WO2020089947A1

WO2020089947A1 - Vehicle

Info

Publication number: WO2020089947A1
Application number: PCT/IN2019/095002
Authority: WO
Inventors: Thomas William LLEWELLYN
Original assignee: Hero MotoCorp Limited
Priority date: 2018-11-02
Filing date: 2019-10-31
Publication date: 2020-05-07

Abstract

A vehicle (100) is provided. The vehicle (100) comprises a frame (102) extending along a vehicle front-rear direction. The frame (102) comprises a head tube (180) and a frame body (103) extending from the head tube (180) along the vehicle front-rear direction. The frame body (103) comprises a pivot plate (190) having a top surface (194). The vehicle (100) also comprises a power unit (110) mounted to the frame (102). One end of the power unit (110) is mounted to the pivot plate (190). The vehicle (100) further comprises a box (201) is operatively mounted to the frame (102). The box (201) comprises a box bottom surface (209) and a plurality of mounting provisions (211, 212). At least portion of the box (201) is supported on the pivot plate (190) of the frame body (103).

Description

VEHICLE

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle and, more particularly, to a box mounted to a body frame of the vehicle.

BACKGROUND [0002] Vehicle, particularly vehicle configured to be ridden such as motorized scooter, a motorcycle, a three wheeled vehicle, and a four wheeled vehicle such as an all-terrain vehicle comprises a body frame which acts as a skeleton for the vehicle to support various vehicle components. One such component is a box configured to hold articles for example a battery is mounted to the body frame. The box holds multiple components which otherwise are mounted at distinct locations which consumes packaging space within already constrained vehicle layout. Conventionally, the box is mounted at various locations on the body frame of the vehicle. The box is mounted to the body frame through a variety of fasteners or fastening members. These fasteners and fastening members facilitates in securing the box to the body frame in a hanging configuration, and acts as load bearing and load transferring members transferring the weight of the box onto the body frame.

[0003] However, due to the load bearing and load transferring, these fasteners and fastening members tends to loosen up in normal usage during the life cycle of the vehicle, which causes rattling between the box and other components disposed on the body frame or in some cases with the body frame. Due to which these fasteners and the fastening members are to be serviced and/or replaced frequently. Further, loosening of the fasteners and fastening members may cause damage to the box and near around components. Also, utilizing additional fasteners to distribute the load bore by these fasteners and fastening members, increases the cost, the service time and the assembly time, which is undesirable. SUMMARY

[0004] In one aspect of the present invention, a vehicle is provided. The vehicle comprises a frame extending along a vehicle front-rear direction. The frame comprises a head tube and a frame body extending from the head tube along the vehicle front - rear direction. The frame body comprises a pivot plate having a top surface. The vehicle also comprises a power unit mounted to the frame. One end of the power unit is mounted to the pivot plate. The vehicle further comprises a box is operatively mounted to the frame. The box comprises a box bottom surface and a plurality of mounting provisions. At least portion of the box is supported on the pivot plate of the frame body.

[0005] With the box of the vehicle as disclosed in the present invention, the box is configured to support plurality of components. Further, as the box is supported on the pivot plate of the frame, maximum load bearing capacity of the box is enhanced. The box also enables mounting of the box on the body frame with least number of fasteners. It is another obj ect of the invention to reduce the box assembly time by using least number of fasteners.

[0006] In an embodiment, the vehicle comprises an air filter box. The air filter box is mounted to at least one mounting bracket disposed on the frame body. The air filter box comprises a mounting portion. In an embodiment, the plurality of mounting provisions includes a first mounting provision and the second mounting provision.

