DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter relates generally to a saddle type vehicle and more particularly to an exterior cover assembly for an internal combustion engine.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Generally, a saddle type vehicle comprises of a frame assembly extending rearwardly from a head tube. The frame assembly acts as a skeleton and a structural member for the vehicle that supports the vehicle loads. A front wheel is connected to a front portion of the frame assembly through one or more front suspension(s). The frame assembly extends towards a rear portion of the vehicle. A rear wheel is connected to a frame assembly through one or more rear suspension(s). The frame assembly comprises of an engine assembly mounted to it. The engine assembly is functionally connected to the rear wheel, which provides forward motion to the vehicle.
[0003] An engine assembly is mounted to the frame assembly of the vehicle. In a 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 internal combustion (IC) engine, among other components, has a cylinder on top of which a cylinder head is mounted, and receives a reciprocating piston from the bottom. On combustion of the air-fuel mixture, the piston transfers the energy generated during combustion to a crankshaft through a connecting rod thereby driving the crankshaft. In this way, the reciprocatory motion of the piston is converted to rotary motion of the crankshaft. The crankshaft rotation then powers the vehicle.
[0004] Vehicles with internal combustion engine commonly have a cover assembly disposed at its lower side region, visible when viewed from a side of the vehicle. The cover assembly is generally called as an engine cover, which is of different shapes and which also serves different purposes, such as a plastic oil pan, a timing chain cover, a front engine cover (i.e. the cover opposite to the crankshaft, irrespective of whether the engine is positioned longitudinal transversal), a cylinder head cover, a timing chain cover, or a crank case cover, also called output crankshaft or rear crankshaft cover. Typically, a cover for an engine sprocket is basically provided to protect the rider’s feet from getting hurt. In furtherance to it, the sprocket cover also protects the sprocket from any unwanted foreign materials, such as dust, water etc. It is also known that internal combustion engine generates various radiated sounds such as vibration sound, transmission sound, metal hammering sound at an operation of a fuel injection valve, and the like. Since these sounds are generated at various portions of the internal combustion engine, an engine cover is mounted to widely cover sound sources to thereby reduce the radiated sounds and enhance the sound quality of the vehicle.
[0005] Typically, the engine parts inside the engine are not common in terms of size between LH side and RH side of an internal combustion engine. Therefore, in order to substantially cover such sides, the covers do not have a common outer surface and the symmetry of such covers is often not similar. Most often than not, the surface area provided on the cover disposed on the RH side of the engine assembly is more as compared to the surface area of the cover provided on the LH side of the engine assembly. This in turn, results in deterioration of the aesthetic features and in some cases the logo not being projected properly on either side. In fact, the cover assembly provided in some cases is not sufficiently capable of protecting the rider from injuries and heat burn nor can dampen the sounds coming from the internal combustion engine. Thus, there is a need to overcome the above stated problems posed by the cover assembly of the internal combustion engines known in the art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0006] 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.
[0007] Fig. 1 illustrates a right-side view of an exemplary saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0008] Fig. 2 illustrates a left side view of the engine assembly of the saddle type vehicle as shown in Fig. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0009] Fig. 3 illustrates a right-side view of the engine assembly of the saddle type vehicle as shown in Fig. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00010] Fig. 4 illustrates a front view of the engine assembly of the saddle type vehicle as shown in Fig. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00011] Fig. 5a illustrates a left side view of a conventional cover assembly for the engine assembly used on prior occasions for the saddle type vehicle as shown in Fig. 1, used prior to application of the present subject matter.
[00012] Fig. 5b illustrates a left side view of the engine assembly incorporating the cover assembly of the present subject matter in a riding position of the rider.
