FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle and, more particularly, to a to a multi-utility swing arm for use in a vehicle including a two-wheeled vehicle.

BACKGROUND [0002] With the augmentation of technology in the automotive industry, there has been an enormous development of technology in multiple verticals of the product line-ups and technology front for any vehicle. More specifically, the swing arm of any vehicle is as critical as any other parts of the vehicle such as engines, transmission, etc. Although, the existing swing arm may solve numerous problems and have multiple improvements over earlier generations; however, there still appears to be inherent and other problems/shortcomings associated with each.

[0003] With the intensification of the technology, the user preferences and demands to avail and get access to modern and advanced technologies have increased, and therefore the requirement of including such functionalities and technologies is a demand and perhaps the need of the hour. However, in order to provide different electrical and/or mechanical functionalities e.g. a light-weight end product such that user satisfaction is achieved and retained, the equipment designers and manufactures of the vehicle, and especially the two wheelers are facing enormous challenges from the durability and functionality point of view. [0004] More particularly, the requirement of having a torque arm for withstanding the torque exerted by a brake assembly of the vehicle has led to manufacturing of additional torque balancing arm/part thereby increasing the overall cost of the vehicle. Also, the requirement of having the torque balancing arm has led to increase in weight of the vehicle thereby affecting performance of the vehicle. Yet further, such torque balancing arm requires additional space and mounting arrangement thereby causing packaging constraints. [0005] Therefore, in view of the existing and other drawbacks inherent in the existing art, there exists a need to provide a multi-purpose/utility swing arm assembly which not only performs the tasks of a conventional swing arm but also eliminates the need of a dedicated torque arm which is required to withstand the rotational force exerted on the brake assembly during braking. Further, it is yet another requirement in the art to provide a swing arm that can withstand a torque exerted by the torque arm.

SUMMARY

[0006] In one aspect of the present invention, a vehicle is provided. The vehicle comprises a body frame and a rear wheel. The vehicle also comprises a brake unit configured to apply brake operating forces to the rear wheel. The brake unit comprises a brake panel. The vehicle further comprises a swing arm configured to pivotally support the rear wheel to the body frame. The swing arm comprises at least one arm member. The at least one arm member comprises an end plate having a torque balancing portion. In an embodiment, the torque balancing portion connects the brake panel of the brake unit to the swing arm, and acts a stopper for rotation of the brake panel. In an embodiment, the brake panel comprises an extended panel portion. The torque balancing portion is removably connected to the extended panel portion of the brake panel. The torque balancing portion restricts the rotation of the brake unit, in an event when the brake is applied by a user.

[0007] In an embodiment, the rear wheel comprises an axle configured to move within a first slot provided on the end plate of the swing arm, and a chain tensioner moves the axle within the first slot, wherein the first slot embodies a horizontal slot. This facilitates in movement of the axle of the wheel with respect to the swing arm. [0008] In an embodiment, the vehicle comprises a suspension device. The suspension device is supported on a suspension mounting hole of the end plate. This facilitates in mounting the suspension device to the swing arm. [0009] In an embodiment, the end plate comprises a tensioner holding portion. At least portion of the chain tensioner is configured extend through the tensioner holding portion. This facilitates in mounting the chain tensioner to the swing arm.

[00010] In an embodiment, the torque balancing portion comprises a second slot and a connecting member extending from the second slot secures the extended panel portion of the brake panel to the torque balancing portion. The second slot embodies a vertical slot. The second slot allows vertical movement of the connecting member that may result due to rotation of the brake panel, wherein the rotation is caused due to tightening or loosening of the chain tensioner in order to adjust the tension of the chain.

[00011] In an embodiment, the end plate having the torque balancing portion is manufactured using stamping process and is welded to the at least one arm member. In an embodiment, the first slot and the second slot is selected from one of a horizontal slot, a vertical slot, a parabolic slot, a semicircle slot, according to requirements. [00012] In an embodiment, the brake unit embodies a drum brake having a brake drum and one or more shoes. The one or brake shoes are positioned within a space defined by the brake panel and the brake drum. In an embodiment, the brake unit embodies a hydraulic brake unit having a brake caliper and disk, the brake panel embodies outer periphery of the brake caliper. The multi-purpose swing arm can be used with both drum-type and disc-type unit, thereby increasing the versatility of the swing arm.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[00013] The invention itself, together with further features and attended advantages, will become apparent from consideration of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. One or more embodiments of the present invention are now described, by way of example only wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which: [00014] Figure 1 illustrates a side view of an exemplary vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[00015] Figure 2 illustrates an exploded view of a swing arm and a brake unit of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and [00016] Figure 3 illustrates a side view of the swing arm having multiple components mounted, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[00017] The drawings referred to in this description are not to be understood as being drawn to scale except if specifically noted, and such drawings are only exemplary in nature. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[00018] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, an embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described here below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the spirit and the scope of the invention.

[00019] The term“comprises”, comprising, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a setup, structure or method that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or structure or method. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus proceeded by“comprises... a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or apparatus. [00020] For better understanding of this invention, reference would now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the accompanying Figures and description here below, further, in the following Figures, the same reference numerals are used to identify the same components in various views.

