Swingarm of a vehicle

Abstract

The present invention discloses a swingarm (136) of a vehicle (100). The swingarm (136) has a first arm (182), a second arm (184), and a support member (180). The support member (180) is extended along a vehicle width direction (W) and adapted to connect the first arm (182) with the second arm (184). The first front portion (186A) and the second front portion (186B) are adapted to pivotably couple to a body frame (102) of the vehicle (100). A first rear portion (188A) of the first arm (182) and a second rear portion (188B) of the second arm (184) are adapted to rotatably support at least one rear ground engaging member (114) of the vehicle (100). A motor (116) of the vehicle (100) is disposed in between the first arm (182) and the second arm (184).

Description

SWINGARM OF A VEHICLECROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority from Indian Non-provisional patent application 202411025319, filed on 28thMarch 2024 which is incorporated herein in its entirety by this reference thereto.FIELD OF INVENTION

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle and, more particularly to a swingarm designed to support a power-generating motor of the vehicle.BACKGROUND

[0003] Vehicles, such as, but not limited to, motorized scooters, motorcycles, etc., have a plurality of components and assemblies, such as a body frame, a power unit, a passenger seating area, a storage space arranged below the seat of the vehicle and above an engine, and a set of wheels. The power unit is adapted to provide the necessary power to the wheels, to drive the vehicle. The power unit, the seating area, the storage space, etc., are all carried by the body frame. The power unit may comprise an electric motor coupled to a battery. Further, the vehicle comprises a swingarm that is configured to couple with a rear wheel of the vehicle at one end and the body frame at the other end. This swingarm allows the rear wheel to pivot vertically to securely support a rear suspension of the vehicle to absorb suspension loads induced by the rider or terrain.

[0004] Typically, the battery and the electric motor are mounted on the body frame of the vehicle and utilize major space available within the vehicle. Often, some situations require increased battery capacity to drive the vehicle, which is achieved by either using an increased size of the battery or increasing the number of batteries. However, this requirement of increased battery capacity necessitates additional space for accommodating the battery and the motor within the vehicle. Thus, the existing available space within the vehicle limits to accommodate further additional batteries or large-size batteries. Therefore, it is essential to shift the motor from the body frame to accommodate large-size batteries or additional batteries. One possible location to mount the motor could be on a swingarm. This is one of the most desirable locations to mount the electric motor as near to the rear wheel. However, mounting the electric motor onto the swingarm leads to further challenges such as the swingarm should be structurallystrong enough to support the electric motor, the rear suspension, and the rear wheel. At the same time, it should not raise significant overall weight and cost of the vehicle.SUMMARY

[0005] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0006] In order to solve the foregoing problems and to provide other advantages, one aspect of the present invention is to provide a swingarm of a vehicle. The swingarm has a first arm, a second arm, and a support member. The first arm is defined with a first front portion, a first intermediate portion, and a first rear portion. The first intermediate portion connects the first front portion with the first rear potion. Likewise, the second arm is defined with a second front portion, a second intermediate portion, and a second rear portion. The second intermediate portion connects the second front portion with the second rear potion. The support member is extended along a vehicle width direction and adapted to connect the first arm with the second arm. The vehicle includes a body frame, at least one rear ground engaging member, and a motor. The body frame is adapted to pivotally couple the first front portion and the second front portion. The at least one rear ground engaging member is adapted to rotatably support to the first rear portion and the second rear portion. The motor is disposed in between the first arm and the second arm. The motor is adapted to swing along with the swingarm. The first front portion and the second front portion are made from a sheet metal structure. Further, the first intermediate portion and the second intermediate portion are made from a hollow tubular structure. Furthermore, the first rear portion and the second rear portion are made from a sheet metal structure.

[0007] In an aspect, the support member includes a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion is adapted to join the first intermediate portion with the first front portion through a welded joint. The second end portion is adapted to join the second intermediate portion with the second front portion through the welded joint.

[0008] In an aspect, the support member is configured to mount a rear suspension member of the vehicle.

[0009] In an aspect, the first front portion includes a first front outer element and a first front inner element. The first front outer element and the first front inner element are joined with each other to form a hollow box-shaped structure. The second front portion includes a second front outer element and a second front inner element. The second front outer element and the second front inner element joined with each other to form the hollow box-shaped structure.

