more energy to reach and maintain a given speed compared to a lighter vehicle. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Typically, the high cost of fossil-based fuels and its impact on pollution has led to research and development of alternative means of transportation. Moreover, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and customers are being driven on a path to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. One viable way is by electrifying the drivetrain, which has the ability to propel the vehicle while allowing space inside the vehicle and allowing a large enough battery pack to give sufficient range. In automobiles, torque and speed are key parameters, which may vary according to different segments of the vehicle. Similarly, electric vehicles are designed by keeping these two key parameters in mind. However, the power generated from the electric motor when directly transmitted to the drive wheels leads to inadequate torque. This is because direct drive results in uncontrolled or suboptimal speed. Therefore, it is always a challenge for automobile designers to have a proper balance between both torque and speed. To achieve different speeds and different torques at various loads, an optimal transmission ratio / system is required. However, the trade-off between torque requirements and the range of distance covered by the vehicle is difficult because the range of the vehicle goes down at higher torque requirements. Therefore, special attention is paid to the electric drive and power source (i.e., the battery) to ensure the effective torque produced by the drive wheels and the force applied to the road surface. Therefore, high capacity electric motors are used, which are adapted to deliver more torque according to the operating conditions, at the expense of more weight and cost. Moreover, higher capacity electric motors draw more power from the battery. Therefore, to increase the range of distance covered by the electric vehicle, high watt-hour batteries are placed in the electric vehicle in addition to the high capacity motor.Additionally, high capacity motors and high watt-hour batteries adversely impact passenger or operator space and require a complete redesign of the stock or conventional frame assembly and its location / mounting to support the high capacity electric motors and high watt-hour batteries.

[0005] In addition, a major drawback of electric vehicles is the relatively low energy capacity or density of the traction batteries when compared to IC-powered vehicles that run on hydrocarbon-based fuels. Yet another disadvantage of electric vehicles is the excessive length of time required to recharge a battery-based vehicle compared to the length of time to refuel a fossil fuel-powered vehicle. In some cases, to meet the torque and speed demands, layers of batteries are stacked on top of each other, which can negatively impact a large portion of the vehicle's weight, especially when the batteries are of the lead-acid variety.

[0006] Furthermore, a separate battery holding structure is required to hold the batteries, including a battery box that houses the stack of batteries. Battery boxes that are connected to the vehicle body using multiple nuts and bolts are known in the art. However, it is a time-consuming and labor-intensive task to move the stack of batteries, which requires separate equipment to access the batteries, especially in light commercial vehicles that use lead-acid accumulators or lithium batteries as the dynamic power source, which require frequent charging. Furthermore, this frequent battery replacement can lead to bolt failure or loosening, which can have adverse effects on safety, service, and the like. Consequently, it is a loss of opportunity time for users. In addition to the above, current efforts to provide high capacity advanced batteries have not effectively addressed the above-mentioned problems. This is because such advanced batteries are generally relatively expensive, and the gains in capacity or charge density over current batteries tend to be incremental. Moreover, like all batteries, advanced batteries require a relatively long time to recharge due to the inherent limitations of chemical-based power sources.

[0007] At the same time, automotive manufacturers need to cater to different market segments and users with product offerings and variants that meet the requirements of the respective users. These may include variants in the form of size, vehicle capacity, scope of use, cost, ease of manufacturing, etc. From the manufacturer's perspective, once a platform product is designed, the economics of the product will be feasible based on sales numbers. Therefore, it is always a challenge for automotive manufacturers to have a vehicle layout and design that can flexibly cater to variants and requirements and allow modified versions with minimal changes in vehicle layout, assembly time, manufacturing setup, etc. Additionally, from the perspective of usability and utility space, multi-wheeled vehicles with more luggage space have become more popular than traditional multi-wheeled type configurations. The challenge is further complicated when the vehicle architecture / platform requirements need to cater to different powertrains such as from an internal combustion engine (ICE) to an electric or hybrid powertrain.

[0008] Moreover, in step-through type vehicles, adding more batteries below the floorboard results in lower ground clearance. The ground clearance (also known as ground clearance) of a vehicle is one of the most important dimensions. It is defined as the minimum distance between the lowest edge of the vehicle body (or chassis) and the ground. Thus, the ground clearance of a vehicle indicates the height of the bottom of the vehicle relative to the ground. Generally, most of the manufacturers specify this dimension when the vehicle is in unladen condition (i.e., without luggage or passenger load). Thus, when load is applied to the vehicle through passengers and luggage, the available ground clearance is lower than the specified clearance. Therefore, the installation and location of the battery is important in maintaining a desired and high ground clearance to prevent damage due to road bumps.

