DESC:[001] The present invention relates to a cooling system for an automotive vehicle. The Cooling system is provided particularly for a three-wheeled vehicle powered by a prime mover (for example an engine or an electric motor and battery system).
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[002] This invention takes priority from an earlier filed provisional patent application no. 202021053805 filed on December 10, 2020; which is incorporated herein as reference.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[003] Cooling system in automotive vehicle generally required for cooling a heat transfer medium. The heat transfer medium absorbs heat from the heat source and transfer to the atmosphere by natural draft or forced draft method. Generally, there are two types of cooling systems used for cooling heat source in an automotive vehicle, air-cooling system and liquid cooling system. The heat sources could be either an engine or a battery or a motor and their associated components. High capacity engines are generally employed with liquid cooling system. In this system, a liquid coolant is used as a heat transfer medium. The coolant absorbs heat from the walls of engine components, flows through pipes towards heat exchanger or radiator to exchange heat with the atmosphere. In liquid cooling system, forced draft method is generally employed by most manufacturers. A heat exchanger or a radiator is used as a heat sink to exchange heat between coolant and the atmosphere.

[004] In a vehicle with rear mounted engine such as three-wheeler, the cooling system as described above is mounted in rear portion of the vehicle particularly in the engine room or battery storage room in case of an electric vehicle. In three wheeled vehicles, air flows from front to rear, along the bottom surface of the vehicle and enter the engine room where the cooling system is arranged. A Fan is provided in the radiator to generate an air draft passing through the cooling system and ventilated to the atmosphere.

[005] In such an arrangement, a fan plays major role of generating a draft of the air. Since, space is limited in the engine room of rear mounted engine vehicle, air availability is limited. For optimum performance of the cooling system, the fan needs to draw more air, for which fan consumes more power from the power source such as battery or engine. This affects overall performance of the engine. Also, in such arrangement there is a limitation on performance of the cooling system. Such system requires high rating electrical equipment such as fan, magneto etc. This further add up to vehicle cost and may affect weight. Also, due to availability of limited space there is size and shape constraint on the cooling system.

[006] Hence, it is an object of the present invention is to address all above mentioned problems in a cooling system for a three wheeled vehicle.

[007] Another object of the present invention is to provide compact cooling system for a three wheeled vehicle requiring less power to operate the cooling system.

[008] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a cooling system for a three wheeled vehicle which eliminates limitations on performance of the cooling system.

[009] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a cooling system for a three wheeled vehicle which eliminates constraints on shape and size.

[010] Yet another objective is to accommodate cooling system without affecting aesthetics of the vehicle.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[011] Problems and limitations mentioned above are addressed by a cooling system provided by the present invention.

