Description:

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

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 an electric vehicle in particular supporting a charger unit intended to charging at least one battery carried by the electric vehicle.

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 replaceable batteries are provided. In this type of vehicle, every time the battery has to be removed, the battery has to be removed from the vehicle. After recharging, the battery is then placed in the vehicle.

[003] Also, there are available in the market electric vehicles which comprise one or more batteries that can be re-charged in a vehicle mounted condition itself. In such vehicles, there is provided a battery charging device which can be connected to the battery (for instance through suitable connectors disposed on the vehicle) for charging the one or more batteries. These types of vehicle offer the advantage of not needing to remove the battery which has got discharged merely for the purposes of re-charging them. However, since the battery has to be charged using the battery charging device, a dedicated space has to be provided in the vehicle itself for accommodating the battery charging device.

[004] Especially, in a two wheeled vehicle such as electric motorcycles, there is a substantial limitation in the amount of space available and hence, substantial difficulty is faced in locating the battery charging device. Thus, there exists a need to address the difficulty in effectively locating the battery charging device in the limited space available in the vehicle. In particular, there exists a need to accommodate the battery charging device, without increasing the size of the space available for locating the battery charging device.

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 an electric vehicle comprising a frame structure supporting at least one ground engaging member, a motor supplying driving power to the at least one ground engaging member, and at least one battery providing electrical power to the motor. The electric vehicle further comprises a storage compartment supported by the frame structure. The storage compartment removably stores a charger unit intended to charging the at least one battery. The electric vehicle further comprises a body side cover restricting access to the storage compartment in a first state and allowing access to the storage compartment in a second state. The electric vehicle further comprises a wire holder formed on an underside of the body side cover and at least one of an AC cord and a DC cord accommodated in the wire holder. The AC cord is intended to connecting the charger unit to an AC power outlet and the DC cord is intended to connecting the charger unit to the at least one battery.

[007] In an embodiment of the invention, the wire holder comprises a first plate and a second plate spaced apart from the first plate. The first plate comprises at least one first holder and the second plate comprises at least one second holder. The at least one first holder and the at least one second holder removably receive a resilient member.

[008] In another embodiment of the invention, the body side cover comprises a locking mechanism for locking the body side cover with respect to the storage compartment in the first state.

[009] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the body cover comprises a first lug formed on the underside of the body side cover, the first lug assisting in placement of the at least one of an AC cord and a DC cord in the wire holder.

[0010] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the body cover comprises a first lug formed on the underside of the body side cover and a second lug formed on the underside of the body side cover. The second lug is spaced apart from the first lug in a vehicle length direction. The second lug together with the first lug assists in placement of the at least one of an AC cord and a DC cord in the wire holder.

[0011] In still another embodiment of the invention, the body cover comprises a third lug formed on the underside of the body side cover. The third lug is spaced apart from the wire holder in a vehicle height direction. The third lug assists in placement of the at least one of an AC cord and a DC cord in the wire holder.

[0012] In a further embodiment of the invention, the body cover comprises a third lug formed on the underside of the body side cover and a fourth lug formed on the underside of the body side cover. The fourth lug is spaced apart from the third lug in a vehicle height direction. The fourth lug together with the third lug assists in placement of the at least one of an AC cord and a DC cord in the wire holder.

[0013] In a furthermore embodiment of the invention, the body cover comprises a first resilient surface formed on the underside of the body side cover. The first resilient surface is spaced apart from the wire holder in a vehicle length direction and provides a first dampening effect to at least one of a first end of the AC cord, a second end of the AC cord, a third end of the DC cord, and a fourth end of the DC cord.

[0014] In another embodiment of the invention, the body cover comprises a first resilient surface formed on the underside of the body side cover and a second resilient surface formed on the underside of the body side cover. The second resilient surface is spaced apart from the first resilient surface and the wire holder in a vehicle length direction. The second resilient surface provides a second dampening effect to at least one of a first end of the AC cord, a second end of the AC cord, a third end of the DC cord, and a fourth end of the DC cord.

