Body frame of a vehicle

Abstract

The present invention discloses a body frame (102) of a vehicle (100) adapted to mount a battery (120). A mounting structure (230) of the body frame (102) connects a left-front portion (224F) of a left lower tube (216L) with a right-front portion (228F) of a right lower tube (216R). A left extended frame member (236L) and a right extended frame member (236R) are extended rearwardly, respectively from a left upper tube (204L) and a right upper tube (204R) to a first cross member (238). A first mounting bracket (256) extends rearwardly from the mounting structure (230) and is adapted to mount a front mounting member (258) of the battery (120). A second mounting bracket (265) extends forwardly from the first cross member (238) and is adapted to mount a rear mounting member (266) of the battery (120).

Description

DescriptionTitle of Invention: BODY FRAME OF A VEHICLECross-reference to related applications

[0001] This application claims priority from Indian provisional patent application 20241 1006514, filed on 31 January 2024 which is incorporated herein in its entirety by this reference thereto.Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a vehicle and, more particularly, relates to a body frame designed to mount a battery for the vehicle.Background

[0003] A body frame of an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle is designed to securely mount one or more vehicular components, such as a fuel tank, an engine, a rear suspension member, etc. Further, the body frame of Electrical Vehicles (EVs) is designed to securely mount one or more vehicular components, such as a power-generating motor, one or more batteries, a rear suspension member, etc. Generally, for ease of manufacturing and assembly, the geometrical configuration of the body frame to be used for the ICE vehicle and the EV is substantially the same.

[0004] In the case of EV, electric power is supplied to the power-generating motor by one or more batteries, and the requirement of fuel stored in the fuel tank is eliminated. Therefore, a space available between a left upper tube and a right upper tube of the body frame for mounting the fuel tank of the ICE vehicle can be utilized for other purposes in the EV. For example, the space can be utilized for mounting one or more batteries.

[0005] However, the one or more batteries used in the EV are bulky. Therefore, mounting brackets of the body frame that are designed to mount the one or more batteries should sustain the weight thereof. Further, the position of the mounting brackets in the body frame should be such that the easier replacement of the one or more batteries is possible. Also, the position of the mounting brackets in the body frame should be located at a stronger section of the body frame. If themounting position of the mounting brackets is located at the stress concentration zone of the body frame, the failure of the mounting bracket may take place.SUMMARY

[0006] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that is 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.

[0007] In order to solve the foregoing problem and to provide other advantages, one aspect of the present invention is to provide a vehicle. The vehicle includes a battery and a body frame. The body frame includes a head tube, a left pivot plate, a right pivot plate, a left upper tube, a right upper tube, a left lower tube, and a right lower tube. The left upper tube extends in a rearward and downward direction from the head tube to the left pivot plate, whereas the right upper tube extends in the rearward and downward direction from the head tube to the right pivot plate. The left lower tube extends in the rearward and downward direction from the head tube to the left pivot plate. The left lower tube includes a left-front portion, a left-rear portion, and a left-intermediate portion. The left-intermediate portion connects the left-front portion with the left-rear portion. The right lower tube extends in the rearward and downward direction from the head tube to the right pivot plate. The right lower tube includes a right-front portion, a right-rear portion, and a rightintermediate portion. The right-intermediate portion connects the right-front portion with the right-rear portion. The body frame further includes a mounting structure, a left extended frame member, a right extended frame member, and a first cross member. The mounting structure connects the left-front portion of the left lower tube with the right-front portion of the right lower tube. The left extended frame member extends rearwardly from the left upper tube and the right extended frame member extends rearwardly from the right upper tube. The first cross member is connected to a rear end of the left extended frame member and a rear end of the right extended frame member. The vehicle further includes a first mounting bracket and a second mounting bracket. The first mounting bracket extends rearwardly from the mounting structure and is adapted to mount a front mounting member ofthe battery. The second mounting bracket extends forwardly from the first cross member and is adapted to mount a rear mounting member of the battery.

[0008] In an aspect, the body frame includes a second cross member, a third cross member, a left down tube, and a right down tube. The second cross member connects an end part of the left upper tube with an end part of the right upper tube. The left down tube extends obliquely in an outward and downward direction from a middle portion of the first cross member to a first end portion of the second cross member. The right down tube extends obliquely in the outward and downward direction from the middle portion to a second end portion of the second cross member. The third cross member connects a lower region of the left pivot plate with a lower region of the right pivot plate. A third mounting bracket is extended forwardly from the third cross member and is adapted to mount a bottom mounting member of the battery.

[0009] In an aspect, the left upper tube, the right upper tube, the left lower tube, the right lower tube, the mounting structure, the first cross member, the left extended frame member, the right extended frame member, the left down tube, and the right down tube collectively form a holding space therebetween to accommodate the battery.

