[0001] The present subject matter relates generally to a cover assembly, and
more particularly to a cover assembly for oil cooler for a saddle type vehicle.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Generally, in a two-wheeled vehicle a body frame extends rearward
from a head tube. The body frame acts as a skeleton for the vehicle that supports the vehicle loads. A front portion of the body frame connects a front wheel through one or more front suspension(s). Further, the body frame extends towards a rear portion of the vehicle. A rear wheel is connected to a frame assembly through one or more rear suspension(s). An internal combustion engine or any powertrain is mounted to the frame assembly of the vehicle. The internal combustion engine is functionally connected to the rear wheel, which provides the forward motion to the vehicle. Typically, plurality of panels is mounted to the frame assembly of the vehicle that covers various vehicle parts mounted thereon.
[0003] Typically, the internal combustion engine is provided with constant
flowing coolants which enable to keep its high operating temperature under control. In addition to it, atmospheric air is also used for cooling of internal combustion engine. Additionally, a radiator/oil cooler is provided which helps in cooling the coolant being used and recirculated for checking the temperature of the internal combustion engine. However, it is protection of the radiator/oil cooler being used which is important. Due to the critical nature of its operation, protection of radiator/oil cooler is highly important. Hence, the present subject matter aims to provide an efficient protection means for the radiator of the vehicle.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE 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 left side view of an exemplary two-wheeled saddle
ride-type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject
matter.
[0006] Fig. 2 illustrates a partial front view of the exemplary two-wheeled
vehicle as shown in Fig. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
subject matter.
[0007] Fig. 3 illustrates an exploded view of a cover assembly in accordance
with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0008] Fig. 4 illustrates a front view of the exemplary two-wheeled vehicle as
shown in Fig. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0009] Typically, a two-wheeled vehicle comprises of a frame structure
comprising of a head tube present in a front portion of the vehicle. The frame structure also comprises of a down tube extending in a downward and rearward direction from the head tube, and a main tube extending in a straight and forward direction from the head tube. Generally, a vehicle body surrounds the frame structure to provide an aesthetic appeal and cover the structure as well as vehicle components.
[00010] Moreover, the vehicle comprises of an internal combustion which
provides power to the vehicle after combustion of an air-fuel mixture being sent to it. However, the temperature of the internal combustion is always on a rise because of the whole process. The overheating of engine during long distance trips is a common occurrence. Thus, there are liquid and air cooled mechanisms which keep the temperature of the internal combustion engine under check. The engine oil which is circulated within the engine when its running absorbs the heat generated inside and beyond a defined temperature level begins to lose its viscosity. When the density of the lubricant decreases, the friction between the components increases and as a result of this the temperature of the internal combustion engine too begins to increase rapidly. If the cooling air is not adequately flowing around the finned heat exchangers and other portions of the

internal combustion engine, the temperature of the internal combustion engine and lubricating oil may rise very quickly to the point of thermal breakdown temperature, which rapidly accelerates the process of engine component friction and wear, significantly shortening the life of the internal combustion engine. The two-wheeled vehicle incorporates a radiator/oil cooler which provides a cooling mechanism for the hot coolant coming out and being recirculated in the internal combustion engine. This further helps in improving the component lifetime, reliability and thus, reducing overall cost. Cooling system provides a mechanism to keep the temperature of the engine at an optimum level. When the radiator/ oil cooler perform its function as required, it contributes towards stabilizing the other vital aspects of the vehicle. The coolant flows through the channel and absorbs the heat from the engine and later loses that heat.
[00011] Generally, a cover assembly is provided for the radiator/oil cooler, which tends to hamper the effectiveness of the radiator. During a crash condition the cover provided can get hampered and disturbed. In furtherance to it, the use of additional crash guards is being prohibited for safety. Typically, the radiator / oil cooler is mounted to the frame or chassis structure of a saddle type vehicle. In the design of layout of vehicles with radiator / oil cooler there always exists a challenge to be able to package the radiator member as forward as possible & disposed to be exposed to maximum frontal wind to maximize the cooling efficiency. This contradicts with the layout constraint of the volumetric space requirement in the wheel well of the vehicle arising out the upward movement of the front wheel assembly during riding & stroking from full rebound to full compressed condition. There exists a problem of fouling of the front wheel fender with vehicle frame, radiator etc. parts lying within the vicinity. Thus, there exists a challenge of making the vehicle compact in order to maintain an optimized component layout, as well as providing adequate space for dynamic movement of parts. Higher gap at this zone leads to increase in the wheelbase of the vehicle which is detrimental to the maneuverability of the vehicle. Also, the structure near the steering stem & pivot tube of the vehicle can become weak owing to significant overhang distance of the power source when this distance increases.

