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

“POWER SOURCE ACCOMMODATING STRUCTURE OF 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 power source accommodating structure of a vehicle and a vehicle incorporating the same.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
[002] The power source, for example, a battery is considered as an essential part of a vehicle. In some cases the power source of the vehicle can work as secondary source of power, which is utilized for providing power to various electrical components of the vehicle such as head light, tail light, winkers and other components. In some cases the power source of the vehicle can work even as a primary source of power that provides power to drive motor of the vehicle as in case of an electrical vehicle. In some cases, the power source can work both as the primary source of power and the secondary source of power.

[003] Every vehicle has a power source accommodating structure for accommodating the power source in secured manner. Conventionally, the power source accommodating structure is designed for accommodating the power source tightly in order to minimize the effect of vibration and jerks caused by movement of the vehicle. In order to accommodate the power source tightly, the clearance in between walls of the battery accommodating structure and the power source is kept at a minimum value. Due to the minimum clearance, removing the power source from the battery accommodating structure for replacing or for servicing purpose becomes a tedious task.

[004] In some cases, the power source is removed by taking leverage of a sharp edged tool inserted in between the walls of power source accommodating structure and the power source. Utilizing the tool as a lever for lifting the power source is time consuming and sometimes damages the components in proximity to the power source. Thus, there is a need to provide an accommodating structure for the power source, which provides solution for one or more than one aforesaid problems.

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

[006] Accordingly, the present invention provides a power source accommodating structure of a vehicle, comprising: a box comprising a space for accommodating a power source; a first power source lifting mechanism provided within the space for providing a first force for lifting the power source; and a manually actuatable second power source lifting mechanism connected to the box for providing a second force for lifting the power source.

[007] In an embodiment of the invention, the box comprises a bottom wall and at least one peripheral wall protruding in an up-ward direction from the bottom wall.

[008] In another embodiment of the invention, the manually actuatable second power source lifting mechanism comprises: a first part connected to the at least one peripheral wall; a second part located outside the space and adapted to receive the second force from a user; and a third part extending between the first part and the second part, the third part being received by the space and being adapted to come in contact with at least an underside of the power source to transmit the second force to the underside of the power source.

[009] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the manually actuatable second power source lifting mechanism comprises a fourth part extending from the second part, the fourth part being adapted to be connected to the at least one peripheral wall thus, retaining the power source within the box.

[0010] In still another embodiment of the invention, the first power source lifting mechanism comprises at least one resilient member protruding into the space from the bottom wall and being adapted to come in contact with an underside of the power source to transmit the second force to the underside of the power source.

[0011] In a further embodiment of the invention, the at least one peripheral wall comprises a first portion and a second portion facing the first portion, the first part being connected to the first portion.

[0012] In a furthermore embodiment of the invention, the second portion comprises at least one guiding mechanism for guiding the third part of the manually actuatable second power source lifting mechanism.

[0013] In an embodiment of the invention, the third part of the manually actuatable second power source lifting mechanism comprises a flexible material and a second part of the manually actuatable second power source lifting mechanism comprises a hardened material.

[0014] In another embodiment of the invention, the fourth part of the manually actuatable second power source lifting mechanism comprises a first connection part and the first portion of the at least one peripheral wall comprises a second connection part for connecting the fourth part to the first portion of the at least one peripheral wall.

[0015] In one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a power source accommodating structure of a vehicle, comprising: a box comprising a space for accommodating a power source; and a manually actuatable power source lifting mechanism connected to the box for providing a first force for lifting the power source, the manually actuatable power source lifting mechanism being further adapted to retain the power source within the box.

[0016] 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; a seat connected to the first seat frame and the second seat frame. Further, a power source accommodating structure of a vehicle is disposed below the seat. The power source accommodating structure comprises a box comprising a space for accommodating a power source; a first power source lifting mechanism provided within the space for providing a first force for lifting the power source; and a manually actuatable second power source lifting mechanism connected to the box for providing a second force for lifting the power source.

[0017] One of the advantages of the present invention includes reduction in effort required for lifting of the power source from the vehicle. Due to reduction of the effort required for lifting, service and replacement of the power source becomes easy and can be completed without damaging any other components in proximity to the power source. Another advantage of the present invention includes a proper placing of the power source inside the box higher retaining force. The higher retaining force keeps the power source more stable during the movement of the vehicle.

[0018] Since, there is no requirement of providing any extra provision in the power source for lifting. Yet another advantage of the present invention includes optimization of space required for placing the power source.