[00013] Fig. 6 illustrates an exploded view of the cover assembly for the engine assembly of the saddle type vehicle as shown in Fig. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00014] Fig. 7 illustrates a top view of the cover assembly for the engine sprocket of the saddle type vehicle as shown in Fig. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00015] Typically, a saddle type motor vehicle is operated through an engine assembly mounted to the frame assembly in a front portion and a fuel tank being disposed above the engine assembly. Conventionally, internal combustion engine assembly includes a crankcase, a cylinder block coupled to the crankcase, and a cylinder head mounted on the upper part of the cylinder block. Air fuel mixture is supplied to the engine assembly by means of a carburetor. Thereafter, combustion of the air fuel mixture takes place so that a piston disposed in the engine assembly is set into motion. The piston is operated in a linear motion, after which said liner motion is converted to a rotational motion, wherein said rotational motion is transferred to the rear wheel finally resulting into motion of the vehicle. This mechanism also results in generation of power and torque by the engine assembly.
[00016] Conventionally, a saddle type vehicle is provided with a cover for the engine sprocket so that the rider’s foot is protected from any kind of injury. In furtherance to it the cover for an engine sprocket also protects the sprocket from any kind of foreign materials such as dust or water. The cover assembly also dampens the noises coming from an engine assembly. One of the challenges faced in this respect is the uneven symmetry of surface of the LH side and RH side of the engine assembly. Sine, the engine parts inside are not common in size between the LH side and RH side, the cover’s outer surface do not possess or share a common symmetry. This in turn also disturbs the aesthetic features and the symmetry of logo on both the sides of the cover assembly.
[00017] Mostly, cover assemblies provided for the engine sprocket are not able to achieve all the above said features in one single embodiment. The metal cover surface provided is not effective in dampening the noise and protecting the rider from any injury or heat burn at once. Moreover, in neither of the cases can the cover assembly provide an even symmetrical surface on both the LH side and RH side of the engine assembly. This in turn, affects the aesthetic feature of the vehicle as the logo being projected on both the sides is not symmetric.
[00018] Thus, the present system provides a cover assembly for an internal combustion engine sufficient enough to protect the rider from any injury or heart burn and dampen the sounds coming from the internal combustion engine. In furtherance to it, the present subject matter also aims to provide a cover assembly with a common surface such that there is an even symmetry on both the sides which enhances the aesthetic feature and enables a uniform projection of the logo as well.
[00019] One of the objectives of the present subject matter is to provide a cover assembly for an internal combustion engine which guards the sprocket. Another object is to protect the rider’s foot from any kind of injury. Still another object of the present subject matter is to substantially dampen noises coming from the engine assembly at once without allowing them to emanate further. In an embodiment, yet another objective of the present subject matter is to provide such a cover assembly which enhances the aesthetic feature of the engine assembly when viewed from the side of the vehicle. Still another object of the present subject matter is to provide a common surface and symmetry on both the RH side and LH side of the engine assembly such that the projection of the logo is even on both the sides.
[00020] In an embodiment in accordance with the present subject matter, a saddle type vehicle employed with a cover assembly for the internal combustion engine is provided. The cover assembly of the present subject matter is provided in such a way that there is no need for an extra embodiment to achieve the above said objectives.
[00021] In an embodiment, a cover is provided on both the LH side and RH side of an engine assembly, more particularly around the engine sprocket of the engine assembly. The cover provided around the sprocket area of the engine helps in protection of the rider’s foot from being hurt in addition to protecting the sprocket from foreign materials such as dust and water. In furtherance to it a lot of heat is radiated and transmitted from the engine assembly in its running condition hence a cover assembly is also provided to protect the rider from any kind of heat burn during riding. The cover assembly of the present subject matter enables dampening of noise coming from the engine assembly as well, such that there is no compromise made with respect to sound quality of the vehicle. In furtherance to it, the cover assembly of the present subject matter also enhances the aesthetic appeal of the vehicle, as on the cover on both LH side as well as the RH side is symmetrical.
