Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A cover member (100) for an engine component (204, 206) of a vehicle (200), the cover member (100) comprising:
a body member (102) having an inner surface (102a) and an outer surface (102b), the inner surface (102a) being adapted to be mounted onto the engine component (204, 206);
wherein the inner surface (102a) of the body member (102) comprises one or more abutting members (104) adapted to abut onto an outer surface (204a, 206a) of the engine component (204, 206) for facilitating mounting of the body member (102) onto the engine component (204, 206).

2. The cover member (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more abutting members (104) comprise a protrusion (104a) extending from a perforation (104b) provided on the inner surface (102a) of the body member (102).

3. The cover member (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the engine component (204, 206) is at least one of:
a clutch cover (204) comprising a plurality of fins (210) on its outer surface (204a); and
an exhaust pipe (206).

4. The cover member (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the one or more abutting members (104) are adapted to engage onto the plurality of fins (210) on the clutch cover (204), for avoiding air flow restriction over the clutch cover (204).

5. The cover member (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the one or more abutting members (104) are adapted to engage onto an outer surface (206a) of the exhaust pipe (206).

6. The cover member (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the one or more abutting members (104) is located at a flying end (114) of the body member (102).

7. The cover member (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the engine component (204, 206) is one of a style component and a stationary component of the vehicle 200.

8. The cover member (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the body member (102) comprises one or more mountings (108) along a periphery of the body member (102), each of the one or more mountings (108) adapted to receive a fastener (120) for mounting the body member (102) to the engine component (204, 206).

9. An internal combustion engine (202) for a vehicle (200), comprising:
at least one engine component (204, 206); and
a cover member (100) for at least one engine component (204, 206), the cover member (100) comprising:
a body member (102) having an inner surface (102a) and an outer surface (102b), the inner surface (102a) adapted to be mounted onto the engine component (204, 206);
wherein the inner surface (102a) of the body member (102) comprises one or more abutting members (104) adapted to abut onto an outer surface (204a, 206a) of the engine component (204, 206) for facilitating mounting of the body member (102) onto the engine component (204, 206).

10. The internal combustion engine (202) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the one or more abutting members (104) comprise a protrusion (104a) extending from a perforation (104b) provided on the inner surface (102b) of the body member (102).

11. The internal combustion engine (202) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the engine component (204, 206) comprises at least one of:
a clutch cover (204) comprising a plurality of fins (210) on its outer surface (204a); and
an exhaust pipe (206).

12. The internal combustion engine (202) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the one or more abutting members (104) are adapted to engage onto the plurality of fins (210) on the clutch cover (204), for avoiding air flow restriction over the clutch cover (204).

13. The internal combustion engine (202) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the one or more abutting members (104) are adapted to engage onto an outer surface (206a) of the exhaust pipe (206).

14. The internal combustion engine (202) as claimed in claim 9, wherein each of the one or more abutting members (104) is located at a flying end (114) of the body member (102).

15. The internal combustion engine (202) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the body member (102) comprises one or more mountings (108) along a periphery of the body member (102), each of the one or more mountings (108) adapted to receive a fastener (120) for mounting the body member (102) to the engine component (204, 206).

16. A vehicle (200), comprising:
a frame member;
an internal combustion engine (202) mounted onto the frame member and having at least one engine component (204, 206); and
a cover member (100) for the at least one engine component (204, 206), the cover member (100) comprising:
a body member (102) having an inner surface (102a) and an outer surface (102b), the inner surface (102a) adapted to be mounted onto the engine component (204, 206);
wherein the inner surface (102a) of the body member (102) comprises one or more abutting members (104) adapted to abut onto an outer surface (204a, 206a) of the engine component (204, 206) for facilitating mounting of the body member (102) onto the engine component (204, 206).

17. The vehicle (200) as claimed in claim 16, wherein the one or more abutting members (104) comprise a protrusion (104a) extending from a perforation (104b) provided on the inner surface (102b) of the body member (102).

18. The vehicle (200) as claimed in claim 16, wherein the engine component (204, 206) comprises at least one of:
a clutch cover (204) comprising a plurality of fins (210) on its outer surface (204a); and
an exhaust pipe (206).

19. The vehicle (200) as claimed in claim 18, wherein the one or more abutting members (104) are adapted to engage onto the plurality of fins (210) on the clutch cover (204) for avoiding air flow restriction over the clutch cover (204).

