Description:

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

A 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 battery accommodating structure of an electric vehicle accommodating a battery and a vehicle incorporating the same.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
[002] A vehicle in particularly a two-wheeled electric vehicle runs on a power provided by a battery accommodated within at least one battery accommodating structure provided in the vehicle. Conventionally, the battery accommodating structure is mounted on a frame structure of the vehicle. The installation of the battery within the battery accommodating structure and removal of the battery from the battery accommodating structure requires lifting of the battery in a vertical direction of the vehicle that requires higher amount of effort. Since, the battery has to be lifted in the vertical direction for removal and installation, there is always a requirement of free space above the battery accommodating structure and sides of the frame structure.

[003] To address above issues, the battery accommodating structure can be pivoted with respect to the frame structure which allows easy installation and removal of batteries. Especially, the battery accommodating structure can be pivoted between a first angular position and a second angular position, the first battery accommodating structure being proximate to the frame structure at the first angular position and being distal from the frame structure at the second angular position. However, since the battery is substantially large, maintaining the battery accommodating structure at the second angular position is huge challenge.

[004] Thus, there exists a need to securely hold the battery accommodating structure at the second angular position. Also, the battery accommodating structure has to be securely held at the second angular position without utilizing large number of components and without substantially increasing either a weight or a cost of the vehicle.

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] In one aspect, the present invention provides a frame structure of a vehicle, comprising: a head pipe; an upper frame extending from the head pipe in a rearward direction; a lower frame extending from at least one of the head pipe and the upper frame, the lower frame comprising a first portion extending in a downward-rearward direction and a second portion extending in a substantially rearward direction; and at least a first cross member extending in a vehicular width direction. In an embodiment of the invention, the first cross member comprises a third portion proximal to the second portion and attached to the second portion and a fourth portion distal to the second portion. The frame structure further comprises a first attachment structure pivotally coupling at least a first battery accommodating structure to the first cross member. In an embodiment of the invention, the first attachment structure is provided on the fourth portion of the first cross member. In an embodiment of the invention, the first attachment structure permits the first battery accommodating structure to pivot in a vehicular width direction between a first angular position and a second angular position. In an embodiment of the invention, the first battery accommodating structure is proximate to the upper frame at the first angular position and being distal from the upper frame at the second angular position. The frame structure further comprises a latching member provisioned on the second portion of the lower frame. In an embodiment of the invention, the latching member co-operates with at least a first counter latching member provided on the first battery accommodating structure thereby prohibiting the first battery accommodating structure to pivot beyond the second angular position.

[007] In an embodiment of the invention, the latching member comprises a bracket element attached to the second portion and a connecting member attached to the bracket element for receiving at least the first counter latching member provided on the first battery accommodating structure.

[008] In an embodiment of the invention, the bracket element comprises a first plate attached to the second portion and extending in a vehicular upward direction; a second plate attached to the second portion, the second plate extending in a vehicular upward direction and being spaced apart from the first plate.

[009] In another embodiment of the invention, the first plate comprises a first aperture and the second plate comprises a second aperture.

[0010] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the first aperture and the second aperture receives the connecting member such that the connecting member traverses between the first plate and the second plate.

[0011] In still another embodiment of the invention, the first cross member further comprises a fifth portion being distal to the second portion.

[0012] In a further embodiment of the invention, the first cross member further comprises a second attachment structure which is provided on the fifth portion.

[0013] In a furthermore embodiment of the invention, the first cross member further comprises a fourth portion and the first attachment structure is located on a first side of the lower frame.

[0014] In an embodiment of the invention, the fifth portion and the second attachment structure is located on a second side of the lower frame.

[0015] In another embodiment of the invention, the first attachment structure defines a first pivot axis (A1) that projects in a vehicle length direction.

[0016] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the second attachment structure defines a second pivot axis (A2) that projects in a vehicle length direction.

[0017] In still another embodiment of the invention, the first pivot axis (A1) is on a first side of the lower frame and the second pivot axis (A2) is on a second side of the lower frame.

[0018] In a further embodiment of the invention, the second attachment structure pivotally couples at least a second battery accommodating structure to the first cross member.

