Description:FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[See section 10, Rule 13]

TORQUE LINK BRACKET OF SWING ARM FOR A VEHICLE

HERO MOTOCORP LIMITED, an Indian Company at: The Grand Plaza, Plot No.2, Nelson Mandela Road, Vasant Kunj- Phase -II, New Delhi, India, 110 070

THEFOLLOWINGSPECIFICATION PARTICULARLY DESCRIBES THE INVENTION AND THE MANNER IN WHICH IT IS TO BE PERFORMED.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION:
[001] The present invention relates to a swing arm for a vehicle. In particular, the invention relates to a torque link bracket of across member of the swing arm having increased strength, reduced stress, and easy to manufacture.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
[002] A swing arm of any vehicle is as critical as any other parts of the vehicle such as engines, transmission, etc. The swing arm interconnects component such as rear ground engaging member and a rear cushioning member to a frame of the vehicle. Additionally, the swing arm pivotally couples a toque arm extending from a rear brake device.

[003] A conventional swing arm comprises a first arm member, a second arm member and a cross member coupled to and extending between the first arm member and the second arm member. The first arm member and the second arm member couples the rear ground engaging member to the frame. The first arm member and the second arm member also couples the rear cushioning member to the frame. The cross member is pivotally coupled to a toque arm extending from the rear brake device.

[004] It has been observed that the conventional swing arm is susceptible to early damage due to premature breakage of the cross member. The premature breakage of the cross member is attributable to a significant (and repeated) load applied by the toque arm, the load being applied every time the rear brake device is applied.

[005] While it is believed that the premature breakage of the cross member can be avoided by increasing a thickness of the cross member or by providing additional strengthening elements to the cross member, it has been observed that these techniques do not effectively address the problem of premature breakage of the cross member. Also, these techniques increase weight as well as cost of the vehicle. Thus, an effective solution to the problem of premature breakage of the cross member has not yet been found. Therefore, there exists a need to provide an improved swing arm that addresses the problem as stated above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
[006] 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.

[007] In one aspect of the invention, there is provided a swing arm of a vehicle, the swing arm of a vehicle, the swinging arm adapted to be pivotably coupled to a frame of the vehicle, the swing arm comprising: a first arm; a second arm; and a cross member coupled to and extending between the first arm member and the second arm member. In an embodiment of the invention, the cross member comprises a torque link bracket extending from the cross member in a length direction of vehicle and adapted to couple a brake device to the swing arm via a torque rod.

[008] In an embodiment of the invention, the brake device is a drum brake.

[009] In another embodiment of the invention, the cross member is a round tube member.

[0010] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the cross member is a non-circular member.

[0011] In still another embodiment of the invention, the torque link bracket is supported via a first set of gusset.

[0012] In still another embodiment of the invention, the torque rod axis passes through the torque rod is intersecting with cross member.

[0013] In a further embodiment of the invention, the torque link bracket extends from the cross member at a predetermined angle.

[0014] In a furthermore embodiment of the invention, the predetermined angle is determined between the torque link bracket and a vertical plane passes through the cross member in a vehicle width direction, the predetermined angle range is in between 35o to 110o.

[0015] In an embodiment of the invention, the torque link bracket is adapted to transfer forces coming from the brake device.

[0016] In another embodiment of the invention, the torque link bracket has a provision to pivotally mount the torque rod.

[0017] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the torque link bracket is integrally formed with the cross member.

[0018] In still another embodiment of the invention, the first set of gussets interconnected between the first arm and the cross member and a second set of gussets interconnected between the second arm and the cross member.

[0019] In a further embodiment of the invention, the first arm comprises a first mounting member and the second arm comprises a second mounting member, the first mounting member and the second mounting member adapted to pivotably couple the swing arm to the frame of the vehicle.

