Description:FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[See section 10, Rule 13]

FRAME STRUCTURE OF AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE

HERO MOTOCORP LIMITED, an Indian Company at: The Grand Plaza, Plot No.2, Nelson Mandela Road, Vasant Kunj- Phase -II, New Delhi, India, 110 070

THE FOLLOWING SPECIFICATION PARTICULARLY DESCRIBES THE INVENTION AND THE MANNER IN WHICH IT IS TO BE PERFORMED.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION:
[001] The present invention relates to a frame structure of an electric vehicle in particularsupporting charger port for charging at least a first battery and a second battery.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
[002] Electric Vehicles such as electric motorcycles or electric scooters comprise at least one battery and a power generating motor to operate the vehicle. The power generating motor generates necessary drive force based on the electric power supplied by the battery. Currently, various types of electric motorcycles exist in the market such as an electric motorcycle in which one or more chargeable batteries are provided. In such vehicle, the at least one battery can be charged after removing the same from the vehicle. Alternatively, in such a vehicle, there is provided a charger port to which an external charger can be connected so as to charge the one or more chargeable batteries.

[003] There has been a first proposal to locate the charger port in an open portion of the electric vehicle. There has been a second proposal to locate the charger port in a luggage compartment located beneath an operable-type seat. There has been a third proposal to locate the charger port in a front portion of the vehicle and hidden behind a front cowl element or a front leg guard element. There has been a fourth proposal to locate the charger port in a front portion of the vehicle and hidden behind a rear leg guard element. There has been a fifth proposal to locate the charger port below a foot board of the electric vehicle. There has been a sixth proposal to locate the charger port behind a side cowl which is used for hiding the seat supporting frames, for example, a side cowl located below the seat.

[004] However, there are several disadvantages in the aforesaid proposals including for example, not being able to sufficiently protect the charger port, a difficulty in accessing the charger port, a need to create special space for location of the charger port, need to provide special structures to support the charger port, an increased chance of the charger port getting damaged during accidents or inadvertent fall of the vehicle, a high level of complication in assembling the charger port, a difficulty in rigidly supporting the charger port, etc. Thus, there exists a need to address one or more of the aforesaid disadvantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
[005] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[006] Accordingly, the present invention provides a frame structure of an electric vehicle comprising a head pipe; an upper frame extending from the head pipein a rearward direction; a first lower frame extending from either the upper frame or the head pipe in a downward-rearward direction and in a substantially rearward direction thereafter; and a second lower frame extending from either the upper frame or the head pipe in a downward-rearward direction and in a substantially rearward direction thereafter. The frame structure further comprise a first pivot frame and a second pivot frame. The first pivot frame extends from the upper frame in the rearward-downward direction. The second pivot frame extends from the upper frame in the rearward-downward direction. The first pivot frame further gets connected to the first lower frame. The second pivot frame further gets connected with the second lower frame. The frame structure further comprises a supporting frame member supporting at least a first battery and a second battery. In an embodiment of the invention, there is disposed a charger port above the upper frame in a plan view of the vehicle.

[007] In an embodiment of the invention, the charger port is coupled to an upper surface of the upper frame.

[008] In another embodiment of the invention, the first arm member is spaced apart from the second arm member in a vehicle width direction.

[009] In an embodiment of the invention, the first arm member is coupled to the upper frame and extends above and along a first side of the upper frame; and the second arm member is coupled to the upper frame and extends above and along a second side of the upper frame

[0010] In another embodiment of the invention, the charger port is coupled to at least one of the first arm member and the second arm member. .

[0011] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the first arm member comprises a first portion connected to the first side of the upper frameat a first location; a second portion connected to the first side of the upper frame at a second location; and a first intermediate portion located between the first portion and the second portion.

[0012] In still another embodiment of the invention, the second arm member comprises a third portion connected to the second side of the upper frame at a third location; a fourth portion connected to the second side of the upper frame at a fourth location; and a second intermediate portion located between the third portion and the fourth portion.

[0013] In an embodiment of the invention, the charger port is coupled to at least one of the first mounting provision and the second mounting provision. For instance, the first mounting provision for instance forms part of the first intermediate portion. Similarly, the second mounting provision may form part of the second intermediate portion.