[0015] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the body side cover comprises a first aperture allowing for at least one of the AC cord and the DC cord to traverse a location outside the storage compartment to a location inside the storage compartment in the first state of the body side cover.

[0016] In still another embodiment of the invention, the wire holder accommodates the DC cord.

[0017] An advantage of the invention is that the battery charging device can be effectively accommodated in the limited space available within the storage compartment. Especially, by accommodating the charger unit intended to charging the at least one battery in the storage compartment and by storing at least one of the AC cord and the DC cord in the wire holder formed on the underside of the body side cover, the space is most effectively used.

[0018] Another advantage of the invention is that the underside of the body side cover (which is generally not used) is used for the purposes of accommodating at least one of the AC cord and the DC cord.

[0019] Yet another advantage of the invention is that at least one of the AC cord and the DC cord is not merely placed loosely in the storage compartment. Instead, at least one of the AC cord and the DC cord is securely held in the wire holder formed on the underside of the body side cover. Thus, the probability of at least one of the AC cord and DC cord getting misplaced is minimized. Also, the probability of at least one of the AC cord and DC cord hindering with placement of the charger unit or other components that can be accommodated in the storage compartment is minimized.

[0020] Still another advantage of the invention is that the construction of the wire holder is substantially simple. Also, formation of the wire holder is simple. For instance, the first plate and a second plate which form part of the wire holder can be formed at the time of forming the body side cover. The resilient member is easy to form and can be attached to the first plate and a second plate after at least one of the AC cord and the DC cord has been placed between the first plate and the second plate.

[0021] A further advantage of the invention is that the first holder and the at least one second holder can be formed at the time of forming the body side cover. The first holder and the at least one second holder assists in securely holding the resilient member.

[0022] A furthermore advantage of the invention is that the construction of the first lug formed on the underside of the body side cover is simple. The first lug itself assists in placement of the at least one of an AC cord and a DC cord in the wire holder. The first lug can be formed at the time of forming the body side cover itself.

[0023] A furthermore advantage of the invention is that there can be formed two or more lugs, for instance, (a) the first lug and second lug; or (b) the first lug, the second lug, and the third lug; or (c) the first lug, the second lug, the third lug and the fourth lug; on the underside of the body side cover. The two or more lugs in placement of the at least one of an AC cord and a DC cord in the wire holder. Additionally, the plurality of lugs can be formed at the time of forming the body side cover itself.

[0024] Another advantage of the invention is that the underside of the body side cover comprises at least one resilient surface, for instance, the first resilient surface and the second resilient surface. The at least one resilient surface provides dampening effect when the at least one AC cord and the DC cord is placed in the wire holder.

[0025] Yet another advantage of the invention is that the first aperture formed in the body side cover allows the AC cord or the DC cord to traverse there-through even when the body side cover is in a coupled state with respect to the storage compartment. Thus, a security of the electric vehicle is enhanced.

[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 view of the vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0029] Figure 2 illustrates a side view of the vehicle after removing the body side cover thereby showing the placement of the charger unit within the storage compartment in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0030] Figure 3 illustrates a back side view of the body side cover in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention;

[0031] Figure 4 illustrates a back side view of the body side cover in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention;

[0032] Figure 5 illustrates a back side view of the body side cover in accordance with a third embodiment of the invention;

[0033] Figure 6 illustrates a back side view of the body side cover in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the invention;

[0034] Figure 7 illustrates a back side view of the body side cover in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the invention;

[0035] Figure 8 illustrates a back side view of the body side cover in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the invention;

[0036] Figure 9 illustrates a back side view of the body side cover in accordance with a seventh embodiment of the invention;

[0037] Figure 10 illustrates a back side view of the body side cover in accordance with an eighth embodiment of the invention;

[0038] Figure 11 illustrates a back side view of the body side cover in accordance with a ninth embodiment of the invention;

[0039] Figure 12 illustrates a back side view of the body side cover in accordance with a tenth embodiment of the invention;

[0040] Figure 13 illustrates a perspective view of the battery charger device in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention;

[0041] Figure 14 illustrates a perspective view of the battery charger device in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention; and

[0042] Figure 15 illustrates a back side view of the body side cover accommodating the DC cord in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0043] 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:
[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] Referring to Figure 1 there is illustrated a side of the electric vehicle (10) in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The vehicle (10) comprises, inter-alia, a frame structure (12) rotatably supporting a front ground engaging member (14) and a rear ground engaging member (16). The frame structure (12) further supports a motor (18) and at least one battery (20). The motor receives electrical energy from the at least one battery (20) and generates driving power therefrom. The driving power is then provided to at least one of the front ground engaging member (14) and the rear ground engaging member (16).