[0019] In a furthermore embodiment of the invention, the second attachment structure permits the second battery accommodating structure to pivot in a vehicular width direction between a third angular position and a fourth angular position.

[0020] In an embodiment of the invention, the second battery accommodating structure is proximate to the upper frame at the third angular position and is distal from the upper frame at the fourth angular position.

[0021] In another embodiment of the invention, the second battery accommodating structure comprises second counter latching member that co-operates with the latching member provisioned on the second portion of the lower frame.

[0022] In another embodiment of the invention, the second counter latching member prohibits the second battery accommodating structure to pivot beyond the fourth angular position.

[0023] In one aspect, the present invention provides an electric vehicle comprising a frame structure supporting at least a front fork, a front ground engaging member, a steering handle bar, a rear ground engaging member, a first battery accommodating structure, and a second battery accommodating structure. In an embodiment of the invention, the first battery accommodating structure accommodates a first battery and comprises a first counter latching mechanism. In an embodiment of the invention, the second battery accommodating structure accommodates a second battery and comprises a second counter latching mechanism. In an embodiment of the invention, the frame structure comprises a head pipe; an upper frame extending from the head pipe in a rearward direction; and a lower frame extending from at least one of the head pipe and the upper frame. In an embodiment of the invention, the lower frame comprises a first portion that extends in a downward-rearward direction and a second portion that extends in a substantially rearward direction. The frame structure comprises at least a first cross member that extends in a vehicular width direction. In an embodiment of the invention, the first cross member comprises a third portion proximal to the second portion and attached to the second portion and a fourth portion distal to the second portion. The frame structure further comprises a first attachment structure pivotally coupling the first battery accommodating structure to the first cross member. In an embodiment of the invention, the first attachment structure is provided on the fourth portion of the first cross member. In an embodiment of the invention the first attachment structure permits the first battery accommodating structure to pivot in a vehicular width direction between a first angular position and a second angular position. In an embodiment of the invention, the first battery accommodating structure is proximate to the upper frame at the first angular position and is distal from the upper frame at the second angular position. The frame structure further comprises a latching member provisioned on the second portion of the lower frame. In an embodiment of the invention, the latching member co-operates with the first counter latching member provided on the first battery accommodating structure thereby prohibiting the first battery accommodating structure to pivot beyond the second angular position.

[0024] In another embodiment of the invention, the first cross member further comprises a fifth portion being distal to the second portion.

[0025] In yet another embodiment of the invention, there is provided a second attachment structure on the fifth portion.

[0026] In still another embodiment of the invention, the fourth portion and the first attachment structure are located on a first side of the lower frame.

[0027] In a further embodiment of the invention, the fifth portion and the second attachment structure are located on a second side of the lower frame.

[0028] In a furthermore embodiment of the invention, the second attachment structure pivotally couples the second battery accommodating structure to the first cross member.

[0029] In another embodiment of the invention, the second attachment structure permits the second battery accommodating structure to pivot in a vehicular width direction between the third angular position and the fourth angular position.

[0030] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the second battery accommodating structure is proximate to the upper frame at the third angular position and is distal from the upper frame at the fourth angular position.

[0031] In still another embodiment of the invention, the second battery accommodating structure comprises a second counter latching member that co-operates with the latching member provisioned on the second portion of the lower frame, thereby prohibiting the second battery accommodating structure to pivot beyond the fourth angular position.

[0032] In a further embodiment of the invention, the latching member comprises a bracket element comprising a first plate attached to the second portion and extending in a vehicular upward direction and a second plate attached to the second portion and extending in a vehicular upward direction.

[0033] In a furthermore embodiment of the invention, the second plate is spaced apart from the first plate.

[0034] In an embodiment of the invention, the first plate comprises a first aperture and the second plate comprises a second aperture.

[0035] In another embodiment of the invention, a connecting member is provisioned between the first aperture and the second aperture such that the connecting member traverses between the first plate and the second plate.

[0036] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the connecting member receives at least the first counter latching member provided on the first battery accommodating structure and the second counter latching member provided on the second battery accommodating structure.

[0037] In still another embodiment of the invention, the first counter latching member comprises a first plate member comprising a first end attached to the first battery accommodating structure, a second end distal to the first end, and a first elongated slot positioned between the first end and the second end.

