Vehicle powertrain assembly

Abstract

The present subject matter generally relates to a powertrain assembly (200), a swing arm assembly (400), and a vehicle (100) associated therewith. A powertrain assembly (200) includes a prime mover (201), at least one rotating member (202), and a transmission assembly (300) including a plurality of drive assemblies (301f, 301s) and a swing arm assembly (400). The swing arm assembly (400) comprises a first portion (400f) on which the prime mover (201) is mounted and further comprises a second portion (400s) comprising a pair of arms (400sa, 400sb). At least one of the pair of arms (400sa, 400sb) is configured to have an opening (400op) that provides an operable connection between the plurality of drive assemblies (301f and 301s).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present subject matter generally relates to powertrain assemblies. More particularly, but not exclusively, the present subject matter also relates to vehicles and swing arm assemblies having powertrain assemblies. Background Art

[0002] Typically, vehicles use different types of prime movers, such as internal combustion engines, electric motors, and / or combinations thereof. In addition, in the case where electric motors are used and / or used as prime movers, vehicles are known to have independent motors and / or in-wheel motors. Independent motors can be designed and used for higher torque applications. Independent motors are usually mounted at appropriate locations on the frame and are not limited in power due to their location. Vehicles with independent motors, whether used alone or in combination with an engine, also require efficient transmission components to transmit power from the prime mover to the output end, such as one or more wheels or a drive belt / chain. The transmission assembly typically includes a main reduction stage and a secondary reduction stage. The main reduction stage includes multiple drive devices, such as gears. The gears in the main reduction increase weight and require more maintenance for better lubrication, such as oil. As larger and more powerful motors are installed on the frame of the vehicle, this usually results in transmission losses caused by the distance between the motor and the wheel. In addition, a secondary reduction stage is required to transmit torque from the main reduction stage to the final output in the form of a wheel or chain drive. In addition to the main reduction stage, the secondary reduction stage also creates layout restrictions. Due to the layout restrictions, especially in saddle-type vehicles, single shock absorbers are usually used for the rear suspension and are mounted to the crankcase assembly of the powertrain or frame member. The single shock absorber needs to be packaged roughly in the center of the vehicle. Double shock absorbers are less (or almost not) used in vehicles with independent motors as prime movers because the crankcase or frame is designed to have a dedicated device for mounting a single shock absorber. This increases the overall weight of the vehicle. In addition, in such a configuration where the motor is mounted on the frame member of the vehicle, it is known to use a single-sided swing arm because they are less complicated to manufacture than two-sided swing arm assemblies. However, the single-sided swing arm requires greater strength, which will increase the weight of the vehicle in addition to the weight of the motor mounted on the crankcase. In addition, this may also lead to an unbalanced distribution of vehicle mass. This is a challenge for designers who need to provide better ride comfort under various driving conditions, especially when considering various parameters such as yaw, roll and pitch.

[0003] On the other hand, in-wheel motors are smaller and lighter. The distance between the motor and the wheel is relatively small, which reduces power transmission losses. In addition, due to the reduced size of the in-wheel motor, such vehicles can be equipped with dual shock absorbers, which consumers prefer as they provide better comfort due to the reduced motor size and reduced distance between the motor and the wheel. However, in-wheel motors have torque limitations as the torque increment depends on the size of the motor. Any increase in the size of the in-wheel motor will result in an increase in the wheel diameter, which may require changes in the vehicle structure, which may not be desirable for a particular vehicle.

[0004] To overcome this problem, one solution is to provide a vehicle with a transmission having a single shock absorber and two reduction stages, namely a first reduction stage and a second reduction stage. The first reduction stage has gears that require lubrication, and higher noise is generally observed due to the distance between the pulleys and gears in the transmission assembly. In these vehicles, the main reducer is closer to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle than the secondary reducer, which is relatively far away from the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. In this configuration, it is not preferred to use two shock absorbers because doing so will increase the width of the vehicle. In addition, adjustment and maintenance of the main reducer assembly and / or the single shock absorber necessarily requires at least partial disassembly of the swing arm assembly and the secondary reducer assembly. This also results in higher transmission losses, higher transmission system weight, increased vehicle width, difficulty in accessing the shock absorbers, and increased belt tension.

[0005] Therefore, it becomes a challenge to solve the above problems. It is therefore an object of the present subject matter to provide a powertrain assembly having a higher power output prime mover that can be installed in a vehicle without increasing the width or length of the vehicle and having improved accessibility and maintainability of the shock absorbers and drive assembly and reducing noise of the vehicle's drive assembly. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] The details are described with reference to embodiments of the storage assembly and the accompanying drawings. The same numerals are used throughout the drawings to represent similar features and components.

[0007] Figure 1 One embodiment of the vehicle, powertrain assembly, and swing arm assembly described herein is shown in perspective view from the left side of the vehicle.