There also exists a need to have the mass of the powertrain centralized more towards the front of the vehicle to have the CG of the vehicle closer to the front wheel axis & disposed with minimum lateral width of the vehicle to be able to provide better handling performance of the bike. The packaging of this frontal area becomes so congested with additional vehicle component like horn mounting, exhaust port & other electrical components which need to be disposed around this zone. Packaging of multiple components of the vehicle in this area not only tends to hamper the efficient flow of cooling air around the critical parts but also are vulnerable to major damage in the event of vehicle accident or fall during capsize. A frame down tube structure in typical form of a twin tube cradle design with a radiator system mounted to the vehicle along with a guard increase the number of the parts of the vehicle thereby increasing the cost, time for assembly as well as making service difficult. Hence, there is a need to have a guard which is effective and resolves the above-mentioned problems & limitations.
[00012] In addition to it, some of the systems also use air cooling mechanism
for the internal combustion engine. Providing an efficient air cooling mechanism in addition to the oil cooled mechanism would enhance the working of the internal combustion engine. Also, temperature is a function of complex interaction between conduction, radiation and convection in the surrounding fluid and atmosphere, especially for very hot components like internal combustion engine, etc. The present subject matter is aimed at providing a stable and efficient protection for the radiator/oil cooler even in case of a crash. In addition to it, the present subject matter also improves the air flow for cooling of the internal combustion engine.
[00013] Arrows provided in the top right corner of each figure 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, and an arrow Dw denotes downward direction.

[00014] Fig. 1 illustrates a left side view of an exemplary motor vehicle
(100), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The vehicle (100) includes a frame assembly (105) that extends from a head tube (105A), which is disposed in the front portion of said vehicle (100), towards a rear portion of said vehicle (100). Said frame assembly (105) extends in longitudinal direction F-R of said vehicle (100). Said frame assembly (105) may further comprise a sub-frame formed by a pair of rear tubes (not shown) that extend obliquely rearward from the main frame. An engine assembly (110) is fixedly mounted to said frame assembly (105).
[00015] Said engine assembly (100) includes at least one of an internal
combustion engine and a traction/electrical motor (not shown). A front portion of a swing arm (115) is swingably connected to said frame assembly (105) and a rear portion of said swing arm (115) rotatably supports a rear wheel (120). Said rear wheel (120) is functionally coupled to said engine assembly (110) through a transmission system. The transmission system (not shown) includes a chain drive/belt drive, a variable gear ratio system, or an automatic type transmission. A rear fender (125) disposed upwardly of said rear wheel (120) covers at least a portion of said rear wheel (120). Further, said swing arm (115) is coupled to said frame assembly (105) through one or more rear suspension(s) (not shown). In the present embodiment, a mono-shock type rear suspension connects said swing arm (115) to said frame assembly (105). Similarly, a pair of front forks (130) supports a front wheel (135) and is steerably supported by said head tube (105A). A handlebar assembly (140) is connected to an upper portion of said pair of front forks (130). Further, a front fender (145) covers at least a portion of said front wheel (135) and said front fender (145) is mounted to said front forks (130).
[00016] A fuel tank assembly (150) is mounted to said frame assembly (150)
and is disposed rearwardly of said handlebar assembly (140). A seat assembly (155) including a rider seat is disposed rearwardly of said fuel tank assembly (150) and is supported by said frame assembly (105). The seat assembly may