[0010] In an aspect, the first front outer element and the first front inner element are connected to a first end of the first intermediate portion and configured to cover at least a part of the first intermediate portion. The second front outer element and the second front inner element are connected to a first end of the second intermediate portion and configured to cover at least a front part of the second intermediate portion.

[0011] In an aspect, the first rear portion includes a first rear outer element and a first rear inner element. The first rear outer element and the first rear inner element joined with each other to form a hollow box-shaped structure. The second rear portion includes a second rear outer element and a second rear inner element. The second rear outer element and the second rear inner element joined with each other to form the hollow box-shaped structure.

[0012] In an aspect, the first rear outer element and the first rear inner element are connected to a second end of the first intermediate portion and configured to cover at least a part of the first intermediate portion. Likewise, the second rear outer element and the second rear inner element are connected to a second end of the second intermediate portion and configured to cover at least a rear part of the second intermediate portion.

[0013] In an aspect, the swingarm has a plurality of supporting members extending between the first front portion and the second front portion along the vehicle width direction. The plurality of supporting members adapted to support a plurality of complementary supporting members of the motor.

[0014] In an aspect, the swingarm has a front coupling member extending between a first pivot plate and a second pivot plate of the body frame. The front coupling member is adapted to pass through the first front portion and the second front portion along the vehicle width direction.

[0015] In an aspect, the motor is configured as a power-generating motor. Thepower-generating motor is positioned eccentrically with respect to a longitudinal axis of the swingarm.

[0016] In an aspect, the support member is made from the hollow tubular structure.

[0017] In an aspect, at least one of the first front portion and the second front portion is provided with one opening to access the motor from at least one of a first side and a second side of the swingarm.

[0018] In an aspect, each of the first front portion and the second front portion include at least one bulge portion extends outwardly along the vehicle width direction. The at least one bulge portion is configured to accommodate a transmission unit of the vehicle.

[0019] In an aspect, the vehicle is an electric vehicle.

[0020] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0021] The invention itself, together with further features and advantages, will become apparent from consideration of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. One or more embodiments of the present disclosure are now described, by way of example only wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

[0022] Figure 1A illustrates a side view of a vehicle, in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention;

[0023] Figure IB illustrates a perspective view of an assembly of a body frame, a swingarm, a motor, a rear suspension member, and at least one rear ground engaging member of the vehicle of Figure 1 A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 1C illustrates an exploded view of the assembly of the body frame, the motor, the rear suspension member, the swingarm, and the at least one rear ground engaging member of Figure IB, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0025] Figure 2A illustrates a perspective view of the swingarm, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0026] Figure 2B illustrates a perspective view of a first front portion and a second front portion of the swingarm of Figure 2A, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0027] Figure 2C illustrates an exploded perspective view of a first rear portion and a second rear portion of the swingarm of Figure 2A, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0028] Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of the swingarm supporting the motor of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and

[0029] Figure 4 illustrates an exploded view of the swingarm, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0036] Figure 1A illustrates a side view of a vehicle (100), in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention. The vehicle (100) referred to herein, embodies a two-wheeled electric vehicle. Alternatively, the vehicle (100) may embody any other ridden vehicles such as saddle-type electric vehicles, fairy-type electric vehicles, etc., without limiting the scope of the invention.

[0037] The vehicle (100) (also referred to as “electric vehicle (100)”) includes a body frame (102), a steering assembly (104), and at least one front ground engaging member (106). The body frame (102) supports the steering assembly (104) and the at least one front ground engaging member (106) in a front portion (108) of the vehicle (100). The steering assembly (104) is pivotally mounted on the body frame (102). The at least one front ground engaging member (106) is operatively coupled to the steering assembly (104). The steering assembly (104) includes a handlebar (110). The handlebar (110) is configured to be rotated by a rider to steer the vehicle (100). The front portion (108) of the vehicle (100) may also include a headlight assembly, front fenders, a dash assembly, mirrors, indicator lights, etc., without limiting the scope of the invention.