[00021] While the present invention is illustrated in the context of a vehicle, however, swing arm and aspects and features thereof can be used with other type of vehicles as well. The terms“vehicle”,“two-wheeled vehicle” and“motorcycle” have been interchangeably used throughout the description. The term“vehicle” comprises vehicles such as motorcycles, scooters, bicycles, mopeds, scooter type vehicle, All- Terrain Vehicles (ATV) and the like.

[00022] The terms“front / forward”,“rear / rearward / back / backward”,“up / upper / top”,“down / lower / lower ward / downward, bottom”,“left / leftward”,“right

/ rightward” used therein represents the directions as seen from a vehicle driver sitting astride and these directions are referred by arrows Fr, Rr, U, Lr, L, R in the Figures.

[00023] Referring to Figure 1, a vehicle (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention is depicted. The vehicle (100) referred to herein, embodies a motorcycle. Alternatively, the vehicle (100) may embody any other ridden vehicles such as scooters, three-wheeled vehicle, all-terrain vehicles (ATV) etc. without limiting the scope of the invention.

[00024] The vehicle (100) comprises a body frame (112), a steering assembly (104), a headlight assembly (124), and a front ground engaging member (116). The body frame (112) is formed by integrally joining a number of steel members and the like, by welding or the like. The body frame (112) supports the steering assembly (104), and the front ground engaging member (116) in front portion of the vehicle (100). The steering assembly (104) is pivotally mounted on the body frame (112). The front ground engaging member (116) is operatively coupled to the steering assembly (104). The steering assembly (104) comprises a handle bar (114). The handle bar (114) is configured to be rotated by a rider to steer the vehicle (100). Further, front portion of the vehicle (100) may comprise front fenders, dash assembly, mirrors, indicator lights etc. without limiting the scope of the invention. [00025] Further, the vehicle (100) comprises a power unit (110), a suspension device (310) and a rear ground engaging member (120). In the illustrated example, the power unit (110) provides necessary power required to drive the rear ground engaging member (120) of the vehicle (100). Alternatively, the power unit (110) may provide necessary power to the drive the front ground engaging member (116), or both the front ground engaging member (116) and the rear ground engaging member (120) simultaneously, without limiting the scope of the disclosure. The suspension device (310) is operatively coupled to the rear ground engaging member (120) and the body frame (112). The suspension device (310) is configured to absorb the shocks received by the rear ground engaging member (120) from ground surface (not shown). In the illustrated example, the front ground engaging member (116) and the rear ground engaging member (120) embodies wheels and are herein after alternatively referred to as front wheel (116) and rear wheel (120), without limitations. Alternatively, the front ground engaging member (116) and the rear ground engaging member (120) may embody tracks, without limiting the scope of the invention.

[00026] The body frame (112) supports the power unit ( 110) in middle portion of the vehicle (100). The power unit (110) comprises an engine (122) and a transmission unit (not shown). The engine (122) generates the power required by the vehicle (100). The transmission unit transmits the generated power to the rear ground engaging member (120).

[00027] Referring further to Figure 1, the vehicle (100) comprises a fuel tank (126), a swing arm (200) and a seat (118). The fuel tank (126) is configured to store the fuel required by the engine (122) to power the vehicle (100). The fuel tank (126) extends from front portion to middle portion of the body frame (112). Further, the body frame (112) supports the seat (118) which extends from middle portion to rear portion of the vehicle (100). The swing arm (200) pivotally supports the rear ground engaging member (120) to the body frame (112) at rear portion of the vehicle (100). The fuel tank (126) provides necessary fuel to the engine (122) to generate power within the vehicle (100). The seat (118) provides seating for the rider and a passenger of the vehicle (100). [00028] The vehicle (100) comprises a speed deceleration system (130). The speed deceleration system (130) provides braking forces to the front ground engaging member (116), and the rear ground engaging member (120), for slowing or stopping the vehicle (100). The speed deceleration system (130) comprises a brake unit (210). In the illustrated example, the brake unit (210) embodies a rear brake unit. The brake unit (210) is configured to apply brake operating forces to the rear wheel (120). In the illustrated example, the brake unit (210) embodies a drum brake. In another example, the brake unit (210) embodies a disc brake, without limiting the scope of the invention.

[00029] Further, rear portion of the vehicle (100) may comprise tail light/s, rear grip/s etc. without limiting the scope of the invention.

[00030] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the brake unit (210) comprises a brake panel (259) and a brake drum (not shown). The brake panel (259) and the brake drum define a space into which one or more brake shoes (not shown) are disposed. The brake drum rotates with the rear wheel (120). The one or more brake shoes engage the rotating brake drum to decelerate the vehicle (100). The brake panel (259) comprises an extended panel portion (260) having a third slot (not shown). The extended panel portion (260) is removably coupled to the swing arm (200).