[0019] 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:
[0020] 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:

[0021] Figure 1 illustrates a first side view of the vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0022] Figure 2 illustrates a second side view of the vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0023] Figure 3 illustrates a cross sectional view of a power source accommodating structure of the vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0024] Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of the power source accommodating structure of the vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and

[0025] Figure 5 illustrates a close up view of a box accommodating a power source in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and

[0026] Figure 6 illustrates a perspective view of the power source accommodating structure of the vehicle showing the power source in retained condition in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and

[0027] Figure 7 illustrates a perspective view of the power source accommodating structure of the vehicle showing the power source in lifted condition at a first position in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0028] Figure 8 illustrates a perspective view of the power source accommodating structure of the vehicle showing the power source in lifted condition at a second position in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0029] 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:
[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2, there is illustrated a first side view and a second 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).

[0042] 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).

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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). 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.

[0045] 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). Further, the vehicle (10) comprises a power source accommodating structure (100) disposed below the seat (38) for accommodating a power source (106). 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.

[0046] Now referring to Figure 3, the power source accommodating structure (100) comprising a box (102) that comprises a space (104) for accommodating a power source (106). The power source, for example a battery housed inside the box (102) wherein the construction of the box (102) ensures that there is no movement of the power source (106) even at the time of the movement of the vehicle (10). The box (102) is provided in the vehicle (10) that inhibits the power source (106) from being damaged. In an embodiment of the present invention, the box (102) has a water proof structure so as to protect the power source (106) from damage caused due to water exposure.

[0047] Further, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the power source accommodating structure (100) comprises a first power source lifting mechanism (110) provided within the space (104) for providing a first force for lifting the power source (106) and a manually actuatable second power source lifting mechanism (108) connected to the box (102) for providing a second force for lifting the power source (106).

[0048] Referring to Figure 4, the box (102) comprises a bottom wall (112) and at least one peripheral wall (114) protruding in an up-ward direction from the bottom wall (112). According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first power source lifting mechanism (108) comprises at least one resilient member (124) protruding into the space (104) from the bottom wall (112) and being adapted to come in contact with an underside of the power source (106) to transmit th second force to the underside of the power source (106).

[0049] Further, the manually actuatable second power source lifting mechanism (108) comprises a first part (116), a second part (118) and a third part (120). According to an embodiment of the invention, the first part (116) is connected to the at least one peripheral wall (114) and the second part (118) is located outside the space (104). The second part (118) is adapted to receive the second force from a user.

[0050] Further, the third part (120) of the manually actuatable second power source lifting mechanism (108) extends in between the first part (116) and the second part (118). According to an embodiment of the invention, the third part (120) is received by the space (104) and is adapted to come in contact with at least an underside of the power source (106) to transmit the second force to the underside of the power source (106). According to an embodiment of the present invention, the third part (120) of the manually actuatable second power source lifting mechanism (108) comprises a flexible material and the second part (118) of the manually actuatable second power source lifting mechanism (108) comprises a hardened material.

[0051] Referring to Figure 5, the manually actuatable second power source lifting mechanism (108) comprises a fourth part (122) extending from the second part (118). The fourth part (122) is being adapted to be connected to the at least one peripheral wall (114) thus, retaining the power source (106) within the box (102).

[0052] According to an embodiment of the invention, the at least one peripheral wall (114) comprises a first portion (126) and a second portion (128) facing the first portion (126). The first part (116) is connected to the first portion (126) and the second portion (128) comprises at least one guiding mechanism (130) for guiding the third part (120) of the manually actuatable second power source lifting mechanism (108).

[0053] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the invention, the fourth part (122) of the manually actuatable second power source lifting mechanism (108) comprises a first connection part (132) and the first portion (126) of the at least one peripheral wall (114) comprises a second connection part (134) for connecting the fourth part (122) to the first portion (126) of the at least one peripheral wall (114).

[0054] Referring to Figure 6, according to an embodiment of the present invention the manually actuatable power source lifting mechanism (108) is further adapted to retain the power source (106) within the box (102). According to an embodiment of the present invention, the placing of the power source (106) in the box (102) forces or compresses the at least one resilient member (124) to a first value of displacement due to the weight of the power source (106). Upon connecting the first connection part (132) and the second connection part (134), the at least one resilient member (124) further compresses to a second value of displacement, thereby pushing the power source (106) completely within the box (102) and retaining the power source within the box (102).

[0055] Referring to Figure 7 and Figure 8, the first power source lifting mechanism and the manually actuatable second power source lifting mechanism is explained. Firstly, the first connection part (132) and the second connection part (134) are disconnected, which allows the at least one resilient member (124) to return from the second value of displacement to the first value of displacement due to the restoring force of the resilient member (124). The movement of the at least one resilient member (124) from the second value of displacement to the first value of displacement develops the first force, which lifts the power source (106) to a first position (as best seen from Figure 7).

