FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an electric vehicle and more particularly, to an electric vehicle driven by a power generating motor.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Electric Vehicles such as electric motorcycles, electric scooters, and electric trikes etc., comprise a power generating motor (electric motor) to drive a wheel of the vehicle, and a transmission to transmit the driving force generated by the power generating motor to drive the wheel. Conventionally, the power generating motor may be arranged in different configurations within the vehicle according to requirements and limitations, for example, the power generating motor may be positioned in any location on body frame of the vehicle and the transmission comprising a belt drive and a plurality of pulleys may be used to transmit driving force generated to drive the wheel. In another configuration, the power generating motor may be provided with a swing arm, and the power generating motor and the swing arm support the wheel of the vehicle.

[0003] In the configuration wherein the power generating motor is provided with the swing arm, the power generating motor and the transmission are installed such that their shaft axes are parallel to a transverse direction of the vehicle, and an output shaft of the power generating motor is parallel to an axle of the wheel. In this type of arrangement of the power generating motor, the electric vehicle comprises a body case having two separate compartments, one for housing the power generating motor and an electronic controller, and the second to house the transmission to transmit the driving force generated by the power generating motor to drive the wheel. During operation of the electric vehicle, as a brake unit is provided on the wheel, when the brake unit is operated it generates heat, and the heat is conveyed through the axle of the wheel and the body case to the power generating motor and the electronic controller. Further, during operation the power generating motor itself generates heat excessively, the heat due to both the brake unit and the power generating motor itself effects the performance and life of the power generating motor and the electronic controller, which is undesirable. Further, to restrict the heat coming from the axle of the wheel large volumes of partition may be used, however, large volumes of partition increases the size of the overall unit and also production costs associated therewith.

SUMMARY

[0004] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0005] In one aspect of the present invention, a two wheeled vehicle having a body frame is provided. The two wheeled vehicle comprises; a rear ground engaging member, the rear ground engaging member having a wheel axle; a power generating motor, having an output motor shaft, configured to transmit the driving force generated by the power generating motor; a transmission, wherein the power generating motor is operatively coupled to the rear ground engaging member via the transmission; a swing arm, rotatably supports the rear ground engaging member; and a body case supported on the swing arm, the body case comprises a first compartment and a second compartment, the first compartment configured to house the power generating motor, the second compartment configured to house the transmission, the wheel axle of the rear ground engaging member extends into the second compartment, the output motor shaft of the power generating motor extends from the first compartment into the second compartment, the second compartment filled with lubricant. The output motor shaft comprises a first end, a second end and a first passageway, the first end disposed within the first compartment, and the second end disposed within the second compartment, the first passageway extends from the second end towards the first end along the length of the output motor shaft, wherein the first passageway configured to restrict the flow of fluid through the first passageway from the second compartment to the first compartment. The transmission comprises a plurality of rotation transmitting members, wherein the plurality of rotation transmitting members include a first gear, a second gear, a third gear and a fourth gear . The first passageway configured to allow flow of fluid from the first compartment to the second compartment.

[0006] In an embodiment, the body frame further comprises, a head tube, a down frame, down frame extends in a rearward and downward direction from the head tube, a first cross member, the down frame extends between the head tube and the first cross member, a left seat rail, a right seat rail, the left seat rail and the right seat rail extend rearward and upward from the first cross member, and a steering mechanism pivotally supported on the body frame.

[0007] In an embodiment, the swing arm, comprises a first member and a second member, the first member of the swing arm is pivotally coupled to the body frame, the second member rotatably supports the rear ground engaging member, wherein a connection portion is coupled to the first member.

[0008] In an embodiment, the lubricant oil housed within the second compartment is configured to cool one or more of the transmission, at least portion of the wheel axle, at least portion of the output motor shaft disposed within the second compartment.

[0009] In an embodiment, the first passageway bifurcates into a second passageway and a third passageway, wherein the first passageway opens at the second end, the second passageway and the third passageway open on the circumference of the output motor shaft. [00010] In an embodiment, the first passageway opens into the second compartment, and each of the second passageway and the third passageway open into the first compartment, wherein the first passageway, the second passageway and the third passageway ensure fluidic communication between the first compartment and the second compartment.

[00011] In an embodiment, the output motor shaft further comprises a liquid flow restricting portion disposed along the first passageway, the liquid flow restricting portion is configured to allow the flow of air between the first compartment and the second compartment, and restrict the flow of the lubricant oil through the first passageway from the second compartment to the first compartment.

