Powertrain assembly for a vehicle

Abstract

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

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates generally to powertrain assemblies and more particularly, but not exclusively, to vehicles and swingarm assemblies associated with powertrain assemblies. [Background technology]

[0002] Vehicles generally use various types of prime movers, such as internal combustion engines, electric motors, and / or combinations thereof. Furthermore, when an electric motor is used in and / or as a prime mover, the vehicle is known to have an independent motor and / or an in-wheel hub motor. Independent motors can be designed and used for larger torque applications. Independent motors are traditionally mounted in a suitable location on the frame, and their placement does not limit the amount of power they can generate. Vehicles with independent motors, whether alone or in combination with an engine, also require an efficient transmission assembly, such as one or more wheels or a drive belt / chain, to transmit power from the prime mover to the output. The transmission assembly traditionally includes a primary reduction stage and a secondary reduction stage. The primary reduction stage includes multiple drive means, such as gears. The gears in the primary reduction increase weight and require more maintenance for better lubrication, such as oil. As larger, more powerful motors are mounted on the vehicle frame, this often leads to transmission losses due to the distance between the motor and the wheels. Additionally, a secondary reduction stage is required to transfer torque from the primary reduction stage to the final output in the form of wheels or a chain drive. The secondary reduction stage, in addition to the primary reduction stage, also creates layout constraints. Due to these layout constraints, mono shock absorbers are traditionally used in rear suspensions, particularly in saddle-ride vehicles, and are mounted to the powertrain's crankcase assembly or frame member. Mono shock absorbers must be packaged essentially at the center of the vehicle. Dual shock absorbers have limited or no application in vehicles with independent motors as prime movers, because the crankcase or frame is designed with dedicated provisions for mounting a single shock absorber. This increases the overall weight of the vehicle. Furthermore, in this configuration, where the motor is mounted to the vehicle's frame member, a single-arm swingarm is known to be used because it is less complex to manufacture than a double-arm swingarm assembly.However, a single-arm swingarm requires greater strength, which adds to the weight of the vehicle in addition to the weight of the mounting required for the motor in the crankcase. Furthermore, a single-arm swingarm can also result in an uneven mass distribution in the vehicle. This presents a challenge to designers to provide improved ride comfort under various driving conditions, especially when various parameters such as yaw, roll, and pitch are considered.

[0003] On the other hand, in-wheel hub motors are smaller in size and lighter in weight. In-wheel hub motors have a relatively smaller distance between the motor and the wheel, thereby reducing power transmission losses. Furthermore, due to the reduced size of in-wheel motors, such vehicles can have dual shock absorbers, which are much preferred by consumers for better comfort due to the reduced size of the motor and the reduced distance between the motor and the wheel. However, in-wheel hub motors have torque limitations because the torque increment depends on the size of the motor. An increase in the size of an in-wheel hub motor will result in an increase in wheel diameter, which may require modifications in the vehicle structure that are undesirable for a given vehicle.