20. The vehicle (200) as claimed in claim 18, wherein the one or more abutting members (104) are adapted to engage onto an outer surface (206a) of the exhaust pipe (206).

21. The vehicle (200) as claimed in claim 16, wherein each of the one or more abutting members (104) is located at a flying end (114) of the body member (102).

22. The vehicle (200) as claimed in claim 16, wherein the body member (102) comprises one or more mountings (108) along a periphery of the body member (102), each of the one or more mountings (108) adapted to receive a fastener (120) for mounting the body member (102) to the engine component (204, 206).
, Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention relates to a two-wheeled vehicle. More particularly, relates to a cover member for an engine component of the two-wheeled vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] A vehicle, such as a two-wheeled vehicle, is typically provided with an internal combustion engine for generating motive force. The motive force is employed suitably for movement of the vehicle. The engine comprises a crankcase which is adapted to store lubricating oil for lubricating moving parts in the engine during operation. However, during lubrication, the temperature of the oil increases, which may deteriorate properties of the oil. Deterioration of oil properties may have cascading effects that affect durability of the engine, which is undesirable. As such, a cooling system is generally provided for cooling the oil present in the crankcase.
[003] The cooling system comprises an oil cooler assembly installed in a cover clutch side of the engine. The oil cooler assembly is adapted to reduce temperature of the oil, thereby retaining lubrication characteristics of the oil. Further, fins are provided on outer surface of the cover clutch. The fins enhance surface area of the cover clutch side available for contact with ambient air, thereby ensuring heat dissipation. As such, the fins ensure heat dissipation to the ambient air. However, the fins provided on the cover clutch diminishes the style of the vehicle. Consequently, spoiling aesthetic view of the vehicle, which is undesirable.
[004] In order to cater to the style requirement of the vehicle and to facilitate airflow through the fins, a cover is mounted onto the cover clutch using mounting fasteners. However, the cover member is a thin member, and thus upon mounting onto the cover clutch amplifies noise level and higher vibrational displacement in the vehicle, particularly at the ends (flying ends) of the cover member that are not fixed to the outer periphery of the cover clutch with the mounting fasteners. Further, due to the addition of the cover member onto the cover clutch, noise level from the engine increases even during a normal operating cycle or idling of the vehicle. Consequently, customer dissatisfaction towards the vehicle persists, which is undesirable.
[005] In view of the above, there is a need for a cover member for an engine component of the vehicle, which addresses at least the aforementioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[006] In one aspect, the present invention is directed towards a cover member for an engine component of a vehicle. The cover member has a body member having an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface is adapted to be mounted onto the engine component. The inner surface of the body member has one or more abutting members adapted to abut onto an outer surface of the engine component for facilitating mounting of the body member onto the engine component.
[007] In an embodiment, the one or more abutting members have a protrusion extending from a perforation provided on the inner surface of the body member.
[008] In an embodiment, the engine component is at least one of a clutch cover having a plurality of fins on its outer surface and an exhaust pipe.
[009] In an embodiment, the one or more abutting members are adapted to engage onto the plurality of fins on the clutch cover for avoiding air flow restriction over the clutch cover.
[010] In an embodiment, the one or more abutting members are adapted to engage onto an outer surface of the exhaust pipe.
[011] In an embodiment, each of the one or more abutting members is located at a flying end of the body member.
[012] In an embodiment, the engine component is one of a style component and a stationary component of the vehicle.
[013] In an embodiment, the body member comprises one or more mountings along a periphery of the body member. Each of the one or more mountings is adapted to receive a fastener for mounting the body member to the engine component.
[014] In another aspect, the present invention is directed to the internal combustion engine of the vehicle. The engine comprises at least one engine component and the cover member for at least one engine component. The cover member comprises the body member having the inner surface and the outer surface. The inner surface is adapted to be mounted onto the engine component wherein the inner surface of the body member has the one or more abutting members adapted to abut onto the outer surface of the engine component for facilitating mounting of the body member onto the engine component.
