Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A rear axle arrestor (100) for a two-wheeled vehicle (200), the rear axle arrestor (100) comprising:
a spacer member (102) disposed at a rear end (202a) of a swingarm tube (202) and movable along a longitudinal direction of the vehicle (200), the spacer member (102) adapted to receive and support an axle shaft (204) of a rear wheel (208); and
an arrestor plate (104) mounted to the spacer member (102) and oriented laterally to the spacer member (102), the arrester plate (104) adapted to engage with the rear end (202a) of the swingarm tube (202) for securing the spacer member (102) and to arrest the axle shaft (204) in the rear end (202a) of the swingarm tube (202), wherein the spacer member (102) is defined with a slot (102a) at its front portion for routing of a wire extending from the axle shaft (204) to the swingarm tube (202).

2. The rear axle arrestor (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rear end (202a) of the swingarm tube (202) is provided with a shockabsorber mounting bracket (206) defined with a C-shaped profile including prongs (206a) adapted to engage with the arrester plate (104) and an open end (206b) defined between the prongs (206a) for enclosing the spacer member (102).
3. The rear axle arrestor (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprises a nut member (106) mounted onto the spacer member (102), the nut member (106) adapted to secure the spacer member (102) onto the axle shaft (204).

4. The rear axle arrestor (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the arrestor plate (104) is mounted onto the spacer member (102) via a bracket member (108).

5. The rear axle arrestor (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the arrestor plate (104) is integrated to the spacer member (102).

6. The rear axle arrestor (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the arrestor plate (104) is mounted onto the spacer member (102) via a stud and nut assembly, the stud and nut assembly comprising:
a stud pin (110) having a first end (110a) fixed to the spacer member (102) and a second end (110b) disposed on the arrestor plate (104); and
an arrestor nut (112) threadably engaged to the second end (110b) and adapted to adjust location of the axle shaft (204) on the swingarm tube (202) via the spacer member (102) for adjusting a chain slack.

7. The rear axle arrestor (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the arrestor plate (104) is defined with a provision (114) for mounting a style cover member.

8. A two-wheeled vehicle (200), comprising:
a frame member (246),
a swingarm tube (202) having a front end (202b) pivotally mounted to the frame member (246) and a rear end (202a) adapted to receive a rear wheel (208) via an axle shaft (204), and
a rear axle arrestor (100) mounted to the rear end (202a) of the swingarm tube (202); the rear axle arrestor (100) comprising:
a spacer member (102) disposed at the rear end (202a) and movable along a longitudinal direction of the vehicle (200), the spacer member (102) adapted to receive and support the axle shaft (204), and
an arrestor plate (104) mounted to the spacer member (102) and oriented laterally to the spacer member (102), the arrester plate (104) adapted to engage with the rear end (202a) of the swingarm tube (202) for securing the spacer member (102) and to arrest the axle shaft (204) in the rear end (202a) of the swingarm tube (202), wherein the spacer member (102) is defined with a slot (102a) at its front portion for routing of a wire extending from the axle shaft (204) to the swingarm tube (202).

9. The two-wheeled vehicle (200) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the rear end (202a) of the swingarm tube (202) is provided with a shockabsorber mounting bracket (206) defined with a C-shaped profile including prongs (206a) adapted to engage with the arrester plate (104) and an open end (206b) defined between the prongs (206a) for enclosing the spacer member (102).

10. The two-wheeled vehicle (200) as claimed in claim 8 comprises a nut member (106) mounted onto the spacer member (102), the nut member (106) adapted to secure the spacer member (102) onto the axle shaft (204).

11. The two-wheeled vehicle (200) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the arrestor plate (104) is mounted onto the spacer member (102) via a bracket member (108).

12. The two-wheeled vehicle (200) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the arrestor plate (104) is integrated to the spacer member (102).

13. The two-wheeled vehicle (200) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the arrestor plate (104) is mounted onto the spacer member (102) via a stud and nut assembly, the stud and nut assembly comprising:
a stud pin (110) having a first end (110a) fixed to the spacer member (102) and a second end (110b) disposed on the arrestor plate (104); and
an arrestor nut (112) threadably engaged to the second end (110b) and adapted to adjust location of the axle shaft (204) in the swingarm tube (202) via the spacer member (102) for adjusting a chain slack.

14. The two-wheeled vehicle (200) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the arrestor plate (104) is defined with a provision (114) for mounting a style cover member.

Dated this 10 day of December 2021.