[00022] In an embodiment, the cover assembly provided to cover the engine sprocket extends further to cover the lower side region for the engine assembly as well. The extension of the engine sprocket cover is in a forward horizontal direction toward the front wheel such that it substantially covers the lower region of the internal combustion engine. The cover provided here serves a dual purpose, firstly, it covers and protects the engine sprocket, secondly, it extends further enabling an efficient dampening of the sounds coming from an internal combustion engine and protects the rider’s foot from heat burns as well. The extension provided in the engine sprocket cover of the present subject matter also ensures that the surface area of the LH side of the engine assembly as compared to the RH side of the engine assembly is substantially symmetrical, which helps in an even symmetrical projection of the logo on both the sides of the engine assembly thereby enhancing the aesthetic features of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the cover assembly of the present subject matter includes two portions, the first portion comprising of couple of cover arms covering the sprocket, wherein those cover arms project inward to form a substantial rectangular block. The second portion being an extension from the rectangular shaped block of the first portion is a substantial bullet shaped structure with a parabolic dome at the top. In one embodiment, both the first and the second portions together project the cover assembly substantially horizontally towards a front side of the vehicle, such that the cover assembly possesses a shape that is similar to a rocket shaped structure.
[00023] The present subject matter increases the efficiency of the cover assembly without addition of any extra element or making the assembly any bulkier. The present subject matter enhances the aesthetic feature of the assembly and ensures that the rocket shaped structure of the cover assembly of the engine does not project outwardly in a width-wise direction of the vehicle when viewed from the top such that the cover assembly of the present subject matter is made compact without interfering with the ergonomic riding posture of the rider in addition to ensuring that the rider’s legs are not exposed to any heat burns. Further, the symmetrically projecting cover assembly ensures that the two or three-dimensional logo paced on the cover assembly is clearly projected without hindering the ergonomic riding posture of the rider. Further, the cover assembly of the present subject matter ensures that there is no need for two separate parts, i.e., one for protecting the rider’s foot from heat burn and another separate part for covering the sprocket, thereby making the overall engine assembly lighter.
[00024] 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.
[00025] In relation to the following description of embodiment(s), arrows as and where 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, an arrow Dw denotes downward direction. Also, an arrow with LH denotes a left side, and an arrow with RH denotes a right side. All aforementioned directions are with respect to the vehicle.
[00026] Fig. 1 illustrates a right-side view of an exemplary saddle type vehicle (50), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The vehicle (50) includes a frame assembly (5) that extends from a head tube (not shown), which is disposed in the front portion of the vehicle (50). The frame assembly (5) includes a mainframe (not shown) comprising a main tube extending rearward from a rear portion of the head tube and a down tube (not shown) that extends rearwardly downward from the head tube. The frame assembly (5) 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 (4) is supported by the main frame of the frame assembly (5). The engine assembly (4) acts as the power unit of the vehicle (50), wherein the power unit may also include a traction/electrical motor (not shown). A front portion of a swing arm assembly (15) is swingably connected to the main frame of the frame assembly (5) and rear portion of the swing arm assembly (15) rotatably supports a rear wheel (11). The rear wheel (11) is functionally coupled to the engine assembly (4) through a transmission system. A rear fender (14) disposed upwardly of the rear wheel (11) covers at least a portion of the rear wheel (11). Further, the swing arm assembly (15) is coupled to the frame assembly (5) through one or more rear suspension(s). A pair of front forks (8) supports a front wheel (10) and is steerably supported by the head pipe. A handlebar assembly (2) is connected to an upper portion of the pair of front fork (8). Further, a front fender assembly (9) covers at least a portion of the front wheel (10) and the front fender assembly (9) is mounted to the front forks (8).