[0010] In an aspect, the mounting structure includes a left portion and a right portion. The left portion is adapted to mount a left element of the first mounting bracket and the right portion is adapted to mount a right element of the first mounting bracket.

[0011] In an aspect, the mounting structure includes a left portion, a right portion, and an intermediate portion. The intermediate portion connects the left portion with the right portion. The intermediate portion is adapted to mount the first mounting bracket.

[0012] In an aspect, the mounting structure is oriented parallel to the first cross member.

[0013] In an aspect, the mounting structure and the first cross member are circular tubes.

[0014] In an aspect, the left extended frame member is extended obliquely in the rearward and inward direction from a left middle portion of the left upper tube to aleft end portion of the first cross member. The right extended frame member is extended obliquely in the rearward and inward direction from a right middle portion of the right upper tube to a right end portion of the first cross member.

[0015] In an aspect, the body frame includes a left rear upper tube, a right rear upper tube, a left rear lower tube, and a right rear lower tube. Each of the left rear upper tube and the right rear upper tube extends in the rearward and upward direction from the first cross member towards an end portion of the vehicle. The left rear lower tube extends obliquely in the rearward and upward direction from the left pivot plate towards the end portion. The right rear lower tube extends obliquely in the rearward and upward direction from the right pivot plate towards the end portion of the vehicle.

[0016] In an aspect, the body frame further includes a plurality of front left trellis tubes, a plurality of front right trellis tubes, a plurality of rear left trellis tubes, and a plurality of rear right trellis tubes. The plurality of front left trellis tubes is adapted to connect the left lower tube with the left upper tube. The plurality of front right trellis tubes is adapted to connect the right lower tube with the right upper tube. A plurality of rear left trellis tubes is adapted to connect the left rear lower tube with the left rear upper tube. The plurality of rear right trellis tubes is adapted to connect the right rear lower tube with the right rear upper tube.

[0017] Various embodiments of the present invention offer multiple advantages and technical effects. Without limiting the scope of the invention, different parts of the body frame, such as the left upper tube, the right upper tube, the left lower tube, the right lower tube, the mounting structure, the first cross member, the left down tube, and the right down tube collectively form the holding space therebetween to accommodate the battery. The battery is mounted to the mounting structure using the first mounting bracket and the first cross member using the second mounting bracket. One end of the mounting structure is fixedly connected to the left-front portion of the left lower tube and another end of the mounting structure is fixedly connected to the right-front portion of the left lower tube. Each of the distal ends of the left-front portion of the left lower tube and the distal end of the right-front portion of the left lower tube is the least stress concentration zone of the left lower tube that can be utilized for providing a mounting arrangement of the battery thereto.

[0018] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0019] The invention itself, together with further features and advantages, will become apparent from consideration of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. One or more embodiments of the present invention are now described, by way of example only wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

[0020] Figure 1 illustrates a side view of a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 2A illustrates a left perspective view of an assembly of a body frame and a battery, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 2B illustrates an exploded left perspective view of the assembly of the body frame and the battery of Figure 2A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2C illustrates a left side view of the assembly of the body frame and the battery of Figure 2A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2D illustrates a right side view of the assembly of the body frame and the battery of Figure 2A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 2E illustrates a bottom view of the assembly of the body frame and the battery of Figure 2A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 2F illustrates a top perspective view of portion 'A' of Figure 2B, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2G illustrates a bottom perspective view of portion 'A' of Figure 2B, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 2H illustrates a top perspective view of portion 'A' of Figure 2B, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; and

[0029] Figure 21 illustrates a bottom perspective view of portion 'A' of Figure 2B, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] The drawings referred to in this description are not to be understood as being drawn to scale except if specifically noted, and such drawings are only exemplary in nature.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, a specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail below. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and the scope of the invention.

[0032] The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a setup, device, or method that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or device or method. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus proceeded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or apparatus.

[0033] For a better understanding of this invention, a reference would now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the accompanying figures and description herein below. Further, in the following figures, the same reference numerals are used to identify the same components in various views.

[0034] While the present invention is illustrated in the context of a two-wheeled or saddle-riding type vehicle, an apparatus and aspects and features thereof can be used with other types of vehicles as well. It is to be noted that terms such as "vehicle", "scooter-type vehicle", "two-wheeled vehicle", "electric vehicle", and "EV" are interchangeably used throughout the description. The term "vehicle" includes vehicles such as motorcycles, scooters, bicycles, mopeds, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), and the like.

[0035] The terms "front I forward", "rear / rearward / back I backward", "up I upper / top / upward", "down / lower / lowerward / downward", "left / leftward", "right / rightward" used therein represents the directions as seen from a vehicle rider sitting astride and these directions are referred by arrows Fr, Rr, U, Lr, L, R in the drawing figures.

