Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A drive chain guard (100) for a vehicle (200), comprising:
a first portion (102) mounted onto a crankcase (202) of the vehicle (200), the first portion (102) adapted to retain position of an oil seal (218) mounted concentrically to a gearbox output shaft (204), for oil sealing the crankcase (202); and
a second portion (104) extending from the first portion (102) towards a vertical wall (202a) of the crankcase (202), the second portion (104) adapted to shield a drive chain (206) from engagement with the vertical wall (202a) during movement of the vehicle (200).

2. The drive chain guard (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second portion (104) comprises:
a first section (104a) extending vertically from the first portion (102); and
a second section (104b) extending laterally from the first section (104a) and positioned between the vertical wall (202a) and the drive chain (206), the second section (104b) including a first end (106) disposed proximal to the vertical wall (202a) and a second end (108) located above the drive chain (206) mounted on a drive sprocket (208) provided on the gearbox output shaft (204), wherein the second section (104b) adapted to engage with rollers (206a) of the drive chain (206), for shielding engagement of the drive chain (206) with the vertical wall (202a) of the crankcase (202).

3. The drive chain guard (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the second section (104b) comprises a protrusion (110) on its inner surface (112) extending towards the drive chain (206), the protrusion (110) extending along length of the second section (104b) and adapted to engage with the rollers (206a).

4. The drive chain guard (100) as claimed in claim 2, comprises an extension bracket (114) extending away from the second end (108) of the second section (104b), the extension bracket (114) adapted to prevent engagement of the drive chain (206) with electronic components (216) mounted on the crankcase (202) during movement of the vehicle (200).

5. The drive chain guard (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the second section (104b) is an arcuate shaped member.

6. The drive chain guard (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprises one or more mounting members (116a, 116b) extending from the first portion (102), the one or more mounting members (116a, 116b) adapted to be secured onto the crankcase (202).

7. The drive chain guard (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first portion (102) includes an opening (118) defined on its central portion (102a), the opening (118) adapted to enable the first portion (102) to be mounted co-axially on the gearbox output shaft (204).

8. The drive chain guard (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the vehicle (200) is a two-wheeled vehicle.

9. A crankcase assembly (220) for a vehicle (200), comprising:
a crankcase (202) integrated to an internal combustion engine (222) of the vehicle (200);
a drive chain guard (100) mounted to the crankcase (202), the drive chain guard (100) comprising:
a first portion (102) mounted onto the crankcase (202), the first portion (102) adapted to retain position of an oil seal (218) mounted concentrically to a gearbox output shaft (204), for oil sealing the crankcase (202); and
a second portion (104) extending from the first portion (102) towards a vertical wall (202a) of the crankcase (202), the second portion (104) adapted to shield a drive chain (206) from engagement with the vertical wall (202a) during movement of the vehicle (200).

10. The crankcase assembly (220) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the second portion (104) of the drive chain guard (100) comprises:
a first section (104a) extending vertically from the first portion (102); and
a second section (104b) extending laterally from the first section (104a) and positioned between the vertical wall (202a) and the drive chain (206), the second section (104b) including a first end (106) disposed proximal to the vertical wall (202a) and a second end (108) located above the drive chain (206) mounted on a drive sprocket (208) provided on the gearbox output shaft (204),
wherein the second section (104b) is provided at a distance (122) above the drive chain (206) for preventing contact therebetween during a first operating condition of the vehicle (200) and adapted to engage with rollers (206a) of the drive chain (206), for shielding engagement of the drive chain (206) with the vertical wall (202a) of the crankcase (202) during a second operating condition of the vehicle (200).

11. The crankcase assembly (220) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the second section (104b) comprises a protrusion (110) on its inner surface (112) extending towards the drive chain (206), the protrusion (110) extending along length of the second section (104b) and adapted to engage with the rollers (206a) for shielding engagement of the drive chain (206) with the vertical wall (202a) of the crankcase (202) during a second operating condition of the vehicle (200).

