Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. An oil cooler assembly (100) for an internal combustion engine (202) of a two-wheeled vehicle (200), the assembly (100) comprising:
an oil cooler (102) having an inlet port (104) and an outlet port (106);
an inlet pipe (108) having a first end (108a) coupled to a crankcase (204) of the engine (202) and a second end (108b) coupled to the inlet port (104) of the oil cooler (102), the inlet pipe (108) adapted to supply a lubricant to be cooled from the crankcase (204) to the oil cooler (102); and
an outlet pipe (110) having one end (110a) coupled to a cylinder head (206) of the engine (202) and an other end (110b) coupled to the outlet port (106) of the oil cooler (102), the outlet pipe (110) adapted to supply cooled lubricant to the cylinder head (206) from the oil cooler (102).

2. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the inlet pipe (108) is coupled to the crankcase (204) via a banjo joint (112).

3. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the outlet pipe (110) is coupled to the cylinder head (206) via a banjo joint (114).

4. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the inlet pipe (108) and the outlet pipe (110) are routed on one side of the engine (202).
5. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the inlet pipe (108) is routed from a front side or from a bottom side of the engine (202).

6. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the oil cooler (102) is mounted on a downtube (208) of the vehicle (200) and positioned in front of the cylinder head (206), the oil cooler (102) adapted to allow circulation of air thereon, thereby cooling the lubricant received from the crankcase (204) by air cooling.

7. An internal combustion engine (202) for a two-wheeled vehicle (200), the engine (202) comprising:
a cylinder head (206);
a crankcase (204) defined below the cylinder head (206);
an oil cooler (102) having an inlet port (104) and an outlet port (106);
an inlet pipe (108) having a first end (108a) coupled to the crankcase (204) and a second end (108b) coupled to the inlet port (104) of the oil cooler (102), the inlet pipe (108) adapted to supply a lubricant to be cooled from the crankcase (204) to the oil cooler (102), and
an outlet pipe (110) having one end (110a) coupled to the cylinder head (206) and an other end (110b) coupled to the outlet port (106) of the oil cooler (102), the outlet pipe (110) adapted to supply cooled lubricant to the cylinder head (206) from the oil cooler (102).
8. The engine (202) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the inlet pipe (108) is coupled to the crankcase (204) via a banjo joint (112).

9. The engine (202) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the outlet pipe (110) is coupled to the cylinder head (206) via a banjo joint (114).

10. The engine (202) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the inlet pipe (108) and the outlet pipe (110) are routed on one side of the engine (202).

11. The engine (202) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the inlet pipe (108) is routed from a front side or from a bottom side of the engine (202).