[0036] The term "left side" used therein represents a left side of the vehicle as seen from a rider seated astride to drive the vehicle.

[0037] The term "right side" used therein represents a right side of the vehicle as seen from the rider seated astride to drive the vehicle.

[0038] Figure 1 illustrates a side view of a vehicle (100), in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle (100) referred to herein, embodies a two-wheeled motorcycle. Alternatively, the vehicle (100) may embody any other ridden vehicles such as scooters, three-wheeled vehicles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), EVs, hybrid vehicles, etc. without limiting the scope of the invention.

[0039] The vehicle (100) (also referred to as "electric vehicle (100)" and "EV (100)") includes a body frame (102), a steering assembly (104), and a front ground engaging member (106). The body frame (102) supports the steering assembly (104) and the front ground engaging member (106) in a front portion (108) of the vehicle (100). The front ground engaging member (106) is operatively coupled to the steering assembly (104) of the body frame (102). The steering assembly (104) includes a handlebar (1 10). The handlebar (1 10) is configured to be rotated by a rider to steer the vehicle (100). The front portion (108) of the vehicle (100) may also include a headlight assembly, front fenders, a dash assembly, mirrors, indicator lights, etc. without limiting the scope of the invention.

[0040] Further, the vehicle (100) includes a power unit (1 12) and a rear ground engaging member (1 14). In an illustrated example, the power unit (1 12) provides the necessary power required to drive the rear ground engaging member (114) of the vehicle (100). Alternatively, the power unit (112) may provide the necessary power to drive the front ground engaging member (106), or both the front groundengaging member (106) and the rear ground engaging member (1 14) simultaneously, without limiting the scope of the invention.

[0041] The body frame (102) supports the power unit (112) in a central portion (116) of the vehicle (100). The vehicle (100) disclosed in the illustrated configuration is the electric vehicle (100). The power unit (112) of the electric vehicle (100) includes at least a power-generating motor (1 18), a battery (120), and a transmission system (not shown in Figure 1 ). The battery (120) is mounted to the body frame (102) and is adapted to supply electrical power to the power-generating motor (118). Further, the power-generating motor (118) provides the necessary power required to drive the rear ground engaging member (114). Alternatively, the powergenerating motor (1 18) may provide the necessary power to drive the front ground engaging member (106), or both the front ground engaging member (106) and the rear ground engaging member (1 14) simultaneously, without limiting the scope of the invention.

[0042] Further, in the illustrated configuration, the rear ground engaging member (1 14) is supported by the body frame (102) at an end portion (122) of the vehicle (100). The body frame (102) supports a seat member (124). The seat member (124) extending from the central portion (1 16) to the end portion (122) of the vehicle (100) provides seating for the rider and a pillion rider. Furthermore, the vehicle (100) includes a swing arm (126) operatively and swingably couples the rear ground engaging member (1 14) with the body frame (102). The swing arm (126) is also adapted to mount a rear suspension member (128).

[0043] It may be noted that the vehicle (100) is shown to have included the abovestated parts, however, those skilled in the art would appreciate that the vehicle (100) includes other parts which may not be relevant for explaining the present invention and hence are not shown and described.

[0044] Figure 2A illustrates a left perspective view of an assembly (200) of the body frame (102) and the battery (120), in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2B illustrates an exploded left perspective view of the assembly (200) of the body frame (102) and the battery (120) of Figure 2A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2C illustrates a left side view of the assembly (200) of the body frame (102) and the battery (120)of Figure 2A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2D illustrates a right side view of the assembly (200) of the body frame (102) and the battery (120) of Figure 2A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2E illustrates a bottom view of the assembly (200) of the body frame (102) and the battery (120) of Figure 2A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] The body frame (102) includes a head tube (202) designed to pass through a steering member of the steering assembly (104). A left upper tube (204L) extends obliquely in a rearward and downward direction from the head tube (202) to a left pivot plate (206L) of the body frame (102). Specifically, a front end (208L) of the left upper tube (204L) is connected to an upper portion (210U) (shown in Figure 2A) of the head tube (202), and an end part (212L) of the left upper tube (204L) is connected to an upper region (214L) of the left pivot plate (206L). Likewise, a right upper tube (204R) extends obliquely in the rearward and downward direction from the head tube (202) to a right pivot plate (206R) of the body frame (102). Specifically, a front end (208R) of the right upper tube (204R) is connected to the upper portion (210U) of the head tube (202) and an end part (212R) of the right upper tube (204R) is connected to an upper region (214R) of the right pivot plate (206R).

