Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention relates to a saddle type vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to provision of a forced cooling mechanism in a saddle type vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Conventional saddle type vehicles are generally equipped with an integrated starter generator wherein the same rotary machine acts as an electric motor for a starting operation of an internal combustion engine, and acts as a generator for generating electric power from rotation of a crankshaft of the internal combustion engine. In addition, with the advent of mild hybrid vehicles, the ISG is also responsible for providing additional torque to the internal combustion engine under certain riding conditions. Due to the ISG performing the starting, generating and hybrid assist functions, the coils of the ISG are susceptible to high heat generation, and resultantly higher temperatures.
[003] When the ISG is subjected to high temperatures, the performance of the ISG is hampered or deteriorated. Particularly, the ISG being subjected to high temperatures can lead to startability issues.
[004] In the existing saddle type vehicles, a cooling fan is provided that is mounted on the crankshaft. The rotation of the crankshaft causes the cooling fan to rotate which directs air towards the internal combustion engine thereby providing cooling air for the internal combustion engine. This cooling fan is surrounded by a shroud for directing air towards the internal combustion engine. However, the provision of this cooling fan primarily provides cooling air for the cylinder block and cylinder head of the engine and provides no direct cooling for the ISG, thus resulting in high ISG coil temperatures.
[005] Thus, there is a need in the art for a saddle type vehicle which addresses the aforementioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[006] In an aspect, the present invention is directed towards a saddle type vehicle. The saddle type vehicle has an internal combustion engine for providing traction force to the saddle type vehicle. A rotary electric machine is connected to a crankshaft of the internal combustion engine. The rotary electric machine is configured to generate electricity from rotation of the crankshaft to charge a battery, and to use electric power from the battery to provide additional torque to the crankshaft of the internal combustion engine. A forced cooling mechanism is configured for providing cooling air to the rotary electric machine. The forced cooling mechanism is disposed on an outer surface of the internal combustion engine.
[007] In an embodiment of the invention, the forced cooling mechanism is powered by the battery.
[008] In another embodiment of the present invention, the saddle type vehicle has an auxiliary cooling fan mounted on the crankshaft of the internal combustion engine. The auxiliary cooling fan is configured to rotate with the crankshaft and provide cooling air to the internal combustion engine.
[009] In a further embodiment of the invention, the saddle type vehicle has a frame structure having a head pipe, a main frame extending rearwardly from the head pipe, and a pair of seat rails extending rearwardly from the main frame.
[010] In a further embodiment of the invention, the saddle type vehicle has a utility box disposed between the pair of seat rails.
[011] In a further embodiment of the invention, the forced cooling mechanism is disposed above the internal combustion engine and below the utility box.
[012] In an alternate embodiment of the invention, the forced cooling mechanism is disposed on a right hand side of the internal combustion engine and the rotary electric machine in a vehicle rear view.
[013] In a further embodiment of the invention, the forced cooling mechanism has one or more mounting sections configured for mounting the forced cooling mechanism on the saddle type vehicle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[014] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.
Figure 1 illustrates a left side view of an exemplary saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 2 illustrates a right side view of the saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 3 illustrates a right side view of a forced cooling mechanism being provided on the saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 4a and 4b illustrate the right side view and a top view of the forced cooling mechanism being disposed above an internal combustion engine, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 5 illustrates the right side view of the forced cooling mechanism being provided on the saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6a and 6b illustrate the right side view and the top view of the forced cooling mechanism being disposed on a right side of the internal combustion engine, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 7 illustrates a perspective view of the forced cooling mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[015] The present invention relates to a saddle type vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to provision of a forced cooling mechanism on a saddle type vehicle.
[016] Figure 1 illustrates a left-side view of an exemplary saddle type vehicle 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The vehicle 10 comprises a frame structure 25 (shown in Figure 2). The frame structure 25 comprises a head pipe 22 (shown in Figure 2), and a main frame 24 (shown in Figure 2), which extends rearwardly and downwardly from the head pipe 22 to a floorboard 18. One or more front suspensions 44 connect a front wheel 14 to a handlebar 20, which forms a steering assembly of the vehicle 10. The steering assembly is rotatably disposed about the head pipe 22. The main frame 24 further includes a portion extending horizontally and rearwardly in a vehicle front rear direction. Further, the frame structure 25 includes a pair of seat rails 60 (shown in Figure 2) that extend rearwardly from the main frame 24. The pair of seat rails 60 comprise a left side frame and a right side frame extending inclinedly rearward towards a rear portion of the vehicle 10.
