Description:FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
The Patents Rules, 2003

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See Section 10 and Rule 13)

A VEHICLE AND AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE THEREOF

APPLICANT:

TVS MOTOR COMPANY LIMITED, an Indian Company at: “Chaitanya”, No.12 Khader Nawaz Khan Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai 600 006.

The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter relates generally to a vehicle and an internal combustion engine thereof. More particularly but not exclusively, the present subject matter relates to an internal combustion engine with a novel and inventive integrated lubrication system.

BACKGROUND
[0002] In vehicles, a starter motor is used to rotate or crank an internal combustion engine so as to initiate the engine's operation under its own power. A variety of engagement mechanisms are used to engage or disengage a shaft of the starter motor with the crankshaft automatically, when the starter motor is powered or when the engine fires, respectively. One of the engagement mechanism commonly used in the vehicle is a one-way clutch. The one-way clutch allows transmission of torque in a single direction only i.e., from the shaft of the starter motor to the crankshaft. The one-way clutch disengages the shaft of the starter motor from the crankshaft, when the crankshaft rotates faster than the shaft of the starter motor.
[0003] The one-way clutch is a highly frictional component and improper lubrication of the one-way clutch can adversely affect the functioning of entire transmission assembly. The transmission of torque from the the shaft of the starter motor to the crankshaft occurs through gear members like idler gears and starter gear. These gear members also require adequate lubrication for proper cranking of the internal combustion engine.
[0004] For lubrication of these components, using separate oil galleries can increase the part-count, and complexity. Lubrication by using separate oil chambers for submerging these components gives rise to serviceability issues as it leads to difficulty in access and handling. Also, this will require additional filling point for changing and topping-up the oil. Further, the conventional lubrication systems are inefficient to provide lubrication to the inner surface of the one-way clutch and the magneto side of the internal combustion engine. Also, the conventional methods of lubrication for the one-ways tends to increase time and expenses related to servicing and maintenance.
[0005] In conventional systems, the lubrication is also done by splashing of oil over the components. However, this requires the size of the components to be big enough to be in the ambit of splashed oil, and thus be able to get lubricated. This again gives rise to issue of increase in the size of components, increase in part count, oil spillage and extra complexity in the layout and mechanism.
[0006] The one-way clutch and starter gear both are in rotation only during initial time of cranking. Once the internal combustion engine is initiated, this arrangement automatically gets de-coupled with the crankshaft by using one-way clutch. For such a short duty cycle, a separate oil gallery, oil drain point, filling point, frequent services are not recommended.
[0007] In order to overcome above cited drawbacks of the prior arts, the present invention discloses a novel and inventive lubrication system for the one or more components of the internal combustion engine.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present subject matter relates to an internal combustion engine for a vehicle. The internal combustion engine comprises a crankshaft, a first crankcase, and a nozzle. The first crankcase comprises a receiving port. The receiving port is configured to receive a lubricating fluid from a lubrication circuit of the internal combustion engine. The receiving port is configured to make the lubricating fluid accessible to a plurality of cross-holes of the first crankcase. The nozzle is disposed at an outlet of one of the plurality of cross-holes in order to receive the lubricating fluid from the plurality of cross-holes. The nozzle is configured to dispense a stream of the lubricating fluid on a periphery of a unidirectional transmission member.
[0009] The present subject matter also relates to a vehicle. The vehicle comprises an internal combustion engine. The internal combustion engine comprises a crankshaft, a first crankcase, and a nozzle. The first crankcase comprises a receiving port. The receiving port is configured to receive a lubricating fluid from a lubrication circuit of the internal combustion engine. The receiving port is configured to make the lubricating fluid accessible to a plurality of cross-holes of the first crankcase. The nozzle is disposed at an outlet of one of the plurality of cross-holes in order to receive the lubricating fluid from the plurality of cross-holes. The nozzle is configured to dispense a stream of the lubricating fluid on a periphery of a unidirectional transmission member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The details are described with reference to an embodiment of an internal combustion engine, and a vehicle. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer similar features and components.