12. The engine (202) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the oil cooler (102) is mounted on a downtube (208) of the vehicle (200) and positioned in front of the cylinder head (206), the oil cooler (102) adapted to allow circulation of air thereon, thereby cooling the lubricant received from the crankcase (204) by air cooling.
, Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention relates to a two-wheeled vehicle, more particularly, relates to an oil cooler assembly for an internal combustion engine for the two-wheeled vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] A 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 includes 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 such as failing of a bearing and lead to failure of the engine, which is undesirable. As such, a cooling system is provided for cooling the oil present in the crankcase.
[003] Typically, an oil cooler is used as the cooling system for cooling the oil. The oil cooled by the oil cooler is also used for cooling the engine, thereby ensuring operation of the engine under optimum temperature conditions. The oil cooler reduces temperature of lubricating oil by routing heated oil to an inlet pipe through pressure pump, where the oil is transmitted to the oil cooler. The oil cooler cools the oil through atmospheric air and the cooled oil is channeled back to the engine via an outlet pipe. However, in conventional two-wheeled vehicles, both the inlet and outlet pipes are routed from either a right side or a left side of the crankcase. Moreover, due to lack of availability of space between an engine mounting bracket and an exhaust pipe that extends from the engine, it is impossible to route the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe from front side or from bottom side of the engine. Consequently, the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe of larger length are required, which is undesirable. Moreover, none of the pipes can be moved further outwards due to oscillatory motion of a front fender and a wheel assembly. These aspects are more pronounced at the time of servicing a clutch of the vehicle, as the technician is required to dismantle the outlet pipe for accessing the clutch. Additionally, routing of the inlet pipe between the engine mounting bracket and a cylinder block or between the engine mounting bracket and the exhaust pipe leads to space constraints. Further, close proximity of the inlet pipe with the exhaust pipe heats up the oil, which is undesirable.
[004] In view of the above, there is a need for an oil cooler assembly for an internal combustion engine, which addresses one or more limitations stated above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[005] In one aspect, an oil cooler assembly for an internal combustion engine of a two-wheeled vehicle is provided. The assembly includes an oil cooler having an inlet port and an outlet port. An inlet pipe having a first end coupled to a crankcase of the engine and a second end coupled to the inlet port of the oil cooler is provided. The inlet pipe is adapted to supply a lubricant to be cooled from the crankcase to the oil cooler. An outlet pipe having one end coupled to a cylinder head of the engine and an other end coupled to the outlet port of the oil cooler is also provided. The outlet pipe is adapted to supply cooled lubricant to the cylinder head from the oil cooler.
[006] In an embodiment, the inlet pipe is coupled to the crankcase via a banjo joint.
[007] In an embodiment, the outlet pipe is coupled to the cylinder head via a banjo joint.
[008] In an embodiment, the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe are routed on one side of the engine.
[009] In an embodiment, the inlet pipe is routed from a front side or from a bottom side of the engine.
[010] In an embodiment, the oil cooler is mounted on a downtube of the vehicle and positioned in front of the cylinder head. The oil cooler is adapted to allow circulation of air thereon, thereby cooling the lubricant received from the crankcase by air cooling.
[011] In another aspect, the internal combustion engine for the two-wheeled vehicle is provided. The engine includes the cylinder head, the crankcase defined below the cylinder head and the oil cooler having the inlet port and the outlet port. The inlet pipe having the first end is coupled to a crankcase of the engine and the second end coupled to the inlet port of the oil cooler is provided. The inlet pipe is adapted to supply the lubricant to be cooled from the crankcase to the oil cooler. The outlet pipe having one end coupled to the cylinder head of the engine and the other end coupled to the outlet port of the oil cooler is also provided. The outlet pipe is adapted to supply cooled lubricant to the cylinder head from the oil cooler.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[012] 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 including an internal combustion engine, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a perspective view of the internal combustion engine including an oil cooler assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 is a perspective view of the internal combustion engine including the oil cooler assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 is a front view of the oil cooler assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 is a right-side view of the oil cooler assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 is a right-side view of the oil cooler assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[013] Various features and embodiments of the present invention here will be discernible from the following further description thereof, set out hereunder.
[014] 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 202 that is adapted to provide motive force for movement of the vehicle 200. In an embodiment, the internal combustion engine 202 is preferably a single-cylinder engine. The vehicle 200 has a front wheel 210, a rear wheel (not shown), a frame member (not shown), a seat (not shown) and a fuel tank (not shown). The frame member includes a head pipe (not shown), a main tube (not shown), a down tube (not shown), and a seat rail (not shown). The head pipe supports a steering shaft (not shown) and a telescopic suspension unit 212 attached to the steering shaft through a lower bracket (not shown). The telescopic suspension unit 212 supports the front wheel 210.
[015] Further, the upper portion of the front wheel 210 is covered by a front fender 214 mounted to the lower portion of the telescopic suspension unit 212 at the end of the steering shaft. A handlebar (not shown) is fixed to upper bracket (not shown) and can rotate about the steering shaft for turning the vehicle 200. A headlight (not shown), a visor guard (not shown) and instrument cluster (not shown) are arranged on an upper portion of the head pipe. The frame member comprises a down tube (not shown) that may be positioned in front of the engine 202 and extends slantingly downward from head pipe. The main tube of the frame member is located above the engine 202 and extends rearward from head pipe.