The first mounting provision is mounted to the at least one mounting bracket disposed on the frame body. The second mounting provision is coupled to the mounting portion of the air filter box. In an embodiment, the at least one mounting bracket includes a first mounting bracket. The first mounting provision and the air filter box are mounted to the first mounting bracket. As the air filter box and the box are mounted to a single mounting bracket such as the first mounting bracket, and also many components are accommodated within the box, the total number of mounting brackets utilized is less as compared to conventional vehicle layout, this reduces the assembly time and the service time. [0007] In an embodiment, the box comprises a locating member and the pivot plate comprises a receiving member. The locating member is disposed on the box bottom surface of the box. The top surface of the pivot plate is provided with a receiving member. The locating member is configured to be received by the receiving member. In an embodiment, the box comprises a receiving member and the pivot plate comprises a locating member. The locating member is disposed on the top surface of the pivot plate. The box bottom surface of the box is provided with the receiving member. The receiving member of the box is configured to receive the locating member on the pivot plate. The receiving member and the locating member facilitates in positioning the box with respect to the pivot plate.

[0008] In an embodiment, the frame body comprises a main frame obliquely extending rearward and downward from the head tube. The frame also comprises a down frame extending downward and rearward from the head tube. The down frame is disposed below the main frame. The frame further comprises a pair of seat rails extending rearward from a middle portion of the main frame. The at least one mounting bracket is disposed on the pair of seat rails. The frame comprises a pair of sub-frame members extending rearward and upward from the pivot plate. The box is disposed within a space defined by the pivot plate, the pair of seat rails, the pair of sub-frame members and the main frame. In an embodiment, the pivot plate is provided at a rear portion of the main frame. The box is disposed above the pivot plate and below the pair of seat rails. This facilitates in securing the box in position with respect to the frame, thereby optimizing the vehicle layout.

[0009] In an embodiment, the box configured to hold at least one of a battery, a canister, and at least one electronic/electronic component. In an embodiment, the box comprises a battery mounting provision, a canister mounting provision, and at least one electronic/electrical component mounting provision. The box comprises multiple mounting provisions to mount multiple vehicle components such as the canister, the battery, and other electrical components such as ECU, electrical connections etc., thereby optimizing the vehicle layout. The box further optimizes packaging as amount of electrical wiring required is reduced.

[00010] Other features and aspects of the invention will be apparent from the following description and accompanying drawings BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[00011] The invention itself, together with further features and attended 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:

[00012] Figure 1 illustrates a side view of an exemplary vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[00013] Figure 2 illustrates an exploded view of the exemplary vehicle having an air filter box, a box, and a frame, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[00014] Figure 3 illustrates a top view of the frame, a pivot plate and the box, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[00015] Figure 4 illustrates a front view of the frame, the pivot plate, the box and the air filter box, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; [00016] Figure 5a illustrates an isometric view of the frame, the pivot plate and the box in an unassembled condition, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[00017] Figure 5b illustrates an isometric view of the frame, the pivot plate and the box in an assembled condition, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; [00018] Figure 6a illustrates a side view of the box holding a plurality of vehicle components, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[00019] Figure 6b illustrates an exploded view of the box and the plurality of vehicle components, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and [00020] Figure 6c illustrates a view of the box, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[00021] 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

[00022] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, an embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described here 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 alternative falling within the spirit and the scope of the invention.

[00023] The term“comprises”, comprising, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a setup, structure 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 structure 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. [00024] For better understanding of this invention, reference would now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the accompanying Figures and description here below, further, in the following Figures, the same reference numerals are used to identify the same components in various views.

[00025] While the present invention is illustrated in the context of a vehicle, however, box and aspects and features thereof can be used with other type 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 vehicle, all- terrain vehicles (ATV) and the like.

[00026] 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 Fr, Rr, U, Lr, L, R in the drawing Figures. A longitudinal axis“X” is defined along the front- rear direction of the vehicle. A width axis“Y” is defined along the left-right direction of the vehicle. A vertical axis “Z” is defined along the upper-lower direction of the vehicle.

[00027] Referring to Figure 1, a side view of an exemplary two-wheeled vehicle (100) is depicted. The vehicle (100) referred to herein, embodies a motorcycle. Alternatively, the vehicle (100) may embody any other ridden vehicle such as scooter, three-wheeled vehicle, all-terrain vehicle (ATV) etc. without limiting the scope of the invention.