[0020] In a furthermore embodiment of the invention, the first arm comprises a first portion and a second portion extending form the first portion in a length direction of the vehicle; and the second arm comprises a third portion and a fourth portion extending form the third portion in a length direction of the vehicle; the second portion and the fourth portion rotatably supporting a rear ground engaging member of the vehicle,
wherein the second portion comprise a first aperture and the fourth portion comprises a second aperture, the first aperture and the second aperture receiving a shaft rotatably supporting rear ground engaging member of the vehicle.

[0021] In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a vehicle comprising:
a frame;
a ground engaging member;
a brake device adapted to decelerate the ground engaging member upon actuation of a brake pedal; and
a swing arm pivotally coupling the ground engaging member to the frame and rotatably supporting the ground engaging member; the swing arm comprising:
a first arm;
a second arm; and
a cross member coupled to and extending between the first arm and the second arm, wherein the cross member comprising a torque link bracket extending from the cross member in a length direction of vehicle and adapted to couple a brake device to the swing arm via a torque rod.

[0022] In another embodiment of the invention, wherein the brake device is a drum brake.

[0023] In an embodiment of the invention, the torque link bracket is supported via a first set of gusset and a second set of gusset.

[0024] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the torque rod axis passes through the torque rod is intersecting with cross member.

[0025] In still another embodiment of the invention, the torque link bracket extending from the cross member at a predetermined angle.

[0026] In a further embodiment of the invention, the predetermined angle is determined between the torque link bracket and a vertical plane passes through the cross member in a vehicle width direction, the predetermined angle range is in between 35o to 110o.

[0027] One advantage of the invention includes the torque link bracket of across member reducing high stress on the weld area of the cross member. Yet another advantage of the invention includes the swing arm having increased strength. Still another advantage of the invention includes the swing arm having increased dimensional accuracy. A further advantage of the invention includes an increased ease to manufacture the swing arm. A furthermore advantage of the invention includes a simplified cross member of the swing arm and reduce cost and weight. Yet another advantage of the invention includes a substantial reduction the cost of manufacturing the swing arm.

[0028] To further clarify the advantages and features of the invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES:
[0029] In order that the invention may be readily understood and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to exemplary embodiments as illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views. The figures together with a detailed description below, are incorporated in and form part of the specification, and serve to further illustrate the embodiments and explain various principles and advantages, in accordance with the present invention where:

[0030] Figure 1 illustrates a side view of an exemplary vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of swing arm of a vehicle constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0032] Figure 3 illustrates a top view of a swing arm of a vehicle constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0033] Figure 4illustrates a first arm and second arm of the swing arm of a vehicle constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0034] Figure 5aillustrates a top view of the swing arm of a vehicle constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and

[0035] Figure 5b illustrates a schematic side view of the swing arm and a torque rod of a vehicle constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0036] It may be noted that to the extent possible, like reference numerals have been used to represent like elements in the drawings. Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have been necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the drawings may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of aspects of the present invention. Furthermore, one or more elements may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

Detailed Description of the Invention:
[0037] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated device, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

[0038] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are explanatory of the invention and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.

[0039] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0040] Reference throughout this specification to “an aspect”, “another aspect” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrase “in an embodiment”, “in another embodiment”, and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

[0041] The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or components proceeded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices or other sub-systems or other elements or other structures or other components or additional devices or additional sub-systems or additional elements or additional structures or additional components.

[0042] As used herein, and unless the context dictates otherwise, the terms "coupled to", “connected to”, “operably connected to”, and “operatively connected to” are intended to include both direct connection / coupling (in which two elements that are coupled / connected to each other contact each other) and indirect coupling / connection (in which at least one additional element is located between the two elements). Therefore, the terms "coupled to" and "coupled with" are used synonymously. Similarly, the terms “connected to” and “connected with” are used synonymously.

[0043] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one ordinary skilled in the art to which this invention belongs. The device, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

[0044] The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as being essential to the practice of the invention.

[0045] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims.

