Description:

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

SWING ARM OF 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

THE FOLLOWING SPECIFICATION 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 of a vehicle, and more particularly to a swing arm that couples a rear cushion member to a frame structure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
[002] Vehicles have long employed a power generating unit, a frame structure supporting the power generating unit, a swing arm supporting a rear ground engaging member; and a rear cushion member having a lower part supported by the swing arm and an upper part supported by the frame structure. In particular, the swing arm comprises a first arm member, a second arm member spaced apart from the first arm member, and a bridge member coupled between the first arm member and the second arm member. The bridge member is provided with a bracket to which the lower part of the rear cushion member is coupled. A vehicle having the aforesaid type of construction faces higher risk of damage to at least one of the bridge member and the bracket to which the lower part of the rear cushion member.

[003] In an electric two wheeler, when the motor is mounted on a swing arm near the swing arm pivot to minimize the impact of motor inertia on the swing arm and vehicle dynamic behavior, a transmission system which is going from the motor to the rear ground engaging member does not allow creating a strong cross member. Thus, there exists a need to address one or more of the aforesaid disadvantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
[004] 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.

[005] Accordingly, the present invention provides a swing arm of a vehicle, the swing arm comprising a first arm member comprising a first portion and a second portion; a second arm member comprising a third portion and a fourth portion, the second arm member being spaced apart from the first arm member; a cross member connecting first portion of the first arm member to the third portion of the second arm member; the cross member comprising a fifth portion for receiving a rear cushion member; and a support member connecting the cross member to at least one of the second portion of the first arm member and a fourth portion of the second arm member.

[006] In one implementation of the invention, the first arm member, second arm member, cross member, and support member are combined into a single component.

[007] In an alternative implementation of the invention, the first arm member, the second arm member, and the cross member are formed as a single element. In such a case, the support member is releasably connected to at least one of the second portion of the first arm member and the fourth portion of the second arm member.

[008] In another variation of the invention, the cross member comprises a fifth portion and optionally a sixth portion. In a further variation of the invention, the support member comprises a seventh portion and at least one of an eighth portion and a ninth portion. In such a case, the seventh portion is connected to at least one of the fifth portion and the sixth portion of the cross member. The eighth portion is connected to the second portion of the first arm member. The ninth portion is connected to the fourth portion of the second arm member.

[009] In still another embodiment of the invention, the fifth portion simultaneously serves to connect both the rear cushion member and the support member to the cross member.

[0010] In a further embodiment of the invention, the first portion and second portion are vertically separated from each other within the vehicle. In a furthermore embodiment of the invention even the third portion and fourth portion are vertically separated from each other.

[0011] According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a vehicle, comprisinga frame structure; a swing arm extending in a rearward direction of the vehicle from the frame structure, a rear ground engaging member rotatably supported by the swing arm;a power generating unit generating a power which is transmitted to the rear ground engaging member, the power generating unit being supported by the swing arm; and a rear cushion member connected between the frame structure and the swing arm; the swing arm comprising: a first arm member comprising a first portion and a second portion; a second arm member comprising a third portion and a fourth portion, the second arm member being spaced apart from the first arm member; a cross member connecting first portion of the first arm member to the third portion of the second arm member; the cross member comprising a fifth portion for releasably receiving a rear cushion member; and a support member connecting the cross member to at least one of the second portion of the first arm member and a fourth portion of the second arm member.

[0012] In an embodiment of the invention, the cross member comprises a fifth portion and optionally a sixth portion; and the support member comprises a seventh portion and at least one of an eighth portion and a ninth portion; the seventh portion being connected to at least one of the fifth portion and the sixth portion of the cross member; the eighth portion being connected to the second portion of the first arm member; and the ninth portion being connected to the fourth portion of the second arm member.

[0013] In another embodiment of the invention, the first arm member, the second arm member and the cross member being formed as a single element. In yet another embodiment of the invention, the support member being releasably connected to at least one of the second portion of the first arm member and the fourth portion of the second arm member.

[0014] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the power generating unit being supported by at least one of the second portion of the first arm member, the fourth portion of the second arm member, the eighth portion of the support member, and the ninth portion of the support member.

[0015] In still another embodiment of the invention, the first portion and the second portion being separated from each other in a vertical direction of the vehicle; and third portion and the fourth portion being separated from each other in a vertical direction of the vehicle.

