A hub assembly for a swing arm of a saddle type vehicle

Abstract

The present invention relates to a hub assembly (100) for a swing arm (60) of a saddle type vehicle (10). The hub assembly (100) includes a hub (102) and an axle (104). The hub (102) is rotatably mounted within a rear mounting end (64) of the swing arm (60). The hub (102) has a through hole (C) extending in an axial direction of the hub (102). The through hole (C) is disposed at an offset from an axial centre of the hub (102). The axle (104) extends in a vehicle width direction. The axle (104) is rotatably attached within the hub (102) and passing through the through hole (C) of the hub (102). The axle (104) being configured to be displaced from a first position to a second position for adjusting a tension of a third transmission member (48).

Description

[0001] TITLE OF INVENTION

[0002] A Hub Assembly for a Swing Arm of a Saddle Type Vehicle

[0003] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0004]

[0001] The present invention relates to a saddle type vehicle, and more particularly to a hub assembly for a swing arm of a saddle type vehicle.

[0005] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0006]

[0002] Saddle-type vehicles play a crucial role in modem transportation, offering efficient, flexible, and cost-effective mobility solutions. They are widely used for personal commuting, particularly in urban areas where traffic congestion and limited parking space make them a practical choice. Motorcycles and scooters provide fuel efficiency and lower emissions compared to cars, contributing to sustainable transportation efforts. Additionally, they are essential in various industries, including logistics, law enforcement, and emergency response. In recreational and sports sectors, saddle-type vehicles such as dirt bikes and ATVs offer adventure and competitive opportunities. Their adaptability, affordability, and convenience make them significant in both developed and developing regions worldwide.

[0007]

[0003] In both the electric saddle type vehicles and internal combustion enginebased saddle type vehicles a power transmission system is used to transmit the power from a prime mover to a drive wheel. A belt / chain is provided in the transmission system to transmit power from the prime mover to the drive wheel. To ensure efficient power transmission, it is important to ensure that a tension of the belt / chain is kept at an optimum value. If the tension of the belt / chain is less than the optimum value, there can be loss of power in the transmission and if the tension of the belt / chain is higher than the optimum value the belt / chain can get damaged. Therefore, the tension of the belt / chain should be kept optimum at all times.

[0008]

[0004] The belt / chain are susceptible to loss of tension and sagging after prolonged operation. In such cases, mechanisms must be provided in the saddle type vehicle which enable the adjustment of belt / chain tension of the saddle type vehicle. Suchmechanisms provided for adjusting belt / chain tension should be easy to operate and requiring minimal modifications in the vehicle.

[0009]

[0005] Further, the operation of the belt / chain tension adjustment mechanism must not require removal of additional parts or components of the vehicle to enable the belt / chain tension adjustment. Furthermore, the belt / chain tension adjustment mechanism should be easily adaptable to existing vehicles.

[0010]

[0006] Thus, there is a need in the art for a hub assembly for a swing arm of a saddle type vehicle which addresses the aforementioned problems.

[0011] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012]

[0007] In an aspect, the present invention is directed towards a hub assembly for a swing arm of a saddle type vehicle. The hub assembly includes a hub and an axle. The hub is rotatably mounted within a rear mounting end of the swing arm. The hub has a through hole extending in an axial direction of the hub. The through hole is disposed at an offset from an axial centre of the hub. The axle extends in a vehicle width direction. The axle is rotatably attached within the hub and passes through the trough hole of the hub. The axle has a first end and a second end. The first end of the axle is attached to a first transmission member of the saddle type vehicle. The first transmission member is coupled to a second transmission member through a third transmission member. The second end of the axle is attached to a rear wheel of the saddle type vehicle and is configured to be displaced from a first position to a second position for adjusting a tension of the third transmission member.

[0013]

[0008] In an embodiment of the invention, the axle is displaced from the first position to the second position by rotating the hub within the rear mounting end of the swing arm.

