Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to the field of saddle-type vehicles and, more particularly to a swingarm structure for a saddle-type vehicle for forming a single swingarm structure by providing a motor assembly and a gearbox assembly within the swingarm.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The swingarm is a mechanical device that attaches the rear wheel of a two-wheeler vehicle to its chassis mainframe. The swingarm is a crucial part of a two-wheeler vehicle as it allows the wheel to rotate freely. It is also the component to which the motor is attached. The suspension and rotating components are assembled onto the swingarm. The road loads and the traction loads are transferred to the vehicle structure, thereby affecting the performance of the vehicle. The swingarm and all the components assembled onto it form a major portion of the unsprung mass at the rear of the vehicle.
[0003] Conventionally, there is a separate casing available for the motor that is used for attaching the motor to the swingarm, wherein the motor casing is attached to the swingarm. A stator is press fit inside the motor casing because of which a user requires complex tools and methods for removing it when the servicing of the motor is required. The separate mounting of the motor with the swingarm increases the thermal resistance which causes lesser rate of heat dissipation from the motor. The lesser rate of heat dissipation means lesser sustained peak power from the motor which reduces the power utilization. When the motor is installed as a subassembly on the structure of the vehicle, it reduces the thermal mass available to dissipate heat into the atmosphere.
[0004] When the motor is separately assembled on the swingarm, it introduces a thermal contact resistance between the motor housing and the swingarm. This fails in the optimum utilization of the swingarm for improving the thermal performance of the motor assembly.
[0005] In light of the above-stated discussion, there is a need for a novel swingarm structure for a saddle-type vehicle to improve the performance of a motor assembly and increases the optimum utilization of the swingarm.
OBJECT OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0006] A primary objective of the present disclosure is to provide a single swingarm structure by fitting a motor assembly and a gearbox assembly to a first and a second side of a base arm of the swingarm structure.
[0007] Another objective is to provide the swingarm structure for the saddle-type vehicle for improving the thermal performance of the motor assembly by assembling the stator core directly into a first housing disposed on a base arm of the swingarm structure.
[0008] Another objective is to provide the swingarm structure for the saddle-type vehicle for to increase the power utilization of the motor assembly.
[0009] Another objective is to provide the swingarm structure for the saddle-type vehicle in which a common shaft connects the motor assembly to the gearbox assembly in such a manner which ensures no leakage of oil from the gearbox assembly to the motor assembly.
[0010] Another objective is to provide the swingarm structure for the saddle-type vehicle to increase the serviceability of the motor assembly.
[0011] Another objective is to provide the swingarm structure for the saddle-type vehicle in which there is no need to open the gearbox assembly to service the motor assembly.
[0012] Another objective is to provide the swingarm structure for the saddle-type vehicle in which all the parts of the swingarm structure are modularly placed so that it is easy to be assembled and disassembled in case of an occurrence of a fault.
[0013] Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide the swingarm structure for the saddle-type vehicle that is economical, and cost-effective.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0014] The following is a summary description of illustrative embodiments of the invention. It is provided as a preface to assist those skilled in the art to more rapidly assimilate the detailed design discussion which ensues and is not intended in any way to limit the scope of the claims which are appended hereto in order to particularly point out the invention.
[0015] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a swingarm structure for a saddle-type vehicle. The swingarm structure includes a front part, a base arm, a first housing, and a second housing.
[0016] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the front part is configured to connect it with a chassis of the saddle-type vehicle. The front part is a U-shaped structure comprising two free sides and an interconnecting side connecting the two free sides. Further, the two free sides are configured to connect the swingarm structure to the chassis of the saddle-type vehicle. Further, each of the free sides defines a through hole to allow a connecting fixture to pass through. Further, the connecting fixture connects the swingarm structure to the chassis of the saddle-type vehicle.
[0017] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the base arm includes a proximal end and a distal end. The base arm tapers towards the proximal end. The first housing is disposed on a first side of the base arm towards the distal end and is configured to receive a motor assembly. The first housing comprises a circular frame. Further, the circular frame comprises at least one frame shoulder disposed along the width of the circular frame. In another embodiment, the circular frame comprises a plurality of frame shoulder disposed along the width of the circular frame Further, the plurality of frame shoulders is equidistant from each other.
[0018] The motor assembly comprises a stator core, a rotor core and a common shaft. Further, the stator core comprises at least one connecting shoulder disposed along the surface of the stator core. Further, the stator core is configured to fit within the circular frame such that the at least one connecting shoulder of the stator core is disposed in the at least one shoulder of the circular frame. In another embodiment, the stator core comprises a plurality of connecting shoulders disposed along the surface of the stator core. Further, the stator core is configured to fit within the circular frame such that the plurality of connecting shoulders of the stator core is disposed in the plurality of frame shoulders of the circular frame. Further, the plurality of connecting shoulders is equidistant from each other.