[0038] Furthermore, the vehicle (100) includes a power unit (112) and at least one rear ground engaging member (114). The power unit (112) is used to drive the vehicle (100).The power unit (112) includes a motor (116), a transmission unit (118), and a battery unit (119). In an illustrated example, the battery unit (119) provides the necessary power required to operate the motor (116). The motor (116) provides the necessary power to drive the at least one rear ground engaging member (114). The transmission unit (118) transfers the rotational energy of the motor (116) to the at least one rear ground engaging member (114). Alternatively, the motor (116) may provide the necessary power to drive the at least one front ground engaging member (106), or both the at least one front ground engaging member (106) and the at least one rear ground engaging member (114) simultaneously, without limiting the scope of the invention.

[0039] The body frame (102) supports the battery unit (119) in a middle portion (120) of the vehicle (100). The body frame (102) supports a seat member (122) which extends from the middle portion (120) to a rear portion (124) of the vehicle (100). The seat member (122) provides seating for the rider and one or more pillion passengers. The at least one rear ground engaging member (114) is supported by the body frame (102) at the rear portion (124) of the vehicle (100).

[0040] The body frame (102) includes a head tube (130), a first pivot plate (132), and a second pivot plate (134). The head tube (130) allows a steering member (not visible in Figure 1A) of the steering assembly (104) to pass therethrough. The vehicle (100) further includes a swingarm (136) that swingably couples the at least one rear ground engaging member (114) with the body frame (102). More specifically, the swingarm (136) swingably couples the at least one rear ground engaging member (114) to the first pivot plate (132) and the second pivot plate (134) of the body frame (102).

[0041] The vehicle (100) also has a rear suspension member (138) mounted on the swingarm (136). The rear suspension member (138) provides a comfortable ride to the rider, by absorbing shock and vibration of the at least one rear ground engaging member (114) generated while riding the vehicle (100). In electric vehicles, efficient mounting of vehicular components is challenging. For example, different electric vehicles may use different motors to generate rotational energy. Depending on the size of the motor (116), the design of the mounting structure needs to be varied. To overcome this problem, the swingarm (136) of the present invention is designed to act as a mounting structure to support motors of different types and sizes.

[0042] It may be noted that the vehicle (100) is shown to have included the abovestated parts, however, those skilled in the art would appreciate that the vehicle (100) includes other parts that may not be relevant for explaining the present invention and hence are not shown and described.

[0043] Figure IB illustrates a perspective view of an assembly of the body frame (102), the motor (116), the rear suspension member (138), the swingarm (136), and the at least one rear ground engaging member (114) of the vehicle (100) of Figure 1A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Additionally, Figure 1C illustrates an exploded view of the assembly of the body frame (102), the motor (116), the rear suspension member (138), the swingarm (136), and the at least one rear ground engaging member (114) of Figure IB, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The body frame (102) includes, inter alia, a first upper tube (152A), a second upper tube (152B), a first lower tube (154A), and a second lower tube (154B). The first upper tube (152A) extends in a rearward and downward direction from the head tube (130) to the first pivot plate (132). Specifically, a front end section (156A) of the first upper tube (152A) is connected to an upper portion (158 A) of the head tube (130), and a rear end section (156B) of the first upper tube (152A) is connected to a first upper region (160A) of the first pivot plate (132).

[0044] As shown in Figure IB, the first lower tube (154A) extends in the rearward and downward direction from the head tube (130) to the first pivot plate (132). Specifically, a proximal end (162A) of the first lower tube (154A) is connected to a lower portion (158B) of the head tube (130), and a distal end (162B) of the first lower tube (154A) is connected to a first lower region (160B) of the first pivot plate (132).

[0045] Likewise, the second upper tube (152B) extends in the rearward and downward direction from the head tube (130) to the second pivot plate (134). Specifically, a front end (164 A) of the second upper tube (152B) is connected to the lower portion (158B) of the head tube (130), and a rear end (164B) of the second upper tube (152B) is connected to a second upper region (166A) of the second pivot plate (134). The second lower tube (154B) extends in the rearward and downward direction from the head tube (130) to the second pivot plate (134). Specifically, a front end (not shown in Figure IB) of the second lower tube (154B) is connected to the lower portion (158B) of the head tube (130), and a rear end (168B) of the second lower tube (154B) is connected to a second lower region (166B) of the second pivot plate (134).

