DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a saddle type vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to a cooling assembly for a control unit of a vehicle.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] As electric vehicles (EVs) continue to gain prominence in the automotive industry, optimization of their electronic control systems becomes important. In addition, in the automotive sector there has been a growing dependency on control units or controller, or other forms of control systems being provided in the vehicle. These control units are ingrained with a specific task and operate towards ensuring user or rider convenience, comfort, safety as well as improving the overall vehicle performance. The numerous control systems or power systems deployed in the vehicle monitor the performance of various ongoing processes and diagnose and control faults accruing for improve automotive performance and safety. The safety facets of present-day technology led to packaging of several electrical components in the compact vehicle layout to ascertain, monitor, diagnose and control the vehicle operations.
[0003] The control units, also referred to as an electronic control unit or electronic control module is an embedded system configured to control one or more electrical and/or electronic systems and subsystems in the vehicle. Common examples of control units used in vehicles include engine control unit, powertrain control unit, transmission control unit, brake control unit, vehicle control unit, suspension control unit, body control unit, battery management system and motor control unit to name a few.
[0004] In a compact saddle type vehicle as observed in but not limited to scooters, trikes and motorcycles while dependency on the electronic control units remain the same, the packaging of the same in a compact layout becomes challenging. Compact vehicle layouts such as in saddle type vehicles packaging of electrical components plays a crucial role in balancing of the vehicle dynamics as well as vehicle performance.
[0005] Electrical and/or electronic components such as a battery pack, controller and electric motor generate heat during operation. There is a need to cool these electrical components for proper working and long lifespan of components, for instance, by dissipating the heat to outside, without affecting nearby parts. Therefore, cooling arrangements are provided to maintain the temperature of these electric and/or electronic components within a required range.
[0006] However, as the control unit is configured in proximity of the vehicle battery and the electric motor, heat generated by the control unit cause heating of the battery pack. Even, when a cooling arrangement is provided for the control unit, hot air blow out of the cooling arrangement of the control unit strikes on the adjacent parts like the battery pack and the electric motor, which leads to heating of the battery pack and other components, thereby affecting performance of these adjacent components. In addition, the hot air blow out of the cooling arrangement of the control unit may cause discomfort to rider as an air outlet of the existing cooling arrangement is between the seat and the handle bar of the vehicle.
[0007] Therefore, there is a need for a simple and cost-effective solution which can obviate the above-mentioned problems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present disclosure discloses a saddle type vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to an improved and cost-efficient cooling assembly for an electronic unit, such as a control unit, of a vehicle.
[0009] In an embodiment, the cooling assembly comprises a housing comprising at least one flow channel to allow flow of a fluid, and at least one duct. The duct comprising a first end and a second end. The first end of the at least one duct is fluidically connected to housing to receive the fluid from the housing. The second end of the duct is located to away from the housing to guide and vent out the fluid received from the housing to outside ambient.
[0010] In an embodiment, the housing is configured to support the electronic unit. At least one wall of the housing abuts with the electronic unit for cooling electronic unit through the fluid flow through the channel of the housing. The housing comprises one or more protrusion extended in the channel to create turbulence in the flow of the fluid in the channel.
[0011] In an embodiment, the cooling assembly comprises one or more cooling fans configured with the housing to blow air through the flow channel.
[0012] In an embodiment, the housing comprises one or more inlet openings on at least one side wall to receive fluid in the housing.
[0013] In an embodiment, the second end of the duct is provided with an outlet opening to allow the fluid to exit the duct.
[0014] In an embodiment, the duct is extended form the housing and the second end of the duct is located below a power source unit of the vehicle and away from a drive unit of the vehicle. The wherein the duct is configured on a rear side the power source unit.
[0015] In an embodiment, the duct is extended through a gap between the power source unit of the vehicle and the drive unit.
[0016] In an embodiment, the second end of the duct is located above a drive unit (108).
[0017] In an embodiment, the fluid is any of air or a liquid.
[0018] In an embodiment, a portion of the duct being extended on a right side of a frame of the vehicle and the second end of the duct being configured on the right side of the vehicle.
[0019] In an embodiment, a portion of the duct being extended on a left side of a frame of the vehicle and the second end of the duct being configured on the left side of the vehicle.
[0020] In an embodiment, the cooling assembly comprising a chamber to accommodate the electronic unit. The chamber is configured above the housing.