TVS MOTOR COMPANY LIMITED
By their Agent & Attorney

(Nikhil Ranjan)
of Khaitan & Co
Reg No IN/PA-1471
, Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention relates to a two-wheeled vehicle, more particularly relates to a rear axle arrestor for the two-wheeled vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Typically, a two-wheeled vehicle includes a frame member and a swing arm tube that is swingably supported in a vertical direction with respect to the frame member. A rear axle is supported on the swing arm tube via a bearing, and rotatably supports a rear wheel and/or a sprocket (in vehicles using an IC (internal combustion) engine as a prime mover). Around the sprocket, a flexible power transmission means such as a cable or a belt drive is wound for transfer of motive force from the prime mover to the rear wheel. In order to support the rear axle on the swing arm tube and the rear wheel, a rear axle arrestor is typically provided. Additionally, the rear axle adjuster also enables changing in position of the rear axle on the swing arm tube, consequently enabling adjustment of slackness of the chain or belt drive. Thus, the rear axle adjuster also acts as a slack adjuster.
[003] Further, in an electric or hybrid two-wheeled vehicle, a hub motor is provided which drives the rear wheel for vehicle movement. The hub motor is typically connected to one or more power sources via electrical wires for receiving power. Wires from the hub motor are generally taken out though an axle shaft of the motor, at location either an inner side or an outer side of the swingarm pipe for routing along the swingarm pipe and finally to connect with the power source. However, the shaft of the hub motor is projected outward in the vehicle width direction (approx. 30 to 40 mm). Also, routing of wire from the motor shaft extends further in outward direction, as the wire cannot take a sharp turn. As such, the wires also project in vehicle width wise direction, leading to exposure to the atmosphere and leading to damage. The wires also interfere with or might hit a person walking by, which is unsafe. Additionally, the width wise projection of wires makes the vehicle aesthetically unpleasing. Further, the diameter of the wire is at least around 20 mm, and thus when the wire is routed from the opening in the axle, the diameter of a nut disposed on the axle is required to be increased. Consequently, if the size of the nut increases, correspondingly the size of the rear axle arrestor and other associated components increase which is undesirable.
[004] In view of the above, there is a need for a rear axle arrestor for the vehicle, which addresses one or more limitations stated above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[005] In one aspect, a rear axle arrestor for a two-wheeled vehicle is provided. The rear axle arrestor includes a spacer member disposed at a rear end of a swingarm tube and movable along a longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The spacer member is adapted to receive and support an axle shaft of a rear wheel. An arrestor plate is mounted to the spacer member and oriented laterally to the spacer member. The arrester plate is adapted to engage with the rear end of the swingarm tube for securing the spacer member and to arrest the axle shaft in the rear end of the swingarm tube. The spacer member is defined with a slot at its front portion for routing of a wire extending from the axle shaft to the swingarm tube.
[006] In an embodiment, the rear end of the swing arm tube is provided with a shockabsorber mounting bracket defined with a C-shaped profile including prongs adapted to engage with the arrester plate and an open end defined between the prongs for enclosing the spacer member.
[007] In an embodiment, a nut member is mounted onto the spacer member. The nut member is adapted to secure the spacer member onto the axle shaft.
[008] In an embodiment, the arrestor plate is mounted onto the spacer member via a bracket member. In an embodiment, the arrestor plate is integrated to the spacer member.
[009] In an embodiment, the arrestor plate is mounted onto the spacer member via a stud and nut assembly. The stud and nut assembly includes a stud pin having a first end fixed to the spacer member and a second end disposed on the arrestor plate. An arrestor nut is threadably engaged to the second end and adapted to adjust location of the axle shaft on the swingarm tube via the spacer member for adjusting a chain slack.
[010] In an embodiment, the arrestor plate is defined with a provision for mounting a style cover member.
[011] In another aspect, a two-wheeled vehicle is provided. The vehicle includes a frame member and a swingarm tube having a front end pivotally mounted to the frame member and a rear end adapted to receive a rear wheel via an axle shaft. A rear axle arrestor is mounted to the rear end of the swingarm tube. The rear axle arrestor includes a spacer member disposed at a rear end of a swingarm tube and movable along a longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The spacer member is adapted to receive and support an axle shaft of a rear wheel. An arrestor plate is mounted to the spacer member and oriented laterally to the spacer member. The arrester plate is adapted to engage with the rear end of the swingarm tube for securing the spacer member and to arrest the axle shaft in the rear end of the swingarm tube. The spacer member is defined with a slot at its front portion for routing of a wire extending from the axle shaft to the swingarm tube.