Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A locator sleeve (100) for a swing arm (202) of a vehicle (200), the locator sleeve (100) comprising:
a first body portion (102) axially mounted onto a rim surface (204) of a tube portion (206) of the swing arm (202); and
a second body portion (104) extending laterally from the first body portion (102) and adapted to engage with an outer surface (206a) of the tube portion (206), the second body portion (104) adapted to secure a buffer chain member (208) of the vehicle (200) thereon.

2. The locator sleeve (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first body portion (102) is defined with a threaded slot (106) for receiving a fastener (212), the fastener (212) adapted to be mounted onto the tube portion (206) for retaining a central axle (210) of the swing arm (202) in the tube portion (206).

3. The locator sleeve (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first body portion (102) comprises at least one protrusion (108) extending laterally from its outer surface (102a).

4. The locator sleeve (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second body portion (104) comprises at least one projection (110) extending laterally from an aft end (104a) of the second body portion (104).

5. The locator sleeve (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprises a rib member (112) extending from the first body portion (102) to the second body portion (104), the rib member (112) adapted to enhance structural rigidity of the locator sleeve (100).

6. The locator sleeve (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second body portion (104) is an arcuate shaped member conforming to the curvature of the outer surface (206a) of the tube portion (206).

7. A swing arm (202) for a vehicle (200), comprising:
a body (214) having a first end (214a) pivotally mounted onto a frame member of the vehicle (200) and a second end (214b) adapted to receive a rear wheel (216); the first end (214a) comprising a tube portion (206) for pivotally mounting onto the frame member; and
a locator sleeve (100) comprising:
a first body portion (102) axially mounted onto a rim surface (204) of the tube portion (206); and
a second body portion (104) extending laterally from the first body portion (102) and adapted to engage with an outer surface (206a) of the tube portion (206), the second body portion (104) adapted to secure a buffer chain member (208) of the vehicle (200) thereon.

8. The swing arm (202) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the first body portion (102) is defined with a threaded slot (106) for receiving a fastener (212), the fastener (212) adapted to be mounted onto the tube portion (206) for retaining a central axle (210) of the swing arm (202) in the tube portion (206).

9. The swing arm (202) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the first body portion (102) comprises at least one protrusion (108) extending laterally from its outer surface (102a).

10. The swing arm (202) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the second body portion (104) comprises at least one projection (110) extending laterally from an aft end (104a) of the second body portion (104).

11. The swing arm (202) as claimed in claim 7 comprises a rib member (112) extending from the first body portion (102) to the second body portion (104), the rib member (112) adapted to enhance structural rigidity of the locator sleeve (100).