[0046] The body frame (102) also has a first extended tube (170A), a second extended tube (170B), a cross member (172), a first down member (174A), a second down member (174B), a first seat rail member (176A), and a second seat rail member (176B). The first extended tube (170A) extends between the first upper tube (152A) and the cross member (172). Likewise, the second extended tube (170B) extends between the second upper tube (152B) and the cross member (172).

[0047] The first down member (174A) connects the cross member (172) with the first pivot plate (132), likewise, the second down member (174B) connects the cross member (172) with the second pivot plate (134). A first mounting bracket (178A) disposed on the cross member (172) is adapted to mount an upper mounting member (187A) (see, Figure 1C) of the rear suspension member (138). Further, the swingarm (136) has a support member (180) mounted on the first pivot plate (132) and the second pivot plate (134). A lower mounting member (187B) of the rear suspension member (138) is mounted on the support member (180) of the swingarm (136).

[0048] Referring now to Figure 1C, the swingarm (136) swingably couples the at least one rear ground engaging member (114) to the first pivot plate (132) and the second pivot plate (134). The swingarm (136) has a first arm (182) and a second arm (184). The first arm (182) has a first front portion (186A), a first intermediate portion (190A), and a first rear portion (188A). The second arm (184) has a second front portion (186B), a second intermediate portion (190B), and a second rear portion (188B). The first front portion (186A) and the second front portion (186B) are adapted to be pivotably coupled to the body frame (102), and the first rear portion (188 A) and the second rear portion (188B) are adapted to rotatably support the at least one rear ground engaging member (114). The first intermediate portion (190A) connects the first front portion (186A) with the first rear portion (188A), and the second intermediate portion (190B) connects the second front portion (186B) with the second rear portion (188B).

[0049] A plurality of supporting members (192 A, 192B, 192C) extends between the first front portion (186A) and the second front portion (186B), along a vehicle width direction (W). The plurality of supporting members (192A, 192B, 192C) includes a first supporting member (192A), a second supporting member (192B), and a third supporting member (192C). The plurality of supporting members (192A, 192B, 192C) is adapted to support a plurality of complementary supporting members (193A, 193B, 193C) of the motor (116). As shown in Figure 1C, the first front portion (186A) has a plurality of receiving members (194A, 194B,194C, 194D, 194E, 194F), for example, a first receiving member (194A), a second receiving member (194B), and a third receiving member (194C). Similarly, the second front portion (186B) has a fourth receiving member (194D), a fifth receiving member (194E), and a sixth receiving member (194F).

[0050] In the representative example, one end of the first supporting member (192A) is inserted from one of the first receiving member (194 A) and the fourth receiving member (194D) such that the first supporting member (192A) is secured between the first receiving member (194A) and the fourth receiving member (194D). Similarly, one end of the second supporting member (192B) is inserted from one of the second receiving member (194B) and the fifth receiving member (194E), such that the second supporting member (192B) is secured between the second receiving member (194B) and the fifth receiving member (194E). Similarly, one end of the third supporting member (192C) is inserted from one of the third receiving member (194C) and the sixth receiving member (194F), such that the third supporting member (192C) is secured between the third receiving member (194C) and the sixth receiving member (194F).

[0051] A front coupling member (196) extends between the first pivot plate (132) and the second pivot plate (134) of the body frame (102), and is adapted to pass through the first front portion (186A) of the first arm (182) and the second front portion (186B) of the second arm (184) along the vehicle width direction (W). The front coupling member (196) has a front receiving member (196 A) configured to receive a securing member (196B) passing from at least one of a left receiving member (132A) of the first pivot plate (132) along the vehicle width direction (W). The securing member (196B) also passes through a right receiving member (134A) of the second pivot plate (134) through the front receiving member (196A) along the vehicle width direction (W).

[0052] Referring to Figures IB and 1C, the transmission unit (118) transfers the rotational energy of a shaft (198) of the motor (116) to the at least one rear ground engaging member (114). The first rear portion (188 A) and the second rear portion (188B) are connected respectively to a left side (198A) and a right side (198B) of the at least one rear ground engaging member (114) via a first rear bracket (198C) and a second rear bracket (198D), respectively, using a rear securing member (198E).

