TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter relates generally to a two-wheeled motor vehicle, and more particularly to a cooling system for the two-wheeled motor vehicles.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Generally, in a two-wheeled vehicle a frame assembly extends rearward from a head tube. The frame assembly acts as a skeleton for the vehicle that supports the vehicle loads. A front portion of the frame assembly connects to a front wheel through one or more front suspension(s). The frame assembly extends rearward of the vehicle, where a rear wheel is connected to a frame assembly through one or more rear suspension(s). A power unit includes an internal combustion (IC) engine that is mounted to the frame assembly of the vehicle. The IC engine is functionally connected to tfie rear wheel, which provides the forward motion to the vehicle. Typically, plurality of panels is mounted to the frame assembly of the vehicle that covers various vehicle components including the IC engine.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0003] The detailed description of the present subject matter is described with
reference to the accompanying figures. Same numbers are used throughout the
drawings to reference like features and components.
[0004] Fig. 1 illustrates a left side view of an exemplary two-wheeled motor
vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0005] Fig. 2 (a) depicts a right side view of a body frame, in accordance with
an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0006] Fig. 2 (b) depicts an exploded view of the cooling channel assembly,
in accordance with the embodiment depicted in Fig. 2 (a).
[0007] Fig. 2 (c) depicts a right side view of the cooling channel assembly, in
accordance with another embodiment depicted in Fig. 2 (b).

[0008] Fig. 3 (a) illustrates a right side view of the body frame, in accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0009] Fig. 3 (b) depicts another right side view of cooling channel assembly illustrating airflow in accordance with an embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION [00010] Typically, in the two-wheeled vehicle the frame assembly acts as the structural member and as the load-bearing member of the vehicle. Typically, in a vehicle with a step-through type frame layout, the power unit is disposed rearwardly of a floorboard and is mounted to the frame assembly. Preferably, in case of the power unit including the IC engine, the IC engine is horizontally disposed. Further, the vehicle is provided with plurality of panels that are mounted to the vehicle. The panels provide aesthetic appearance and cover the frame assembly and other vehicle parts.
[00011] However, the panels provided enclose the power unit also. Generally, the power, unit is heated up due the presence of various rotating parts and moving parts. Further, the transmission system and other ancillary parts are also subject to friction resulting in dissipation of heat. Especially, in case of an internal combustion engine, the combustion process results in generation of heat. Therefore, there is a need for providing cooling of the power unit in order to obtain optimal functioning of the system. Moreover, the panels restrict the power unit from being exposed to the atmosphere thereby restricting the flow of atmospheric air for cooling.
[00012] Conventionally, a cooling fan and a cooling cowl enclosing the power unit are used. The cooling fan and the cooling cowl draw air from the atmosphere and direct towards the power unit. However, such a cooling system disposed in vehicle, width direction is not affective. Also, such a cooling fan and cowl assembly is exposed to rain and dirt. This would result in affecting the cooling system function or corrosion of parts. Nonetheless, other conventionally known cooling systems are also subject to entry of water or dirt. Also, such systems are subject to water entry during rains or servicing or entry of dirt and resulting in

accumulation of dirt and water. This would further affect the functioning of the
cooling system, corrosion of power unit parts or vehicle parts.
[00013] Therefore, the cooling systems known are prone to failures due to
various reasons that are explained. Thus, there is a need for providing a cooling
system for a two-wheeled vehicle that is having a step-through type frame layout.
[00014] The present subject matter is aimed at addressing the aforementioned
and other problems in the prior art. Hence, it is an object of the present subject
matter is to provide a two-wheeled vehicle. The vehicle comprises a body frame
having a step through layout. The vehicle is provided with a cooling channel
assembly.
[00015] According to one aspect, the present subject matter provides a
cooling channel assembly that is disposed downwardly of a floorboard of the
vehicle. The cooling channel assembly is provided with a fluid inlet at one end
portion and one or more fluid outlet(s) provided at another end portion of a channel
body.
[00016] According to another aspect, the cooling channel assembly is provided
with filter member that is provided to filter any particles or dirt entering the cooling
channel assembly.
[00017] According to yet another aspect, the channel body is having a tapered
cross sectional area. In other words, the channel body is provided with at least one
inclined portion that is inclinedly disposed. It is an advantage of the present subject
matter that water and dirt entering the channel body will be drained out. It is
another advantage that the entry of water or dirt from fluid inlet towards fluid
outlet(s) is reduced.
[00018] According to additional aspect, the one or more fluid outlet portions are
functionally coupled to a cowling assembly enclosing at least a portion of the
power unit. It is an advantage that the air entering the cooling channel assembly is
directed towards the power unit and other vehicle parts.
[00019] It is a feature of the present subject matter that an electric fan is
disposed that is selectively operates depending on speed of the vehicle or
depending on temperature.