[0038] In a further embodiment of the invention, the first elongated slot is slidably attached to the connecting member.

[0039] In a furthermore embodiment of the invention, the second counter latching member comprises a second plate member comprising a third end attached to the second battery accommodating structure, a fourth end distal to the third end, and a second elongated slot positioned between the third end and the fourth end.

[0040] In an embodiment of the invention, the second elongated slot is slidably attached to the connecting member.

[0041] One advantage of the present invention includes, the first battery accommodating structure is securely held and not allowed to pivot beyond the second angular position.

[0042] Another advantage of the invention includes, the second battery accommodating structure is securely held and not allowed to pivot beyond the fourth angular position.

[0043] Yet another advantage of the invention is that both the first battery accommodating structure and the second battery accommodating structure gets securely held and not allowed to pivot beyond the second angular position and the fourth angular position without utilizing large number of components.

[0044] Still another advantage of the invention is that both the first battery accommodating structure and the second battery accommodating structure gets securely held and not allowed to pivot beyond the second angular position and the fourth angular position without substantially increasing a weight of the vehicle.

[0045] A further advantage of the invention is that both the first battery accommodating structure and the second battery accommodating structure gets securely held and not allowed to pivot beyond the second angular position and the fourth angular position without substantially increasing a cost of the vehicle.

[0046] 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:
[0047] 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:

[0048] Figure 1 illustrates a first side view of the electric vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0049] Figure 2 illustrates a first side view of the frame structure of the electric vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0050] Figure 3 illustrates a second side view of a frame structure of the vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0051] Figure 4 illustrates a sectional front of the frame structure of the vehicle showing the first battery accommodating structure in the first state and the second battery accommodating structure in the third state in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0052] Figure 5 illustrates a partial top view of the frame structure of the vehicle showing the first battery accommodating structure in the first state and the second battery accommodating structure in the third state in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0053] Figure 6 illustrates a sectional front of the frame structure of the vehicle showing the first battery accommodating structure in the first state and the second battery accommodating structure in the third state in accordance with an embodiment of the invention

[0054] Figure 7 illustrates a sectional front of the frame structure of the vehicle showing the first battery accommodating structure being between the first state and the second state while the second battery accommodating structure being in the third state in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0055] Figure 8 illustrates a sectional front of the frame structure of the vehicle showing the first battery accommodating structure being between the second state while the second battery accommodating structure being in the third state in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0056] Figure 9 illustrates an exploded perspective view showing the frame structure of the vehicle, the first battery accommodating structure and the second battery accommodating structure in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0057] Figure 10 illustrates a close-up view of a portion of the frame structure in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and

[0058] Figure 11 illustrates a close-up view of the first counter latching member provided on the first battery accommodating structure and the second counter latching member provided on the second battery accommodating structure in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0059] 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:
[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] Referring to Figure 1, there is illustrated a side view of an electric vehicle (10). The electric vehicle (10) comprises, inter-alia, a frame structure (100) supporting a front fork (12), a front ground engaging member (14), a front fender (16), a headlight (18), a rear ground engaging member (20), a steering handle bar (22), a motor unit (24), a seat (26), a tail light (28), a rear cushion (30), and a rear fender (32). The vehicle (10) further comprises a first battery (40) disposed in the first side of the vehicle (10) and a second battery (42) (best visible in Figure 3) disposed in the second side of the vehicle (10). The first battery (40) is particularly accommodated in a first battery accommodating structure (44) and the second battery (42) is particularly accommodated in a second battery accommodating structure (46) (best visible in Figure 3). It may be noted that the electric vehicle (10) may include other parts which may not be relevant for explaining the present invention and hence not shown and described.

[0073] Referring to Figure 2 and Figure 3, there is illustrated the frame structure (100) of the vehicle (10) when viewed from the first side and the second side respectively. The frame structure (100) comprises a head pipe (102), which rotatably supports the front fork (12) (best visible in Figure 1). The frame structure (100) further comprises an upper frame (104) extending from the head pipe (102) in a rearward direction. The frame structure (100) further comprises a lower frame (106) extending from at least one of the head pipe (102) and the upper frame (104). In an embodiment of the invention, the lower frame (106) comprises a first portion (108) extending in a downward-rearward direction and a second portion (110) extending in a substantially rearward direction. Thus, there is created a space between the upper frame (104) and the second portion (110) of the lower frame (104) in which the first battery accommodating structure (44) accommodating the first battery (40) and the first battery accommodating structure (46) accommodating the second battery (42) are positioned.

