DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter relates generally to a two-wheeled saddle-ride type vehicle and more particularly, but not exclusively to an engine assembly of the two-wheeled vehicle.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Generally, a frame assembly acts as skeleton and a structural member for a vehicle. An engine assembly is mounted to the frame assembly of the vehicle. In a two-wheeled saddle-ride type vehicle, the engine assembly is disposed in a front portion of the vehicle. In case of an internal combustion (IC) engine, there are one or more cylinder bore(s), where combustion happens. The IC engine has a piston(s) slidable inside the cylinder bore(s). Further, there are various parts including crankshaft, connecting rod(s), camshaft(s), and gears. The piston performs a reciprocating action in the cylinder bore, which is converted into a rotational motion of the crankshaft.
[0003] The combustion of air fuel mixture inside the cylinder bore results in the reciprocating motion of the piston. Also, the combustion results in generation of heat. Generally, oil or the like is circulated through the aforementioned parts and the like for lubrication. Due to transfer of heat, the oil being circulated is subject to heating.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0004] 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.
[0005] Fig. 1 illustrates a right side view of an exemplary saddle-ride type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of present subject matter.
[0006] Fig. 2 depicts a front perspective view of an engine assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0007] Fig. 3 (a) depicts a rear perspective view of a crankcase cover assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0008] Fig 3 (b) depicts a left side view of the crankcase cover member of the crankcase cover assembly.
[0009] Fig. 3 (c) depicts an exploded view of the crankcase cover assembly, in accordance with an embodiment.
[00010] Fig. 3 (d) depicts a front view of the crankcase cover assembly.
[00011] Fig. 3 (e) illustrates a top view of the crankcase cover assembly.
[00012] Fig. 3 (f) depicts a right side view and a cross-section of the crankcase cover assembly taken along the axis X-X’, in accordance with the embodiment of shown in Fig. 3 (a).
[00013] Fig. 4 depicts a perspective view of a secondary cover member of a crankcase cover assembly, in accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00014] Generally, in the internal combustion engine the oil used for lubricating gets heated up. Moreover, the lubricating properties of the oil are altered due to excessive heat. Further, parts of the engine are also heated up, which would vary the operating parameter(s) of the engine. This would affect the performance of the engine. Generally, the engine is force cooled at the top portion viz. a cylinder head and a cylinder block region, where combustion takes place. Further, in case of vehicles having engine assembly disposed at the front portion of the vehicle, said top portion of the engine is exposed to airflow. However, rate of heat transfer at the combustion zone is not effective. Generally, a separate the oil cooling arrangement, like radiator, may be used for cooling the oil that is being circulated. Consequently, this increases the size of the system and also increases the part count of the vehicle. Furthermore, the separate oil cooling arrangement adds load to the engine affecting the performance of the engine. Therefore, there is a need for a vehicle with an engine assembly that is capable of overcoming the aforementioned and other problems.
[00015] Hence, it is an object of the present subject matter, to provide a vehicle with an engine assembly. The engine assembly of the present matter is provided with a crankcase cover assembly that enables cooling of oil.
[00016] According to an object of the present subject matter, the engine assembly is compact. According to another aspect, the rate of heat transfer is effective. According to yet another aspect, the engine assembly is compact.
[00017] The present subject matter provides the engine assembly is provided with a crankcase cover having a lateral sidewall. The lateral sidewall includes a protruded portion disposed substantially outward in a vehicle width direction. The protruded portion is provided with a grooved path(s) formed on an inner lateral face of said protruded portion. A secondary cover member being disposed on the inner lateral face covering said grooved path provided on said protruded portion forming a pathway thereof.
[00018] It is a feature of the present subject matter that the airflow passes along the outer lateral face of the protruded portion thereby cooling the oil passing through the grooved path, therein. It is an advantage that the protruded portion is laterally outward and provides improved contact area for heat transfer.
[00019] It is another feature of the present subject matter that the outer lateral face of the protruded portion is provided with plurality of fins extending substantially in vehicle longitudinal direction. It is an advantage that the plurality of fins improves the contact area at the protruded portion thereby improving the heat transfer efficiency of the engine. It is an additional advantage that the possibility of formation of turbulence is avoided.