12. The swing arm (202) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second body portion (104) is an arcuate shaped member conforming to the curvature of the outer surface (206a) of the tube portion (206) for engagement therewith.
, Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention relates to a swing arm of a saddle type vehicle, more particularly relates to a locator sleeve for the swing arm of the saddle type vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Vehicles, such as two-wheeled vehicles, typically include a swingarm having one end pivotally mounted onto a frame member and other end supports a rear wheel. The swing arm is assembled onto the frame member via an axle, so that the swing arm pivots vertically with respect to the axle. At the connecting junction of the swing arm and the frame member, thrust washers (or rotary washers), made of low friction co-efficient materials such as steel, bronze, plastic and the like, are typically provided to the swing arm. The thrust washers prevent lateral movement of the swing arm and rubbing of the swing arm with the frame member during the vehicle operation.
[003] Additionally, the swingarm is typically surrounded with a force transmitting member such as a chain, for transmitting motive force from a transmission system to the rear wheel. During transmission of motive force at various riding conditions, (i.e., during acceleration and deceleration of the vehicle) there is a possibility of the chain contacting the swingarm, which generates noise. The noise becomes more pronounced during chain slack conditions.
[004] In order to overcome the aforementioned problems, a buffer chain is introduced for guiding the chain. Buffer chain is mounted at two locations (top and bottom portions) on the swing arm. However, the buffer chain requires restriction, particularly at a front portion of the buffer chain which is mounted on a tube structure present on the swing arm. Such restriction ensures alignment of the buffer chain, which in-turn maintains alignment of the chain.
[005] Usually in casted swing arms, the locator is die casted along with the single casting and inner or outer thread like provisions are provided for holding the thrust washer. In such casted swing arms, the locator is usually a block shaped structure present on either side of the buffer chain on the tube portion of the axle. The buffer chain remains in position by being between the two locators. However, the casted swing arms are typically expensive to manufacture, inherently increasing the cost of the vehicle.
[006] In order to overcome aforementioned limitations, swing arms are fabricated by assembling split parts. Also, arms of the swing arms are connected with the tube structure by means of welding. However, due to limited width in the tube structure, once the parts are welded together it is a challenge for assembling the thrust washer onto the sides of the tube member. Moreover, beadings are formed on sides of the tube member when the thrust washer is welded onto sides of the tube member, thereby reducing the distance between the tube member and the thrust washer. The beading formation also prevents mounting of the thrust washer onto the tube member, while taking support from the outer rim of tube member. The thrust washer also cannot be fixed by means of inner threads on the inner rim of the tube, as the same will reduce the material on the rim of the washer, resulting in compromise in strength of the tube member. As such, in such scenarios the thrust washer is simply pressed fitted on the outer hollow side of the tube portion. But such thrust washers have a tendency of dropping out and falling, due to lack of sufficient support. Moreover, in fabricated swing arms, providing a pair of conventional locator becomes a challenge as the locators are required to be welded separately thereon and such separate welding increases manufacturing and assembling difficulty.
[007] In view of the above, there is a need for a locator sleeve for swing arm of the vehicle, which addresses one or more limitations stated above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[008] In one aspect, a locator sleeve for a swing arm of a vehicle is disclosed. The locator sleeve includes a first body portion axially mounted onto a rim surface of a tube portion of the swing arm and a second body portion. The second body portion extends laterally from the first body portion and is adapted to engage with an outer surface of the tube portion. The second body portion secures a buffer chain member of the vehicle thereon.
[009] In an embodiment, the first body portion is defined with a threaded slot for receiving a fastener. The fastener is adapted to be mounted onto the tube portion for retaining a central axle of the swing arm in the tube portion.
[010] In an embodiment, the first body portion includes at least one protrusion extending laterally from its outer surface.
[011] In an embodiment, the second body portion includes at least one projection extending laterally from an aft end of the second body portion.
[012] In an embodiment, a rib member extends from the first body portion to the second body portion. The rib member is adapted to enhance structural rigidity of the locator sleeve.
[013] In an embodiment, the second body portion is an arcuate shaped member conforming to the curvature of the outer surface of the tube portion.
[014] In another aspect, the swing arm for the vehicle is disclosed. The swing arm includes a body having a first end pivotally mounted onto a frame member of the vehicle and a second end adapted to receive a rear wheel. The first end includes a tube portion for pivotally mounting onto the frame member. The locator sleeve is also provided and includes the first body portion axially mounted onto the rim surface of the tube portion and the second body portion. The second body portion extends laterally from the first body portion and is adapted to engage with an outer surface of the tube portion. The second body portion is also adapted to secure the buffer chain member of the vehicle thereon.