[0008] Figure 2 A perspective view of one embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter is shown with the right side of a saddle type vehicle having a power train assembly and a swing arm assembly with various components.

[0009] Figure 3 A right side view of an embodiment of a powertrain assembly on a saddle-type vehicle is shown.

[0010] Figure 4a A left side view of one embodiment of a powertrain assembly is shown, and Figure 4b A top view of one embodiment of a vehicle of the present application is shown having powertrain components.

[0011] Figure 5 A perspective view of an embodiment of a swing arm assembly of the present application without powertrain components is shown as viewed from the left side of a vehicle.

[0012] Figure 6 A perspective view of the present swing arm assembly embodiment is shown as viewed from the right side of the vehicle, without powertrain components.

[0013] Figure 7a A side view of an embodiment of a swing arm assembly is shown as viewed from the right side of a vehicle. Figure 7b A side view of an embodiment of a swing arm assembly is shown as viewed from the left side of a vehicle.

[0014] Figure 8 A top view of an embodiment of a swing arm assembly is shown without a power train assembly.

[0015] Fig. 9 A left perspective view of an embodiment of a powertrain assembly with a swing arm assembly and suspension is shown showing an expanded view of one arm of the swing arm assembly showing an adjustable opening.

[0016] Fig.10 A side view of one embodiment of a powertrain assembly showing a transmission assembly and a swing arm assembly is shown with an expanded view of a first portion of the swing arm assembly showing an adjustable slot of a prime mover.

[0017] FIG. 11 shows an exploded view of the left side of a saddle-type vehicle showing the frame assembly, power train assembly, and swing arm assembly and rotating member.

[0018] 12 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the saddle-type vehicle from the right side showing the frame assembly, powertrain assembly, and swing arm assembly and rotating member.

[0019] Fig.13 An exploded view of an embodiment of a powertrain assembly and a swing arm assembly of the present application is shown.

[0020] Fig.14a A side view of an embodiment of a powertrain assembly and swing arm assembly is shown with section "XSEC0002" shown. Fig.14b Shown along Fig.14a Top view of cross section XSEC0002 shown in . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] In order to achieve one or more of the above objectives and other related objectives, the present invention provides a powertrain assembly, a swing arm assembly and a vehicle having the powertrain assembly and the swing arm assembly.

[0022] The present invention provides a powertrain assembly of a vehicle, comprising: a prime mover for providing power to propel the vehicle; at least one rotating member for moving the vehicle using the power from the prime mover; and a transmission assembly. The transmission assembly comprises a plurality of drive assemblies for transmitting the output of the prime mover to the rotating member to move the vehicle. The plurality of drive assemblies comprises at least a first drive assembly and a second drive assembly. The vehicle comprises a frame assembly and a swing arm assembly. The swing arm assembly of the vehicle comprises a first portion pivotally connected to the frame assembly of the vehicle. The first portion is configured to mount the prime mover with the aid of a plurality of mounting devices. The second portion of the swing arm assembly is configured to have at least one pair of arms. The arms of the second portion of the swing arm assembly are configured to mount the rotating member.

[0023] In one embodiment, the rotating member can be one or more wheels. The second portion is also configured to mount a suspension assembly, wherein the first drive assembly is operably connected to the prime mover for transmitting power from the prime mover to the second drive assembly. The second drive assembly then transmits power from the first drive assembly to the rotating member. The arm of the swing arm assembly is configured to have an opening to provide an operable connection between the first drive assembly and the second drive assembly. The opening is configured to receive a bearing. The bearing is provided with a hole. The hole is configured to receive a connecting shaft, which is configured to provide an operable connection between the first drive assembly and the second drive assembly.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the present invention, in the powertrain assembly, the second drive assembly is substantially disposed within a space defined by an arm of the swing arm assembly. The first drive assembly is substantially disposed outside the space defined by the arm of the swing arm assembly.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the present invention, in a powertrain assembly, a prime mover includes an output shaft. A first drive assembly includes a first drive device mounted on the output shaft of the prime mover. The first drive assembly also includes a second drive device and a first drive connector. The first drive connector is configured to operably connect the first drive device and the second drive device. In addition, the second drive assembly includes a third drive device, which is operably connected to the second drive device via a connecting shaft. The hole on the opening receives the connecting shaft for coaxially mounting the second drive device and the third drive device. The second drive assembly also includes a fourth drive device and a second drive connector. The second drive connector is operably connected to the third drive device and the fourth drive device. The fourth drive device is operably coupled to a rotating member for rotating the rotating member.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the present invention, in the powertrain assembly, the opening is configured to receive a connecting shaft. The connecting shaft is configured to coaxially mount the second drive device and the third drive device.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the present invention, in the powertrain assembly, the rotating member is a wheel, and the wheel comprises a mounting device for mounting the fourth driving device on the wheel.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the present invention, in a powertrain assembly, a suspension assembly includes at least one pair of shock absorbers.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the present invention, in the powertrain assembly, the prime mover is selected from the group consisting of: one or more electric motors, one or more internal combustion engines, and a combination of electric motors and internal combustion engines.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the present invention, in the powertrain assembly, the first drive device, the second drive device, the third drive device and the fourth drive device include pulleys. In addition, the first drive connector and the second drive connector include drive belts operably connecting the pulleys.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the diameter of the first driving device is smaller than that of the second driving device, the diameter of the third driving device is smaller than that of the fourth driving device, and the fourth driving device is coaxially mounted with the rotating member.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the present invention, in a powertrain assembly, a plurality of mounting devices of a swing arm assembly are used to mount a prime mover. The plurality of mounting devices include slots configured to enable the prime mover to be displaced relative to the swing arm assembly, thereby enabling adjustment of tension in the first drive connector.