[0046] The body frame (102) further includes a left lower tube (216L) and a right lower tube (216R). The left lower tube (216L) extends obliquely in the rearward and downward direction from the head tube (202) to the left pivot plate (206L). Specifically, a front end (218L) of the left lower tube (216L) is connected to a lower portion (210L) (shown in Figure 2A) of the head tube (202), and a rear end (220L) of the left lower tube (216L) is connected to a lower region (222L) of the left pivot plate (206L). The left lower tube (216L) includes a left-front portion (224F), a leftrear portion (224R), and a left-intermediate portion (224M). As shown in Figure 2E, the left-intermediate portion (224M) has a geometrical profile of a bent tube that connects the left-front portion (224F) with the left-rear portion (224R). Herein, the left-intermediate portion (224M) is the maximum stress concentration zone of the left lower tube (216L) because of lesser longitudinal stiffness and higher torsional stiffness thereof. The maximum stress concentration zone fails to transfer a brakingforce to the battery (120) mounted thereto. In other words, the left-intermediate portion (224M) having the geometrical profile of the bent tube is a poor loadtransmitting part of the left lower tube (216L). In a non-limiting example, the leftintermediate portion (224M) may transfer up to twenty percent of the braking load to the battery (120) due to lesser longitudinal stiffness and higher torsional stiffness than the desired values, without limiting the scope of the invention. Therefore, the left-intermediate portion (224M) of the left lower tube (216L) should be subjected to the least possible load. On the other hand, a region of the left-front portion (224F) located in front of the left-intermediate portion (224M) is the least stress concentration zone of the left lower tube (216L) that can be utilized for providing a mounting arrangement of the battery (120) thereto. The region of the left-front portion (224F) may appear from a distal end (226L) (shown in Figure 2E) of the left-front portion (224F).

[0047] Likewise, the right lower tube (216R) extends obliquely in the rearward and downward direction from the head tube (202) to the right pivot plate (206R). Specifically, a front end (218R) of the right lower tube (216R) is connected to the lower portion (210L) of the head tube (202), and a rear end (220R) of the right lower tube (216R) is connected to a lower region (222R) of the right pivot plate (206R). The right lower tube (216R) includes a right-front portion (228F), a rightrear portion (228R), and a right-intermediate portion (228M). As shown in Figure 2E, the right-intermediate portion (228M) has a geometrical profile of a bent tube that connects the right-front portion (228F) with the right-rear portion (228R). Herein, the right-intermediate portion (228M) is the maximum stress concentration zone of the right lower tube (216R) because of lesser longitudinal stiffness and higher torsional stiffness thereof. The maximum stress concentration zone fails to transfer a braking force to the battery (120) mounted thereto. In other words, the right-intermediate portion (228M) having the geometrical profile of the bent tube is a poor load-transmitting part of the right lower tube (216R). In a non-limiting example, the right-intermediate portion (228M) may transfer up to twenty percent of the braking load to the battery (120) due to lesser longitudinal stiffness and higher torsional stiffness than the desired values, without limiting the scope of the invention. Therefore, the right-intermediate portion (228M) should be subjected to the least possible load. On the other hand, a region of the right-front portion (228F)located in front of the right-intermediate portion (228M) is the least stress concentration zone of the right lower tube (216R) that can be utilized for providing a mounting arrangement of the battery (120) thereto. The region of the right-front portion (228F) may appear from a distal end (226R) (shown in Figure 2E) of the right-front portion (224R).

[0048] With these considerations, in the illustrated configuration, a mounting structure (230) of the body frame (102) designed to mount the battery (120) is positioned at the distal end (226L) of the left-front portion (224F) of the left lower tube (216L) and the distal end (226R) of the right-front portion (228F) of the right lower tube (216R). In other words, the mounting structure (230) connects the distal end (224F) of the left-front portion (224F) of the left lower tube (216L) with the distal end (224R) of the right-front portion (228F) of the right lower tube (216R) and is adapted to mount the battery (120).

[0049] In the illustrated embodiment, a left end (232L) (best shown in Figure 2E) of the mounting structure (230) is fixedly connected to the distal end (226L) of the leftfront portion (224F) of the left lower tube (216L) and a right end (232R) (best shown in Figure 2E) of the mounting structure (230) is fixedly connected to the distal end (226R) of the right-front portion (228F) of the right lower tube (216R) through a suitable permanent joining technique (e.g., welding, adhesive bonding, etc.). However, in another embodiment, the left end (232L) of the mounting structure (230) may be temporarily connected to the distal end (226L) of the left-front portion (224F) of the left lower tube (216L) and the right end (232R) of the mounting structure (230) may be temporarily connected to the distal end (226R) of the rightfront portion (228F) of the right lower tube (216R) through suitable fasteners (e.g., nuts and bolts, screws, etc.), without deviating from the scope of the invention.