[00012] The liquid flow restricting portion includes a threaded portion having threads formed within the first passageway. The threads formed within the first passageway are in one of a clockwise and counter-clockwise direction in reference to the second end of the output motor shaft, such that the threads exerts force towards the second compartment.

[00013] In another aspect of the present invention, a swing arm of a two wheeled vehicle is provided. The swing arm comprises: a body case supported on the swing arm, the body case comprises, a first compartment, and a second compartment, the first compartment is configured to house a power generating motor, the second compartment configured to house a transmission, an output motor shaft of the power generating motor extends from the first compartment into the second compartment, the second compartment filled with lubricant, wherein the output motor shaft comprises a first end a second end and a first passageway, the first end is disposed with the first compartment, and the second end disposed within the second compartment, the first passageway extends from the second end towards the first end along the length of the output motor shaft, wherein the first passageway is configured to restrict the flow of the lubricant oil through the first passageway from the second compartment to the first compartment .

[00014] In an embodiment, the output motor shaft further comprises a liquid flow restricting portion disposed along the first passageway, the liquid flow restricting portion is configured to allow the flow of air between the first compartment and the second compartment, and restrict the flow of the lubricant oil through the first passageway from the second compartment to the first compartment.

[00015] The liquid flow restricting portion includes a threaded portion having threads formed within the first passageway. The threads formed within the first passageway are in one of a clockwise and counter-clockwise direction in reference to the second end of the output motor shaft, such that the threads exerts force towards the second compartment . BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[00016] 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:

[00017] Figure 1 illustrates a view of an exemplary vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[00018] Figure 2 illustrates a view of a body frame and a swing arm of the vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention; [00019] Figure 3 illustrates a view of the swing arm of the vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[00020] Figures 4a and 4b illustrate different views of a first member of the swing arm, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[00021] Figures 5a and 5b illustrate different views of a second member of the swing arm, according to an embodiment of the present invention; [00022] Figures 6 illustrates a view of a body case of the second member of the swing arm, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[00023] Figure 7 illustrates an output motor shaft of a power generating motor disposed within the body case, according to an embodiment of the present invention. [00024] 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 [00025] 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.

[00026] 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.

[00027] 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. [00028] 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”, “electric vehicle”, “EV” and “motorcycle” have been interchangeably used throughout the description. The term “vehicle” comprises vehicles such as motorcycles, scooters, bicycles, mopeds, trikes, and the like.

[00029] 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 drawing Figures.

[00030] Referring to Figure 1, a two wheeled vehicle (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention is disclosed. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) (herein after interchangeably referred to as vehicle (100)) comprises front end structure (102), a floor board (134), and a rear end structure (104). The front end structure (102) comprises a steering mechanism (113), a leg shield (108), a front ground engaging member (110), a dash assembly (116), a head lamp unit (118), and a plurality of winkers (not shown). The steering mechanism (113) comprises a handle bar (114). The handle bar (114) is configured to be rotated by the rider to steer the vehicle (100). The steering mechanism (113) comprises a plurality of front forks (136) disposed at the front portion of the vehicle (100). The steering mechanism (113) is operatively coupled to the front ground engaging member (110) via the plurality of front forks (136).

[00031] In the illustrated example, the dash assembly (116) is provided on the steering mechanism (113). The dash assembly (116) comprises a display unit (not shown). The display unit displays information relating to the vehicle (100) to the rider. The dash assembly (116) may comprise additional components such as, FCD, GPS, graphical user interface (GUI) etc. without limiting the scope of the invention. In the illustrated example, the head lamp unit (118) is provided on the steering mechanism (113). Alternatively, the head lamp unit (118) may be provided on the leg shield (108), without limiting the scope of the invention.

[00032] The leg shield (108) is disposed on the front portion of the vehicle (100). The leg shield (108) encloses the steering mechanism (113). The leg shield (108) comprises an inner leg shield (109) and an outer leg shield (111). The leg shield (108) provides protection for the feet of the rider of the vehicle (100). In the illustrated example, the plurality of the winkers (not shown) are disposed on the leg shield (108). Alternatively, the plurality of the winkers (not shown) may be provided on the steering mechanism (113) of the vehicle (100), without any limitations. The floor board (134) is disposed behind the front end structure (102) and the rear end structure (104). The floor board (134) provides foot rest for a rider riding the vehicle (100).