[015] In yet another aspect the present invention is directed towards the vehicle. The vehicle comprises a frame member, and the internal combustion engine mounted onto the frame member and having at least one engine component. The cover member is provided for the at least one engine component. The cover member comprises the body member having the inner surface and the outer surface. The inner surface is adapted to be mounted onto the engine component, wherein the inner surface of the body member has the one or more abutting members adapted to abut onto the outer surface of the engine component for facilitating mounting of the body member onto the engine component.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[016] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.
Figure 1 illustrates a schematic view of a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 2 illustrates a schematic view of an internal combustion engine of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 3A illustrates a front view of a cover member, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 3B illustrates a rear view of the cover member, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of the cover member, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 5 illustrates a schematic view of an engine component of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 6 illustrates a sectional view of the engine component depicted in Figure 3 along an axis X-X’, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 7 illustrates an exploded view of the engine component depicted in Figure 6, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 8 illustrates a sectional view of the engine component depicting engagement of the cover member with the engine component, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 9 illustrates an enlarged view of portion ‘A’ of Figure 8 depicting engagement of the cover member with the engine component, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 10 illustrates a schematic view of an engine component of the vehicle, in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[017] Various features and embodiments of the present invention here will be discernible from the following further description thereof, set out hereunder.
[018] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic view of a vehicle 200, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In the present embodiment, the vehicle 200 is a two-wheeled vehicle. The vehicle 200 comprises an Internal combustion engine 202 (hereinafter referred to as ‘engine 202’) that is vertically disposed. Preferably, the engine 202 is a single-cylinder type internal combustion engine. The vehicle 200 comprises a front wheel 214, a rear wheel 216, a frame member (not shown), a seat assembly 218 and a fuel tank 220. The frame member comprises a head pipe 222, a main tube 224, a down tube (not shown), and seat rails (not shown). The head pipe 222 supports a steering shaft (not shown) and two telescopic front suspensions 226 (only one shown) attached to the steering shaft through a lower bracket (not shown). The two telescopic front suspensions 226 support the front wheel 214. The upper portion of the front wheel 214 is covered by a front fender 228 mounted to a lower portion of the telescopic front suspension 226 at the end of the steering shaft. A handlebar 230 is fixed to upper bracket (not shown) and can rotate to both sides. A head light 232, a visor guard (not shown) and instrument cluster (not shown) are arranged on an upper portion of the head pipe 222. The frame member comprises a down tube (not shown) that may be located in front of the engine 202 and extends slantingly downward from head pipe 222. The main tube 224 of the frame member is located above the engine 202 and extends rearward from head pipe 222. The engine 202 is mounted at the front to the down tube and a rear of the engine 202 is mounted at the rear portion of the main tube 224.
[019] In an embodiment, the engine 202 is mounted vertically, with a cylinder block (not shown) extending vertically above a crankcase 240 (shown in Figure 2). In an alternative embodiment, the engine 202 is mounted horizontally (not shown) with the cylinder block extending horizontally forwardly from the crankcase 240. In an embodiment, the cylinder block is disposed rearwardly of the down tube.
[020] The fuel tank 220 is mounted on the horizontal portion of the main tube 224. Seat rails (not shown) are joined to main tube 224 and extend rearward to support a seat assembly 218. A swing arm 234 is connected to the frame member to swing vertically, and the rear wheel 216 is connected to a rear end of the swing arm 234. Generally, the swing arm 234 is supported by a mono rear suspension 236 (as illustrated in the present embodiment) or through two suspensions on either side of the vehicle 200. A taillight unit 233 is disposed at the end of the vehicle 200 and at the rear of the seat assembly 218. A grab rail 235 is also provided on the rear of the seat rails. The rear wheel 216 arranged below seat 218 rotates upon receiving a driving force or motive force generated in the engine 202 through a chain drive (not shown). A rear fender 238 is disposed above the rear wheel 216.
[021] Further, an exhaust pipe 206 of the vehicle extends vertically downward from the engine 202 up to a length and thereafter extends horizontally along a rear direction of the vehicle 200 and terminates as a muffler 242. The muffler 242 is typically disposed adjoining the rear wheel 216.
