DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter relates to a cooling mechanism for a vehicle, more particularly, a cooling device to effectively isolate one or more electrical and electronic components from hot air in a vehicle.
BACKGROUND
[0002] In a conventional two wheeled vehicle, like a scooter, most of the vehicular components and vehicular parts are completely covered by external covers, also called as body covers/body panels. In two wheeled vehicles like motorcycles, a frame portion from the bottom side is left exposed, while upper portion of the motorcycle is covered only wherever required. The vehicular components or the vehicular parts that may come in contact with the rider are covered by the body panels. However, in both the motorcycle and the scooter, the electrical and electronic components, being critical to achieve functionality of the vehicle, are protected by external impacts through various body covers/body panels. However, such electrical and electronic components suffer due to overheating.
BRIEF DESCRIPT ION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0003] The present invention is described with reference to figures. This invention is implementable in two-wheeled vehicles. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components. Further, the inventive features of the invention are outlined in the appended claims.
[0004] Figure 1 illustrates a right-side view of a frame assembly of a two wheeled vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0005] Figure 2 illustrates a right-side view of body panels of the two wheeled vehicles, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0006] Figure 3 illustrates a left-side view of a frame assembly being partially covered with body panels.
[0007] Figure 4 illustrates a right-side view of vehicle components being mounted on the frame of the two wheeled vehicles, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0008] Figure 5 illustrates a front view of the multi-component cover assembly as per an aspect of the present invention.
[0009] Figure 6 illustrates a rear perspective view of the multi-component cover assembly that can be assembled on the left side of the vehicle.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00010] Vehicles are provided with plurality of batteries to cater to the power supply requirements of numerous electrical and electronic components in the vehicle. The plurality of batteries being placed in the vehicle such that they may be indirectly in contact with the user of the vehicle. The direct contact with the user of the vehicle is prevented by covering the plurality of batteries through body panels/body covers.
[00011] In conventional design of a two wheeled vehicle, the battery/plurality of batteries are mounted to a rigid part of the vehicle. Most preferably, to a portion of a frame assembly of the vehicle. The same is carried out through various mounting means. One such location of the battery includes below the rider seat, at center of the vehicle. In such an arrangement, during riding condition, a rider is positioned in such a way that the femur region or thigh region of the rider comes into direct contact with the area of the frame assembly where the battery is disposed.
[00012] During running condition of the vehicle, the battery gets heated during charging and discharging. The heat generated by virtue of normal functionality of the batteries lead to increase in temperature of the battery. The lower portion of the motorcycle, which is not covered by the body panels is exposed to external atmosphere and natural cooling occurs in the particular region, however, due to the mounting of body panels on a left side, and a right side and a top portion of the vehicle, maximum heat gets trapped inside the body panels of the vehicle and heat dissipation does not occur effectively. Simultaneously, the body panels covering the battery on all the three sides also gets heated up due to the high heat generated from the battery. This in turn causes discomfort to the rider by creating a hot sensation in the thigh region of the rider. Thus, an improved design to efficiently cool the battery is required.
[00013] In conventional design, critical electrical and electronic components of a vehicle such as a battery is being covered by body panels/body covers. The body panel, a battery cover is disposed on sides of the vehicle, to be disposed below the rider’s seat. In an aspect, the body panels comprise of two distinct layers. The first layer of the body panels is a plastic cover which protects the critical part elements and also provide sufficient insulation for the battery. The second layer of the body panels is a metallic layer which provides protection to the battery from any external collision and also provides an aesthetically pleasing look of the vehicle to the rider. Since, battery produces heat, the battery is packaged in a close environment, can ultimately result in the over-heating of the battery. Such overheating of battery in turn heats up the body panels along with the metallic cover. Furthermore, additional heat from an engine of the two wheeled vehicle causes the temperature of the body panels to increase. Since the leg of the rider is usually positioned on the sides of the vehicle while he is sitting on the vehicle, overheating of the cover frame in the current vehicles is a hindrance to the rider as the cover frame comes in direct contact with the customer’s thigh. Therefore, the heated cover frame makes the rider uncomfortable, especially around his thigh region.
[00014] Furthermore, overheating of the battery causes the battery to drain out unpredictably and reduce the lifecycle of the battery. Consequently, if the battery suddenly drains during running condition of the vehicle, functionality of some of the critical electrical components of the vehicle such as a self-start mechanism, safety systems, turn indicated devices, and a headlight is affected. Since the rider is not aware regarding the quick rate of discharge of the battery, sudden disablement of vehicle elements such as the self-start mechanism, the safety systems, the turn indicated devices, and the headlight will bewilder the rider and also hamper the safety and security of the rider and nearby vehicles.