[0011] Figure 1 illustrates a sectional view of an internal combustion engine with a starter assembly.
[0012] Figure 2 illustrates a side view of the internal combustion engine with a unidirectional transmission member mounted upon a crankshaft.
[0013] Figure 3 illustrates a sectional view of an internal combustion engine with plurality of cross-holes in a first crankcase.
[0014] Figure 4 illustrates a side perspective view of the first crankcase.
[0015] Figure 5 illustrates a sectional view of the first crankcase along an axis B-B shown in Figure 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0016] In order to overcome one or more of the above-mentioned challenges, the present invention integrates a novel and inventive lubrication system in one of the crankcases of the internal combustion engine. The disclosed lubrication system achieves adequate lubrication of the one-way clutch and other components of the internal combustion engine which are hardly accessible to lubricating fluid. Additionally, adequate lubrication of these components eventually results in reduced friction, wear and tear, dissipation of heat and removal of contaminants. Thus, enhancing the lifespan of the internal combustion engine.
[0017] As per one embodiment of the invention, the invention relates to an internal combustion engine for a vehicle. The internal combustion engine comprises a crankshaft, a first crankcase, and a nozzle. The crankshaft is configured to convert a reciprocating motion of one or more pistons into a rotational motion. The first crankcase is configured to partly enclose the crankshaft from a first side of the vehicle. The first crankcase comprises a receiving port. The receiving port is configured to receive a lubricating fluid from a lubrication circuit of the internal combustion engine. The receiving port is configured to make the lubricating fluid accessible to a plurality of cross-holes of the first crankcase. The nozzle is disposed at an outlet of one of the plurality of cross-holes in order to receive the lubricating fluid from the plurality of cross-holes. The nozzle is configured to dispense a stream of the lubricating fluid on a periphery of a unidirectional transmission member.
[0018] As per one embodiment of the invention, the internal combustion engine comprises a starter assembly. The starter assembly is configured to crank the internal combustion engine through a starter gear. The starter gear comprises a starter gear hub.
[0019] As per one embodiment of the invention, in the internal combustion engine, the unidirectional transmission member is mounted on an outer surface of the starter gear hub of the starter gear. The outer surface of the starter gear hub is configured to interface with an inner surface of the unidirectional transmission member. The unidirectional transmission member is configured to disengage the starter gear from the crankshaft upon a cranking of the internal combustion engine. The stream of the lubricating fluid is dispensed upon the outer surface of the starter gear hub thereby lubricating an inner surface of the unidirectional transmission member.
[0020] As per one embodiment of the invention, in the internal combustion engine, the starter gear is mounted on the crankshaft by using a bearing member. The bearing member is disposed between the crankshaft and the starter gear hub.
[0021] As per one embodiment of the invention, in the internal combustion engine, the starter assembly comprises a starter motor. The starter motor is mounted on the first crankcase. The starter motor is coupled to the starter gear through a first idler gear and a second idler gear. The first idler gear is configured to mesh with the starter motor. The second idler gear is configured to mesh with the starter gear. The first idler gear and the second idler gear are supported by an idler shaft. The idler shaft is supported by the first crankcase and a bracket idler. The bracket idler is configured to clamp the first idler gear and the second idler gear.
[0022] As per one embodiment of the invention, in the internal combustion engine, the plurality of cross-holes comprises a first cross hole and a second cross hole. The first cross hole is configured to receive the lubricating fluid from the receiving port. The second cross hole is configured to receive the lubricating fluid from the first cross hole. The second cross hole is configured to guide the lubricating fluid to the nozzle.
[0023] As per one embodiment of the invention, in the internal combustion engine, the first cross hole and the second cross hole are configured to form a T-shaped junction. The T-shaped junction is configured to align the nozzle with an orientation of the unidirectional transmission member.
[0024] As per one embodiment, in the internal combustion engine, the lubricating fluid is supplied to the lubrication circuit by using a pumping device.