[00028] The vehicle (100) comprises a frame (102), a steering assembly (104), and a front ground engaging member (106). The frame (102) supports the steering assembly (104), and the front ground engaging member (106) in front portion of the vehicle (100). The steering assembly (104) is pivotally mounted on the frame (102). The front ground engaging member (106) is operatively coupled to the steering assembly (104). The steering assembly (104) comprises a handle bar (108). The handle bar (108) is configured to be rotated by the rider to steer the vehicle (100). Further, front portion of the vehicle (100) may comprise additional components such as headlight assembly, front fork/s, front fender/s, dash assembly, mirror/s, indicator light/s etc. without limiting the scope of the invention.

[00029] Further, the vehicle (100) comprises a power unit (110), and a rear ground engaging member (111). In the illustrated example, the power unit (110) provides necessary power required to drive the rear ground engaging member (111) of the vehicle (100). Alternatively, the power unit (110) may provide necessary power to the drive the front ground engaging member (106), or both the front ground engaging member (106) and the rear ground engaging member (111) simultaneously, without limiting the scope of the disclosure. [00030] The frame (102) supports the power unit (110) in middle portion of the vehicle (100) through a pivot plate (190). The power unit (110) comprises an engine (112) and a transmission unit (not shown). The engine (112) generates the power required by the vehicle (100). The transmission unit transmits the generated power to the rear ground engaging member (111). The rear ground engaging member (111) of the vehicle (100) is secured to the frame (102) via a swing arm (107) and a suspension member (117).

[00031] Referring further to Figure 1 , the vehicle (100) includes a seat (116). The frame (102) supports the seat (116) which extends from middle portion to rear portion of the vehicle (100). The rear ground engaging member (111) is supported by the frame (102) at rear portion of the vehicle (100). The seat (116) provides seating for a rider and a passenger of the vehicle (100). Further, the seat (116) comprises a rider’s seat (118), and a passenger seat (120). The rider’s seat (118) provides seating for the rider, and the passenger seat (120) provides seating for the passenger of the vehicle (100). The vehicle (100) comprises a fuel tank (122). The fuel tank (122) stores necessary fuel required by the engine (112) to generate power within the vehicle (100).

The fuel tank (122) is disposed between the steering assembly (104) and the seat (116).

[00032] Referring to Figures 6a, 6b and 6c, the vehicle (100) comprises a battery (221), a canister (250), a first electrical/electronic component (251) and a second electrical/electronic component (252). The battery (221) is configured to provide electric power to various components of the vehicle (100). The canister (250) is configured to collect evaporated fuel in the fuel tank (122) of the vehicle (100). The first electrical/electronic component (251) and the second el ectri cal/ electronic component (252) provides electrical connections to various components of the vehicle

(100). Further the vehicle (100) also comprises an electronic control unit (ECU) not shown. The ECU is configured to control various operations of the vehicle (100). Further, the vehicle (100) may comprise additional components such as tail light/s, suspension system/s, or various other components known in the art, without limitations.

[00033] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the vehicle (100) comprises an air filter box (130) and a box (201). The air filter box (130) and the box (201) are mounted to the frame (102). The frame (102) is formed by integrally joining a number of steel or aluminum members and the like, by welding or the like. The frame (102) of a specified construction is depicted according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Alternatively, the frame (102) may have different construction, without limiting the scope of the invention.

[00034] The frame (102) comprises a head tube (180) and a frame body (103). The head tube (180) supports the steering assembly (108). Other components of the vehicle (100) are supported on the frame body (103) of the frame (102). The frame body (103) extends from the head tube (180) in the vehicle front-rear direction along the longitudinal axis“X”. The frame body (103) comprises a main frame (181), a down frame (184), a pair of seat rails (182), a pair of sub-frame members (185), a first cross member (198) and a second cross member (199). The main frame (181) obliquely extends rearward and downward from the head tube (180) towards the first cross member (198). The down frame (184) extends downward and rearward from the head tube (180). The down frame (184) is disposed below the main frame (181).