[0004] To overcome this, one solution has been to provide vehicles with a monoshock absorber and a two-stage transmission: a primary reduction stage and a secondary reduction stage. The primary reduction stage has gears that require lubrication and is often noisier due to the distance between the pulleys and gears in the transmission assembly. In these vehicles, the primary reduction is closer to the vehicle's longitudinal axis compared to the secondary reduction, which is relatively far from the longitudinal axis. This configuration undesirably reduces the use of two shock absorbers because their use increases the vehicle's width. Furthermore, adjustment and maintenance of the primary reduction assembly and / or the monoshock absorber necessarily requires at least partial disassembly of the swingarm assembly and secondary reduction assembly. This also results in greater transmission losses, a greater weight of the transmission system, increased vehicle width, inaccessibility to the shock absorbers, and increased belt tension. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to have a powertrain assembly with a prime mover having a larger power outlet that can be installed in a vehicle without increasing the width or length of the vehicle, improving accessibility and serviceability of the shock absorbers, and a drive assembly that reduces noise from the transmission assembly of the vehicle. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] Details are now described with reference to embodiments of the storage assembly in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals are used to refer to like features and components throughout. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view from the left side of the vehicle of one embodiment of a vehicle, powertrain assembly, and swing arm assembly described herein. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter on the right side of a saddle-ride type vehicle having a powertrain assembly and swingarm assembly with various components. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a right side view of an embodiment of a powertrain assembly in a saddle-ride type vehicle. [Figure 4a] FIG. 1 is a left side view of an embodiment of a powertrain assembly. [Figure 4b] FIG. 1 is a top view of an embodiment of the present vehicle having a powertrain assembly. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a perspective view from the left side of the vehicle of an embodiment of the present swing arm assembly without powertrain components. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a perspective view from the right side of the vehicle of an embodiment of the present swing arm assembly without powertrain components. [Figure 7a] FIG. 1 is a side view of an embodiment of a swing arm assembly from the right side of the vehicle. [Figure 7b] FIG. 1 is a side view of an embodiment of a swing arm assembly from the left side of a vehicle. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a top view of an embodiment of a swing arm assembly without a powertrain assembly. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a left perspective view of an embodiment of a powertrain assembly with a swing arm assembly and suspension, showing an enlarged view of one of the arms of the swing arm assembly showing the adjustable opening. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a side view of an embodiment of a powertrain assembly showing a transmission assembly and swing arm assembly, with an enlarged view of a first portion of the swing arm assembly showing an adjustable slot for the prime mover. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is an exploded view from the left side of a saddle-ride type vehicle showing a frame assembly, a powertrain assembly with a swing arm assembly, and a rotating member. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view from the right side of a saddle-ride type vehicle showing a frame assembly, a powertrain assembly with a swing arm assembly, and a rotating member. [Figure 13]FIG. 1 is an exploded view of an embodiment of the present powertrain assembly and swingarm assembly. [Figure 14a] FIG. 1 is a side view of an embodiment of a powertrain assembly and swingarm assembly showing the plane of cross section "XSEC0002." [Figure 14b] FIG. 14b is a top view of a cross section through plane XSEC0002 as shown in FIG. 14a. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] To achieve one or more of the foregoing and other related objects, the present invention provides a powertrain assembly, a swingarm assembly, and a vehicle having the powertrain assembly and the swingarm assembly.

[0009] The present invention provides a vehicle powertrain assembly including a prime mover for providing power to propel the vehicle, at least one rotating member for enabling movement of the vehicle using the power from the prime mover, and a transmission assembly. The transmission assembly includes a plurality of drive assemblies for transmitting output of the prime mover to the rotating member for enabling movement of the vehicle. The plurality of drive assemblies includes at least a first drive assembly and a second drive assembly. The vehicle includes a frame assembly and a swing arm assembly. The vehicle swing arm assembly includes a first portion pivotally connected to the vehicle frame assembly. The first portion is configured to mount the prime mover with the aid of a plurality of mounting means. The second portion of the swing arm assembly is configured with at least a pair of arms. The arms of the second portion of the swing arm assembly are configured to mount the rotating member.

[0010] In one embodiment, the rotating member may be one or more wheels. The second portion is also configured to carry a suspension assembly, with the first drive assembly operably connected to the prime mover to transfer power from the prime mover to the second drive assembly. Thus, the second drive assembly transfers power from the first drive assembly to the rotating member. The arm of the swing arm assembly is configured with 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 bore. The bore is configured to receive a connecting shaft configured to provide an operable connection between the first drive assembly and the second drive assembly.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present invention, in the powertrain assembly, the second drive assembly is disposed substantially within the space defined by the arms of the swing arm assembly, and the first drive assembly is disposed substantially outside the space defined by the arms of the swing arm assembly.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present invention, in a powertrain assembly, the prime mover includes an output shaft. The first drive assembly includes a first drive means mounted on the output shaft of the prime mover. The first drive assembly also includes a second drive means and a first drive connection. The first drive connection is configured to operably connect the first drive means and the second drive means. The second drive assembly further includes a third drive means operably connected to the second drive means through a connecting shaft. A hole in the opening receives the connecting shaft for coaxially mounting the second drive means and the third drive means. The second drive assembly also includes a fourth drive means and a second drive connection. The second drive connection operably connects the third drive means and the fourth drive means. The fourth drive means is operably coupled to the rotating member to rotate the rotating member.