[0021] In an embodiment, the cooling assembly is configured on a front frame portion of a frame assembly of the vehicle in between a handle bar and a seat of the vehicle.
[0022] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.
[0023] Further, it is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] The present invention is described with reference to figures. This invention is implementable in two-wheeled, three wheeled and four wheeled vehicles. Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the present embodiments are described with reference to the following figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views unless otherwise specified.
[0025] Figure 1 illustrates a side view of a vehicle with a cooling assembly for an electronic unit of the vehicle, where a duct of the cooling assembly is extended on a left side of the vehicle, in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention.
[0026] Figure 2 illustrates a side view of a vehicle with a cooling assembly with a small duct extended on a left side of the vehicle, in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention.
[0027] Figure 3 illustrates a sectional view of the cooling assembly for the electronic unit of the vehicle, in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention.
[0028] Figure 4 illustrates a side view of the vehicle with the cooling assembly with a small duct extended on the right side of the vehicle, in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention.
[0029] Figure 5 illustrates a side view of the vehicle with the cooling assembly with a long duct extended on the right side of the vehicle, in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0030] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the techniques described herein can be practised without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring certain aspects.
[0031] Various features and embodiments of the present disclosure here will be discernible from the following further description thereof, set out hereunder. Further “front” and “rear”, and “left” and “right” referred to in the ensuing description of the illustrated embodiment refer to front and rear, and left and right directions as seen from a front portion of the vehicle and looking rearward. However, it is contemplated that the disclosure in the present disclosure may be applied to any vehicle without defeating the spirit of the present subject matter. The detailed explanation of the constitution of parts other than the present disclosure which constitutes an essential part has been omitted at suitable places.
[0032] The present subject matter is further described with reference to the accompanying figures. It should be noted that the description and figures merely illustrate the principles of the present subject matter. Various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, encompass the principles of the present subject matter. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects and examples of the present subject matter, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
[0033] Further, various embodiments disclosed herein are to be taken in the illustrative and explanatory sense, and would in no way be construed as limiting the present disclosure. All joinder references (e.g., attached, affixed, coupled, connected, etc.) are only used to aid the reader’s understanding of the present disclosure, and may not create limitations, particularly as to the position orientation, or use of the system and/or methods disclosed herein. Therefore, joinder references, if any, are to be construed broadly. Moreover, such joinder references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected to each other.
[0034] Additionally, all numerical terms, such as, but not limited to, “first”, “second”, “primary”, “secondary”, “main” or any other ordinary and/or numerical terms, should also be taken as identifiers, to assist the reader’s understanding of the various elements, embodiments, variations and/or modifications of the present disclosure, and may not create any limitations, particularly as to the order, or preference, of any element, embodiment, variation, and/or modification relative to, or over, another element, embodiment, variation and/or modification.
[0035] It will also be appreciated that one or more of the elements depicted in the drawings/ figures can also be implemented in a more separated or integrated manner, or even removed, or rendered as inoperable in certain cases, as is useful in accordance with a particular application. The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the disclosed invention is not limited to the present embodiments.
[0036] Embodiments of the present disclosure explained herein relate to an improved and cost-efficient a cooling assembly for an electronic unit such as a control unit of a vehicle.
[0037] The proposed cooling assembly includes a housing define flow passage/channels, wherein the control unit is mounted on the cooling housing, one or more cooling fans configured in the housing to flow air through the flow channels and at least one duct connected to an outlet opening of the housing to guide air flow through the flow channels to outside. The electronic unit/controller unit is configured on the housing. The cooling fans can be packaged on one end of the cooling housing, and the duct can be connected to the other end of the cooling housing with the outlet opening. The duct is configured to transfer the hot air, which gets heated after extracting heat from the electronic unit, flow flowing through the air flow channels, after cooling the control unit, to outside without affecting nearby parts arranged adjacent to the control unit.
[0038] Thus, the housing with the duct cools the electronic unit and vent out the hot air away from the vehicle components such as a power source unit, such as battery pack, and a drive unit, such as an electric motor, without affecting these nearby components arranged adjacent to the electronic unit.