[0050] The left upper tube (204L) is connected to the left lower tube (216L) through a plurality of front left trellis tubes (234L). In the illustrated configuration, the plurality of front left trellis tubes (234L) forms a triangular configuration with respect to the left upper tube (204L) and the left lower tube (216L). This configuration allows a front region of the left side of the body frame (102) to be strong, stiff, and lightweight. Likewise, the right upper tube (204R) is connected to the right lower tube (216R) through a plurality of front right trellis tubes (234R). In the illustrated configuration,the plurality of front right trellis tubes (234R) forms a triangular configuration with respect to the right upper tube (204R) and the right lower tube (216R). This configuration allows a front region of the right side of the body frame (102) to be strong, stiff, and lightweight.

[0051] The body frame (102) further includes a left extended frame member (236L) and a right extended frame member (236R). The left extended frame member (236L) extends rearwardly from the left upper tube (204L) to a first cross member (238). In the illustrated embodiment, the left extended frame member (236L) is extended obliquely in the rearward and inward direction from a left middle portion (240L) (shown in Figure 2C) of the left upper tube (204L) to a left end portion (242L) (shown in Figure 2A) of the first cross member (238). As shown in Figure 2C, the left extended frame member (236L) is arranged in a manner that the left middle portion (240L) is positioned upwardly with respect to the left end portion (242L), in a left side view of the vehicle (100). In other words, a proximal end (244L) of the left extended frame member (236L) is connected to the left middle portion (240L) of the left upper tube (204L), and a rear end (246L) of the left extended frame member (236L) is connected to the left end portion (242L) of the first cross member (238) in a manner that the proximal end (244L) of the left extended frame member (236L) positions upwardly with respect to the rear end (246L) of the left extended frame member (236L), in the left side view of the vehicle (100). However, based on feasibility and design requirements, the proximal end (244L) of the left extended frame member (236L) can also be connected to another part (e.g., the front part) of the left upper tube (204L).

[0052] Likewise, the right extended frame member (236R) extends rearwardly from the right upper tube (204R) to the first cross member (238). In the illustrated embodiment, the right extended frame member (236R) is extended obliquely in the rearward and inward direction from a right middle portion (240R) of the right upper tube (204R) to a right end portion (242R) of the first cross member (238). As shown in Figure 2D, the right extended frame member (236R) is arranged in a manner that the right middle portion (240R) is positioned upwardly with respect to the right end portion (242R), in a right side view of the vehicle (100). In other words, a proximal end (244R) of the right extended frame member (236R) is connected tothe right middle portion (240R) of the right upper tube (204R), and a rear end (246R) of the right extended frame member (236R) is connected to the right end portion (242R) of the first cross member (238) in a manner that the proximal end (244R) of the right extended frame member (236R) positions upwardly with respect to the rear end (246R) of the right extended frame member (236R), in the right side view of the vehicle (100). However, based on feasibility and design requirements, the proximal end (244R) of the right extended frame member (236R) can also be connected to another part (e.g., the front part) of the right upper tube (204R).

[0053] Referring to Figure 2B, the body frame (102) includes a second cross member (248) and a third cross member (249). The second cross member (248) connects the end part (212L) of the left upper tube (204L) with the end part (212R) of the right upper tube (204R). In other words, the second cross member (248) forms a connection between the upper region (214L) of the left pivot plate (206L) and the upper region (214R) of the right pivot plate (206R). The third cross member (249) connects the lower region (222L) of the left pivot plate (206L) with the lower region (222R) of the right pivot plate (206R).

[0054] Furthermore, the body frame (102) includes a left down tube (250L) and a right down tube (250R). The left down tube (250L) and the right down tube (250R) connect the first cross member (238) with the second cross member (248). Specifically, the left down tube (250L) extends obliquely in an outward and downward direction from a middle portion (242M) of the first cross member (238) to a first end portion (252L) of the second cross member (248). Likewise, the right down tube (250R) extends obliquely in the outward and downward direction from the middle portion (242M) to a second end portion (252R) of the second cross member (248).

[0055] In an embodiment, the mounting arrangement of the left down tube (250L), the right down tube (250R), and the middle portion (242M) of the first cross member (238) collectively form an inverted V-shaped structure. The inverted V-shaped structure provides structural strength to the first cross member (238) that is designed to mount the battery (120) in a holding space (254) (shown in Figure 2B).