[0014]

[0009] In a further embodiment of the invention, the hub has one or more cutout portions. The one or more cutout portions include one or more engagement portions. The one or more engagement portions are configured to engage with one or more tensioning members to rotate the hub within the rear mounting end of the swing arm.

[0010] In a further embodiment of the invention, the one or more tensioning members include at least one screw adapted to pass through a hole provided on the rear mounting end of the swing arm.

[0015] [Oil] In a further embodiment of the invention, the one or more engagement portions are formed by one or more side walls of the one or more cutout portions.

[0016]

[0012] In a further embodiment of the invention, the rear mounting end of the swing arm includes an annular ring and one or more fasteners. The annular ring is adapted to engage with an outer circumferential surface of the hub. The annular ring has a radial slit. The one or more fasteners extend across the radial slit. The one or more fasteners are configured to engage a first side wall and a second side wall of the radial slit. The rear mounting end is configured to tighten and loosen corresponding to the tightening and loosening of the one or more fasteners.

[0017]

[0013] In a further embodiment of the invention, a rotary bearing provided within the through hole. The axle is rotatably attached within the rotary bearing.

[0018]

[0014] In a further embodiment of the invention, the first transmission member and the second transmission member are at least one of a sprocket and a pully and the third transmission member is at least one of a belt and a chain.

[0019]

[0015] In a further embodiment of the invention, the second transmission member is engaged with a prime mover of the saddle type vehicle.

[0020] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021]

[0016] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.

[0022] Figure 1 illustrates a left perspective view of an exemplary saddle type vehicle with a seat in an open position, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0023] Figure 2 illustrates a magnified perspective view of a rear portion of the saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.Figure 3 illustrates a side view of a swing arm of the saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0024] Figure 4 illustrates a cross sectional view of a rear mounting end of the swing arm, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0025] Figure 5 illustrates a perspective view of a hub assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0026] Figures 6a-6c illustrate alternative positions of the hub assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0027] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028]

[0017] The present invention relates to a saddle type vehicle . More particularly, the present invention relates to a hub assembly for a swing arm of the saddle type vehicle. The arrangement comprises a single side swing arm. A rear end of the single side swing arm has a swing arm hub, which has a circular profile in a vehicle side view. A circular disc is disposed in an eccentric manner with its centre offset from the axis of the swing arm hub. The hub assembly provides for easy and convenient adjustment of a tension of a belt / chain provided in a transmission system of the saddle type vehicle.

[0029]

[0018] Throughout the specification and drawings, terms “left”, “right”, “front”, “rear”, “top” and “down’ refer to the directions of the saddle type vehicle as seen from the perspective of a user or a rider when seated on the vehicle, unless stated otherwise.

[0030]

[0019] Figure 1 illustrates a left perspective view of an exemplary saddle type vehicle 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The vehicle 10 comprises a frame structure. The frame structure of the saddle type vehicle 10 comprises a head pipe (not shown), and a pair of main frames 24. The pair of main frames 24 extends rearwardly and downwardly from the head pipe. The pair of main frames 24 also extends laterally outward from the head pipe as the pair of main frames 24 extends rearwardly and downwardly from the head pipe.

[0031]

[0020] Further, the frame structure of the saddle type vehicle 10 includes a pair of rear frames 80 that extends rearwardly from the pair of main frames 24. In anembodiment, the pair of rear frames 80 extends horizontally rearwards from the pair of main frames 24 towards a rear portion of the vehicle 10. A seat 29 is disposed above the pair of rear frames 80 and is supported by the pair of rear frames 80. In an embodiment, the seat 29 is hingedly openable by means of a hinge mechanism provided at a front end of the seat 29.

[0032]

[0021] Further, the frame structure is covered by a plurality of body panels including at least a left side body cover (not shown) and a right-side body cover (not shown) disposed on the frame structure and covering the frame structure and parts mounted thereof.