[022] Referring to Figure 2 in conjunction with Figure 1, the engine 202 of the vehicle 200 is depicted. The engine 202 comprises at least one engine component 204, 206. The term ‘at least one engine component’ is interchangeably used henceforth in the description for referring to a single engine component or multiple engine components, without defeating the scope of the present invention. In an embodiment, the engine component 204, 206 is a clutch cover 204 mounted on the crankcase 240 of the engine 202. In another embodiment, the engine component 204, 206 is the exhaust pipe 206 of the engine 202. In another embodiment, the engine component 204, 206 is a style component or a stationary component of the vehicle 200. A cover member 100 is mounted on the engine component 204, 206 for covering the engine component 204, 206. The description pertaining to the cover member 100 is provided with reference to Figures 3A, 3B and 4.
[023] In the present embodiment, Figures 5-9 depict the cover member 100 that is adapted to cover the clutch cover 204 of the vehicle 200. Accordingly, the shape of the body member 102 is circular for covering the clutch cover 204. In an embodiment, the shape, dimensions and configuration of the body member 102 conforms to shape, dimensions and configuration of the clutch cover 204. In the present embodiment, Figure 10 depicts the cover member 100 that is adapted to cover the exhaust pipe 206 of the vehicle. Accordingly, the shape of the body member 102 is rectangular for covering the exhaust pipe 206. In an embodiment, the shape, dimensions and configuration of the body member 102 conforms to shape, dimensions and configuration of the exhaust pipe 206.
[024] Referring to Figures 3A, 3B and 4 in conjunction with Figure 2, the cover member 100 for the engine component 204, 206 is depicted. The cover member 100 is adapted to attenuate vibrations generated in the engine component 204, 206, while also enhancing styling quotient of the vehicle 200. The cover member 100 comprises a body member 102 having an inner surface 102a adapted to be mounted onto the engine component 204, 206 and an outer surface 102b (as shown in Figure 3B). In an embodiment, one or more mountings 108 are provided at strategic locations on the body member 102 for enabling mounting with the engine component 204, 206. In the present embodiment, the one or more mountings 108 are mounting slots provided along a periphery of the body member 102. The mounting slots are adapted to receive a fastener 120 (as shown in Figure 5), for fastening the cover member 102 onto the engine component 204, 206. In another embodiment, the shape and configuration of the one or more mounting 108 can be selected as per design feasibility and requirement.
[025] Further, the inner surface 102a comprises one or more abutting members 104 (as shown in Figure 3B) which abut against an outer surface 204a, 206a of the engine component 204, 206, thereby facilitating mounting of the body member 102 onto the engine component 204, 206. Such an abutment ensures attenuation of vibrations from the engine component 204, 206, thereby attenuating the noise generated from the engine component 204, 206. In an embodiment, the one or more abutting members 104 mounted on the inner surface 102a are two abutting members, wherein each abutting member is mounted at a flying end of the engine component 204, 206. In the present description, the term ‘flying end’ refers to an end of the body member 102 that is unanchored to the outer surface 204a, 206a of the engine component 204, 206.
[026] In an embodiment, each abutting member 104 comprises a protrusion 104a (as shown in Figure 3B) extending from a perforation 104b (as shown in Figure 3B) provided on the inner surface 102a. Such a construction of the abutting member provides a counter load onto the engagement surface of the engine component 204, 206, thereby attenuating noise. Also, due to the counter load, stiffness of the body member 102 is improved. In an embodiment, the one or more abutting members 104 are provided at a central portion of the body member 102 and are spaced apart from the one or more mountings 108.
[027] In an embodiment, each of the one or more abutting members 104 is made from one of a metallic material, a non-metallic material or a composite material. In another embodiment, the shape, dimensions and construction of each of the one or more abutting members 104 adapted based on the mounting requirements of the cover member 100 over the engine component 204, 206. As such, shape, dimensions and construction of the protrusion 104a and the projection 104b are selected as per design feasibility and requirement. In an embodiment, each abutting member 104 is a pin member extending from the inner surface 102a of the body member 102. In another embodiment, the perforation 104b is a groove provided on the inner surface 102a of the body member 102. In another embodiment, the protrusion 104a may be a pin member extending away from the perforation 104b.
[028] In an embodiment, a rim surface 116 (as shown in Figure 4) is provided on a top and bottom portion of the body member 102. The rim surface 116 is adapted to be supported on the outer surface 204a, 206a of the engine component 204, 206. Further, one or more ribs 118 are provided on the inner surface 102a and the rim surface 116. The one or more ribs 118 are adapted to support the rim surface 116. In an embodiment, the construction of the abutting members 104 and/or the rim surface 116 facilitates alignment during mounting of the cover member 100 onto the engine component 204, 206.