[00020] It is an additional aspect that at least one fluid outlet is capable of supplying air to one or more vehicle sub-system including an air filter system. It is another feature of the present subject matter that the fluid outlet(s) is connected to one or more vehicle system including an air filter system.
[00021] It is yet an additional feature that the body frame is provided with a
support bracket mounted at least one of said main tube and said pair of rear tubes
for supporting the fluid outlet(s).
[00022] It is additional feature that the fluid inlet is provided with a
cross-sectional area substantially greater than the cumulative cross-sectional area
of said one or more fluid outlet(s). This enables in drawing more into the cooling
channel assembly.
[00023] In an embodiment, the channel body has a first inclined portion and a
second inclined portion trailing the first inclined portion, and the second inclined
portion is having a second inclination angle substantially greater than a first
inclination angle of the first inclined portion. This enables restricting the entry of
dust or water into the cooling channel assembly.
[00024] It is another aspect that the lower surface of the inclined portion(s) is
having an inclination with respect to an imaginary horizontal line. In other words,
the lower surface is inclined downwardly towards the fluid inlet (210). Further, a
drain portion provided in the front portion of the channel body enables draining of
water or dirt that enters the cooling channel assembly.
[00025] It is an essential feature of the present subject matter that the cooling
channel assembly is integrated with the panels of the assembly thereby providing
aesthetic appeal and is optimally accommodated with the vehicle layout.
[00026] It is yet another essential feature that an optimal ground clearance of
the vehicle is retained.
[00027] The aforesaid and other advantages of the present subject matter would be described in greater detail in conjunction with the figures in the following description.

[00028] Fig. 1 illustrates a left side view of a two-wheeled vehicle 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The vehicle 100 is employed with a cooling channel assembly 200. The vehicle includes a body frame 105 that acts as a structural member and load-bearing member of the vehicle 100. The body frame 105 extends in along a longitudinal direction F-R of the vehicle 100. One or more front suspension(s) 110 connect a front wheel 115 to a handle bar assembly 120 for steering the vehicle 100. A power unit 125 is mounted to the body frame 105 and is functionally coupled to a rear wheel 130. The power unit is mounted to the body frame 105 through a swing arm 135. The power unit 125 includes at least one of IC engine and a traction motor. Further, a transmission system (not shown) connects the power unit output to the rear wheel, wherein the transmission system includes a fixed gear chain drive or continuously variable transmission (CVT) or an automatic manual transmission (AMT) or the like. The power unit 125 is disposed rearwardly of a step-through portion ST. Further, a floorboard 145 is disposed at the step-through portion ST of the vehicle 100.
[00029] A front fender 145 covers at least a portion of the front wheel 115. A rear fender 150 covers at least a portion of the rear wheel 130. In addition, one or more rear suspension(s) 155 connect the rear wheel 130 to the body frame J05. Furthermore, the vehicle 100 includes a front panel 165A, a leg shield 165B disposed around the head tube 105A. A below seat cover 165C, and one or more side panel 165D are disposed downwardly of the seat assembly 160 enclosing at least a portion of the power unit 125. Also, the vehicle 100 includes a front bottom panel 165E disposed downwardly of the front panel 165 A and rearwardly of the front wheel 115.
[00030] Further, the vehicle 100 includes various electronic and electrical systems such as a vehicle control unit, an anti-lock braking system, or a synchronous braking system. The electrical starter system includes a headlamp 170A, and a tail lamp 170B.