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[012] 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 frame member of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 is a schematic view of a swingarm tube mounted with a rear axle arrestor, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 is a perspective view of the swingarm tube mounted with the rear axle arrestor, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 is a perspective view of the rear axle arrestor, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 is a schematic view of the rear axle arrestor mounted to an axle shaft of a rear wheel of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 7 is a perspective view of the rear axle arrestor, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 8 is a perspective view of the rear axle arrestor mounted to the axle shaft, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 9 is a schematic view of the axle shaft depicting a groove therein, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[013] Various features and embodiments of the present invention here will be discernible from the following further description thereof, set out hereunder.
[014] 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 210 that is adapted to provide motive force for movement of the vehicle 200. In an embodiment, the prime mover 210 is an internal combustion engine, which is preferably a single-cylinder engine. In another embodiment, the prime mover 210 is an electric motor. The vehicle 200 comprises a front wheel 212, a rear wheel 208, a frame member 246 (shown in Figure 2), a seat assembly and a fuel tank 216. In an embodiment, the seat assembly includes a seat 214 for a rider and a pillion seat 214’ for a pillion. The frame member 246 includes a head pipe 248 (shown in Figure 2), a main tube (not shown), a down tube (not shown), and a seat rail (not shown). The head pipe 248 supports a steering shaft (not shown) and a telescopic suspension unit 218 attached to the steering shaft through a lower bracket (not shown). The telescopic suspension unit 218 supports the front wheel 212.
[015] Further, the upper portion of the front wheel 212 is covered by a front fender 220 mounted to the lower portion of the telescopic suspension unit 218 at the end of the steering shaft. A handlebar 222 is fixed to a upper bracket (not shown) and can rotate about the steering shaft for turning the vehicle 200. A headlight 224, a visor guard (not shown) and instrument cluster 226 is arranged on an upper portion of the head pipe 248. The frame member 246 comprises the down tube (not shown) that may be positioned in front of the prime mover 210 and extends slantingly downward from the head pipe 248. The main tube of the frame member 246 is located above the prime mover 210 and extends rearward from the head pipe 248.
[016] The fuel tank 216 is mounted on the main tube. The seat rails (not shown) are joined to the main tube and extends rearward to support the seat assembly. A swingarm tube 202 (also shown in Figures 3-5) is connected to the frame member 246 to swing vertically, and the rear wheel 208 is connected to a rear end of the swingarm tube 202. Generally, the swingarm tube 202 is supported by a shock absorber 228 which can be a mono shock absorber (as shown in Figure 1) or through two shock absorbers (for e.g. as shown in Figures 3 and 4) on either side of the vehicle 200. A taillight unit 230 is disposed at the end of the vehicle 200 and at the rear of the seat assembly. A grab rail 232 is also provided to the seat rails. The rear wheel 208 arranged below the seat 214 rotates by the motive force of the prime mover 210. In an embodiment, the motive force is transmitted through a chain drive (not shown).
[017] Further, a rear fender 234 is disposed above the rear wheel 208. In an embodiment, for prime mover 210 of internal combustion engine type, an exhaust pipe 236 extends vertically downward from the prime mover 210 and then extends below the prime mover 210 longitudinally along the length of the vehicle 200 before terminating in a muffler 238. The muffler 238 is typically disposed adjoining the rear wheel 208.
[018] Furthermore, referring to Figures 2-4, the swingarm tube 202 has a front end 202b that is pivotally mounted to the frame member 246 and a rear end 202a adapted to receive or support the rear wheel 208 via an axle shaft 204 (shown in Figures 6 and 9). The rear end 202a of the swingarm tube 202 is also adapted to support a rear axle adjuster 100, which would be described in detail in description pertaining to Figures 5-8. In an embodiment, the rear axle adjuster 100 is mounted onto the rear end 202a of the swingarm tube 202 via a shock absorber mounting bracket 206.
[019] In the present embodiment, the swingarm tube 202 is a double-sided tubular member which attaches onto the rear wheel 208 on both sides. Accordingly, the rear axle adjuster 100 is mounted on both tubular members of the swing arm tube 202 (for e.g. as shown in Figure 4). One or more cross members 240 (as shown in Figure 4) may be mounted onto the swingarm tube 202 for improving load bearing characteristics of the swingarm tube 202. In an embodiment, the swingarm tube 202 is a single-sided member which supports the rear wheel 208 on one side. In an embodiment, the dimension, configuration and/or geometry of the swingarm tube 202 is selected as per design feasibility and requirement.
[020] Figure 5 depicts a perspective view of the rear axle arrestor 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The rear axle arrestor 100 is adapted to arrest the axle shaft 204 of the rear wheel 208. The rear axle arrestor 100 also enables adjustment of the position of the axle shaft 204, thereby facilitating slack adjustment of the chain drive. In other words, the rear axle arrestor 100 also acts as a chain adjuster for the vehicle 200.