[017] The vehicle 10 includes a power unit that comprises at least one of an internal combustion (IC) engine 12 or an electric drive source. In a preferred embodiment, the power source comprises the IC engine 12. The power unit is coupled to a rear wheel 16. In one embodiment, the power unit is swingably connected to the frame structure 25. In one embodiment, the IC engine 12 is mounted to a swing arm (not shown) and the swing arm is swingably connected to the frame structure 25. Further, the vehicle 10 includes a transmission means (not shown) coupling the rear wheel 16 to the power unit. The transmission means includes a continuously variable transmission, or an automatic transmission, or a fixed ratio transmission. A seat assembly 29 is disposed above the power unit and is supported by the pair of seat rails 60 having the left side frame and the right side frame. The seat assembly 29 is hingedly openable. The frame structure 18 defines a step-through portion ahead of the seat assembly 29. The floorboard 18 is disposed at the step-through portion, wherein a rider can operate the vehicle 10 in a seated position by resting feet on the floorboard 18. Further, the floorboard 18 is capable of carrying loads.
[018] Further, the frame structure 25 is covered by plurality of body panels including a front panel assembly 30 having a front style panel 30A and a rear panel 30B, an under-seat cover 32, and a left and a right-side panel 33 disposed on the frame structure 25 and covering the frame structure 25 and parts mounted thereof.
[019] In addition, a front fender 28 is covering at least a portion of the front wheel 14. A utility box 130 (shown in Figure 2) is disposed below the seat assembly 29 and is supported by the frame structure 25. A rear fender 26 is covering at least a portion of the rear wheel 16 and is positioned upwardly of the rear wheel 16. One or more rear suspension(s) 46 are provided in the rear portion of the vehicle 10 for connecting the swing arm and the rear wheel 16 to the frame structure 25 for damping the forces from the rear wheel 16 and the IC engine 12 from reaching the frame structure 25.
[020] Furthermore, the vehicle 10 comprises of plurality of electrical and electronic components including a headlight 36, a taillight 38, an alternator (not shown), and an integrated starter generator. In an embodiment, the saddle type vehicle 10 is a mild hybrid type vehicle wherein an electric motor assists the internal combustion engine 12. In this embodiment, the ISG, in addition to performing the starter and generator function, assists the internal combustion engine 12 when required. The hybrid assist functionality controls the vehicle 10 to rely solely on electric power of the ISG in riding conditions such as coasting or braking, and swiftly restarting the internal combustion engine 12 when required.
[021] Figure 2 illustrates a right side view of the saddle type vehicle 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. As illustrated, the saddle type vehicle 10 has the internal combustion engine 12 that provides traction force to the saddle type vehicle 10 as explained earlier. The saddle type vehicle 10 further has a rotary electric machine 110 that is connected to a crankshaft of the internal combustion engine 12. In that, the rotary electric machine 110 is configured to generate electricity or electric power from rotation of the crankshaft to charge a battery. The rotary electric machine 110 is further configured to use electric power from the battery to provide additional torque to the crankshaft of the internal combustion engine 12. In an embodiment, the rotary electric machine 110 comprises of the Integrated Starter Generator. The provision of additional torque to the crankshaft of the internal combustion engine 12 is used for starting the internal combustion engine 12 and in the hybrid assist functionality wherein the rotary electric machine 12 provides torque to the internal combustion engine 12 which then provides traction force for the saddle type vehicle 10.
[022] As illustrated in Figure 3, the saddle type vehicle 10 further comprises of a forced cooling mechanism 120. The forced cooling mechanism 120 is configured for providing cooling air to the rotary electric machine 110. As illustrated in Figure 3, the forced cooling mechanism 120 is disposed on an outer surface of the internal combustion engine 12. In an embodiment, the forced cooling mechanism 120 comprises of a cooling fan. The cooling fan rotates to direct cooling air towards the rotary electric machine 110, thereby force-guiding cooling air towards the surface of the rotary electric machine 110, and allowing for the temperature of the rotary electric machine 110, specifically coils of the rotary electric machine 110 to be regulated. The forced cooling mechanism 120 thus allows the rotary electric machine 110 to be cooled, and preventing the rotary electric machine 110 from lowered performance or hampered starting characteristics.
[023] In an embodiment, the forced cooling mechanism 120 is powered by the battery of the vehicle 10 and is switched on and off as required by means of a controller or switch. Unlike the traditional cooling fans which were directly connected to the crankshaft and were dependent on crankshaft for rotation and provided cooling primarily to the internal combustion engine 12, the forced cooling mechanism 120 of the present invention runs on the battery and provides cooling primarily to the rotary electric machine 110. Herein, in the embodiment illustrated in Figures 4a and 4b, the saddle type vehicle 10 comprises of an auxiliary cooling fan 140 mounted on the crankshaft of the internal combustion engine 12. The auxiliary cooling fan 140 is configured to rotate with the crankshaft and provide cooling air to the internal combustion engine 12. Thus, the saddle type vehicle 10 of the present invention has the battery powered forced cooling mechanism 120 for cooling the rotary electric machine 110, and the crankshaft powered auxiliary cooling fan 140 for cooling the internal combustion engine 12.