[0046] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0047] While the present invention is illustrated in the context of a vehicle, however, cover and aspects and features thereof can be used with other types of vehicles as well. The terms “vehicle”, “two wheeled vehicle” and “motorcycle” have been interchangeably used throughout the description. The term “vehicle” comprises vehicles such as motorcycles, scooters, bicycles, mopeds, scooter type vehicles, All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV) and the like.

[0048] The terms “front / forward”, “rear / rearward / back / backward”, “up / upper / top”, “down / lower / lower ward / downward, bottom”, “left / leftward”, “right / rightward” used therein represents the directions as seen from a vehicle driver sitting astride and these directions are referred by arrows Fr, Rr, U, Lr, L, R in the Figures.

[0049] Referring to Figure 1, there is illustrated a side view of an exemplary vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle (10) comprises, inter-alia, a front fork (12), a head pipe(14), a front fender (16), a front ground engaging member (18), a rear ground engaging member (20), a headlight (22), a steering handle bar (24), a fuel tank (26), a power unit (28), a rear fender (30), a tail light (32), a seat (34), an exhaust pipe (36), a rear cushion (38), a body frame (40),a brake device (44),a brake pedal (48),and a swing arm (100). It may be noted that the vehicle (10) may include other parts which may not be relevant for explaining the present invention and hence not shown and described.

[0050] Referring to Figure 2, there is illustrated a swing arm (100) of a vehicle constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The swing arm (100) adapted to be pivotably coupled to the body frame (40) of the vehicle (10) and swingably support the rear ground engaging member (20).The swing arm (100) comprises a first arm (102), a second arm(104) and a cross member (106). The cross member (106) is extending between the first arm (102) and the second arm (104). The cross member is a circular section round tube member or non-circular section member. The cross member comprises a torque link bracket (108) that is extending in a length direction of the vehicle. The torque link bracket(108) further coupled to the brake device (44) via a torque rod (110).

[0051] The brake device (44) is adapted to decelerate the rear ground engaging member (20) upon actuation of the brake pedal (48) via the user.

[0052] In an embodiment of the invention, the torque link bracket (108) pivotally receives the torque rod (110) and is integrally formed with the cross member (106). Alternatively, the torque link bracket (108) pivotally receives the torque rod (110) and is welded to the cross member (106).

[0053] Referring to Figure 3there is illustrated a top view of a swing arm (100) of a vehicle (10) constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The swing arm (100) comprises a first set of gusset (112), a second set of gusset (114).The first set of gussets (112) are interconnected between the first arm (102) and the cross member (106) wherein the second set of gussets (114) are interconnected between the second arm (104) and the cross member (106). The first set of gusset (112) supports the torque link bracket (108).

[0054] In an embodiment of the invention the swing arm comprising a first mounting member (118) and the second mounting member (120) which are adapted to pivotably couple the swing arm (100) to the frame (40) of the vehicle (10).

[0055] Referring to Figure 4there is illustrated a first arm (102) and second arm (104) of the swing arm (100) of a vehicle (10) constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The first arm (102) comprises a first portion (102a) and a second portion (102b). The second arm (104) comprises a third portion (104a) and a fourth portion (104b). The second portion (102b) extending form the first portion (102a)in a length direction of the vehicle and the fourth portion (104b)extending form the third portion (104a) in a length direction of the vehicle. The second portion (102b) and the fourth portion (104b) rotatably support the rear ground engaging member (20) of the vehicle (10).

[0056] In an embodiment of the invention, the second portion (102b) comprises a first aperture (122). The fourth portion (104b) comprises a second aperture (124). The first aperture (122) and the second aperture (124) receive a shaft (126) that rotatably supports the rear ground engaging member (20) of the vehicle (10).