[00035] The pair of seat rails (182) extends rearward from a middle portion (l8la) of the main frame (181). The pivot plate (190) is provided at a rear portion ( 18 lb) of the main frame (181). The pair of sub-frame members (185) extends rearward and upward from the pivot plate (190) towards the pair of seat rails (182). The frame (102) comprises at least one mounting bracket (186) disposed on the pair of seat rails (182). In the illustrated example, two such mounting brackets such as the first mounting bracket (187) and the second mounting bracket (188) are shown.

Additionally, the frame (102) may comprises any number of mounting brackets (186) to affix various vehicle components, according to requirements, without limiting the scope of the invention.

[00036] The swing arm (107) is swingably secured to the frame body (103). A gusset (183) is provided in between the main frame (181) and the down frame (184).

The box (201) is disposed on one side of the longitudinal axis“X” and the air filter box (130) is disposed on the other side of the longitudinal axis“X”. In another embodiment, a utility box (not shown) of the vehicle (100) may be disposed in the location occupied by the air filter box (130). [00037] In the illustrated embodiment, the air filter box (130) is disposed in between the main frame (181) and the pair of sub-frame members (185). The air filter box (130) provides clean air to the engine (112) of the power unit (110). The air filter box (130) comprises a mounting portion (191) disposed on a side surface (189) facing the box (201). The air filter box (130) is coupled to the frame body (103). More particularly, one fixing provision (not shown) of the air filter box (130) is coupled to the first mounting bracket (187) disposed on one of the pair of seat rails (182). The box (201) is packaged below the seat (116) and in proximity of the air filter box (130). The box (201) is disposed above the pivot plate (190) and below the pair of seat rails (182) of the frame body (103). More particularly, the box (201) is disposed within a space defined by the pivot plate (190), the pair of seat rails ( 182), the pair of sub-frame members (185) and the main frame (181). The box (201) is configured to support multiple components of the vehicle (100), the details of which are described below.

[00038] Referring to Figures 6a, 6b and 6c, in the illustrated example, the box (201) comprises a canister mounting provision (232), a battery mounting provision (234), and at least one electrical/electronic component mounting provision (236, 237). The at least one electrical/electronic component mounting provision (236, 237) includes a first electrical/electronic component mounting provision (236) and a second electrical/electronic component mounting provision (238). The canister mounting provision (232) is configured to accommodate the canister (250). The battery mounting provision (234) is configured to accommodate a battery (221). The first electric/electronic component mounting provision (236) and the second electric/electronic component mounting provision (238) facilitate in mounting the first electrical/electronic component (251) and the second electrical/electronic component (252). Additionally, a strap (229) may be used to hold the battery (221) in its location with respect to the box (201).

[00039] Referring to Figures 3, 4, 6a, 6b, and 6c, the box (201) comprises a plurality of mounting provisions (211, 212) and a box bottom surface (209). The plurality of mounting provisions (211, 212) includes a first mounting provision (211) and a second mounting provision (212). In, the illustrated example, the first mounting provision (211) is disposed on top portion of the box (201) and extends away from box top surface (not shown) of the box (201) in the vehicle upper-lower direction along the vertical axis“Z”. The first mounting provision (211) is coupled to the at least one mounting bracket (186) disposed on the pair of seat rails (182). More particularly, the first mounting provision (211) of the box (201) is aligned and secured to the first mounting bracket (187) provided in front portion of one of the pair of seat rails (182). Only one mounting bracket such as the first mounting bracket (187) also secures both the air filter box (130) and the box (201).

[00040] In the illustrated example, the second mounting provision (212) is disposed on bottom portion of the box (201) and extends away from a box side surface

(not shown) of the box (201) towards the rear portion of the vehicle (100) along the longitudinal axis“X”. The second mounting provision (212) is aligned and secured to the mounting portion (191) of the air filter box (130). In the illustrated example, the box (201) comprises a locating member (195) disposed on the box bottom surface (209). In another example, the locating member (190) is disposed on the box side surface, without any limitations. In the illustrated example, the locating member (195) embodies a protrusion (herein after alternatively referred to as provision (195)). In another example, the box (201) may comprise additional locating member (not shown) disposed on the box side surface, without limiting the scope of the invention. The box

(201) may comprise additional mounting provisions to accommodate various components and parts in accordance with the requirement of the vehicle (100).

