DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter relates to a saddle type vehicle. More particularly, the present subject matter relates to a drive source assembly of the saddle type vehicle.
BACKGROUND
[0002] In an existing two-wheeled saddle type vehicle, an electric motor adapted for providing a drive force to a rear wheel of the vehicle is detachably secured in a rear portion of the vehicle. Typically, the electric motor comprises a rotatable output shaft and a drive member connected at a distal end of the output shaft. Further, a driven member of the drive assembly is connected to said rear wheel. The drive assembly for the vehicle comprises a transmission member for power transmission from the electric motor to said rear wheel. Typically, the electric motor which forms part of a drive source assembly of the vehicle comprises of one or more mounting portions integrally formed to at least a portion thereof and are configured for removably mounting said electric motor on at least a portion of a swing arm of the vehicle. Particularly, the electric motor maybe mounted through mounting bosses formed therein. However, such mounting of said electric motor on said vehicle involves more number of parts and hence requires more assembly time on the vehicle. Moreover, mounting the electric motor to the swing arm frequently results in misalignment of transmission elements. In known prior arts, a dedicated swing arm structure is coupled to the vehicle structure & the traction motor or drive train along with transmission is disposed on the swing arm. Such solution has the problem of use of more number of parts in the form of a dedicated swing-arm as well as assembly & layout packaging challenges. Further, it is difficult to achieve compactness of the vehicle and the drive source assembly including transmission elements such as drive member and driven member when the electric motor is secured to the swing arm. Also, it is difficult to achieve good coverage of parts of the drive source assembly when the electric motor is secured to the swing arm. There is therefore a need to provide optimal mounting scheme for the electric motor of a drive source assembly.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0003] The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components.
[0004] Fig.1 is a side view of a saddle type two-wheeled vehicle having a drive source assembly as per one embodiment of the present invention.
[0005] Fig.2 shows a perspective view of a rear portion of the vehicle illustrating an assembly of an electric motor of the drive source assembly on the vehicle, as per one embodiment of the present invention.
[0006] Fig.3 illustrates an enlarged view of a rear portion of the vehicle illustrating an assembly of an electric motor of the drive source assembly on the vehicle, as per one embodiment of the present invention.
[0007] Fig.4 illustrates a top view of the drive source assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0008] Fig.5 illustrates a rear perspective view of the drive source assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0009] Fig.6 illustrates a front perspective view of the drive source assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[00010] Fig.7 illustrates an enlarged view of the drive source assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00011] A saddle type vehicle exemplified herein is a two-wheeled vehicle comprising a frame structure including a head tube, a main frame member extending rearwardly from the head tube, a lower frame member extending obliquely downwardly and comprising a floor frame adapted to support floorboard. In one embodiment, a vehicle body cover is configured for covering said frame structure. The vehicle body cover includes a front body cover covering a front portion of the vehicle and a rear body cover covering a rear portion of the vehicle. Referring to one embodiment, said front body cover includes a front covering member and a rear covering member. In one embodiment said front covering member is separated from the rear covering member through a gap portion. In one embodiment, said rear body cover includes a pair of left and right side covers and a top cover. In one embodiment, a pair of left and right lid members is formed in at least a portion of each of said pair of left and right side covers. As per one embodiment of the present invention, a swing arm type structure is provided which is pivotally mounted to at least a portion of a rear frame of the vehicle. Further, as per one embodiment, said saddle type vehicle comprises one or more batteries adapted for powering an electric motor for providing driving force to the vehicle.
[00012] As per an aspect of the present invention, a drive source assembly of the vehicle including an electric motor which is used for powering the vehicle is disposed at a rear portion of the vehicle. Further, the drive source assembly comprising transmission elements such as a drive member and a driven member connected by a chain or a belt is configured for transferring drive force to said rear wheel. The drive source assembly as per the present subject matter also serves as a structural member of the vehicle. Particularly, said drive source assembly comprises a left drive source case which houses parts such as the drive member, driven member and the belt or chain and a left drive source cover for covering said left drive source case. As per one embodiment of the present invention, said left drive source case serves as a transmission case and said left drive source cover serves as a transmission cover. As per an embodiment, said left drive source case includes a left arm. Further, said drive source assembly comprises a right drive source case which is provided with a right arm. The left drive source case and the right drive source case having the left arm and the right arm respectively are pivotally connected to a rear portion of the main frame serve to function as a swing arm type structure.
[00013] As per an aspect of the present invention, the electric motor is detachably secured to said swing arm type transmission structure. Particularly, the electric motor is sandwiched between the left drive source case and the right drive source case by being detachably attached to both the left drive source case and the right drive source case. Further, the electric motor is provided with a crash guard structure which is disposed below the electric motor to protect said motor from water splash, or mud splash. Particularly, while front ends of said crash guard structure is secured to said left arm and right arm, rear ends of said crash guard structure is secured together with at least a portion of the electric motor to a body portion of the left drive source case and the right drive source case.