[012] The present invention provides a cooling system for a three wheeled vehicle having a chassis frame structure; the chassis frame structure comprises a front and a rear chassis frame structure; the front chassis frame structure comprises a front panel; a heat sink for cooling purpose of at least one heat source ; characterized in that the heat sink is provided on an outer surface of the front panel of the front chassis frame structure.
[013] The heat sink can be a heat exchanger or a radiator or a condenser.
[014] The outer surface of the front panel is provided with a cavity to accommodate at least the heat sink.
[015] According to one of the embodiment of present invention, the heat sink is fluidly connected to the heat source for cooling purpose.
[016] The heat source includes a prime mover or a non-prime mover component of vehicle comprising an engine, a battery or an electrical motor, pump or an electrical component and mounted towards front or rear side of the vehicle.
[017] The cooling system may be provided with a cooling fan for generating air draft. The cooling fan may be provided on the front panel. Air draft may also get generated due to vehicle motion.
[018] The air draft may generate a high pressure zone and a low pressure zone on front panel in vehicle running condition. For example, the high pressure zone may be generated in the nearby area of the heat sink or central portion of front panel while low pressure zone may be generated away from the heat sink or on side portions of the front panel adjacent to the high pressure zone.
[019] The cooling system comprising a structure connecting the high pressure zone of vehicle to the low pressure zone of vehicle in running condition and allowing air to flow from high pressure zone to low pressure zone naturally. The structure preferably comprising ducts or channel or partitioning wall for allowing natural free flow of air.
[020] The structure may be provided on the front panel and it may be in the form of concave structure. The heat sink may be partially or fully accommodated within the concave structure. The concave structure may be integrated into the front panel of front chassis frame structure of the vehicle or the concave structure may be formed on the front panel.
[021] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the concave structure may accommodate both the heat sink and the cooling fan partially or fully.
[022] The concave structure may be in the form of a hollow cavity. The concave structure formed on the front panel of the front chassis frame structure and extending across the width of the vehicle. The extending portion may be used for diverting hot air. The extending portion may have varying cross section along its length.
[023] The concave structure may be extended upwardly or downwardly. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the extended concave structure may be covered by a cover. A channel or duct may be created between the front panel and the cover to deflect the hot air released by the heat sink. The channel may have varying cross section and connects the high pressure zone to the low pressure zone.
[024] Substantial portion of this channel or duct forms a low pressure zone thus directing hot air naturally from the high pressure zone (i.e. nearby heat sink) towards the low pressure zone.
[025] The channel provided with at least an air vent at its both sides of channel. These vents may be in the form of louvers.
[026] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the cover may be provided with the deflecting element to deflect air away from the vehicle and to develop increased low pressure characteristics. The deflecting element may be in the form of winglet or deflectors etc. The winglets may be located between the heat sink and side edges of channel or duct. Preferably, the winglets located towards side edges and located on the cover.
[027] The heat sink and the cooling fan are positioned centrally in the front panel and a portion of heat sink may partially overlaps front wheel when viewed in a top view. The heat sink may be positioned below windscreen.
[028] The heat sink may be positioned above or below headlight without affecting aesthetics of the vehicle. Preferably, imparting improved aesthetics to the vehicle. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the heat sink may be positioned between two headlights. To improve aesthetics, the heat sink can be positioned at mid-point of the distance between the two head lights.
[029] The cooling system comprises a pipe routing for circulating a coolant in the cooling system. The pipe may be connected to the heat sink and an engine cooling jacket or battery cooling system. The pipe routed from front to the rear of the vehicle along bottom surface of vehicle. A protection means may be provided to cover and protect the pipe from stones, mud splash, impact etc. The protections means may be in the form of a perforated cover providing air ventilation to enhance the cooling of the pipe and hence coolant. This improves performance of the cooling system.
[030] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the pipe routing from the heat sink towards bottom portion may be routed in such a way that it allows complete rotation of a front wheel assembly without any obstructions of the pipes, thus not compromising maneuverability of vehicle. The routing may also advantageously avoids crossing or any obstructions to the routing/arrangement of other components such as brake or clutch cables, wiring harness, fuel piping etc.
a. The cooling system is so placed in the cavity avoiding extension of components of cooling system (for example heat sink) in the front direction of vehicle thus not affecting aesthetic look of the vehicle.
b. A front structure for a three-wheeled vehicle comprising a chassis frame structure comprising a front chassis frame structure; the front chassis frame structure comprises a front panel; head lights mounted on the front panel; a windscreen provided on the upper portion of the front panel; a structure comprising extended arms extending along the substantial portion of the front panel along the width of the vehicle; wherein the structure is provided with plurality of openings and mounted substantially centrally on the front panel.
c. The summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
The invention will now be described in more detail by way of example with reference to the embodiments shown in the figures mentioned below:
[031] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a three wheeled vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[032] Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of a cooling system according to present invention;
[033] Fig. 3 shows side view and front view of the cooling system for three wheeled vehicle according to present invention;
[034] Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of cover arrangement on front panel according to one of the embodiments of the present invention;
[035] Fig. 5 shows detailed view of cover arrangement on front panel;
[036] Fig. 6 shows bottom view of the cooling system for three wheeler according to present invention;
[037] Fig. 7 (a) shows arrangement of cooling system on three-wheeled vehicle according to present invention;
[038] Fig. 7 (b) shows perspective view of concave structure on front panel according to present invention;
[039] Fig. 8 shows three wheeled vehicle having cooling system along with cover arrangement according to one of the embodiment of the present invention;
[040] Fig. 9 (a-b) shows three-wheeled vehicle with cooling system according to one of the embodiments of present invention;
[041] Fig. 9 (c) shows front view of three-wheeled vehicle with cooling system of Fig. 9 (a-b) mounted without cover according to one of the embodiments of present invention;
[042] Fig. 10 (a-b) shows three-wheeled vehicle with cooling system according to one of the embodiment of present invention;
[043] Fig. 10 (c) shows front view of three-wheeled vehicle with cooling system of Fig. 10 (a-b) mounted without cover according to one of the embodiments of present invention;
[044] Fig. 11 (a-b) shows three-wheeled vehicle with cooling system according to one of the embodiments of present invention; and
[045] Fig. 11 (c) shows front view of three-wheeled vehicle with cooling system of Fig. 11 (a-b) mounted without cover according to one of the embodiments of present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[046] Embodiments of present invention will now be explained with the help of figures herein below. All the aspects described herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating preferred embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope herein without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, and the present invention herein includes all such modifications.