[0039] In addition, the outlet opening of the duct is also located away from the housing to void any discomfort to a rider or pillion of the vehicle.
[0040] Referring to Figure 1 to Figure 3, in accordance with an embodiment, the present discloses a cooling assembly 125 for an electronic unit 150, such as but not limited to a control unit, of a vehicle 100. In an embodiment, the vehicle can be a saddle type vehicle. The vehicle 100 comprises of a handlebar assembly 102, a plurality of suspension units 104, a frame assembly, one or more power storage units 110, at least one front wheel 106, at least one rear wheel 112 and a drive unit 108, such as an electric motor. A transmission unit 111 is provided to transmit power/rotation from the drive unit 108 to rear wheel of the vehicle 100.
[0041] In an embodiment, the frame assembly comprises a front frame portion/main tube 116 and a rear tube 118 coupled to the front frame portion/main tube 116. The handlebar assembly 102 provides steering control for the vehicle 100, allowing the driver to manoeuvre it effectively. This component is crucial for ensuring user control and safety during operation. The plurality of suspension units plays a vital role in providing comfort and stability while driving. These units absorb shocks and vibrations from the road surface, ensuring a smooth and controlled ride experience for the occupants. For instance, the frame assembly configuration used in the present disclosure is a backbone frame structure serves as the central support system for the vehicle. The backbone frame structure comprises of the main tube/frame portion 116 and the rear frame portion 118. The main frame portion runs longitudinally along the vehicle's centreline, providing rigidity and torsional stability. The rear frame portion reinforces the frame, distributing loads evenly. This frame configuration accommodates essential components such as the one or more power storage unit 110, the electronic unit 114, the drive unit 108, the cooling assembly 125 and other components etc. In an embodiment the power storage units, may be a battery pack, stands as a vital component within electric vehicles (EVs), for storing electrical energy utilized for propelling the vehicle and powering auxiliary systems. In an embodiment the power storage unit may have configuration of at least one of a lithium-ion (Li-ion), a lithium-polymer (LiPo), a nickel-metal hydride (NiMH), and an emerging solid-state batteries. The power storage unit may also have a cell arrangements of at least one of a prismatic, a cylindrical, or a pouch cell arrangements.
[0042] In an embodiment, the drive unit may comprise of an electric motor in an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle. Various embodiments of the drive unit may include Permanent Magnet Motors (IPM), Brushless DC Motors (BLDC), Induction Motors, Switched Reluctance Motors (SRM), Direct Drive Motors, and Synchronous Motors.
[0043] In an embodiment, the electronic unit 114 is configured on the cooling assembly 125 that is adapted to cool the electronic unit 114. In an embodiment, the electronic unit 114 can be an Intelligent Vehicle Control Unit (iVCU) of the vehicle, which is a critical component responsible for controlling the electronic control systems and for managing various vehicle functions.
[0044] In an embodiment, the cooling assembly 125 is configured on the main tube/frame portion 116 in between the handle bar 102 and a seat 109 of the vehicle 100.
[0045] In an embodiment, the cooling assembly 125 can be configured on any other suitable location, for example the cooling assembly 125 can be configured on the rear frame portion/tube118. The cooling assembly 125 can be configured between the drive unit 108 and the seat 109 of the vehicle 100.
[0046] In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the cooling assembly 125 includes a housing 126 to be mounted on the frame assembly of the vehicle. The housing 126 comprises a flow channel 127 defined by side walls of the housing 126 to allow flow of a fluid. The fluid can be any of air or a liquid. The cooling assembly 125 further comprises at least one duct 128 fluidically connected to the housing 126, and a chamber 113 to accommodate the electronic unit 114. The chamber 113 is configured above the housing 126.
[0047] In an embodiment, the duct 128 comprises a first end 128a and a second end 128b. The first end 128a of the duct 128 is fluidically connected to an outlet of the housing 126 to receive the fluid from the housing 126. The second end 128b of the duct 128 is located to away from the housing 126 to guide and vent out the fluid received from the housing 126. The second end 128b of the duct being provided with an outlet opening to allow the fluid to exit the duct 128.
[0048] In an embodiment, the housing 126 is configured to support the electronic unit 114. The least one wall of the housing 126 abuts with the electronic unit 114 for cooling electronic unit 114 through the fluid flows through the channel 127 of the housing.
[0049] In an embodiment, the housing 126 comprises one or more protrusion 129. The protrusion 129 are extended in the channel 127 to create turbulence in the flow of the fluid in the channel 127, this improves cooling of the electronic unit 114.
[0050] In an embodiment, the housing 126 comprises one or more inlet openings 130 on at least one side wall to receive fluid/air in the housing 126 from outside.
[0051] In an embodiment, the cooling assembly 125 comprising one or more cooling fans (not shown) configured with the housing 126 to blow air through the flow channel 127. The cooling fans are adapted to draw air inside the housing 126 from outside for cooling the electronic unit 114.