[0057] Now referring to Figure 2, the frame structure (12) further supports a storage compartment (22) supported by the frame structure (12). In an embodiment of the invention, the storage compartment (22) removably stores a charger unit (24) intended to charging the at least one battery (20). Referring back to Figure 1, there vehicle further comprises a body side cover (30) restricting access to the storage compartment (22) in a first state and allowing access to the storage compartment (22) in a second state (as best seen in Figure 2). It may be noted that the electric vehicle may comprise other parts which may not be relevant for explaining the present invention and hence are not shown and described.

[0058] Now referring to Figure 13 and Figure 14, the battery charging device comprises at least three functionally distinct elements, namely a charger unit (24), an AC cord (32) intended to connecting the charger unit (24) to an AC power outlet (not shown) and a DC cord (34) intended to connecting the charger unit (24) to the at least one battery (20). In particular, the AC cord (32) comprises a first end (59) and a second end (60). The first end (59) is connectable to the AC power outlet while the second end (60) may be connectable to the charger unit (24). The DC cord (34) likewise, comprises a third end (62) connectable to the at least one battery (20) and a fourth end (64) connectable to the charger unit (24).

[0059] In such a case, and as best seen in Figure 14, the battery charging device can be made to comprise at least two physically distinct elements. For instance, the battery charging device can be made to comprise two physically distinct elements which include a first element comprising charger unit (24) and an AC cord (32), and a second element which comprises the DC cord (34). If first element comprises the charger unit (24) and the AC cord (32), then the second end (60) of the AC cord (32) gets integrated with the charger unit (24).

[0060] In an alternative embodiment which is not illustrated, the battery charging device can be made to comprise two physically distinct elements which include a first element comprising the charger unit (24) and the DC cord (34), and a second element which comprises the AC cord (32).

[0061] In a furthermore alternative embodiment of the invention, which is specifically demonstrated in Figure 13, the battery charging device can be made to comprise three physically distinct elements, which include the charger unit (24), the DC cord (34), and the AC cord (32).

[0062] Now in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, one of the element out of the at least two physically distinct elements are accommodated on an underside (28) of the body side cover (30) and a remaining of the at least two physically distinct elements can be accommodated in the storage compartment (22) which is supported by the frame structure (12). Now referring to Figure 2, in an embodiment of the invention, the charger unit (24) and the AC cord (32) are accommodated in the storage compartment (22) and referring to Figure 15, the underside (28) of the body side cover (30) accommodates the DC cord (34). Although not illustrated, in an alternative embodiment, the charger unit (24) and the DC cord (34) are accommodated in the storage compartment (22) while the underside (28) of the body side cover (30) accommodates the AC cord (32).

[0063] Now if the charger unit (24), the DC cord (34), and the AC cord (32) are formed as three physically distinct elements, then the underside (28) of the body side cover (30) accommodates at least one of the DC cord (34), and the AC cord (32) while the storage compartment (22) stores the charger unit (24). In particular, the underside (28) of the body side cover (30) accommodates only one of the DC cord (34), and the AC cord (32) while the storage compartment (22) stores the charger unit (24) and the other of the DC cord (34), and the AC cord (32).

[0064] Thus, the basic aspect of the invention is that the element which is accommodated on the underside (28) of the body side cover (30) could be any one of the DC cord (34) or the AC cord (32). In a furthermore preferred aspect of the invention, the DC cord (34) or the AC cord (32) which is accommodated on the underside (28) of the body side cover (30) is not connected to the charger unit (22).