[00014] Various other features and advantages of the invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference numbers generally indicate identical, functionally similar, and/or structurally similar elements. With reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference numerals will be used to identify the same or similar elements throughout the several views. It should be noted that the drawings should be viewed in the direction of orientation of the reference numerals.
[00015] It is to be noted that in the ensuing description, the present invention is used in a saddle type vehicle exemplified in the form of an electric two-wheeled vehicle. However, the present application is also applicable to other saddle type two-wheeled and three-wheeled saddle type vehicles where an electric motor is used.
[00016] Further “front” and “rear”, and “left” and “right” referred to in the ensuing description of the illustrated embodiment refer to front and rear, and left and right directions as seen in a state of being seated on a seat of the saddle type two-wheeled vehicle. Furthermore, a longitudinal axis refers to a front to rear axis relative to said vehicle, while a lateral axis refers to a side to side, or left to right axis relative to said vehicle. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
[00017] With reference to Fig.1, an exemplary description is made of a saddle type vehicle (100) (hereinafter “vehicle”), specifically for an electric two-wheeled saddle type vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, said vehicle (100) comprises a frame structure (119) extending from a front portion (F) to rear portion (R) of the vehicle in a vehicle longitudinal direction (A-A). Said frame structure (119) includes a head tube (not shown), a main frame member (118) extending rearwardly from the head tube, a lower frame member (not shown) extending obliquely downwardly and comprising a floor frame adapted to support a floorboard (117). Further, said vehicle includes a vehicle body cover (101) which is adapted for covering said frame structure (119). The vehicle body cover (101) includes a front body cover (109) covering the front portion of frame structure and a rear body cover (105) covering at least a portion of the lower frame member.
[00018] Particularly, as per an embodiment said front body cover (109) includes a front covering member (102) and a rear covering member (110). In one embodiment, said rear body cover (105) includes a pair of left and right side covers (105L), (105R) (the right side cover is symmetrical to the left side cover and hence not shown) and a top cover (not shown). Particularly, each side cover of said pair of left and right side covers (105L), (105R) is respectively provided with a lid member each (108L), (108R). In one embodiment, each lid member (108L), (108R) is pivotally attached to said at least a portion of said pair of left and right side covers (105L), (105R). Further, a seat assembly (113) is mounted to the main frame member (118) in the rear portion (R) of the vehicle (100). The seat assembly (113) includes a rider seat (113a) and a pillion seat (113b) A utility box (not shown) is disposed below the seat assembly (113). A front fender (103) is disposed above a front wheel (104) and between left and right suspensions supporting the front wheel (104). In one embodiment, the rear suspension system (150) is provided in the rear portion (F) of said vehicle (100) for comfortable ride. Further, said vehicle (100) comprises of plurality of electrical and electronic components including a headlight (107), a taillight, a transistor controlled ignition (TCI) unit (not shown), a starter motor (not shown) and the like. A touch screen LCD unit (not shown) is provided on a handle bar (106) to display various operating modes, power flow pattern and warning signals. Rear view mirrors are mounted on the right and left sides of the handle bar (106). In one embodiment, said vehicle (100) is also provided with hazard lamps (not shown).
[00019] A rear fender (114) is provided for covering at least a portion of a rear wheel (115). The rear wheel (1150) is driven by a drive source assembly (200) having an electric motor (201) (shown in Fig.2).
[00020] Fig.2 and Fig.3 illustrates a rear portion (R) of the vehicle (100) depicting the drive source assembly (200) of the vehicle (100) as secured in the rear portion of the vehicle and extending behind a rear portion of the main frame member (118). In this embodiment, the rear portion of the main frame member (118) constitutes rear frame of the vehicle. The drive source assembly (200) including the electric motor (200) disposed in the rear portion (R) of the vehicle (100) is not only configured for powering the vehicle but also configured to transfer drive force to the rear wheel (115).
[00021] Fig.4 illustrates a top view of the drive source assembly (200) in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The drive source assembly (200) comprises a left drive source case (116), a left drive source cover (112) for covering said case (116) from a left side, a right drive source case (121). The left drive source cover (112) is detachably attached to the left drive source case (116) in the present embodiment. Further, the layout of the drive source assembly (200) is such that the electric motor (201) is sandwiched between the left drive source case (116) and the right drive source case (121). Further, other parts of the drive source assembly (200) such as a drive member (not shown), a driven member (not shown) and a belt or a chain (not shown) connecting the driven member to the drive member are housed in the left drive source case (116) with the left drive source cover (112) covering the left drive source case (116) from the outside. The drive member and the driven member together with the belt or chain serve to transfer power from the electric motor (201) to the rear wheel (115) Thus, while the left drive source case (116) serves as the transmission case, said left drive source cover (112) serves as the transmission cover in this embodiment of the present invention.