[0052] In an embodiment, the cooling fans can be packaged on one end of the housing 126, and at the other end of the housing the duct 126 can be connect which divert and vent out the hot air away from the power source unit 110, the drive unit 108 and other adjacent components to dissipate heat to outside without affecting nearby components.
[0053] In an embodiment, the duct 128 is extended form the housing 127 and the second end 128b of the duct 128 can be located below the power source unit 110 of the vehicle 100 and away from the drive unit 108 of the vehicle 100. The duct 128 can be configured on a rear side the power source unit 110.
[0054] In an embodiment, the duct 128 can be extended through a gap between the power source unit 110 of the vehicle 100 and the drive unit 108, as shown in figure 5.
[0055] In an embodiment, the length of the duct 128 can vary based on requirement.
[0056] In an embodiment, the length of the duct 128 can short, extended till upper portion of the power source unit 110, as shown in Figure 2 and Figure 4. The second end 128b of the duct 128 can be located above a drive unit 108.
[0057] In another embodiment, the length of the duct 128 can be long, extended till or below the lower end of the power source unit 110.
[0058] In another embodiment, the duct 128 is configured such that the hot fluid (indicated by arrow 115) flows out of the duct is carried along the ram air flowing from a front direction (F) to a rear direction (R) of the vehicle 110. Thus, the duct 128 is designed so that when hot fluid exits it after cooling the electronic unit 114, the fluid is carried along by the ram air, which flows from the front to the rear of the vehicle as it moves. This setup uses the vehicle's natural airflow to help dissipate the heat from the hot fluid more efficiently.
[0059] In an embodiment, as shown in Figure 4 and Figure 5, when seen from the front of the vehicle 200 towards rearwards, at least a portion of the duct 128 can be extended on a right side of a frame assembly of the vehicle 100 and the second end 128b of the duct 128 can be configured on the right side of the vehicle 100.
[0060] In an embodiment, as shown in Figure 1 and Figure 3, when seen from the front of the vehicle 200 towards rearwards, at least a portion of the duct 128 can be extended on a left side of the frame assembly of the vehicle 100 and the second end 128b of the duct 128 can be configured on the left side of the vehicle 100.
[0061] Thus, the proposed cooling assembly 125 includes a housing 126 define an air flow passage 127. The electronic unit 114 is mounted on the cooling housing 126 in the chamber 113. One or more cooling fans are configured in the housing 126 to flow air through the air flow passage 127 for cooling the electronic unit 114. A duct 128 is connected to an outlet opening of the housing 126 to guide air flow through the airflow passage 127 to outside ambient. The housing 126 can include one or more inlet openings 130 to receive air in the housing 127 from outside.
[0062] The duct 128 is adapted to transfer the air/fluid, which gets heated after cooling the electronic unit 114 without affecting the nearby electrical parts, such as battery and/or motor with the help of duct, the hot air or heat of the electronic unit can be transferred behind the power source unit/battery pack 110. Below the control unit, the cooling fans can be packaged on one end of the cooling housing, and at the other end the cooling duct can be connect which divert the hot air away from the battery pack 110 and other adjacent components to dissipate heat to outside without affecting nearby components. This increase comfort of the rider. The hot air will flow with the ram air flowing from front direction (F) to a rear direction (R) of the vehicle. The length of the duct 128 can vary based on requirement. The duct can be extended below the power unit 110. The duct can be extended to a middle portion or upper portion or lower end of the power source unit 110.
[0063] In the foregoing specification, the disclosure has been described with reference to specific embodiments disclosed herein can be modified or otherwise implemented in various other ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, this description is to be considered illustrative and is for the purpose of teaching those skilled in the art the manner of making and using various embodiments of the disclosure. It is to be understood that the forms of the disclosure herein shown and described are to be taken as representative embodiments. Equivalent elements, materials processed or steps may be substituted for those representatively illustrated and described herein. Moreover, certain features of the disclosure may be utilized independently of the use of other features, all as would be apparent to one skilled in the art after having the benefit of this description of the disclosure. Expressions such as “including”, “comprising”, “incorporating”, “consisting of”, “have”, and “is”, used to describe and claim the present disclosure are intended to be construed in a non-exclusive manner, namely allowing for items, components, or elements not explicitly described also to be present. Reference to the singular is also to be construed to relate to the plural.
[0064] 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 and performing any incorporated methods. ,CLAIMS:WE CLAIM:
1. A cooling assembly (125) for an electronic unit (114) of a vehicle (100), the cooling assembly (125) comprising:
a housing (126) comprising at least one flow channel (127) to allow flow of a fluid; and
at least one duct (128) comprising a first end (128a) and a second end (128b), the first end (128a) being fluidically connected to the housing (126) to receive the fluid from the housing (126);
wherein the second end (128b) of the duct (128) being located away from the housing (126) to guide and vent out the fluid received from the housing (126).