[0016] An advantage of the invention is thatthe cross member forming part of the swing arm does not experience deformation or breakage. Another advantage of the invention is that the fifth portion receiving the rear cushion member does not experience deformation or breakage. Thus, a life of the swing arm is substantially high as compared to traditional swing arms.

[0017] Yet another advantage of the invention is that the power generating unit can be more efficiently supported by the swing arm. Thus, a power generating unit having higher weight can be carried by the swing arm. Still another advantage of the invention is that sufficient space is provided for a transmission system to pass through the swing arm and no part of the swing arm hinders the pathway available for the transmission system to pass through the swing arm.

[0018] A further advantage of the invention is that there is a substantial increase in an ease of accessing the rear cushion member. Thus, a time required for assembling the rear cushion member, a time required for servicing the rear cushion member as well a time required for replacing the rear cushion member are substantially less.

[0019] A furthermore advantage of the invention is that there is a substantial increase in an ease of accessing the power generating unit. Thus, a time required for assembling the power generating unit, a time required for servicing the power generating unit as well a time required for replacing the power generating unit are substantially less.

[0020] Another advantage of the invention is that the rear cushion member and the support member can be coupled to the swing arm via a sandwich coupling. Thus, a total number of components are substantially reduced.

[0021] Another advantage of the invention is that the power generating unit, the swing arm and the support member can be coupled via a sandwich coupling. Thus, a total number of components are substantially reduced.

[0022] 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:
[0023] 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:

[0024] Figure 1 illustrates a side view of an exemplary two wheeled vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of a main frame, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 3 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the swing arm constructed in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 4 illustrates a close-up view of certain parts of the swing arm shown in Figure 3 in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 5 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the swing arm constructed in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 6 illustrates a semi-assembled view of the swing arm shown in Figure3 in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 7 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the swing arm constructed in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention and the motor; and

[0031] Figure 8 illustrates a fully assembled view of the swing arm supporting the motor in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] 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:
[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] Referring to Figure 1 there is illustrated a vehicle (10). The vehicle (10) (herein after interchangeably referred to as the two wheeled vehicle (10)) inter-alia, comprises a headpipe (12) rotatably supporting a front fork (14). A bottom end of the front fork (14) rotatably supports a front ground engaging member (16) and a top end of the front fork (14) is operably connected to a steering mechanism (18). A user can steer the vehicle using the steering mechanism (18). The vehicle (10) comprises a front fender (20) disposed above the front ground engaging member (16). The vehicle (10) further comprises a headlight unit (22) disposed above the front fender (20). The vehicle (10) further comprises a dashboard (24) disposed above the headlight unit (22).

[0046] The vehicle further comprises a main frame (26) extending in a downward and rearward direction from the headpipe (12). The main frame (26), a seat (28), and a tail light unit (30). The vehicle (10) further comprises rear ground engaging member (32) coupled to the main frame (26) via a swing arm (100). The vehicle further comprises a rear cushion member (34) connected between the swing arm (100) and the main frame structure (26).

[0047] The vehicle further comprises a power generating unit (36) that may be at least partly supported by the swing arm (100). The vehicle further comprises a transmission unit (38) operably coupling the power generating unit (36) to the rear ground engaging member (32) and transferring a power generated by the power generating unit (36) to the rear ground engaging member (32).

[0048] While in Figure 1, the power generating unit (36) may be a motor. The vehicle (10) further comprises at least one of battery (40). It may be noted that the vehicle (10) may further comprise other elements which has not been specifically described.

[0049] Now referring specifically to Figure 2, the main frame (26) comprises a first seat supporting portion (44) and a second seat supporting portion (46) spaced apart from the first seat supporting portion (44) and a bridging portion (48) coupled between the first seat supporting portion (44) and the second seat supporting portion (46). The main frame (26) further comprises a swing arm coupling portion (50) to which the swing arm (100) is attached. In particular, a front portion (52) of the swing arm (100) is coupled to the swing arm coupling portion (50). The main frame (26) further comprises a rear cushion member coupling portion (54) to which the rear cushion member (34) is attached. In particular, a top portion (56) of the rear cushion member (34) is coupled to the rear cushion member coupling portion (54). The swing arm (100) further comprises a rear portion (58) which is adapted to rotatably support the rear ground engaging member (32). The rear cushion member (34) further comprises a bottom portion (60) which is connected to the swing arm (100).