[0025] As per one embodiment, in the internal combustion engine, the unidirectional transmission member is coupled with a magneto rotor. A magneto rotor hub of the magneto rotor is attached to a tapering portion of the crankshaft by using a first mounting member.
[0026] As per one embodiment of the invention, in the internal combustion engine, the lubricating fluid is collected in a magneto cover after the lubricating fluid is guided through the one or more portions of the unidirectional transmission member, one or more portions of the starter gear, and one or more portions of the magneto rotor.
[0027] As per one embodiment of the invention, in the internal combustion engine, a collecting channel is provided in a bottom of the magneto cover. The collecting channel is configured to supply the lubricating fluid back to the lubrication circuit of the internal combustion engine.
[0028] In another embodiment, the invention relates to a vehicle. The vehicle comprises an internal combustion engine. The internal combustion engine comprises a crankshaft, a first crankcase, and a nozzle. The crankshaft is configured to convert a reciprocating motion of one or more pistons into a rotational motion. The first crankcase is configured to partly enclose the crankshaft from a first side of the vehicle. The first crankcase comprises a receiving port. The receiving port is configured to receive a lubricating fluid from a lubrication circuit of the internal combustion engine. The receiving port is configured to make the lubricating fluid accessible to a plurality of cross-holes of the first crankcase. The nozzle is disposed at an outlet of one of the plurality of cross-holes in order to receive the lubricating fluid from the plurality of cross-holes. The nozzle is configured to dispense a stream of the lubricating fluid on a periphery of a unidirectional transmission member. In another embodiment the internal combustion engine can have one or more nozzles as requirement of the size, capacity, and configuration of the engine.
[0029] As per another embodiment of the invention, in the vehicle, the internal combustion engine comprises a starter assembly, the starter assembly is configured to crank the internal combustion engine through a starter gear. The starter gear comprises a starter gear hub.
[0030] As per another embodiment of the invention, in the vehicle, the unidirectional transmission member is mounted on an outer surface of the starter gear hub of the starter gear. The outer surface of the starter gear hub is configured to interface with an inner surface of the unidirectional transmission member. The unidirectional transmission member is configured to disengage the starter gear from the crankshaft upon a cranking of the internal combustion engine. The stream of the lubricating fluid is dispensed upon the outer surface of the starter gear hub thereby lubricating an inner surface of the unidirectional transmission member.
[0031] As per another embodiment of the invention, in the vehicle, the plurality of cross-holes comprises a first cross hole and a second cross hole. The first cross hole is configured to receive the lubricating fluid from the receiving port. The second cross hole is configured to receive the lubricating fluid from the first cross hole. The second cross hole is configured to guide the lubricating fluid to the nozzle.
[0032] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to an embodiment of a vehicle and an internal combustion engine (100) thereof, along with the accompanying drawings. However, the disclosed invention is not limited to the present embodiments.
[0033] The embodiments shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2 are taken together for discussion. Figure 1 illustrates a sectional view of an internal combustion engine (100) with a starter assembly (103). Figure 2 illustrates a side view of the internal combustion engine (100) with a unidirectional transmission member (105) mounted upon a crankshaft (101).