include a pillion seat. Further, a pair of rider foot pegs (165) mounted to said frame assembly (105) of said vehicle (100) that enable in supporting rider foot.
[00017] Further, said engine assembly (110) includes an air-fuel supply
system (not shown) that supplies air and fuel to said engine assembly (110). An exhaust pipe (not shown) extends from said engine assembly (110) towards a muffler (not shown) that is disposed adjacently of the rear wheel (120). Plurality of panels (170) covers at least a portion of said frame assembly (105) and one or more vehicle parts.
[00018] Furthermore, said vehicle (100) includes various electrical and
electronic systems including a starter system (not shown), a headlamp (175), a vehicle control unit, and a tail lamp (180). In addition, said vehicle (100) includes safety systems including a synchronous braking system (not shown), and an anti-lock braking system.
[00019] Fig. 2 illustrates a partial front view of said exemplary two-wheeled
vehicle (100) as shown in fig. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. In an embodiment, a constant supply of coolant is provided to said engine assembly (110) to keep its high temperature in check. However, the coolant being used is continuously recirculated because of which the temperature of the coolant also tends to increase. To avoid this phenomenon and also, to make sure that the engine oil maintains an operating temperature which is optimal, it is circulated between an oil cooler (205). Hence, said oil cooler (205) is provided to help in cooling of the coolant being thus recirculated. Said oil cooler (205) is located below said fuel tank assembly (150), ahead of said engine assembly (110). The size of the component is chosen such that it keeps said engine assembly (110) at the required temperature under the most extreme conditions which a vehicle is likely to encounter. In an embodiment, said oil cooler (205) is disposed horizontally with respect to vehicle height. Said vehicle (100) also comprises of a horn (215) placed adjacent to said oil cooler (205). In an embodiment, a cover assembly (210) is located before said engine assembly (110) to protect and accommodate said oil cooler (205) and also allow a flow of

atmospheric air for its cooling. Utilization of ambient air for cooling is an ideal method in this case for said engine assembly (110) since an additional amount of cooling is required for a specific temperature range where it is vital that the engine oil retains its viscosity and to minimize the friction. Hence, an adequate cooling airflow through said cover assembly (210) is an essential element for managing the thermal radiations of the vehicle components. In an embodiment of the present subject matter said oil cooler (205) is located at the front of said vehicle (100) precisely close to where said front wheel (135) is located and therefore, the dust and dirt thrown by said front wheel (135) may damage said oil cooler (205) in the absence of said cover assembly (210). This accumulated dirt reduces the efficiency of radiator and other coolers. Also, once sucked into the cooling air apertures, the dirt and dust coats the cooling fins of said engine assembly (110), said oil cooler (205) and other heat exchangers. This coating then blocks the transfer of heat from the cooling fins of the heat exchangers to the ambient air and must be removed to restore full operational capacity of heat exchangers. Therefore, said cover assembly (210) performs multiple functions, for instance, acting as a protection for the underlying components of said vehicle (100) and enhancing the airflow towards said oil cooler (205) and said engine assembly (110).
[00020] Fig. 3 illustrates an exploded view of said cover assembly (210) in
accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. In an embodiment, said vehicle (100) comprises of said oil cooler (205) disposed horizontally with respect to said vehicle (100) height and said horn (215) placed beside it. In an embodiment, said cover assembly (210) is provided to protect said oil cooler (205) and said horn (215) as well. Said cover assembly (210) comprises of an air ventilating grill (305) assembled in it located in front of said oil cooler (205) to allow a free flow and entry of atmospheric air for cooling of said oil cooler (205). Said grill (305) is optimally placed to minimize the heating of required components. As per an embodiment of the present subject matter, said cover assembly (210) comprises of a chin guard (310) attached to at least one of the left

hand side and right hand side of said cover assembly (210). According to an embodiment of the present subject matter, said chin guard (310) is attached on both the sides of said cover assembly (210). Said chin guard (310) provides an extra layer of protection for said oil cooler (205) in case said vehicle (100) falls or crashes. Since, said oil coolers (205) are substantially inclined, said chin guard (310) provides an essential protection means for said oil coolers (205). Thus, said chin guard (310) provided by the present subject matter is the best and safest protection measure to be provided, for said vehicle (100) and said oil cooler (205). Also, said oil cooler (205) disposed behind said grill (305) is protected from dirt and mud as the design of said grill (305) is made such that it allows proper amount of airflow towards said vehicle (100) and in the meantime provides as a protective cover.
[00021] In an embodiment, said chin guard (310) comprises of an opening
(O). In one of the embodiment of the present subject matter said opening (O) has one of its sides in the range of 100-150 mm and other side in the range of 10-20 mm. Said opening (O) has been provided on purpose with such a profile which allows an entry of atmospheric air when the vehicle is moving forward. Said opening (O) enables accurate amount of cooling air flows for an efficient performance of cooling mechanisms under realistic operating conditions. In order for a space to be ventilated adequately via buoyancy driven ventilation, the inside and outside temperatures must be different. When the interior is warmer than the exterior, indoor air rises and escapes the space. If there are lower apertures then colder, denser air from the exterior enters the space through them, thereby creating flow displacement ventilation. When there is a temperature difference between two adjoining volumes of air the warmer air will have lower density and be more buoyant thus will escape and the cold air will flow due to difference in densities. Since the air closer to said engine assembly (110) tends to undergo an increase in temperature, the atmospheric air entering through said opening (O) is directed towards said engine assembly (110) due to difference in temperatures and density. Thus, said engine assembly (110) is provided with extra supply of