[0050] Now referring to Figure 3, the swing arm (100) comprises a first arm member (102) comprising a first portion (104) and a second portion (106); a second arm member (108) comprising a third portion (110) and a fourth portion (112), the second arm member (108) being spaced apart from the first arm member (102); and a cross member (114) connecting first portion (104) of the first arm member (102) to the third portion (110) of the second arm member (108); the cross member (114) comprising a fifth portion (116) for receiving a rear cushion member (34). The swing arm (100) further comprises a support member (118) connecting the cross member (114) to at least one of the second portion (106) of the first arm member (102) and a fourth portion (112) of the second arm member (108).

[0051] It can be seen that in the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the first arm member (102), the second arm member (108) and the cross member (114) are formed as a single element while the support member (118) is releasably connected to one or more parts of the swing arm (100). In such a case, the support member (118) comprises a seventh portion (122) and at least one of an eighth portion (124) and a ninth portion (126). The seventh portion (122) is releasably connected to the fifth portion (116) of the cross member (114). The eighth portion (124) is releasably connected to the second portion (106) of the first arm member (102) and the ninth portion (126) is releasably connected to the fourth portion (112) of the second arm member (108).

[0052] Now referring particularly to Figure 4, in an embodiment of the invention, the fifth portion (116) comprises a first wall member (1161), a second wall member (1162) facing and separated from the first wall (1161) by a first predetermined distance. The fifth portion (116) further comprises a third wall member (1163) connecting the first wall member (1161) and the second wall member (1162). The first wall member (1161) comprises a first aperture (1164) and the second wall member (1162) comprises a second aperture (1165). The seventh portion (122) of the support member (118) comprises a fourth wall member (1221), a fifth wall member (1222) facing and separated from the fourth wall member (1161) by a second predetermined distance. The seventh portion (122) further comprises a sixth wall member (1223) connecting the fourth wall member (1221) and the fifth wall member (1222). The fourth wall member (1221) comprises a third aperture (1224) and the fifth wall member (1222) comprises a fourth aperture (1225). Thefirst wall member (1161) and the second wall member (1162)is placed between the fourth wall member (1221) and the fifth wall member (1222). Thus, the second predetermined distance is greater than a distance between the first wall member (1161) and the second wall member (1162). The bottom portion (60) of the rear cushion member (34) is placed between the first wall member (1161) and the second wall member (1162). Thus, the first predetermined distance is greater than thickness of the bottom portion (60) of the rear cushion member (34). The bottom portion (60) of the rear cushion member (34) comprises a fifth aperture (62). The fifth aperture (62) is aligned with each of thefirst aperture (1164), the second aperture (1165), the third aperture (1224), and fourth aperture (1225) and coupled to each other using a first coupling mechanism (64) (best seen in Figure 3). Thus, the bottom portion (60) of the rear cushion member (34) and the seventh portion (122) of the support member (118) are simultaneously coupled to the fifth portion (116) of the cross member (114). Such a nature of attachment may be referred to as sandwiched coupling.

[0053] While in Figure 3 and Figure 4, both the bottom portion (60) of the rear cushion member (34) and the seventh portion (122) are shown to be releasably connected to the fifth portion (116) of the cross member (114), in an embodiment of the invention, the bottom portion (60) of the rear cushion member (34) may be releasably connected to the fifth portion (116) of the cross member (114) while the seventh portion (122) may be connected to a different portion of the cross member (114).

[0054] Now referring particularly to Figure 5, in an embodiment of the invention, the bottom portion (60) of the rear cushion member (34) is shown to be releasably connected to the fifth portion (116) of the cross member (114) while the seventh portion (122) is shown to be releasably connected to a sixth portion (120) of the cross member (114).By way of a non-limiting example, the fifth portion (116) comprises first wall member (1161) and second wall member (1162) facing and separated from the first wall (1161) by a first predetermined distance. Although not essential, the fifth portion (116) further comprises third wall member (1163) connecting the first wall member (1161) and the second wall member (1162). The first wall member (1161) comprises first aperture (1164) and the second wall member (1162) comprises second aperture (1165). The bottom portion (60) of the rear cushion member (34) comprises fifth aperture (62). The fifth aperture (62) is aligned with each of the first aperture (1164) and the second aperture (1165) and coupled to each other using a first coupling mechanism (64).