[0074] The frame structure (100) further comprises a first seat supporting frame (142) which extends rearward from the upper frame (104) and a second seat supporting frame (144) which extends rearward from the upper frame (104). The first seat supporting frame (142) and the second seat supporting frame (144) are spaced apart from each other in a vehicular width direction.

[0075] The frame structure (100) further comprises a first pivot frame (146) extending from the upper frame (104) in a downward direction and being coupled to the second portion (110) of the lower frame (106). The frame structure further comprises a second pivot frame (148) extending from the upper frame (104) in a downward direction and being coupled to the second portion (110) of the lower frame (106). The first pivot frame (146) and the second pivot frame (148) are spaced apart from each other in a vehicular width direction. Now referring particularly to Figure 9, in an embodiment of the invention, there may be provided a second cross member (150) at a tenth end (152) of the lower frame (106) and a third cross member (154) at an eleventh end (156) of the upper frame (104). The second cross member (150) may in turn comprise a twelfth end (158) and a thirteenth end (160) and the third cross member (154) may in turn comprise a fourteenth end (162) and a fifteenth end (164). The twelfth end (158) and the thirteenth end (160) are spaced apart from each other in a vehicular width direction and likewise, the fourteenth end (162) and the fifteenth end (164) are spaced apart from each other in a vehicular width direction. Furthermore, the twelfth end (158) and the fourteenth end (162) are positioned on a first side of the vehicle (10) while the thirteenth end (160) and the fifteenth end (164) are positioned on a second side of the vehicle (10). The first pivot frame (146) may be coupled between the twelfth end (158) and the fourteenth end (162) while the second pivot frame (148) may be coupled between the thirteenth end (160) and the fifteenth end (164).

[0076] Now referring to Figure 4, Figure 5 and Figure 6 in an embodiment of the invention, the frame structure (100) further comprises at least a first cross member (112) extending in a vehicular width direction from the second portion (110) of the lower frame (106). In particular, the first cross member (112) comprises a third portion (114) and a fourth portion (116). In an embodiment of the invention, the third portion (114) of the first cross member (112) is proximal to the second portion (110) of the lower frame (106) and attached to the second portion (110) of the lower frame (106). The fourth portion (116) of the first cross member (112) on the other hand is distal to the second portion (110). On the distal portion (116) of the first cross member (112) there is provided a first attachment structure (118) which couples at least the first battery accommodating structure (44) to the first cross member (112).

[0077] Now referring particularly to Figure 4, Figure 7 and Figure 8, the first attachment structure (118) permits the first battery accommodating structure (44) which accommodates the first battery (40) to pivot in a vehicular width direction between a first angular position and a second angular position. Especially, the first attachment structure (118) permits the first battery accommodating structure (44) which accommodates the first battery (40) to pivot in the vehicular width direction between the first angular position which is proximate to the upper frame (104) and the second angular position which distal from the upper frame (104).

[0078] Now as indicated, in the background section, there exists a need to securely hold the first battery accommodating structure (44) accommodating the first battery (40) in the second angular position and prohibiting the first battery accommodating structure (44) to pivot beyond the second angular position. Thus, there is provided a latching member (120) which is provisioned on the second portion (110) of the lower frame (106). The latching member (120) co-operates with at least a first counter latching member (48) provided on the first battery accommodating structure (44) thereby prohibiting the first battery accommodating structure (44) to pivot beyond the second angular position.

[0079] Now referring to Figure 9, the latching member (120) comprises a bracket element (122) attached to the second portion (110) of the lower frame (106) and a connecting member (124) attached to the bracket element (122) for receiving at least the first counter latching member (48) provided on the first battery accommodating structure (44).