[00015] Additionally, overheating of the battery beyond a certain temperature can lead to explosion of the battery. This can not only hamper the safety and security of the rider and the nearby vehicles but can be fatal. Hence, a cooling device to cool the battery is required to avoid explosion of the battery. The same is not preferred due to additional cost, addition of number of parts, space constraints in the vehicle layout.
[00016] In a related art, the battery cover, disposed below the rider’s seat is provided with plurality of slits that allow entry of air for the purpose of cooling the batteries. However, the slits also allow entry of dust particles, mud and rain water. The same may be detrimental to the working of the electrical and electronic components. Further, the deposition of dust and mud on the electrical and electronic components may result in frequent replacement of the components. Further, the entry of rain water may lead to short-circuiting and failure of the components.
[00017] The battery in a vehicle is conventionally packaged such that the battery cover is assembled from the sides of the battery to cover it. Particularly, a battery cover is used to cover the sides of the battery in the vehicle, being disposed below the rider’s seat. Moreover, for aesthetic purposes and for the purposes of providing protection to the battery cover, a metallic second cover is assembled upon the battery cover. Since, the battery produces heat, the battery being packaged in a close environment, can ultimately result in the over-heating of the battery. Such overheating of battery in turn heats up the cover assembly along with the metallic cover. Since the leg of the rider is usually positioned on the sides of the vehicle while being seated on the vehicle, the battery cover is in direct contact with the customer’s thigh. Therefore, the heated cover frame makes the rider uncomfortable, especially around the thigh region.
[00018] Some known arts disclose about air vents provided on the cover assembly as cut outs, which are integrated part of the cover assembly itself. However, a separate part provided with internal supporting members provided on the outermost part of the cover assembly, which directs air to the side battery and also acts as a separate cover for the underlying ABS unit or an EFI unit, without compromising with the compactness of the vehicle.
[00019] Moreover, there is a need to ensure that the entry of foreign particles along with the air should be restricted. This is to be done to obviate the settling of foreign particles, for example dust on the battery surface, so that the life of the battery is not compromised.
[00020] According to an aspect of the present invention, an exclusive cover assembly, provided with internal supporting members provided on the outermost part of the cover assembly, which directs air to various outer surfaces of the battery and also functions as an exclusive cover for the underlying ABS unit or an EFI unit, without compromising with the compactness of the vehicle is provided.
[00021] In an embodiment, a multi-component cover assembly for a saddle-type vehicle is provided, the multi-component cover assembly includes a first cover, and a second cover. The first cover includes an outer peripheral region and an inner peripheral region. The inner peripheral region being configured to enclose an opening at a center of the first cover. The first cover includes a cutout/a hole through the center, which is substantially covered by the second cover. In an assembled condition, as the multi-component cover assembly is assembled on to the vehicle, the second cover is configured to include a curved shape, wherein the curvature is extending outwardly away from the first cover along a vehicle transverse direction.
[00022] In an embodiment of the present invention, the second cover being assembled to the first cover, such that the inner peripheral region of the first cover extending inwardly toward the center of the first cover being complete covered by said second cover. The first cover and the curved shape of the second cover are being designed such that in assembled condition, an air gap is created that facilitates passage of atmospheric air therethrough.
[00023] In an aspect of the present invention, the second cover includes a main body portion, and an air inlet portion disposed at an offset to the main body portion. The inlet portion is protruding away from the main body portion in a vehicle front direction along a vehicle longitudinal direction.
[00024] In an aspect of the present invention, the air inlet portion includes one or more openings to allow passage of flowing air therethrough towards a vehicle rear direction. The inlet portion is configured to be open when viewed from a vehicle front direction.
[00025] In an aspect, the inlet portion is configured to be bifurcated into two or more sub-inlet portions. Wherein, the inlet portion is bifurcated through a structural portion. The structural portion is an integral portion of the inlet portion. However, the structural portion prevents deformation of the inlet opening by providing required strength at, in particular, middle portion of the inlet portion of the second cover.
[00026] In an aspect of the present invention, the vehicle includes a frame assembly. The frame assembly includes a head tube, a main frame extending rearwardly from the head tube, a pair of rear frames, extending rearwardly and obliquely from the main frame. The pair of rear frames, rearwardly to the main frame is adapted to support seat assembly for usage by rider and the pillion.