[0013] As an embodiment of the invention, in the powertrain assembly, the opening is configured to receive a connecting shaft, the connecting shaft being configured to coaxially mount the second drive means and the third drive means.

[0014] As an embodiment of the invention, in the powertrain assembly, the rotating members are wheels with mounting means for mounting the fourth drive means to the wheels.

[0015] As an embodiment of the present invention, in a powertrain assembly, the suspension assembly comprises at least a pair of shock absorbers.

[0016] As an 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 an electric motor and an internal combustion engine.

[0017] In one embodiment of the present invention, in the powertrain assembly, the first drive means, the second drive means, the third drive means, and the fourth drive means include pulleys, and the first drive connection and the second drive connection include drive belts operatively connecting the pulleys.

[0018] In one embodiment of the present invention, the diameter of the first drive means is smaller than the diameter of the second drive means, the diameter of the third drive means is smaller than the diameter of the fourth drive means, and the fourth drive means is mounted coaxially with the rotating member.

[0019] As an embodiment of the present invention, in a powertrain assembly, there are a plurality of mounting means on the swing arm assembly for mounting the prime mover, the plurality of mounting means including slots configured to allow displacement of the prime mover relative to the swing arm assembly, thereby allowing adjustment of tension at the first drive connection.

[0020] 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 for propelling the vehicle. The prime mover is mounted to the first portion using a plurality of mounting means. The swing arm assembly also includes a second portion attached to the first portion. The second portion is configured with 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 and second portions are integrally formed with a stepped portion between the first and second portions. 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 with an opening. The opening in the arm is configured to operably connect a plurality of drive means of a transmission assembly of the vehicle.

[0021] In one embodiment of the present invention, in the swing arm assembly, the plurality of mounting means for mounting the prime mover include one or more adjustable slots configured to provide displacement of the prime mover to adjust tension at the first drive connection of the vehicle transmission assembly.

[0022] In one embodiment of the present invention, the swing arm assembly includes a wheel in which the rotating member is rotatably mounted on an axle. The axle is mounted using a plurality of mounting means provided on the arm of the second portion. The mounting means include a plurality of slots to allow for longitudinal displacement of the wheel mounted on the axle to adjust tension at the second drive connection of the vehicle transmission assembly.

[0023] In one embodiment of the swing arm assembly, the pair of arms are configured with a substantially triangular shaped portion with an opening configured to mount one end of a pair of shock absorbers of a suspension assembly using fasteners of a type known in the art, the other end of the shock absorbers being attached to the frame assembly of the vehicle.

[0024] In one embodiment of the invention, the swing arm assembly is configured such that at least one of the pair of arms has a brake caliper mounting means. In one aspect of the invention, the brake caliper mounting means is formed integrally with said at least one of the pair of arms of the swing arm assembly.

[0025] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle includes a frame assembly for skeletal support of the vehicle, a prime mover for providing power to propel the vehicle, at least one rotating member for enabling movement of 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 output of the prime mover to the rotating member for enabling movement of 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 further including 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 means. 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 to 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 transfer power from the first drive assembly to the rotating member. The arm of the swing arm assembly is configured with an opening. The opening in the arm is configured to provide an operable connection between the first drive assembly and the second drive assembly.

[0026] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION An embodiment of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to an embodiment in a saddle-ride type vehicle, together with the accompanying drawings, although the disclosed invention is not limited to this embodiment.