12. A vehicle (200), comprising:
a crankcase (202);
a gearbox (210) coupled to a crankshaft (118) of the crankcase (202) for receiving motive force therefrom, the gearbox (210) including a gearbox output shaft (204) coupled to a drive wheel (212) via a drive chain (206) to transmit motive force for movement of the vehicle (200), wherein the drive chain (206) is engaged with a drive sprocket (208) of the gearbox (210) and a driven sprocket (214) of the drive wheel (212) for transmitting motive force therebetween; and
a drive chain guard (100), comprising:
a first portion (102) mounted onto the crankcase (202) of the vehicle (200), the first portion (102) adapted to retain position of an oil seal mounted concentrically to the gearbox output shaft (204), for oil sealing the crankcase (202); and
a second portion (104) extending from the first portion (102) towards a vertical wall (202a) of the crankcase (202), the second portion (104) adapted to shield the drive chain (206) from engagement with the vertical wall (202a) during movement of the vehicle (200).

13. The vehicle (200) as claimed in claim 12, wherein the second portion (104) of the drive chain guard (100) comprises:
a first section (104a) extending vertically from the first portion (102);
a second section (104b) extending laterally from the first section (104a) and positioned between the vertical wall (202a) and the drive chain (206), wherein the second section (104b) includes a first end (106) disposed proximal to the vertical wall (202a) and a second end (108) located above the drive chain (206) mounted on the drive sprocket (208), the second section (104b) including a protrusion (110) on its inner surface (112) extending towards the drive chain (206), the protrusion (100) extending along length of the second section (104b) and adapted to engage with the rollers (206a);
an extension bracket (114) extending away from the second end (108) of the second section (104b), the extension bracket (114) adapted to prevent engagement of the drive chain (206) with electronic components (216) mounted on the crankcase (202) during movement of the vehicle (200); and
one or more mounting members (116a, 116b) extending from the first portion (102), the one or more mounting members (116a, 116b) adapted to be secured onto the crankcase (202).

, Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention relates to drive chain guard for a drive chain of a vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Vehicle, such as a motorcycle, includes an internal combustion engine for providing motive force required for mobility. The internal combustion engine is typically coupled to a gearbox having a gear shifting mechanism, for transferring the motive force to a drive wheel of the vehicle in a controlled manner. A secondary drive system is further provided for seamless transfer of motive force from the gearbox to the drive wheel. The secondary drive system includes a drive sprocket mounted onto an output shaft of the gearbox and a driven sprocket mounted to the drive wheel. The drive sprocket and the drive sprocket are coupled to one another by a drive chain, which transfers the motive power received by the drive sprocket to the driven sprocket, enabling movement of the drive wheel.
[003] Typically, the drive chain is an assembly of rollers and plates arranged in a cascaded manner. Between each roller, an opening or a gap is typically maintained for enabling engagement with gear teeth on the sprocket. The drive chain rolls over the gear teeth of the drive and driven sprockets during motive force transfer. During a normal working cycle, the drive chain is subjected to various loads based on the load on the vehicle, speed and control of a rider. When the vehicle is operated in a critical working cycle, the stresses acting on the drive chain goes beyond the stresses exerted during a normal working cycle. In this scenario, the drive chain rolls toward a vertical wall of the crankcase and electronic components mounted on the crankcase. In other words, the drive chain during critical working conditions, moves away from a pitch circle diameter) also known as fouling of drive chain) of the drive sprocket and impacts onto the vertical wall of the crankcase or the electronic components. In such a scenario, the drive chain damages the vertical wall which is undesirable and catastrophic.
[004] In order to overcome the aforementioned limitations, typically a chain guard is mounted proximal to the drive sprocket. The chain guard includes a roller element that extends from a fixed support mounted on the crankcase. The roller element is adapted to contact the drive chain for preventing contact or engagement with the vertical wall of the crankcase or the electronic components during extreme working conditions. However, the conventional chain guard is typically equipped with additional components such as roller elements and the like that extend from a fixed support, to prevent fouling of the drive chain. Also, the additional components make the assembly cumbersome and requires mounting arrangements on the crankcase or the gearbox, compromising its structural integrity, which is undesirable.
[005] In view of the above, there is a need for a drive chain guard which addresses one or more limitations stated above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[006] In one aspect, a drive chain guard for a vehicle is disclosed. The drive chain guard includes a first portion mounted onto a crankcase of the vehicle. The first portion is adapted to retain position of an oil seal mounted concentrically to a gearbox output shaft for oil sealing the crankcase. A second portion extends from the first portion towards a vertical wall of the crankcase. The second portion is adapted to shield a drive chain from engagement with the vertical wall during movement of the vehicle.
[007] In an embodiment, the second portion includes a first section extending vertically from the first portion and a second section extending laterally from the first section. The second section is positioned between the vertical wall and the drive chain. The second section includes a first end disposed proximal to the vertical wall and a second end located above the drive chain mounted on a drive sprocket provided on the gearbox output shaft. The second section is adapted to engage with rollers of the drive chain for shielding engagement of the drive chain with the vertical wall of the crankcase.
[008] In an embodiment, the second section includes a protrusion on its inner surface extending towards the drive chain. The protrusion extends along length of the second section and adapted to engage with the rollers.
[009] In an embodiment, an extension bracket extends away from the second end of the second section. The extension bracket is adapted to prevent engagement of the drive chain with electronic components mounted on the crankcase during movement of the vehicle.
[010] In an embodiment, the second section is an arcuate shaped member.
[011] In an embodiment, one or more mounting members extend from the first portion. The one or more mounting members are adapted to be secured onto the crankcase.
[012] In an embodiment, the first portion includes an opening defined on its central portion. The opening is adapted to enable the first portion to be mounted co-axially on the gearbox output shaft.
[013] In an embodiment, the vehicle is a two-wheeled vehicle.