[024] As explained earlier, the saddle type vehicle 10 comprises the frame structure 25 having the head pipe 22, the main frame 24 extending rearwardly from the head pipe 22 and the pair of seat rails 60 extending rearwardly from the main frame 24. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 4a and Figure 4b, and referenced in Figure 2, the saddle type vehicle 10 comprises the utility box 130 disposed between the pair of seat rails 60. In this embodiment, the forced cooling mechanism 120 is disposed above the internal combustion engine 12 and below the utility box 130. The forced cooling mechanism 120 thus pushes the air on to the rotary electric machine 110 from the top for cooling the rotary electric machine 110. The disposition of the forced cooling mechanism 120 above the internal combustion engine 12 and below the utility box 130 allows for effective usage of the dead space between the internal combustion engine 12 and the utility box 130, thus allowing of other vehicle components around the space. Such a disposition also allows for easier access and serviceability.
[025] In an alternate embodiment as illustrated in Figure 5, Figure 6a and Figure 6b, the forced cooling mechanism 120 is disposed on a right hand side of the internal combustion engine 12 and the rotary electric machine 110 in a vehicle rear view. The forced cooling mechanism 120 thus pushes the air on to the rotary electric machine 110 from the side for cooling the rotary electric machine 110. The disposition of the forced cooling mechanism 120 on the right side of the internal combustion engine 12 and the rotary electric machine 110 allows for easier and direct accessibility and serviceability. Further, the space between the internal combustion engine 12 and the utility box 130 can be used for mounting other vehicle components.
[026] As illustrated in Figure 7, the forced cooling mechanism 120 comprises of one or more mounting sections 122 configured for mounting the forced cooling mechanism 120 on the saddle type vehicle 10. The one or more mounting sections 122 project outwardly from the cooling fan. The one or more mounting sections 122 have through holes provided thereon, which allow for fasteners to pass through thereby mounting the forced cooling mechanism 120 on the outer surface of the internal combustion engine 12.
[027] Advantageously, the present invention allows for provision of a forced cooling mechanism that is dedicated for providing cooling air to the rotary electric machine, thus protecting the rotary electric machine or the ISG from high temperatures, and ensuring reliable operation of the rotary electric machine. This also ensures that there are no startability issues caused by higher temperatures.
[028] Further, the disposition of the forced cooling mechanism on the outer surface of the engine ensures that the engine size or configuration does not need to be changed to accommodate the additional forced cooling mechanism. The forced cooling mechanism being powered by the battery also ensures that no modification is required in the crankshaft.
[029] Furthermore, the provision of the forced cooling mechanism between the internal combustion engine and the utility box, or on the right side of the internal combustion engine ensures ease of assembly, and ease of serviceability owing to easy access to the forced cooling mechanism.
[030] While the present invention has been described with respect to certain embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modification may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.
, Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A saddle type vehicle (10), comprising:
an internal combustion engine (12) for providing traction force to the saddle type vehicle (10);
a rotary electric machine (110) connected to a crankshaft of the internal combustion engine (12), the rotary electric machine (110) configured to generate electricity from rotation of the crankshaft to charge a battery, and to use electric power from the battery to provide additional torque to the crankshaft of the internal combustion engine (12); and
a forced cooling mechanism (120) configured for providing cooling air to the rotary electric machine (110), the forced cooling mechanism (120) being disposed on an outer surface of the internal combustion engine (12).

2. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the forced cooling mechanism (120) is powered by the battery.

3. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, comprising an auxiliary cooling fan (140) mounted on the crankshaft of the internal combustion engine (12), the auxiliary cooling fan (140) configured to rotate with the crankshaft and provide cooling air to the internal combustion engine (12).

4. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a frame structure (25) having a head pipe (22); a main frame (24) extending rearwardly from the head pipe (22); and a pair of seat rails (60) extending rearwardly from the main frame (24).

5. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 4, comprising a utility box (130) disposed between the pair of seat rails (60).

6. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the forced cooling mechanism (120) being disposed above the internal combustion engine (12) and below the utility box (130).

7. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the forced cooling mechanism (120) being disposed on a right hand side of the internal combustion engine (12) and the rotary electric machine (110) in a vehicle rear view.

8. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the forced cooling mechanism (120) comprises of one or more mounting sections (122) configured for mounting the forced cooling mechanism (120) on the saddle type vehicle (10).

Dated this 25th day of July 2022

TVS MOTOR COMPANY LIMITED
By their Agent & Attorney

(Nikhil Ranjan)
of Khaitan & Co
Reg No IN/PA-1471