Description:

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

“CARRIER ELEMENT OF VEHICLE CARRYING BATTERY AND ELECTRICAL JUNCTION BOX”

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 carrier element of a vehicle. In particular, the present invention relates to a carrier element of a vehicle being adapted to carry at least one battery and an electrical junction box.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
[002] Traditionally, in an electric vehicle such as an electric scooter there is provided a carrier element for carrying at least one battery that supplies driving current to an electric motor. The carrier element is generally disposed between a first seat frame and a second seat frame. To increase a driving range of the electric vehicle, it is customary to increase capacity of the battery. Increase in capacity of the battery results in increase in weight of the battery. However, the traditional carrier element is susceptible to deflection in case of an increase in the weight of the battery. To increase a weight carrying capacity of the carrier element, it is traditional to increase an overall weight and thickness of the carrier element. Additionally, the carrier element merely carries the battery and no other element. Further, when multiple batteries or large sized battery is provided between the seat frame, it is difficult to provide a cross-member for strengthening and for avoiding deflection of the carrier element. An electric scooter would generally comprise of an electrical junction box. The electrical junction box is supported by a supporting element separate from the carrier element. Thus, the traditional carrier element suffers from a variety of disadvantages and there exists a need to address one or more of the aforesaid disadvantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
[003] 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.

[004] Accordingly, the present invention provides a carrier element of a vehicle adapted to carry at least one battery and an electrical junction box. In an embodiment of the invention the carrier element comprises a base plate adapted to receive the at least one battery; and a rear vertical wall coupled to the base plate, the rear vertical wall being adapted to receive the electrical junction box.

[005] In an embodiment of the invention, the rear vertical wall comprises a first surface facing the at least one battery and a second surface opposite to the first surface, the second surface being adapted to receive the electrical junction box.

[006] In another embodiment of the invention, the base plate comprises a base portion and a first upward extending portion, the rear vertical wall being joined to the first upward extending portion.

[007] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the base plate comprises a base portion and the rear vertical wall comprises a first forward projecting portion, the first forward projecting portion being joined to the base portion.

[008] In still another embodiment of the invention, the carrier element comprises a first cover element providing protection to the electrical junction box. In an embodiment of the invention, the first cover element being located between the electrical junction box and a rear ground engaging member of the vehicle.

[009] In a further embodiment of the invention, the carrier element comprises a second cover element providing protection to a battery coupler element located at about an underside of the base plate.

[0010] In a furthermore embodiment of the invention, the second cover element being located between the battery coupler element and a rear ground engaging member of the vehicle.

[0011] In an embodiment of the invention, the base portion comprises at least one opening for allowing coupling of the battery coupler element to the at least one battery.

[0012] In an embodiment of the invention, the first cover element and the second cover element are coupled to the rear vertical wall at a common location thereof.

[0013] In another embodiment of the invention, the carrier element comprises at least one side wall extending in a vehicle upward direction. In a furthermore embodiment of the invention, the at least one side wall being connected to at least one of the base plate and the rear vertical wall.

[0014] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the rear vertical wall comprises a second set of forward projecting portions for joining to the at least one side wall.

[0015] In still another embodiment of the invention, each of the at least one side wall comprises a first width-wise projecting portion for joining to the rear vertical wall.

[0016] In a further embodiment of the invention, the base part comprises a base portion and a second set of upward extending portions, the at least one side wall being joined to the second set of upward extending portions.

[0017] In a furthermore embodiment of the invention, each of the at least one side wall comprises a first width-wise projecting portion for joining to the base portion.

[0018] In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a vehicle, comprising a head pipe supporting a front fork in a steerable manner; a main frame connected to the head pipe, the main frame extending in a rearward and downward direction of the vehicle; a first seat frame disposed on a first side of the main frame, the first seat frame extending in a rearward direction of the vehicle; a second seat frame disposed on a second side of the main frame, the second seat frame extending in a rearward direction of the vehicle; and a carrier element coupled to the first seat frame and the second seat frame, the carrier element being adapted to carry at least one battery and an electrical junction box.