[00027] A fuel tank (3) is mounted to the main tube of the frame assembly (5) and disposed rearwardly of the handlebar assembly (2). A seat assembly (12) is disposed rearwardly of the fuel tank assembly (3) and supported by the pair of rear tubes. Further, the vehicle (50) comprises a visor assembly (6) that is disposed forwardly over the headlamp (7). A tail cover assembly (16) is disposed rearwardly of the side panel assembly (not shown) and extends along the pair of rear tubes thereby covering at least a portion of the pair of rear tubes. The tail cover assembly (16) extends towards a rear portion of the frame assembly (5) and the tail cover assembly (16) is adapted to accommodate a pillion handle (13) attached to its side. An exhaust emission system (17) is disposed extending substantially rearwardly from an exhaust pipe (19) emerging out of an exhaust port (18) of the engine assembly (4).
[00028] Fig. 2 illustrates a left side view of the engine assembly (4) of the saddle type vehicle (50) as shown in Fig. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. In an embodiment, the cover assembly (18) is attached to the engine assembly (4) extending from the sprocket to the cover the engine assembly (4) as well. The cover assembly (18) attached extends forward in a horizontal direction towards the front wheel (10) [Shown in Fig. 1]. In an embodiment, the cover assembly (18) includes a forwardly extending section (22) and a rearwardly extending section (23). In an embodiment, the forwardly extending section (22) is smaller in cross-section than the rearwardly extending section (23) such that the forwardly extending section is encompassed in at least three sides by a cover magneto (24). In an embodiment, the cross-section of the forwardly extending section (22) and the rearwardly extending section (23) are in a ratio of at least 1:1.5. In an embodiment, the cover magneto (24) is made of metal, for example, aluminum, while the cover assembly (18) is made of resin material. Further, in an embodiment, the rearwardly extending section (23) of the cover assembly (18) covers the sprocket (not shown) of the engine assembly (4) whose position (25) is indicated in Fig. 2, while the forwardly extending section (22) overlaps at least a portion of the cover magneto (24). In an embodiment, the forwardly extending section (22) of the cover assembly (18) has a flat outer surface (26). For example, in an embodiment, the flat outer surface (26) of the forwardly extending section (22) is provided with a LH side symmetric brand indicator (27). In one embodiment, the cover magneto (24) constitutes a left-hand side portion of the cover assembly (18), while the forwardly extending section (22) and the rearwardly extending section (23) together constitutes a right-hand side portion of the cover assembly (18) of the present subject matter.
[00029] Fig. 3 illustrates a right hand (RH) side view of the engine assembly (4) of the saddle type vehicle (50) as shown in Fig. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. In an embodiment, the engine assembly (4) includes a RH side cover assembly, for example, a cover clutch (29) that is attached to the engine assembly (4) extending forward in a front direction towards the front wheel (10) of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the cover clutch (29) is made of aluminum. In one embodiment, the cover clutch (29) is made symmetrical to the cover assembly (18) and the cover magneto (24), such that the location of the RH side brand indictor (28) is symmetric to that of the LH side brand indicator (27). In an embodiment, the outer surface of the cover clutch (29) is flat to accommodate the RH side brand indicator (28).
[00030] Fig. 4 illustrates a front view of the engine assembly (4) of the saddle type vehicle (50) as shown in Fig. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. In an embodiment, the cover assembly (18) with respect to the present subject matter is attached at the LH side of the engine assembly (4) extending forward from the sprocket position (25) [not shown in this figure]. In an embodiment, the cover assembly (18) is attached in such a fashion that it protects the rider’s feet from any injury and heat burn while he is riding. For example, the position of a gear shift lever (30) of the engine assembly (4) is such that the front end of the gear shift lever (30) is proximal to the cover magneto (24) region, more particularly, to a region of the cover magneto (24) where oil flows, which dissipates enormous heat. in an embodiment, the forwardly extending section (22) of the cover assembly (18) of the present subject matter insulates dissipation of such heat towards the rider’s leg during the gear shifting operation. Moreover, the cover assembly (18), which also covers the sprocket of the engine assembly, acts as an integrated cover assembly (18), thereby eliminating the need for two separate covers, i.e., a cover for covering the engine sprocket and a separate cover to act as a heat guard by projecting horizontally above an inner portion of the cover magneto, which otherwise would have resulted in increased no. of parts and added more weight and cost. Moreover, the integrated cover assembly (18) of the present subject matter does not project outwardly in a vehicle width-wise direction, thereby ensuring the ergonomic posture of the rider’s legs is not affected while shifting of gears.