[00020] It is an aspect of the present subject matter that the grooved path is provided along with the secondary cover member depending on cooling requirement of the engine or depending on type of application of the vehicle.
[00021] It is yet an additional advantage that the present subject matter provides ease of manufacturing.
[00022] In an embodiment, a saddle-ride type vehicle is provided with an engine assembly. The engine assembly is mounted to a frame assembly of the vehicle and disposed in a front portion of the vehicle. The engine assembly comprises of a crankcase, a cylinder block mounted to the crankcase and a cylinder head that is mounted to the cylinder block. Air-fuel mixture is combusted in a cylinder-bore formed by the cylinder block and the cylinder head. The crankcase of the engine assembly is adapted to support engine parts including cylinder block, crankshaft, gears, and bearings. Further, the engine assembly includes a crankcase cover assembly. The lower portion of the crankcase cover assembly and the crankcase in an assembled condition act as the oil sump.
[00023] In an embodiment, the crankcase cover assembly is mounted adjoiningly to the crankcase on a width side(s). The crankcase cover assembly includes a crankcase cover member and a secondary cover member. The crankcase cover member is having a sidewall and a perimeter wall. The perimeter wall is disposed at an angle to the sidewall. Further, the at least a portion of the perimeter wall is in contact with the crankcase. At least a portion of the perimeter wall is in contact with the crankcase. Further, the sidewall of the crankcase cover member is having an inner lateral face and an outer lateral face. The inner lateral face is facing the crankcase and the outer lateral face is exposed to the atmosphere. The sidewall includes an inner lateral face and outer lateral face and one or more grooved path(s) are provided on at least one of later face. Further, the secondary cover member is secured to the sidewall. The secondary cover member is secured to the crankcase cover member by one or more fasteners whereby the grooved path is covered defining a pathway. In a preferred embodiment, the grooved path is provided on the inner lateral face of the sidewall and the secondary cover member is secured to the inner lateral face of the sidewall covering the grooved path(s).
[00024] In one implementation, the grooved path is provided on the outer lateral face of the sidewall and the secondary cover member is secured to the outer lateral face of the sidewall covering the grooved path(s). Also, plurality of fins for cooling for cooling in this particular implementation, are provided on the secondary cover member.
[00025] In an embodiment, the crankcase cover member includes one or more grooved path(s) being provided on the inner lateral face of the sidewall. Furthermore, the grooved path is extending from a top portion of the crankcase cover member towards a bottom portion of the crankcase cover member having a zigzag pattern. Further, the grooved path extends substantially horizontally on the inner lateral face. Further, the crankcase cover member is provided with an inlet. The inlet being connected to the pathway formed by the grooved path, in an assembled condition of the crankcase cover assembly. The grooved path is having an outlet that is at the lower portion of the crankcase cover assembly that drains the oil into the oil sump of the engine assembly.
[00026] In another embodiment, the inlet to the grooved path is provided with a lower portion
[00027] In an embodiment, the secondary cover member being disposed on the inner lateral face of the crankcase cover member covers grooved path. The pathway formed by the grooved path and the secondary cover member enables passage of oil through the pathway. Also, the grooved path having substantial length extending horizontally and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle is having zigzag pattern. This enables creating maximum contact area of the oil with the grooved path.
[00028] In an implementation, the sidewall of the crankcase cover member includes a protruded portion. The protruded portion, which is substantially outwards in the width direction and away from the crankcase, which enables maximum air contact when the vehicle is in motion. In a preferred embodiment, the plurality of fins are provided on the outer lateral face of the sidewall at the protruded portion. Each fin of the plurality of fins having a protrusion extending orthogonally outward from the outer lateral face of the sidewall. The fins extend along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.