[0065] To ensure that the cord (which can be either the DC cord (34) or the AC cord (32)) is held securely on the underside (28) of the body side cover (30), there may be provided a wire holder (26) on the underside (28) of the body side cover (30).

[0066] Now referring to Figure 3, in an embodiment of the invention, the wire holder (26) comprises a first plate (36) and a second plate (38) spaced apart from the first plate (36). The cord (which can be either the DC cord (34) or the AC cord (32)) is located between the first plate (36) and the second plate (38). The wire holder (26) further comprises a resilient member (44) which is connected between the first plate (36) and the second plate (38) such that the cord (32 or 34) gets located between the underside (28) of the body side cover (30), the first plate (36), the second plate (38) and the resilient member (44).

[0067] To easily couple the resilient member (44) to the first plate (36) and the second plate (38), the first plate (36) comprises at least one first holder (40) and the second plate comprises at least one second holder (42). The at least one first holder (40) and the at least one second holder (42) removably receive the resilient member (44). Once the resilient member (44) is coupled to at least one first holder (40) and the at least one second holder (42), the resilient member (44) does not get automatically un-coupled and can be un-coupled only upon a user un-coupling action. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first plate (36) comprises a third holder (401) and a fourth holder (402), which together function as the first holder (40). The third holder (401), the second holder (42) and the fourth holder (402) form a triangular shape.

[0068] In an embodiment of the invention, the body side cover (30) further comprises a locking mechanism (46) for locking the body side cover (30) with respect to the storage compartment (22) in the first state. Thus, the body side cover (30) will not automatically come to the second state or fall from the storage compartment (22).

[0069] Now referring to Figure 4, in a second embodiment of the invention, the underside (28) of the body side cover (30) comprises a first lug (48) in addition to the first plate (36) and the second plate (38). The first lug (48) assists in placement of the at least one of an AC cord (32) and a DC cord (34) in the wire holder (26). For instance, the first plate (36) restricts upward movement of the cord (32, 34); the second plate (38) restricts downward movement of the cord (32, 34) and the first lug (48) restricts a first sideward movement of the cord (32, 34).

[0070] Although not shown in an alternative embodiment of the invention, the underside (28) of the body side cover (30) comprises the first lug (48) and a second lug (50) (best seen in Figure 6, Figure 8, Figure 9, and Figure 10) in addition to the first plate (36) and the second plate (38). In an embodiment of the invention, the second lug (50) is spaced apart from the first lug (48) in a vehicle length direction. The second lug (50) together with the first lug (48) assisting in placement of the at least one of an AC cord (32) and a DC cord (34) in the wire holder (26). For instance, the first plate (36) restricts upward movement of the cord (32, 34); the second plate (38) restricts downward movement of the cord (32, 34) and the first lug (48) restricts a first sideward movement of the cord (32, 34) and the second lug (50) restricts a second sideward movement of the cord (32, 34).

[0071] Now referring to Figure 11 and Figure 12, in an embodiment of the invention, the body cover (30) comprises at least one resilient surface formed on the underside of the body cover (30). For instance, specifically referring to Figure 11, the body cover (30) comprises a first resilient surface (56) formed on the underside (28) of the body side cover (30). The first resilient surface (56) is spaced apart from the wire holder (26) in a vehicle length direction. The first resilient surface (56) provides a first dampening effect to at least one of a first end (59) of the AC cord (32), a second end (60) of the AC cord (32), a third end (62) of the DC cord (34), and a fourth end (64) of the DC cord (34). By way of another example as specifically shown in Figure 12, the body cover (30) comprises a first resilient surface (56) and a second resilient surface (58) formed on the underside (28) of the body side cover (30). The second resilient surface (58) is spaced apart from the first resilient surface (56) and the wire holder (26) in a vehicle length direction. The first resilient surface (56) provides a first dampening effect to at least one of a first end (59) of the AC cord (32), a second end (60) of the AC cord (32), a third end (62) of the DC cord (34), and a fourth end (64) of the DC cord (34) and the second resilient surface (58) providing a second dampening effect to at least one of a first end (59) of the AC cord (32), a second end (60) of the AC cord (32), a third end (62) of the DC cord (34), and a fourth end (64) of the DC cord (34).