[00031] Fig. 5a illustrates a left side view of a conventional engine assembly (4) depicting a cover assembly (18 (a)) for the engine assembly (4) for the saddle type vehicle (50) as shown in Fig. 1, used prior to application of the present subject matter. Conventionally, the cover assembly (18a) did not possess an extension as provided in the cover assembly (18) of the present subject matter. However, the surface area of the cover (18) provided on this side, i.e. LH side of the engine assembly (4) is less than the surface area provided on the RH side of the engine assembly (4). This resulted in an uneven projection of the logo which deteriorated the aesthetic features of the vehicle (50). Moreover, the presence of the gear shifting lever (30a) in the conventional engine assembly (4) is proximal to the cover magneto (24a), which is generally made of metal and dissipates engine heat. This leads to rider’s leg from being exposed to high temperature during gear shifting operation. As can be seen in this figure, the conventional cover assembly (18a) does not extend to overlap the cover magneto (24a).
[00032] Fig. 5b illustrates a left side view of the engine assembly incorporating the cover assembly of the present subject matter in a riding position of the rider. In an implementation, a substantial portion of the rider’s leg (36) juxtaposes a substantial portion of the cover magneto (24), which is generally of high temperature, and which causes inconvenience to rider while shifting gears using the gear shift lever (30a), which is placed adjoiningly downward to the cover magneto (24). The forwardly extending portion (22) of the cover assembly (18) of the present invention overlaps substantial portion of the cover magneto (24) thereby largely reducing the heat being dissipated towards the rider’s leg (36) from the cover magneto (24) region of the engine assembly (4). In one embodiment, the material of the cover assembly (18) helps in insulating the heat dissipated by the cover magneto (24)
[00033] Fig. 6 illustrates an exploded view of the cover assembly (18) for the engine assembly (4) of the saddle type vehicle (50) as shown in Fig. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. In an embodiment, the left-hand side portion and right hand side portion of the cover assembly (18) together covers the LH side of the engine assembly (4). In an embodiment, the cover assembly (18) has at least two mounting portions. For example, a first mounting portion (31a) provided on the right-hand side portion of the cover assembly (18), i.e., the forwardly extending section (22), is mounted together with a mounting portion (31b) of the cover magneto (24). In an embodiment, the mounting portion (31b) of the cover magneto (24) is provided on an inner cover magneto (33), which is overlapped by the forwardly extending section (22) of the cover assembly (18). In one embodiment, the inner cover magneto (33) has a curved surface (32), which is encompassed and overlapped by the forwardly extending section (22) having a flat surface for incorporation of the brand indicator. In one embodiment, the cover assembly (18) includes at least a second mounting portion (34), which is mounted to the crankcase (not shown) of the engine assembly (4).
[00034] Fig. 7 illustrates a top view of the cover assembly (18) for the engine sprocket of the saddle type vehicle (50) as shown in Fig. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. In an embodiment, the cover assembly (18) comprises of two portions, a first portion (19) comprising of an extension from sprocket cover arms (21), which further project in to form a substantial rectangular shaped block. A second portion (20) being a width-wise extension from the rectangular shaped block of the first portion (19). The second portion (20) is a substantially bullet shaped embodiment with a parabolic shaped dome at the top extending horizontally forward towards the front wheel (10) of the vehicle (50). The first portion (19) and the second portion (20) together provides a rocket shaped structure to the cover assembly (18). The extension provided in form of the second portion (20) enables an even symmetry on both the LH and RH side of the engine assembly (4) such that it enhances the aesthetic appeal and also provides a good even display of the brand indicator on both the LH and RH sides. Further, the second portion (20) prevents entry of dust particles and mud into the engine assembly, thereby preventing the underlying cover magneto (24) and the sprocket from impurities, which enhances the service life of such parts. Moreover, the detachable cover assembly (18) made of resin material enhances the serviceability of the vehicle (50). In addition to it, the cover assembly (18) of the present subject matter, with its stable and robust structure, more particularly, the forwardly extending section (22) of the cover assembly (18) helps in efficiently dampening the engine noise emanating from the engine assembly (4).