[00033] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the vehicle (100) comprises a body frame (106). The body frame (106) comprises a head tube (122), a down frame (124), a first cross member (126), a left seat rail (128), and a right seat rail (130). The down frame (124) extends in a rearward and downward direction from the head tube (122). The down frame (124) extends between the head tube (122) and the first cross member (126). The steering mechanism (113) is pivotally supported on the body frame (106). More particularly, the head tube (122) supports the steering mechanism (113). Further, at least portion of the head tube (122) and the down frame (124) is enclosed by at least portion of the leg shield (108). The left seat rail (128) and the right seat rail (130) extend rearward and upward from the first cross member (126). The vehicle (100) comprises a passenger’s seat (170). The rider’s seat (112) and the passenger’s seat (170) are disposed on the left seat rail (128) and the right seat rail (130). The rider’s seat (112) and the passenger seat (170) may be formed as a single unit or may be individual members, without any limitations. The vehicle (100) comprises an electronic control unit (ECU) (not shown). The ECU controls various operations of the vehicle (100).

[00034] Referring to Figures 1, 2 and 6, the vehicle (100) comprises a front side cover (141), a left side cover (142) and a right side cover (not shown). The front side cover (141) is disposed adjacent to the floor board (134) and covers front area below the rider’s seat (112). The left side cover (142) and the right side cover (not shown) are disposed on both sides of vehicle body and covers lower sides of the rider’s seat (112) and the passenger’s seat (170). Further, the vehicle (100) comprises a first battery unit (not shown). In the illustrated example, the first battery unit is disposed below the left seat rail (128) and the right seat rail (130). In one example, the first battery unit may be disposed within the leg shield (108). In another example, the first battery unit is disposed underneath the floor board (134), without limiting the scope of the invention. [00035] Referring to Figures 1, and 3, the vehicle (100) comprises the rear end structure (104). The rear end structure (104) is disposed at the rear portion of the vehicle (100). The rear end structure (104) comprises a swing arm (160), a tail lamp (182) and a rear side cover (188). The rear side cover (188) is disposed on rear portion of the vehicle (100) and covers hind area below the passenger’s seat (170). In the illustrated example, the tail lamp (182) is disposed on the rear side cover (188). A plurality of turn signal indicators (not shown) are disposed on either side of the tail lamp (182).

[00036] The rear end structure (104) comprises a rear ground engaging member (184), a power generating motor (179) (shown in Figure 5a and 6), a second battery unit (not shown), and at least one suspension device (not shown). In the illustrate example, the rear ground engaging member (184) is disposed below the rider’s seat (112) and the passenger’s seat (170). The rear ground engaging member (184) comprises a wheel axle (189) (shown in Figure 6). An axis passing through the wheel axle (189) is parallel to a transverse direction of the vehicle (100). The swing arm (160) is pivotally coupled to the body frame (106). The rear ground engaging member

(184) is rotatably supported on the swing arm (160). In the illustrated example, each of the front ground engaging member (110) and the rear ground engaging member (184) embodies a wheel. Alternatively, each of the front ground engaging member (110) and the rear ground engaging member (184) may embody a track etc., without limiting the scope of the invention.

[00037] In the illustrated example, the second battery unit (not shown) is disposed below the rider’s seat (112). In the illustrated example, the second battery unit is disposed on the second battery holding portion (not shown) disposed below the left seat rail (128) and the right seat rail (130). The second battery unit (not shown) stores the energy required to power the power generating motor (179). The second battery unit is electrically coupled to the power generating motor (179) via a control unit. The first battery unit is electrically coupled to the control unit and the power generating motor (179) and provides necessary power if and when required. In the illustrated example, the control unit and the ECU are independent and are in electrical and electronic communication with one another. In another embodiment, the control unit and the ECU may be a single unit controlling various operations of the vehicle (100). Further, the power generating motor (179) comprises an output motor shaft (181) (shown in Figure 6). The output motor shaft (181) is configured to transmit the output driving force generated by the power generating motor (179).

[00038] The control unit controls the supply of the electric power from the second battery unit and the first battery unit to the power generating motor (179). In the illustrated example, the power generating motor (179) is provided with the swing arm (160). The power generating motor (179) provides the necessary driving force required to drive the rear ground engaging member (184). The power generating motor (179) is operatively coupled to the rear ground engaging member (184) via a transmission (240). More particularly, the output motor shaft (181) of the power generating motor (179) is operatively coupled to the wheel axle (189) of the rear ground engaging member ( 184) via the transmission (240).