[0033]

[0022] In addition, a front fender 28 is covering at least a portion of the front wheel 14, and a rear fender 26 covers at least a portion of a rear wheel 16 and is positioned upwardly of the rear wheel 16. One or more rear suspension(s) 46 are provided in the rear portion of the vehicle 10 for connecting the rear wheel 16 to the frame structure for damping the forces from the rear wheel 16 from reaching the frame structure. Furthermore, the vehicle 10 comprises a plurality of electrical and electronic components including a headlamp 34 and a taillight 38.

[0034]

[0023] The vehicle 10 includes a power unit that comprises a drive source, namely a prime mover 40. The prime mover 40 can be a traction motor or an internal combustion engine. The prime mover 40 is supported on the frame structure and is operably coupled to the rear wheel 16 by means of a transmission system such as a belt transmission or a chain transmission. The transmission system includes a first transmission member 50, a second transmission member 70, and a third transmission member 48. The third transmission member 48 is at least one of a chain or a belt.

[0035]

[0024] As illustrated in Figure 2, the third transmission member 48 couples the first transmission member 50 and the second transmission member 70. The second transmission member 70 is engaged with the prime mover 40 and acts a drive member for the transmission system of the saddle type vehicle 10. In an embodiment, the first transmission member 50 and the second transmission member 70 are at least one of a sprocket and a pully. In an embodiment, the third transmission member 48 is formed into an endless loop. The third transmissionmember 48 is disposed over the first transmission member 50 and the second transmission member 70, thereby coupling the first transmission member 50 and the second transmission member 70. As the prime mover 40 is operated, the second transmission member 70 engages with the prime mover 40 rotates, which in turn rotates the third transmission member 48, the first transmission member 50, and the rear wheel 16. The rear wheel 16 is attached to the frame structure of the vehicle 10 through a swing arm 60 and the transmission system is supported on the swing arm 60.

[0036]

[0025] Figure 3 illustrates a side view of the swing arm 60, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The swing arm 60 extends between a front mounting end 62 and a rear mounting end 64. The front mounting end 62 is an annular member, which is pivotably attached to the frame structure of the vehicle 10. The swing arm 60 includes a main body 68 that extends between the front mounting end 62 and the rear mounting end 64. Further, the swing arm 60 includes a rear suspension mounting flange 63 extending outwards from the main body 68. The rear suspension mounting flange 63 of the swing arm 60 includes an annular suspension mounting end 66 to which a rear end of the rear suspension 46 is mounted.

[0037]

[0026] As further illustrated in Figure 1, Figure 2, and Figure 3, in conjunction with Figure 4 and Figure 5, the swing arm 60 of the saddle type vehicle 10 has a hub assembly 100 provided within the rear mounting end 64. The hub assembly 100 includes a hub 102 and an axle 104. The hub 102 is rotatably mounted within the rear mounting end 64 of the swing arm 60. In an embodiment, the hub 102 has a cylindrical construction. An outer circumferential surface of the hub 102 is rotatably engaged with an inner surface of the rear mounting end 64 of the swing arm 60. The hub 102 can be press fit to the rear mounting end 64 of the swing arm 60. Therefore, the hub assembly 100 can be provided even in existing swing arms without modifications.

[0038]

[0027] In an embodiment, the rear mounting end 64 of the swing arm 60 includes an annular ring 64a and one or more fasteners (F). The annular ring 64a is adapted to engage with the outer circumferential surface of the hub 102. The annular ring64a has a radial slit (R). The one or more fasteners (F) extend across the radial slit (R). The one or more fasteners (F) are configured to engage a first side wall and a second side wall of the radial slit (R). The rear mounting 64 is configured to tighten and loosen corresponding to the tightening and loosening of the one or more fasteners (F) thereby rotatably clamping the hub 102 within the rear mounting end 64. The clamping of the hub 102 within the rear mounting end 64 ensures that the rear mounting end 64 can be loosened when the hub 102 needs to be rotated. Further, the rear mounting end 64 can be tightened when the hub 102 needs to be locked.

