ELECTRIC MOTORCYCLE WITH SWING ARM MOUNTED MOTOR

An electric motorcycle is provided. The electric motorcycle includes a frame, a battery, a motor electronically connected to the battery, a chain connecting the motor to a rear wheel, and a dual-sided swing arm configured to maintain the rear wheel, the dual-sided swing arm comprising a right side swing arm spar and a left side swing arm spar, the dual-sided swing arm joined to the frame at a pivot point forward of the rear wheel. The motor is positioned within the dual-sided swing arm at a motor location between the pivot point and the rear wheel.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to the art of electric motorcycles, and more specifically to an electric motorcycle with a notably small frame employing a unique rear swing arm arrangement.

Description of the Related Art

Motorized bicycles have been available for decades. Newer devices, called electric motorbikes, employ electronic power in the form of a battery and can also be operated using a set of pedals in many instances. Gasoline powered motorcycles are also well known, but recent attention in environmental concerns, such as minimizing pollution, has given rise to an enhanced interest in electric motorcycles.

Certain existing electric motorcycles tend to have long wheelbases which are difficult to navigate for smaller riders. Engines in such electric motorcycles include have been located in positions typically within the electric motorcycle frame, and generally in middle region of the electric motorcycle when measured from forward wheel hub to rear wheel hub. Such an arrangement can require drive mechanisms that are relatively large, such as lengthy chains or drive shafts that can be cumbersome, and in the case of a chain, can have issues with maintaining appropriate tension and/or contacting the rider. Smaller drive arms and/or mechanisms can be desirable and more efficient in certain cases.

Further, users at times wish to use different components depending on terrain, circumstance (racing, off-roading, normal street use, etc.) Interchangeability of components can be advantageous, and many existing electric and gasoline motorcycles have limited interchangeability.

It would be advantageous to offer an electric motorcycle design that provides advantages over existing designs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one embodiment, there is provided an electric motorcycle comprising a frame, a battery, a motor electronically connected to the battery, a chain connecting the motor to a rear wheel, and a swing arm configured to maintain the rear wheel, the swing arm joined to the frame at a pivot point forward of the rear wheel. The motor is positioned within the swing arm at a motor location between the pivot point and the rear wheel.

In one embodiment of the present design, a spring joins the frame to the swing arm. The swing arm may be formed of two swing arm spars, wherein each swing arm spar is on a different side of the electric motorcycle. The design may further include a fast charging unit connected to the battery, and the wheel base of the electric motorcycle may not exceed 52 inches. A set of handlebars may be joined to the frame by modular detachable hardware.

In another embodiment, there is provided an electric motorcycle comprising a frame, a battery mounted within the frame, a motor electronically connected to the battery, a chain connecting a sprocket provided with the motor to a hub of a rear wheel, and a dual-sided swing arm comprising a right side swing arm spar and a left side swing arm spar, the dual-sided swing arm maintaining the hub and rear wheel and joined to the frame at a pivot point forward of the rear wheel.

A handlebar display mount and/or a fingerprint reader configured to provide keyless access to the electric motorcycle may be provided. At least one swing arm spar may include an access door providing access to the motor.

These and other advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the invention and the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description and the drawings illustrate specific embodiments sufficiently to enable those skilled in the art to practice the system and method described. Other embodiments may incorporate structural, logical, process and other changes. Examples merely typify possible variations. Individual elements and functions are generally optional unless explicitly required, and the sequence of operations may vary. Portions and features of some embodiments may be included in, or substituted for, those of others.

The present design is an electric motorcycle that includes a unique swing arm design wherein the pivot point is at the forward end of the swing arm, the engine positioned aft of the pivot point and within a movable part of the swing arm. The design includes a modular or detachable stem element such that handlebars can be quickly and easily swapped out, a handlebar display mount, and a fingerprint reader to provide an additional level of access for the rider. Of particular note is the reduced wheelbase, in one embodiment an approximate or exactly 51 inch wheel base employing 15 inch wheels. In one embodiment, the wheel base does not exceed 52 inches. The design provides a chain drive with a relatively large wheel hub, providing enhanced speed capabilities as compared against typical bicycle style chain arrangements. Further, the electric motorcycle features fast charging capabilities.

FIG.1is a side view of one embodiment of the electric motorcycle101. Shown in this view are handlebars102, forward facia plate103, fork104, front fender105, and front wheel106, as well as body107, seat108, pivot plate109, pivot point110, swing arm111, spring112, and access door113. Rear wheel114includes hub116and receives chain115, where chain115interfaces with the motor (not shown in this view) to drive the rear wheel114. Foot pedal117is shown, and frame118is shown, with other frame components obscured in this view by body107.FIG.1includes a stand119that is for display purposes.

FIG.2is a perspective representation of the design, where handlebars102, front facia plate103, front fork104, front fender105, and front wheel106are viewable. Also clear in this view are seat108, body107, frame118, rear wheel114, and chain115. Swing arm111and spring112are viewable. Forward cowling201is shown with internal component202also viewable at the angle presented.

FIG.3is a rear view of the design showing foot pegs301and302.FIG.4is a perspective three quarter rear view of the design.FIG.4shows fast charging access port401.FIG.5is a front view of the design.