[0014] In a furthermore embodiment of the invention, the frame structure further comprises a cross member connected between the first intermediate portion and the second intermediate portion. After the cross member has been connected between the first intermediate portion and the second intermediate portion the cross member is spaced from the top surface of the upper frame. In an embodiment of the invention, the charger port is coupled to the cross member.

[0015] In an embodiment of the invention, the cross member comprises a first end connected to the first intermediate portion, a first portion that extends in a vehicle upward direction from the first end, a second portion that extends in a vehicle width direction from the first portion, a third portion that extends in a vehicle length direction from the second portion, a fourth portion that extends in a vehicle downward direction from the third portion, and a second end that extends from the fourth portion and is connected to the second intermediate portion.

[0016] In another embodiment of the invention, the second portion extends in a vehicle width direction from the first portion and comprises a third mounting provision. In another embodiment of the invention, the third portion extends in a vehicle length direction from the second portion and comprises a fourth mounting provision. In an embodiment of the invention, the charger port is coupled to at least one of the third mounting provision and the fourth mounting provision.

[0017] The invention further provides an electric vehicle comprising a frame structure supporting a front fork, a front ground engaging member, a steering handle bar, a rear ground engaging member, at least a first battery and a second battery. The frame structure comprising a head pipe; an upper frame extending from the head pipe in a rearward direction; a first lower frame extending from either the upper frame or the head pipe in a downward-rearward direction and in a substantially rearward direction thereafter; and a second lower frame extending from either the upper frame or the head pipe in a downward-rearward direction and in a substantially rearward direction thereafter. The frame structure further comprises a first pivot frame and a second pivot frame. The first pivot frame extends from the upper frame in the rearward-downward direction. The second pivot frame extends from the upper frame in the rearward-downward direction. The first frame further gets connected with the first lower frame. The second pivot frame further gets connected with the second lower frame. The frame structure further comprises a supporting frame member supporting at least a first battery and a second battery. In an embodiment of the invention, there is disposed a charger port above the upper frame in a plan view of the vehicle.

[0018] An advantage of the invention comprises able to sufficiently protect the charger port. In particular, since the charger port is disposed above the upper frame in a plan view of the vehicle, and there is disposed an upper cowl element disposed above the upper frame, the charger port is protected from contaminants.

[0019] The upper cowl element surrounding the charger port may be provided with an opening so as to access the charger port. As the upper cowl element in itself is easily accessible and does not need for example, opening of the seat, another advantage of the invention comprises a substantial ease in accessing the charger port.

[0020] Since there is generally ample amount of un-used space between the upper frame and the upper cowl element, still another advantage of the invention comprises avoiding a no need to create special space for location of the charger port.

[0021] Since each of the structural member involved in supporting the charger port, for example, the upper frame, the first arm member, the second arm member, or the cross member is traditionally provided in the frame structure. Also, each of these structural elements has multiple purposes and is not specifically provided only for the purposes of supporting the charger port. Also, at the maximum, only mounting provisions are required to be provided to couple the charger port to the upper frame, the first arm member, the second arm member, or the cross member (as the case may be). Thus, still another advantage of the invention comprises merely using the existing special structural member for supporting the charger port.

[0022] Since the charger port is located above the upper frame, the charger port gets substantially close to or overlapping with a centre axis of vehicle. Thus, still another advantage of the invention comprises the chances of the charger port getting damaged during accidents or inadvertent fall of the vehicle being substantially lower as compared to locating the charger port at some of the other places in the electrical vehicle.

[0023] A further another advantage of the invention comprises a substantial ease in the process of assembling the charger port is and hence, a time involved in assembling / disassembling the charger port reduces substantially.

[0024] A furthermore advantage of the invention comprises the ability of the charger port to be bolted to the upper frame, the first arm member, the second arm member, or the cross member (as the case may be). Hence, the charger portcan be rigidly supported.

[0025] One or more (preferably, all of the above factors) also contribute to a decrease in a cost of manufacturing the vehicle.