[0019] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the first housing comprises a first housing cover configured to cover the motor assembly disposed within the circular frame. Further, the first housing cover comprises protrusions configured to connect the first housing cover to the first housing. The first housing cover comprises intermittent lateral protrusions extending towards the motor assembly.
[0020] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the first housing cover comprises a sealing. Further, the first housing cover comprises a circular centre protrusion configured to house a bearing assembly.
[0021] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the second housing is disposed on a second side of the base arm towards the distal end and is configured to house a gearbox assembly. The first housing and the second housing are disposed such that the common shaft connects the motor assembly to the gearbox assembly. Further, the front part, the base arm, the first housing, and the second housing collectively form a single structure.
[0022] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the gearbox assembly comprises a plurality of gears and a driven shaft. Further, the plurality of gears is driven by the common shaft and the plurality of gears drives the driven shaft. Further, the driven shaft is attached to a drive wheel of the saddle-type vehicle.
[0023] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the second housing comprises a second housing cover configured to cover the gearbox assembly disposed within the second housing. Further, the second housing cover defines a through hole to allow the driven shaft to pass through.
[0024] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the base arm comprises flange along its edge. Further, the flange extends towards the second side of the base arm such that the flange covers the second housing.
[0025] These and other aspects herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawing. The foregoing objectives are attained by employing the swingarm structure for the saddle-type vehicle for fitting the motor assembly and the gearbox assembly into the swing-arm by using a plurality of bolts to improve the utilization of the swing-arm.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0026] To describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure or in the prior art more clearly, the following briefly describes the accompanying drawings required for describing the embodiments or the prior art. Apparently, the accompanying drawings in the following description merely show some embodiments of the present disclosure, and a person of ordinary skill in the art can derive other implementations from these accompanying drawings without creative efforts. All of the embodiments or the implementations shall fall within the protection scope of the present disclosure.
[0027] Fig. 1A is an exploded view of a swingarm structure 100 of a saddle-type vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0028] Fig. 1B illustrates a connection of the swingarm structure 100 with a chassis 124 of the saddle--type vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0029] Figs. 1C & 1D illustrate a first side 106 view and a second side 108 view of the swingarm structure 100 of the saddle-type vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0030] Figs. 2A & 2B illustrate a front-side exploded view and a rear-side exploded view of the swingarm structure 100 of the saddle-type vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0031] Figs. 2C & 2D illustrate a first housing 110 and a first housing cover 122 of the saddle-type vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0032] Fig. 3 illustrates a perspective exploded view of the second housing 312 and the gearbox assembly 116 of the saddle-type vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0033] It should be noted that the accompanying figure is intended to present illustrations of a few examples of the present disclosure. The figure is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. It should also be noted that the accompanying figure is not necessarily drawn to scale.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0034] Those skilled in the art will be aware that the present disclosure is subject to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. It is to be understood that the present disclosure includes all such variations and modifications. The disclosure also includes all such steps, features, compositions and compounds referred to or indicated in this specification, individually or collectively, and any and all combinations of any or more of such steps or features.
[0035] For convenience, before further description of the present disclosure, certain terms employed in the specification, and examples are collected here. These definitions should be read in the light of the remainder of the disclosure and understood as by a person of skill in the art. The terms used herein have the meanings recognized and known to those of skill in the art, however, for convenience and completeness, particular terms and their meanings are set forth below.
[0036] The articles "a", "an" and "the" are used to refer to one or to more than one (i.e., to at least one) of the grammatical object of the article.
[0037] The terms "comprise" and "comprising" are used in the inclusive, open sense, meaning that additional elements may be included. It is not intended to be construed as "consists of only". Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element or step or group of element or steps but not the exclusion of any other element or step or group of element or steps.
[0038] The term "including" is used to mean "including but not limited to". "Including" and "including but not limited to" are used interchangeably. The accompanying drawing is used to help easily understand various technical features and it should be understood that the alternatives presented herein are not limited by the accompanying drawing. As such, the present disclosure should be construed to extend to any alterations, equivalents and substitutes in addition to those which are particularly set out in the accompanying drawing. Although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are generally only used to distinguish one element from another.