[0033] In another aspect of the present invention, a swing arm assembly for a vehicle includes a first portion pivotally connected to a frame assembly of the vehicle. The first portion is configured to mount a prime mover that propels the vehicle. The prime mover is mounted on the first portion using a plurality of mounting devices. The swing arm assembly also includes a second portion attached to the first portion. The second portion is configured to have at least one pair of arms. The arms of the second portion are configured to mount a rotating member of the vehicle. In one embodiment, the first portion and the second portion are integrally formed to have a stepped portion between the first portion and the second portion. The second portion is configured to mount a suspension assembly of the vehicle. The suspension assembly includes at least one pair of shock absorbers. One of the arms of the suspension assembly is configured to have an opening. The opening on the arm is configured to operably connect a plurality of drive devices of a transmission assembly of the vehicle.

[0034] In one embodiment of the present invention, in the swing arm assembly, the plurality of mounting devices for mounting the prime mover include one or more adjustable slots. The adjustable slots are configured to provide displacement of the prime mover to adjust tension in the first drive connector of the transmission assembly of the vehicle.

[0035] In one embodiment of the present invention, in the swing arm assembly, the rotating member is a wheel. The wheel is rotatably mounted on an axle. The axle is mounted by using a plurality of mounting devices, which are arranged on the arm of the second portion. The plurality of mounting devices include a plurality of slots so that the wheel mounted on the axle can be displaced along the length direction of the vehicle to adjust the tension in the second drive connector of the transmission assembly of the vehicle.

[0036] In one embodiment of the swing arm assembly, a pair of swing arms are configured to have a generally triangular portion with an opening. The opening is configured to mount one end of a shock absorber of the suspension assembly using a fastener of a type known in the art. The other end of the shock absorber is attached to a frame assembly of the vehicle.

[0037] In one embodiment of the present invention, in a swing arm assembly, at least one of the pair of arms is configured with a brake caliper mounting device. In one aspect of the present invention, the brake caliper mounting device is integrally formed with at least one of the pair of arms of the swing arm assembly.

[0038] In another embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle includes a frame assembly for a skeleton support of the vehicle; a prime mover for providing power to propel the vehicle; at least one rotating member for moving the vehicle using power from the prime mover; and a suspension assembly including at least one pair of shock absorbers. The vehicle also includes a transmission assembly including a plurality of drive assemblies for transmitting the output of the prime mover to the rotating member to move the vehicle. The plurality of drive assemblies include at least a first drive assembly and a second drive assembly. The vehicle also includes a swing arm assembly, which also includes a first portion pivotally connected to the frame assembly of the vehicle. The first portion is configured to mount the prime mover using a plurality of mounting devices. The swing arm assembly includes a second portion attached to the first portion. The second portion includes at least a pair of arms. The arms of the swing arm assembly are configured to mount the rotating member and mount the suspension assembly. The first drive assembly of the suspension assembly is operably connected to the prime mover to transmit power from the prime mover to the second drive assembly. The second drive assembly is configured to transmit power from the first drive assembly to the rotating member. The arms of the swing arm assembly are configured to have an opening. The opening on the arm is configured to provide an operable connection between the first drive assembly and the second drive assembly.

