TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter relates to a motor vehicle. More particularly, the present subject matter relates to the mechanical valve in clutch assembly.
BACKGROUND
[0002] A motor vehicle typically includes an internal combustion engine which imparts power to a transmission for driving the vehicle. The transmission has several gear ratios which an operator of the vehicle may put to use depending on the driving conditions. The engine power is transferred to the transmission through a clutch. The clutch typically provides a mechanical coupling between the engine and transmission, and aids transfer of power and torque from the engine to the transmission by helping in shifting among various gear ratios. It coordinates smooth engagement of the spinning engine to the transmission by controlling the slippage between them and hence allows the vehicle to stop without killing the engine.
[0003] A clutch can either be in engaged position or in disengaged position. When the clutch is engaged i.e. connected to the engine crankshaft or driveshaft, the transmission transfers torque from the engine to one or more wheels of the vehicle. When the clutch is disengaged i.e. disconnected to the engine crankshaft the transmission is decoupled from the engine and does not transfer a driving torque to the wheel(s)

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures.
The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and
components. [0005] .Fig.l is a side view of a three wheeled vehicle as per one embodiment of the present
invention. [0006] Fig.2 is a frame structure of three wheeled type vehicle, as per one embodiment of
the present invention '
[0007] Fig.3 is an exploded view of an internal combustion engine as per one embodiment
of the present invention. [0008] Fig. 4 is an exploded view of the clutch assembly as per one embodiment of the
present invention. [0009] Fig.5 is a perspective view of the pin clutch release assembly as per one
embodiment of the present invention [00010] Fig.6 is an exploded view of the clutch assembly illustrating the engagement of
clutch as per one embodiment of the present invention. [00011] Fig. 6a an exploded view of the clutch assembly illustrating the disengagement of
clutch as per one embodiment of the present invention. [00012] Fig.7 is a sectional view of the clutch assembly illustrating tapered spring as per
one embodiment of the present invention. [00013] Fig. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the steps as per one embodiment of the present
invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00014] Conventional clutches include a friction type clutch that is normally held in engaged mode by a clutch spring. It is actuated through a manually operated clutch actuation lever, usually operated by the user using a left hand thereof. Typically, the clutch actuation lever is pivotal ly mounted to a handle bar of the vehicle adjacent to a hand grip on the handle bar and is connected to clutch by means of a clutch wire (or clutch cable).
[00015] Basically, the manual operation requires an operator to grip the clutch lever and pull it back towards him. The pullback operation actuates the clutch to a disengaged position. After selecting a desired gear ratio / gear position, the operator releases his grip upon the clutch lever and the clutch gets engaged again. This manual operation provides a sense of controlling the operation of the vehicle to the operator and hence forms a necessary part of a majority of vehicles.
[00016] Generally, the clutch operated by hand are put to heavy use depending on the traffic condition and various road conditions. Further, the operator keeps the clutch in disengaged state so that he may shift the vehicle in a desirable gear for smooth acceleration,
[00017] In the state of art, when the clutch lever is pressed,.the clutch cable pulls the rod to complete the clutch release. The rotation of rod clutch displaces the clutch pin linearly. As the pin moves, it abuts with the clutch bearing which is located on the clutch plate. The clutch plate displaces the pressure plate disc of the center assembly clutch. This compresses the clutch spring, thereby giving space for the drive and driven plates to separate, thereby cutting off power transmission from the engine to the wheel.
[00018] Moreover, in existing era, in a wet clutch system, the engine oil flows to the clutch assembly in both clutched and declutched stage. Basically, engine oil is used for cooling

the clutch assembly, but the oil deposits as fi Im between the clutch plates during the process of engagement and disengagement of clutch, which transmits a fraction of torque even when clutch is disengaged (i.e. when hand lever is partially pressed during gear shift). This phenomenon is called as clutch drag. This also results in gear shifting problem.
[00019] Hence there is a need to overcome the above stated problem. Further, the objective of the present invention is to provide a solution which can control the engine oil supply to the clutch assembly when the clutch is disengaged. Cutting off oil supply permanently ' would drastically reduce the life of the clutch plates due to overheating. To overcome this & other problems known in the art, as per an aspect of the present invention, a mechanical valve is provided.
[00020] As per one embodiment of the present invention, when the clutch lever is pressed, the rod clutch displaces the clutch pin. This clutch pin presses a steel ball which blocks the oil passage in the adapter which in turn stops oil supply to the drive and driven clutch plates.
[00021] As per one embodiment of the present invention, the force generated is transferred from the pin to the ball and then to the adapter and finally to the bearing and thus the clutch is disengaged, with the oil supply blocked to the clutch assembly. This embodiment eliminates the clutch drag and improves gear shift quality.
[00022] As per one embodiment of the present invention, when the clutch lever is released, the pin retracts back to its original position assisted by a spring and the ball opens the oil passage. The system oil pressure in counter shaft is sufficient to push the ball out of its path, thereby supplying oil to the clutch assembly through the adapter.