[00027] In an aspect, below the rider seat, below the junction of the main frame and the pair of rear frames, the one or more electrical/electronic components are mounted to a portion of the frame assembly. The multi-component cover assembly is disposed below the seat assembly, such that the one or more electrical and electronic components are covered from sides by the multi-component cover assembly, as viewed from the side of the vehicle.
[00028] In an aspect, the air inlet portion is an integral part of the first cover.
[00029] In an aspect, air inlet portion is an integral part of the second cover.
[00030] In an aspect, the multi-component cover assembly being configured to enclose a surface of one or more electronic and electrical components of the vehicle.
[00031] In an aspect, an ABS unit is covered by the air inlet portion of the second cover.
[00032] In an embodiment, an exclusive sub cover is provided on the side front portion of the second cover. The sub cover being any one of, integrated with the second cover and detachable from the second cover. The sub cover includes two or more provisions separated by strengthening member that also acts as a dust separator which doesn’t allow maximum air to enter the system. The sub part is placed such that it covers the ABS unit.
[00033] In an embodiment, it can cover both ABS unit and the EFI cover. The provisions of the sub cover allow the entry of the air when the vehicle moves in forward direction. The other end of the sub cover acts as an outlet portion, that is positioned in proximity with the side portion of the battery. Such that the outlet portion directs the air received from the inlet portion to the side portion of the battery, ensuring that the battery is cooled substantially from its side portion. Resultant to which the cover assembly along with the metallic cover part gets cooled and the rider’s thigh region does not feel heat and hence the rider is not comfortable.
[00034] Direct cooling of the battery from the sides with help of the dedicated provisions on the sub cover is more effective than compared to cooling provided through cut outs provided on the side cover of the vehicle, as there will be abundance of air flow through outer surfaces of the battery.
[00035] Therefore, the present subject matter ensures that the battery is effectively cooled in a compact space available in the vehicle layout. The need for changes in the vehicle layout design does not arise.
[00036] An exclusive sub cover is provided on the side front portion of the multi-component cover assembly. The exclusive multi-component cover assembly can be integrated with the cover assembly or can be a detachable part. The sub cover includes two or more provisions separated by strengthening members that also acts as a dust separator which doesn’t allow maximum air to enter the system. The sub cover is placed such that it covers the ABS unit.
[00037] In an embodiment, the sub covers can cover both ABS unit and the EFI unit. The provisions of the sub cover allow the entry of the air when the vehicle moves in forward direction. The other end of the sub cover acts as an outlet portion, that is positioned in proximity with the side portion of the battery. Such that the outlet portion directs the air received from the inlet portion to the side portion of the battery, ensuring that the battery is cooled substantially from its side portion. Resultant to which the cover assembly along with the metallic cover part gets cooled and the rider’s thigh region does not feel heat and hence the rider is not comfortable.
[00038] Direct cooling of the battery from the sides with help of the dedicated provisions on the sub cover is more effective than compared to cooling provided through cut outs provided on the side cover of the vehicle, due to uninterrupted flow of atmospheric air and configuration of the multi-component cover assembly such that it facilitates presence of atmospheric air in abundance.
[00039] Therefore, the present subject matter ensures that the battery is effectively cooled while considering the space constraint and also that the changes in entire vehicle layout need not be carried out.
[00040] Hence, it is an object of the present invention to overcome all the above stated and other related problems existing in the prior arts, with respect to cooling the battery in a vehicle efficiently as well as other problems of known art.
[00041] It is further an object of the present invention to reduce discomfort to the rider due to heat generated by the battery.
[00042] It is further an object of the present invention to provide a multi-component cover assembly that reduces entry of dirt and dust particles inside the vehicle.
[00043] It is further an object of the present invention to provide a multi-component cover assembly that is being configured to be assembled with reduced assembly time and occupies less space in the vehicle layout, for which, a compact vehicle, in the vehicle width direction is obtained.
[00044] The present subject matter is further described with reference to 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.
[00045] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[00046] Figure 1 illustrates a right-side view of a frame assembly of a two wheeled vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. A frame assembly (100) of a two wheeled vehicle is comprising a head tube (102). The head tube (102) is configured to be positioned in a front portion of the frame assembly (100). A main tube (108) extending from the head tube (102) to a rear portion of the frame assembly (100). The main tube (108) being configured to be positioned in a middle portion of the frame assembly (100). The main tube (108) is further configured to support a fuel tank assembly (not shown) on the topmost portion of the main tube (108).