[0072] In an embodiment of the invention, the underside of the body side cover comprises at least one resilient surface and at least one lug. This aspect of the invention is specifically demonstrated in Figure 5, wherein it can be seen that the underside (28) of the body side cover (30) comprises the first lug (48) which assists in placement of the at least one of an AC cord (32) and a DC cord (34) in the wire holder (26) and the first resilient surface (56) provides a first dampening effect to at least one of a first end (59) of the AC cord (32), a second end (60) of the AC cord (32), a third end (62) of the DC cord (34), and a fourth end (64) of the DC cord (34).

[0073] In an embodiment of the invention, the underside of the body side cover comprises at least one resilient surface and at least two lugs. This aspect of the invention is specifically demonstrated in Figure 6, wherein it can be seen that the underside (28) of the body side cover (30) comprises the first lug (48), the second lug (50) and the first resilient surface (56). The first lug (48) and the second lug (50) assist in placement of the at least one of an AC cord (32) and a DC cord (34) in the wire holder (26) while the first resilient surface (56) provides a first dampening effect to at least one of a first end (59) of the AC cord (32), a second end (60) of the AC cord (32), a third end (62) of the DC cord (34), and a fourth end (64) of the DC cord (34).

[0074] In an embodiment of the invention, the underside of the body side cover comprises at least one resilient surface and at least two lugs. This aspect of the invention is specifically demonstrated in Figure 7, wherein it can be seen that the underside (28) of the body side cover (30) comprises the first lug (48), a third second lug (52) and the first resilient surface (56). While the third lug (52) is also formed on the underside (28) of the body side cover (30), the third lug (52) is spaced apart from the wire holder (26) in a vehicle height direction. The third lug (52) therefore co-operates with the first plate (36) and assists in placement of the at least one of an AC cord (32) and a DC cord (34) in the wire holder (26). As mentioned above, the first lug (48) also assists in placement of the at least one of an AC cord (32) and a DC cord (34) in the wire holder (26) while the first resilient surface (56) provides a first dampening effect to at least one of a first end (59) of the AC cord (32), a second end (60) of the AC cord (32), a third end (62) of the DC cord (34), and a fourth end (64) of the DC cord (34).

[0075] In an embodiment of the invention, the underside of the body side cover comprises at least one resilient surface and at least three lugs. This aspect of the invention is specifically demonstrated in Figure 8, wherein it can be seen that the underside (28) of the body side cover (30) comprises the first lug (48), a second lug (50), a third second lug (50) and the first resilient surface (56). The positioning and the functioning of the first lug (48), the second lug (50) and the first resilient surface (56) are as per Figure 6 while positioning and functioning of the third lug (52) is as per Figure 7, both of which have been described above in detail.

[0076] In an embodiment of the invention, the underside of the body side cover comprises at least one resilient surface and four lugs. This aspect of the invention is specifically demonstrated in Figure 9, wherein it can be seen that the underside (28) of the body side cover (30) comprises the first lug (48), the second lug (50), the third second lug (50), a fourth lug (54) and the first resilient surface (56). The positioning and the functioning of the first lug (48), the second lug (50), the third lug (52) and the first resilient surface (56) are as per Figure 8, which has been described in detail above. The fourth lug (54) is spaced apart from the third lug (52) and the wire holder (26) in a vehicle height direction. The fourth lug (54) together with the third lug (52) assisting in placement of the at least one of an AC cord (32) and a DC cord (34) in the wire holder (26).

[0077] In an embodiment of the invention, the underside of the body side cover comprises two resilient surfaces and four lugs. This aspect of the invention is specifically demonstrated in Figure 10, wherein it can be seen that the underside (28) of the body side cover (30) comprises the first lug (48), the second lug (50), the third second lug (50), the fourth lug (54), the first resilient surface (56), and a second resilient surface (58). The positioning and the functioning of the first lug (48), the second lug (50), the third lug (52), the fourth lug (54), and the first resilient surface (56) are as per Figure 9, which has been described in detail above. The second resilient surface (58) is spaced apart from the first resilient surface (56) in a vehicle length direction. The second resilient surface (58) is also spaced apart from the wire holder (26) in a vehicle length direction. The second resilient surface (58) provides a second dampening effect to at least one of a first end (59) of the AC cord (32), a second end (60) of the AC cord (32), a third end (62) of the DC cord (34), and a fourth end (64) of the DC cord (34).