[0053] Figure 2A illustrates a perspective view of the swingarm (136), inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention. Figure 2B illustrates a perspective view of the first front portion (186A) and the second front portion (186B) of the swingarm (136) of Figure 2A, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Figure 2C illustrates an exploded view of the first rear portion (188 A) and the second rear portion (188B) of the swingarm (136) of Figure 2A, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The first front portion ( 186A) is mounted to the first pivot plate (132) and the second front portion ( 186B ) is mounted to the second pivot plate (134). The first front portion (186A) and the second front portion (186B) are adapted to support the motor (116) of the power unit (112) along the vehicle width direction (W).

[0054] The first rear portion (188A) is swingably coupled to the left side (198A) of the at least one rear ground engaging member (114) and the second rear portion (188B) is swingably coupled to the right side (198B) of the at least one rear ground engaging member (114). The support member (180) extends along the vehicle width direction (W) and is adapted to connect the first arm (182) with the second arm (184). Specifically, the support member (180) is adapted to connect the first front portion (186A) of the first arm (182) with the second front portion (186B) of the second arm (184). The support member (180) includes a first end portion (202A), a second end portion (202B), and a second mounting bracket (178B) positioned between the first end portion (202 A) and the second end portion (202B). The first end portion (202A) is adapted to join the first intermediate portion (190A) with the first front portion (186A), and the second end portion (202B) is adapted to join the second intermediate portion (190B) with the second front portion (186B). In the illustrated example, the first end portion (202A) fixedly joins the first intermediate portion (190A) with the first front portion (186A) through a welded joint and the second end portion (202B) joins the second intermediate portion (190B) with the second front portion (186B) through the welded joint. The various welding options used in the present invention include but are not limited to continuous welding through Metal Inert Gas (MIG) and Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) welding.

[0055] The lower mounting member (187B) of the rear suspension member (138) is mounted on the second mounting bracket (178B) of the support member (180). During the running condition of the vehicle (100), a load transfer from the at least one rear ground engaging member (114) to the rear suspension member (138) takes place. Such a load is transferred from the rear suspension member (138) to the support member (180) via the second mounting bracket (178B). As shown in Figure 2B, the first front portion (186A) and the second front portion(186B) include at least one bulge portion (199A, 199B) extending outwardly along the vehicle width direction (W), the at least one bulge portion (199A, 199B) configured to accommodate the transmission unit (118).

[0056] As shown in Figure IB, the first front portion (186A) and the second front portion (186B), at the front region, have a flat structure to allow mounting with the first pivot plate (132) and the second pivot plate (134). The first front portion (186A) and the second front portion (186B), at the rear region, have the at least one bulge portion (199A, 199B) to provide space for accommodating the transmission unit (118).

[0057] Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of the swingarm (136) supporting the motor (116) of the vehicle (100), in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The motor (116) is supported between the first front portion (186A) and the second front portion (186B). At least one of the first front portion (186A) and the second front portion (186B) is provided with an opening (302). The opening (302) is provided to access the motor (116). In the depicted configuration, the opening (302) is provided on each of first side (z.e., left side (L)) and a second side (z.e., right side (R)), and therefore, the motor (116) can be accessed from both the first side and the second side of the swingarm (136). As shown in Figure 3, the opening (302) is formed along the vehicle width direction (W). Further, upon supporting the motor (116) in the swingarm (136), at least two adjacent supporting members from the plurality of supporting members (192A, 192B, 192C) form the at least one opening (302).

[0058] Figure 4 illustrates an exploded view of the swingarm (136), in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The first front portion (186A) has a first front outer element (402A) and a first front inner element (402B), similarly, the second front portion (186B) has a second front outer element (404A), and a second front inner element (404B). The first front outer element (402 A) is welded with the first front inner element (402B) to form a hollow box-shaped structure. The second front outer element (404A) is welded with the second front inner element (404B) to form a hollow box- shaped structure. The first front outer element (402A) faces towards the first pivot plate (132) and the first front inner element (402B) faces towards the motor (116). The second front outer element (404 A) faces towards the second pivot plate (134) and the second front inner element (404B) faces towards the motor (116) of the power unit (112).