[021] The rear axle arrestor 100 includes a spacer member 102 disposed at the rear end 202a of the swingarm tube 202 and movable along a longitudinal direction of the vehicle 200. In the present embodiment, the term “longitudinal direction” refers to the front-rear direction of the vehicle 200. The spacer member 102 is adapted to receive and support the axle shaft 204 of the rear wheel 208. In an embodiment, the spacer member 102 is a cylindrical shell structure adapted to receive the axle shaft 204 of the rear wheel 208. Accordingly, dimensions and configuration of the spacer member 102 is selected as per design feasibility and requirement.
[022] The rear axle arrestor 100 further includes an arrestor plate 104 mounted to the spacer member 102 and oriented laterally to the spacer member 102. The arrester plate 104 is adapted to engage with the rear end 202a of the swingarm tube 202 for securing the spacer member 102 and to arrest the axle shaft 204 in the rear end 202a of the swing arm 202. In the present embodiment, a nut member 106 (shown in Figure 8) is mounted onto the spacer member 102 for securing the spacer member 102 onto the axle shaft 204. The nut member 106 may be mounted onto a rear portion of the spacer member 102 for securing the axle shaft 204 onto the spacer member 102. In an embodiment, the term “rear portion” pertains to the portion of the spacer member 102 which is away from the rear wheel 208. In an embodiment, the spacer member 102 is configured with connecting means such as latching mechanism and the like, for engagement with the axle shaft 204.
[023] The spacer member 102 is further defined with a slot 102a (for e.g. also shown in Figure 7) at its front portion for routing of a wire (not shown) extending from the axle shaft 204 to the swing arm tube 202. In an embodiment, the term “front portion” pertains to the portion of the spacer member 102 that is facing the rear wheel 208. In an embodiment, the wire is routed from a groove 242 (as shown in Figure 9) of a wheel hub 244 (as shown in Figure 9) of the rear wheel 208. Such a construction of the spacer member 102 mitigates the requirement of providing a slot (not shown) in the shock absorber mounting bracket 206, thereby retaining load bearing characteristics of the shock absorber mounting bracket 206.
[024] In an embodiment, the shock absorber mounting bracket 206 is defined with a C-shaped profile including prongs 206a adapted to engage with the arrester plate 104 and an open end 206b (as shown in Figure 6) defined between the prongs 206a (as shown in Figure 6) for enclosing the spacer member 102. Accordingly, the shock absorber mounting bracket 206 is configured with dimensions as per design feasibility and requirement. In an embodiment, the arrestor plate 104 is fastened onto the shockabsorber mounting bracket 206.
[025] In an embodiment, the arrestor plate 104 and the spacer member 102 are engaged with the rear end 202a of the swingarm tube 202, thereby securing the axle shaft 204 in the rear end 202a of the swing arm 202.
[026] In an embodiment, the arrestor plate 104 is mounted to the spacer member 102 via a first bracket 108 which is fixed to the spacer member 102. The first bracket 108 is fixed on the outer peripheral surface of the spacer member 102 and extends longitudinally therefrom. The arrestor plate 104 is mounted to the first bracket 108, thereby being mounted to the spacer member 102. In an embodiment, the arrestor plate 104 is mounted to the first bracket 108 or the spacer member 102 via conventional mounting techniques such as welding, fastening and the like. In another embodiment, the arrestor plate 104 is integrated to the spacer member 102.
[027] Referring to Figures 7 and 8, the arrestor plate 104 mounted onto the spacer member 102 via a stud and nut assembly is depicted, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. The stud and nut assembly includes a stud pin 110 having a first end 110a fixed to the spacer member 102 and a second end 110b disposed on the arrestor plate 104. An arrestor nut 112 (as shown in Figure 8) is threadably engaged to the second end 110b and adapted to adjust location of the axle shaft 204 on the swingarm tube 202 via the spacer member 102 for adjusting a chain slack. Such a construction of the arrestor plate 104 and spacer member 102 enables to adjust position of the axle shaft 204 and/or chain slack without the requirement of completely dismantling the rear axle arrestor 100.
[028] In an embodiment, the arrestor plate 104 depicted in Figures 5-8 is defined with a provision 114 for mounting a style cover member, thereby enhancing aesthetic appeal of the vehicle 200.
[029] In an embodiment, each of the spacer member 102, the arrestor plate 104, the nut member 106 and the first bracket 108 is made by one of a metallic material, a composite material or any other suitable material as per design strength requirements.
[030] Advantageously, the present invention provides a rear axle arrestor 100 which provides a means for routing of wire, particularly from the wheel hub 244, without the requirement of providing the slot in the shock absorber mounting bracket 206. Consequently, the rear axle arrestor 100 ensures that the width of the vehicle is maintained, while also reducing the part count in the vehicle. Additionally, the rear axle arrestor 100 also provides a means for adjusting position of the axle shaft and/or for adjusting chain slack in the vehicle 200. Also, reduction in part count improves the aesthetic appeal of the vehicle. Furthermore, due to the slot 102a in the spacer member 102, weight of the rear axle arrestor 100 is reduced, without compromising strength of the load bearing structure.
[031] 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.