[0034] One of the embodiments of disclosed invention relates to a vehicle (not shown). The vehicle can be solely propelled by an internal combustion engine (100), fueled by the combustion of fossil fuels or the vehicle can be a hybrid vehicle. The internal combustion engine (100) further comprises a crankshaft (101), a first crankcase (102a), a second crankcase (102b), a starter assembly (103), a unidirectional transmission member (105), and a nozzle (113). The crankshaft (101) converts a reciprocating motion of one or more pistons into a rotational motion. The first crankcase (102a) partly encloses the crankshaft (101) from a first side of the vehicle. The second crankcase (102b) encloses the crankshaft (101) from a second side of the vehicle. The first crankcase (102a) and the second crankcase (102b) form the housing that surrounds the crankshaft (101). In a preferred embodiment, the first side of the vehicle is the left side whereby the first crankcase (102a) is disposed on the left-side of the vehicle in order to cover the crankshaft (101) from the left side of the vehicle. In another aspect of this embodiment, the first crankcase (102a) is configured as a cover magneto. In the same preferred embodiment, the second side is the right side of the vehicle whereby the second crankcase (102b) is disposed on a right-side of the vehicle in order to cover the crankshaft (101) from the right side of the vehicle. In this embodiment, the right-side of the vehicle and left-side of the vehicle are in respect of a user of the vehicle facing towards the direction of forward motion of the vehicle. Thus, in this embodiment, the axis of rotation of the crankshaft is disposed in left-right direction of the vehicle. It may be appreciated that in case of an alternate placement of the internal combustion engine (100), the axis of the crankshaft may be disposed in front-rear direction in which the case the orientation of the first crankcase (102a) and the second crankcase (102b) and meaning of corresponding first side and second side would change accordingly to front facing side and rear facing side. The first crankcase (102a) comprises a receiving port (111) and a plurality of cross-holes (112a, 112b). The receiving port (111) receives a lubricating fluid from a lubrication circuit of the internal combustion engine (100). The plurality of cross-holes (112a, 112b) receives the lubricating fluid from the receiving port (111). The plurality of cross-holes (112a, 112b) guides the lubricating fluid to an outlet of one of the plurality of cross-holes (112a, 112b). The starter assembly (103) cranks the internal combustion engine (100) through a starter gear (104). The unidirectional transmission member (105) is mounted on the starter gear (104) and coupled with a magneto rotor (106). The unidirectional transmission member (105) disengages the starter gear (104) from the crankshaft (101) upon a cranking of the crankshaft (101). The nozzle (113) is disposed at the outlet of one of the plurality of cross-holes (112a, 112b) in order to receive the lubricating fluid from the plurality of cross-holes (112a, 112b). The nozzle (113) dispenses a stream of the lubricating fluid on a periphery of the unidirectional transmission member (105). In another embodiment the internal combustion engine (100) can have one or more nozzles (113) as requirement of the size, capacity, and configuration of the internal combustion engine (100).
[0035] One of the embodiment of disclosed invention relates to an internal combustion engine (100) for the vehicle. In a preferred embodiment, the internal combustion engine (100) is a reciprocating piston engine with one or more engine cylinders arranged in a cylinder block. The internal combustion engine (100) comprises a crankshaft (101), a first crankcase (102a), a second crankcase (102b), a starter assembly (103), a unidirectional transmission member (105), and a nozzle (113). The crankshaft (101) converts a reciprocating motion of one or more pistons into a rotational motion.
[0036] The first crankcase (102a) partly encloses the crankshaft (101) from a first side of the vehicle. The second crankcase (102b) partly encloses the crankshaft (101) from a second side of the vehicle. In a preferred embodiment, the first crankcase (102a) and the second crankcase (102b) are made from aluminium or aluminium alloys. The thermal and vibrational characteristics of aluminum alloys are similar to cast iron materials. However, lighter weight of the aluminum alloys makes them proper materials for crankcase applications.
[0037] The first crankcase (102a) comprises a receiving port (111) and a plurality of cross-holes (112a, 112b). The receiving port (111) receives a lubricating fluid from a lubrication circuit of the internal combustion engine (100). The plurality of cross-holes (112a, 112b) receives the lubricating fluid from the receiving port (111). The plurality of cross-holes (112a, 112b) guides the lubricating fluid to an outlet of one of the plurality of cross-holes (112a, 112b). The lubricating fluid reduces the friction, heat, and wear between mechanical components of the internal combustion engine (100) that are in contact with each other. In a preferred embodiment, the lubricating fluid is a blend of low viscosity oil to allow for easy starting at cool temperatures and a high viscosity oil for better performance at normal running temperatures. The lubrication circuit of the internal combustion engine (100) comprises a network of oil galleries. These oil galleries are typically designed as narrow channels or passages within the engine block, cylinder head, or other components of the internal combustion engine (100). They are carefully engineered to direct the flow of lubricating fluid to specific areas that require lubrication. The size, shape, and placement of these galleries are critical in ensuring optimal oil distribution and lubrication efficiency. The lubricating fluid is supplied to the lubrication circuit by using a pumping device. The lubrication system, which includes the oil pump, oil filter, and oil passages, ensures that the lubricating fluid is properly circulated and filtered before reaching the galleries.