[0039]

[0028] The hub 102 has a through hole (C) extending in an axial direction of the hub 102. The through hole (C) is disposed at an offset from the axial centre of the hub 102. The axle 104 extends in a vehicle width direction. The axle 104 is rotatably attached within the hub 102 and passes through the through hole (C) of the hub 102. In an embodiment, the hub assembly 100 has a rotary bearing 108 provided within the trough hole (C). The axle 104 is rotatably attached within the rotary bearing 108.

[0040]

[0029] The axle 104 has a first end 104a and a second end 104b. The first end 104a of the axle 104 is attached to the first transmission member 50 of the saddle type vehicle 10. The second end 104b of the axle 104 is attached to the rear wheel 16 of the saddle type vehicle 10. The axle 104 is configured to be displaced from a first position to a second position for adjusting a tension of the third transmission member 48.

[0041]

[0030] In an embodiment, the axle 104 is displaced from the first position to the second position by rotating the hub 102 within the rear mounting end 64 of the swing arm 60.

[0042]

[0031] In an embodiment, the hub 102 has one or more cutout portions (SI, S2), which include one or more engagement portions (E). The one or more engagement portions (E) are profiled surfaces formed by one or more side walls of the one or more cutout portions (SI, S2). The one or more engagement portions (E) are configured to engage with one or more tensioning members 106 to rotate the hub 102 within the rear mounting end 64 of the swing arm 60.

[0032] In an embodiment, the one or more cutout portions (SI, S2) include a first cutout portion (SI) and a second cutout portion (S2). The one or more tensioning members 106 can be engaged with the one or more engagement portions (E) of the first cutout portion (SI) to rotate the hub 102 in a clockwise or anticlockwise direction and the one or more tensioning members 106 can be engaged with the one or more engagement portions (E) of the second cutout portion (S2) to rotate the hub 102 in the other direction.

[0043]

[0033] In an embodiment, the one or more tensioning members 106 includes at least one screw adapted to pass through a hole (O) provided on the rear mounting end 64 of the swing arm 60. As the tensioning member 106 is tightened, the tensioning member 106 engages with the one or more engagement portions (E) and pushes the hub 102 to rotate the hub 102 within the rear mounting end 64. As the axle 104 is disposed at an offset from the axial centre of the hub 102, an axis of the axle 104 is displaced in a circular pattern within the rear mounting end 64 when the hub 102 is rotated. As the axis of the axle 104 is displaced, the distance between the first transmission member 50 and the second transmission member 70 is varied thereby tightening or loosening the third transmission member 48.

[0044]

[0034] Figures 6a-6c illustrate alternative positions of the hub assembly 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. As discussed above, when the hub 102 is rotated within the rear mounting end 64 of the swing arm 60, the position of the axle 104 is shifted in a vehicle front rear direction due to the offset of the axle 104 from the axial centre of the hub 102. As the axle 104 moves further rearwards due to the rotation of the hub 102, the tension of the third transmission member 48 is increased. Alternatively, as the axle 104 moves further forwards due to the rotation of the hub 102, the tension of the third transmission member 48 is reduced. Figure 6a shows the axle 104 at the first position in which the axle 104 is in the forward most position of the axle 104 in a vehicle front rear direction. Figure 6c shows the axle 104 at the second position in which the axle 104 is in the rear most position of the axle 104 in a vehicle front rear direction. Figure 6b shows the axle 104 at an intermediate position between the first position and the second position.

[0035] Advantageously, the present invention provides for easy and convenient adjustment of the tension of the belt / chain of the transmission system of the saddle type vehicle. The adjustment of the tension of the belt / chain through the present invention is easy and convenient as the tension of the belt / chain can be adjusted through the tightening and loosening of the tensioning member without having to remove of any other part or component of the vehicle.

[0045]

[0036] The present invention can be applied to existing saddle type vehicles without significant modifications or alterations. The present invention ensures the longevity of the belt / chain of the transmission system by ensuring that the tension of the belt / chain is maintained at an optimum value.