[0080] More particularly, referring to Figure 10, the bracket element (122) comprises a first plate (126) attached to the second portion (110) of the lower frame (106) and extending in a vehicular upward direction. The bracket element (122) further comprises a second plate (128) attached to the second portion (110) of the of the lower frame (106) and extending in a vehicular upward direction. In an embodiment of the invention, the second plate (128) is spaced apart from the first plate (126) along a length direction of the vehicle (19). It can be furthermore observed that the first plate (126) comprises a first aperture (130) and the second plate (128) comprises a second aperture (132). The connecting member (124) which forms part of the latching member (120) traverses through the first aperture (130) provided in the first plate (126) and the second aperture (132) provided in the second plate (128).

[0081] Now referring to Figure 11, in an embodiment of the invention, the first counter latching member (48) comprises a first plate member (52) comprising a first end (54) attached to the first battery accommodating structure (44). The plate member (52) further comprises a second end (56) distal which is to the first end (56). The plate member (52) further comprises a first elongated slot (58) positioned between the first end (54) and the second end (56). Now referring to Figure 6, Figure 7, and Figure 8; the first elongated slot (58) is slidably attached to the connecting member (124). When the first battery accommodating structure (44) accommodating the first battery (40) pivots with respect to the first attachment structure (118) from the first angular position to the second angular position, the first elongated slot (58) slides with respect to the latching member (120) and more particularly with respect to the connecting member (124). Likewise, when the first battery accommodating structure (44) accommodating the first battery (40) pivots with respect to the first attachment structure (118) from the second angular position to the first angular position, the first elongated slot (58) slides with respect to the latching member (120) and more particularly with respect to the connecting member (124).

[0082] Now referring to Figure 4, Figure 6, Figure 7, Figure 8, Figure 9 and Figure 10, it may be noted that the first cross member (112) further comprises a fifth portion (134) which is distal to the second portion (110). In an embodiment of the invention, while the fourth portion (116) is located on a first side of the lower frame (106), the fifth portion (134) is located on a second side of the lower frame (106). In an embodiment of the invention, the fifth portion (134) comprises a second attachment structure (136). Thus, in an embodiment of the invention, the first attachment structure (118) is located on the first side of the lower frame (106), while the second attachment structure (136) is located on the second side of the lower frame (106).

[0083] Thus, the first attachment structure (118) defines a first pivot axis (A1) (best seen in Figure 10) that projects in a vehicle length direction about which the first battery accommodating structure (44) pivots and the second attachment structure (136) defines a second pivot axis (A2) (best seen in Figure 10) that projects in a vehicle (10) length direction about which the second battery accommodating structure (46) pivots. In an embodiment of the invention, the first pivot axis (A1) is on the first side of the lower frame (106) and the second pivot axis (A2) is on the second side of the lower frame (106).

[0084] Since the vehicle (10) comprises the second battery accommodating structure (46) that accommodates the second battery (42), the second structure (136) pivotally couples at least the second battery accommodating structure (46) to the first cross member (112). The second attachment structure (136) also permits the second battery accommodating structure (46) to pivot in a vehicular width direction about the second pivot axis (A2) between a third angular position and a fourth angular position. In an embodiment of the invention, the second battery accommodating structure (46) is proximate to the upper frame (104) at the third angular position and is distal from the upper frame (104) at the fourth angular position.

[0085] In an embodiment of the invention, the second battery accommodating structure (46) comprises a second counter latching member (50) that co-operates with the latching member (120) provisioned on the second portion (110) of the lower frame (106), thereby prohibiting the second battery accommodating structure (46) to pivot beyond the fourth angular position. In particular, the latching member (120) co-operates with the second counter latching member (50) provisioned on the second battery accommodating structure (46) to securely hold the second battery accommodating structure (46) accommodating the second battery (42) in the fourth angular position and prohibits the second battery accommodating structure (46) to pivot beyond the fourth angular position.

[0086] Referring to Figure 11 again, In an embodiment of the invention, the second counter latching member (50) comprises: a second plate member (60) comprising a third end (62) attached to the second battery accommodating structure (46), a fourth end (64) distal to the third end (62); and a second elongated slot (66) positioned between the third end (62) and the fourth end (64); the second elongated slot (66) being slidably attached to the connecting member (124) forming part of the latching member (120).