[0056] Similarly, upon receiving the second force from the user via the second part (118), the at least one resilient member (124) starts returning from the first value of displacement to the free length (non-compressed state), thereby exerting the second force. The second force produced is greater in magnitude than the first force. The movement of the at least one resilient member (124) from the first value of displacement to the free length (non-compressed state) develops the second force, which lifts the power source to a second position (as best seen from Figure 8). Thus, the combined effect of the first force and the second force enables the lifting of the power source (106) from the box (102).

[0057] The advantages of the invention include reduction in effort required for lifting of the power source (106) from the vehicle (10). Due to reduction of the effort required for lifting, service and replacement of the power source (106) becomes easy and can be completed without damaging any other components in proximity to the power source (106).

[0058] Another advantage of the present invention includes a proper placing of the power source (106) inside the box (102) due to high retaining force. The high retaining force keeps the power source (106) more stable during the movement of the vehicle (10).

[0059] Since, the power source accommodating structure (100) exerts sufficient amount of force that is to be required for lifting the power source (106), thus, there is no requirement of providing any extra provision in the power source (106) for lifting. Yet another advantage of the present invention includes optimization of space required for placing the power source (106).

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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 power source accommodating structure (100) of a vehicle (10), comprising:
a box (102) comprising a space (104) for accommodating a power source (106);
a first power source lifting mechanism (110) provided within the space (104) for providing a first force for lifting the power source (106); and
a manually actuatable second power source lifting mechanism (108) connected to the box (102) for providing a second force for lifting the power source (106).

2. The power source accommodating structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the box (102) comprises a bottom wall (112) and at least one peripheral wall (114) protruding in an up-ward direction from the bottom wall (112).

3. The power source accommodating structure (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the manually actuatable second power source lifting mechanism (108) comprises:
a first part (116) connected to the at least one peripheral wall (114);
a second part (118) located outside the space (104) and adapted to receive the second force from a user; and
a third part (120) extending between the first part (116) and the second part (118), the third part (120) being received by the space (104) and being adapted to come in contact with at least an underside of the power source (106) to transmit the second force to the underside of the power source (106).

4. The power source accommodating structure (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the manually actuatable second power source lifting mechanism (108) comprises a fourth part (122) extending from the second part (118), the fourth part (122) being adapted to be connected to the at least one peripheral wall (114) thus, retaining the power source within the box (102).

5. The power source accommodating structure (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first power source lifting mechanism (108) comprises at least one resilient member (124) protruding into the space (104) from the bottom wall (112) and being adapted to come in contact with an underside of the power source (106) to transmit the second force to the underside of the power source (106).

6. The power source accommodating structure (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the at least one peripheral wall (114) comprises a first portion (126) and a second portion (128) facing the first portion (126), the first part (116) being connected to the first portion (126).

7. The power source accommodating structure (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the second portion (128) comprises at least one guiding mechanism (130) for guiding the third part (120) of the manually actuatable second power source lifting mechanism (108).

8. The power source accommodating structure (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the third part (120) of the manually actuatable second power source lifting mechanism (108) comprises a flexible material and a second part (118) of the manually actuatable second power source lifting mechanism (108) comprises a hardened material.

9. The power source accommodating structure (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the fourth part (122) of the manually actuatable second power source lifting mechanism (108) comprises a first connection part (132) and the first portion (126) of the at least one peripheral wall (114) comprises a second connection part (134) for connecting the fourth part (122) to the first portion (126) of the at least one peripheral wall (114).

10. A power source accommodating structure (100) of a vehicle (10), comprising:
a box (102) comprising a space (104) for accommodating a power source (106); and
a manually actuatable power source lifting mechanism (108) connected to the box (102) for providing a first force for lifting the power source (106), the manually actuatable power source lifting mechanism (108) being further adapted to retain the power source (106) within the box (102).

11. A vehicle 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);
a seat (38) connected to the first seat frame (34) and the second seat frame (36);and
a power source accommodating structure (100) of a vehicle (10) disposed below the seat (38), said power source accommodating structure (100) comprising:
a box (102) comprising a space (104) for accommodating a power source (106);
a first power source lifting mechanism (110) provided within the space (104) for providing a first force for lifting the power source (106); and
a manually actuatable second power source lifting mechanism (108) connected to the box (102) for providing a second force for lifting the power source (106).