[047] Preferred embodiment of the present invention is described below along with reference figures. Fig. 1 shows the three wheeled vehicle 100 according to the present invention. Present three wheeled vehicle 100 comprises a chassis frame structure 101 and a heat source 102. According to preferred embodiment of the present invention, the heat source is an engine 102. The chassis frame structure 101 comprises front chassis frame structure 103 and rear chassis frame structure 104. The front chassis frame structure 103 comprising front panel 105. The front panel 105 may or may not be integral part of the chassis frame structure. Fig. 2 shows the cooling system 201 according to preferred embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 shows the cooling system 201 mounted on the front panel 105 of the front chassis frame structure 103 of the vehicle 100. The cooling system 201 comprises a heat sink and a pipe routing 203. The heat sink is a radiator 202 according to preferred embodiment. The pipe routing 203 is connected to the radiator 202 and the engine 102 to circulate coolant for cooling purpose of the engine 102 and its components. The cooling system 201 may be positioned centrally on front panel 105 and joined to front panel 105 by any of the methods from welding, bolting, clamping etc.
[048] Referring to Fig. 3a and 3b, the front panel 105 may be provided with a concave structure 301. The concave structure may be in the form of a hollow cavity 301 as shown in Fig. 3 (a). The concave structure 301 may be formed on the front panel 105 of the front chassis frame structure 103 and may have an extended portion 302 in width direction of the vehicle 100. The extended portion 302 diverts hot air exited from the radiator 202 and flowing towards the front panel 105 in left and right direction. The extended portion 302 may have varying cross section along its length. The extended portion 302 extends in left and right direction along the width of the vehicle 100.
[049] The cooling system 201 may comprise a cooling fan 303 for generating air draft. Both radiator 202 and cooling fan 303 may be positioned partially or fully within the concave structure 301. The Extended portion 302 of the concave structure 301 may guide air from the central portion of concave structure 301 outwardly through extended portions 302 in left and right direction of the vehicle 100 as shown in Fig. 3 (b). Due to air flowing from the front direction in vehicle running condition, pressure in the area around the radiator 202 on front panel 105 increases in comparison with side portions of the front panel 105.
[050] Fig. 4 shows the high pressure zone 601, area outside high pressure zone and inside the line 602 may be considered as low pressure zone. Hot air released from the radiator 202 flows from a high pressure zone 601 towards low pressure zone 602 naturally. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the concave structure 301 may be provided with a cover 701 as shown in Fig. 5, which may form a duct or channel 702 to flow the hot air from high pressure zone 601 to the low pressure zone 602.
[051] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the cover 701 may be provided with a winglet 703 to deflect the hot air away from the vehicle 100 which may increase the low pressure zone 602. The cover 701 is provided with a grill structure (768) to at least partially expose the heat sink 202 to the airflow during vehicle running condition.
[052] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the concave structure 301 may be extended on both sides of the front panel 105 when seen in front view of the vehicle 100 and provided with the air vents 704 at end of both left and right extended portions. The air vents 704 may be in the form of louvers. The low pressure zone 602 may be generated at vents 704.
[053] The radiator 202 and the cooling fan 303 may be positioned centrally on the front panel 105 in such a way that a portion of the radiator 202 partially overlaps front wheel assembly 401.
[054] According to one of embodiment of the present invention, the radiator 202 is positioned below windscreen 304 and between headlights 305 of the vehicle 100.
[055] In case of a single head light provided to vehicle, the radiator 202 may be mounted above or below of the head light.