[00023] As per one embodiment of the present invention, clutch drag limiter assembly where the steel ball is retained by a ball retainer, is a mechanical valve which is capable of controlling oil flow to the clutch based on actuation of the clutch lever. This leads to lower deposition of engine oil between the clutch plates as no oil is supplied during the separation plates, thereby minimizing the clutch drag
[00024] As per one embodiment of the present invention, when the clutch drag is in control, the relative motion between the drive and driven clutch plates is reduced when the clutch is disengaged. This leads to gear shifting.
[00025] In the ensuing exemplary embodiments, the vehicle is a three wheeled vehicle. However, it is contemplated that the concepts of the present invention may be applied to any motorized vehicle with a manual clutch operation including a two & three wheeled saddle type vehicle without defeating the spirit of the invention.
[00026] Further "front" and "rear", and "left" and "right" referred to in the ensuing description of the illustrated embodiment refer to front and rear, and left and right directions as seen in a state of being seated on a seat of the vehicle and looking forward. Furthermore, a longitudinal axis refers to a front to rear axis relative to the vehicle, while a lateral axis refers generally to a side to side, or left to right axis relative to the vehicle.
[00027] The present invention is now described briefly in connection with the rendered drawings. It should be noted that like elements are denoted by the same reference numerals throughout the description.
[00028] Fig. 1 illustrates a side view of a three wheeled vehicle and Fig. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a frame structure of a three wheeled vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. In an embodiment, the frame structure of the

three-wheeled vehicle includes three compartments. A front compartment including a head tube 201 that mounts a handle bar assembly 106 of the three-wheeled vehicle and the head tube 201 is capable of steering a front wheel 101, a main tube 206 that connects the head tube 201 and a central tube 203, a driver seat assembly 104 that is housed on top of the central tube 203 and a pair of LH side tube 205 and a R.H side tube 202. The three wheeled vehicle also includes a pair of rear wheels 102 and a front fender 103 disposed above the front wheel 101. Sometimes, LPG/CNG cylinder 110 may be placed under the driver seat assembly 104. In one embodiment, the frame structure further includes a middle .compartment that includes a passenger seat assembly 108 comprising of a seat base bottom and a back rest, a passenger barrier 107 restricting entry/exit of the passengers into the three wheeled vehicle in one direction only, a cross rod 204 capable of mounting a driver back rest. Further, in one embodiment, the frame structure also includes a rear compartment that houses the cabin assembly 109, and the engine (111) is disposed substantially under the seat & placed in the rear side of a three wheeled vehicle (fig. la). '
[00029] Figure 3 illustrates the exploded view of the engine, as per one embodiment of the present invention, where the internal combustion engine (111) includes crankshaft (301), magneto (302), the internal combustion engine produces the necessary power which is then transferred to the transmission through a clutch assembly (303). The internal combustion engine (111) has an intake system including an air filter (not shown) through which the air is sucked in. The air is mixed with the fuel and the air-fuel mixture is then ignited in the combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine (111) thereby producing motive power. This motive power rotates the crankshaft (301) and is transferred to the wheel(s)

through transmission. The transfer of this power from crankshaft to transmission is aided - by the clutch assembly (303) positioned inside the crankcase.
[00030] Figure 4 illustrates the exploded view of the clutch assembly (303), as per one embodiment of the present invention, the clutch assembly (303) includes the clutch drag limiter assembly (401) placed on clutch bearing (407) which further includes clutch pin assembly (410), pressure plate disc (402), rod clutch (403), drive plates (408), driven plates (409), counter shaft (404), oil path (405). Further, as per one embodiment of the present invention, when the clutch assembly (303) is in engaged state,the oil flows through the predefined oil path (405) from counter shaft (404) to the drive plates (408), driven plates (409) with the help of oil passage (406a, 406b), which results in the lubrication of the drive plates (408) and increase the efficiency of the clutch assembly.(303).
(00031] Figure 5 illustrates the perspective view of the clutch pin assembly (410), as per one embodiment of the present invention, the clutch pin assembly (410) includes clutch pin (501), steel ball (503) and the ball retainer (502), where the steel ball (503) is retained in the clutch pin (501) with the help of the ball retainer (502), which helps in blocking the oil passage (406a, 406b) in the due course of disengagement of the clutch.
[00032] Figure 6 illustrates the exploded view of the clutch assembly, as per one embodiment of the present invention, when the clutch assembly is in engaged form (hand lever is not pressed), the steel ball (503) does not block the oil path (405), and the oil flows in a predefined path and in a predefined manner (shown by arrow) to the different parts of the clutch assembly (303) through the adapter (601) and the oil passage (406a, 406b), which basically helps in lubrication of clutch assembly and increase the efficiency of the clutch assembly.