[00039] The transmission (240) comprises a plurality of rotation transmitting members (242, 244, 246, 248). In the illustrated example, the plurality of rotation transmitting members (242, 244, 246, 248) embodies a plurality of gears (herein after alternatively referred to as plurality of gears (242, 244, 246, 248)). The plurality of gears (242, 244, 246, 248) includes a first gear (242), a second gear (244), a third gear (246) and a fourth gear (248). The first gear (242) is coupled to one end of the output motor shaft (181) of the power generating motor (179). The first gear (242) is in meshing arrangement with the second gear (244). The second gear (244) and the third gear (246) are disposed on a transmission shaft (not shown). The third gear (246) is in meshing arrangement with the fourth gear (248). The fourth gear (248) is disposed on one end of the wheel axle (189). When the output motor shaft (181) rotates, the first gear (242) disposed on the output motor shaft (181) rotates, as the first gear (242) is in meshing arrangement with the second gear (244), the first gear (242) imparts a rotation in the second gear (244). The second gear (244) disposed on the transmission shaft rotates the transmission shaft. The third gear (246) disposed on the reduction shaft rotates, as the reduction shaft rotates. The fourth gear (248) in meshing arrangement with third gear (246) rotates, as the third gear (246) rotates. The fourth gear (248) disposed on the wheel axle (189) rotates the wheel axle (189), thereby rotating the rear ground engaging member ( 184). In the illustrated example, it is shown that the transmission (240) comprises four gears. Alternatively, the transmission (240) may comprise two or more than two gears, without limiting the scope of the invention.

[00040] Further, the rear end structure ( 104) comprises the at least one suspension device. In the illustrated example, the rear end structure (104) comprises one suspension device which is operatively coupled between the body frame (106) and the swing arm (160). The suspension device embodies a shock absorber. The rear end structure (104) may comprise additional components such as rear grip, rear fender, license plate etc. without limiting the scope of the invention.

[00041] Further, the vehicle (100) comprises electronic connections (not shown) and hydraulic connections (not shown). The electronic connections may embody a wire harness. The hydraulic connections may embody fluid hoses. Further, the vehicle (100) may further comprise additional components such as mirrors, front fenders etc. without limiting the scope of the invention. [00042] Referring to Figures 3, in the illustrated example, the swing arm (160) embodies single sided swing arm comprising a first member (162) and a second member (164). In the illustrated example, the swing arm (160) is pivotally coupled to the body frame (106). More particularly, the first member (162) of the swing arm (160) is pivotally coupled to the body frame (106) (shown in Figure 2). In the illustrated example, the first member (162) comprises a plurality of frame attachment brackets (200), a central portion (202), and an extension portion (206). Additionally, the first member (162) may comprise additional components such as brackets etc., according to requirements, without limitations. [00043] The plurality of frame attachment brackets (200) are disposed at front end of the first member ( 162) and are configured to pivotally couple the first member (162) with the body frame (106). The plurality of frame attachment brackets (200) are spaced from one another on opposite sides in width direction of the vehicle (100). The plurality of frame attachment brackets (200) are integral formed with the central portion (202). In the illustrated example, the central portion (202) is a U-shaped portion. The extension portion (206) extends from the central portion (202) and bifurcates into a first extending member (208) and a second extending member (210).

[00044] The first member (162) comprises a plurality of holes (211) disposed on the first extending member (208) and the second extending member (210). A plurality of fastening members (213) (as shown in Figure 2) extending from through the plurality of holes (211) and the second member (164) detachably couples the second member (164) with the first member (162). In the illustrated example, the fastening members (213) embodies screws and nuts. Alternatively, the fastening members (213) may embody any of the rivets, bolts etc., without any limitations. [00045] Referring to Figures 2, 3, 5a, and 5b, the second member (164) rotatably supports the rear ground engaging member (184) via the power generating motor (179). The second member (164) comprises a connection portion (230) and a body case (232). The connection portion (230) is disposed towards front of the vehicle (100). The connection portion (230) comprises a plurality of apertures (231). The connection portion (230) is coupled to the first member (162). More particularly, the plurality of fastening members (213) extending through the plurality of holes (211) of the first member (162) and the plurality of apertures (231) of the connection portion (230), couples the second member (164) with the first member (162). The body case (232) extends from the connection portion (230) towards the rear portion of the vehicle

(100).