[00047] A pair of side rails (shown only right-side rail) (106) is configured to support a seat (not shown in figures). A rider and a pillion rider sit on the seat, the seat is inclined at an angle in the middle portion of the frame assembly (100). A primary side frame (110) extending inclinedly in a downward direction from a rear frame portion (112) and said seat rails (106). A down tube (104) extending perpendicularly downwards from said main tube (108) and said seat rails (106). The seat rails (106), the primary side frame (110) and the down tube (104) forms a triangular profile (114) at the intersection of said seat rails (106) with the down tube (104), and at the intersection of the down tube (104) with the primary side frame (110) and at the intersection of the primary side frame (110) with said seat rails (106). The triangular profile (114) in the frame assembly (100) supports one or more electrical and electronic components, including a battery, an HECU unit, the battery being mounted in the downward portion of said triangular profile (114) of the frame assembly (100).
[00048] Figure 2 illustrates a right-side view of body panels of the two wheeled vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The frame assembly (100) of the two wheeled vehicle is protected through a body panels (not shown). The plurality of body panels includes a multi-component cover assembly (201). The multi-component cover assembly (201) provides protection to plurality of vehicle components from damage and distortion as well as provide aesthetic appeal to the user.
[00049] In an embodiment, the multi-component cover assembly (201) includes a first layer of the body panels to provide insulation to the plurality of vehicle components. The first layer of body panels includes first cover made up of insulating material capable of absorbing vibrations, and incapable of transmitting heat therethrough. The body panels being further covered with a metallic layer over the insulating layer to improve aesthetic appeal and also provide strength and stability to withstand any damages like dent or breakage due to external impacts in case of collision from other vehicles and thereby protect the internal components of the vehicle.
[00050] The multi-component cover assembly (201) is covering a battery, an HECU unit, and an ABS unit and provides sufficient protection from any external damage. The multi-component cover assembly (201) is mounted in a downward portion of the vehicle covering the triangular profile (114) of the frame assembly (100). The multi-component cover assembly (201) is configured to be mounted on the primary side frame (110), seat rails (106) and a down tube (104). The multi-component cover assembly (201) forms a trapezoidal shape. The multi-component cover assembly (201) further comprises an air inlet portion (201i). In an embodiment, the air inlet portion (201i) is being configured to provide protection to an ABS unit by covering an observe side surface of the ABS unit.
[00051] In another aspect, the multi-component cover assembly (201) includes a sub-cover (201e), the sub-cover (201e) being configured to cover an EFI (electronic fuel injection) unit. The air-inlet portion (201i) is configured to include one or more openings to allow passage of air therethrough for efficient cooling of the battery and thereby prevent discomfort to the rider in the thigh region by enhancing heat dissipation from around the battery region and through multi-component cover assembly (201). The present invention facilitates influx of cool air in a large quantity during the running condition of the vehicle.
[00052] Furthermore, the multi-component cover assembly (201) provides circulation of natural air for cooling of the battery and thereby reduce cost of implementing any other complicated mechanical or electrical means of cooling the air entered to be supplied to the battery.
[00053] Figure 3 illustrates a left-side view of a frame assembly being partially covered with body panels. In an embodiment, in vehicle running condition, the atmospheric air is travelling in XX` direction. The battery being covered by the multi-component cover assembly 201 is complete enclosing the battery from the left side. However, the multi-component cover assembly 201 is being configured to facilitate intake of air towards the battery through the air inlet portion 201i. In an embodiment, the air inlet portion 201i is being disposed away from a main body portion of the multi-component cover assembly 201. The entry of mud, dust particles and foreign particles is prevented from entering into the battery region by providing the air inlet portion 201i at an offset or away from the main body portion. Further, the air entering through the air inlet portion 201i is carrying away the heated air that is circulating around the battery region towards the rear direction of the vehicle, and away from the region, wherever there is possible interaction of the hot air with the user of the vehicle.
[00054] Figure 4 illustrates a right-side view of vehicle components being mounted on the frame of the two wheeled vehicles, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. A battery (300) is being covered by the multi-component cover assembly (201). The battery (300) is mounted to a portion of the frame in the triangular profile (114) of the frame assembly (100). multi-component cover assembly (201) is mounted to the portion of the frame at a close proximity to the battery, such that the air inlet portion (201i) facilitates flow of air towards the battery (300) and the battery (300) being covered by multi-component cover assembly (201). The battery (300) is further mounted using various fastening means such as screws, bolts, fixtures or by using snap fitting means.
[00055] In another embodiment, the multi-component cover assembly (201) is being mounted in either the left side or the right side of the vehicle. This arrangement provides localized cooling of the battery (300) and also provides unidirectional flow of natural air for efficient cooling of the battery (300).