[00029] In an embodiment, oil enters from the crankcase to the pathway of the crankcase cover assembly. The oil that reaches the inlet port of the crankcase cover assembly then enters the pathway through an integrally formed inlet passage extending towards one end portion of the grooved path. The oil passing through the pathway enables heat to transfer from oil to the crankcase cover member, especially to the protruded portion, of the crankcase cover assembly. Further, the plurality of fins on the outer face of the protruded portion of the sidewall is exposed to the atmospheric air. Furthermore, as the fins are extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle which enables heat exchange effectively. Moreover, when the vehicle is in motion, air flow passing through the engine assembly comes in contact with the crankcase cover assembly and especially the plurality of fins provided on the crankcase cover assembly that are exposed to the atmosphere.
[00030] In another embodiment, oil is circulated from the oil sump then to the pathway of the crankcase cover assembly and the oil from the pathway is circulated to the crankcase and then to engine parts. Further, the oil from the engine parts is drained to the oil sump. In one embodiment, oil from the oil sump passes through the pathway having an inlet provided at a bottom, which is one end portion of the pathway, and from the pathway the oil passes through an outlet passage provided on perimeter wall that communicates with the crankcase in an assembled condition of the crankcase cover member. From the outlet port passes through the engine parts including a cylinder portion. After passing through the engine parts, the oil is drained into the oil sump.
[00031] The crankcase cover assembly of the present subject matter may be disposed on the left hand side or right hand side or on both the sides of the engine assembly of the vehicle.
[00032] The present subject is applicable to a forwardly inclined engine assembly swingably connected to a frame assembly with a crankcase cover assembly being mounted to one lateral side of the crankcase.
[00033] 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.
[00034] Arrows wherever provided in the top right corner of figure(s) in the drawings depicts direction with respect to the vehicle, wherein an arrow F denotes front direction, an arrow R indicates rear direction, an arrow UP denotes upward direction, an arrow DW denotes downward direction, an arrow RH denotes right side, and an arrow LH denotes left side.
[00035] Fig. 1 illustrates a right side view of an exemplary saddle-ride type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of present subject matter. The vehicle 100 has a frame assembly 105, which acts as the skeleton for the motorcycle 100. The frame assembly 105 includes a head tube 105A, a main tube (not shown) and may have a down tube105B. The main tube extends rearward from the head tube 105A and the down tube 105B extends rearwardly downward from the head tube 105A. An engine assembly 200 is mounted the frame assembly 105 and is mounted to the down tube 105B. Further, at least a portion of the engine assembly 200 is exposed to the atmosphere. A swing arm 110 is swingably connected to a pivotal point of the frame assembly 105. A rear wheel 115 is rotatably supported by the swing arm. 110. One or more rear suspension(s) 120 connect the swing arm to the frame assembly. A seat assembly 125 is mounted to a pair of rear tubes (not shown) that extend rearward from a rear portion of the main tube of the frame assembly 105. A fuel tank assembly 130 is disposed in an anterior portion of the seat assembly 125. The engine assembly 200 is positioned below the fuel tank assembly 130 and being functionally coupled with the fuel tank assembly 130. In the present embodiment, the engine assembly 200 is partially exposed to the atmosphere.
[00036] The engine assembly 200 acts as the power unit for the vehicle 100, which includes a cranking mechanism. An exhaust assembly 135 is coupled to an exhaust port (not shown) of the engine assembly 200. A transmission mechanism (not shown) is coupled to the engine assembly 200 for transferring the power to the rear wheel 115. An air-fuel supply mechanism (not shown) for the engine assembly includes a carburetor or fuel injection system, or the like. A handle bar assembly 140 is connected to a steering shaft (not shown) that is pivotally disposed about the head tube 105A. One or more front suspension(s) 145 connects a front wheel 150 to the steering shaft. A front fender 155 covers at least a portion of the front wheel 150 and a rear fender 160 covers at least a portion of the rear wheel 115.
[00037] The vehicle 100 has various electrical loads including a headlamp 165, a tail lamp 170, and a starter motor (not shown). Further, plurality of panels 175covers at least a portion of the frame assembly 105.