[0039] The following will describe the embodiments of the present invention in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, taking a saddle-type vehicle as an example, but the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

[0040] Figure 1A perspective view of one embodiment of a powertrain assembly 101 and a swing arm assembly 400 as viewed from the left side of the vehicle is shown. The assembly is mounted on a saddle-type vehicle 100. The powertrain assembly 101 is generally located below the frame assembly 101 of the saddle-type vehicle 100. The powertrain assembly 200 includes a prime mover 201, a rotating member 202, and a transmission assembly 300. The prime mover 201 is depicted as an independent motor in this embodiment, but the prime mover 201 may be an internal combustion engine mounted on a frame, or a combination of an internal combustion engine and an independent motor. The rotating member 202 is depicted as the rear wheel of the vehicle 100, and the output power of the prime mover 201 is transmitted to the rear wheel and propels the vehicle 100. However, the rotating member 202 may also be a multi-wheel or chain drive member for a multi-terrain vehicle. The transmission assembly 300 includes a plurality of drive assemblies and drive devices (such as Figure 4a and Fig. 9 shown). Figure 1 Also shown are a swing arm assembly 400 and a suspension assembly 500 of the vehicle, with the rotating member 202 being located rearward of the first portion 400 f of the swing arm assembly 400 in the side view of the vehicle 100 .

[0041] Figure 2 A perspective view of one embodiment of the powertrain assembly 101 and the swing arm assembly 400 is shown as viewed from the right side of the vehicle. The swing arm assembly 400 has a first portion 400f and a second portion 400s. The first portion 400f is pivotally connected to the frame assembly 101 of the vehicle 100. The first portion 400f is configured to mount the prime mover 201 by using a plurality of mounting devices 400m. The second portion 400s is mounted by a pair of arms 400sa, 400sb (such as Figure 6 The second portion 400s is configured to mount the suspension assembly 500 and the rotating member 202 by using means known in the art (e.g., shafts, bearings, etc.). The suspension assembly 500 includes a pair of shock absorbers (500a, 500b) (e.g., Fig. 9 One end of the shock absorber (500a, 500b) is detachably connected to the frame assembly 101, and the other end is connected to a pair of arms 400sa, 400sb (as shown in FIG. Figure 6 shown).

[0042] Figure 3 1 shows a side view of an embodiment of a powertrain assembly 200 on a saddle-type vehicle 100 viewed from the right side of the vehicle. The powertrain assembly 200 has a prime mover 201 mounted on a first portion 400f of a swing arm assembly 400 using a mounting device 400m. A second portion 400s of the swing arm assembly 400 is configured to be movable by means of a pair of arms 400sa, 400sb (eg, Figure 6The second portion 400s is further provided with a suspension assembly 500 having a pair of shock absorbers (500a, 500b).

[0043] Figure 4a A left side view of an embodiment of a powertrain assembly 200 is shown, Figure 4b A top view of an embodiment of the vehicle 100 of the present application having a powertrain assembly 200 is shown. The powertrain assembly 200 is mounted on a frame assembly 101 of the saddle-type vehicle 100. The powertrain assembly 200 includes a transmission assembly 300. The transmission assembly 300 includes a plurality of drive assemblies 301 for receiving output from the prime mover 201 and transmitting it to a rotating member 202. The plurality of drive assemblies 301 include a first drive assembly 301f (also shown in Fig. 9 ) and the second drive assembly 301s (shown in Figure 12b The first drive assembly 301f includes a first drive device 301ff, a second drive device 301fs, and a first drive connector 301fc. The first drive device 301ff is installed at the output end of the prime mover 201, and transmits the power of the prime mover 201 to the second drive device 301fs through the first drive connector 301fc. The drive connector (301fc, 301sc) can be a chain or a belt, or any drive device that provides unlimited transmission, such as a pulley. The second drive assembly 301s includes a third drive device 301st (such as Figure 12b ), a second drive connector 301sc and a fourth drive device 301sf. The fourth drive device 301sf is mounted on the rotating member 201, so that the rotation of the fourth drive device 301sf causes the rotating member 201 to rotate and propel the vehicle 100. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The above description shows that the prime mover 201 is mounted on the swing arm assembly 400 instead of the frame assembly 101 in the known vehicle. This effectively reduces the distance between the first drive device 301ff and the second drive device 301fs, thereby reducing the length of the first drive connector 301fc. This results in less friction in the first drive connector 301fc, thereby reducing high noise. In addition, in one embodiment, the first drive assembly 301f and the second drive assembly 301s also significantly reduce high noise by using a pulley system instead of chains and gears. Figure 4b A top view of a saddle-type vehicle 100 is shown, showing the frame assembly 101, the prime mover 201, the connecting shaft 400ax and a pair of arms 400sa, 400sb of the swing arm assembly 400. The connecting shaft 400ax passes through the opening 400op (eg Figure 5400op (as shown) and operably connects the first drive assembly 301f and the second drive assembly 301s. In one aspect of the present invention, the shaft 400ax passes through the opening 400op (as shown) Figure 5 ), and is configured to operably connect the second drive device 301fs (of the first drive assembly 301f) and the third drive device 301st (of the second drive assembly 301s). This configuration ensures that the first drive assembly 301f of the first reduction stage of the transmission assembly 300 is arranged farther away from the longitudinal axis of the vehicle and is approximately located outside the space defined by the pair of arms 400sa, 400sb of the swing arm assembly 400. On the other hand, the second drive assembly 300s is approximately located within the space defined by the pair of arms 400sa, 400sb. This arrangement allows the dual shock absorbers 500a, 500b of the suspension assembly 500 to be installed without interfering with the drive assemblies (301f and 301s), thereby not increasing the width of the vehicle 100. In addition, in this configuration, for the main reduction stage, i.e., the first drive assembly 301f, any adjustment or maintenance does not require interference with the wheels or other components.