[0019] In an embodiment of the invention, the carrier element comprises a base plate being adapted to receive the at least one battery; and a rear vertical wall coupled to the base plate, the rear vertical wall being adapted to receive the electrical junction box.

[0020] In another embodiment of the invention, the vehicle comprises a first set of coupling members for coupling the rear vertical wall to a first predetermined portion of the first seat frame and a second predetermined portion of the second seat frame.

[0021] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the vehicle comprises a second set of coupling members for coupling the base plate to a third predetermined portion of the first seat frame and a fourth predetermined portion of the second seat frame.

[0022] In still another embodiment of the invention, the vehicle comprises a third set of coupling members for coupling the base plate to a fifth predetermined portion of the first seat frame and a sixth predetermined portion of the second seat frame.

[0023] In a further embodiment of the invention, the at least one battery comprises two batteries arranged in a lengthwise direction of the vehicle.

[0024] In a further embodiment of the invention, the vehicle comprises a traverse frame member connected between the first seat frame and the second seat frame, the traverse frame member extending along a width direction of the vehicle and surrounding a front portion of the at least one battery.

[0025] 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:
[0026] 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:

[0027] Figure 1 illustrates a first side view of the vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0028] Figure 2 illustrates a first side front perspective view of a part of the vehicle showing the carrier element accommodating at least one battery in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0029] Figure 3 illustrates a first side front perspective view of a part of the vehicle showing the carrier element accommodating the electrical junction box in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0030] Figure 4 illustrates a second side front perspective view of a part of the vehicle showing the carrier element without the at least one battery in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0031] Figure 5 illustrates an isometric view of base plate in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0032] Figure 6 illustrates an isometric view of rear vertical wall in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0033] Figure 7 illustrates a magnified view of the vehicle showing first cover element and second cover element in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0034] Figure 8 illustrates a bottom perspective view of a part of the vehicle showing the carrier element in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0035] Figure 9 illustrates a first side rear perspective view of a part of the vehicle showing the carrier element accommodating at least one battery in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0036] Figure 10 illustrates a second side rear perspective view of a part of the vehicle showing the carrier element accommodating at least one battery with an embodiment of the invention;

[0037] Figure 11 illustrates a close-up first side view of a part of the vehicle showing the carrier element in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0038] Figure 12 illustrates a close-up view of the carrier element showing the base plate in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0039] Figure 13 illustrates a schematic view of the base plate and the at least one side walls in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0040] Figure 14 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and

[0041] Figure 15 illustrates the first side view of the vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0042] 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:
[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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. Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0052] 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 and these directions are referred by arrows F, R, U, D in the Figures.

[0053] 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.

[0054] Referring to Figure 1, there is illustrated a first side view of a vehicle (10) that comprises a front end structure (12), a rear end structure (14), and a footboard (16). The front end structure (12) forms the front portion of the vehicle (10). The rear end structure (14) forms the rear portion of the vehicle (10). The footboard (16) lies between the front end structure (12) and the rear end structure (14). The footboard (16) provides footrest for a rider riding the vehicle (10).

[0055] The front end structure (12) comprises a front ground engaging member (18), and a steering mechanism (20). The front ground engaging member (18) is operatively connected to the steering mechanism (20). In the illustrated example, the front ground engaging member (18) embodies a wheel. Alternatively, the front ground engaging member (18) embodies a track, without limiting the scope of the invention. The steering mechanism (20) comprises a head pipe (22) receiving a front fork (24) in a steerable manner, and a handlebar (26) connected to the front fork (24) for steering the front fork (24). The handlebar (26) is configured to be rotated by the rider to steer the vehicle (10). The vehicle (10) further comprises a main frame (28) supporting the front end structure (12), the footboard (16), and the rear end structure (14).

[0056] Further, the front end structure (12) comprises a front cover assembly (30) and a leg shield (32). The front cover assembly (32) and the leg shield (32) at least partially cover the head pipe (22) and the front fork (24). The leg shield (32) provides protection for the feet of the rider of the vehicle (10). The front end structure (12) may further comprise additional components such as headlight, dash assembly, handle cover, windscreen, mirror(s), front turn indicator(s), etc. without limiting the scope of the invention.