[0087] One advantage of the present invention includes, the first battery accommodating structure (44) is securely held and not allowed to pivot beyond the second angular position.

[0088] Another advantage of the invention includes, the second battery accommodating structure (46) is securely held and not allowed to pivot beyond the fourth angular position.

[0089] Yet another advantage of the invention is that both the first battery accommodating structure (44) and the second battery accommodating structure (46) gets securely held and not allowed to pivot beyond the second angular position and the fourth angular position without utilizing large number of components.

[0090] Still another advantage of the invention is that both the first battery accommodating structure (44) and the second battery accommodating structure (46) gets securely held and not allowed to pivot beyond the second angular position and the fourth angular position without substantially increasing a weight of the vehicle (10).

[0091] A further advantage of the invention is that both the first battery accommodating structure (44) and the second battery accommodating structure (46) gets securely held and not allowed to pivot beyond the second angular position and the fourth angular position without substantially increasing a cost of the vehicle (10).

[0092] 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.

[0093] 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 a vehicle (10), comprising:
a head pipe (102);
an upper frame (104) extending from the head pipe (102) in a rearward direction;
a lower frame (106) extending from at least one of the head pipe (102) and the upper frame (104), the lower frame (106) comprising a first portion (108) extending in a downward-rearward direction and a second portion (110) extending in a substantially rearward direction;
at least a first cross member (112) extending in a vehicular width direction, the first cross member (112) comprising a third portion (114) proximal to the second portion (110) and attached to the second portion (110) and a fourth portion (116) distal to the second portion (110);
a first attachment structure (118) pivotally coupling at least a first battery accommodating structure (44) to the first cross member (112), the first attachment structure (118) being provided on the fourth portion (116) of the first cross member (112), the first attachment structure (118) permitting the first battery accommodating structure (44) to pivot in a vehicular width direction between a first angular position and a second angular position, the first battery accommodating structure (44) being proximate to the upper frame (104) at the first angular position and being distal from the upper frame (104) at the second angular position; and
a latching member (120) provisioned on the second portion (110) of the lower frame (106), the latching member (120) co-operates with at least a first counter latching member (48) provided on the first battery accommodating structure (44) thereby prohibiting the first battery accommodating structure (44) to pivot beyond the second angular position.

2. The frame structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the latching member (120) comprises a bracket element (122) attached to the second portion (110) and a connecting member (124) attached to the bracket element (122) for receiving at least the first counter latching member (48) provided on the first battery accommodating structure (44).

3. The frame structure (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the bracket element (122) comprises:
a first plate (126) attached to the second portion (110) and extending in a vehicular upward direction;
a second plate (128) attached to the second portion (110), the second plate (128) extending in a vehicular upward direction and being spaced apart from the first plate (126); and
the first plate (126) comprising a first aperture (128) and the second plate (128) comprising a second aperture (132), the first aperture (128) and the second aperture (132) receiving the connecting member (124) such that the connecting member (124) traverses between the first plate (126) and the second plate (128).

4. The frame structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first cross member (112) further comprises:
a fifth portion (134) being distal to the second portion (110);
a second attachment structure (136) being provided on the fifth portion (134);
the fourth portion (116) and the first attachment structure (118) being located on a first side of the lower frame (106), the fifth portion (134) and the second attachment structure (136) being located on a second side of the lower frame (106).

5. The frame structure (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the first attachment structure (118) defines a first pivot axis (A1) that projects in a vehicle (10) length direction and the second attachment structure (136) defines a second pivot axis (A2) that projects in a vehicle (10) length direction, the first pivot axis (A1) being on a first side of the lower frame (106) and the second pivot axis being on a second side of the lower frame (106).

6. The frame structure (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the second attachment structure (136) pivotally couples at least a second battery accommodating structure (46) to the first cross member (112), the second attachment structure (136) permitting the second battery accommodating structure (46) to pivot in a vehicular width direction between a third angular position and a fourth angular position, the second battery accommodating structure (46) being proximate to the upper frame (104) at the third angular position and being distal from the upper frame (104) at the fourth angular position.