[0038] The starter assembly (103) cranks the internal combustion engine (100) through a starter gear (104). The unidirectional transmission member (105) is mounted on the starter gear (104) and coupled with a magneto rotor (106). The unidirectional transmission member (105) disengages the starter gear (104) from the crankshaft (101) upon a cranking of the crankshaft (101). In a preferred embodiment, the unidirectional transmission member (105) is a one-way clutch. The one-way clutch allows transmission of torque in a single direction only i.e., from the starter assembly (103) to the crankshaft (101). The one-way clutch disengages the starter assembly (103) from the crankshaft (101), when the crankshaft (101) rotates faster than the starter assembly (103) i.e. upon the cranking of the crankshaft (101).
[0039] The nozzle (113) is disposed at the outlet of one of the plurality of cross-holes (112a, 112b) in order to receive the lubricating fluid from the plurality of cross-holes (112a, 112b). The nozzle (113) dispenses a stream of the lubricating fluid on a periphery of the unidirectional transmission member (105). Thus, the lubrication of a component like unidirectional transmission member (105) is achieved which are otherwise hardly accessible to lubricating fluid. This configuration also ensures the lubrication of starter gear (104) and magneto rotor (106) as the stream of the lubricating fluid is dispensed on the periphery of the unidirectional transmission member (105). This configuration achieves the lubrication of multiple components of the internal combustion engine (100) without requiring separate oil galleries for each component.
[0040] Further, the disclosed configuration does not require any enhancement in the size of unidirectional transmission member (105), starter gear (104) and magneto rotor (106) as required in the case of lubrication by splashing of oil over the components. Therefore, the present invention successfully addresses the issue of increase in the size of components, increase in part count, oil spillage and extra complexity in the layout and mechanism.
[0041] Furthermore, the embodiment disclosed in the present invention does not require any separate oil chambers for submerging these components. Thus, no additional filling point for changing and topping-up the oil is required. As a result, time and expenses related to assembly, servicing and maintenance are reduced.
[0042] The starter assembly (103) comprises a starter motor (103m). The starter motor (103m) is mounted on the first crankcase (102a). The starter motor (103m) is coupled to the starter gear (104) through a first idler gear (103a) and a second idler gear (103b). The first idler gear (103a) is meshed with the starter motor (103m). The second idler gear (103b) is meshed with the starter gear (104). The first idler gear (103a) and the second idler gear (103b) are supported by an idler shaft (103s). The idler shaft (103s) is supported by the first crankcase (102a) and a bracket idler (103i). The bracket idler (103i) clamps the first idler gear (103a) and the second idler gear (103b).
[0043] The embodiments shown in Figure 3, Figure 4 and Figure 5 are taken together for discussion. Figure 3 illustrates a sectional view of an internal combustion engine (100) with the plurality of cross-holes (112a, 112b) in a first crankcase (102a). Figure 4 illustrates a side perspective view of the first crankcase (102a). Figure 5 illustrates a sectional view of the first crankcase (102a) along an axis B-B shown in Figure 4.
[0044] The starter gear (104) comprises a starter gear hub (104h) and a starter gear rotor (104r). The unidirectional transmission member (105) is mounted on an outer surface of the starter gear hub (104h). The outer surface of the starter gear hub interfaces with an inner surface of the unidirectional transmission member. The stream of the lubricating fluid is dispensed upon the outer surface of the starter gear hub (104h) thereby lubricating an inner surface of the unidirectional transmission member (105). The starter gear (104) is mounted on the crankshaft (101) by using a bearing member (107). The bearing member (107) is disposed between the crankshaft (101) and the starter gear hub (104h). In a preferred embodiment, the bearing member (107) is a needle roller bearing. The needle roller bearing is a special type of roller bearing which uses long, thin cylindrical rollers resembling needles. Compared to ball bearings and ordinary roller bearings, the needle bearings have a greater surface area in contact with the races, so they can support a greater load. They are also thinner, so they require less clearance between the crankshaft (101) and the starter gear hub (104h).