[00038] Fig. 2 depicts a front perspective view of an engine assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The engine assembly 200 comprises of a crankcase 205, a cylinder block 210 mounted to the crankcase 205 and a cylinder head 215 that is mounted to the cylinder block 210. The cylinder head 215 and the cylinder block 210 are collectively referred to as a cylinder portion 215, 210. A cylinder head-cover 220 is mounted to the cylinder head 215 that is casing a valve train (not shown). The cylinder head-cover 220, the cylinder head 215 and, the cylinder block 210 are secured to the crankcase 205 through one or more bolts. Further, the engine assembly 200 comprises of one or more spark plug(s) mounted to cylinder head 215 on the right hand side RH and the spark plug is inclinedly disposed. Furthermore, the present embodiment is having a carburetor 225 that is coupled to an intake port, which is disposed in a rear portion of the cylinder head 215. An exhaust port of the engine assembly 200 is coupled to an exhaust assembly (not shown) and being disposed in a front portion of the cylinder head 215. When the vehicle 100 is in motion, at least a portion of the engine assembly 200 is exposed to atmospheric air.
[00039] The crankcase 205 includes a crankcase-left member 205L disposed on left hand side LH and a crankcase-right member 205R disposed adjacently to the crankcase-left member on the right hand side RH, which are adapted to support engine parts including cylinder portion 210,215, crankshaft, gears, and bearings (not shown). Also, the crankcase 205 is provided with apertures and mounting portion(s) to support various engine parts including a crankshaft. A crankcase cover assembly 300 is mounted to one lateral side of the crankcase 205, which is on a right hand side RH lateral face of the crankcase 205.Similarly, another crankcase cover assembly 230is mounted to the crankcase 205 on a left hand side LH lateral face of the crankcase 205. The engine assembly 200 having lubricating oil or the like that is circulated for lubricating engine parts from an oil sump, which is disposed at the lower portion of the engine assembly 200. Further, the present embodiment enables effective lubrication of the engine parts. The term ‘oil’ used herein includes a lubricating fluid, a coolant liquid, or any other fluid used for lubrication or cooling or both.
[00040] Fig. 3 (a) depicts a rear perspective view of a crankcase cover assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The crankcase cover assembly 300 includes a crankcase cover member 305 having a sidewall 305A and a perimeter wall 305B. At least a portion of the perimeter wall 305B is in contact with the crankcase 205, in assembled condition of the crankcase cover assembly 300 to the crankcase 205. The sidewall 305A is having an inner lateral face 305AA that is facing the crankcase 205 and an outer lateral face 305AB that is away from the crankcase 205. Further, the crankcase cover assembly 300 comprises a secondary cover member 310 that is disposed on the inner lateral face 305AA of the crankcase cover assembly 305. The secondary cover 310 member is mounted to the crankcase cover member 305B and being secured by one or more fasteners 315. The lower portion of the crankcase cover assembly 300 and the crankcase in an assembled condition acts as the oil sump.
[00041] Fig 3 (b) depicts a side view of the crankcase cover member of the crankcase cover assembly, in accordance with the embodiment as depicted in Fig. 3 (a). The crankcase cover member 305 includes one or more grooved path(s) 320 being provided on the inner lateral face 305AA of the sidewall 305A. Furthermore, the grooved path 320 includes at least a portion of a pathway PW (shown in Fig. 3 (g)) for passage of fluid. The grooved path 320 includes a cavity or depression provided on the inner lateral face 305AA of the crankcase cover member 305. In one embodiment, the grooved path 320 includes a cross-section having U-shaped, V-shaped, angular U-shaped, any known regular shape, or any known irregular shape. The grooved path 320 is provided in a continuous zigzag pattern extending from a top portion of the crankcase cover member towards a bottom portion of the crankcase cover member 305. In the present implementation, the grooved path 320 is provided in a horizontal zigzag pattern on the inner lateral face 305AA. Further, the crankcase cover member 305 is provided with a first port 325 that is disposed on the perimeter wall 305B. In one embodiment, the first port 325, which acts as inlet port, is integrally formed with the perimeter wall 305B, extends through an integral passage that lead to one end portion of the grooved path 320 for passage of oil. The grooved path 320 is having a second port 330, acting as outlet port, for draining the oil from the pathway PW into the oil sump of the engine assembly 200. An enlarged portion of the grooved path 320 as depicted in Fig. 3 (b) has one or more sides of the grooved path 320 having askew or zigzag structure. This provides a higher contact are for oil with the crankcase cover member 305.