[00056] Figure 5 illustrates a front view of the multi-component cover assembly as per an aspect of the present invention. The multi-component cover assembly 201 includes a second cover 201s being assembled to a first cover (as shown in Figure 7). The second cover 201s is further covered by a metallic cover 201m. The metallic cover 201m is configured to provide required structural strength to the second cover 201s. The warpage that may be experienced by the second cover 210s, as a result of which, the second cover 201s may undergo deformation is prevented by the metallic cover 201s. The metallic cover 201s enables the second cover 201s to remain in the assembled condition for achieving the required functionality of protecting the underlying plurality of electrical and electronic components in addition to facilitating heat dissipation in the local region through flow of atmospheric air. The same is provided by the plurality of sub- air inlets 201ia. In an embodiment, the sub cover 201e is covering an EFI unit.
[00057] In an embodiment, the air inlet portion 201i is disposed away and at an offset from a main body portion 202 of the multi-component cover assembly (201). Further, the air inlet portion 201i includes one or more openings 201ia for allowing entry of atmospheric air. The one or more openings 201ia are being bifurcated therebetween through strengthening members 203. The strengthening members 203 enable stable functionality of the air inlet portion 201i by providing required strength at the region of the one or more openings 201ia. The strengthening members 203 prevent deformation of the one or more openings 201ia, which would otherwise occur in absence of the strengthening members 203, as a result of which the functionality of uninterrupted air flow occurs and enhanced cooling of the battery is achieved.
[00058] Figure 6 illustrates a rear perspective view of the multi-component cover assembly that can be assembled on the left side of the vehicle. The second cover 201s is configured to provide a curved shape, such that the second cover 201s is bulged outwardly in the vehicle width direction. The curved shape of the second cover 201s and a first cover 201a provides an air gap available for circulation of atmospheric air around the electrical and electronic components disposed underneath the multi-component cover assembly (201).
[00059] While the present invention has been shown and described with reference to the foregoing preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes in form, connection, and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Reference Numerals:

100 Frame Assembly
102 Head tube
104 Secondary Side frame
106 Seat Rail
108 Main tube
110 Primary side frame
112 Rear frame portion
200 Fuel tank assembly
201 multi-component cover assembly
201i air inlet portion
201ia one or more openings
201e sub-cover
201m metallic cover
201s second cover
202 main body portion
203 strengthening members
300 Battery
301 ABS unit
,CLAIMS:1. A multi-component cover assembly (201) for a saddle-type vehicle, said multi-component cover assembly (201) comprising:
a first cover (201a), said first cover (201a) includes an outer peripheral region (201ax) and an inner peripheral region (201ay), said inner peripheral region (201ay) being configured to enclose an opening at a center of the first cover (201a); and
a second cover (201s), said second cover (201s) being assembled to the first cover (201a), such that said inner peripheral region (201ay) of the first cover (201a) extending inwardly toward said center of the first cover (201a) being covered by said second cover (201s).
2. The multi-component cover assembly (201) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said second cover (201s) includes
a main body portion (202), and
an air inlet portion (201i) disposed at an offset to the main body portion (202), said air inlet portion (201i) protruding away from said main body portion (202) in a vehicle front direction along a vehicle longitudinal direction (XX`).
3. The multi-component cover assembly (201) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said air inlet portion (201i) being open when viewed from a vehicle front direction.
4. The multi-component cover assembly (201) as claimed in claim 3, wherein said air inlet portion (201i) being bifurcated into two or more openings (201ias).
5. The multi-component cover assembly (201) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first cover (201a) being mounted to a portion of a frame assembly (100), said portion of said frame assembly (200) being disposed below a rider seat and at a center of the vehicle.
6. The multi-component cover assembly (201) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said main body portion (202) being configured to provide a curved shape, said main body portion (202) being bulged outwardly in a vehicle transverse direction.
7. The multi-component cover assembly (201) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said air inlet portion (201i) is an integral part of the first cover (201a).
8. The multi-component cover assembly (201) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said air inlet portion (201i) is an integral part of the second cover (201s).
9. The multi-component cover assembly (201) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said multi-component cover assembly (201) being configured to enclose a surface of one or more electronic and electrical components of said vehicle.
10. The multi-component cover assembly (201) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said one or more electronic and electrical components include batteries, electronic control units, and ABS unit.
11. The multi-component cover assembly (201) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said air inlet portion (201i) being configured to function as a sub-cover.