[0044] Figure 5 A perspective view of an embodiment of a swing arm assembly 400 of the present application without powertrain components is shown as viewed from the left side of the vehicle. Figure 6 A perspective view of an embodiment of a swing arm assembly 400 of the present application without powertrain components is shown as viewed from the right side of the vehicle. Figure 7a A side view of an embodiment of a swing arm assembly 400 is shown as viewed from the right side of the vehicle. Figure 7b A side view of an embodiment of a swing arm assembly 400 is shown as viewed from the left side of the vehicle. Figure 8 A top view of an embodiment of a swing arm assembly without a powertrain is shown. For clarity and ease of reference, Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 7a , Figure 7b and Figure 8discussed together. In this embodiment, the swing arm assembly 400 has a first portion 400f and a second portion 400s that are integrally formed with each other. The first portion 400f and the second portion 400s are integrally formed, and a stepped portion 400sp is provided between the first portion 400f and the second portion 400f. In one aspect of the swing arm assembly 400, the stepped portion 400sp formed between the first portion 400f and the second portion 400s has a generally inclined profile starting from one end of the first portion 400f to the other end of the second portion 400s. In another embodiment of the present invention, it may also be a straight line inclination or a curved line inclination. Therefore, the stepped portion 400sp provides sufficient space for the prime mover 201 mounted on the first portion 400f of the swing arm assembly 400. At least one of the pair of arms 400sa, 400sb of the second portion 400s is configured with a brake caliper mounting device 400bc that is integrally formed with the pair of arms 400sa, 400sb of the swing arm assembly 400. The brake caliper mounting device 400bc can mount one or more brake calipers so that a braking force can be applied to the rotating member 202.

[0045] In this embodiment, the opening 400op is configured to receive a connecting shaft 400ax that operably connects the second drive device 301fs and the third drive device 301st (eg, Fig.13 The first portion 400f of the swing arm assembly 400 for mounting the prime mover 201 using the mounting device 400m includes a plurality of adjustable slots 400msp configured to provide displacement of the prime mover 201 to adjust the first drive connector 301fc (eg, Fig. 9 and Fig.13 The rotating member 202 is rotatably mounted on the connecting shaft 202ax. In addition, a pair of arms 400sa, 400sb has a plurality of mounting devices 400m, which also include a plurality of adjustable openings for displacing the rotating member 202 in the vehicle length direction to adjust the tension in the second drive assembly 301fc of the transmission assembly 300 of the saddle-type vehicle 100. In addition, a pair of arms 400sa, 400sb has a generally triangular portion 400t, which has at least one opening 400os. The opening 400os is configured to mount a pair of shock absorbers 500a, 500b of the suspension assembly 500 by using known detachable fasteners.

[0046] Fig. 9 A perspective view of an embodiment of the transmission assembly 300 mounted on the swing arm assembly 400 is shown as viewed from the left side of the vehicle. Fig. 9An expanded view of one of the arms 400sa, 400sb of the swing arm assembly 400 is shown, showing an adjustable opening 400msw. During vehicle operation, the second drive connector 301sc is prone to loosening due to long-term use. The adjustable opening 400msw on a pair of arms 400sa and 400sb allows the position of the rotating member 202 in the vehicle length direction to be adjusted to adjust the tension in the second drive connector 301sc. The transmission assembly 300 of the saddle-type vehicle 100 includes a plurality of drive assemblies 301 for receiving the output of the prime mover 201 and transmitting it to the rotating member 202 of the saddle-type vehicle 100. The plurality of drive assemblies 301 of the transmission assembly 300 include a first drive assembly 301f and a second drive assembly 301s. The first drive assembly 301f is operably connected to the prime mover 201 to transmit power from the prime mover 201 to the second drive assembly 301s. The second drive assembly 301s is generally disposed in a space defined by a pair of arms 400sa, 400sb of the swing arm assembly 400, and is configured to transmit power to the rotating member 202. The first drive assembly 301f is disposed outside the space defined by a pair of arms 400sa, 400sb of the swing arm assembly 400. The first drive assembly 301f includes a first drive device 301ff mounted on the output shaft 201ax of the prime mover 201; a second drive device 301fs; and a first drive connector 301fc configured to operably connect the first drive device 301ff and the second drive device 301fs. The second drive assembly 301s includes a third drive device 301st operably connected to the second drive device 301fs; a fourth drive device 301sf; and a second drive connector 301sc configured to operably connect the third drive device 301st and the fourth drive device 301sf. The fourth drive device 301sf is operably connected to the rotating member 202 to rotate it. The connecting shaft 400ax is configured to coaxially mount the second drive device 301fs and the third drive device 301st. The diameter of the first drive device 301ff is smaller than the diameter of the second drive device 301fs, and the diameter of the third drive device (301st) is smaller than the diameter of the fourth drive device 301sf. The fourth drive device 301sf is coaxially mounted with the rotating member 202. The rotating member 202 is rotatably mounted on the connecting shaft 202ax. The connecting shaft 202ax is mounted by using a plurality of mounting devices 400msw provided on a pair of arms 400sa, 400sb. The plurality of mounting devices are adjustable openings 400msw so as to displace the rotating member 202 on the connecting shaft 202ax in the vehicle length direction, thereby adjusting the tension in the second drive connector 301sc of the transmission assembly 300 of the vehicle 100. It is noteworthy that the adjustable opening 400msw is easily accessible to maintenance personnel.