[00041] The pivot plate (190) comprises a top surface (194) and a side surface (193). In the illustrated embodiment, the top surface (194) of the pivot plate (190) comprises a receiving member (195). In another example, the receiving member (195) is disposed on the side surface (193), without limitations. The receiving member (195) is configured to receive the locating member (195) of the box (201). In the illustrated example, the receiving member (195) has a congruent shape of the locating member (195), so that the receiving member (195) is able to easily receive the locating member (195). In another embodiment, the pivot plate (190) may comprise an additional receiving member (not shown) on the side surface (193), without limiting the scope of the invention.

[00042] Referring to Figures 5a and 5b, an assembled and an unassembled condition of the frame (102), and the box (201 ) is depicted. The locating member (205) disposed on the box (201) is received by the receiving member (195) disposed on the pivot plate (190). The receiving member (205) facilitates in positioning the locating member (195) with respect to the pivot plate (190). The receiving member (205) is configured to receive the locating member (195). The pivot plate (190) of the frame (102) substantially supports at least portion of the box (201). [00043] During the assembly of the box (201 ) to the frame (102), as the box (201) is moved closer to the frame body (103), the locating member (205) guides the box (201) to the receiving member (195) provided on the pivot plate (190). The receiving member (195) receives the locating member (205), thereby allowing the box (201) to rest on the top surface (194) of the pivot plate (190). The top surface (194) of the pivot plate (190) provides substantial support to at least portion of the box (201). Resting of the box (201) on the pivot plate (190) aligns, the first mounting provision (211) with the first mounting bracket (187) disposed on one of the pair of seal rails (182), and the second mounting provision (212) with the mounting portion (191) provided on the air filter box (130). A first fastening member (not shown) secures the first mounting provision (211) of the box (201) to the first mounting bracket (187) and a second fastening member (not shown) secures the second mounting provision (212) with the mounting portion (191) on the air filter box (130). With the support provided by the pivot plate (190) of the frame (201) the load bearing capacity of the box (201) is enhanced effectively and least number of fastening members are used to mount it to the frame (102).

[00044] In the illustrated example, as only two fastening members are used to mount the box (201) there’s a reduction in the assembly time, and also as at least portion of the box (201) is supported on the pivot plate (190) of the frame (102), the load of the box (201) supporting vehicle components such as the canister (250) and the battery (221) is evenly distributed on to frame (102).

[00045] In another embodiment (not shown), the receiving member (205) is disposed on the box (201) and the locating member (195) is disposed on the pivot plate (190), the receiving member (205) is configured to be received by the locating member (195), for guiding the box (201) to attain substantial support from the pivot plate (190) of the frame (102) thereby enhancing load bearing capacity of the box (201).

[00046] Further, with increasing demand for high power engines as well as more digital features in the vehicle (100), there is a need to increase the volume and size of a battery. In addition to this demand, environmental norms are also getting stringent. So, the usage of larger displacement engines with more digital features in the vehicle

(100) by following the stringent environment norms in existing frame (102) of the vehicle (100) is an issue in terms of packaging space as well as load bearing capacity. Additionally, a canister, an electronic control unit and other parts are also required to maintain the stringent environment norms. Hence, the box (201) is configured to accommodate large sized battery or battery with other components without compromising on load bearing capacity and serviceability requirement of the box (201). Further, the presence of the support for the box (201) on the pivot plate (190) of the frame (102) allows the usage of large sized battery or plurality of components in the box (201) with least number of fasteners, parts being used.

[00047] The present invention discloses the box (201) that can be mounted to the frame (102) with least number of fasteners. As the box (201) is supported on the pivot plate (190) of the frame (102) maximum load bearing capacity of the box (201) is enhanced. Further, the box (201) comprises multiple mounting provisions such as the canister mounting provision (232), the battery mounting provision (234), the first electrical component provision (236) and the second electrical component provision (238) to mount multiple vehicle components such as the canister (250), the battery (221), and other electrical components such as ECU, electrical connections etc., thereby optimizing the vehicle layout. [00048] As the air filter box (130) and the box (201) are mounted to a single mounting bracket such as the first mounting bracket (187), and also many components are accommodated within the box (201), the total number of mounting brackets utilized is less as compared to conventional vehicle layout, this reduces the assembly time and the service time. The box (201) further optimizes packaging as amount of electrical wiring required is reduced. The locating member (195) disposed on the box

(201) facilitates in positioning the box (201) with respect to the pivot plate (190), during assembly of the vehicle (201)

[00049] 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.