[0056] The left upper tube (204L), the right upper tube (204R), the left lower tube (216L), the right lower tube (216R), the mounting structure (230), the first crossmember (238), the left down tube (250L), and the right down tube (250R) collectively form the holding space (254) therebetween to accommodate the battery (120). The size of the holding space (254), and thus the size of the battery (120) is dependent upon the geometrical features of the mounting structure (230), the first cross member (238), the left extended frame member (236L), the right extended frame member (236R), the left down tube (250L), and the right down tube (250R) with respect to each other. In the illustrated configuration, both the mounting structure (230) and the first cross member (238) are extended along a width direction (W) of the vehicle (100) and are oriented parallel to each other.

[0057] Figure 2F illustrates a top perspective view of portion 'A' of Figure 2B, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2G illustrates a bottom perspective view of portion 'A' of Figure 2B, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2H illustrates a top perspective view of portion 'A' of Figure 2B, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2I illustrates a bottom perspective view of portion 'A' of Figure 2B, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] The mounting structure (230) is adapted to mount a first mounting bracket (256). The first mounting bracket (256) extends rearwardly from the mounting structure (230) and is adapted to mount a front mounting member (258) (shown in Figure 2B) of the battery (120). A left side (L) of the first mounting bracket (256) is faced toward the left lower tube (216L), and a right side (R) of the first mounting bracket (256) is faced toward the right lower tube (216R).

[0059] The first mounting bracket (256) can be temporarily or permanently mounted to the mounting structure (230). In the illustrated embodiment, the first mounting bracket (256) is permanently mounted to the mounting structure (230) through a suitable permanent joining technique (e.g., welding, adhesive bonding, etc.). However, the first mounting bracket (256) can also be temporarily mounted to the mounting structure (230) through suitable fasteners (e.g., nuts and bolts, screws, etc.), without deviating from the scope of the invention.

[0060] In one embodiment of the invention disclosed in Figures 2F and 2G, the mounting structure (230) includes a left portion (260L) and a right portion (260R). The left portion (260L) extends inwardly from the distal end (226L) of the left-frontportion (224F) of the left lower tube (216L) up to a predetermined length, along the width direction (W) of the vehicle (100). On the other hand, the right portion (260R) extends inwardly from the distal end (226R) of the right-front portion (228F) of the right lower tube (216R) up to a predetermined length, along the width direction (W) of the vehicle (100). A gap formed between the left portion (260L) and the right portion (260R) is used to accommodate the front mounting member (258) of the battery (120).

[0061] The first mounting bracket (256) includes a left element (262L) and a right element (262R). The left element (262L) is mounted to the left portion (260L) of the mounting structure (230) and the right element (262R) is mounted to the right portion (260R) of the mounting structure (230). The left element (262L) and the right element (262R) are adapted to mount the front mounting member (258) of the battery (120). In the illustrated configuration, the left element (262L), the right element (262R), and the front mounting member (258) are provided with threaded cylindrical holes of equal diameters, along the width direction (W) of the vehicle (100). The threaded cylindrical holes are designed to pass through a first screw (264) having a thread profile complementary to the thread profile of the threaded cylindrical holes. It should be noted that the fastener used herein are not limited to the screw, and other types of fasteners, such as, but not limited to, nut and bolt, stud, eye bolt, and the like, can also be used for mounting the front mounting member (258) to the left element (262L) and the right element (262R).

[0062] In another embodiment of the invention disclosed in Figures 2H and 2I, the mounting structure (230) includes the left portion (260L), the right portion (260R), and an intermediate portion (260M). The intermediate portion (260M) connects the left portion (260L) with the right portion (260R) and is adapted to mount the first mounting bracket (256). In this embodiment, the intermediate portion (260M) is adapted to mount the first mounting bracket (256). The left element (262L) and the right element (262R) are mounted to the intermediate portion (260M) of the mounting structure (230). The mounting arrangement of the front mounting member (258) with the left element (262L) and the right element (262R) is already discussed above, and therefore not reiterated here for the sake of brevity.

[0063] Referring now to Figures 2A and 2B, the first cross member (238) is adapted to mount a second mounting bracket (265). The second mounting bracket (265) extends forwardly from the first cross member (238) and is adapted to mount a rear mounting member (266) of the battery (120). As shown, the second mounting bracket (265) is positioned in between the left end portion (242L) and the right end portion (232R) of the first cross member (238). In other words, the second mounting bracket (265) is positioned in the middle portion (242M) of the first cross member (238). A left side (L) of the second mounting bracket (265) is faced toward the left extended frame member (236L), and a right side (R) of the second mounting bracket (265) is faced toward the right extended frame member (236R).

[0064] The second mounting bracket (265) can be temporarily or permanently mounted to the first cross member (238). In the illustrated embodiment, the second mounting bracket (265) is permanently mounted to the first cross member (238) through a suitable permanent joining technique (e.g., welding, adhesive bonding, etc.). However, in another embodiment, the second mounting bracket (265) can be temporarily mounted to the first cross member (238) through a suitable fastener (e.g., nut and bolt, screw, etc.).