[0055] By way of a non-limiting example, the sixth portion (120) comprises a seventh wall member (1201) which is connected to the cross member (114) and more particularly to the third wall member (1163)of thefifth portion (116). The seventh wall member (1201) comprises at least one aperture (1202, 1203). The seventh portion (122) in this case is in the form of an eighth wall member (1226). The eighth wall member (1226) comprises at least one aperture (1227, 1228). In this case, the at least one aperture (1202, 1203) provided in the seventh wall member (1201) is aligned with the at least one aperture (1227, 1228) provided in the eighth wall member (1226) coupled with each other using at least one further coupling member (68).

[0056] Now referring to Figure 3 and Figure 5 simultaneously, each of the second portion (106) of the first arm member (102) and the eighth portion (124) of the support member (118) are in the form of apertures, which can be aligned and coupled to each other using a second coupling mechanism (66). Likewise, each of the fourth portion (112) of the second arm member (108)and the ninth portion (126) of the support member (118) are in the form of apertures, which can be aligned and coupled to each other using the second coupling mechanism (66). Although not illustrated, instead of using a second coupling mechanism (66) for coupling the second portion (106), the eighth portion (124), the fourth portion (112) and the ninth portion (126), two separate coupling mechanisms may be used.

[0057] In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the first arm member (102), the second arm member (108), the cross member (114), and the support member (118) are formed as a single element. It may be noted that the term “formed as a single element” is intended to include the first arm member (102), the second arm member (108), and the cross member (114) being formed as a single element while the support member (118) being non-releasably coupled to the first arm member (102), the second arm member (108), the cross member (114) as particularly demonstrated in Figure 6.

[0058] In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 6, the fifth portion (116) comprises a first wall member (1161), a second wall member (1162) facing and separated from the first wall (1161) by a first predetermined distance. The fifth portion (116) further comprises a third wall member (1163) connecting the first wall member (1161) and the second wall member (1162). The seventh portion (122) of the support member (118) comprises a fourth wall member (1221), a fifth wall member (1222) facing and separated from the fourth wall member (1161) by a second predetermined distance. The seventh portion (122) further comprises a sixth wall member (1223) connecting the fourth wall member (1221) and the fifth wall member (1222). Thefirst wall member (1161) and the second wall member (1162) are placed between the fourth wall member (1221) and the fifth wall member (1222). Additionally, the first wall member (1161) is welded to the fourth wall member (1221); the second wall member (1162) is welded to the fifth wall member (1222); and the third wall member (1163) is welded to the sixth wall member (1223). Further, the second portion (106) of the first arm member (102) is welded to the eighth portion (124) of the support member (118). Furthermore, the fourth portion (112) of the second arm member (108) is welded to the ninth portion (126) of the support member (118).

[0059] It can be seen that in each of the embodiments shown in Figure 3 to Figure 6, the first portion (104) and the second portion (106) are separated from each other in a vertical direction of the vehicle. Likewise, in each of the embodiments shown in Figure 3 to Figure 6, the third portion (110) and the fourth portion (112) are separated from each other in a vertical direction of the vehicle.

[0060] It can be said that the support member (118) provides two types of benefits. Firstly, the support member (118) directly stiffens the fifth portion (116) to which the rear cushion member (34) is connected. Thus, the support member (118) increases a force bearing capacity of the fifth portion (116). Secondly, the support member (118) splits the force exerted by the rear cushion member (34) on to the fifth portion (116). In the absence of the support member (118) the force exerted by the rear cushion member (34) is transmitted only to the first portion (104) forming part of the first arm member (102) and the third portion (110) forming part of the second arm member (108). On the other hand, by providing the support member (118) which connects the cross member (114) to at least one of the second portion (106) of the first arm member (102) and a fourth portion (112) of the second arm member (108), the force exerted by the rear cushion member (34) gets additionally transmitted to at least one of the second portion (106) of the first arm member (102) and a fourth portion (112) of the second arm member (108). Especially when the support member (118) connects the cross member (114) to both the second portion (106) of the first arm member (102) and a fourth portion (112) of the second arm member (108), the force exerted by the rear cushion member (34) is transmitted to the first portion (104) forming part of the first arm member (102), the second portion (106) forming part of the first arm member (102), the third portion (110) forming part of the second arm member (108), and the fourth portion (112) forming part of the second arm member (108).