[0026] To further clarify the advantages and features of the invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES:
[0027] In order that the invention may be readily understood and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to exemplary embodiments as illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views. The figures together with a detailed description below, are incorporated in and form part of the specification, and serve to further illustrate the embodiments and explain various principles and advantages, in accordance with the present invention where:

[0028] Figure 1 illustrates a side of the electric vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0029] Figure 2 illustrates a side view of the electric vehicle after removal of all the cowl elements in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0030] Figure 3 illustrates a first perspective view of the frame structure supporting the charger port in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention;

[0031] Figure 4 illustrates a second perspective view of the frame structure supporting the charger port in accordance with the first embodiment of the invention;

[0032] Figure 5 illustrates a first perspective view of the frame structure supporting the charger port in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention;

[0033] Figure 6 illustrates a second perspective view of the frame structure supporting the charger port in accordance with the second embodiment of the invention;

[0034] Figure 7 illustrates a perspective view of the first arm member and the second arm member as forming part of the frame structure shown in Figure 3 and Figure 4, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0035] Figure 8 illustrates a first perspective view of the frame structure supporting the charger port in accordance with a third embodiment of the invention;

[0036] Figure 9 illustrates a second perspective view of the frame structure supporting the charger port in accordance with the third embodiment of the invention;

[0037] Figure 10 illustrates a perspective view of the first arm member and the second arm member as forming part of the frame structure shown in Figure 8 and Figure 9, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0038] Figure 11 illustrates a first perspective view of the cross member as forming part of the frame structure shown in Figure 8 and Figure 9, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and

[0039] Figure 12 illustrates a second perspective view of the cross member as forming part of the frame structure shown in Figure 8 and Figure 9, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0040] It may be noted that to the extent possible, like reference numerals have been used to represent like elements in the drawings. Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have been necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the drawings may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of aspects of the present invention. Furthermore, one or more elements may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

Detailed Description of the Invention:
[0041] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated device, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

[0042] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are explanatory of the invention and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.

[0043] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0044] Reference throughout this specification to “an aspect”, “another aspect” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrase “in an embodiment”, “in another embodiment”, and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

[0045] The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or components proceeded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices or other sub-systems or other elements or other structures or other components or additional devices or additional sub-systems or additional elements or additional structures or additional components.

[0046] As used herein, and unless the context dictates otherwise, the terms "coupled to", “connected to”, “operably connected to”, and “operatively connected to” are intended to include both direct connection / coupling (in which two elements that are coupled / connected to each other contact each other) and indirect coupling / connection (in which at least one additional element is located between the two elements). Therefore, the terms "coupled to" and "coupled with" are used synonymously. Similarly, the terms “connected to” and “connected with” are used synonymously.

[0047] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one ordinary skilled in the art to which this invention belongs. The device, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

[0048] The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as being essential to the practice of the invention.

[0049] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims.

[0050] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0051] The terms “front / forward”, “rear / rearward / back / backward”, “up / upper / top”, “down / lower / lower ward / downward, bottom”, “left / leftward”, “right / rightward” used therein represents the directions as seen from a vehicle driver sitting astride.

[0052] While the present invention is illustrated in the context of a vehicle, however, cover and aspects and features thereof can be used with other types of vehicles as well. The terms “vehicle”, “two wheeled vehicle” and “motorcycle” have been interchangeably used throughout the description. The term “vehicle” comprises vehicles such as motorcycles, scooters, bicycles, mopeds, scooter type vehicles, All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV) and the like.

[0053] Referring to Figure 1 there is illustrated a vehicle (10). The vehicle (10) comprises, inter-alia, a front ground engaging member (12), a rear ground engaging member (14), rotatably supported by a frame structure (100). The front ground engaging member (12) is coupled to a steering handle bar (16) vide a front fork (18) and the frame structure (100) rotatably supports the front fork (18). The vehicle (10) further comprises a headlight (20) positioned above the front ground engaging member (12) and a tail light (22) positioned above the rear ground engaging member (14). The vehicle (10) further comprises at least a first battery (24) supported by the frame structure (100). It may be noted that the vehicle (10) may further comprise a second battery located behind the first battery (24) in the side view shown in Figure 1 and hence, is not visible. The vehicle (10) further comprises at least one powering unit (28) receiving electrical energy from the at least first battery (24) and supplying driving power to at least one of the front ground engaging member (12) and the rear ground engaging member (14). The vehicle (10) further comprises at least one seat (30) supported by the frame structure (100), the at least one seat (30) providing a seating provision for a driver and/or a pillion rider. The vehicle further comprises an upper cowl element (32) disposed above the frame structure (100). The upper cowl element (32) is located between the seat (30) and the steering handle bar (16). The vehicle (10) may comprise other parts which may not be relevant for explaining the present invention and hence not shown and described.