[0059] The first receiving member (194A), the second receiving member (194B),and the third receiving member (194C) are formed through the first front outer element (402 A) and the first front inner element (402B) of the first front portion (186A). The first supporting member (192A), the second supporting member (192B), and the third supporting member (192C) are positioned at a predetermined angle that is complementary to the respective first complementary supporting member (193A), a second complementary supporting member (193B), and a third complementary supporting member (193C) of the motor (116). In the illustrated configuration, the first supporting member (192A), the second supporting member (192B), and the third supporting member (192C) are positioned circumferentially at 120 degrees apart. As shown in Figure 4, the plurality of supporting members (192A, 192B, 192C) is three, the angle between the first supporting member (192A), the second supporting member (192B), and the third supporting member (192C) is 120 degrees. Thus, the angle between the supporting members of the plurality of supporting members (192A, 192B, 192C) depends on the number of supporting members used for supporting the motor (116).

[0060] The first complementary supporting member (193 A), the second complementary supporting member (193B), and the third complementary supporting member (193C) are positioned at the circumference of the motor (116) at 120 degrees. In one embodiment of the invention, the first supporting member (192A), the second supporting member (192B), and the third supporting member (192C) are designed to support the motor (116) of any size and type. In another embodiment, the first receiving member (194A), the second receiving member (194B), the third receiving member (194C), the fourth receiving member (194D), the fifth receiving member (194E), and the sixth receiving member (194F) are designed in such a way, the first supporting member (192A), the second supporting member (192B), and the third supporting member (192C) pass through the respective first complementary supporting member (193A), the second complementary supporting member (193B), and the third complementary supporting member (193C) of the motor (116) of any size and shape.

[0061] In another embodiment, the first supporting member (192A), the second supporting member (192B), and the third supporting member (192C) are inserted into the respective the first receiving member (194A), the second receiving member (194B), the third receiving member (194C) in the first front portion (186A) and secured respectively in the fourth receiving member (194D), the fifth receiving member (194E), and the sixth receiving member (194F) via the respective first complementary supporting member (193A), the secondcomplementary supporting member (193B), and the third complementary supporting member (193C). In such a scenario, the first supporting member (192A), the second supporting member (192B), and the third supporting member (192C) can be rotated in one direction and tightly secured in the first front portion (186A) and the second front portion (186B). Based on the size of the motor (116), the present invention can support the motor (116) of any size and type. As the present invention is mounted on the first pivot plate (132) and the second pivot plate (134), by varying the distance between the first pivot plate (132) and the second pivot plate (134), the distance between the first front portion (186A) and the second front portion (186B) can be varied to accordingly, to accommodate the motor (116) of various sizes. Thus, the structure of the first front portion (186A) and the second front portion (186B) can be manufactured at a large scale as a standard structure that can be used in all types of vehicles, to accommodate motors (116) of all types.

[0062] In one embodiment, the first front outer element (402A) and the first front inner element (402B) are connected to a first end (410A) of the first intermediate portion (190A) and configured to cover at least a front part (412 A) of the first intermediate portion (190A). Similarly, the second front outer element (404A) and the second front inner element (404B) are connected to a first end (414 A) of the second intermediate portion (190B) and configured to cover at least a front part (416 A) of the second intermediate portion (190B).

[0063] As shown in Figure 4, the first intermediate portion (190A) and the second intermediate portion (190B) can be a double tube-like structure (e.g., tubes 418A, 418B, 418C, 418D) diverting at the first front portion (186A) and the second front portion (186B) of the swingarm (136) and converging at the first rear portion (188A) and the second rear portion (188B) of the swingarm (136). In one embodiment of the invention, the first intermediate portion (190A) and the second intermediate portion (190B) can be a single tube-like structure connecting the first front portion (186A) and the second front portion (186B) of the swingarm (136).

[0064] The first rear portion (188 A) includes a first rear outer element (406 A) and a first rear inner element (406B). The first rear outer element (406A) and the first rear inner element (406B) are joined with each other to form the hollow box-shaped structure. Likewise, the second rear portion (188B) includes a second rear outer element (408A) and a second rear inner element (408B). The second rear outer element (408 A) and the second rear inner element (408B) joined with each other to form the hollow box-shaped structure. The first rear outerelement (406 A) and the first rear inner element (406B) are connected to a second end (41 OB) of the first intermediate portion (190 A) and configured to cover at least a rear part (412B) of the first intermediate portion (190A). The second rear outer element (408 A) and the second rear inner element (408B) are connected to a second end (414B) of the second intermediate portion (190B) and configured to cover at least a rear part (416B) of the second intermediate portion (190B).