[0009] In step-through vehicles, another problem is the generation of space for packaging batteries. As discussed above, higher capacity electric motors draw more power from the batteries. Therefore, to increase the range of distance covered by the electric vehicle, high watt-hour batteries are placed in the electric vehicle in addition to the high capacity motor. Therefore, providing additional batteries requires a complete redesign of the frame assembly to support and house these batteries as well as their location / mounting. Moreover, when batteries are packaged closely together in a limited space, they tend to heat up. Replacing damaged batteries incurs additional costs to the vehicle user.

[0010] Thus, in light of the rising prices of fossil-based fuels, market demand, and current battery technology associated with the hassle of longer recharge intervals, there is currently a need to develop a battery holding structure that can help address the above issues, is affordable, and is needed within the masses. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] Therefore, to alleviate one or more of the above highlighted shortcomings and other problems of the known art, an easily accessible battery retention structure for alternative powertrain vehicles is proposed in the present invention. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side view of an alternative powertrain vehicle (100) according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, with several parts omitted from the view. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the battery holding structure (200) according to a preferred embodiment of the present subject matter. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a top view of the battery holding structure (200) according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the battery holding structure (200) with mounting provisions according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5a] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the upper structure (205) and the lower structure (210) of the battery holding structure (200) according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5b] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the upper structure (205) and the lower structure (210) of the battery holding structure (200) according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the battery holding structure (200) according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7a] FIG. 2 is a side view of the battery holding structure (200) according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7b] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the battery holding structure (200) according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] The detailed description will now be described with reference to an embodiment of a two-wheeled vehicle of the saddle ride type, along with the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals are used to reference like features and components throughout.

[0014] Various features and embodiments of the present invention will now be discernible from the following further description set forth hereinafter. Furthermore, "front" and "rear" and "left" and "right" referenced in the subsequent description of the illustrated embodiment refer to front and rear directions, and left and right directions, when looking forward from the rear portion of the powertrain. Moreover, the longitudinal axis (X-X') refers to a front-to-rear axis with respect to the vehicle, unless otherwise stated, whereas the lateral axis (Y-Y') generally refers to a side-to-side or left-to-right axis with respect to the vehicle, unless otherwise stated.

[0015] It is contemplated that the disclosure of the present invention can be applied to any vehicle without deviating from the spirit of the present invention. Detailed descriptions of the construction of parts other than the present invention that constitute essential parts are omitted where appropriate.

[0016] It is an object of the present invention to provide an alternative powertrain vehicle that has a structure for securely and safely holding the battery packs, as well as a mechanism for rapid replacement and assembly of the battery packs without detriment to the performance of the vehicle.

[0017] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an alternative powertrain vehicle configured to secure a stack of batteries such that the batteries remain tightly packed and environmentally sealed.

[0018] Another object of the present invention is to provide an alternative powertrain vehicle that is configured with a stack of batteries that is configured so as not to compromise the performance and range of the vehicle.

[0019] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an alternative powertrain vehicle that is configured to accommodate a stack of batteries that is highly reliable, cost effective, and easily assessable without the use of lifting devices to remove the battery packs.

[0020] It is an object of the present invention to provide an alternative powertrain vehicle that is configured to provide design flexibility for various battery pack configurations.

[0021] Moreover, details of the invention as well as other features and advantages are described in the remaining parts of the specification and shown in the accompanying drawings. The invention is further explained with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the description and drawings merely illustrate the principles of the invention. Although not explicitly described or shown herein, various arrangements may be devised that incorporate the principles of the invention. Moreover, all statements herein that recite the principles, aspects, and examples of the invention, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.