[0039] Conditional language used herein, such as, among others, "can," "may," "might," "may," “e.g.,” and the like, unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain alternatives include, while other alternatives do not include, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or steps are in any way required for one or more alternatives or that one or more alternatives necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without other input or prompting, whether these features, elements and/or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular alternative. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and the like are synonymous and are used inclusively, in an open-ended fashion, and do not exclude additional elements, features, acts, operations, and so forth. Also, the term “or” is used in its inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense) so that when used, for example, to connect a list of elements, the term “or” means one, some, or all of the elements in the list.
[0040] Disjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to present that an item, term, etc., may be either X, Y, or Z, or any combination thereof (e.g., X, Y, and/or Z). Thus, such disjunctive language is not generally intended to, and should not, imply that certain alternatives require at least one of X, at least one of Y, or at least one of Z to each be present.
[0041] Fig. 1A is an exploded view of a swingarm structure 100 for a saddle-type vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The swingarm structure 100 includes a front part 102, a base arm 104, a first housing 110, a first housing cover 122, and a second housing 312 (shown in FIG. 3).
[0042] Fig. 1B illustrates a connection of the swingarm structure 100 with a chassis 124 of the saddle-type vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The front part 102 is configured to connect the swingarm structure 100 with the chassis 124 of the saddle-type vehicle. Further, the saddle-type vehicle is a two-wheeler vehicle or a three-wheeler vehicle. Further, the swingarm structure 100 is a casted swingarm. In an embodiment, the swingarm structure 100 is a casted uni-mold structure.
[0043] The front part 102 is a U-shaped structure comprising two free sides 118 and an interconnecting side 120 for connecting the two free sides 118. Further, the two free sides 118 are configured to connect the swingarm structure 100 to the chassis 124 of the saddle-type vehicle. Further, each of the free sides 118 defines a through hole to allow a connecting fixture to pass through.
[0044] In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, these free sides 118 are along the same line as that of the base arm 104. In another embodiment, the free sides 118 are at an angle to the base arm 104.
[0045] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the connecting fixture connects the swingarm structure 100 to the chassis 124 of the saddle-type vehicle. The connecting fixture is a hinge pivot fixture to the chassis 124 of the saddle-type vehicle, not a fixed structure, otherwise, a rear suspension becomes useless.
[0046] Figs. 1C & 1D illustrate a first side 106 view and a second side 108 view of the swingarm structure 100 of the saddle-type vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The base arm 104 includes a proximal end 126 and a distal end 128. The base arm 104 tapers towards the proximal end 126. The first housing 110 is disposed on the first side 106 of the base arm 104 towards the distal end 128. Further, the base arm 104 is configured to receive a motor assembly 112. Further, the second housing 312 is disposed on the second side 108 of the base arm 104 towards the distal end 128. Further, the second housing 312 is configured to house a gearbox assembly 116.
[0047] Figs. 2A & 2B show a front-side exploded view and a rear-side exploded view of the swingarm structure 100 of the saddle-type vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, the first housing 110 includes a first housing cover 122.
[0048] Figs. 2C & 2D illustrate the connection of the first housing 110 and a first housing cover 122 of the swingarm structure 100 of the saddle-type vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The first housing 110 comprises a circular frame 202. Further, the circular frame 202 comprises at least one frame shoulder 204 disposed along the width of the circular frame 202. In another embodiment, the circular frame 202 comprises a plurality of frame shoulder 204 disposed along the width of the circular frame 202. Further, the plurality of frame shoulders 204 is equidistant from each other. In another embodiment, the frame shoulders 204 are spaced at different distance from each other. Further, the plurality of frame shoulders 204 are six or eight in number. Further, the frame shoulder 204 is anyone of an anchor shoulder, a carriage shoulder, an eye shoulder, a hex shoulder, or a square head shoulder.
[0049] The motor assembly 112 comprises a stator core 206, a rotor core 220 and the common shaft 302 (refer Fig. 3), wherein the rotor core 220 is disposed within the stator core 206. Further, the stator core 206 comprises at least one connecting shoulders 216 disposed along the surface of the stator core 206. The stator core 206 of the motor assembly 112 is configured to fit within the circular frame 202 of the first housing 110 such that the at least one connecting shoulder 216 of the stator core 206 is disposed in the at least one frame shoulder 204 of the circular frame 202 of the first housing 110. In another embodiment, the stator core 206 comprises a plurality of connecting shoulders 216 disposed along the surface of the stator core 206. Further, the stator core 206 is configured to fit within the circular frame 202 such that the plurality of connecting shoulders 216 of the stator core 206 is disposed in the plurality of frame shoulders 204 of the circular frame 202. Further, the plurality of connecting shoulders 216 is equidistant from each other. In another embodiment, the plurality of connecting shoulders 216 are spaced at a different distance from each other. In an embodiment, the connecting shoulders 216 defines holes for bolts 218 to be bolted.
[0050] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the first housing 110 comprises the first housing cover 122 configured to cover the motor assembly 112 disposed within the circular frame 202. Further, the first housing cover 122 comprises protrusions 212 configured to connect the first housing cover 122 to the first housing 110. Further, the protrusions 212 are in alignment with the plurality of connecting shoulders 216 and the plurality of frame shoulders 204. In an embodiment, bolts 218 are used to pass through the protrusions 212 and connect the first housing cover 122 to the first housing 110.