[0065] The second mounting bracket (265) is adapted to mount the front mounting member (258) of the battery (120). In the illustrated configuration, the second mounting bracket (265) and the rear mounting member (266) are provided with threaded cylindrical holes of equal diameter, along the width direction (W) of the vehicle (100). The threaded cylindrical holes are designed to pass through a second screw (268) having a thread profile complementary to a thread profile of the threaded cylindrical holes. It should be noted that the fastener used herein are not limited to the screw, and other types of fasteners, such as, but not limited to, nut and bolt, stud, eye bolt, and the like, can also be used for mounting the rear mounting member (266) to the second mounting bracket (265).

[0066] A third mounting bracket (269) is adapted to mount a bottom mounting member (271 ) of the battery (120). In the illustrated configuration, the third mounting bracket (269) and the bottom mounting member (271 ) are provided with threaded cylindrical holes of equal diameter, along the width direction (W) of the vehicle (100). The threaded cylindrical holes are designed to pass through a third screw(273) having a thread profile complementary to a thread profile of the threaded cylindrical holes. It should be noted that the fastener used herein are not limited to the screw, and other types of fasteners, such as, but not limited to, nut and bolt, stud, eye bolt, and the like, can also be used for mounting the bottom mounting member (271 ) to the third mounting bracket (269).

[0067] The third mounting bracket (269) can be temporarily or permanently mounted to the third cross member (249). In the illustrated embodiment, the third mounting bracket (269) is permanently mounted to the third cross member (249) through a suitable permanent joining technique (e.g., welding, adhesive bonding, etc.). However, in another embodiment, the third mounting bracket (269) can be temporarily mounted to the third cross member (249) through a suitable fastener (e.g., nut and bolt, screw, etc.).

[0068] In the illustrated configuration, at least the mounting structure (230) and the first cross member (238) are designed to form the shape of a circular tube. The circular tube may be solid or hollow in shape, depending upon the load acted thereupon. For example, in order to sustain stresses (e.g., bending stress, shear stress, etc.) generated due to the weight of the battery (120), the mounting structure (230) and the first cross member (238) are designed to form a solid circular tube.

[0069] Further, a left rear upper tube (270L) of the body frame (102) extends obliquely in the rearward and upward direction from the first cross member (238) towards the end portion (122) of the vehicle (100). Likewise, a right rear upper tube (270R) of the body frame (102) extends obliquely in the rearward and upward direction from the first cross member (238) towards the end portion (122) of the vehicle (100). The left rear upper tube (270L) is connected to the right rear upper tube (270R) using a rear cross member (272). In the illustrated configuration, the rear cross member (272) connects the left rear upper tube (270L) to the right rear upper tube (270R) in the end portion (122) of the vehicle (100) and is adapted to sustain the weight (e.g., the weight of the pillion rider(s)) acted on the end portion (122) of the vehicle (100).

[0070] Furthermore, the body frame (102) includes a left rear lower tube (274L) and a right rear lower tube (274R). The left rear lower tube (274L) extends obliquely in the rearward and upward direction from the left pivot plate (206L) towards the endportion (122). Specifically, the left rear lower tube (274L) extends from the upper region (214L) of the left pivot plate (206L) towards the end portion (122) of the vehicle (100). Likewise, the right rear lower tube (274R) extends obliquely in the rearward and upward direction from the right pivot plate (206R) towards the end portion (122). Specifically, the right rear lower tube (274R) extends from the upper region (214R) of the right pivot plate (206R) towards the end portion (122) of the vehicle (100).

[0071] The left rear upper tube (270L) is connected to the left rear lower tube (274L) through a plurality of rear left trellis tubes (276L). In the illustrated configuration, the plurality of rear left trellis tubes (276L) forms a triangular configuration with respect to the left rear upper tube (270L) and the left rear lower tube (274L). This configuration allows a rear left side of the body frame (102) to be strong, stiff, and lightweight.

[0072] Likewise, the right rear upper tube (270R) is connected to the right rear lower tube (274R) through a plurality of rear right trellis tubes (276R). In the illustrated configuration, the plurality of rear right trellis tubes (276R) forms a triangular configuration with respect to the right rear upper tube (270R) and the right rear lower tube (274R). This configuration allows a rear right side of the body frame (102) to be strong, stiff, and lightweight.