[0022] FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of an alternative powertrain vehicle (100). This is an exemplary vehicle and does not limit the scope of the invention in any way. The present invention has a chassis frame structure (not shown) consisting of a front portion (F) and a rear portion (R). A seat (105) is mounted on a seat frame assembly (not shown) of the chassis frame structure (not shown). In one of the embodiments of the present invention, the seat frame assembly (not shown) is removably attached to the chassis frame structure (not shown). In one embodiment, the front portion (F) of the chassis frame structure (not shown) includes a head pipe (215) (shown in FIG. 2) that holds a handlebar assembly (120). According to one embodiment of the present invention, the chassis frame structure (not shown) includes a steering assembly (not shown), which is composed of a steering shaft (not shown), which is rotatably connected to the head pipe (215) (shown in FIG. 2) of the front portion (F). In one embodiment, a plurality of body cover panels are attached to the chassis frame structure (not shown). In one embodiment, the plurality of body cover panels includes one or more side cover panels (110) on the left and right hand sides of the alternative powertrain vehicle (100). According to an embodiment of the present invention, the one or more side cover panels (110) are removable from the alternative powertrain vehicle (100). According to an embodiment of the present invention, a floorboard member (115) is attached to the chassis frame structure (not shown) of the alternative powertrain vehicle (100). According to an embodiment of the present invention, a battery retention structure (200) (shown in FIG. 2) is partially housed within the floorboard member (115) and partially housed through the one or more side cover panels (110). Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the battery retention structure (200) is attached to the front portion (F) of the chassis frame structure (not shown).

[0023] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the battery holding structure (200) when assembled on a vehicle frame, where some parts are omitted from the figure. In one of the embodiments of the present invention, the front portion (F) further includes the head tube (215), a right frame member (220A), and a left frame member (220B). According to one embodiment of the present invention, the front portion (F) extends rearward from the head tube (215) and then downward. In one of the embodiments of the present invention, the battery holding structure (200) is disposed below the front portion (F). In one embodiment of the present invention, the battery holding structure (200) includes an upper structure (205) and a lower structure (210). According to one embodiment of the present invention, the upper structure (205) is configured to accommodate at least one removable battery. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the upper structure (205) of the battery holding structure (200) is attached to the front portion (F) of the chassis frame structure at multiple locations.

[0024] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the lower structure (210) is configured to accommodate at least one fixed battery. In one of the embodiments of the present invention, the lower structure (210) includes a holder tray (225). According to an embodiment of the present invention, the holder tray (225) is provided with mounting facilities at its upper end at the front side and at its lower end at the rear side. In an embodiment of the present invention, the holder tray (225) is provided with a number of cutouts (not shown) to enhance air contact with the battery surface for better cooling of the battery. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the holder tray (225) defines a storage space for one or more fixed batteries. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the holder tray (225) can be provided with defined compartments for a number of batteries or can have a flat surface in which one or more batteries can be accommodated. In one embodiment of the invention, the front mounting point of the holder tray (225) is secured by a lower mounting point of the upper structure (205) and the rear mounting point of the holder tray (225) is secured by a downward extension of the front portion (F) of the chassis frame structure (not shown).

[0025] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the battery disposed in the holder tray (225) is securely held by the upper structure (205) fixed above the lower structure (210), and restrains the vertical movement of the battery disposed in the holder tray (225) of the lower structure (210). FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of the battery holding structure (200) assembled in a vehicle frame according to an embodiment of the present invention, with many parts omitted for clarity. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the holder tray (225) restrains the battery from all directions. The holder tray (225) further provides structural support and strength for mounting the floorboard member (115) (as shown in FIG. 1), for carrying the rider's weight, and for mounting a side stand (not shown). Moreover, the holder tray (225) protects the battery in case of an accident and also protects the battery from stones that may damage the battery when coming from the bottom part of the alternative powertrain vehicle (100).

[0026] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the battery holding structure (200) with mounting facilities according to an embodiment of the present invention. In one of the embodiments of the present invention, the upper structure (205) includes a front support (405A), a rear support (405B), and a bottom support (405C). According to one of the embodiments of the present invention, the front support (405A) has at least two structural members (i.e., LH side and RH side). In one of the embodiments of the present invention, the rear support (405B) has at least two structural members (i.e., LH side and RH side). According to one of the embodiments of the present invention, the bottom support (405C) has at least two structural members (i.e., LH side and RH side). In one of the embodiments of the present invention, the bottom support (405C) connects the front support (405A) and the rear support (405B) at the lower end of the upper structure (205) through one or more side edge members. According to an embodiment of the invention, the front support (405A) is provided with mounting points on the upper and lower sides. According to an embodiment of the invention, the upper mounting point of the front support (405A) is connected to the front part (F) of the vehicle frame and the lower mounting of the front support (405A) is connected to the holder tray (225). In an embodiment of the invention, the rear support (405B) is provided with a mounting facility on the upper side. According to an embodiment of the invention, a mounting facility on the upper side of the rear support (405B) is attached to the front part (F) of the vehicle frame. In an embodiment of the invention, one or more pivot mounting facilities (420) are provided on the side edge members of the bottom support (405C).