[00042] Fig. 3 (c) depicts an exploded view of the crankcase cover assembly, in accordance with the embodiment of Fig. 3 (a). The crankcase cover member 305 is provided with grooved path 320 provided as depression having a U-shape, or a V-shape or any known geometrical shape, or a non-regular shape with an opening on one side. The secondary cover member 310 being disposed on the inner face 305AA of the crankcase cover member 305 provides a closed cross-section for the pathway PW, wherein the secondary cover member 310 has a side facing the grooved path 320 that acts as one side of the pathway PW. The secondary cover member 310 is secured to the crankcase cover member 305providing tightly sealed oil path. The secondary cover member 310 is made of rigid material, for example any known metal. The secondary cover member 310 is detachable and is secured to the crankcase cover member 305 through one or more fasteners 315. This provides ease of cleaning or maintenance of the groove path. The grooved path 320 along with the secondary cover member 310 defines a continuous pathway PW with a closed cross-section. The crankcase cover assembly 300 enables oil entering the inlet 325 of the crankcase cover assembly 300 to pass through the pathway PW formed by the grooved path 320 and the secondary cover member 310 to reach the oil sump.
[00043] In the present implementation, threaded mounting portion are provided on the crankcase cover member 305 and the secondary cover member 310is provided with apertures that coincide with the mounting portions by which the secondary cover member is secured to the crankcase cover member.
[00044] Further, the grooved path 320 is extending from a top portion towards a bottom portion of the crankcase cover assembly305 in zigzag pattern. The grooved path 320 having substantial length extending horizontally and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. Furthermore, the grooved path 320 that is extending horizontally is having zigzag pattern (enlarged view as shown in Fig. 3 (b)) from front to rear. This enables creating maximum contact area of the oil with the grooved path 320.
[00045] Fig. 3 (d) depicts a front view of the crankcase cover assembly, in accordance with the embodiment depicted in Fig. 3 (c). Fig. 3 (e) illustrates a top view of the crankcase cover assembly depicted in Fig. 3 (d). Fig. 3 (f) depicts a right side view of the crankcase cover member. The crankcase cover member 305 of the crankcase cover assembly 300 is having a sidewall 305A having an irregular shape with varying width and varying depth from the crankcase 205. The outer most portion of the sidewall 305A of the crankcase cover member 305 is a protruded portion PP. At least a portion of the protruded portion PP of the sidewall 305A is disposed substantially outwardly in the width direction of the vehicle 100, as depicted in Fig. 3 (e). The protruded portion PP, which is substantially outwards in the width direction of the vehicle 100 and away from the crankcase 205.In a preferred embodiment, the grooved path 320 is formed on the protruded portion of the sidewall 305A to enable maximum exposure to atmospheric air or to airflow. The secondary cover member 310 mounted to the inner lateral face 305AA of the crankcase cover member 305provides the pathway PW.
[00046] Further, the outer face 305AB of the crankcase cover member 305 is provided with plurality of fins 335 that extend along the longitudinal axis F-R of the vehicle 100. The plurality of fins 335 provides improved contact area thereby enabling effective heat transfer. Also, the grooved path 320 provided in a horizontal zigzag continuous pattern enables transfer of heat from oil flowing through the pathway PW to the face of the crankcase cover member 305 and to the fins 335. The engine assembly 200 includes an oil pump (not shown) mounted to the engine assembly, which is functionally coupled to the crankshaft or the camshaft. In one embodiment, the oil pump selectively circulates the oil from the oil sump to the cylinder head 215, and the cylinder block 210 for lubricating and for cooling. Subsequently, the hot oil is passed through the pathway PW for cooling. In one other implementation, the oil is circulated through a heat exchange assembly (not shown) to provide further cooling.