[0051] The first housing cover 122 comprises intermittent lateral protrusions 208 extending towards the motor assembly 112. Further, the intermittent lateral protrusions 208 are circular in nature.
[0052] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the first housing cover 122 comprises a sealing. Further, the sealing is disposed around the intermittent lateral protrusions 208. Further, the first housing cover 122 comprises a circular centre protrusion 214 configured to house a bearing assembly 210.
[0053] Fig. 3 illustrates a perspective exploded view of the second housing 312 and the gearbox assembly 116 of the swingarm structure 100 of the saddle-type vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The second housing 312 is disposed on the second side 108 of the base arm 104 towards the distal end 128. Further, the second housing 312 is configured to house the gearbox assembly 116. The first housing 110 and the second housing 312 are disposed such that the common shaft 302 connects the motor assembly 112 to the gearbox assembly 116. Further, the front part 102, the base arm 104, the first housing 110, and the second housing 312 collectively form a single structure.
[0054] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the gearbox assembly 116 comprises a plurality of gears 304 and a driven shaft 308. Further, the plurality of gears 304 is driven by the common shaft 302 and the plurality of gears 304 drives the driven shaft 308. Further, the driven shaft 308 is attached to a drive wheel of the saddle-type vehicle. In one embodiment, the gearbox assembly 116 is a two-stage helical gearbox that directly transmits the power from the driven shaft 308 to the drive wheel of the saddle-type vehicle.
[0055] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the second housing 312 comprises a second housing cover 306 configured to cover the gearbox assembly 116 disposed within the second housing 312. Further, the second housing cover 306 defines a through hole to allow the driven shaft 308 to pass through.
[0056] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the base arm 104 comprises flange 310 along its edge. Further, the flange 310 extends towards the second side 108 of the base arm 104 such that the flange 310 covers the second housing 312.
[0057] In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of gears 304 is fitted inside the second housing cover 306 which also supports a brake caliper mount. Further, a rear shock is also fitted to the base arm 104 of the swingarm structure 100.
[0058] In accordance with an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the common shaft 302 connects the rotor core 220 to the gearbox assembly 116 in such a manner which ensures no leakage of oil from the gearbox assembly 116 to the motor assembly 112 and also increases the serviceability of the motor assembly 112. Further, all the parts of the swingarm structure 100 are modularly placed so that it is easy to be assembled and disassembled in case of an occurrence of a fault.
[0059] In accordance with another advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the swingarm structure 100 works as a housing for the motor assembly 112 and hence there is more thermal mass for dissipating the heat when compared to the only first housing 110, which is part of the swingarm structure 100. Therefore, it increases the power utilization from the motor assembly 112. Since the number of contact resistances between the stator core 206 of the motor assembly 112 and the swingarm structure 100 is reduced to only one, it improves the thermal performance of the swingarm structure 100. The swingarm structure 100 is designed to act as a heat-exchanger for the powertrain by utilizing the natural airflow achieved during the saddle-type vehicle motion.
[0060] In accordance with another advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the single structure swingarm structure 100 lowering the unsprung mass of the saddle-type vehicle, not only benefits with various handling and performance characteristics, it also makes it more economical in terms of not having to spend more material in the manufacturing stage while simultaneously maintaining the structural strength.
[0061] In an alternative embodiment, the first housing 110 and the second housing 312 is disposed on the second side 108 of the base arm 104 just above a wheel assembly along a vehicle centre plane. This arrangement helps in the better mass balance of the saddle-type vehicle and also helps in the dynamic performance of the saddle-type vehicle.
[0062] While the detailed description has shown, described, and pointed out novel features as applied to various alternatives, it can be understood that various omissions, substitutions, and changes in the form and details of the devices or algorithms illustrated can be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. As can be recognized, certain alternatives described herein can be embodied within a form that does not provide all of the features and benefits set forth herein, as some features can be used or practiced separately from others.
[0063] The disclosures and the description herein are intended to be illustrative and are not in any sense limiting the invention, defined in scope by the following claims.
, Claims:We claim,
1. A swingarm structure (100) for a saddle-type vehicle, the swingarm structure (100) comprising:
a front part (102) configured to be connected to a chassis (124) of a saddle-type vehicle;
a base arm (104) comprising a proximal end (126) and a distal end (128), wherein the base arm (104) merges with the front part (102) at the proximal end (126);
a first housing (110) disposed on a first side (106) of the base arm (104) towards the distal end (128), wherein the first housing (110) is configured to receive a motor assembly (112); and
a second housing (312) disposed on a second side (108) of the base arm (104) towards the distal end (128), wherein the second housing (312) is configured to house a gearbox assembly (116), wherein,
the first housing (110) and the second housing (312) are disposed such that a common shaft (302) connects the motor assembly (112) to the gearbox assembly (116); and
the front part (102), the base arm (104), the first housing (110), and the second housing (312) collectively form a single structure.