[0027] According to an embodiment of the invention, the upper structure (205) further comprises a plurality of swivel-type battery holders (410A, 410B) disposed on the left-hand side and the right-hand side of the bottom support (405C). In one of the embodiments of the invention, the plurality of swivel-type battery holders (410A, 410B) are attached to the one or more pivot mounting points (420) on the bottom support (405C) such that the plurality of swivel-type battery holders (410A, 410B) can open sideways. According to an embodiment of the invention, each of the swivel-type battery holders (410A, 410B) can hold one or more removable batteries. In one embodiment of the present invention, each of the swivel-type battery holders (410A, 410B) is provided with a locking protrusion (415) on a side wall of the plurality of swivel-type battery holders (410A, 410B) (similar locking protrusions are also available on the opposite side wall disposed in the front-rear direction). According to one embodiment of the present invention, the locking protrusions (415) fit into corresponding complementary slots provided on the batteries to help secure and restrain the batteries inside the plurality of swivel-type battery holders (410A, 410B). In one of the embodiments of the present invention, an additional locking member operably connected to the upper structure (205) can also be provided to restrain the vertical movement of the batteries disposed in the upper structure (205). According to one embodiment of the present invention, the front support (405A), the rear support (405B), the bottom support (405C), and the plurality of swivel-type battery holders (410A, 410B) are provided with a plurality of opening slots for enhancing battery cooling. Figures 5a and 5b respectively illustrate exploded and assembled side and perspective exploded views of the upper structure (205) and the lower structure (210) of the battery holding structure (200) according to one embodiment of the present invention.According to one embodiment of the present invention, the upper structure (205) of the battery holding structure (200) is attached to the front portion (F) of the chassis frame structure (not labeled) of the alternative powertrain vehicle (100) through a plurality of mounting facilities (W, X). According to one embodiment of the present invention, the holder tray (225) of the lower structure (210) is attached to the upper structure (205) of the battery holding structure (200) through a plurality of mounting facilities (Z). In one of the embodiments of the present invention, the lower structure (210) of the battery holding structure (200) is attached to the front portion (F) of the chassis frame structure (not labeled) of the alternative powertrain vehicle (100) through a plurality of mounting facilities (Y).

[0028] FIG. 6 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the battery holding structure (200) when assembled into a vehicle frame structure according to an embodiment of the present invention, with many parts omitted for simplicity. According to an embodiment of the present invention, at least two batteries C, D are disposed in the holder tray (225) of the battery holding structure (200). In one of the embodiments, the batteries C, D are assembled with the holder tray (225) on the alternative powertrain vehicle (100) as a subassembly before the assembly is assembled onto the vehicle. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the batteries C, D disposed in the lower structure (210) are fixed batteries. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the upper structure (205) of the battery holding structure (200) is assembled above the lower structure (210) and attached via the multiple mounting facilities (Y, Z). In one of the embodiments of the present invention, at least two batteries A, B are disposed in the plurality of swivel-type battery holders (410A, 410B). In one embodiment of the present invention, the batteries A, B are interlocked with the plurality of swivel-type battery holders (410A, 410B) via the locking protrusions (415) on the side walls of the plurality of swivel-type battery holders (410A, 410B). In one embodiment of the present invention, the batteries A, B disposed in the upper structure (205) are removable batteries. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the upper structure (205) and the lower structure (210) of the battery holding structure (200) are attached to the front portion (F) of the chassis frame structure (not labeled) of the alternative powertrain vehicle (100) through a plurality of mounting facilities (W, X, Y, Z). Thus, fixed batteries and removable batteries are securely held by the battery holding structure (200).

[0029] FIG. 7a illustrates a side view of the battery holding structure (200) assembled on a frame structure in the front portion (F) according to an embodiment of the present invention. Line O-O' represents a plane through which the battery holding structure (200) is cut to provide a cross-sectional view of the battery holding structure (200) as shown in FIG. 7b. In one of the embodiments of the present invention, the plurality of swivel-type battery holders (410A, 410B) can hold the plurality of removable batteries A, B. According to an embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of battery cushions (705) are provided between the plurality of removable batteries A, B. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of swivel-type battery holders (410A, 410B) are accessible through swivel openings of the battery holders after opening the one or more side cover panels (110) (as shown in FIG. 1) on the left and right hand sides of the alternative powertrain vehicle (100).