[0065] In some embodiments, the first rear portion (188 A) includes at least one guide member (see, 204 Figure 2A)) adapted to support a part (not shown in Figure 4) of the transmission unit (118) connecting the power unit (112) and the at least one rear ground engaging member (114). The first front portion (186A), the second front portion (186B), the first rear portion (188 A), and the second rear portion (188B) are made of sheet metal. The motor (116) (i.e., the power-generating motor) is positioned eccentrically with respect to a longitudinal axis (L-L’) of the swingarm (136). In some embodiments, the guide member (204) can be positioned in at least the first rear portion (188A) and the second rear portion (188B). In some embodiments, the first front portion (186A) and the second front portion (186B) are the same for all types of vehicles, while the first rear portion (188A) and the second rear portion (188B) can be manufactured depending on the type of the vehicle (100).

[0066] In a specific embodiment, the front coupling member (196) is made up of a hollow tubular structure and is welded with the first end portion (202A) and the second end portion (202B). The securing member (196B) (see, Figure IB) passes through the first pivot plate (132) and the second pivot plate (134), along the vehicle width direction (W).

[0067] In some embodiments, the support member (180) is made up of the hollow tubular structure. A third securing member (not shown in Figure 4) secures the first front outer element (402 A) and the first front inner element (402B) with one end (424 A) of the support member (180) via a first coupling member (not shown in Figure 4). A fourth securing member (not shown in Figure 4) secures the second front outer element (404A) and the first front inner element (402B) with another end (424B) of the support member (180) via a second coupling member (not shown in Figure 4).

[0068] A fifth securing member (420A) and a sixth securing member (420B) are used to secure the ends of the first supporting member (192A) after inserting the first supporting member (192A) via, the first receiving member (194A), the complementary supporting member(193 A), and the third receiving member (194C). Likewise, a seventh securing member (420C) and an eighth securing member (420D) are used to secure the ends of the second supporting member (192B) after inserting the second supporting member (192B) via, the second receiving member (194B), the complementary supporting member (193B), and the fourth receiving member (194D). Likewise, a ninth securing member (420E) and a tenth securing member (420F) are used to secure the ends of the third supporting member (192C), after inserting the third supporting member (192C) via, the third receiving member (194C), the complementary supporting member (193C), and the sixth receiving member (194F).

[0069] Various embodiments of the present invention offer multiple advantages and technical effects. The first front portion (186A) and the second front portion (186B) are adapted to be pivotably coupled to a body frame (102), while the first rear portion (188 A) and the second rear portion (188B) are adapted to rotatably support at least one rear ground engaging member (114). The swingarm (136) is made of a modular structure including the first arm (182) and the second arm (184). The first front portion (186A) and the first rear portion (188A) of the first arm (182) are made of sheet metals. Similarly, the second front portion (186B) and the second rear portion (188B) of the second arm (184) are made of sheet metal. The sheet metal reduces the size of the swingarm (136) and thus reduces the overall size of the vehicle (100). It should be noted that the first front outer element (402 A) and the first front inner element (402B) of the first front portion (186A) are welded together using a welding method, for example, continuous welding at the circumference of the first front outer element (402A) and the first front inner element (402B). Likewise, the second front outer element (404 A) and the second front inner element (404B) are joined by continuous welding at the circumference of the second front outer element (404 A) and the second front inner element (404B). The box-like structure of the first front portion (186A) and the second front portion (186B) can accommodate motor (116) of any size and shape.

[0070] While few embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the above embodiments and modifications may be appropriately made thereto within the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0071] While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the particular features of this invention, it will be appreciated that various modifications can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the invention. These and other modifications in the nature of the invention or the preferredembodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the invention herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the invention and not as a limitation.