[00031] Fig. 2 (a) illustrates a left side perspective view of a body frame of the vehicle 100 employed with a cooling channel assembly 200, in accordance with the embodiment depicted in Fig. 1. The body frame 105 includes a head pipe 105 A, a main tube 105B extending rearwardly downward from the head pipe 105A and a pair of rear tubes 105C extending inclinedly rearward from a rear portion of the main tube 105B. The main tube 105B is extending rearwardly downward and has a bent portion from which the main tube further extends substantially in a horizontal direction along a longitudinal direction F-R of the vehicle. Thus, the main tube 105B defines a step through portion ST at which the floorboard 140 is disposed.
[00032] The cooling channel assembly 200 is disposed downwardly of the main tube 105B and specifically below the horizontal portion of the main tube 105B. tn the present embodiment provides the power unit 125 including an IC engine that is forwardly inclined. The power unit 125 is provided with a cooling cowl assembly 125A that is enclosing at least a portion of a cylinder head and cylinder body (not shown). The power unit is provided with a radial fan (not shown) that is mounted to a crankshaft (not shown) of the IC engine. The radial fan is disposed in a width direction RH-LH of the vehicle 100. The cooling channel assembly 200 supplies air towards the power unit 125. The cooling channel assembly 200 is coupled to the- cooling cowl 125A through extension members (not shown), the cooling cowl assembly 125A and the cooling channel assembly enable cooling of the power unit 125.
[00033] Further, the cooling channel assembly 200 is positioned rearwardly of the front wheel 115, which is substantially in the front portion of the vehicle 100. The cooling channel assembly 200 extends towards the power unit 125 thereby streaming the air drawn into the cooling channel assembly 200 towards the power unit 125.
[00034] Fig. 2 (b) depicts an exploded view of the cooling channel assembly
200, in accordance with the embodiment depicted in Fig. 2 (a). The cooling channel assembly 200 includes a channel body 205 having a fluid inlet 210 that is

provided in a front portion of the channel body 205. One or more fluid outlet(s) 215A, 215B are provided on a rear end portion of the channel body 205. The fluid inlet 210 is having a cross-sectional area substantially greater than a cumulative cross-sectional area of the one or more fluid outlet(s) 215A, 215B. The fluid inlet 210 having a wider cross-sectional area enables drawings higher volume of air into the cooling channel assembly 200.
[00035] Further, a filter member 220 is mounted to the fluid inlet 210 of the channel body 205. The filter'member 220 enables filtering of air entering the channel body. In a preferred embodiment, the filter member 220 includes a mesh or the like to filter. The filter member 220 is detachably-mounted to said channel body 205 whereby the filter member is easily detachable for maintenance. Plurality of fasteners 225A, 225B secure the filter member 220 to the channel body 205. The present embodiment provides a first fluid outlet 215A, and a second fluid outlet 215B that branch out from the channel body 205 and are integrally formed with the channel body 205. In addition, the fluid outlet 215A, 215B are spaced apart in the vehicle width RH-LH direction thereby accommodating the main tube 105B without compromising on ground clearance of the vehicle 100. Furthermore, the fluid outlet(s) 215A, 215B are provided with a cavity 215AA, 215BB provided on each of the fluid outlet(s) 215A, 215B that is capable of engaging with a connecting member or an extension member(not shown) to connect the fluid outlet(s) 215A, 215B to the cowling assembly 125A of the power unit 125. Also, the cavity 215AA, 215BB on the channel body 205 improve the air flow by reducing any flow reversals.
[00036] Further, the front portion of the channel body 205 is provided with a first mounting portion 230 through which the channel body 205 is mounted to the bent portion of the main tube 105B. Further, the body frame 105 is provided with a support bracket 105D (shown in Fig. 2 (a)) that is mounted to the main tube 105B and the pair of tubes 105C, wherein the support bracket 105D includes one or more depression(s) (not shown) that support the fluid outlet(s) 215A, 215Bfrom a downward direction.

[00037] In another embodiment, the filter member 220 is integrally formed with the front bottom panel 165E. Further, in the stated embodiment, at least one aperture 235 is provided on the surface of the channel body 205, wherein the surface includes a top surface and a side surface. In an embodiment, the aperture 235 extends upwards and is integrated with the floor board 140. In another embodiment, the aperture 235 is integrated with a floor panel 165F. The aperture 235 is provided with a lid (not shown) that is detachable. This aperture 235 enables flushing of dirt or mud that entered into the channel body 205. Further, the at least one inclined portion 205A, 205B drains the water through the drain portion 240 (shown in Fig. 2 (c)) provided in a front portion of the channel body 205. Thus, the present embodiment eliminates the need for removing the filter member 220 as the dirt or servicing is possible through the aperture(s) 235 provided. Further, the aperture(s) 235 are integrated with the style layout of the vehicle 100.
[00038] Fig. 2 (c) illustrates a right side view of the cooling channel assembly 200, in accordance with the embodiment depicted in Fig. 2 (b). The channel body 205 comprises at least a portion that is inclinedly disposed. In the present embodiment, the channel body 205 includes a first inclined portion 205A that is having a lower surface inclined with respect to an imaginary horizontal line X-X', wherein the lower surface is inclined downwardly towards the fluid inlet 210. The first inclined portion 205A is inclined at a first inclination angle a, which is an acute angle. The first inclined portion 205A restricts entry of dust or water to the fluid outlet(s) 215A, 215B. Further, water or dirt that enters the channel body 205 flows down and is drained through a drain portion 240. In addition, the drain portion 240 is provided at the bottom surface of the channel body 205 at a substantially front end portion to drain dirt or water that enter channel body 205.
[00039] Further, the channel body 205 is provided with a second inclined portion 205B that is having a lower surface that is inclinedly disposed with respect to the horizontal imaginary line X-X5. The second inclined portion 205B