[0027] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a powertrain assembly 101 and an embodiment of a swingarm assembly 400 from the left side of the vehicle, as installed in a saddle-ride vehicle 100. The powertrain assembly 101 is disposed substantially below the frame assembly 101 of the saddle-ride vehicle 100. The powertrain assembly 200 includes a prime mover 201, a rotating member 202, and a transmission assembly 300. While the prime mover 201 is depicted as a separate motor in this embodiment, the prime mover 201 may be a frame-mounted internal combustion engine or a combination of an internal combustion engine and a separate motor. The rotating member 202 is depicted as the rear wheel of the vehicle 100 to which the power output of the prime mover 201 is transmitted to propel the vehicle 100. However, the rotating member 202 may be multiple wheels or a chain drive member for a multi-terrain vehicle. The transmission assembly 300 includes multiple drive assemblies and drive members (as shown in FIGS. 4a and 9). FIG. 1 also shows the vehicle swing arm assembly 400 and suspension assembly 500 whereby the rotating member 202 is positioned behind the first portion 400f of the swing arm assembly 400 in a side view of the vehicle 100.

[0028] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view from the right side of the vehicle of one embodiment of the powertrain assembly 101 and one embodiment of the swing arm assembly 400. The swing arm assembly 400 includes 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 using a plurality of mounting means 400m. The second portion 400s is connected to the rotating member 202 through a pair of arms 400sa, 400sb (shown in FIG. 6). Each of the pair of arms includes at least one adjustable opening 400msw. The second portion 400s is configured to mount the rotating member 202 as well as the suspension assembly 500 using means known in the art, such as an axle, bearing, or the like. The suspension assembly 500 includes a pair of shock absorbers (500a, 500b) (shown in FIG. 9). One end of the shock absorber (500a, 500b) is removably attached to the frame assembly 101, and the other end is removably attached to a pair of arms 400sa and 400sb of the swing arm assembly 400 (shown in FIG. 6).

[0029] 3 shows a side view from the right side of the vehicle of an embodiment of a powertrain assembly 200 in a saddle-ride type vehicle 100. The powertrain assembly 200 has a prime mover 201 mounted to a first portion 400f of a swing arm assembly 400 using a mounting means 400m. A second portion 400s of the swing arm assembly 400 is configured to mount a rotating member 202 with the aid of a pair of arms 400sa, 400sb (shown in FIG. 6). The second portion 400s also mounts a suspension assembly 500 having a pair of shock absorbers (500a, 500b).

[0030] FIG. 4a shows a left side view of an embodiment of a powertrain assembly 200, and FIG. 4b shows a top view of an embodiment of the vehicle 100 having the powertrain assembly 200. The powertrain assembly 200 is mounted to a frame assembly 101 of the saddle-ride vehicle 100. The powertrain assembly 200 comprises a transmission assembly 300. The transmission assembly 300 includes a plurality of drive assemblies 301 for receiving power from the prime mover 201 and transmitting the power to the rotating member 202. The plurality of drive assemblies 301 comprises a first drive assembly 301f (also shown in FIG. 9) and a second drive assembly 301s (shown in FIG. 12). The first drive assembly 301f comprises a first drive means 301ff, a second drive means 301fs, and a first drive connection 301fc. The first drive means 301ff is mounted to the output of the prime mover 201 and transmits power from the prime mover 201 through the first drive connection 301fc to the second drive means 301fs. The drive connections (301fc, 301sc) can be any drive means, such as a chain, belt, or pulley wheels, that provide an endless transmission. The second drive assembly 301s includes the third drive means 301st (shown in FIG. 12b), the second drive connection 301sc, and the fourth drive means 301sf. The fourth drive means 301sf is mounted to the rotating member 201, whereby rotation of the fourth drive means 301sf rotates the rotating member 201 and propels the vehicle 100. The above description, read in conjunction with the depictions in FIGS. 1 and 2, indicates that the prime mover 201 is mounted to the swing arm assembly 400, instead of the frame assembly 101 in known vehicles. This effectively reduces the distance between the first drive means 301ff and the second drive means 301fs, thereby reducing the length of the first drive connection 301fc. This results in less friction at the first drive connection 301fc and a consequent reduction in noise. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the use of a pulley system for the first drive assembly 301f and the second drive assembly 301s, instead of chains and gears, significantly reduces noise.4b shows a top view of the saddle-ride type vehicle 100 showing the frame assembly 101, the prime mover 201, the connecting shaft 400ax, and the pair of arms 400sa, 400sb of the swing arm assembly 400. The connecting shaft 400ax passes through an opening 400op (shown in FIG. 5) and operably couples the first drive assembly 301f and the second drive assembly 301s. In one aspect of the invention, the shaft 400ax passes through the opening 400op (shown in FIG. 5) and is configured to operably connect the second drive means 301fs (of the first drive assembly 301f) and the third drive means 301st (of the second drive assembly 301s). This configuration ensures that the first drive assembly 301f, which is the first reduction stage of the transmission assembly 300, is positioned farther from the vehicle longitudinal axis and substantially outside the space defined by the pair of arms 400sa, 400sb of the swing arm assembly 400. Meanwhile, the second drive assembly 300s is positioned substantially within the space defined by the pair of arms 400sa, 400sb. This arrangement allows for the installation of dual shock absorbers 500a, 500b of the suspension assembly 500 without interfering with the drive assemblies (301f and 301s) and thus without increasing the width of the vehicle 100. Furthermore, with this configuration, wheels or other components do not need to be disturbed for any adjustment or maintenance of the primary reduction stage, i.e., the first drive assembly 301f.