[0061] Now referring to Figure 7 and Figure 8, in an embodiment of the invention, the swing arm (100) is adapted to carry the power generating unit (36). In Figure 7 and Figure 8, the power generating unit (36) in the form of a motor is demonstrated to be carried by the swing arm (100). The swing arm (100) comprises a first arm member (102) comprising a first portion (104) and a second portion (106); a second arm member (108) comprising a third portion (110) and a fourth portion (112), the second arm member (108) being spaced apart from the first arm member (102); and a cross member (114) connecting first portion (104) of the first arm member (102) to the third portion (110) of the second arm member (108); the cross member (114) comprising a fifth portion (116) for receiving a rear cushion member (34). The swing arm (100) further comprises a support member (118) connecting the cross member (114) to at least one of the second portion (106) of the first arm member (102) and a fourth portion (112) of the second arm member (108). The first arm member (102), the second arm member (108) and the cross member (114) are formed as a single element while the support member (118) is releasably connected to one or more parts of the swing arm (100). The support member (118) comprises a seventh portion (122) and at least one of an eighth portion (124) and a ninth portion (126). The seventh portion (122) is releasably connected to the fifth portion (116) of the cross member (114). The eighth portion (124) is releasably connected to the second portion (106) of the first arm member (102) and the ninth portion (126) is releasably connected to the fourth portion (112) of the second arm member (108). The structures of the fifth portion (116) and the seventh portion (122) are as shown in Figure 4 and described above. Thus, the bottom portion (60) of the rear cushion member (34) and the seventh portion (122) of the support member (118) are simultaneously coupled to the fifth portion (116) of the cross member (114). Additionally, the structures of each of the second portion (106) of the first arm member (102), the fourth portion (112) of the second arm member (108), the eighth portion (124) of the support member (118), and the ninth portion (126) of the support member (118) are as shown in Figure 3 and 4 and described above. The power generating unit (36) in this embodiment comprises a power generating unit coupling portion (70). The power generating unit coupling portion (70) is sandwiched between the eighth portion (124) of the support member (118) and the ninth portion (126) of the support member (118) and the second coupling mechanism (66) couples the second portion (106), the eighth portion (124), the fourth portion (112), the ninth portion (126) and the power generating unit coupling portion (70).

[0062] Thus, the power generating unit coupling portion (70) is said to be sandwiched between the second portion (106), the eighth portion (124), the fourth portion (112) and the ninth portion (126). Since the power generating unit (36) is sandwiched between the second portion (106), the eighth portion (124), the fourth portion (112) and the ninth portion (126), a swing arm (100) can carry a power generating unit (36) a higher weight (as compared to traditional swing arm).

[0063] The power generating unit (36) which is a motor is coupled to the rear ground engaging member (32) via a transmission unit (38). The construction of the swing arm (100) and the support member (118) is such that the transmission system (38) passes through the swing arm (100) and no part of the swing arm (100) or the support member (118) hinders the pathway available for the transmission system (38) to pass through the swing arm (100).

[0064] An advantage of the invention is that the cross member forming part of the swing arm does not experience deformation or breakage. Another advantage of the invention is that the fifth portion receiving the rear cushion member does not experience deformation or breakage. Thus, a life of the swing arm is substantially high as compared to traditional swing arms.

[0065] Yet another advantage of the invention is that the power generating unit can be more efficiently supported by the swing arm. Thus, a power generating unit having higher weight can be carried by the swing arm. Still another advantage of the invention is that sufficient space is provided for a transmission system to pass through the swing arm and no part of the swing arm hinders the pathway available for the transmission system to pass through the swing arm.

[0066] A further advantage of the invention is that there is a substantial increase in an ease of accessing the rear cushion member. Thus, a time required for assembling the rear cushion member, a time required for servicing the rear cushion member as well a time required for replacing the rear cushion member are substantially less.

[0067] A furthermore advantage of the invention is that there is a substantial increase in an ease of accessing the power generating unit. Thus, a time required for assembling the power generating unit, a time required for servicing the power generating unit as well a time required for replacing the power generating unit are substantially less.

[0068] Another advantage of the invention is that the rear cushion member and the support member can be coupled to the swing arm via a sandwich coupling. Thus, a total number of components are substantially reduced.

[0069] Another advantage of the invention is that the power generating unit, the swing arm and the support member can be coupled via a sandwich coupling. Thus, a total number of components are substantially reduced.