Claims

CLAIMS

1. A swingarm (136) of a vehicle (100), comprising: a first arm (182) defining a first front portion (186A), a first rear portion (188A), and a first intermediate portion (190A) connecting the first front portion (186A) with the first rear portion (188 A); a second arm (184) defining a second front portion (186B), a second rear portion (188B), and a second intermediate portion (190B) connecting the second front portion (186B) with the second rear portion (188B); and a support member (180) extended along a vehicle width direction (W) and adapted to connect the first arm (182) with the second arm (184); wherein the vehicle (100) comprises: a body frame (102) adapted to pivotally couple the first front portion (186A) and the second front portion (186B), at least one rear ground engaging member (114) adapted to rotatably support to the first rear portion (188 A) and the second rear portion (188B), and a motor (116) disposed in between the first arm (182) and the second arm (184), the motor (116) is adapted to swing along with the swingarm (136), and wherein the first front portion (186A) and the second front portion (186B) are made from a sheet metal structure, the first intermediate portion (190A) and the second intermediate portion (190B) are made from a hollow tubular structure, and the first rear portion (188 A) and the second rear portion (188B) are made from the sheet metal structure.

2. The swingarm (136) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the support member (180) comprises a first end portion (202A) and a second end portion (202B), the first end portion (202A) adapted to join the first intermediate portion (190A) with the first front portion (186A) through a welded joint, and the second end portion (202B) adapted to join the second intermediate portion (190B) with the second front portion (186B) through the welded joint.

3. The swingarm (136) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the support member (180) is configured to mount a rear suspension member (138) of the vehicle (100).

4. The swingarm (136) as claimed in claim 1, wherein:the first front portion (186A) comprises a first front outer element (402 A) and a first front inner element (402B), the first front outer element (402A) and the first front inner element (402B) joined with each other to form a hollow box-shaped structure, and the second front portion (186B) comprises a second front outer element (404 A) and a second front inner element (404B), the second front outer element (404A) and the second front inner element (404B) joined with each other to form the hollow box-shaped structure.

5. The swingarm (136) as claimed in claim 4, wherein: the first front outer element (402 A) and the first front inner element (402B) are connected to a first end (410A) of the first intermediate portion (190A) and configured to cover at least a front part (412 A) of the first intermediate portion (190A), and the second front outer element (404 A) and the second front inner element (404B) are connected to a first end (414 A) of the second intermediate portion (190B) and configured to cover at least a front part (416 A) of the second intermediate portion (190B).

6. The swingarm (136) as claimed in claim 1, wherein: the first rear portion (188A) comprises a first rear outer element (406A) and a first rear inner element (406B), the first rear outer element (406 A) and the first rear inner element (406B) joined with each other to form a hollow box-shaped structure, and the second rear portion (188B) comprises a second rear outer element (408A) and a second rear inner element (408B), the second rear outer element (408 A) and the second rear inner element (408B) joined with each other to form the hollow box-shaped structure.

7. The swingarm (136) as claimed in claim 6, wherein: the first rear outer element (406 A) and the first rear inner element (406B) are connected to a second end (410B) of the first intermediate portion (190A) and configured to cover at least a rear part (412B) of the first intermediate portion (190A), the second rear outer element (408 A) and the second rear inner element (408B) are connected to a second end (414B) of the second intermediate portion (190B) and configured to cover at least a rear part (416B) of the second intermediate portion (190B).

8. The swingarm (136) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a plurality of supporting members (192A, 192B, 192C) extending between the first front portion (186A) and the second front portion (186B) along the vehicle width direction (W), the plurality of supporting members(192 A, 192B, 192C) adapted to support a plurality of complementary supporting members (193A, 193B, 193C) of the motor (116).

9. The swingarm (136) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a front coupling member (196) extending between a first pivot plate (132) and a second pivot plate (134) of the body frame (102), and adapted to pass through the first front portion (186A) and the second front portion (186B) along the vehicle width direction (W).

10. The swingarm (136) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the motor (116) comprises a power-generating motor, the power-generating motor positioned eccentrically with respect to a longitudinal axis (L-L’) of the swingarm (136).

11. The swingarm (136) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the support member (180) is made from the hollow tubular structure.

12. The swingarm (136) as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one of the first front portion (186A) and the second front portion (186B) is provided with an opening (302) to access the motor (116) from at least one of a first side and a second side of the swingarm (136).

13. The swingarm (136) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the first front portion (186A) and the second front portion (186B) comprises at least one bulge portion (199A, 199B) extends outwardly along the vehicle width direction (W), the at least one bulge portion (199A, 199B) is configured to accommodate a transmission unit (118) of the vehicle (100).

14. The swingarm (136) as claimed in claim 1 to 13, wherein the vehicle (100) is an electric vehicle.

Images