[029] Referring to Figures 5-9 in conjunction with Figures 3A-4, the cover member 100 mounted on the clutch cover 204 is depicted. In this embodiment, the clutch cover 204 is the engine component of the vehicle 200. As such, the cover member 100 is shaped to be substantially circular to conform to the outer surface 204 of the clutch cover 204. In the present embodiment, the outer surface 102b of the cover member 102 is bulged outwardly or is convex in shape, which adds on an aesthetic appeal or styling quotient to the vehicle 200. In the present embodiment, the cover member 100 is mounted on a plurality of fins 210 provided on the outer surface 204a of the cover clutch 204. The plurality of fins 210 extend along a front-rear direction for increasing the surface area available for contact with ambient air, to facilitate heat dissipation. The one or more abutting members 104 engage onto the plurality of fins 210 or one of the plurality of fins 210 for mounting the body member 102 onto the clutch cover 204. In an embodiment, the protrusion 104a engages with one of the plurality of fins 210 (for e.g. as shown in Figure 8), thereby facilitating mounting of the body member 102 onto the clutch cover 204.
[030] Upon mounting of the body member 102, the fastener 120 (as shown in Figure 5) is provided within each of the mountings 108 for fastening the body member 102 onto the clutch cover 204. Due to engagement of the one or more abutting members 104 onto the plurality of fins 210, the requirement of multiple mountings 108 for securing the body member 102 is mitigated. Moreover, due to reduction in the mountings 108, the airflow restriction in the flying end of the clutch cover 204 is mitigated, thereby improving cooling efficiency of the plurality of fins 210.
[031] Referring to Figure 10 in conjunction with Figures 3A to 4, the cover member 100 mounted on the exhaust pipe 206 is depicted. In this embodiment, the exhaust pipe 206 is the engine component of the vehicle 200. As such, the cover member 100 is shaped to be rectangular and is dimensioned to conform to the outer surface 204 of the exhaust pipe 206 as per requirement. In the present embodiment, the inner surface 102a of the body member 102 is mounted onto the outer surface 206a. The one or more abutting members 104 engage onto the outer surface 206a for mounting the body member 102 onto the exhaust pipe 206. Upon mounting, the fastener 120 is provided within each of the mountings 108 for fastening the body member 102 onto the exhaust pipe 206.
[032] In an embodiment, the outer surface 102b of the cover member 100 is adapted to receive styling accessories (not shown) such as a logo, a badge, a symbol and the like as per design feasibility and requirement. Consequently, enhancing the aesthetic appeal or styling quotient of the vehicle 200.
[033] Advantageously, the present invention provides the cover member 100 that is adapted to engage onto outer surface 204a, 206a of the at least one engine component 204, 206, thereby attenuating vibrations generated in the engine component 204, 206. Consequently, noise generated in the engine component 204, 206 is attenuated. Moreover, due to engagement of the cover member 100 with the engine component 204, 206 via the one or more abutting members 104, the requirement of multiple mountings is mitigated. Thus, minimizing airflow restriction to the engine component 204, 206. Additionally, construction of the one or more abutting members 104 and/or the rim surface 116 ensures alignment during mounting of the cover member 100 onto the engine component 204, 206. Further, the outer surface 102b being capable of receiving styling accessory, adds on the style quotient of the vehicle 200. Moreover, the cover member 100 is simple in construction, inherently reducing manufacturing and maintenance costs.
[034] The claimed steps as discussed above are not routine, conventional, or well understood in the art, as the claimed steps enable the following solutions to the existing problems in conventional technologies. Specifically, the technical problem of attenuating vibrations/noise generated in the engine component 204, 206 without the need for additional mountings is solved by the claimed limitation of the one or more abutting members 104 provided on the inner surface 102a of the cover member 102. Additionally, the one or more abutting members 104 also minimize airflow restriction to the engine component 204, 206, thereby ensuring optimum airflow over the engine component 204, 206 for cooling.
[035] While the present invention has been described with respect to certain embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modification may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

Reference Numerals
100 - Cover member
102 - Body member
102a - Inner surface
102b - Outer surface
104 - Abutting member
104a - Protrusion
104b - Perforation
108 - Mountings
114 - Flying end
116 - Rim surface
118 - Ribs
200 - Vehicle
202 - Internal combustion engine
204 - Clutch cover
204a - Outer surface of the Clutch cover
206 - Exhaust pipe
206a - Outer surface of the Exhaust pipe
210 - Fins
214 - Front wheel
216 - Rear wheel
218 - Seat Assembly
220 - Fuel tank
222 - Head pipe
224 - Main tube
226 - Front suspension
228 - Front fender
230 - Handlebar
232 - Headlight
233 - Taillight
234 - Swing arm
235 - Grab rail
236 - Rear suspension
238 - Rear fender
240 - Crankcase
242 - Muffler