[0047] Fig.10 A side view of an embodiment of a powertrain assembly 200 showing a swing arm assembly 400 is shown, wherein an expanded view of a first portion 400f having an adjustable slot 400msp is shown. The first drive assembly 301f is operably connected to the prime mover 201 to transmit power. A plurality of mounting devices 400m of the swing arm assembly 400 for mounting the prime mover 201 include a plurality of adjustable slots 400msp. During power transmission for operating a vehicle, sufficient tension should be maintained to avoid loosening of the first drive connector 301fc. In addition, the prime mover 201 mounted on the first portion 400f tends to deviate from its original position over time when tension is no longer maintained. Therefore, a plurality of adjustable slots 400msp are configured to enable the prime mover 201 to be displaced relative to the swing arm assembly 400, thereby adjusting the tension in the first drive connector 301fc. It should be noted that the adjustable slots 400msp are easily accessible to maintenance personnel. Furthermore, the adjustable opening 400msw and the adjustable slot 400msp may be provided on either side of the vehicle 100 as easily accessible adjusters.

[0048] FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the saddle-type vehicle viewed from the left side, showing the frame assembly 101 , the powertrain assembly 200 , and the swing arm assembly 400 and the rotating member 202 .

[0049] FIG. 12 shows an exploded perspective view of a saddle-type vehicle viewed from the right side, showing the frame assembly 101, the powertrain assembly 200, and the swing arm assembly 400 and the rotating member 202. FIG. 12 particularly shows the position and arrangement of the third drive device 301st of the second drive assembly 301s. The third drive device 301st is operably connected to the second drive device 301fs through the opening 400op and the shaft 400ax, and is operably connected to the fourth drive device 301sf on the other hand. The fourth drive device 301sf and the rotating member 202 are coaxially mounted on the shaft 202ax so as to be able to rotate and propel the vehicle 100. In another embodiment, the rotating member can be one or more wheels on an axle and is operably connected through a differential (not shown) or other devices known in the art.

[0050] Fig.13 An exploded view of an embodiment of a powertrain assembly 200 of a saddle-type vehicle 100 is shown. The various components have been discussed in detail in the aforementioned paragraphs. However, in this view, the output shaft 201ax of the prime mover 201 is not visible because it may be hidden within the housing of the prime mover 201. A technician can make an educated estimate of the location of the output shaft 201ax of the prime mover 201 based on the installation location of the first drive device 301ff.

[0051] Fig.14aA side view of an embodiment of a powertrain assembly 200 is shown, with section “ XSEC0002 ” being displayed. Fig.14b Shown along Fig.14a The top view of the section XSEC0002 is shown in FIG. The rotating member 202 is mounted on the swing arm assembly 400 (eg Figure 5 A pair of arms 400sa, 400sb (as shown) Fig.13 The connecting shaft 400ax has been arranged between the opening 400op (as shown). Figure 5 400f and the first drive assembly 301f are coaxially mounted in the transmission assembly 300 of the saddle-type vehicle 100. The various shafts are mounted using mountable devices known in the art, such as nuts, bolts, and bearings.