[0031] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of the present swing arm assembly 400 from the left side of the vehicle without powertrain components. FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of the present swing arm assembly 400 from the right side of the vehicle without powertrain components. FIG. 7a illustrates a side view of an embodiment of the swing arm assembly 400 from the right side of the vehicle. FIG. 7b illustrates a side view of an embodiment of the swing arm assembly 400 from the left side of the vehicle. FIG. 8 illustrates a top view of an embodiment of the swing arm assembly without a powertrain. FIGS. 5, 6, 7a, 7b, and 8 are considered together for clarity and ease of reference. In this embodiment, the swing arm assembly 400 has a first portion 400f and a second portion 400s integrally formed with each other. The first portion 400f and the second portion 400s are integrally formed with a stepped portion 400sp 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 substantially sloped profile starting from one end of the first portion 400f to the other end of the second portion 400s. In other embodiments of the present invention, the stepped portion 400sp may be sloped in a straight or curved manner. Thus, the stepped portion 400sp provides sufficient space for the prime mover 201 to be 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 means 400bc integrally formed with the pair of arms 400sa, 400sb of the swing arm assembly 400. The brake caliper mounting means 400bc allows for the mounting of one or more brake calipers that enable the application of braking force to the rotating member 202.

[0032] In this embodiment, the opening 400op is configured to receive a connecting shaft 400ax that operably connects the second drive means 301fs and the third drive means 301st (shown in FIG. 13) of the transmission assembly 300 of the saddle-ride type vehicle 100. The first portion 400f of the swing arm assembly 400, which mounts the prime mover 201 using the mounting means 400m, includes a plurality of adjustable slots 400msp configured to provide displacement of the prime mover 201 to adjust the tension at the first drive connection 301fc (shown in FIGS. 9 and 13). The rotating member 202 is rotatably mounted on the connecting shaft 202ax. Furthermore, the pair of arms 400sa, 400sb has a plurality of mounting means 400m that further include a plurality of adjustable openings to allow displacement of the rotating member 202 in the vehicle length direction to adjust the tension at the second drive assembly 301fc of the transmission assembly 300 of the saddle-ride type vehicle 100. Additionally, the pair of arms 400sa, 400sb includes a substantially triangular portion 400t having at least one opening 400os configured to mount the pair of shock absorbers 500a, 500b of the suspension assembly 500 using known removable fasteners.