[0057] In an embodiment of the invention, the brake device (44) is a drum brake. The brake device (44)is mounted on the rear ground engaging member (20) and placed into a wheel drum housing (not shown). The wheel drum housing (not shown) defines a space into which one or more brake shoes (128) are disposed. The drum brake has a brake arm shaft (130) provided with a cam portion to push the brake shoes(128) outwardly against the spinning wheel drum housing (not shown).The wheel drum housing rotates with the rear ground engaging member (20).When rider actuates the brake device (44) upon actuation of the brake pedal (48), the brake arm shaft (130) rotates and the cam portion of the brake arm shaft pushes the brake shoes(128) outwardly against the spinning wheel drum housing (not shown) to stop the rotation of the wheel drum housing and to decelerate the vehicle speed.

[0058] Therefore, when the brake is applied the brake device(44), the brake shoe (128) comes in contact with the spinning wheel drum housing to decelerate the vehicle speed. As a result, the complete brake device (44) assembly tries to rotate along with the wheel, thus the avoid the brake device (44) assembly rotation along with the wheel, a torque rod (110) is provided to connect the brake device (44) with the swing arm (100) via a torque link bracket (108). The brake device (44) assembly applies force to the torque link bracket (108) via the torque rod (110) during braking.

[0059] Referring to Figure 5a and 5b describes different views of the torque link bracket (108) and the torque rod (110) when the force is applied by the brake device (44). The torque rod axis (110x1) passing through the torque rod (110) is intersecting the cross member (106).The torque link bracket (108) extending from the cross member (106) at a predetermined angle. The predetermined angle between the torque link bracket (108) and a vertical plane (116) passes through the cross member (106) in a vehicle width direction, the predetermined angle ranges between 35o to 110o.

[0060] The torque link bracket (108) extending from the cross member (106) and couple the torque rod (110) in such a way that the torque rod axis (110x1) passing through the torque rod (110) is intersecting the cross member (106), thus avoid development of unwanted stress at joining portion of the torque link bracket (108)with the cross member (106), moreover the predetermined angle also ranging in between 35o to 110o to reduce the stress formation into the weld or joining portion of the torque link bracket (108) with the cross member (106).

[0061] In the existing swing arms the orientation of the torque link bracket (108) is in the height direction of the vehicle and below the cross member (106). Therefore, when the brake is applied, the force exerted to the cross member (106) via the torque rod resulting in breakage of the torque link bracket (108) from the welded area or shorter life of this region.

[0062] In an embodiment of the present invention, the torque link bracket (108) is extending from the cross member (106) at a predetermined angle and oriented in the length direction of the vehicle. When the brake is applied to decelerate the ground engaging member (20) by actuating the brake pedal (48) the force is exerted through brake device(44) via the torque rod(110) to the cross member(106) and torque link bracket (108). The direction of the force coming through brake device (44) is in the same plane as of the cross member and torque link bracket. As a result, there is no breakage of the torque link bracket (108) occur from the cross member (106).

[0063] In an embodiment of the present invention, the torque link bracket reduces the stress development into the joining portion of the torque link bracket (108) and the cross member (106). Due to the present orientation of the torque link bracket the overall life of the swing arm is increased.

[0064] In an embodiment of the invention, the torque link bracket is further supported on the cross member by a pair of stiffeners.

[0065] Also the orientation of the torque link bracket (108) is in such a way that the forces coming from the brake device via a torque rod and acting on the torque link bracket reduces the stresses development into the joining portion of the bracket and the cross tube, this increase the overall life of the part.

[0066] One advantage of the invention is to avoid development of unwanted stress at joining portion of the torque link bracket with the cross member. Yet another advantage of the present invention is the longer life and no failure of the torque arm joining portion of the swing arm. Still another advantage of the invention includes the swing arm having increased strength. A further advantage of the invention includes an increased ease to manufacture the swing arm. A furthermore advantage of the invention includes a simplified torque link bracket on cross member of the swing arm and reduce cost and weight. Yet another advantage of the invention includes a substantial reduction the cost of manufacturing the swing arm

[0067] While specific language has been used to describe the disclosure, any limitations arising on account of the same are not intended. As would be apparent to a person in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein.