[0073] While few embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the above embodiments and modifications may be appropriately made thereto within the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0074] While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the particular features of this invention, it will be appreciated that various modifications can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the invention. These and other modifications in the nature of the invention or the preferred embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the invention herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the invention and not as a limitation

Claims

Claims

1. A vehicle (100), comprising: a battery (120); a body frame (102) comprising: a head tube (202); a left upper tube (204L) and a right upper tube (204R), the left upper tube (204L) extending in a rearward and downward direction from the head tube (202) to a left pivot plate (206L) of the body frame (102), and the right upper tube (204R) extending in the rearward and downward direction from the head tube (202) to a right pivot plate (206R) of the body frame (102); a left lower tube (216L) extending in the rearward and downward direction from the head tube (202) to the left pivot plate (206L), the left lower tube (216L) comprising a left-front portion (224F), a left-rear portion (224R), and a left-intermediate portion (224M) connecting the left-front portion (224F) with the left-rear portion (224R); a right lower tube (216R) extending in the rearward and downward direction from the head tube (202) to the right pivot plate (206R), the right lower tube (216R) comprising a right-front portion (228F), a right-rear portion (228R), and a right-intermediate portion (228M) connecting the right-front portion (228F) with the right-rear portion (228R); a mounting structure (230) connecting the left-front portion (224F) with the right-front portion (228F); a left extended frame member (236L) and a right extended frame member (236R), the left extended frame member (236L) extending rearwardly from the left upper tube (204L), and the right extended frame member (236R) extending rearwardly from the right upper tube (204R); anda first cross member (238) connected to a rear end (246L) of the left extended frame member (236L) and a rear end (246R) of the right extended frame member (236R); a first mounting bracket (256) extending rearwardly from the mounting structure (230) and adapted to mount a front mounting member (258) of the battery (120); and a second mounting bracket (265) extending forwardly from the first cross member (238) and adapted to mount a rear mounting member (266) of the battery (120).

2. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the body frame (102) comprises: a second cross member (248) connecting an end part (212L) of the left upper tube (204L) with an end part (212r) of the right upper tube (204R); a left down tube (250L) extending obliquely in an outward and downward direction from a middle portion (242M) of the first cross member (238) to a first end portion (252L) of the second cross member (248); a right down tube (250R) extending obliquely in the outward and downward direction from the middle portion (242M) to a second end portion (252R) of the second cross member (248); a third cross member (249) connecting a lower region (222L) of the left pivot plate (206L) with a lower region (222R) of the right pivot plate (206R); and a third mounting bracket (269) extending forwardly from the third cross member (249) and adapted to mount a bottom mounting member (271 ) of the battery (120).

3. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the left upper tube (204L), the right upper tube (204R), the left lower tube (216L), the right lower tube (216R), the mounting structure (230), the first cross member (238), the left down tube (250L), and the right down tube (250R) collectively form a holding space (254) therebetween to accommodate the battery (120).

4. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the mounting structure (230) comprises a left portion (260L) and a right portion (260R), the left portion (260L) adapted to mount a left element (262L) of the first mounting bracket (256) and the right portion (260R) adapted to mount a right element (262R) of the first mounting bracket (256).

5. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the mounting structure (230) comprises a left portion (260L), a right portion (260R), and an intermediate portion (260M) connecting the left portion (260L) with the right portion (260R), the intermediate portion (260M) adapted to mount the first mounting bracket (256).

6. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the mounting structure (230) is oriented parallel with the first cross member (238).

7. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the mounting structure (230) and the first cross member (238) are circular tubes.

8. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the left extended frame member (236L) is extended obliquely in the rearward and inward direction from a left middle portion (240L) of the left upper tube (204L) to a left end portion (242L) of the first cross member (238), and wherein the right extended frame member (236R) is extended obliquely in an inward and rearward direction from a right middle portion (240R) of the right upper tube (204R) to a right end portion (242R) of the first cross member (238).

9. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the body frame (102) comprises: a left rear upper tube (270L) and a right rear upper tube (270R), each of the left rear upper tube (270L) and the right rear upper tube (270R) extending in the rearward and upward direction from the first cross member (238) towards an end portion (122) of the vehicle (100); and a left rear lower tube (274L) and a right rear lower tube (274R), the left rear lower tube (274L) extending obliquely in the rearward and upward direction from the left pivot plate (206L) towards the end portion (122), and the right rearlower tube (274R) extending obliquely in the rearward and upward direction from the right pivot plate (206R) towards the end portion (122).

10. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the body frame (102) comprises: a plurality of front left trellis tubes (234L) adapted to connect the left lower tube (216L) with the left upper tube (204L); a plurality of front right trellis tubes (234R) adapted to connect the right lower tube (216R) with the right upper tube (204R); a plurality of rear left trellis tubes (276L) adapted to connect the left rear lower tube (274L) with the left rear upper tube (270L); and a plurality of rear right trellis tubes (276R)) adapted to connect the right rear lower tube (274R) with the right rear upper tube (270R).

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