[00050] 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 disclosure 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

We Claim:

1. A vehicle (100) comprising:

a frame (102) extending along a vehicle front-rear direction, wherein the frame (102) comprises:

a head tube (180); and

a frame body (103) extending rearward from the head tube (180) along the vehicle front-rear direction, wherein the frame body (103) comprises a pivot plate (190) having a top surface (194); a power unit (110) mounted to the frame (102), wherein the power unit (110) is mounted to the pivot plate (190); and

a box (201) is mounted to the frame (102), wherein the box (201) comprises a box bottom surface (209) and a plurality of mounting provisions (211, 212), wherein at least portion of the box (201) is supported on the pivot plate (190) of the frame body (103).

2. The vehicle (100) as claimed in the claim 1, comprises an air filter box (130), wherein the air filter box ( 130) is mounted to at least one mounting bracket (186) disposed on the frame body (103), wherein the air filter box (130) comprises a mounting portion (191).

3. The vehicle (100) as claimed in the claim 2, wherein the plurality of mounting provisions (211, 212) include a first mounting provision (211) and a second mounting provision (212), wherein the first mounting provision (211) is coupled to the at least one mounting bracket (186) disposed on the frame body (103), wherein the second mounting provision (212) is coupled to the mounting portion (191) of the air filter box (130).

4. The vehicle (100) as claimed in the claim 2 and claim 3, wherein the at least one mounting bracket (186) includes a first mounting bracket (187), wherein the first mounting provision (211) and the air filter box (130) are mounted to the first mounting bracket (187).

5. The vehicle (100) as claimed in the claim 1, wherein the box (201) comprises a locating member (195) and the pivot plate (190) comprises a receiving member (205), wherein the locating member (195) is disposed on the box bottom surface (209) of the box (201), wherein the top surface (194) of the pivot plate (190) is provided with the receiving member (205), wherein the locating member (195) is configured to be received by the receiving member (205).

6. The vehicle (100) as claimed in the claim 1, wherein the box (201) comprises a receiving member (205) and the pivot plate (190) comprises a locating member (195), wherein the locating member (205) is disposed on the top surface (194) of the pivot plate (190), wherein the box bottom surface (209) of the box (201) is provided with the receiving member (205), wherein the receiving member (205) of the box (201) is configured to receive the locating member (195) on the pivot plate (190).

7. The vehicle (100) as claimed in the claim 1, wherein the frame body (103) comprises:

a main frame (181) obliquely extending rearward and downward from the head tube (180);

a down frame (184) extending downward and rearward from the head tube (180), wherein the down frame (184) is disposed below the main frame (181);

a pair of seat rails (182) extending rearward from a middle portion ( 181 a) of the main frame (181), wherein the at least one mounting bracket (186) is disposed on the pair of seat rails (182); and a pair of sub-frame members (185) extending rearward and upward from the pivot plate (190), wherein the box (201) is disposed within a space defined by the pivot plate (190), the pair of seat rails (182), the pair of sub-frame members (185) and the main frame (181).

8. The vehicle (100) as claimed in the claim 6, wherein the pivot plate (190) is provided at a rear portion ( 18 lb) of the main frame (181), wherein the box (201) is disposed above the pivot plate (190) and below the pair of seat rails (182).

9. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the box (201) configured to hold at least one of a battery (221), a canister (250), and at least one electronic/electronic component (251, 252).

10. The vehicle (100) as claimed in the claim 1, wherein the box (201) comprises a battery mounting provision (234), a canister mounting provision (232), and at least one electronic/electrical component mounting provision (236, 238).