[0033] FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the transmission assembly 300 mounted on the swing arm assembly 400 from the left side of the vehicle. FIG. 9 shows an enlarged view of one of the arms 400sa, 400sb of the swing arm assembly 400, showing the adjustable opening 400msw. During vehicle operation, loosening tends to occur in the second drive connection 301sc due to long-term use. The adjustable openings 400msw in both arms 400sa and 400sb allow the position of the rotating member 202 to be adjusted in the vehicle length direction to adjust the tension in the second drive connection 301sc. The transmission assembly 300 of the saddle-ride 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-ride type vehicle 100. The plurality of drive assemblies 301 of the transmission assembly 300 includes 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 substantially disposed in a space defined by the 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 the pair of arms 400sa, 400sb of the swing arm assembly 400. The first drive assembly 301f includes a first drive means 301ff mounted on the output shaft 201ax of the prime mover 201, a second drive means 301fs, and a first drive connection portion 301fc configured to operably connect the first drive means 301ff and the second drive means 301fs. The second drive assembly 301s includes a third drive means 301st operably connected to the second drive means 301fs, a fourth drive means 301sf, and a second drive connection portion 301sc configured to operably connect the third drive means 301st and the fourth drive means 301sf. The fourth drive means 301sf is operably coupled to the rotating member 202 to rotate the rotating member 202. The connection shaft 400ax is configured to coaxially mount the second drive means 301fs and the third drive means 301st.The diameter of the first drive means 301ff is smaller than that of the second drive means 301fs, and the diameter of the third drive means (301st) is smaller than that of the fourth drive means 301sf. The fourth drive means 301sf is mounted coaxially with the rotating member 202. The rotating member 202 is rotatably mounted on the connecting shaft 202ax. The connecting shaft 202ax is mounted using a plurality of mounting means 400msw provided on a pair of arms 400sa, 400sb. The plurality of mounting means are adjustable openings 400msw to allow displacement of the rotating member 202 in the connecting shaft 202ax in the vehicle longitudinal direction to adjust tension at the second drive connection portion 301sc of the transmission assembly 300 of the vehicle 100. Note that the adjustable openings 400msw are easily accessible to service personnel.

[0034] FIG. 10 shows a side view of an embodiment of the powertrain assembly 200, showing the swing arm assembly 400, with an enlarged view of the first portion 400f having the adjustable slot 400msp. The first drive assembly 301f is operably connected to the prime mover 201 to transmit power. The swing arm assembly 400's mounting means 400m for mounting the prime mover 201 include the adjustable slots 400msp. During power transmission to operate the vehicle, sufficient tension must be maintained to avoid loosening of the first drive connection 301fc. Furthermore, the prime mover 201 mounted on the first portion 400f tends to deviate from its original position when tension is no longer maintained over time. Therefore, the adjustable slots 400msp are configured to allow relative displacement of the prime mover 201 to the swing arm assembly 400, thereby adjusting the tension at the first drive connection 301fc. It should be noted that the adjustable slot 400msp is easily accessible to service personnel. Additionally, easily accessible adjusters, adjustable openings 400msw and adjustable slots 400msp may be provided on both sides of the vehicle 100.

[0035] FIG. 11 shows an exploded perspective view from the left side of the saddle-ride type vehicle showing the frame assembly 101, the powertrain assembly 200 with the swing arm assembly 400, and the rotating member 202.

[0036] FIG. 12 shows an exploded perspective view from the right side of the saddle-ride type vehicle, illustrating the frame assembly 101, the powertrain assembly 200 with the swing arm assembly 400, and the rotating member 202. FIG. 12 specifically illustrates the location and arrangement of the third drive means 301st of the second drive assembly 301s. The third drive means 301st is operably connected to the second drive means 301fs through the opening 400op and the shaft 400ax, which in turn is operably connected to the fourth drive means 301sf. The fourth drive means 301sf and the rotating member 202 are coaxially mounted on the shaft 202ax to enable rotation of the rotating member 202 and propel the vehicle 100. In other embodiments, the rotating member may be a wheel or multiple wheels on a shaft and may be operably connected through different means (not shown) or other means known in the art.

[0037] 13 shows an exploded view of an embodiment of the powertrain assembly 200 in the saddle-ride type vehicle 100. Each component is discussed in detail in the paragraphs referenced above. However, in this view, the output shaft 201ax of the prime mover 201 is not visible, as it may be hidden within the outer cover of the prime mover 201. Those skilled in the art can educate themselves about the location of the output shaft 201ax of the prime mover 201 based on the mounting location of the first drive means 301ff.