is disposed at a second inclination angle P that is at an acute angle. Furthermore, the second angle p is substantially greater than the first angle a. Therefore, the first inclined portion 205A, which is leading the second inclined portion 205B with respect to direction of flow of air and enabling removal of dirt or water from the channel body 205. In addition, the first inclined portion 205A and the second inclined portion 205B enable in streamlining air entering the channel body 205. The inclined portion 210A, 21 OB of the channel body 205 directs the flow of air towards the cylinder head of the engine of the power unit 125. As the engine is horizontally disposed or inclinedly disposed, the streamlined air flows towards the cylinder head of the engine thereby cooling the power unit 125.
[00040] Fig. 3 (a) depicts a right side view of a body frame 105 of a vehicle 100 employed with a cooling channel assembly 200. The vehicle 100 is mounted with a power unit 125 that includes IC engine that is inclinedly disposed. The power unit 125 is provided with a cooling cowl assembly 200 that works in conjunction with an axial fan 175. The axial fan 175 is electrically operated through a control means. The cooling channel assembly 200 draws air and streamlines the air drawn towards the power unit 125 or the other vehicle parts.
[00041] Further, the inclined portion(s) 210A, 210B direct air upwards towards the forwardly inclined IC engine of the power unit 125. The air passes through the surface of the cylinder head and cylinder body of the power unit 125 thereby resulting in heat dissipation or heat exchange. Furthermore, air is also directed towards the lateral sides RH-LH of the power unit 125, where the transmission system 180 is generally disposed. Further, in an embodiment the fluid outlet(s) 215A, 215B are asymmetrically disposed to provide more supply of air towards the sides of the power unit 125 that is provided with transmission system 180, which is subject to more heating. For example, in a power unit 125 with the IC engine, a continuously variable transmission or an automatic transmission is provided that includes moving parts that are subject to friction resulting is generation of heat. Therefore, at least one fluid outlet of the fluid

outlet(s) 215A, 215B is directed towards the lateral side LH-RH of the power unit 125 mounted with the aforementioned transmission system 180.
[00042] In a preferred embodiment, the axial fan 175 is operated by the control means that operates the axial fan 175 depending on speed of the vehicle 100 that is analogous to airflow in the cooling channel assembly or depending on temperature of the power unit 125, which requires additional flow of air.
[00043] In an additional embodiment, the power unit 125 is provided with vehicle sub-systems including a radiator system or an air filter system (not shown). Such vehicle sub-systems are disposed in proximity to the power unit and are enclosed by the plurality of panels. Therefore, the fluid outlet(s) 215A, 215B is selectively oriented in order to streamline and direct the airflow towards the auxiliary systems of the vehicle. This provides sufficient air flow towards the auxiliary systems providing optimum performance of the vehicle
[00044] Fig. 3 (a) depicts another essential aspect of the invention, as the cooling channel assembly is integrated with the styling of the vehicle 100. The vehicle 100 includes a pair of floor panels 165F that are extending substantially in the longitudinal direction F-R of the vehicle 100 and are disposed downwardly of the floorboard (as shown in Fig. 1). The floor panels 165F that are disposed on the vehicle width RH-LH ends, the floor panels 165F cover the cooling channel assembly 200. In a preferred embodiment, the floor panels 165F are integrated with the cooling channel assembly 200.
[00045] The fluid inlet 210 is disposed at a front-end portion of the cooling channel assembly that is exposed to the atmosphere, which is the inlet for the cooling channel assembly 200. The rest of the functional parts of the cooling channel assembly including the fluid outlet(s) are securely disposed.
[00046] Fig. 3 (b) depicts another right side view of the vehicle body frame employed with the cooling channel assembly. Further, Fig. 3 (b) depicts the direction of air A in accordance with an embodiment. Air A enters the cooling channel assembly 200 from the fluid inlet 210 that is having a higher