2. The swingarm structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the front part (102) is a U-shaped structure comprising two free sides (118) and an interconnecting side (120) connecting the two free sides (118), wherein the two free sides (118) are configured to connect the swingarm (100) to the chassis (124) of the saddle-type vehicle.

3. The swingarm structure (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein each of the free sides (118) defines a through hole to allow a connecting fixture to pass through, wherein the connecting fixture connects the swingarm (100) to the chassis (124) of the saddle-type vehicle.

4. The swingarm structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first housing (110) comprises a circular frame (202), wherein the circular frame (202) comprises at least one frame shoulder (204) disposed along the width of the circular frame (202).

5. The swingarm structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first housing (110) comprises a circular frame (202), wherein the circular frame (202) comprises a plurality of frame shoulders (204) disposed along the width of the circular frame (202), wherein the plurality of frame shoulders (204) is equidistant from each other.

6. The swingarm structure (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the motor assembly (112) comprises a stator core (206), a rotor core (220) and the common shaft (302), wherein the stator core (206) comprises a plurality of connecting shoulders (216) disposed along the surface of the stator core (206), wherein the stator core (206) is configured to fit within the circular frame (202) such that the plurality of connecting shoulders (216) of the stator core (206) are disposed in the plurality of frame shoulders (204) of the circular frame (202), wherein the plurality of connecting shoulders (216) is equidistant from each other.

7. The swingarm structure (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the motor assembly (116) comprises a stator core (206), a rotor core (220) and the common shaft (302), wherein the stator core (206) comprises at least one connecting shoulder (216) disposed along the surface of the stator core (206), wherein the stator core (206) is configured to fit within the circular frame (202) such that the at least one connecting shoulder (216) of the stator core (206) is disposed in the at least one frame shoulder (204) of the circular frame (202).

8. The swingarm structure (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the first housing (110) comprises a first housing cover (122) configured to cover the motor assembly (112) disposed within the circular frame (202).

9. The swingarm structure (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the first housing cover (122) comprises at least one protrusion (212) configured to connect the first housing cover (122) to the first housing (110).

10. The swingarm structure (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the first housing cover (122) comprises intermittent lateral protrusions (208) extending towards the motor assembly (112), wherein the intermittent lateral protrusions (208) are circular in nature.

11. The swingarm structure (100) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the first housing cover (122) comprises a sealing, wherein the sealing (208) is disposed around the intermittent lateral protrusions (208).

12. The swingarm structure (100) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the first housing cover (122) comprises a circular centre protrusion (214) configured to house a bearing assembly (210).

13. The swingarm structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the gearbox assembly (116) comprises a plurality of gears (304) and a driven shaft (308), wherein the plurality of gears (304) is driven by the common shaft (302) and the plurality of gears (304) drives the driven shaft (308), wherein the driven shaft (308) is attached to a drive wheel of the saddle-type vehicle.

14. The swingarm structure (100) as claimed in claim 13, wherein the second housing (312) comprises a second housing cover (306) configured to cover the gearbox assembly (116) disposed within the second housing (312).

15. The swingarm structure (100) as claimed in claim 14, wherein the second housing cover (306) defines a through hole to allow the driven shaft (308) to pass through.

16. The swingarm structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the base arm (104) comprises flange (310) along its edge, wherein the flange (310) extends towards the second side (108) of the base arm (104) such that the flange (310) covers the second housing (312).

17. The swingarm structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the base arm (104) tapers towards the proximal end (126).