[0054] Now referring to Figure 2, there is illustrated a side view of the electric vehicle (10) after removal of one or more cowl elements and the seat (30). For instance, the upper cowl element (32) which is located above the frame structure (100) has been removed. It can be seen that the frame structure (100) supports the upper cowl element (32) and the vehicle (10) further comprises a charger port (116) disposed above the frame structure (100) in a plan view of the vehicle (10). In this configuration, charger port (116) gets located above the first battery (24).

[0055] Now referring to Figure 3, there is illustrated an exploded perspective view of the frame structure (100) in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention from a first side of the vehicle (10) and referring to Figure 4, there is illustrated an exploded perspective view of the frame structure (100) in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention from a second side of the vehicle (10). The frame structure (100) comprises a head pipe (102); an upper frame (108) extending in a vehicle rearward direction from the head pipe (102); a first lower frame (104) extending from either the upper frame (108) or the head pipe (102) in a downward-rearward direction and in a substantially rearward direction thereafter; a second lower frame (106) extending from the upper frame (108) or the head pipe (102) in a downward-rearward direction and in a substantially rearward direction thereafter; a first pivot frame (110) extending from the upper frame (108) in the rearward-downward direction and connected with the first lower frame (104); and a second pivot frame (112) extending from the upper frame (108) in the rearward-downward direction and connected with the second lower frame (106); and a supporting frame member (114). The supporting frame member may be located between the first lower frame (104), the second lower frame (106), the first pivot frame (110) and the second pivot frame (112). The frame structure (100) may comprise further elements which may not be relevant for explaining the present invention and hence not shown or not described (even if shown in the figures).As best seen in Figure 3, the first lower frame (104) and the first pivot frame (110) extend from a first side (124) of the upper frame (108). As best seen in Figure 4, the second lower frame (106) and the second pivot frame (112) extend from a second side (126) of the upper frame (108). Although not shown in the embodiment illustrated in Figure 3, the first battery (24) and the second battery (26) are supported by the mounting base (114). It may be noted that the mounting base (114) may be have alternative constructions and the construction as shown in Figure 3 is only by way of a non-limiting example. In the first embodiment illustrated in Figure 3, the charger port (116) is disposed above the upper frame (108) in a plan view of the vehicle (10) and may be connected directly to the upper frame (108). For instance, thecharger port (116) may be coupled to an upper surface (118) of the upper frame (108).

[0056] Now referring to Figure 5, there is illustrated an exploded perspective view of the frame structure (100) in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention from a first side of the vehicle (10) and referring to Figure 6, there is illustrated an exploded perspective view of the frame structure (100) in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention from a second side of the vehicle (10). The frame structure (100) comprises a head pipe (102); the upper frame (108); the first lower frame (104); the second lower frame (106); the first pivot frame (110); the second pivot frame (112); and the supporting frame member (114) which are mentioned above with respect to Figure 3 and Figure 4. The frame structure (100) further comprises a first arm member (120) and a second arm member (122). In an embodiment of the invention, the first arm member (120) is spaced apart from the second arm member (122) in a vehicle width direction. In an embodiment of the invention, the first arm member (120) is coupled to the upper frame (108) and extends above the upper surface (118) of the upper frame (108). In an embodiment of the invention, the second arm member (122) is coupled to the upper frame (108) and extends above the upper surface (118) of the upper frame (108). As best seen in Figure 5, the first lower frame (104), the first pivot frame (110) and the first arm member (120) extend along the first side (124) of the upper frame (108). As best seen in Figure 6, the second lower frame (106), the second pivot frame (112), and the second arm member (122) extends along the second side (126) of the upper frame (108).