atmospheric air which helps in its cooling. The design of said cover assembly (210) has a critical impact on the fuel efficiency by reducing wind resistance of said vehicle’s (100) exterior elements and reducing losses associated with requirements for cooling flow through said engine assembly (110) and its surrounding components. The flow of the cooling ambient air is enhanced and the efficiency of said oil cooler (205) thereby increases accordingly. Thus, said opening (O) and chin guard (310) further helps in protection of said oil coolers (205) and enables a supply of atmospheric air towards said engine assembly (110) as well thereby, significantly reducing the number of thermal failures observed in said vehicle (100) at a significantly lower design cost.
[00022] Fig. 4 illustrates a front view of said vehicle (100) in accordance
with an embodiment of the present subject matter. As explained above, said chin guard (310) is provided with said opening (O). Said opening (O) is profiled and located in a fashion which allows an entry of atmospheric are to be directed towards said engine assembly (110) which enhances its cooling process. The present figure illustrates such a direction of atmospheric air represented by F-F’ entering through said opening (O) provided on said chin guard (310) & directing the air towards at least one of the vehicle parts viz. radiator, power train, energy source, electrical components etc. when said vehicle (100) is moving in a forward direction. Thus, in addition to providing protection said chin guard (310) also enhances the cooling mechanism for said engine assembly (110). In another embodiment, said cover assembly (210) member along with said chin guard (310) member form an integral part of the structural components of said vehicle which also house said radiator (205), said grill (305) as well as said horn (215). Said horn (215) member may have additional gussets near the top portion & substantially below said fuel tank assembly (150) which can, not only support the storage member (fuel tank) but also enable improving the overall aesthetics of the front portion of the vehicle. Further, said cover assembly (210) is configured to integrate said oil cleaner (205), chin guard (310), horn (215), ventilating grill (305) wherein the integration is disposed substantially downstream of the pivot

tube, upstream of the powertrain & substantially below the storage member so as to enable compact vehicle layout. All the components are so packaged so as to have minimum number of parts, compact packaging & disposed substantially upstream of the power train, substantially below the storage tank & downstream of the pivot stem of the vehicle.
[00023] 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.

List of Reference Signs
100 Saddle type Vehicle
105 Frame assembly
105A Head tube
110 Engine assembly
115 Swing arm
120 Rear wheel
125 Rear fender
130 Front forks
135 Front wheel
140 Handlebar assembly
145 Front fender
150 Fuel tank assembly
155 Seat assembly
165 Rider foot pegs
170 Panels
175 Headlamp
180 Tail lamp
205 Oil cooler
210 Cover assembly
215 Horn
305 Grill
310 Chin Guard
O Opening

We Claim:
1. A saddle type vehicle (100) comprising:
a powertrain assembly (110) to provide required power and drive to said
saddle type vehicle (100);
an oil cooler (205) enabled to control temperature of coolant being circulated
for cooling of said engine assembly (110); and
a cover assembly (210) provided to protect and accommodate said oil cleaner
(205) and wherein said cover assembly (210) comprises a chin guard (310)
attached to at least one side of said cover assembly (210) when seen from a
front view of said saddle type vehicle (100).
2. The saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in Claim 1, wherein chin guard (310) comprises of opening (O) which is attached to at least one of a left hand side or a right hand side of said cover assembly (210) when seen from a front view of said saddle type vehicle (100).
3. The saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in Claim 1, wherein opening (O) is configured so as to direct upstream air towards the inside portion of the vehicle for cooling of at least one of the parts of radiator, powertrain & electrical component.
4. The saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said opening (O) has at least one side in the range of 100-150 mm.
5. The saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said opening (O) has at least one side in the range of 10-20 mm.
6. A saddle type vehicle (100) comprising:
a powertrain assembly (110) to provide required power and drive to said saddle type vehicle (100);

an oil cooler (205) enabled to control temperature of coolant being circulated for cooling of said engine assembly (110); and
a cover assembly (210) configured to integrate said oil cleaner (205), chin guard (310), horn (215), ventilating grill (305) wherein the integration is disposed substantially downstream of the pivot tube, upstream of the powertrain & substantially below the storage member.