[0045] The plurality of cross-holes (112a, 112b) comprises a first cross hole (112a) and a second cross hole (112b). The first cross hole (112a) receives the lubricating fluid from the receiving port (111). The second cross hole (112b) receives the lubricating fluid from the first cross hole (112a). The second cross hole (112b) is guides the lubricating fluid to the nozzle (113).
[0046] The first cross hole (112a) and the second cross hole (112b) form a T-shaped junction. The T-shaped junction aligns the nozzle (113) with an orientation of the unidirectional transmission member (105). In a preferred embodiment, the second cross hole (112b) is extended from an intersection of the first cross hole (112a) and the second cross hole (112b) to form the T-shaped junction.
[0047] The unidirectional transmission member (105) is coupled with a magneto rotor (106). A magneto rotor hub (106h) of the magneto rotor (106) is attached to a tapering portion of the crankshaft (101) by using a first mounting member (108). In a preferred embodiment, the first mounting member (108) is rivet nut.
[0048] The lubricating fluid is collected in a magneto cover (109) after the lubricating fluid is guided through the one or more portions of the unidirectional transmission member (105), one or more portions of the starter gear (104), and one or more portions of the magneto rotor (106). The stream of the lubricating fluid is dispensed upon the outer surface of the starter gear hub (104h). The outer surface of the starter gear hub (104h) interfaces with an inner surface of the unidirectional transmission member (105). Thus, lubricating the inner surface of the unidirectional transmission member (105) as well. The unidirectional transmission member (105) is mounted on the starter gear (104) due to which the one or more portions of the starter gear (104) like starter gear hub (104h) and a starter gear rotor (104r) also get lubricated. Similarly, the unidirectional transmission member (105) is coupled with a magneto rotor (106) due to which one or more portions of the magneto rotor (106) like the magneto rotor hub (106h) also get lubricated.
[0049] A collecting channel (109c) is provided in a bottom of the magneto cover (109). The collecting channel (109c) supplies the lubricating fluid back to the lubrication circuit so that the lubricating fluid can be reused.
[0050] The solution proposed by present disclosure integrates lubrication system within the one of the crankcases of the internal combustion engine (100). The disclosed subject matter achieves adequate lubrication of the components of the internal combustion engine which are usually hardly accessible for the lubricating fluid like unidirectional transmission member (105), particularly the inner surface of the unidirectional transmission member (105), the starter gear (104) and the magneto side of the internal combustion engine (100). Additionally, adequate lubrication of these components eventually reduces friction, prevents wear and tear, dissipates heat and removes contaminants thereby enhancing the lifespan of the unidirectional transmission member (105) such as but not limited to a one directional clutch as well as the internal combustion engine (100). Further, the advantageous features of the invention can be implemented without substantially altering existing lubrication systema and engine design and along with the pre-existing lubrication passages. This saves costs associated with reconfiguring or redesigning entire engine assembly or components for accommodating the enhanced lubrication system.
[0051] Further, the present invention successfully addresses the issue of increase in the size of components, increase in part count, oil spillage and extra complexity in the layout and mechanism. Furthermore, the present invention reduces the time and expenses related to servicing and maintenance of the internal combustion engine (100).
[0052] The present disclosed invention relates to a vehicle and an internal combustion engine (100) thereof. Embodiments illustrated in the present invention can be worked with any two-wheeled vehicles, three-wheeled vehicles, four-wheeled vehicles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and off-road vehicles propelled by an internal combustion engine (100) including the hybrid vehicles. Further, the disclosed invention is not limited to the aforementioned embodiments. For example, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “they” can include plural referents unless the content clearly indicates otherwise. Further, when introducing elements/components/etc. of the assembly/system described and/or illustrated herein, the articles “a”, “an”, “the”, and “said” are intended to mean that there is one or more of the element(s)/component(s)/etc. The terms “comprising”, “including”, and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional element(s)/component(s)/etc. other than the listed element(s)/component(s)/etc.