[0038] FIG. 14a shows a side view of an embodiment of the powertrain assembly 200, showing the plane of cross section "XSEC0002." FIG. 14b shows a top view of the cross section across the plane XSEC0002 as shown in FIG. 14a. The rotating member 202 is mounted between a pair of arms 400sa, 400sb (shown in FIG. 13) of a swing arm assembly 400 (shown in FIG. 15). The connecting shaft 400ax is disposed into an opening 400op (shown in FIG. 5) for coaxially mounting the first drive assembly 301f and the second drive assembly 301s to the second portion 400s of the swing arm assembly 400. The output shaft 201ax is disposed to coaxially mount the prime mover 201, the first portion 400f, and the first drive means 301ff of the first drive assembly 301f of the transmission assembly 300 of the saddle-ride type vehicle 100. The various shafts are mounted using mounting means known in the art, such as nuts, bolts and bearings. [Explanation of symbols]

[0039] 100 vehicles 101 Frame assembly 200 Powertrain Assembly 201 Prime Mover 201ax prime mover output shaft 202 Rotating members 202ax: Shaft for mounting the rotating member 202 300 Transmission Assembly 301 Multiple drive assemblies 301f First drive assembly 301s Second Drive Assembly 301fc First drive connection 301sc Second Drive Connection 301ff First driving means 301fs Second driving means 301st Third Drive 301sf Fourth driving means 400 swing arm assembly 400f 1st part 400s Part 2 400sp step part 400m Multiple mounting methods 400sa, 400sb arm pair 400op Opening for connecting shaft 400ax 400os Opening for installing shock absorbers 500a and 500b 400t Triangular molding part 400ax Connection shaft for 400op opening 400msp Multiple Adjustable Slots 400msw Multiple Adjustable Apertures 400bc brake caliper 500 Suspension Assembly 500a, 500b shock absorbers

Claims

1. A powertrain assembly (200) for a vehicle (100), comprising: a prime mover (201) for providing power to propel the vehicle (100); at least one rotating member (202) for enabling movement of the vehicle (100) using the power from the prime mover (201); A transmission assembly (300) and and the transmission assembly (300) comprises: a plurality of drive assemblies (301) for transmitting the output of the prime mover (201) to the rotating member (202) to enable the movement of the vehicle (100); the plurality of drive assemblies (301) includes at least a first drive assembly (301f) and a second drive assembly (301s); The vehicle (100) comprises a frame assembly (101) and a swing arm assembly (400); The swing arm assembly (400) a first portion (400f) pivotally connected to the frame assembly (101) of the vehicle (100), the first portion (400f) being configured to mount the prime mover (201) using a plurality of mounting means (400m); a second portion (400s) configured to have at least a pair of arms (400sa, 400sb) 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 transfer power from the prime mover (201) to the second drive assembly (301s), and the second drive assembly (301s) is configured to transfer power from the first drive assembly (301f) to the rotating member (202); A powertrain assembly (200), characterized in that 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. 2. The powertrain assembly (200) of 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 prime mover (201) includes an output shaft (201ax); The first drive assembly (301f) comprises: a first driving means (301ff) installed on the output shaft (201ax) of the prime mover (201); a second drive means (301fs) and a first drive connection (301fc), wherein the first drive connection (301fc) is configured to operatively connect the first drive means (301ff) and the second drive means (301fs); Including, The second drive assembly (301s) comprises: a third driving means (301st) operatively connected to the second driving means (301fs); a fourth drive means (301sf) and a second drive connection (301sc), wherein the second drive connection (301sc) is configured to operatively connect the third drive means (301st) and the fourth drive means (301sf), and the fourth drive means (301sf) is operatively coupled to the rotating member (202) to rotate the rotating member (202); The powertrain assembly (200) of claim 1, comprising:

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

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

6. 2. The powertrain assembly (200) of claim 1, wherein the suspension assembly (500) comprises at least a 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 substantially triangular portion (400t), the triangular portion (400t) having at least one opening (400os), and the opening (400os) is configured to removably mount one end of the pair of shock absorbers (500a, 500b).

7. 2. The powertrain assembly (200) for a vehicle (100) of 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 an electric motor and an internal combustion engine.