[0046]

[0037] While the present invention has been described with respect to certain embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

[0047] List of Reference Numerals

[0048] 10: Saddle type vehicle

[0049] 14: Front Wheel

[0050] 16: Rear Wheel

[0051] 24: Pair of Main frames

[0052] 26: Rear Fender

[0053] 28: Front Fender

[0054] 29: Seat

[0055] 34: Headlamp

[0056] 38: Taillight

[0057] 40: Prime mover

[0058] 46: Rear Suspension

[0059] 48: Third Transmission Member

[0060] 50: First Transmission Member

[0061] 60: Swing Arm

[0062] 62: Front Mounting End63 : Suspension Mounting Flange 64: Rear Mounting End

[0063] 64a: Annular Ring

[0064] 66: Suspension Mounting End 68: Main Body of the Swing Arm 70: Second Transmission Member 80: Pair of Rear Frames

[0065] 100: Hub Assembly

[0066] 102: Hub

[0067] 104: Axle

[0068] 104a: First End

[0069] 104b: Second End

[0070] 106: Tensioning Member

[0071] 108: Rotary Bearing

[0072] C: Through Hole

[0073] E: Engagement Portions

[0074] F: Fasteners

[0075] O: Hole

[0076] R: Radial Slit

[0077] S 1 : First Cutout Portion

[0078] S2: Second Cutout Portion

Claims

WE CLAIM:

1. A hub assembly (100) for a swing arm (60) of a saddle type vehicle (10), the hub assembly (100) comprising:a hub ( 102) rotatably mounted within a rear mounting end (64) of the swing arm (60), the hub (102) having a through hole (C) extending in an axial direction of the hub (102), the through hole (C) being disposed at an offset from an axial centre of the hub (102); andan axle (104) extending in a vehicle width direction, the axle (104) being rotatably attached within the hub (102) and passing through the through hole (C) of the hub (102), the axle (104) having a first end (104a) and a second end (104b), the first end (104a) of the axle (104) being attached to a first transmission member (50) of the saddle type vehicle (10), the first transmission member (50) being coupled to a second transmission member (70) through a third transmission member (48), the second end (104b) of the axle (104) being attached to a rear wheel (16) of the saddle type vehicle (10), the second end (104b) being configured to be displaced from a first position to a second position for adjusting a tension of the third transmission member (48).

2. The hub assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the axle (104) is displaced from the first position to the second position by rotating the hub (102) within the rear mounting end (64) of the swing arm (60).

3. The hub assembly (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the hub (102) having one or more cutout portions (SI, S2), the one or more cutout portions (SI, S2) comprise one or more engagement portions (E), the one or more engagement portions (E) being configured to engage with one or more tensioning members (106) to rotate the hub (102) within the rear mounting end (64) of the swing arm4. The hub assembly (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the one or more tensioning members (106) include at least one screw adapted to pass through a hole (O) provided on the rear mounting end (64) of the swing arm (60).

5. The hub assembly (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the one or more engagement portions (E) are formed by one or more side walls of the one or more cutout portions (SI, S2).

6. The hub assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rear mounting end (64) of the swing arm (60) comprising an annular ring (64a) adapted to engage with an outer circumferential surface of the hub (102), the annular ring (64a) having a radial slit (R).

7. The hub assembly (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the rear mounting end (64) of the swing arm (60) comprising one or more fasteners (F) extending across the radial slit (R), the one or more fasteners (F) being configured to engage a first side wall and a second side wall of the radial slit (R), the rear mounting end (64) being configured to tighten and loosen corresponding to the tightening and loosening of the one or more fasteners (F).

8. The hub assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a rotary bearing (108) provided within the through hole (C), the axle (104) being rotatably attached within the rotary bearing (108).

9. The hub assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first transmission member (50) and the second transmission member (70) are at least one of a sprocket and a pully, and the third transmission member (48) being at least one of a belt and a chain.

0. The hub assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second transmission member (70) is engaged with a prime mover (40) of the saddle type vehicle (10).

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