[0057] The rear end structure (14) comprises a seat (38) and a rear ground engaging member (40). The seat (38) provides seating for a rider of the vehicle (10). The rear end structure (14) further comprises a power unit (not visible) disposed below the seat (38). The rear ground engaging member (40) is driven by the power unit (not visible). The power unit (not visible) may be a motor. In the illustrated example, the rear ground engaging member (40) embodies a wheel. Alternatively, the rear ground engaging member (40) embodies a track, without limiting the scope of the invention.

[0058] The seat (38) is supported between a first seat frame (34) and a second seat frame (36). The first seat frame (34) is disposed on a first side of the main frame (28) and extends in a rearward direction of the vehicle (10). The second seat frame (36) disposed on a second side of the main frame (28) and extends in a rearward direction of the vehicle (10). The vehicle (10) further comprises a carrier element (100) being adapted to carry at least one battery (102) and an electrical junction box (104). The vehicle (10) may comprise additional components such as taillight, rear turn indicator(s), cushioning elements, cover assembly, etc. without limiting the scope of the invention.

[0059] Now referring to Figure 2, Figure 3 and Figure 4, the carrier element (100) comprises a base plate (106) being adapted to receive the at least one battery (102). Further, according to an embodiment of the invention, the carrier element (100) further comprises a rear vertical wall (108) coupled to the base plate (106), the rear vertical wall (108) being adapted to receive the electrical junction box (104).

[0060] In particular, the rear vertical wall (108) comprises a first surface (110) facing the at least one battery (102) and a second surface (112) opposite to the first surface (110). In an embodiment of the invention, the second surface (112) is adapted to receive the electrical junction box (104). Thus, the electrical junction box (104) is located such that it does not obstruct with the location of the at least one battery (102).

[0061] Referring to Figure 5 and Figure 6, the base plate (106) and the rear vertical wall (108) may be coupled in different manners. By way of a first non-limiting example, the base plate (106) comprises a base portion (114) and a first upward extending portion (116) and the rear vertical wall (108) is joined to the first upward extending portion (116). By way of a second non-limiting example the base plate (106) comprises a base portion (114) and the rear vertical wall (108) comprises a first forward projecting portion (118), and the first forward projecting portion (118) of the rear vertical wall (108) is joined to the base portion (114).

[0062] Referring to Figure 7 and Figure 8, the carrier element (100) further comprises a first cover element (120) providing protection to the electrical junction box (104). In an embodiment of the invention, the first cover element (120) is located between the electrical junction box (104) and the rear ground engaging member (40) of the vehicle (10). In an embodiment of the invention, the carrier element (100) further comprises a second cover element (122) providing protection to at least one opening (121, 123) provided on the base portion (114).

[0063] The at least one opening (121, 123) allows for the at least one battery (102) to be coupled to at least one battery coupler element (not shown). Thus, the second cover element (122) additionally provides protection to the at least one battery coupler element located at about an underside (124) of the base plate (106). In an embodiment of the invention, the second cover element (122) is located between the base portion (114) and the rear ground engaging member (40) of the vehicle (10). In an embodiment of the invention, the first cover element (120) and the second cover element (122) is coupled to the rear vertical wall (108) at a common location (126) thereof.

[0064] Referring to Figure 9 and Figure 10, the carrier element (100) further comprises at least one side wall (128, 130) extending in a vehicle upward direction. The at least one side wall (128, 130) may be connected to one or both of the base plate (106) and the rear vertical wall (108). The at least one side wall (128, 130) may be coupled to one or both of the base plate (106) and the rear vertical wall (108) in different manners. By way of a first non-limiting example, the rear vertical wall (108) comprises a second set of forward projecting portions (132, 134) for joining to the at least one side wall (128, 130).