[0057] Now referring particularly to Figure 7, there is illustrated a close-up perspective view of the first arm member (120) and the second arm (122) in accordance with the second embodiment. The first arm member (120) in particular comprises a first portion (128) connected to the first side (124) of the upper frame (108) at a first location (130) (best seen in Figure 5); a second portion (132) connected to the first side (124) of the upper frame (108) at a second location (134) (best seen in Figure 5); and a first intermediate portion (136) located between the first portion (128) and the second portion (132). The second arm member (122) in particular comprises a third portion (138) connected to the second side (126) of the upper frame (108) at a third location (140)(best seen in Figure 6); a fourth portion (142) connected to the second side (126) of the upper frame (108) at a fourth location (144)(best seen in Figure 6); and a second intermediate portion (146) located between the third portion (138) and the fourth portion (142). The first intermediate portion (136) comprises a first mounting provision (148) and the second intermediate portion (146) comprises a second mounting provision (150). As best seen in Figure 5 and Figure 6, the charger port (116) is coupled to at least one of the first mounting provision (148) and the second mounting provision (150). By way of a non-limiting example, the charger port (116) is coupled to at least one of the first mounting provision (148) and the second mounting provision (150) using bolt.

[0058] Now referring to Figure 8, there is illustrated a first perspective view of the frame structure (100) in accordance with a third embodiment of the invention and referring to Figure 9, there is illustrated an second exploded perspective view of the frame structure (100) in accordance with the third embodiment. The frame structure (100) comprises a head pipe (102); the upper frame (108); the first lower frame (104); the second lower frame (106); the first pivot frame (110); the second pivot frame (112); the supporting frame member (114);the first arm member (120); and the second arm member (122)which are mentioned above with reference to Figure 5 and Figure 6. In an embodiment of the invention, the first arm member (120) is spaced apart from the second arm member (122) in a vehicle width direction. In an embodiment of the invention, the first arm member (120) is coupled to the upper frame (108) and extends above the upper surface (118) of the upper frame (108). In an embodiment of the invention, the second arm member (122) is coupled to the upper frame (108) and extends above the upper surface (118) of the upper frame (108). As best seen in Figure 8, the first lower frame (104), the first pivot frame (110) and the first arm member (120) extend along the first side (124) of the upper frame (108). As best seen in Figure 9, the second lower frame (106), the second pivot frame (112), and the second arm member (122) extends along the second side (126) of the upper frame (108). The frame structure (100) further comprises a cross member (152) connected between first arm member (120) and the second arm (122). The cross member (152) is spaced from the top surface (118) of the upper frame (108). The charger port (116) is coupled to the cross member (152).

[0059] Now referring particularly to Figure 10, there is illustrated a close-up perspective view of the first arm member (120) and the second arm (122) in accordance with the third embodiment. The first arm member (120) in particular comprises a first portion (128) connected to the first side (124) of the upper frame (108) at a first location (130) (best seen in Figure 8); a second portion (132) connected to the first side (124) of the upper frame (108) at a second location (134) (best seen in Figure 8); and a first intermediate portion (136) located between the first portion (128) and the second portion (132). The second arm member (122) in particular comprises a third portion (138) connected to the second side (126) of the upper frame (108) at a third location (140)(best seen in Figure 9); a fourth portion (142) connected to the second side (126) of the upper frame (108) at a fourth location (144)(best seen in Figure 9); and a second intermediate portion (146) located between the third portion (138) and the fourth portion (142). The first intermediate portion (136) comprises a fifth mounting provision (170) and the second intermediate portion (146) comprises a sixth mounting provision (172). As best seen in Figure 8 and Figure 9, the cross member (152) is coupled to at least one of the fifth mounting provision (170) and the sixth mounting provision (172). Once the cross member (152) has been connected to the first intermediate portion (136) (and more particularly to the fifth mounting provision (170)) and the second intermediate portion (146) (and more particularly to the sixth mounting provision (172)), the cross member (152) is spaced from the top surface (118) of the upper frame (108).