[00047] The plurality of fins 335 provided on the outer lateral face305AB of the sidewall 305are integrally formed. Each fin of the plurality of fins 335 is including a protrusion extending orthogonally outward from the outer lateral face 305AB of the sidewall 305A of the crankcase cover member 305. In a preferred embodiment, the plurality fins 335 are substantially horizontal. Also, the plurality of fins 335 are provided with vertical spacing therebetween. In the present embodiment, the plurality of fins 335 are evenly spaced. In another embodiment, the plurality of fins 335may be unevenly spaced. The plurality of fins 335 extend along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle 100. In a preferred embodiment, the grooved path 320, which is extending from a top portion to the bottom portion of the sidewall, is having a zigzag pattern. This enables oil passing through the pathway PW to have a greater contact area with atmosphere through the fins 335.
[00048] Fig. 3 (g) depicts a left side view of the crankcase cover assembly300 and a cross-section of the crankcase cover assembly that along axis X-X’, in accordance with embodiment of Fig. 3 (a). In one implementation, oil enters from the crankcase 205 to the crankcase cover assembly 300. The first port 325, which acts as inlet port, is integrally formed with the crankcase cover member 305of the crankcase cover assembly 300.An oil outlet of the crankcase 205 coincides with the inlet 325 to provide a continuous oil path. Oil that reaches the inlet port 325of the crankcase cover assembly 300 enters the pathway PW. Oil being circulated through the pathway PW, in a horizontal zigzag pattern in the present implementation, enables heat to transfer from oil is the crankcase cover member 305, especially to the protruded portion PP, of the crankcase cover assembly305A. Further, the plurality of fins 335 and the exposed protruded portion PP of the outer lateral face305AB of the sidewall 305A are exposed atmospheric air or to airflow AF. Also, it is an advantage that the lateral outer lateral face of the protruded portion PP provided greater face area for heat exchange. Further, as the fins 335 are extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, the fins 335 enable effective heat exchange, as contact area for heat transfer is effective. Moreover, when the vehicle 100 is in motion, air flows towards the engine assembly 200and comes in contact with the plurality of fins 335 provided on the crankcase cover assembly 300thereby serving in heat exchange.
[00049] The enlarged view of the cross-section of the crankcase cover assembly 300 depicts the pathway PW formed by the grooved path 320 and the secondary cover member 310for passage of oil. From the first port 325 hot oil enters the pathway PW. The hot oil passing through the pathway PW undergoes transfer of heat from the oil to the protruded portion PP provided with the fins335. The fins exposed to the atmosphere enable transfer of heat, thereby cooling oil prior to reaching the sump.
[00050] In another implementation, oil from the sump is sent to pathway PW through the second port 330 communicating with the sump. Then, from the pathway PW, oil is sent to a crankcase inlet through the first port 325. From the crankcase, oil is sent to various engine parts including cylinder region, valve train region for lubrication and for cooling.
[00051] Fig. 4 depicts a perspective view of a secondary cover member of a crankcase cover assembly, in accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter. The secondary cover member 410 in the present embodiment is a circular disc made of a rigid material including any known metal. The secondary cover member 410 is provided one or more intermediate passage(s) 410A that communicates with a pathway PW of the crankcase cover assembly. This intermediate passage(s) 410A are connected to one or more engine parts including a clutch assembly for cooling or lubricating thereof. Fig. 4 depicts a cross-sectional view of the crankcase cover member 410 taken along axis Y-Y’.
[00052] In the present embodiment, a first intermediate passage portion 410 is provided with an inlet 410AA and an outlet 410AB. The inlet 410AA is provided to communicate with the grooved path 320. Therefore, a portion of oil passing through the pathway PW passes through the first intermediate passage portion 410. The outlet of the first intermediate passage 410AB is connected to a intermediate lubricating passage. In one embodiment, the first intermediate passage 410is capable of jettisoning oil from said pathway PW to one or more engine parts/components including a clutch assembly. In the present embodiment, the clutch assembly (not shown) is mounted to one lateral side of the engine assembly200 (as depicted in Fig. 2 (a)). The crankcase cover assembly, in accordance with the present embodiment, encloses the clutch assembly, wherein the secondary cover member 410 is secured to the crankcase cover member facing the clutch assembly. The first intermediate passage 410A is directed towards the clutch assembly. A portion of oil being circulated through the pathway PW is jettisoned towards the clutch assembly for lubricating the clutch assembly, through the intermediate passage 410A. Also, the intermediate passage 410A is integrally formed with the secondary cover member 410 and is disposed at a first angle a. In one embodiment, the first angle a is inclinedly disposed to jettison oil from the pathway PW towards the clutch assembly.