[0052] List of reference numerals:

[0053] 100: Vehicle

[0054] 101 Frame Components

[0055] 200 Power Train Components

[0056] 201 Prime Mover

[0057] 201ax prime mover output shaft

[0058] 202 Rotating Component

[0059] 202ax A shaft for mounting the rotating member 202

[0060] 300 Transmission components

[0061] 301+ drive components

[0062] 301f First drive assembly

[0063] 301s Second drive assembly

[0064] 301fc First Drive Connector

[0065] 301sc Second Drive Connector

[0066] 301ff First drive unit

[0067] 301fs Second drive unit

[0068] 301st Third drive unit

[0069] 301sf Fourth Drive Unit

[0070] 400 Swing arm assembly

[0071] 400f Part 1

[0072] 400s Part 2

[0073] 400sp Stepped section

[0074] 400m Multiple installations

[0075] 400sa, 400sb A pair of arms

[0076] 400op Opening for connecting shaft 400ax

[0077] 400os Opening for mounting shock absorbers 500a, 500b

[0078] 400t triangular section

[0079] 400ax Connecting shaft in opening 400op

[0080] 400msp Multiple adjustable slots

[0081] 400msw Multiple adjustable openings

[0082] 400bc brake caliper

[0083] 500 Suspension Components

[0084] 500a, 500b shock absorber

Claims

1. A powertrain assembly (200) of a vehicle (100), comprising: A prime mover (201) for providing power to propel the vehicle (100); at least one rotating member (202) for moving the vehicle (100) using the power from the prime mover (201); as well as A transmission assembly (300), the transmission assembly (300) comprising: a plurality of drive assemblies (301) for transmitting the output of the prime mover (201) to the rotating member (202) to move the vehicle (100), The plurality of drive components (301) include at least a first drive component (301f) and a second drive component (301s); wherein The vehicle (100) comprises a frame assembly (101), and Features: A swing arm assembly (400), the swing arm assembly (400) comprising: a first portion (400f) pivotably connected to the frame assembly (101) of the vehicle (100) and configured to mount the prime mover (201) using a plurality of mounting devices (400m), and a second portion (400s), the second portion (400s) being configured to have at least one pair of arms (400sa, 400sb), the pair of arms (400sa, 400sb) being configured to mount the rotating member (202), the second portion (400s) being configured to mount a suspension assembly (500); The first drive assembly (301f) is operably connected to the prime mover (201) to transmit power from the prime mover (201) to a second drive assembly (301s), the second drive assembly (301s) being configured to transmit the power from the first drive assembly (301f) to the rotating member (202), and At least one of the pair of arms (400sa, 400sb) of the swing arm assembly (400) is configured to have an opening (400op), and the opening (400op) ​​is configured to provide an operable connection between the first drive assembly (301f) and the second drive assembly (301s).

2. The powertrain assembly (200) according to claim 1, wherein the second drive assembly (301s) is substantially disposed in a space defined by the pair of arms (400sa, 400sb) of the swing arm assembly (400), and the first drive assembly (301f) is substantially disposed outside the space defined by the pair of arms (400sa, 400sb) of the swing arm assembly (400).

3. The powertrain assembly (200) of claim 1, wherein The prime mover (201) includes an output shaft (201ax); The first driving component (301f) comprises: a first driving device (301ff), the first driving device (301ff) being mounted on the output shaft (201ax) of the prime mover (201), A second drive device (301fs) and a first drive connector (301fc), wherein the first drive connector (301fc) is configured to operably connect the first drive device (301ff) and the second drive device (301fs); as well as The second driving component (301s) comprises: a third driving device (301st), the third driving device (301st) being operatively connected to the second driving device (301fs); a fourth drive device (301sf) and a second drive connector (301sc), wherein the second drive connector (301sc) is configured to operably connect the third drive device (301st) and the fourth drive device (301sf), and The fourth driving device (301sf) is operably coupled to the rotating member (202) to rotate the rotating member (202).

4. The powertrain assembly (200) of claim 3, wherein the opening (400op) ​​is configured to receive a connecting shaft (400ax), the connecting shaft (400ax) being configured to coaxially mount the second drive device (301fs) and the third drive device (301st).

5. The powertrain assembly (200) of claim 3, wherein the rotating member (202) is a wheel, the wheel comprising a mounting device to mount the fourth drive device (301sf) on the wheel.

6. The powertrain assembly (200) of claim 1, wherein the suspension assembly (500) includes at least one pair of shock absorbers (500a, 500b); and each of the pair of arms (400sa, 400sb) of the swing arm assembly is configured to have a generally triangular portion (400t), the triangular portion (400t) having at least one opening (400os), the opening (400os) being configured to removably mount one end of the pair of shock absorbers (500a, 500b).

7. The powertrain assembly (200) for a vehicle (100) according to claim 1, wherein the prime mover (201) is selected from the group consisting of: one or more electric motors, one or more internal combustion engines, and a combination of electric motors and internal combustion engines.

8. The powertrain assembly (200) of claim 3, wherein the first drive device (301ff), the second drive device (301fs), the third drive device (301st), and the fourth drive device (301sf) comprise pulleys; and The first drive connector (301fc) and the second drive connector (301sc) include a drive belt operably connecting the pulleys.