[0060] Now referring particularly to Figure 11, there is illustrated a first close-up perspective view of the cross member (152) in accordance with the third embodiment and referring to Figure 12, there is illustrated a second close-up perspective view of the cross member (152) in accordance with the third embodiment. The cross member (152) comprises a first end (154), a first portion (156) extending in a vehicle upward direction from the first end (154), a second portion (158) extending in a vehicle width direction from the first portion (156), a third portion (160) extending in a vehicle length direction from the second portion (158), a fourth portion (162) extending in a vehicle downward direction from the third portion (160), and a second end (164) extending from the fourth portion (162). In an embodiment of the invention, the second portion (158) extending in a vehicle width direction from the first portion (156) comprises a third mounting provision (166) and the third portion (160) extending in a vehicle length direction from the second portion (158) comprises a fourth mounting provision (168).

[0061] As best seen in Figure 8 and Figure 9, the first end (154) of the cross member (152) gets connected to the first intermediate portion (136) (and more particularly to the fifth mounting provision (170)) and the second end (164) of the cross member (152) gets connected to the second intermediate portion (146) (and more particularly to the sixth mounting provision (172)). Also, the charger port (116) gets coupled to at least one of the third mounting provision (166) and the fourth mounting provision (168). By way of a non-limiting example, the first end (154) is coupled to the fifth mounting provision (170) using a bolt the second end (164) is coupled to the sixth mounting provision (172) using a bolt.

[0062] It may be desirable to provide a space between the charger port (116) and the upper surface (118) of the upper frame (108), in which case, in one option of the invention, it is easy to couple the charger port (116) to the first arm member (120) and the second arm (122) as shown in Figure 5 and Figure 6 and described above. In another option of the invention, it is easy to couple the charger port (116) to the cross member (152) which is located between the first arm member (120) and the second arm (122) as shown in Figure 8 and Figure 9 and described above.

[0063] An advantage of the invention comprises able to sufficiently protect the charger port. In particular, since the charger port is disposed above the upper frame in a plan view of the vehicle, and there is disposed an upper cowl element disposed above the upper frame, the charger port is protected from contaminants.

[0064] The upper cowl element surrounding the charger port may be provided with an opening so as to access the charger port. As the upper cowl element in itself is easily accessible and does not need for example, opening of the seat, another advantage of the invention comprises a substantial ease in accessing the charger port.

[0065] Since there is generally ample amount of un-used space between the upper frame and the upper cowl element, still another advantage of the invention comprises avoiding a no need to create special space for location of the charger port.

[0066] Since each of the structural member involved in supporting the charger port, for example, the upper frame, the first arm member, the second arm member, or the cross member is traditionally provided in the frame structure. Also, each of these structural elements has multiple purposes and is not specifically provided only for the purposes of supporting the charger port. Also, at the maximum, only mounting provisions are required to be provided to couple the charger port to the upper frame, the first arm member, the second arm member, or the cross member (as the case may be). Thus, still another advantage of the invention comprises merely using the existing special structural member for supporting the charger port.

[0067] Since the charger port is located above the upper frame, the charger port gets substantially close to or overlapping with a centre axis of vehicle. Thus, still another advantage of the invention comprises the chances of the charger port getting damaged during accidents or inadvertent fall of the vehicle being substantially lower as compared to locating the charger port at some of the other places in the electrical vehicle.

[0068] A further another advantage of the invention comprises a substantial ease in the process of assembling the charger port is and hence, a time involved in assembling / disassembling the charger port reduces substantially. For instance, since the charger port can be bolted, there is a substantial ease in assembling / disassembling the charger port and the time involved is less.

[0069] A furthermore advantage of the invention comprises the ability of the charger port to be bolted to the upper frame, the first arm member, the second arm member, or the cross member (as the case may be). Hence, the charger port can be rigidly supported. Also, this allows for varying the height at which the charger port is located.

[0070] One or more (preferably, all of the above factors) also contribute to a decrease in a cost of manufacturing the vehicle.

[0071] While specific language has been used to describe the disclosure, any limitations arising on account of the same are not intended. As would be apparent to a person in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein.