[0030] According to the above architecture, the main advantage of the present invention is that the battery holding structure is provided with a movable type upper structure, which provides easy movement of the multiple swivel type battery holders to the lateral direction of the vehicle, so that the batteries can be easily lifted and removed from the battery holding structure.

[0031] According to the above architecture, the main advantage of the present invention is that one or more batteries are positioned and connected together such that at least one battery can be easily removed and replaced via the multiple swivel type battery holders while the other batteries are securely fixed in the lower structure. This facilitates easy installation and removal of the batteries from the upper structure of the battery holding structure.

[0032] According to the above architecture, the second advantage of the present invention is that the battery holding structure is located at a predetermined position below the chassis frame structure and in the floorboard member, which is an effective space utilization to realize compact packaging in the standard or stock frame of the vehicle. As a result, a flexible design platform of the frame can be realized that can accommodate the installation of a conventional internal engine powertrain disposed in the front portion (F) of the frame or the installation of an energy storage space for an electric vehicle. Moreover, according to one embodiment of the present embodiment, the batteries are packaged and oriented such that their maximum surface area is exposed to the cooling air for efficient cooling using the battery holding structure. According to a preferred embodiment, the incoming natural air passes through the upper structure and also through the cutout openings in the lower structure, ensuring passive cooling of the batteries without the use of additional forced cooling mechanisms (i.e., cooling fans). Thus, the effective cooling of the batteries improves the range of the vehicle without the use of additional forced cooling means. Thus, the above architecture provides a simple and cost-effective solution.

[0033] According to the above architecture, the third advantage of the present invention is that the locking and unlocking of one or more batteries disposed in the upper structure can be performed using the locking protrusions in the wall of the swivel-type battery holder, and the vertical movement of the battery is restrained through the front part positioned above the upper structure, so that the reliability of the locking operation is enhanced. Due to the fewer number of parts involved in the locking operation, the reliability of the operation is enhanced.

[0034] According to the above architecture, a fourth advantage of the present invention is that the batteries are securely held in the lower structure by the holder tray, and the vertical movement of the batteries is restrained through the upper structure, ensuring the stability of the batteries on uneven unpaved roads.

[0035] According to the above architecture, the fifth advantage of the present invention is that the holder tray of the battery holding structure can be provided with multiple grooves and slots with different shapes and sizes, so that it is easy for workers to assemble multiple batteries without confusion. This further ensures the ease of assembly, because it reduces the assembly time and improves the production rate of the vehicle.

[0036] According to the above architecture, a sixth advantage of the present invention is that the stack of batteries disposed in the lower structure is provided with the upper structure and the front part in the form of an additional shield. Thus, the stack of batteries and their terminals is environmentally sealed from dust and water, which improves the durability of the batteries.

[0037] According to the above architecture, the eighth advantage of the present invention is that in the battery holding structure described above, the battery is partially located in the floorboard member. This location provides the effect of increasing the rigidity against direct loads input into the vehicle body when the side of the vehicle experiences a collision, or against upward impact loads transmitted from the suspension to the vehicle body. Therefore, this architecture contributes to improving the rigidity and strength of the vehicle body.

[0038] According to the above architecture, the ninth advantage of the present invention is that the battery disposed in the upper structure is stacked so that the upper structure is covered by the side cover panel. This layout of the battery is favorable from the viewpoint of protecting the battery in case of a vehicle collision.

[0039] According to the above architecture, a tenth advantage of the present invention is that the battery holding structure is designed to enable various power platforms as a retrofit unit that can be installed into an existing IC engine vehicle to convert it into a hybrid or electric vehicle.

[0040] Furthermore, the number of battery packs can be varied depending on the lateral dimensions of the vehicle, for example, a battery stack can consist of three batteries or five or more batteries.

[0041] Therefore, even when the layout of the vehicle is changed, the optimal layout of the battery can be realized by simply changing the number of battery stacks without modifying the dimensions of the chassis frame structure. As a result, the battery holding structure can be applied to various types of vehicles. [Explanation of symbols]

[0042] 100 Alternative Powertrain Vehicles 105 seats 110 Side cover panel 115 Floorboard components 120 Handlebar Assembly F Front section (chassis frame structure) R Rear section (chassis frame structure) 200 Battery holding structure 205 Upper structure 210 Lower structure 215 Head pipe 220A Right frame member 220B Left frame member 225 Holder Tray 405A Front Support 405B Rear support 405C bottom support 410A, 410B Swivel type battery holder 415 Locking protrusion 705 Battery Cushion A, B Removable battery C, D Fixed battery W, X, Y, Z mounting equipment