[056] Fig. 6 shows bottom view of the vehicle according preferred embodiment of the present invention. The cooling system according to the present invention also comprises a pipe 402 for circulating a coolant in to the cooling system as shown in Fig. 6. The pipe may be connected between the radiator and a cooling jacket inlet 403a and outlet 403b of the engine. The pipe routed through front and bottom surface of the three wheeled vehicle 100 according to preferred embodiment of the present invention. The said routing may also avoid any obstructions to the routing/arrangement of other components such as brake or clutch cables 405, wiring harness 406, and fuel piping 407 advantageously. A protection means 404 may be provided to cover and protect the pipe from stones, mud splash, impact etc. The protection means 404 is a covering having perforations 408 to allow air circulation which enhancing cooling for the pipe 402 and hence coolant advantageously as shown in Fig. 6.
[057] Fig. 7 (a) shows vehicle 100 with the cooling system 201 according to the present invention. As mentioned above, the radiator 202 is positioned centrally within the concave structure 301 and may be attached or integrated into the front panel 105 by means of upper bracket 501 and lower bracket 502 according to one of the embodiments of the present invention. The radiator 202 positioned below the windscreen 304 and between the two headlights 305 to further improve aesthetics of the vehicle. The pipe 402 routed in such a way that it allows complete rotation of a wheel assembly 401 advantageously as visible in this figure. The cooling system 201 is so placed in the concave structure 301 avoiding its extension in the front direction of vehicle when seen in top view.
[058] Fig. 7 (b) depicts the concave structure 301 with portion 302 extended upwardly and in both left and right direction according to the present invention having varying cross section on both left and right side.
[059] Fig. 8 shows a three wheeled vehicle with cooling system arrangement along with the concave structure 301 and the cover 701 on the front panel 105 according to preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[060] Referring to fig. 9(a) to 11(c) illustrating implementation of cooling system according to present invention in different types of three-wheeled vehicles. Fig. 9(c), 10(c) and 11(c) illustrates mounting of a cooling system without cover element. The three-wheeled vehicle according to fig. 9(a-c) to Fig. 11 (a-c) are passenger-carrying vehicles with different capacities of carrying passengers. The vehicle according to fig. 12 (a-c) is a goods carrying vehicle, wherein goods are loaded towards rear side of vehicle. The rear structure may modified according to desired load carrying capacities of carrying load.
[061] According to preferred embodiment of present invention, a front structure for a three-wheeled vehicle (100) is provided comprising a chassis frame structure (101) comprising a front chassis frame structure (103); the front chassis frame structure (103) comprises a front panel (105); headlights (305) mounted on the front panel; a windscreen (304) provided on the upper portion of the front panel (105); a structure (301) comprising extended portion (302) extending along the substantial portion of the front panel (105) along the width of the vehicle (100); wherein the structure (301) is provided with plurality of openings (768, 704) and mounted substantially centrally on the front panel (105).
[062] Due to front mounted cooling system according to present invention, power requirement of the cooling fan reduces with greater extent (approximately by 50%). This improves duty cycle of cooling fan and reduces of electrical load on magneto or battery. Hence, requirement of high rating electrical equipment can be eliminated. The present cooling system maintains aesthetics of the vehicle and no compromise in leg room of rider. Also, such arrangement improves the performance of the cooling system since pipe routing of the cooling system may be longer in length as compared to other cooling systems and exposed to the atmosphere. Size and shape limitation on cooling system may also eliminated by the cooling system provided by the present invention.
[063] Although the invention has been described with regard to its embodiments, specific embodiments, and various examples, which constitute the best mode presently known to the inventors, it should be understood that various changes and modifications as would be obvious to one having the ordinary skill in this art may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. The scope of the claims should not be limited by the preferred embodiments set forth in the examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole. All changes that come with meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.
,CLAIMS:1. A cooling system for a three-wheeled vehicle comprising
a chassis frame structure comprising a front and a rear chassis frame structure; the front chassis frame structure comprises a front panel;
a heat sink for cooling purpose of at least one heat source;
characterized in that the heat sink is mounted on an outer surface of the front panel of the front chassis frame structure.