[0065] Referring to Figure 11, Figure 12 and Figure 13, in another non-limiting example, each of the at least one side wall (128, 130) comprises a first width-wise projecting portion (136, 138) for joining to the rear vertical wall (108). In yet another non-limiting example, the base part (106) comprises a base portion (114) and a second set of upward extending portions (140, 142), the at least one side wall (128, 130) being joined to the second set of upward extending portions (140, 142). By way of a furthermore non-limiting example, each of the at least one side wall (128, 130) comprises a first width-wise projecting portion (136, 138) for joining to the base portion (106).

[0066] Referring to Figure 14, it may be noted that the carrier element (100) is disposed between the disposed the first seat frame (34) and the second seat frame (36). The carrier element (100) is supported by the first seat frame (34) and the second seat frame (36) at multiple locations and using multiple means. For instance, there may be provided a first set of coupling members (42, 44) for coupling the rear vertical wall (108) to a first predetermined portion of (46) of the first seat frame (34) and a second predetermined portion (48) of the second seat frame (36).

[0067] By way of another example, there may be provided a second set of coupling members (50, 52) for coupling the base plate (106) to a third predetermined portion of (54) of the first seat frame (34) and a fourth predetermined portion (56) of the second seat frame (36). By way of another example, there may be provided a third set of coupling members (58) for coupling the base plate (106) to a fifth predetermined portion of (60) of the first seat frame (34) and a sixth predetermined portion (62) of the second seat frame (36).

[0068] Since the carrier element (100) is supported by the first seat frame (34) and the second seat frame (36) at multiple locations and using multiple means, the carrier element (100) is adapted to carry more than one battery (102). In particular, the carrier element (100) is adapted to carry two batteries (102a, 102b). In an embodiment of the invention, the two batteries (102a, 102b) are arranged in a lengthwise direction of the vehicle (10).

[0069] In an embodiment of the invention there may be instances wherein the at least one battery (102) experiences movement even after placement on the carrier element (100). Thus, it may be beneficial to prohibit such movement of the at least one battery. In an embodiment of the invention, the rear vertical wall (108) prohibits a backward movement of the at least one battery (102) while the at least one side wall (128, 130) prohibits side way movement of the at least one battery (102).

[0070] Referring to Figure 15, there may be provided a traverse frame member (64) connected between the first seat frame (34) and the second seat frame (36), the traverse frame member (64) extending along a width direction of the vehicle (10) and surrounding a front portion of the at least one battery (102). The traverse frame member (64) prohibits a backward movement of the at least one battery (102). Additionally, the traverse frame member (64) provides strength to the first seat frame (34) and the second seat frame (36).

[0071] The advantages of the invention include a substantial reduction in the number of parts needed to mount the at least one battery (102) and the electrical junction box (104). The rear vertical wall (108) acts as the mounting mechanism to receive the electrical junction box (104) and at the same time, provides strength to the base plate (106). Thus, the weight and thickness of the base plate (106) is not required to be increased to cater to an increased weight of the at least one battery (102). In particular, the base plate (106) can easily accommodate two batteries (102a and 102b) that are arranged in a lengthwise direction of the vehicle (10). A reduction in the number of parts leads to a reduction the cost involved in manufacturing the vehicle (10) and the carrier element (100). Also, reduction in the reduction in the number of parts leads to a weight reduction of the vehicle (10) and the carrier element (100). Further, a time required for assembling and disassembling of the vehicle gets reduced.

[0072] Another advantage of the invention includes a substantial reduction the space which is achieved by locating the electrical junction box (104) on the rear vertical wall (108) forming part of the carrier element (100).

[0073] Yet another advantage of the invention includes a substantial reduction in a length of the electrical wires needed to couple the at least one battery (102) and the electrical junction box (104). Still another advantage of the invention includes providing sufficient protection to the electrical junction box (104) and the at least one battery coupler element. Thus, the electrical junction box (104) and the at least one battery coupler element are protected from dust, water and other foreign elements that may otherwise damage these elements.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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. Numerous variations, whether explicitly given in the specification or not, such as differences in structure, dimension, and use of material, are possible. The scope of embodiments is at least as broad as given by the following claims.
, Claims:WE CLAIM:

1. A carrier element (100) of a vehicle, the carrier element (100) being adapted to carry at least one battery (102) and an electrical junction box (104), the carrier element (100) comprising:
a base plate (106) being adapted to receive the at least one battery (102); and
a rear vertical wall (108) coupled to the base plate (106), the rear vertical wall (108) being adapted to receive the electrical junction box (104); the rear vertical wall (108) comprises a first surface (110) facing the at least one battery (102) and a second surface (112) opposite to the first surface (110), the second surface (112) being adapted to receive the electrical junction box (104).