[015] In an embodiment, the second body portion is an arcuate shaped member conforming to the curvature of the outer surface of the tube portion for engagement therewith.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[016] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.
Figure 1 is a schematic view of a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a perspective view of a locator sleeve for a swing arm, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 is a side view of the locator sleeve, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 is a top view of the locator sleeve, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 is a sectional view of the locator sleeve, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 is a perspective view of the swing arm including a buffer chain and the locator sleeve, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 7 is a top view of the swing arm, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 8 is a front view of the swing arm, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 9 is a perspective view of the swing arm mounted with a rear wheel, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 10 is a perspective view of the swing arm mounted with the rear wheel and supporting a chain member, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[017] Various features and embodiments of the present invention here will be discernible from the following further description thereof, set out hereunder.
[018] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic view of a vehicle 200, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As an example, the vehicle 200 is a two-wheeled vehicle. The vehicle 200 comprises a prime mover 218 that is adapted to provide motive force for movement of the vehicle 200. In an embodiment, the prime mover 218 is an internal combustion engine, which is preferably a single-cylinder engine. The vehicle 200 comprises a front wheel 220, a rear wheel 216, a frame member (not shown), a seat 222 and a fuel tank 224. The frame member includes a head pipe 226, a main frame member (not shown), a down tube (not shown), and an upper tube (not shown). The head pipe 226 supports a steering shaft (not shown) and a front suspension assembly 228 attached to the steering shaft through a lower bracket (not shown). The front suspension assembly 228 supports the front wheel 220, and is adapted to dampen the vibrations generated during vehicle movement.
[019] Further, the upper portion of the front wheel 220 is covered by a front fender 230 mounted to the lower portion of the front suspension assembly 228 at the end of the steering shaft. A handlebar 232 is fixed to upper bracket (not shown) and can rotate about the steering shaft for turning the vehicle. A headlight 234, a visor guard (not shown) and instrument cluster 236 is arranged on an upper portion of the head pipe 226.
[020] Additionally, the fuel tank 224 is mounted on the frame member (not shown). The upper tube (not shown) are joined to the frame member (not shown) and extend rearward to support the seat 222. A swing arm 202 (shown in Figures 6, 7 and 8) is connected to the frame member to swing vertically. The swing arm 202 includes a body 214 (shown in Figures 6, 7 and 8) having a first end 214a (shown in Figure 6) pivotally mounted onto the frame member and a second end 214b (shown in Figure 6) adapted to receive the rear wheel 216 (also shown in Figures 9 and 10). As such, the rear wheel 216 is also capable of swinging vertically along with the swing arm 202, while traversing over an undulation on a road surface. The first end 214a of the swing arm 202 also includes a tube portion 206 (for e.g.as shown in Figures 6, 7 and 8). The tube portion 206 enables mounting of the first end 214a onto the frame member. In an embodiment, the tube portion 206 is fastened onto the frame member (for e.g. as shown in Figures 6, 7 and 8), for pivotal connection of the first end 214a with the frame member. The tube portion 206 is also adapted to support a central axle 210 of the swing arm 202, so that the swing arm 202 upon connection with the frame member, swings or pivots about the central axle 210. In the present embodiment, the body 214 of the swing arm 202 includes two arm portions, each disposed at a left and a right of the vehicle 200. Accordingly, two tube portions 206 are provided at the first end 214a of the swing arm 202. However, a singular reference is made to the tube portion 206, and the first end 214a of the swing arm 202 in the present description for ease of understanding and clarity. Thus, it is imperative for the person skilled in the art that the description pertaining to the tube portion 206 corresponds to the description of the tube portion 204 provided at both the arms of the swing arm 202. In an embodiment, the swing arm 202 is made by casting technique as a singular structure or fabricated via a hydroforming technique, as per design feasibility and requirement. The swing arm 202 is also supported by a rear suspension 238 for damping the vibrations transferred via the rear wheel 216, while traversing over undulations on road surface during vehicle movement.
[021] Further, a locator sleeve 100 is mounted onto the tube portion 206. The locator sleeve 100 is adapted to support and/or locate a buffer chain member 208 (for e.g. as shown in Figures 6, 7 and 8) on the swing arm 202, while also providing axial support to the swing arm 202, thereby preventing lateral movement of the swing arm 202 during movement of the vehicle 200. In an embodiment, the buffer chain member 208 is a chain drive supporting member on the swing arm 202 of the vehicle 200. The description pertaining to the locator sleeve 100 is provided with reference to Figures 2-5.
[022] Referring to Figures 2-5 in conjunction with Figure 1, the locator sleeve 100 which is adapted to be mounted onto the tube portion 206 of the swing arm 202 is depicted. The locator sleeve 100 includes a first body portion 102 axially mounted onto a rim surface 204 of the tube portion 206. The first body portion 102 upon mounting on the rim surface 204 acts as a thrust washer member for the swing arm 202, for preventing lateral movement of the swing arm 202 during movement of the vehicle 200. In the present embodiment, the first body portion 102 is an annular member that surrounds the rim surface 204. Thus, in the present embodiment the annular member acts as the thrust washer member for the swing arm 202.