[0078] It may be noted that the electric vehicle (10) further comprises a charging port (68) (best seen in Figure 2) which may be preferably disposed within the storage compartment (22). The charging port (68) allows the fourth end (64) of the DC cord (34) to be connected to the at least one battery (20). While charging the at least one battery (20), it is essential that the first end (59) of the AC cord (32) has to be located outside the storage compartment (22), the remaining part of the AC cord (32), the charger unit (24) as well as the DC cord (34) may be located within the storage compartment (22). Thus, to assist in locating the first end (59) of the AC cord (32) outside the storage compartment (22) and retaining the remaining part of the AC cord (32), the charger unit (24) as well as the DC cord (34) within the storage compartment (22), the body side cover (30) comprises a first aperture (66). The first aperture (66) allows for at least one of the AC cord (32) and the DC cord (34) to traverse a location outside the storage compartment (22) to a location inside the storage compartment (22) in the first state of the body side cover (30).

[0079] An advantage of the invention is that the battery charging device can be effectively accommodated in the limited space available within the storage compartment (22). Especially, by accommodating the charger unit (24) intended to charging the at least one battery (20) in the storage compartment (22) and by storing at least one of the AC cord (32) and the DC cord (34) in the wire holder (26) formed on the underside (28) of the body side cover (30), the space available within the storage compartment (22) is most effectively used.

[0080] Another advantage of the invention is that the underside (28) of the body side cover (30) (which is generally not used) is used for the purposes of accommodating at least one of the AC cord (32) and the DC cord (34).

[0081] Yet another advantage of the invention is that at least one of the AC cord (32) and the DC cord (34) is not merely placed loosely in the storage compartment (22). Instead, at least one of the AC cord (32) and the DC cord (34) is securely held in the wire holder (26) formed on the underside (28) of the body side cover (30). Thus, the probability of at least one of the AC cord (32) and DC cord (34) getting misplaced is minimized. Also, the probability of at least one of the AC cord (32) and DC cord (34) hindering with placement of the charger unit (24) or other components or user article that can be accommodated in the storage compartment (22) is minimized.

[0082] Still another advantage of the invention is that the construction of the wire holder (26) is substantially simple. Also, the process of formation of the wire holder (26) is simple. For instance, the first plate (36) and a second plate (38) which form part of the wire holder (26) can be formed at the time of forming the body side cover (30). The resilient member (44) is easy to form and can be attached to the first plate (36) and a second plate (38) after at least one of the AC cord (32) and the DC cord (34) has been placed between the first plate (36) and the second plate (38).

[0083] A further advantage of the invention is that the first holder (40 / 401), the at least one second holder (42) and the third holder (402) can be formed at the time of forming the body side cover (30). The first holder (40 / 401), the at least one second holder (42) and the third holder (402) assists in securely holding the resilient member (44).

[0084] A furthermore advantage of the invention is that the construction of the first lug (48) formed on the underside (28) of the body side cover (30) is simple. The first lug (48) itself assists in placement of the at least one of an AC cord (32) and a DC cord (34) in the wire holder (26). The first lug (48) can be formed at the time of forming the body side cover (30) itself.

[0085] A furthermore advantage of the invention is that there can be formed two or more lugs, for instance, (a) the first lug (48) and second lug (50); or (b) the first lug (48), the second lug (50), and the third lug (52); or (c) the first lug (48), the second lug (50), the third lug (52) and the fourth lug (54); on the underside (28) of the body side cover (30). The two or more lugs assists in placement of the at least one of an AC cord (32) and a DC cord (34) in the wire holder (26). Additionally, the plurality of lugs (48, 50, 52, 54) can be formed at the time of forming the body side cover (30) itself.