2. A cooling system for a three-wheeled vehicle as claimed in claim 1 wherein; the heat sink is a heat exchanger or a radiator or a condenser.

3. A cooling system for a three-wheeled vehicle as claimed in claim 1 wherein; the outer surface of the front panel is provided with a cavity to accommodate at least the heat sink.

4. A cooling system for a three-wheeled vehicle as claimed in claim 1 wherein; the heat sink is fluidly connected to the heat source for cooling purpose.

5. A cooling system for a three-wheeled vehicle as claimed in claim 1 wherein; the heat source includes a prime mover or a non-prime mover component of vehicle comprising an engine, a battery or an electrical motor, pump or an electrical component and mounted towards front or rear side of the vehicle.

6. A cooling system for a three-wheeled vehicle as claimed in any one of the claim above wherein; the cooling system is provided with a cooling fan provided on the front panel for generating air draft.

7. A cooling system for a three-wheeled vehicle as claimed in claim 6 wherein; the heat sink and the cooling fan are positioned centrally on the front panel.

8. A cooling system for a three-wheeled vehicle as claimed in claim 6 wherein; the air draft generates a high pressure zone and a low pressure zone on front panel in vehicle running condition.

9. A cooling system for a three-wheeled vehicle as claimed in claim 8 wherein; the high-pressure zone is generated in the central portion of front panel adjacent of the heat sink and the low-pressure zone is generated on side portions of the front panel adjacent to the high-pressure zone away from the heat sink.

10. A cooling system for a three-wheeled vehicle as claimed in claim 8 wherein; the high pressure zone is connected to the low pressure zone for allowing air to flow from high pressure zone to low pressure zone by means of a structure.

11. A cooling system for a three-wheeled vehicle as claimed in claim 10 wherein; the structure is provided in the form of a duct or a channel or a partitioning wall for allowing free flow of air.

12. A cooling system for a three-wheeled vehicle as claimed in claim 10 wherein; the structure is provided on the front panel or integrated into the front panel to accommodate the heat sink at least partially within the structure.

13. A cooling system for a three-wheeled vehicle as claimed in claim 10 wherein; the structure is a concave structure.

14. A cooling system for a three-wheeled vehicle as claimed in claim 13 wherein; the concave structure at least partially accommodate the heat sink and the cooling fan.

15. A cooling system for a three-wheeled vehicle as claimed in claim 13 wherein; the concave structure is provided in the form of a hollow cavity with an extending portion/s extending across the width of the vehicle for diverting hot air away from vehicle body and from heat sink.

16. A cooling system for a three-wheeled vehicle as claimed in claim 15 wherein; the extending portion is provided with varying cross section along its length.

17. A cooling system for a three-wheeled vehicle as claimed in claim 15 wherein; the extending portion is covered by a cover to form a channel or a duct to deflect the hot air released by the heat sink.

18. A cooling system for a three-wheeled vehicle as claimed in claim 17 wherein; the cover is provided with at least an air vent at its both end sides in the form of louvers thereby forming a low-pressure zone.

19. A cooling system for a three-wheeled vehicle as claimed in claim 18 wherein; the cover is provided with a deflecting element in the form of winglet or deflectors to deflect air away from the vehicle and to develop increased low-pressure characteristics.

20. A cooling system for a three-wheeled vehicle as claimed in claim 15 wherein; the cover is provided with a grill structure to at least partially expose the heat sink to the airflow during vehicle running condition.

21. A cooling system for a three-wheeled vehicle as claimed in claim 1 wherein; the heat sink is connected to the heat source using pipe connection for carrying coolant fluid there between for cooling of heat source wherein; the pipe connection routed along bottom surface of the vehicle.

22. A cooling system for a three-wheeled vehicle as claimed in claim 20 wherein; the pipe connection routed along the bottom surface of the vehicle is at least partially covered using a protection means wherein; the protections means is perforated for providing air ventilation to enhance the cooling of the pipe and coolant fluid.

23. A cooling system for a three-wheeled vehicle as claimed in claim 20 wherein; the pipe routing from the heat sink towards bottom portion of vehicle routed to enable complete rotation of a front wheel assembly without any obstructions of the pipe routing/arrangement of other components.

24. A cooling system for a three-wheeled vehicle as claimed in claim 1 wherein; the heat sink is positioned to at least partially overlap the front wheel assembly in top view of vehicle.

25. A cooling system for a three-wheeled vehicle as claimed in claim 1 wherein; the heat sink is positioned above or below headlight without affecting aesthetics of the vehicle.

26. A cooling system for a three-wheeled vehicle as claimed in claim 1 wherein; the heat sink is positioned between two headlights.

27. A cooling system for a three-wheeled vehicle as claimed in claim 1 wherein; the vehicle is a goods carrying vehicle or a passenger-carrying vehicle having various capacities of carrying passengers or load.

28. A front structure for a three-wheeled vehicle comprising
a chassis frame structure comprising a front chassis frame structure; the front chassis frame structure comprises a front panel;
head lights mounted on the front panel;
a windscreen provided on the upper portion of the front panel;
a structure comprising extended portion extending along the substantial portion of the front panel along the width of the vehicle;
wherein the structure is provided with plurality of openings and mounted substantially centrally on the front panel.