[0068] The figures and the forgoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. For example, orders of processes described herein may be changed and are not limited to the manner described herein. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples.
, Claims:WE CLAIM:

1. A swing arm (100) of a vehicle (10), the swing arm (100) adapted to be pivotably coupled to a frame (40) of the vehicle (10),the swing arm (100) comprising:
a first arm (102);
a secondary (104); and
a cross member (106) coupled to and extending between the first arm (102) and the secondary (104), wherein the cross member (106) comprising a torque link bracket (108) extending from the cross member (106) in a length direction of vehicle and adapted to couple a brake device (44) to the swing arm (100) via a torque rod (110).

2. The swing arm (100)as claimed in claim 1, wherein the brake device (44) is a drum brake.

3. The swing arm (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cross member (106) is a round tube member.

4. The swing arm (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cross member (106) is a non-circular member.

5. The swing arm (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the torque link bracket (108) is supported via a first set of gusset (112).

6. The swing arm (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a torque rod axis (110x1) passes through the torque rod (110) is intersecting with the cross member (106).

7. The swing arm (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the torque link bracket (108) extending from the cross member (106) at a predetermined angle.

8. The swing arm (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the predetermined angle is determined between the torque link bracket (108) and a vertical plane (116)passing through the cross member in a vehicle width direction, the predetermined angle range is in between 35o to 110o.

9. The swing arm (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the torque link bracket (108) is adapted to transfer forces coming from the brake device (44).

10. The swing arm (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the torque link bracket (108) has a provision to pivotally mount the torque rod (110).

11. The swing arm (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the torque link bracket (108) is integrally formed with the cross member (106).

12. The swing arm (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first set of gussets (112) interconnected between the first arm (102) and the cross member (106) and a second set of gussets (114) interconnected between the second arm (104) and the cross member (106).

13. The swing arm (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first arm (102) comprises a first mounting member (118) and the second arm (104) comprises a second mounting member (120), the first mounting member (118) and the second mounting member (120) adapted to pivotably couple the swing arm (100) to the frame (40) of the vehicle (10).

14. The swing arm (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein:
the first arm (102) comprises a first portion (102a) and a second portion (102b) extending form the first portion (102a) in a length direction of the vehicle; and the second arm (104) comprises a third portion (104a) and a fourth portion (104b) extending form the third portion (104a) in a length direction of the vehicle; the second portion (102b) and the fourth portion (104b) rotatably supporting a rear ground engaging member (20) of the vehicle (10),
wherein the second portion (102b) comprise a first aperture (122) and the fourth portion (104b) comprises a second aperture (124), the first aperture (122) and the second aperture (124) receiving a shaft (126) rotatably supporting rear ground engaging member (20) of the vehicle (10).

15. A vehicle (10) comprising:
a frame (40);
a ground engaging member (20);
a brake device (44) adapted to decelerate the ground engaging member(20) upon actuation of a brake pedal (48); and
a swing arm (100) pivotally coupling the ground engaging member (20) to the frame (40)and rotatably supporting the ground engaging member (20);
the swing arm (100) comprising:
a first arm (102);
a second arm 104); and
a cross member (106) coupled to and extending between the first arm (102) and the second arm (104), wherein the cross member (106) comprising a torque link bracket (108) extending from the cross member (106) in a length direction of vehicle and adapted to couple the brake device (44) to the swing arm (100) via a torque rod (110).

16 The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 15, wherein the brake device (44) is a drum brake.

17. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim15, wherein the torque link bracket (108) is supported via a first set of gusset (112).

18. The vehicle(10) as claimed in claim 15, wherein torque rod axis (110x1) passes through the torque rod (110) is intersecting with the cross member (106).

19. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 15, wherein the torque link bracket (108) extending from the cross member (106) at a predetermined angle.

20. The vehicle as claimed in claim19, wherein the predetermined angle is determined between the torque link bracket (108) and a vertical plane (116) passing through the cross member in a vehicle width direction, the predetermined angle range is in between 35o to 110o.