[0053] This written description uses examples to provide details on the disclosure, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, including making and using any devices or systems. The scope of the disclosure is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.
[0054] It is to be understood that the aspects of the embodiments are not necessarily limited to the features described herein. Many modifications and variations of the present subject matter are possible in the light of above disclosure.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

100
101
102a
102b
103
103m
103a
103b
103i
103s
104
104h
104r
105
106
106h
107
108
109
109c
111
112a
112b
113
Internal combustion engine
Crankshaft
First crankcase
Second crankcase
Starter assembly
Starter motor
First idler gear
Second idler gear
Bracket idler
Idler shaft
Starter gear
Starter gear hub
Starter gear rotor
Unidirectional transmission member
Magneto rotor
Magneto rotor hub
Bearing member
First mounting member
Magneto cover
Collecting channel
Receiving port
First cross hole
Second cross hole
Nozzle
, Claims:We Claim:
1. An internal combustion engine (100) for a vehicle, the internal combustion engine (100) comprising:
a crankshaft (101), the crankshaft (101) being configured to convert a reciprocating motion of one or more pistons into a rotational motion;
a first crankcase (102a), the first crankcase (102a) being configured to partly enclose the crankshaft (101) from a first side of the vehicle, the first crankcase (102a) comprising:
a receiving port (111), the receiving port (111) being configured to receive a lubricating fluid from a lubrication circuit of the internal combustion engine (100) in order to make the lubricating fluid accessible to a plurality of cross-holes (112a, 112b) of the first crankcase (102a), and
a nozzle (113), the nozzle (113) being disposed at an outlet of one of the plurality of cross-holes (112a, 112b) in order to receive the lubricating fluid from the plurality of cross-holes (112a, 112b), the nozzle (113) being configured to dispense a stream of the lubricating fluid on a periphery of a unidirectional transmission member (105).
2. The internal combustion engine (100) for the vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the internal combustion engine (100) comprises a starter assembly (103), the starter assembly (103) being configured to crank the internal combustion engine (100) through a starter gear (104), the starter gear (104) comprises a starter gear hub (104h).
3. The internal combustion engine (100) for the vehicle as claimed in claim 2, wherein the unidirectional transmission member (105) being mounted on an outer surface of a starter gear hub (104h) of the starter gear (104), the outer surface of the starter gear hub (104h) being configured to interface with an inner surface of the unidirectional transmission member (105), the unidirectional transmission member (105) being configured to disengage the starter gear (104) from the crankshaft (101) upon a cranking of the internal combustion engine (100), the stream of the lubricating fluid being dispensed upon the outer surface of the starter gear hub (104h) thereby lubricating an inner surface of the unidirectional transmission member (105).
4. The internal combustion engine (100) for the vehicle as claimed in claim 2, wherein the starter gear (104) being mounted on the crankshaft (101) by using a bearing member (107), the bearing member (107) being disposed between the crankshaft (101) and the starter gear hub (104h).
5. The internal combustion engine (100) for the vehicle as claimed in claim 2, wherein the starter assembly (103) comprising a starter motor (103m), the starter motor (103m) being mounted on the first crankcase (102a), the starter motor (103m) being coupled to the starter gear (104) through a first idler gear (103a) and a second idler gear (103b), the first idler gear (103a) being configured to mesh with the starter motor (103m), the second idler gear (103b) being configured to mesh with the starter gear (104); and the first idler gear (103a) and the second idler gear (103b) being supported by an idler shaft (103s), the idler shaft (103s) being supported by the first crankcase (102a) and a bracket idler (103i), the bracket idler (103i) being configured to clamp the first idler gear (103a) and the second idler gear (103b).