[0070] In an electric two wheeler, when the motor is mounted on a swing arm near the swing arm pivot to minimize the impact of motor inertia on the swing arm and vehicle dynamic behavior, a transmission system which is going from the motor to the rear ground engaging member does not allow creating a strong cross member. Addition of fixed rear support bracket resolves this additional problem.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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. Moreover, the actions of any flow diagram need not be implemented in the order shown; nor do all of the acts necessarily need to be performed. Also, those acts that are not dependent on other acts may be performed in parallel with the other acts. 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) comprising:
a first arm member (102) comprising a first portion (104) and a second portion (106);
a second arm member (108) comprising a third portion (110) and a fourth portion (112), the second arm member (108) being spaced apart from the first arm member (102);
across member (114) connecting first portion (104) of the first arm member (102) to the third portion (110) of the second arm member (108); the cross member (114) comprising a fifth portion (116) for receiving a rear cushion member (34); and
a support member (118) connecting the cross member (114) to at least one of the second portion (106) of the first arm member (102) and a fourth portion (112) of the second arm member (108).

2. The swing arm (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first arm member (102), the second arm member (108), the cross member (114), and the support member (118) being formed as a single element.

3. The swing arm (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first arm member (102), the second arm member (108) and the cross member (114) being formed as a single element and the support member (118) being releasably connected to at least one of the second portion (106) of the first arm member (102) and the fourth portion (112) of the second arm member (108).

4. The swing arm (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cross member (114) comprises a fifth portion (116) and optionally a sixth portion (120); and the support member (118) comprises a seventh portion (122) and at least one of an eighth portion (124) and a ninth portion (126); the seventh portion (122) being connected to at least one of the fifth portion (116) and the sixth portion (120) of the cross member (114); the eighth portion (124) being connected to the second portion (106) of the first arm member (102); and the ninth portion (126) being connected to the fourth portion (112) of the second arm member (108).

5. The swing arm (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fifth portion (116) simultaneously connects the rear cushion member (34) and the support member (118) to the cross member (114).

6. The swing arm (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first portion (104) and the second portion (106) being separated from each other in a vertical direction of the vehicle; and third portion (110) and the fourth portion (112) being separated from each other in a vertical direction of the vehicle.

7. The vehicle (10), comprising:
a frame structure (26);
a swing arm (100) extending in a rearward direction of the vehicle (10) from the frame structure (26);
a rear ground engaging member (32) rotatably supported by the swing arm (100);
a power generating unit (36) generating a power which is transmitted to the rear ground engaging member (32), the power generating unit (36) being supported by the swing arm (100); and
a rear cushion member (34) connected between the frame structure (26) and the swing arm (100); the swing arm (100) comprising:
a first arm member (102) comprising a first portion (104) and a second portion (106);
a second arm member (108) comprising a third portion (110) and a fourth portion (112), the second arm member (108) being spaced apart from the first arm member (102);
across member (114) connecting first portion (104) of the first arm member (102) to the third portion (110) of the second arm member (108); the cross member (106) comprising a fifth portion (116) for releasably receiving a rear cushion member (34); and
a support member (118) connecting the cross member (114) to at least one of the second portion (106) of the first arm member (102) and a fourth portion (112) of the second arm member (108).

8. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the cross member (114) comprises a fifth portion (116) and optionally a sixth portion (120); and the support member (118) comprises a seventh portion (122) and at least one of an eighth portion (124) and a ninth portion (126); the seventh portion (122) being connected to at least one of the fifth portion (116) and the sixth portion (120) of the cross member (114); the eighth portion (124) being connected to the second portion (106) of the first arm member (102); and the ninth portion (126) being connected to the fourth portion (112) of the second arm member (108).

9. The vehicle (10) a claimed in claim 8, wherein the first arm member (102), the second arm member (108) and the cross member (114) being formed as a single element and at least one of:
a. the support member (118) being releasably connected to at least one of the second portion (106) of the first arm member (102) and the fourth portion (112) of the second arm member (108); and
b. the power generating unit (36) being supported by at least one of the second portion (106) of the first arm member (102), the fourth portion (112) of the second arm member (108), the eighth portion (124) of the support member (118), and the ninth portion (126) of the support member (118).

10. The vehicle (10) a claimed in claim 7, wherein the first portion (104) and the second portion (106) being separated from each other in a vertical direction of the vehicle; and third portion (110) and the fourth portion (112) being separated from each other in a vertical direction of the vehicle.