[014] In another aspect, a crankcase assembly for the vehicle is disclosed. The crankcase assembly includes the crankcase integrated to an engine of the vehicle and the drive chain guard mounted to the crankcase. The drive chain guard includes the first portion mounted onto the crankcase. The first portion adapted to retain position of the oil seal mounted concentrically to the gearbox output shaft for oil sealing the crankcase. The second portion extends from the first portion towards the vertical wall of the crankcase. The second portion is adapted to shield a drive chain from engagement with the vertical wall during movement of the vehicle.
[015] In an embodiment, the second portion of the drive chain guard includes the first section extending vertically from the first portion. The second section extends laterally from the first section and positioned between the vertical wall and the drive chain. The second section includes the first end disposed proximal to the vertical wall and a second end located at a distance above the drive chain mounted on the drive sprocket provided on the gearbox output shaft. The second section is adapted to engage with rollers of the drive chain and maintain a distance therebetween for shielding engagement of the drive chain with the vertical wall of the crankcase.
[016] In an embodiment, the second section comprises the protrusion on its inner surface extending towards the drive chain. The protrusion extends along length of the second section and is adapted to engage with the rollers for maintaining the distance between the second section and plates of the drive chain during critical operating conditions of the vehicle.
[017] In an embodiment, the vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle includes the crankcase and a gearbox coupled to a crankshaft of the crankcase for receiving motive force therefrom. The gearbox includes the gearbox output shaft coupled to a drive wheel via the drive chain to transmit motive force for movement of the vehicle. The drive chain is engaged with the drive sprocket of the gearbox and a driven sprocket of the drive wheel for transmitting motive force therebetween. A drive chain guard is also configured in the vehicle. The drive chain guard includes the first portion mounted onto the crankcase of the vehicle. The first portion is adapted to retain position of the oil seal mounted concentrically to the gearbox output shaft for oil sealing the crankcase. The second portion extends from the first portion towards the vertical wall of the crankcase. The second portion is adapted to shield the drive chain from engagement with the vertical wall during movement of the vehicle.
[018] In an embodiment, the second portion of the drive chain guard includes the first section extending vertically from the first portion. The second section extends laterally from the first section and positioned between the vertical wall and the drive chain. The second section includes the first end disposed proximal to the vertical wall and the second end located above the drive chain mounted on the drive sprocket. The second section includes the protrusion on its inner surface extending towards the drive chain and along length of the second section. The protrusion is adapted to engage with the rollers. The extension bracket extends away from the second end of the second section and is adapted to prevent engagement of the drive chain with electronic components mounted on the crankcase during movement of the vehicle. The one or more mounting members extends from the first portion and is adapted to be secured onto the crankcase.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[019] 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 is a schematic view of a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 2 is a schematic view of the drive chain in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 3 is a perspective view of the drive chain connecting a drive sprocket and a driven sprocket mounted on a wheel of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 4 is a perspective view of a drive chain engaged with the drive sprocket, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 5 is a schematic view of a crankcase assembly including a drive chain guard in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 6 is a perspective view of the crankcase assembly including the drive chain guard in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 7 is a sectional view of the crankcase assembly including the drive chain guard, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 8 is a perspective view of the drive chain guard in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 9 is a schematic view of the drive chain guard mounted over the drive chain in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 10 is a sectional view of the drive chain guard mounted over the drive chain in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 11 is a sectional view of the drive chain guard mounted over the drive chain in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[020] Various features and embodiments of the present invention here will be discernible from the following further description thereof, set out hereunder.