FIG.6is a view of the stem assembly including modular stem601which is detachable such that the user can employ different handlebars when desired. In essence, the user may release the upper element such as by unscrewing the upper element or otherwise releasing the upper element, swap in a different set of handlebars for the existing handlebars, and may then secure the new handlebars using by, for example, screwing down the upper element.

Handlebar mount display602can display relevant information, including values such as current speed in appropriate units, battery charge level, usage of power under current conditions (e.g., zero percent or very low at idle,100per cent or near that at maximum throttle/power use), remaining miles when driving under current conditions, odometer, charge level (when being charged), and so forth. Various screens may be provided, i.e., a current speed screen and a separate charging screen, with each screen selectable by the user. Also presented is a fingerprint reader603, providing a secondary or emergency means for accessing functionality of the device, such as turning the vehicle on, accessing charging capability, and so forth.

The modular stem is illustrated in further detail inFIGS.11and12. FromFIG.11, modular detachable stem1101is located in opening1102of triple crown element1103. Thus the modular detachable stem1101can be completely removed and a different set of handlebars having different dimension can be provided. Alternate detachable stem elements, differing in shape from modular detachable stem1101, can be provided to allow for a different handlebar position or a different handlebar diameter without the need to replace or alter triple crown element1103. Modular detachable stem is attachable by a properly sized bolt passing through opening1104in modular detachable stem1101and opening1105in triple crown element1103.FIG.12shows a representation of modular detachable stem1101.

FIG.7illustrates a side view of an embodiment of a swing arm having an access panel and a motor provided therein. The swing arm111shown inFIG.7attaches to the rear wheel hub116on one end and the frame beneath pivot plate109on the other. Swing arm111pivots about pivot point110. The chain115provided goes around a relatively large rear wheel hub116and thus passes from a small radius forward circular element attached to and driven by a motor (not shown in this view) to the relatively large rear wheel hub116, providing increased speed for a relatively low motor output. The radial difference in the front and rear of chain115is shown inFIG.9. In the present design, the motor is positioned within swing arm111in the view shown, accessible by an access panel, where the spring112above swing arm111joins the swing arm at the top of swing arm111. Motor902may be maintained in any reasonable manner within swing arm111, and may include support or connection members, typically to both sides of swing arm111. From front to rear, pivot point110represents the attachment point to the frame, the motor902within swing arm111, the remainder of the swing arm111, and a connection to rear wheel hub115. While access door113is pictured on one side of electric motorcycle101, a similar access door can be provided on the opposite side. An exploded view of the device, shown inFIG.9, illustrates swing arm111being made up of components, such as two swing arm spars, and access doors can be located on one or both spars.

FIG.8shows a top view including electrical connections801from the battery (not shown) and connecting to the motor. Electrical connections may vary but typically include power, such as positive and negative connections from the battery and at least one control connection providing control to the motor. Further connections may be provided such as a return control connection for determining relevant parameters such as temperature or other values. The top of swing arm111is shown, as is pivot point110and spring112, as well as right foot pedal802. No chain is provided on the right side in this embodiment.FIG.9is an exploded view of an embodiment of the design, including pivot plate109, central swing arm truss901, and motor902mounted on right outer swing arm spar903. Left outer swing arm spar904is shown, having in this embodiment removable access panel113to provide for maintenance of the sprocket905, chain115, and motor902as well as other internal components. In this manner, with the motor902positioned aft of the pivot point110within swing arm111, the wheel base is shorter than traditional gasoline powered and currently available electric motorcycles. The result in one embodiment is a wheelbase on the order of 51 inches, with 15 inch front and rear wheels.

FIG.10is a view of the design showing certain internal and external components. Rear wheel representation1001is a 15 inch format, as is front wheel 1002The pivot point is shown as point103, while the motor location1004is presented behind the pivot point. Quick charge element1007is shown with a quick charge opening indicated at point1005. The battery is located in the representation of element1006.

FIG.13illustrates an embodiment of the overall electric motorcycle design.

According to one embodiment, there is provided an electric motorcycle comprising a frame, a battery, a motor electronically connected to the battery, a chain connecting the motor to a rear wheel, and a swing arm configured to maintain the rear wheel, the swing arm joined to the frame at a pivot point forward of the rear wheel. The motor is positioned within the swing arm at a motor location between the pivot point and the rear wheel.

In one embodiment of the present design, a spring joins the frame to the swing arm. The swing arm may be formed of two swing arm spars, wherein each swing arm spar is on a different side of the electric motorcycle. The design may further include a fast charging unit connected to the battery, and the wheel base of the electric motorcycle may not exceed 52 inches. A set of handlebars may be joined to the frame by modular detachable hardware.

In another embodiment, there is provided an electric motorcycle comprising a frame, a battery mounted within the frame, a motor electronically connected to the battery, a chain connecting a sprocket provided with the motor to a hub of a rear wheel, and a dual-sided swing arm comprising a right side swing arm spar and a left side swing arm spar, the dual-sided swing arm maintaining the hub and rear wheel and joined to the frame at a pivot point forward of the rear wheel.

A handlebar display mount and/or a fingerprint reader configured to provide keyless access to the electric motorcycle may be provided. At least one swing arm spar may include an access door providing access to the motor.

The foregoing description of specific embodiments reveals the general nature of the disclosure sufficiently that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt the system and method for various applications without departing from the general concept. Therefore, such adaptations and modifications are within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. The phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.