2. The cover assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the housing (126) being configured to support the electronic unit (114), wherein
at least one wall of the housing (126) abuts with the electronic unit (114) for cooling the electronic unit (114) through the fluid flowing through the flow channel (127) of the housing; and
one or more protrusions (129) extended in the channel (127) to create turbulence in the flow of the fluid in the flow channel (127).

3. The cooling assembly (125) as claimed in claim 1, comprising one or more cooling fans configured with the housing (126) to blow air through the flow channel (127).

4. The cooling assembly (125) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the housing (126) comprises one or more inlet openings (130) on at least one side wall to receive fluid in the housing (126);
wherein the second end (128b) of the duct being provided with an outlet opening to allow the fluid to exit the duct (128); and
wherein the fluid is one of air and a liquid.

5. The cooling assembly (125) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the duct (128) being extended from the housing (127), and the second end (128b) of the duct (128) being located below a power source unit (110) of the vehicle (100) and away from a drive unit (108) of the vehicle (100); and
wherein the duct (128) being configured on a rear side of the power source unit (110).

6. The cooling assembly (125) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the duct (128) being extended through a gap between the power source unit (110) of the vehicle (100) and the drive unit (108).

7. The cooling assembly (125) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second end (128b) of the duct (128) is located above a drive unit (108).

8. The cooling assembly (125) as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the duct (128) being extended on a right side of a frame assembly of the vehicle (100) and the second end (128b) of the duct being configured on the right side of the vehicle (100).

9. The cooling assembly (125) as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the duct (128) being extended on a left side of a frame assembly of the vehicle (100) and the second end (128b) of the duct (128) being configured on the left side of the vehicle (100).

10. The cooling assembly (125) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a chamber (113) to accommodate the electronic unit (114), wherein the chamber (113) being configured above the housing (126).

11. The cooling assembly (125) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cooling assembly (125) is configured on a front frame portion (116) of a frame assembly of the vehicle (100), and wherein the cooling assembly (125) is configured between a handle bar (102) and a seat (109) of the vehicle (100).