[023] The first body portion 102 further includes a threaded slot 106 for receiving a fastener 212 (for e.g. as shown in Figures 6, 7 and 8). The fastener 212 is adapted to be mounted onto the tube portion 206 via the threaded slot 106. The fastener 212 is adapted to secure and/or retain the central axle 210 of the swing arm 202 in the tube portion 206. Also, the fastener 212 upon mounted into the threaded slot 106 is supported on the surface of the first body portion 102 (for e.g. as shown in Figures 7 and 8). In an embodiment, the first body portion 102 is made by one of a metallic material or a composite material, as per design feasibility and requirement. In the present embodiment, the threaded slot 106 is also capable of receiving a boss member (not shown) there on.
[024] Further, the locator sleeve 100 includes a second body portion 104 extending laterally (or along left-right direction of the vehicle 200) from the first body portion 102. The second body portion 104 is adapted to engage with an outer surface 206a (for e.g. as shown in Figure 6) of the tube portion 206. The second body portion 104 is adapted to support and/or secure the buffer chain member 208 of the vehicle 200 thereon. The second body portion 104 extends laterally such that, the lateral thickness is capable of supporting the buffer chain member 208 therein.
[025] In an embodiment, the second body portion 104 is an arcuate shaped member which conforms to the outer surface 206a of the tube portion 206. The arcuate shape of the second body portion 104 is considered based on the configuration of the buffer chain member 208, since the portion of that buffer chain member 208 that engages with the locator sleeve 100 is also of the arcuate shape. Also, the arcuate shape of the second body portion 104 facilitates assembly onto the tube portion 206. In the present embodiment, the arcuate shape of the second body portion 104 extends only at a portion of engagement with the buffer chain member 208 (for e.g. as shown in Figure 2). Thus, in the present embodiment, the arcuate shape of the second body portion 104 extends at a front portion of the tube portion 206, so that the front portion of the buffer chain member 208 engages therewith.
[026] In an embodiment, the second body portion 104 is made by one of a metallic material or a composite material, as per design feasibility and requirement. In another embodiment, the dimensions and thickness of the second body portion 104 is selected as per strength requirement required for securing the buffer chain member 208 and for providing the axial support to the tube portion 206.
[027] In an embodiment, the first body portion 102 and the second body portion 104 are a unitary structure or made as a single piece construction. In another embodiment, the second body portion 104 is mounted onto the first body portion 102 to form an integral structure, wherein a fore end 104b of the second body portion 104 is mounted onto the first body portion 102.
[028] Further, the first body portion 102 includes at least one protrusion 108 (hereinafter referred to as ‘protrusion 108’) extending laterally (for e.g. about front-rear direction of the vehicle 200) from its outer surface 102a. Similarly, the second body portion 104 also includes at least one projection 110 (hereinafter referred to as ‘projection 110’) which extends laterally (for e.g. about front-rear direction of the vehicle 200) from an aft end 104a of the second body portion 104. The protrusion 108 and the projection 110 in combination act as a stopper for securing the buffer chain member 208 therebetween. In an embodiment, the dimensions and/or extension of the protrusion 108 and the projection 110 is selected as per design feasibility and requirement. In an embodiment, the distance between the protrusions and the projections ranges from 20mm to about 30mm.
[029] Referring now to Figures 4 and 5, the locator sleeve 100 further includes a rib member 112 extending from the first body portion 102 upto the second body portion 104. The rib member 112 is adapted to enhance structural rigidity of the locator sleeve 100, thereby catering to the strength requirements required on the swing arm 202. In the present embodiment, the rib member 112 extends angularly or with a reduced dimensions from the first body portion 102 upto the second body portion 104. Such a construction is selected in order to reduce material usage, while also providing optimal structural rigidity to the locator sleeve. In another embodiment, the configuration, dimensions and thickness of the rib member 112 is considered as per design feasibility and requirement of the locator sleeve 100.
[030] In an embodiment, the locator sleeve 100 is mounted onto the tube portion 206 and thereafter, the buffer chain member 208 is located over the locator sleeve 100, such that, the front portion of the buffer chain member 208 is secured between the protrusion 108 and the projection 110, while its rear portion is fastened on the body 214 of the swing arm 202 (for e.g. as shown in Figures 6 and 7).
[031] Advantageously, the present invention provides the locator sleeve 100 in which the first body portion 102 covers a side or rim surface 206 of the tube portion 206 and the second body portion 104 which supports or secures the buffer chain member 208. Thus, the locator sleeve 100 acts as a thrust washer for the swing arm 202 and also as a locator for securing the buffer chain member 208. Also, the construction of the locator sleeve 100 reduces number of parts assembled on the swing arm 202, thereby making the construction or assembly of the swing arm 202 simple. Additionally, such a construction of the locator sleeve 100 facilitates assembling and manufacturing process on the swing arm 202.
[032] While the present invention has been described with respect to certain embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modification may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.