[021] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic view of a vehicle 200, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As an example, the vehicle 200 is a two-wheeled vehicle. The vehicle 200 comprises an internal combustion engine 222 that is vertically disposed. Preferably, the internal combustion engine 222 is a single-cylinder engine. The motor vehicle 200 comprises a front wheel 224, a rear wheel 212 (i.e. a drive wheel in the present embodiment), a frame member (not shown), a seat 226 and a fuel tank 228. The frame member includes a head pipe 230, a main tube (not shown), a down tube (not shown), and seat rails (not shown). The head pipe 230 supports a steering shaft (not shown) and two telescopic front suspensions 232 (only one shown) attached to the steering shaft through a lower bracket (not shown). The two telescopic front suspensions 232 support the front wheel 224. The upper portion of the front wheel 224 is covered by a front fender 234 mounted to the lower portion of the telescopic front suspension 232 at the end of the steering shaft. A handlebar 236 is fixed to upper bracket (not shown) and can rotate to about the steering shaft for turning the vehicle. A headlight 238, a visor guard (not shown) and instrument cluster 240 is arranged on an upper portion of the head pipe 230. The frame member comprises a down tube (not shown) that may be positioned in front of the internal combustion engine 222 and extends slantingly downward from head pipe 230. The main tube of the frame member is located above the internal combustion engine 222 and extends rearward from head pipe 230. The internal combustion engine 222 is mounted at the front to the down tube and a rear of the internal combustion engine 222 is mounted at the rear portion of the main tube. In an embodiment, the internal combustion engine 222 is mounted vertically, with a cylinder block extending vertically above a crankcase 202 (for e.g. as shown in Figure 3). In an alternative embodiment, the Internal combustion engine 222 is mounted horizontally (not shown) with the cylinder block extending horizontally forwardly from the crankcase 202. In an embodiment, the cylinder block is disposed rearwardly of the down tube.
[022] The fuel tank 228 is mounted on the main tube. Seat rails are joined to main tube and extend rearward to support the seat 226. A rear swing arm (not shown) is connected to the frame member to swing vertically, and the rear wheel 212 is connected to rear end of the rear swing arm. Generally, the rear swing arm is supported by a mono rear suspension 252 (as illustrated in the present embodiment) or through two suspensions on either side of the motor vehicle 200. A taillight unit 242 is disposed at the end of the motor vehicle 200 and at the rear of the seat assembly 226. A grab rail 244 is also provided to the seat rails. The rear wheel 212 arranged below the seat 226 rotates by the motive force of the Internal combustion engine 222 transmitted through a chain drive 206 (for e.g. as shown in Figure 2) from the internal combustion engine 222.
[023] The chain drive 206 (for e.g. as shown in Figure 2) includes rollers 206a that are adapted to ride over teeth of a sprocket (such as a drive sprocket 208 and/or a driven sprocket 214 shown in Figure 3). The rollers 206a are spaced apart and connected to one another via plates 206b. The gap between each of the rollers 206a enables mounting of the drive chain 206 over the sprocket. Additionally, the rollers 206a enable the drive chain 206 to drive or ride over the sprocket. In an embodiment, the drive chain 206 is adapted to engage a drive sprocket 206 connected to a gearbox output shaft 204 (for e.g. as shown in Figure 3) and to a drive sprocket 214 connected to the rear wheel 212 of the vehicle 200 (for e.g. as shown in Figure 3). The drive chain 206 drives the rear wheel 212 for movement of the vehicle 200. In an embodiment, the dimensions and configuration of the drive chain 206 (i.e. the rollers 206a and the plates 206b) are selected based on the dimensions of the sprockets 208, 214 for facilitating engagement and power transfer therebetween.
[024] Further, a rear fender 246 is disposed above the rear wheel 212. An exhaust pipe 248 of the vehicle 200 extends vertically downward from the internal combustion engine 222 and then extends below the internal combustion engine 222, longitudinally along length of the vehicle 200 before terminating in a muffler 250. The muffler 250 is typically disposed adjoining the rear wheel 212.
[025] Referring to Figures 4-7 in conjunction with Figure 1, a crankcase assembly 220 is depicted. The crankcase assembly 220 includes the crankcase 202 integrated to the internal combustion engine 222 and adapted to enclose a crankshaft (not shown in Figures). A gearbox 210 is coupled to the crankshaft for receiving the motive force generated in the internal combustion engine 222. The gearbox 210 includes the gearbox output shaft 204 having the drive sprocket 208. The gearbox output shaft 204 is coupled to the drive wheel 212 (or rear wheel 212 in the present embodiment) via the drive chain 206 for transferring the motive force. The gearbox 210 ensures transfer of the motive force to the drive wheel 212 via the drive chain 206 in a smooth and controlled manner.
[026] Referring to Figure 8 in conjunction with Figures 4-7, a drive chain guard 100 is depicted. The drive chain guard 100 is adapted to act as a retainer of an oil seal 218 (for e.g. as shown in Figure 7) and also as a guard for preventing engagement of the drive chain 206 with a vertical wall 202a of the crankcase 202 (for e.g. as shown in Figure 5).