[0072] The figures and the forgoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. For example, orders of processes described herein may be changed and are not limited to the manner described herein. Moreover, the actions of any flow diagram need not be implemented in the order shown; nor do all of the acts necessarily need to be performed. Also, those acts that are not dependent on other acts may be performed in parallel with the other acts. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples.
, Claims:We Claim:

1. A frame structure (100) of an electric vehicle (10) comprising:
a head pipe (102);
an upper frame (108) extending from the head pipe (102) in a rearward direction;
a first lower frame(104) extending from at least one of the upper frame (108) and the head pipe (102) in a downward-rearward direction and in a substantially rearward direction thereafter;
a second lower frame(106) extending from at least one of the upper frame (108) and the head pipe (102) in a downward-rearward direction and in a substantially rearward direction thereafter;
a first pivot frame (110) extending from the upper frame (108) in the rearward-downward direction and connected with the first lower frame(104);
a second pivot frame (112) extending from the upper frame (108) in the rearward-downward direction and connected with the second lower frame(106);
a mounting base (114) supporting at least a first battery (22) and a second battery (24); and
wherein a charger port (116) being disposed above the upper frame (108) in a plan view of the vehicle (10).

2. The frame structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the charger port (116) being coupled to an upper surface (118) of the upper frame (108).

3. The frame structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the charger port (116) being coupled to at least one of a first arm member (120) and a second arm member (122); the first arm member (120) being spaced apart from the second arm member (122) in a vehicle width direction; the first arm member (120) being coupled to the upper frame (108) and extending above and along a first side (124) of the upper frame (108); and the second arm member (122) being coupled to the upper frame (108) and extending above and along a second side (126) of the upper frame (108).

4. The frame structure (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein at least one of:
the first arm member (120) comprises:
a first portion (128) connected to the first side (124) of the upper frame (108) at a first location (130);
a second portion (132) connected to the first side (124) of the upper frame (108) at a second location (134); and
a first intermediate portion (136) located between the first portion (128) and the second portion (132); and
the second arm member (122) comprises:
a third portion (138) connected to the second side (126) of the upper frame (108) at a third location (140);
a fourth portion (142) connected to the second side (126) of the upper frame (108) at a fourth location (144); and
a second intermediate portion (146) located between the third portion (138) and the fourth portion (142).

5. The frame structure (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the first intermediate portion (136) comprises a first mounting provision (148) and the second intermediate portion (146) comprises a second mounting provision (150), the charger port (116) being coupled to at least one of the first mounting provision (148) and the second mounting provision (150).

6. The frame structure (100) as claimed in claim 3, comprising a cross member (152) connected between the first intermediate portion (136) and the second intermediate portion (146), such that the cross member (152) is spaced from the top surface (118) of the upper frame (108), the charger port (116) being coupled to the cross member (152).

7. The frame structure (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the cross member (152) comprises a first end (154) connected to the first intermediate portion (136), a first portion (156) extending in a vehicle upward direction from the first end (154), a second portion (158) extending in a vehicle width direction from the first portion (156), a third portion (160) extending in a vehicle length direction from the second portion (158), a fourth portion (162) extending in a vehicle downward direction from the third portion (160), and a second end (164) extending from the fourth portion (162) and connected to the second intermediate portion (146).

8. The frame structure (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the second portion (158) extending in a vehicle width direction from the first portion (156) comprises a third mounting provision (166) and the third portion (160) extending in a vehicle length direction from the second portion (158) comprises a fourth mounting provision (168), the charger port (116) being coupled to at least one of the third mounting provision (166) and the fourth mounting provision (168).

9. An electric vehicle (10) comprising:
a frame structure (100) supporting a front fork (12), a front ground engaging member (14), a steering handle bar (16), a rear ground engaging member (18), at least a first battery (22) and a second battery (24);
the frame structure (100) comprising:
a head pipe (102);
an upper frame (108) extending from the head pipe (102) in a rearward direction;
a first lower frame(104) extending from at least one of the upper frame (108) and the head pipe (102) in a downward-rearward direction and in a substantially rearward direction thereafter;
a second lower frame(106) extending from at least one of the upper frame (108) and the head pipe (102) in a downward-rearward direction and in a substantially rearward direction thereafter;
a first pivot frame (110) extending from the upper frame (108) in the rearward-downward direction and connected with the first lower frame(104);
a second pivot frame (112) extending from the upper frame (108) in the rearward-downward direction and connected with the second lower frame(106);
a supporting frame member (114) supporting at least a first battery (22) and a second battery (24); and
wherein a charger port (116) being disposed above the upper frame (108) in a plan view of the vehicle (10).