7. The frame structure (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the second battery accommodating structure (46) comprises second counter latching member (50) that co-operates with the latching member (120) provisioned on the second portion (110) of the lower frame (106), thereby prohibiting the second battery accommodating structure (46) to pivot beyond the fourth angular position.

8. An electric vehicle (10) comprising:
a frame structure (100) supporting at least a front fork (12), a front ground engaging member (16), a steering handle bar (24), a rear ground engaging member (22), a first battery accommodating structure (44), and a second battery accommodating structure (46);
the first battery accommodating structure (44) accommodating a first battery (40) and comprising a first counter latching mechanism (48);
the second battery accommodating structure (46) accommodating a second battery (42) and comprising a second counter latching mechanism (50);
the frame structure (100) comprising;
a head pipe (102);
an upper frame (104) extending from the head pipe (102) in a rearward direction;
a lower frame (106) extending from at least one of the head pipe (102) and the upper frame (104), the lower frame (106) comprising a first portion (108) extending in a downward-rearward direction and a second portion (110) extending in a substantially rearward direction;
at least a first cross member (112) extending in a vehicular width direction, the first cross member (112) comprising a third portion (114) proximal to the second portion (110) and attached to the second portion (110) and a fourth portion (116) distal to the second portion (110);
a first attachment structure (118) pivotally coupling the first battery accommodating structure (44) to the first cross member (112), the first attachment structure (118) being provided on the fourth portion (116) of the first cross member (112), the first attachment structure (118) permitting the first battery accommodating structure (44) to pivot in a vehicular width direction between a first angular position and a second angular position, the first battery accommodating structure (44) being proximate to the upper frame (104) at the first angular position and being distal from the upper frame (104) at the second angular position; and
a latching member (120) provisioned on the second portion (110) of the lower frame (106), the latching member (120) co-operates with the first counter latching member (48) provided on the first battery accommodating structure (44) thereby prohibiting the first battery accommodating structure (44) to pivot beyond the second angular position.

9. The electric vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the first cross member (112) further comprises:
a fifth portion (134) being distal to the second portion (110);
a second attachment structure (136) being provided on the fifth portion (134);
the fourth portion (116) and the first attachment structure (118) being located on a first side of the lower frame (106), the fifth portion (134) and the second attachment structure (136) being located on a second side of the lower frame (106);
the second attachment structure (136) pivotally couples the second battery accommodating structure (46) to the first cross member (112), the second attachment structure (136) permitting the second battery accommodating structure (46) to pivot in a vehicular width direction between a third angular position and a fourth angular position, the second battery accommodating structure (46) being proximate to the upper frame (104) at the third angular position and being distal from the upper frame (104) at the fourth angular position; and
the second battery accommodating structure (46) comprises second counter latching member (50) that co-operates with the latching member (120) provisioned on the second portion (110) of the lower frame (106), thereby prohibiting the second battery accommodating structure (46) to pivot beyond the fourth angular position.

10. The electric vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the latching member (120) comprises:
a bracket element (122) comprising a first plate (126) attached to the second portion (110) and extending in a vehicular upward direction; a second plate (128) attached to the second portion (110), the second plate (128) extending in a vehicular upward direction and being spaced apart from the first plate (126); a first aperture (128) forming part of the first plate (126); and a second aperture (132) forming part of the second plate (128); and
a connecting member (124) provisioned between the first aperture (128) and the second aperture (132) such that the connecting member (124) traverses between the first plate (126) and the second plate (128), the connecting member (124) receiving at least the first counter latching member (48) provided on the first battery accommodating structure (44) and the second counter latching member (50) provided on the second battery accommodating structure (46).

11. The electric vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 10, wherein at least one of:
the first counter latching member (48) comprises: a first plate member (52) comprising a first end (54) attached to the first battery accommodating structure (44), a second end (56) distal to the first end (56); and a first elongated slot (58) positioned between the first end (54) and the second end (56); the first elongated slot (58) being slidably attached to the connecting member (124); and
the second counter latching member (50) comprises: a second plate member (60) comprising a third end (62) attached to the second battery accommodating structure (46), a fourth end (64) distal to the third end (62); and a second elongated slot (66) positioned between the third end (62) and the fourth end (64); the second elongated slot (66) being slidably attached to the connecting member (124).