Claims

1. A battery holding structure (200) for an alternative powertrain vehicle (100), the battery holding structure (200) comprising: an upper structure (205) configured to house at least one removable battery (A, B), said at least one removable battery (A, B) being removably attached to said upper structure (205); a lower structure (210) configured to house at least one stationary battery (C, D), said at least one stationary battery (C, D) being fixedly attached to said lower structure (210); Including, the upper structure (205) has a plurality of swivel-type battery holders (410A, 410B), the plurality of swivel-type battery holders (410A, 410B) being configured to open laterally of the alternative powertrain vehicle (100); A battery holding structure (200).

2. 2. The battery holding structure (200) for an alternative powertrain vehicle (100) as described in claim 1, wherein the upper structure (205) includes the plurality of swivel-type battery holders (410A, 410B), a front support (405A), a rear support (405B), and a bottom support (405C).

3. The battery holding structure (200) for an alternative powertrain vehicle (100) as recited in claim 1, wherein said lower structure (210) is configured to include a holder tray (225).

4. 3. The battery holding structure (200) for an alternative powertrain vehicle (100) as described in claim 2, wherein the bottom support (405C) is configured to connect the front support (405A) and the rear support (405B) at a lower end of the upper structure (205).

5. 3. The battery holding structure (200) for an alternative powertrain vehicle (100) as described in claim 2, wherein the front support (405A) is provided with a plurality of mounting facilities (W, Z) on the upper side of the upper structure (205) and on the lower side of the upper structure (205).

6. A battery holding structure (200) for an alternative powertrain vehicle (100) as described in claim 5, wherein at least one mounting facility (Z) of the multiple mounting facilities (W, Z) of the front support (405A) is connected to a holder tray (225).

7. 3. The battery holding structure (200) for an alternative powertrain vehicle (100) as described in claim 2, wherein the rear support (405B) is provided with a plurality of mounting facilities (X) on the upper side of the upper structure (205).

8. 3. The battery holding structure (200) for an alternative powertrain vehicle (100) as described in claim 2, wherein the bottom support (405C) has one or more pivot mounting facilities provided on left and right hand edge members of the bottom support (405C).

9. 3. The battery holding structure (200) for an alternative powertrain vehicle (100) as set forth in claim 2, wherein the upper structure (205) has a plurality of swivel-type battery holders (410A, 410B) disposed on the left and right sides of the bottom support (405C), the plurality of swivel-type battery holders (410A, 410B) being connected to the bottom support (405C) via one or more pivot mounting facilities (420).

10. 2. The battery holding structure (200) for an alternative powertrain vehicle (100) as recited in claim 1, wherein the plurality of swivel-type battery holders (410A, 410B) are capable of housing the one or more removable batteries (A, B).

11. 2. The battery holding structure (200) for an alternative powertrain vehicle (100) as described in claim 1, wherein the swivel-type battery holders (410A, 410B) are provided with a plurality of locking protrusions (415) on side walls of the plurality of swivel-type battery holders (410A, 410B) for interlocking with complementary slots on the one or more removable batteries (A, B).

12. 3. The battery holding structure (200) for an alternative powertrain vehicle (100) as described in claim 2, wherein the front support (405A), the rear support (405B), the bottom support (405C), and the plurality of swivel-type battery holders (410A, 410B) are provided with a plurality of slot openings.

13. 2. The battery holding structure (200) for an alternative powertrain vehicle (100) as described in claim 1, wherein the upper structure (205) is attached to a front portion (F) of a chassis frame structure of the alternative powertrain vehicle (100) via a plurality of mounting facilities (W, X).

14. 4. The battery holding structure (200) for an alternative powertrain vehicle (100) of claim 3, wherein said holder tray (225) is capable of housing one or more fixed batteries (C, D).

15. 4. A battery holding structure (200) for an alternative powertrain vehicle (100) as described in claim 3, wherein the holder tray (225) is provided with a plurality of mounting facilities (Z) at its upper end at its front side and is provided with a plurality of mounting facilities (Y) at its lower end at its rear side.

16. The battery holding structure (200) for an alternative powertrain vehicle (100) as recited in claim 3, wherein said holder tray (225) is provided with a plurality of cut-out openings.

17. A battery holding structure (200) for an alternative powertrain vehicle (100) as described in claim 5, wherein the lower structure (210) is attached to the upper structure (205) via the multiple mounting facilities (Z) on its front side.

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