[00033] Figure 6a illustrates the exploded view of the clutch assembly, as per one embodiment of the present invention, when the clutch is in disengaged state (hand lever is pressed during gearshift), the steel ball (503) blocks the adapter (601) (fig. 6), which results in no oil supply to the clutch assembly. Further, as per one embodiment of the present invention, the oil passage (406a, 406b) should be positioned as directed towards the drive plates (408) and driven plates (409), to increase the lubrication.
[00034] Further, as per one embodiment of the present invention, when hand lever is pressed during gear shift, the rod clutch (403) release displaces the clutch pin (501). This pin presses a steel ball (503) which blocks the oil, passage in the adapter (601) which in turn stops oil supply to the drive plates (408), driven plates (409). Further, as per one embodiment of the present invention, force .is transferred from the clutch pin (501) to the steel ball (503) and then to the adapter (601) and finally to the clutch bearing {408), which results in disengagement of clutch assembly (303) with oil supply blocked. This reduces the clutch drag and improves the gear shift quality.
[00035] " Further, as per one embodiment of the present invention, when the clutch is released, the clutch pin (501) retracts back to its original position assisted by a spring and. the steel ball (503) opens the oil passage (406a, 406b). The oil pressure in counter shaft (404) is sufficient to push the clutch pin (501) having a steel ball (503) out of its path, thereby supplying oil to the clutch assembly (303) through the adapter.
[00036] Figure 7 illustrates the sectional view of the clutch assembly (303) with the tapered spring (701), as per one embodiment of the present invention, when the system oil pressure increases and the steel ball (503) is closed, the tapered spring (701) pushes the clutch pin

(501) having steel ball (503) thereby supplying oil to the clutch assembly (303) through the adapter.
[00037] Figure 8 illustrates the method of decreasing the clutch drag and increasing ease of gear shifting, as per one embodiment of the present invention, the clutch drag limiter assembly (401) is a mechanical valve which is capable of controlling oil flow to the clutch assembly (303) based on actuation of clutch lever, when the hand lever is pressed during gear shift (801) and further the clutch is in dis engaged mode (802). This leads to lower deposition of engine oil between the clutch plates as no oil is supplied during the separation of plates (803), thereby minimizing the clutch drag, with clutch drag under control, the relative motion between the drive plate and driven plates are reduced when the clutch is disengaged. This leads to ease in gear shifting.
.[00038] The embodiments explained in Fig. 3, Fig. 6a of the present invention helps in overcoming the problem of oil flow in the clutch disengaged state, clutch drag & its failures as well as increases the gear shifting accessibility.
[00039] Advantageously, the embodiments of the present invention, describes the potential modifications in the clutch assembly.
[00040] Many other improvements and modifications may be incorporated herein without deviating from the scope of the invention

List of reference symbol: Figure 1:
i06: Handle Bar Assembly 101: Front Wheel 104: Driver Seat Assembly 102: Rear Wheels 103:Front Fender 110: LPG/CNG Cylinder 108: Passenger Seat Assembly 107: Passenger Barrier. 109: Cabin Assembly 111: Internal Combustion Engine Figure 2: 201: Head Tube 206: Main Tube 203: Central Tube 205: LH Side Tube

202: RH Side Tube
204: Cross Rod
Figure 3:
301: Crankshaft
302: Magneto
303: Clutch Assembly
Figure 4:
401: Clutch drag limiter assembly
402: Pressure Plate Disc
403: Rod Clutch
404: Counter Shaft
405: Oil Path
406 (406a, 406b): Oil Passage
407: Clutch Bearing
408: Drive Plates
409: Driven Plates
410: Clutch Pin Assembly

Figure 5: 501: Clutch Pin 502: Ball Retainer 503: Steel Ball Figure 6: 601: Adapter Figure 7: 701: Tapered Spring

WE CLAIM:
1. A saddle type vehicle (100), said vehicle (100) comprises:
An engine (111) at the rear side of said vehicle (100), includes crankshaft (301), wet
magneto (302), clutch assembly (303);
Said clutch assembly (303) comprising clutch drag limiter assembly (401), pressure plate
disc (402), rod clutch (403), drive plates (408), driven plates (409), counter shaft (404), oil
path (405) and oil passage (406a, 406b);
Said clutch drag limiter assembly (401) includes clutch pin assembly (410);
Said clutch pin assembly (410) includes clutch pin (501), a steel ball (503) and a ball
retainer (502);
Wherein, when clutch is in engaged state, said steel ball (503) configured to enable flow
of oil through adapter (601) and said oil passages (406a, 406b), and when said clutch is in
disengaged state, said steering ball (503) blocks said oil path (404), oil stops flowing
through said adapter (601) and said oil passage (406a, 406b)
2. The saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein oil flows through said oil path (405) placed in said counter shaft (404) to said clutch assembly (303).
3. The saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said steel ball (503) is configured to be retained in said clutch pin.(501) by the ball retainer (502).
4. The saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim I, wherein said clutch drag limiter assembly (401) is disposed on clutch bearing (407);

5. The saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim I, wherein said clutch drag limiter assembly (401) forms a mechanical valve to selectively allow the flow of lubricant to the clutch system based on clutch actuation input from the user & the system oil pressure.
6. The saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein tapered spring (701) enables clutch pin (501) having steel ball (503) to be pushed, when the system oil pressure is high.
7. A method to block the oil passage of a saddle type vehicle (100) comprising steps of: pressing a hand lever during gear shift;
Disengaging the clutch;
Blocking said oil path to drive plates and driven plates by mechanical valve.