9. The powertrain assembly (200) of claim 8, wherein the radius of the first drive device (301ff) is smaller than the radius of the second drive device (301fs), and the radius of the third drive device (301st) is smaller than the radius of the fourth drive device (301sf), and the fourth drive device (301sf) is coaxially mounted with the rotating member (202).

10. The powertrain assembly (200) of claim 9, wherein: The plurality of mounting devices (400m) of the swing arm assembly (400) for mounting the prime mover (201) include a plurality of adjustable slots (400msp), and the plurality of adjustable slots (400msp) are configured to enable the prime mover (201) to be displaced relative to the swing arm assembly (400), thereby enabling adjustment of the tension in the first drive connector (301fc).

11. A swing arm assembly (400) for a vehicle (100), the swing arm assembly (400) comprising: a first portion (400f), the first portion (400f) being pivotally connected to a frame assembly (101) of the vehicle (100), and the first portion (400f) being configured to mount a prime mover (201) of a powertrain assembly (200), the prime mover (201) being configured to propel the vehicle (100), and the prime mover (201) being mounted on the first portion (400f) by using a plurality of mounting devices (400m), a second portion (400s), the second portion (400s) being configured to have at least a pair of arms (400sa, 400sb), the pair of arms (400sa, 400sb) being configured to mount a rotating member (202) of the vehicle (100); as well as The first portion (400f) and the second portion (400s) are integrally formed, and a stepped portion (400sp) is provided between the first portion (400f) and the second portion (400s). in, The second portion (400s) is configured to mount a suspension assembly (500) of the vehicle (100), the suspension assembly (500) comprising at least one pair of shock absorbers (500a, 500b); One of the at least one pair of arms (400sa, 400sb) of the second portion (400s) is configured to have an opening (400op), and the opening (400op) ​​is configured to be operably connected to a plurality of drive devices (301ff, 301fs, 301st, 301sf) of the powertrain assembly (200) of the vehicle (100).

12. The swing arm assembly (400) according to claim 11, wherein: The plurality of mounting devices (400m) for mounting the prime mover (201) include a plurality of adjustable slots (400msp), the plurality of adjustable slots (400msp) being configured to provide displacement of the prime mover (201) so as to adjust tension in a first drive connector (301fc), the first drive connector (301fc) being configured to operably connect a first drive device (301ff) and a second drive device (301fs) of the powertrain assembly (300) of the vehicle (100).

13. The swing arm assembly (400) according to claim 11, wherein the rotating member (202) is a wheel, which is rotatably mounted on a connecting shaft (400ax), and the connecting shaft (400ax) is mounted by using the multiple mounting devices (400m) provided on the pair of arms (400sa, 400sb), and the multiple mounting devices (400m) include multiple adjustable openings (400msw) so that the wheel mounted on the shaft (400ax) can be displaced in the vehicle length direction, thereby adjusting the tension in the second drive connector (301sc), and the second drive connector (301sc) is configured to operably connect the third drive device (301st) and the fourth drive device (301sf) of the powertrain assembly (200) of the vehicle (100).

14. The swing arm assembly (400) according to claim 11, wherein at least one of the pair of arms (400sa, 400sb) of the swing arm assembly (400) is configured to include a brake caliper mounting device (400bc) to mount at least one brake caliper so as to be able to apply a braking force on the rotating member (202); and the brake caliper (400bc) is integrally formed with the at least one of the pair of arms (400sa, 400sb).

15. A vehicle (100), comprising: A frame assembly (101) for supporting the skeleton of the vehicle (100); A prime mover (201) for providing power to propel the vehicle (100); at least one rotating member (202) for moving the vehicle (100) using the power from the prime mover (201); A suspension assembly (500), the suspension assembly (500) comprising at least one pair of shock absorbers; A transmission assembly (300), the transmission assembly (300) comprising: a plurality of drive assemblies (301) for transmitting the output of the prime mover (201) to the rotating member (202) to move the vehicle (100), The plurality of drive components (301) include at least a first drive component (301f) and a second drive component (301s); A swing arm assembly (400), the swing arm assembly (400) comprising: a first portion (400f) pivotably connected to a frame assembly (101) of the vehicle (100) and configured to mount the prime mover (201) using a plurality of mounting devices (400m), a second portion (400s), the second portion (400s) comprising at least one pair of arms (400sa, 400sb), the pair of arms (400sa, 400sb) being configured to mount the rotating member (202) and to mount the suspension assembly (500); It is characterized in that The first drive assembly (301f) is operably connected to the prime mover (201) to transmit power from the prime mover (201) to a second drive assembly (301s), the second drive assembly (301s) being configured to transmit the power from the first drive assembly (301f) to the rotating member (202), and At least one of the pair of arms (400sa, 400sb) of the swing arm assembly (400) is configured to have an opening (400op), and the opening (400op) ​​is configured to provide an operable connection between the first drive assembly (301f) and the second drive assembly (301s).

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