[00053] 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. ,CLAIMS:I/We claim:
1. An engine assembly (200) for a vehicle (100), said engine assembly (200) provided with lubricating fluid being circulated therein, said engine assembly (200) comprising:
a crankcase (205R, 205L),
wherein
a crankcase cover assembly (300) mounted to at least one lateral side (RH, LH) of said crankcase (205R, 205L), said crankcase cover assembly (300) comprising:
a crankcase cover member (305) and a secondary cover member (310, 410), said crankcase cover member (305) includes a sidewall (305A) having an inner lateral face (305AA) and an outer lateral face (305AB), said sidewall (305A) includes one or more grooved path(s) (320) disposed on at least one lateral face (305AA) of said inner lateral face and said outer lateral face (305AB), and said secondary cover member (310, 410) being secured to said at least one lateral face (305AA) covering said one or more grooved path(s) (320) defining a pathway (PW) for passage of lubricating fluid therein.
2. The engine assembly (200) of claim 1, wherein said crankcase cover member (305) is provided with said one or more grooved path(s) (320) disposed on said inner lateral face (305AA) and said secondary cover member (310) is secured to said inner lateral face (305AA) of said sidewall (305A) covering said grooved path(s) (320) and plurality of fins (335) disposed on said outer lateral face (305AB) of said sidewall (305A).
3. The engine assembly (200) of claim 1, wherein said crankcase cover member (305) is provided with said one or more grooved path(s) disposed on said outer lateral face (305AB) and said secondary cover member (310) is secured to said outer lateral face (305AA) of said sidewall (305A) covering said grooved path(s) and plurality of fins (335) disposed on an outer lateral face of said secondary cover member (310).
4. The engine assembly (200) of claim 1 or 2, wherein said plurality of fins (335) extend substantially in a longitudinal direction (F-R) of the vehicle (100) thereby enabling airflow therebetween.
5. The engine assembly (200) of claim 1, wherein said sidewall (305A) includes at least a portion (PP) disposed substantially outward in a lateral direction (RH-LH) away from said crankcase (205R, 205L).
6. The engine assembly (200) of claim 1, wherein said pathway (PW) is connected to a first port (325) disposed at one end portion and a second port (300) disposed at other portion of the pathway (PW), wherein said first port (325) is functionally coupled to said crankcase (205R, 205L) and said second port (330) is functionally connected to an oil sump of said engine assembly (200).
7. The engine assembly (200) of claim 1 or 5, wherein said pathway (PW) enables flow of lubricating fluid from said oil sump to said crankcase (205R, 205L) and further to one or more engine parts including a cylinder portion (210, 215) or a valve portion for at least one of lubrication or cooling.
8. The engine assembly (200) of claim 1, wherein said secondary cover member (410) is provided with one or more intermediate passage(s) (410) connected to said pathway (PW), and said one or more intermediate passage(s) (410) includes a first intermediate passage (410) capable of jettisoning lubricating oil from said pathway (PW) towards one or more engine parts including a clutch assembly covered by said crankcase cover assembly (300).
9. The engine assembly (200) of any of the preceding claims includes at least one of a vertical or a forwardly inclined engine assembly (200), and said engine assembly is mounted to a frame assembly (105) of said vehicle (100).
10. A crankcase cover assembly (300) capable of circulating a lubricating fluid therein being mounted a crankcase (205R, 205L) of an engine assembly (200), said crankcase cover assembly (300) comprising:
a crankcase cover member (305); and
a secondary cover member (310, 410),
wherein
said crankcase cover member (305) includes a sidewall (305A) having an inner lateral face (305AA) and an outer lateral face (305AB), said sidewall (305A) includes one or more grooved path(s) (320) disposed on at least one lateral face of said inner lateral face (305AA) and said outer lateral face (305AB), and said secondary cover member (310, 410) being secured to said at least one lateral face (305AA) covering said one or more grooved path(s) (320) defining a pathway (PW) for passage of lubricating fluid.