[0086] Another advantage of the invention is that the underside (28) of the body side cover (30) comprises at least one resilient surface, for instance, the first resilient surface (56) and the second resilient surface (58). The at least one resilient surface (56, 58) provides dampening effect when the at least one AC cord (32) and the DC cord (34) is placed in the wire holder (26).

[0087] Yet another advantage of the invention is that the first aperture (66) formed in the body side cover (30) allows the AC cord (32) or the DC cord (34) to traverse there-through even when the body side cover (30) is in a coupled state with respect to the storage compartment (22). Thus, a security of the electric vehicle (10) is enhanced.

[0088] 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.

[0089] 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. An electric vehicle (10) comprising:
a frame structure (12) supporting at least one ground engaging member (14, 16), a motor (18) supplying driving power to the at least one ground engaging member (14, 16), and at least one battery (20) providing electrical power to the motor (18);
a storage compartment (22) supported by the frame structure (12), the storage compartment (22) removably storing a charger unit (24) intended to charge the at least one battery (20);
a body side cover (30) restricting access to the storage compartment (22) in a first state and allowing access to the storage compartment (22) in a second state;
a wire holder (26) formed on an underside (28) of the body side cover (30); and
at least one of an AC cord (32) and a DC cord (34) accommodated in the wire holder (26), the AC cord (32) intended to connecting the charger unit (24) to an AC power outlet and the DC cord (34) intended to connecting the charger unit (24) to the at least one battery (20).

2. The electric vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the wire holder (26) comprises a first plate (36) and a second plate (38) spaced apart from the first plate (36), the first plate (36) comprising at least one first holder (40) and the second plate comprising at least one second holder (42), the at least one first holder (40) and the at least one second holder (42) removably receiving a resilient member (44).

3. The electric vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the body side cover (30) comprises a locking mechanism (46) for locking the body side cover (30) with respect to the storage compartment (22) in the first state.

4. The electric vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the body cover (30) comprises at least one:
a first lug (48) formed on the underside (28) of the body side cover (30), the first lug (48) assisting in placement of the at least one of an AC cord (32) and a DC cord (34) in the wire holder (26);
a second lug (50) formed on the underside (28) of the body side cover (30), the second lug (50) being spaced apart from the first lug (48) in a vehicle length direction, the second lug (50) together with the first lug (48) assisting in placement of the at least one of an AC cord (32) and a DC cord (34) in the wire holder (26);

5. The electric vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the body cover (30) comprises at least one:
a third lug (52) formed on the underside (28) of the body side cover (30), the third lug (52) being spaced apart from the wire holder (26) in a vehicle height direction, the third lug (52) assisting in placement of the at least one of an AC cord (32) and a DC cord (34) in the wire holder (26);
a fourth lug (54) formed on the underside (28) of the body side cover (30), the fourth lug (54) being spaced apart from the third lug (52) in a vehicle height direction, the fourth lug (54) together with the third lug (52) assisting in placement of the at least one of an AC cord (32) and a DC cord (34) in the wire holder (26);

6. The electric vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the body cover (30) comprises at least one:
a first resilient surface (56) formed on the underside (28) of the body side cover (30), the first resilient surface (56) being spaced apart from the wire holder (26) in a vehicle length direction and providing a first dampening effect to at least one of a first end (59) of the AC cord (32), a second end (60) of the AC cord (32), a third end (62) of the DC cord (34), and a fourth end (64) of the DC cord (34);
a second resilient surface (58) formed on the underside (28) of the body side cover (30), the second resilient surface (58) being spaced apart from the first resilient surface (56) and the wire holder (26) in a vehicle length direction, the second resilient surface (58) providing a second dampening effect to at least one of a first end (59) of the AC cord (32), a second end (60) of the AC cord (32), a third end (62) of the DC cord (34), and a fourth end (64) of the DC cord (34).

7. The electric vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the body side cover (30) comprises a first aperture (66) allowing at least one of the AC cord (32) and the DC cord (34) to traverse a location outside the storage compartment (22) to a location inside the storage compartment (22) in the first state of the body side cover (30).

8. The electric vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the wire holder (26) accommodates the DC cord (34).