[027] The drive chain guard 100 includes a first portion 102 adapted to be mounted onto the crankcase 202. Particularly, the first portion 102 is adapted to be aligned and mounted coaxially with the gearbox output shaft 204. As such, the first portion 102 includes an opening 118 for enabling coaxially mounting with the gearbox output shaft 204. In an embodiment, the opening 118 is defined at a central portion 102a of the first portion 102, for ensuring symmetry upon mounting on the crankcase 202. The opening 118 is dimensioned to facilitate coaxial mounting of the first portion 102 with the gearbox output shaft 204, while also providing a surface for retaining the oil seal 218 firmly on the gearbox output shaft 204. Thus, the coaxial engagement between the gearbox output shaft 204 and the first portion 102, enables the first portion 102 to surround and retain the oil seal 218 provided coaxially to the gearbox output shaft 204 for oil sealing the crankcase 202. In other words, mounting of the first portion 102 over the crankcase 202 withholds position of the oil seal 218 on the gearbox output shaft 204, thereby oil sealing the crankcase 202.
[028] Further, one or more mounting members 116a, 116b extend from the first portion 102. The one or more mounting members 116a, 116b are adapted to be secured on to the crankcase 202, for mounting the first portion 102 thereon. In an embodiment, the one or more mounting members 116a, 116b are secured to the crankcase 202 via conventional securing techniques such as fastening, clamping and the like. In an embodiment, the one or more mounting members 116a, 116b includes a first mounting member 116a extending from a right side of the first portion 102 and a second mounting member 116b extending from a left side of the first portion 102. Such a configuration is selected for ensuring structural stability of the first portion 102 or the drive chain guard 100 upon mounting on the crankcase 202. In an embodiment, the mounting members 116a, 116b are configured with a stepped portion 116c (for e.g. as shown in Figure 10) for ease of mounting onto the crankcase 202.
[029] In an embodiment, the first portion 102 is a disc-shaped member including the opening 118, wherein the opening 118 ensures coaxial mounting of the first portion 102 with the gearbox output shaft 204, while the surface of the disc retains position of the oil seal 218 on the gearbox output shaft 204. In another embodiment, the thickness of the first portion 102 is selected based on the structural rigidity required for retaining the oil seal 218.
[030] Further, the drive chain guard 100 includes a second portion 104 extending from the first portion 102 and towards the vertical wall 202a of the crankcase 202. The second portion 104 is adapted to shield the drive chain 206 from engagement with the vertical wall 202a during movement of the vehicle 200. The second portion 104 includes a first section 104a that vertically extends from the first portion 102. Particularly, the first section 104a extends vertically from a top side of the first portion 102 and towards the vertical wall 202a. In an embodiment, the first section 104a can extend at an angle (not shown in Figures) vertically, based on the construction of the crankcase 202 and position of the drive chain 206.
[031] A second section 104b extends laterally from the first section 104a and is positioned between the vertical wall 202a and the drive chain 206. Particularly, the second section 104b extends outwardly or away from the crankcase 202, at least upto a plane A-A’ (for e.g. as shown in Figure 10) in line with the drive chain 206 provided over the drive sprocket 208. Thus, the second section 104b acts as the shield for preventing engagement between the drive chain 206 and the vertical wall 202a. Alternatively, the second section 104b can outwardly extend from the crankcase 202 as per design feasibility and requirement.
[032] Further, the second section 104b extends longitudinally with respect to the crankcase 202, between a first end 106 and a second end 108. The longitudinal extension between the first end 106 and the second end 108 is selected such that, the second section 104b is positioned at a region of contact 120 (for e.g. as shown in Figure 4) between the drive chain 206 and the vertical wall 202a, for preventing engagement therebetween. In the present embodiment, the first end 106 is disposed proximal to the vertical wall 202a and the second end 108 located above the drive chain 206. Alternatively, the position of the first end 106 and the second end 108 is suitably adjusted based on the region of contact 120 between the drive chain 206 and the vertical wall 202a, for preventing engagement therebetween.
[033] In an embodiment, the second section 104b is an arcuate shaped member. Alternatively, the second section 104b is configurable as per design feasibility and requirement.
[034] In an embodiment, the second section 104b prevents engagement between the drive chain 206 and the vertical wall 202a, by engaging with the drive chain 206. The second section 104b is configured to engage only the rollers 206a of the drive chain 206, for preventing damage to the plates 206b and consequently the drive chain 206.