8. the first driving means (301ff), the second driving means (301fs), the third driving means (301st), and the fourth driving means (301sf) include pulleys; The powertrain assembly (200) of claim 3, wherein the first drive connection (301fc) and the second drive connection (301sc) comprise drive belts, the drive belts operatively connecting the pulleys.

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

10. 10. The powertrain assembly (200) of claim 9, wherein the plurality of mounting means (400m) of the swing arm assembly (400) for mounting the prime mover (201) comprises a plurality of adjustable slots (400msp), the plurality of adjustable slots (400msp) configured to allow displacement of the prime mover (201) relative to the swing arm assembly (400), thereby allowing adjustment of tension in the first drive connection (301fc).

11. A swing arm assembly (400) for a vehicle (100), comprising: a first portion (400f) pivotally connected to a frame assembly (101) of the vehicle (100) and configured to mount a prime mover (201) of a powertrain assembly (200), the prime mover (201) configured to propel the vehicle (100) and mounted to the first portion (400f) using a plurality of mounting means (400m); a second part (400s) configured to have at least a pair of arms (400sa, 400sb), the pair of arms (400sa, 400sb) configured to carry a rotating member (202) of the vehicle (100); The first portion (400f) and the second portion (400s), which are integrally formed with a step portion (400sp) between the first portion (400f) and the second portion (400s); Equipped with 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); A swing arm assembly (400) wherein one of at least a pair of the arms (400sa, 400sb) of the second portion (400s) is configured to have an opening (400op), and the opening (400op) ​​is configured to operatively connect a plurality of drive means (301ff, 301fs, 301st, 301sf) of the powertrain assembly (200) of the vehicle (100).

12. 12. The swing arm assembly (400) of claim 11, wherein the plurality of mounting means (400m) for mounting the prime mover (201) include a plurality of adjustable slots (400msp), the plurality of adjustable slots (400msp) configured to provide displacement of the prime mover (201) to adjust tension at a first drive connection (301fc), and the first drive connection (301fc) configured to operatively connect a first drive means (301ff) and a second drive means (301fs) of the powertrain assembly (300) of the vehicle (100).

13. 12. The swing arm assembly (400) of claim 11, wherein the rotating member (202) is a wheel, the wheel being rotatably mounted on a connecting shaft (400ax), the connecting shaft (400ax) being mounted using the plurality of mounting means (400m) provided on the pair of arms (400sa, 400sb), the plurality of mounting means (400m) including a plurality of adjustable openings (400msw) to allow displacement of the wheel mounted on the axle (400ax) in the vehicle length direction to adjust tension at a second drive connection (301sc), the second drive connection (301sc) being configured to operatively connect a third drive means (301st) and a fourth drive means (301sf) of the powertrain assembly (200) of the vehicle (100).

14. 12. The swing arm assembly (400) of 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 means (400bc) for mounting at least one brake caliper for applying a braking force to the rotating member (202), and the brake caliper (400bc) is formed integrally with the at least one of the pair of arms (400sa, 400sb).

15. A vehicle, a frame assembly (101) for supporting the frame of the vehicle (100); a prime mover (201) for providing power to propel the vehicle (100); at least one rotating member (202) for enabling movement of the vehicle (100) using the power from the prime mover (201); a suspension assembly (500) comprising at least one pair of shock absorbers; a transmission assembly (300) including a plurality of drive assemblies (301) for transmitting the output of the prime mover (201) to the rotating member (202) to enable the movement of the vehicle (100), a transmission assembly (300), wherein the plurality of drive assemblies (301) includes at least a first drive assembly (301f) and a second drive assembly (301s); A swing arm assembly (400) and The swing arm assembly (400) comprises: a first portion (400f) pivotally connected to the frame assembly (101) of the vehicle (100), the first portion (400f) being configured to mount the prime mover (201) using a plurality of mounting means (400m); a second portion (400s) comprising at least a 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); the first drive assembly (301f) is operably connected to the prime mover (201) to transfer power from the prime mover (201) to a second drive assembly (301s), the second drive assembly (301s) being configured to transfer power from the first drive assembly (301f) to the rotating member (202); A vehicle (100), characterized in that 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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