[00022] Fig.5 illustrates a rear perspective view of the drive source assembly (200) in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As may be seen in Fig.5, the electric motor (201) is detachably attached to said left drive source case (116) and said right drive source case (121). Particularly, while a left hand portion of the electric motor (201) is secured to said left drive source case (116), a right hand portion of the electric motor (201) is secured to said right drive source case (121). As per the present embodiment, the electric motor (201) has a plurality of mounting bosses (201b) for attachment with both left drive source case (116) and the right drive source case (121). In the present embodiment, said mounting bosses (201b) are integrally formed and extending from body of the electric motor (201). Thus an integrated transmission cover is provided to enable coupling of the rear wheel on one side while the same is pivotally coupled to the frame at another side. Such a solution is simple, light in weight & eliminates the need of a dedicated swing arm as well. As per an embodiment of the present invention, the electric motor is an electrical machine and may include the likes of a magneto, Integrated Starter Generator (ISG).
[00023] Fig.6 illustrates a front perspective view of the drive source assembly (200). As may be seen, the right drive source case (121) not only serves to accommodate the right hand portion of the electric motor (201) but also serves as a cover to cover an external portion of the electric motor (201). Further, at least a portion of the right drive source case (121) is designed to extend away from the body of the electric motor (201) towards a front side of the vehicle in the form a right arm (121R). Similarly, at least a portion of the left drive source case (116) is designed to extend away from the body of said left case (116) towards a front side of the vehicle in the form of a left arm (116L). Said left arm (116L) and said right arm (121R) serve to support portions of a crash guard structure (202) provided below the body of the electric motor (201) in order to protect the motor from mud splash, water splash etc. Particularly, while front ends of the crash guard structure (202) are secured to the left arm (116L) and the right arm (121R), the rear ends of the crash guard structure (202) are sandwich mounted along with said mounting bosses (201b) of the electric motor (201) to the left drive source case (116) and the right drive source case (121) respectively (see Fig.7). Further, the left arm (116L) and the right arm (121R) respectively are pivotally connected to a rear portion of the main frame member (118) serve to function as a swing arm type structure (see Fig.3).
[00024] Thus, the drive source assembly (200) as per the present invention serves as a single unit for not only housing transmission elements such as the drive member, driven member, chain or belt connecting the driven member to the drive member, but also acts as a structural member such as a swing arm of the vehicle, thereby aiding in reducing additional components such as a dedicated swing arm, additional mounting parts for securing the electric motor. This helps in improving overall compactness of the vehicle. Moreover, since the drive source assembly (200) is provided as a single unit encompassing the swing arm structure as well as the transmission elements, good coverage and alignment of the transmission elements is ensured, thereby aiding in eliminating noise that may be generated due to misalignment.
[00025] Improvements and modifications may be incorporated herein without deviating from the scope of the invention.
,CLAIMS:We Claim:
1. A drive source assembly (200) for a saddle type vehicle (100), said saddle type vehicle comprising:
a frame structure (119) comprising a head tube, a main frame member (118) extending rearwardly from the head tube; and
said drive source assembly (200) extending rearwardly from said main frame member (118) and being attached to at least a portion of said main frame member (118); wherein said drive source assembly (200) includes an electric machine (201) which operatively connects to a rear wheel (115) of said vehicle (100);
said electric machine (201) being sandwiched between a left drive source case (116) and a right drive source case (121) of the drive source assembly (200).
2. The drive source assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the electric machine (201) is detachably attached to said left drive source case (116) and said right drive source case (121).
3. The drive source assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said left drive source case (116) is a transmission case housing parts of the drive source assembly (200) including a drive member, and a driven member.
4. The drive source assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said left drive source case (116) is detachably attached to a left drive source cover (112) on its left side, said left drive source cover (112) covering said drive member and the driven member externally.
5. The drive source assembly (200) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the electric machine (201) has its left hand portion detachably attached to said left drive source case (116) along with a portion of a crash guard structure (202).
6. The drive source assembly (200) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the electric machine (201) has its right hand portion detachably attached to said right drive source case (121).
7. The drive source assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said left drive source case (116) has a left arm (116L) extending forwardly from a body of said left case (116) and said right drive source case (121) has a right arm (121R) extending forwardly from a body of said right drive source case (121).
8. The drive source assembly (200) as claimed in claim 7, wherein said left arm (116L) and said right arm (121R) support a crash guard structure (202) at its front end.
9. The drive source assembly (200) as claimed in claim 7, wherein said left arm (116L) and said right arm (121R) are pivotally attached to a rear portion of the main frame member (118).
10. A saddle type vehicle comprising said drive source assembly as claimed in claims 1-9.