[035] Additionally, the second section 104b includes a protrusion 110 on its inner surface 112. The protrusion 110 is configured to engage with the rollers 206a for preventing damage to the plates 206b and consequently the drive chain 206. In the present embodiment, the protrusion 110 extends along the entire length of the second section 104b, so that the protrusion 110 engages with the rollers 206b in the event of fouling of the drive chain 206, due to uncertainty in the location of fouling of the drive chain 206. Alternatively, the protrusion 110 is provided at strategic locations (not shown) along the length of the second section 104b, based on the probable region of fouling of the drive chain 206. In an embodiment, the dimensions of the protrusion 110 is selected such that, it is capable of engaging the rollers 206a without contacting the plates 206b of the drive chain 206.
[036] Furthermore, the second section 104b includes an extension bracket 114 extending away from the second end 108 and towards the rear end of the vehicle 200. Thus, the extension bracket 114 is positioned over the drive chain 206 (for e.g. as shown in Figure 9). The extension bracket 114 is adapted to prevent engagement of the drive chain 206 with electronic components 216 such as a gear position sensor, mounted on the crankcase 202, in the event of fouling. In the present embodiment, the extension bracket 114 extends seamlessly from the second end 108, while retaining the dimensions and contours of the second section 104b. Alternatively, the extension bracket 114 is mounted, by conventional mounting techniques, onto the second end 108 and oriented based on the position of the drive chain 206 and the electronic components 216.
[037] In an embodiment, the dimensions and/or configuration of the second portion 104 (i.e. the first section 104a and the second section 104b) is selected based on required structural integrity and distance between the drive chain 206 and the vertical wall 202a. Alternatively, the dimensions and/or configuration of the second portion 104 can also be selected based on design of the crankcase 202, mounting of the drive chain 206 with the drive sprocket 208 or as per design feasibility and requirement.
[038] Referring to Figure 10 in conjunction with Figures 8 and 9, the second section 104b or the protrusion 110 is located at a distance 122 from the drive chain 206. In other words, the second portion 104 is configured such that, the distance 122 is maintained between the drive chain 206 and the inner surface 112 of the second section 104b or the protrusion 110. In an embodiment, the distance 122 from the drive chain 206 with the protrusion 110 is depicted in Figure 10. The distance 122 ensures the drive chain 206 contacts the second section 104b only during fouling. As such, unintended contact of the second section 104b with the drive chain 206 is prevented during a first working condition of the vehicle 200. In an embodiment, the first working condition of the vehicle 200 is a normal working condition of the vehicle 200, wherein there is no abrupt deceleration or acceleration in movement of the vehicle 200. In an embodiment, the distance 122 is provided based on the displacement of the drive chain 206 during fouling. The distance 122 is adjustable as per design feasibility and requirement, by altering the length of the first section 104a.
[039] Referring now to Figure 11 in conjunction with Figure 10, in the event of fouling, which occurs when the vehicle (200) is operating in a second working condition, the drive chain 122 gets displaced from the teeth of the drive sprocket 208 and moves toward the vertical wall 202a. As such, the distance 122 reduces, based on the extent of displacement of the drive chain 206 from the drive sprocket 208. In this scenario, the rollers 206 of the drive chain 206 contacts the protrusion 110 or the inner surface 112, thereby preventing engagement with the vertical wall 202a. In an embodiment, the second working condition is the sudden acceleration or deceleration of the vehicle 200.
[040] In an embodiment, the first portion 102 and the second portion 104 are made of a metallic material, a non-metallic material or a composite material, as per design feasibility and requirement.
[041] Advantageously, the present invention provides the drive chain guard 100 which prevents contact between the drive chain 206 and the vertical wall 202a of the crankcase 202, thereby preventing engine seizure due to crankcase 202 breakage. Also, the construction of the drive chain guard 100 facilitates ease of assembly and replacement during a requirement. Further, the drive chain guard 100 acts as retainer of the oil seal 218, while also preventing contact between the drive chain 206 and the vertical wall 202a of the crankcase 202, thus provides a dual function, thereby reducing requirement of separate parts intended for each of such functions. Additionally, the due to distance 122 maintained, the unintended contact between the second section 104 and the drive chain 206 is prevented, thereby eliminating the noise generated due to fouling of the drive chain 206, while also minimizing wear and tear of the drive chain guard 100. Furthermore, the extension bracket 114 prevents contact with the electrical components 216, thereby ensuring safety of electronic components 216 on the crankcase assembly 220.
[042] 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.