[00031] The swing arm (200) comprises at least one arm member (205), a cross member (240), a front end (220) and a rear end (230). The front end (220) of the swing arm (200) pivotally connects with the frame (112). The rear wheel (120) having an axle (250) is rotatably coupled to the rear end (230) of the swing arm (200). The axle (250) extends through the brake unit (210) into the swing arm (200). The at least one arm member (205) includes a left arm member (205L) and a right arm member (205R). The cross-member (240) connects the left arm member (205L) and the right arm member (205R). The rear wheel (120) is rotatably coupled between the left arm member (205L) and the right arm member (205R) via the axle (250).

[00032] The at least one arm member (205) comprises an end plate (222). The end plate (222) is disposed on the rear end (230) of the swing arm (200). In the illustrated example, the swing arm (200) includes two end plates, a left end plate (222L) and a right end plate (222R). The left end plate (222L) extends from the left arm member (205L) and the right end plate (222R) extends from the right arm member (205R). In the illustrated example, the right end plate (222R) is described in detail herein, however it should be noted that the description is equally applicable to the left end plate (222L) without any limitations.

[00033] The right end plate (222R) is provided with a torque balancing portion (224), a first slot (223), a second slot (225), a suspension mounting hole (229), a tensioner holding portion (253). The axle (250) of the rear wheel (120) extends through the first slot (223). In the illustrated example, the first slot (223) embodies a horizontal slot (herein after alternatively referred to as horizontal slot (223)). A chain tensioner (270) extending through the tensioner holding portion (253) is coupled to the axle (250). The chain tensioner (270) is configured to move the axle (250) within the first slot (223) to adjust the slackness of chain connecting the rear ground engaging member (120) to the engine (122). One end of the suspension device (310) is coupled to the swing arm (200) via the suspension mounting hole (229), thereby operatively coupling the rear wheel (120) with the body frame (112). In the illustrated example, the torque balancing portion (224) is formed integral to the right end plate (222R). Alternatively, the torque balancing portion (224) is formed as a separate member and is welded to the right end plate (222R), without any limitations. The right end plate (222R) having the torque balancing portion (224) is manufactured using stamping process and is welded to the at least one arm member (205).

[00034] The torque balancing portion (224) extends downward and the second slot (225) is provided on the torque balancing portion (224). A connecting member (280) extending through the third slot and the second slot (225), secures the extended panel portion (260) of the brake panel (259) to the torque balancing portion (224). The torque balancing portion (224) connects the brake panel (259) of the brake unit (210) to the swing arm (200), and acts a stopper for rotation of the brake panel (259). The brake panel (259) is attached with the torque balancing portion (224) in order to stop rotational movement of the brake panel (259) caused due to contact of brake shoes, fixedly connected with the brake panel (259), with the rotating drum. Further, the second slot (225) is configured to allow vertical movement of the connecting member (280) that may result due to rotation of the brake panel (259), wherein the rotation is caused due to tightening or loosening of the chain tensioner (270) in order to adjust the tension of the chain. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the torque balancing portion (224) is bolted with the extended panel portion (260) so as to restrict the rotational movement of the brake unit (210) in an event the brake is applied by the user.

[00035] In the illustrated example, the second slot (225) embodies a vertical slot (herein after alternatively referred to as vertical slot (225)). The first slot (223), the third slot and the second slot (225) may be selected from one of a horizontal slot, a vertical slot, a parabolic slot, a semicircle slot, according to requirements, without limiting the scope of the invention. In the illustrated example, the connecting member (280) embodies nut bolt. [00036] In the illustrated example, the swing arm (200) is a multi-purpose swing arm as it mounts one or more functional and/or structural members including but not limited to the suspension device (310), the chain tensioner (270), the axle (250) of the rear wheel (120) and the brake unit (210). The above description is equally applicable to the swing arm (200) having a single arm member, without limiting the scope of the invention.

[00037] In another embodiment of the present invention (not shown), wherein the brake unit (210) embodies a disc brake having a brake caliper and disk. The brake panel (259) embodies outer periphery of the brake caliper and the brake caliper is attached with the torque balancing portion (224) in order to stop the rotational motion of the brake caliper which occurs due to contact with the disk during braking.

[00038] The present invention advantageously provides a multi-purpose swing arm (200) that not only functions as a conventional swing arm but also eliminates the need of a dedicated torque rod for withstanding the rotational movement of the brake unit. The swing arm (200) comprises the torque balancing portion (224) restricts the rotation of the brake panel (259) in an event when the brake is applied by a user. The multi-purpose swing arm (200) mounts one or more functional and/or structural members including, but not limited to, the suspension device (310), the chain tensioner (270), the axle (250) of the rear wheel (120) and the brake unit (210). With having the multi-purpose swing arm (200) that also functions as a torque arm not only leverages from the use of extra metals saving extra cost, but also reduces the overall weight of the vehicle (100) thereby increasing the overall efficiency of the vehicle (100).

[00039] While few embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the above embodiments and modifications may be appropriately made thereto within the spirit and scope of the invention.

[00040] While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the particular features of this invention, it will be appreciated that various modifications can be made, and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the invention. These and other modifications in the nature of the invention or the preferred embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the invention and not as a limitation.