cross-section. Air A is streamlined by the first inclined portion 205A and the second inclined portion 205B of the channel body 205 (as shown in Fig. 2 (c)). At the same time, the channel body 205 filters any dirt or water that enters into the channel body 205 through a drain portion 240 provided on a front portion, which is at a lower most point on lower surface of the channel body 205.
[00047] . Further, the air A that is streamlined is directed to the fluid outlet(s) 215A, 215B that are selectively directed the air A to the power unit, the transmission system or any other sub-systems of the vehicle 100. Furthermore, the air A, after heat exchange, is directed away from the vehicle 100.
[00048] 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. Therefore, within the scope of claims of the present subject matter, the present disclosure may be practiced other than as specifically described.

I/We claim:
1. A two-wheeled vehicle (100) comprising:
a body frame (105) having a head pipe (105A), a main tube (105B) extending rearwardly downward from the head pipe (105 A) and a pair of rear tubes (105C) extending inclinedly rearward from a rear portion of the main tube (105B), and said main tube (105B) defines a step through portion (ST); and
a power unit (125) swingably mounted to said body frame (105) and disposed rearwardly of the step through portion (ST),
wherein,
a cooling channel assembly (200) comprising a channel body (205) disposed downwardly of the step through portion (ST), said cooling channel assembly (200) is provided with an fluid inlet (210) at a front end portion of said channel body (205) and one or more fluid outlet(s) (215A, 215B) provided at a rear end portion of .said channel body (205), wherein said channel body (205) is provided with at least one inclined portion (205A, 205B) having a lower surface inclined downwardly towards the fluid inlet (210) and'disposed at an inclination angle (a, (3) with respect to an imaginary horizontal line (X-X').
2. The two wheeled vehicle (100) of claim 1, wherein said fluid inlet (210A) of the channel body (205) is provided with a filter member (220) that is removably affixed.
3. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) of claim 1, wherein said one or more fluid outlet(s) (215A, 215B) are functionally coupled to a cowling assembly (125A) enclosing at least a portion of the power unit (125).

4. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) of claim 1, wherein said one or more fluid outlet(s) (215A, 215B) includes at least one fluid outlet that is capable of supplying air to one or more sub-system of the vehicle (100) including an air filter system and a transmission system (180).
5. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) of claim 1, wherein said channel body (205) .is mounted to said body frame (105) through a support bracket (105D) mounted to at least one of said main tube (105B) and said pair of rear tubes (105C) to support said fluid outlet(s) (215A, 215B), and to a first mounting portion (230) provided on said front end portion of said channel body (205) to secure the channel body (205) to said main tube (105B), and said support bracket (105D) is provided with one or more depression(s) to support said fluid outlet(s) (215A, 215B).
6. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) of claim 1, wherein said fluid inlet (210) is having a cross-sectional area substantially greater than a cumulative cross-sectional area of said one or more fluid outlet(s) (215 A, 215B).
7. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) of claim 1, wherein said channel body (205) has a first inclined portion (205A) and a second inclined portion (205B) trailing said first inclined portion (205A), said second inclined portion (205B) is having a second inclination angle ((3) substantially greater than a first inclination angle (a) of said first inclined portion (205 A).
8. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) of claim 1 or 3, wherein said cowling assembly (125 A) includes at least one of a radial fan or an axial fan (175).
9. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) of claim 1, wherein said channel body (205)

is provided with a filter member that is integrally formed with a front bottom panel (165E) and at least one aperture (235) provided on a surface of the channel body (205) for flushing dirt.
10. A cooling channel assembly (200) for a two-wheeled vehicle (200) having body frame (105) defining a step through portion (ST), said cooling channel assembly (200) comprising:
a channel body (205) disposed downwardly of the step through portion (ST), said cooling channel assembly (200) is provided with an fluid inlet (210) at a longitudinal front end portion of said channel body (205) and one or more fluid outlet(s) (215 A, 215B) provided at a rear end portion of said channel body (205), wherein said channel body (205) is provided with at least one inclined portion (205A, 205B) having a lower surface disposed at an inclination angle (a, P) with respect to an imaginary horizontal line (X-X').