[00035] Many modifications and variations of the present subject matter are possible within the spirit and scope of the present subject matter, in the light of above disclosure. ,CLAIMS:We Claim:
1. A saddle type vehicle (50) including a front wheel (10) and a rear wheel (11), said saddle type vehicle (50) comprises: an engine assembly (4) to drive said vehicle (50), said engine assembly (4) comprising a sprocket disposed rearwardly of said engine assembly (4) towards a left hand (LH) side of said vehicle (50); and a cover assembly (18) for covering said sprocket of said engine assembly (4) disposed on said left hand (LH) side of said vehicle (50); said cover assembly (18) comprises a rearwardly extending section (23) covering said sprocket and a forwardly extending section (22) substantially horizontally extending forwardly from said sprocket position (25) towards said front wheel (10) to cover a lower region of said engine assembly (4), substantially overlapping a gear shift lever (30) of said engine assembly (4) when seen from a side of said vehicle (50).

2. The saddle type vehicle (50) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said cover assembly (18) comprises of a first portion (19) including said forwardly extending section (22) and a second portion (20) disposed substantially adjoining said first portion (19), and wherein the cross-section of the forwardly extending section (22) and the rearwardly extending section (23) are in a ratio of at least 1:1.25 to 1:2, preferably 1:1.5.

3. The saddle type vehicle (50) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said first portion (19) being a substantially rectangular shaped block covering a substantial lower portion of said engine assembly (4), said first portion (19) has a flat outer surface incorporating at least one side brand indicator (27).

4. The saddle type vehicle (50) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said first portion (19) covers an engine sprocket on LH side of said vehicle (50) through one or more cover arms extending in a rearward direction from said first portion (19) when seen from a left side of said vehicle (50).

5. The saddle type vehicle as claimed in claim 2, wherein said second portion (20) being substantially similar to a bullet shaped structure with a parabolic dome at top extends forward in a horizontal direction towards said front wheel (10) from said first portion (19) to cover complete lower portion of said internal combustion engine (4) when seen from one side of said vehicle (50).

6. The saddle type vehicle as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein said first portion (19) of said cover assembly (18) overlaps an inner portion (33) of cover magneto (24) of said engine assembly (4).

7. The saddle type vehicle as claimed in claim 2 or 6, wherein said cover assembly (18) comprising of said first portion (19) and said second portion (20) is made of a resin material, and wherein said cover magneto is made of aluminum.

8. The saddle type vehicle as claimed in claim 1 or 7, wherein said cover assembly (18) includes at least two mounting portions (31a, 31b, 34) mounting said cover assembly to said engine assembly (4).

9. The saddle type vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein said engine assembly (4) comprises a RH side cover (28) positioned substantially symmetrical to said cover assembly (18), said RH side cover (28) has a flat outer surface incorporating a RH side brand indicator (28) substantially at a symmetrical position similar to said LH side brand indicator (27).

10. A cover assembly (18) for an engine assembly (4) of a saddle type vehicle (50), said cover assembly (18) comprising a forwardly extending section (22) and a rearwardly extending section (23), said forwardly extending section (22) is substantially smaller in cross-section than said rearwardly extending section (23), said forwardly extending section (22) has a substantially flat outer surface capable of accommodating a brand indicator (27).