2. The carrier element (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein:
the base plate (106) comprises a base portion (114) and a first upward extending portion (116), the rear vertical wall (108) being joined to the first upward extending portion (116), or
the base plate (106) comprises a base portion (114) and the rear vertical wall (108) comprises a first forward projecting portion (118), the first forward projecting portion (118) being joined to the base portion (114).

3. The carrier element (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising:
a first cover element (120) providing protection to the electrical junction box (104), the first cover element (120) being located between the electrical junction box (104) and a rear ground engaging member (40) of the vehicle (10); and/or
a second cover element (122) providing protection to a battery coupler element located at about an underside (124) of the base plate (106), the second cover element (122) being located between the battery coupler element and a rear ground engaging member (40) of the vehicle (10).

4. The carrier element (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the base portion (114) comprises at least one opening (121, 123) for allowing coupling of the battery coupler element to the at least one battery (102).

5. The carrier element (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the first cover element (120) and the second cover element (122) are coupled to the rear vertical wall (108) at a common location (126) thereof.

6. The carrier element (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising at least one side wall (128, 130) extending in a vehicle upward direction, the at least one side wall (128, 130) being connected to at least one of the base plate (106) and the rear vertical wall (108) and wherein:
• the rear vertical wall (108) comprises a second set of forward projecting portions (132, 134) for joining to the at least one side wall (128, 130); or
• each of the at least one side wall (128, 130) comprises a first width-wise projecting portion (136, 138) for joining to the rear vertical wall (108); or
• the base part (106) comprises a base portion (114) and a second set of upward extending portions (140, 142), the at least one side wall (128, 130) being joined to the second set of upward extending portions (140, 142), or
• each of the at least one side wall (128, 130) comprises a first width-wise projecting portion (136, 138) for joining to the base portion (106).

7. A vehicle (10), comprising:
a head pipe (22) supporting a front fork (24) in a steerable manner;
a main frame (28) connected to the head pipe (22), the main frame (28) extending in a rearward and downward direction of the vehicle (10);
a first seat frame (34) disposed on a first side of the main frame (28), the first seat frame (34) extending in a rearward direction of the vehicle (10);
a second seat frame (36) disposed on a second side of the main frame (28), the second seat frame (36) extending in a rearward direction of the vehicle (10); and
a carrier element (100) coupled to the first seat frame (34) and the second seat frame (36), the carrier element (100) being adapted to carry at least one battery (102) and an electrical junction box (104), the carrier element (100) comprising:
a base plate (106) being adapted to receive the at least one battery (102); and
a rear vertical wall (108) coupled to the base plate (106), the rear vertical wall (108) being adapted to receive the electrical junction box (104).

8. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 7, comprising:
a first set of coupling members (42, 44) for coupling the rear vertical wall (108) to a first predetermined portion of (46) of the first seat frame (34) and a second predetermined portion (48) of the second seat frame (36); and at least one of:
a second set of coupling members (50, 52) for coupling the base plate (106) to a third predetermined portion of (54) of the first seat frame (34) and a fourth predetermined portion (56) of the second seat frame (36);
a third set of coupling members (58) for coupling the base plate (106) to a fifth predetermined portion of (60) of the first seat frame (34) and a sixth predetermined portion (62) of the second seat frame (36).

9. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the at least one battery (102) comprises two batteries (102a, 102b) arranged in a lengthwise direction of the vehicle (10).

10. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 7, comprising a traverse frame member (64) connected between the first seat frame (34) and the second seat frame (36), the traverse frame member (64) extending along a width direction of the vehicle (10) and surrounding a front portion of the at least one battery (102).