6. The internal combustion engine (100) for the vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of cross-holes (112a, 112b) comprising a first cross hole (112a) and a second cross hole (112b), the first cross hole (112a) being configured to receive the lubricating fluid from the receiving port (111), the second cross hole (112b) being configured to receive the lubricating fluid from the first cross hole (112a) and the second cross hole (112b) being configured to guide the lubricating fluid to the nozzle (113).
7. The internal combustion engine (100) for the vehicle as claimed in claim 6, wherein the first cross hole (112a) and the second cross hole (112b) being configured to form a T-shaped junction, the T-shaped junction being configured to align the nozzle (113) with an orientation of the unidirectional transmission member (105).
8. The internal combustion engine (100) for the vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lubricating fluid being supplied to the lubrication circuit by using a pumping device.
9. The internal combustion engine (100) for the vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the unidirectional transmission member (105) being coupled with a magneto rotor (106); and a magneto rotor hub (106h) of the magneto rotor (106) being attached to a tapering portion of the crankshaft (101) by using a first mounting member (108).
10. The internal combustion engine (100) for the vehicle as claimed in claim 9, wherein the lubricating fluid being collected in a magneto cover (109) after the lubricating fluid being guided through the one or more portions of the unidirectional transmission member (105), one or more portions of the starter gear (104), and one or more portions of the magneto rotor (106).
11. The internal combustion engine (100) for the vehicle as claimed in claim 10, wherein a collecting channel (109c) being provided in a bottom of the magneto cover (109), the collecting channel (109c) being configured to supply the lubricating fluid back to the lubrication circuit of the internal combustion engine (100).
12. A vehicle, the vehicle comprising:
an internal combustion engine (100), the internal combustion engine (100) comprising:
a crankshaft (101), the crankshaft (101) being configured to convert a reciprocating motion of one or more pistons into a rotational motion,
a first crankcase (102a), the first crankcase (102a) being configured to partly enclose the crankshaft (101) from a first side of the vehicle, the first crankcase (102a) comprising:
a receiving port (111), the receiving port (111) being configured to receive a lubricating fluid from a lubrication circuit of the internal combustion engine (100) in order to make the lubricating fluid accessible to a plurality of cross-holes (112a, 112b) of the first crankcase (102a), and
a nozzle (113), the nozzle (113) being mounted at an outlet of one of the plurality of cross-holes (112a, 112b) in order to receive the lubricating fluid from the plurality of cross-holes (112a, 112b), the nozzle (113) being configured to dispense a stream of the lubricating fluid on a periphery of the unidirectional transmission member (105).
13. The vehicle as claimed in claim 12, wherein the internal combustion engine (100) comprises a starter assembly (103), the starter assembly (103) being configured to crank the internal combustion engine (100) through a starter gear (104), the starter gear (104) comprises a starter gear hub (104h).
14. The vehicle as claimed in claim 13, wherein the unidirectional transmission member (105) being mounted on an outer surface of a starter gear hub (104h) of the starter gear (104), the outer surface of the starter gear hub (104h) being configured to interface with an inner surface of the unidirectional transmission member (105), the unidirectional transmission member (105) being configured to disengage the starter gear (104) from the crankshaft (101) upon a cranking of the internal combustion engine (100), the stream of the lubricating fluid being dispensed upon the outer surface of the starter gear hub (104h) thereby lubricating an inner surface of the unidirectional transmission member (105).
15. The vehicle as claimed in claim 12, wherein the plurality of cross-holes (112a, 112b) comprising a first cross hole (112a) and a second cross hole (112b), the first cross hole (112a) being configured to receive the lubricating fluid from the receiving port (111), the second cross hole (112b) being configured to receive the lubricating fluid from the first cross hole (112a) and the second cross hole (112b) being configured to guide the lubricating fluid to the nozzle (113).

Dated this 04th day of January, 2024

(Digitally Signed)
Sudarshan Singh Shekhawat
IN/PA-1611
Agent for the Applicant