[00046] In the illustrated example as shown in Figure 6, the body case (232) encloses the power generating motor (179), the control unit, and the transmission (240). The body case (200) comprises a first compartment (250) and a second compartment (252) (shown in Figure 6). The first compartment (250) is configured to house the power generating motor (179) and the control unit. The output motor shaft (181) of the power generating motor (179) extends from the first compartment (250) into the second compartment (252). The second compartment (252) is configured to house the transmission (240). The wheel axle (189) of the rear ground engaging member (184) extends into the second compartment (252). The second compartment

(252) in which the transmission (240) is housed, is sealed and is filled with lubricant oil. The lubricant oil housed within the second compartment (252) is configured to cool the components such as the transmission (240), at least portion of the wheel axle

(189), at least portion of the output motor shaft (181) disposed within the second compartment (252), when these components are exposed to the heat generated within or transferred to the second compartment (252).

[00047] Referring to Figures 6 and 7, the output motor shaft (181) of the power generating motor (179) is depicted. The output motor shaft (181) comprises a first end

(190) and a second end (191). The first end (190) is disposed with the first compartment (250). The second end (191) of the output motor shaft (181) is disposed within the second compartment (252). The output motor shaft (181) comprises a first passageway (192). The first passageway (192) extends from the second end (191) towards the first end (190) along the length of the output motor shaft (181). The first passageway (192) bifurcates into a second passageway (194) and a third passageway (196). The first passageway (192) opens at the second end (191). The second passageway (194) and the third passageway (196) opens on the circumference of the output motor shaft (181). In the illustrated example, the second passageway (194) and the third passageway (196) are disposed opposite to one another. In another example, the second passageway (194) and the third passageway (196) may be disposed at an angle to one another, without limiting the scope of the invention. In the illustrated example, the first passageway (192) opens into the second compartment (252). In the illustrated example, the second passageway (194) and the third passageway (196) opens into the first compartment (250).

[00048] The output motor shaft (181) comprises a liquid flow restricting portion (198) disposed along the first passageway (192). The liquid flow restricting portion (198) is configured to allow the flow of air between the first compartment (250) and the second compartment (252), and restrict the flow of the lubricant oil through the first passageway (192) from the second compartment (252) to the first compartment (250). In the illustrated example, the liquid flow restricting portion (198) embodies a threaded portion having threads formed within the first passageway (192). The threads are so designed so as to restrict the flow of lubricant oil from the second compartment (252) to the first compartment (250). Alternatively, the liquid flow restricting portion (198) may comprise grooves or fins which allows air flow but restricts flow of lubricant oil etc., without limiting the scope of the invention.

[00049] The threads formed within the first passageway (192) extend clockwise and/or counter-clockwise in reference to the second end (191) of the output motor shaft (181). In the illustrated example, the threads extend clockwise in reference to the second end (191) of the output motor shaft (181). When the output motor shaft (181) of the power generating motor (179) rotates clockwise, due to the clockwise threads provided within the first passageway (192), the lubricant oil entering through the first passageway (192) is thrown outwards by these threads, thereby restricting the entry of the lubricant oil into the first compartment (250) of the body case (232). [00050] The present invention relates to the power generating motor (179) having the output motor shaft (181). The output motor shaft (181) comprising the first passageway (192), the second passageway (194) and the third passageway (196), allows flow of air between the first compartment (250) and the second compartment (252), thereby cooling the body case (232) from the heat generated within the first compartment (250) and the second compartment (252), during operation of the power generating motor (179). Further, the liquid flow restricting portion (198) of the output motor shaft (181) restricts the flow of the lubricant oil from the second compartment (252) into the first compartment (250), thereby eliminating the passage of the lubricant oil into the first compartment (250) which can affect the workability of the power generating motor (179).

[00051] Further, the second compartment (252) holding lubricant oil, helps in cooling the wheel axle (189) which is exposed to the heat generated due to braking operations. Further, as there is flow of air between the first compartment (250) and the second compartment (252) containing the lubricant oil, the cooling of the body case

(232) is much faster as compared to air cooling. The body case (232) as described effectively dissipates heat generated, thereby improving the life and operation of the power generating motor (179) and the control unit.

[00052] Herein the above description of the invention only one control unit is being used to control the operations of the vehicle, however multiple control units in communication with one another may be used, without limiting the scope of the invention.

[00053] Herein the above description, the fasting members may be nuts, bolts, rivets, screws etc., without limiting the scope of the invention. [00054] Herein the above description, the coupling may be using fastening members, welding, or any other coupling methods known in the art, without limiting the scope of the invention. [00055] 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. [00056] 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.