[016] The fuel tank is mounted on the main tube. Seat rails are joined to main tube and extend rearward to support the seat. A rear swing arm (not shown) is connected to the frame member to swing vertically, and the rear wheel is connected to rear end of the rear swing arm. Generally, the rear swing arm is supported by a mono rear suspension (not shown) or through two suspensions on either side of the vehicle 200. A taillight unit (not shown) is disposed at the end of the vehicle 200 and at the rear of the seat. A grab rail (not shown) is also provided to the seat rails. The rear wheel is arranged below the seat rotates by the motive force of the engine 202 transmitted through a chain drive (not shown).
[017] Further, a rear fender (not shown) is disposed above the rear wheel. An exhaust pipe (not shown) of the vehicle 200 extends vertically downward from the engine 202 and then extends below the engine 202, longitudinally along length of the vehicle 200 before terminating in a muffler (not shown). The muffler is typically disposed adjoining the rear wheel.
[018] Referring to Figures 2 and 3 in conjunction with Figure 1, the engine 202 including an oil cooler assembly 100 is depicted. The assembly 100 includes an oil cooler 102 mounted onto the frame member of the vehicle 200. The oil cooler 102 is positioned such that, atmospheric air contacts the outer surface of the oil cooler 102 for cooling. In the present embodiment, the oil cooler 102 is mounted on a downtube or downframe (not shown) of the frame member and is positioned in front of a cylinder head 206 of the engine 202.
[019] In an embodiment, the oil cooler 102 is a heat-exchanging unit defined with one or more pipes (not shown) which circulates within the lubricant to be cooled. Fin members (not shown) may be provided on outer surface of the oil cooler 102. The fin members allow atmospheric air to pass thereon, thereby facilitating cooling of lubricate circulating within the one or more pipes. In an embodiment, the oil cooler 102 is inclined vertically and positioned in front of the cylinder head 206. Alternatively, the oil cooler 102 may be oriented at any inclination as per feasibility and requirement, while ensuring maximum surface area is available for contact with the atmospheric air.
[020] Referring to Figures 4-6, the oil cooler 102 is defined with an inlet port 104 adapted to receive a lubricant to be cooled and an outlet port 106 adapted to discharge cooled lubricant. In an embodiment, the inlet port 104 is an opening defined on one end of the one or more pipes adapted to receive the lubricating oil to be cooled into the oil cooler 102. Accordingly, the outlet port 106 is an opening defined on another end of the one or more pipe adapted to discharge the cooled lubricant oil from the oil cooler 102. In an embodiment, the inlet port 104 is provided at an aft end 102a (shown in Figure 4) of the oil cooler 102 and the outlet port 106 is provided at a fore end 102b (shown in Figure 4) of the oil cooler 102. In an embodiment, dimensions and configuration of the inlet port 104 and the outlet port 106 are selected based on design feasibility and requirement in the vehicle 200.
[021] Further, the oil cooler assembly 100 includes an inlet pipe 108 having a first end 108a coupled to a crankcase 204 of the engine 202 and a second end 108b coupled to the inlet port 104 of the oil cooler 102. The inlet pipe 108 is adapted to supply the lubricant to be cooled from the crankcase 204 to the oil cooler 102, for cooling. In an embodiment, the inlet pipe 108 is a braided hose pipe. In an embodiment, the inlet pipe 108 is connected to the crankcase 204 via a banjo joint 112 using a fastener (not shown). The banjo joint 112 prevents oil leakage, thereby ensuring a leak-proof joint. Alternatively, the inlet pipe 108 can be connected to the crankcase 204 via conventional joining techniques as per design feasibility and requirement.
[022] Further, the assembly 100 includes an outlet pipe 110 having one end 110a coupled to the cylinder head 206 of the engine 202 and an other end 110b coupled to the outlet port 106 of the oil cooler 102. The outlet pipe 110 is adapted to supply cooled lubricant to the cylinder head 206 from the oil cooler 102. In an embodiment, the outlet pipe 110 is a braided hose pipe. In an embodiment, the outlet pipe 110 is connected to the cylinder head 206 via a banjo joint 114 using a fastener (not shown). The banjo joint 114 prevents oil leakage, thereby ensuring a leak-proof joint. Alternatively, the outlet pipe 110 can be connected to the cylinder head 206 via conventional joining techniques as per design feasibility and requirement.
[023] Further, due to connecting points of the inlet pipe 108 with the crankcase 204 and the outlet pipe 110 with the cylinder head 206, shortest possible length of the inlet pipe 108 and the outlet pipe 110 are provided, thereby ensuring a compact layout of the oil cooler assembly 100. Also, due to such connecting points, the inlet pipe 108 is routed from a front side or from a bottom side of the engine 202, while the outlet pipe 110 is routed on one side of the engine 202 (as depicted in Figures 2 and 3). The outlet pipe 110 is routed from one side of the engine 202 and extends forwardly to the engine 202. Such a construction of the inlet pipe 108 and the outlet pipe 110 compacts the layout of the assembly 100, while also preventing interference with other engine components.
[024] In an operational embodiment, the high temperature lubricant from the crankcase 204 is routed to the inlet port 106, during operation of the vehicle 200. The lubricant upon entering the oil cooler 102 get cooled due cooling induced by the atmospheric air flowing over the oil cooler 102. Thereafter, the cooled lubricant is discharged via the outlet port 106 and the outlet pipe 110 to the cylinder head 206. Thus, the engine 202 receives cooled lubricant, thereby ensuring operation of the engine 202 in optimal operating conditions.
[025] In an embodiment, the dimensions and configuration of the inlet pipe 108 and the outlet pipe 110 are selected as per design feasibility and requirement in the vehicle 200. In another embodiment, the inlet pipe 108 and the outlet pipe 110 are made of a metallic material, a composite material or a non-metallic material as per design feasibility and requirement in the vehicle 200.
[026] In an embodiment, the assembly 100 includes a pump (not shown) for supplying heated lubricant from the crankcase 204 to the oil cooler 102 and/or for discharging cooled lubricant from the oil cooler 102 to the cylinder head 206. In an embodiment, the lubricant stored in the crankcase 204 is a lubricating oil (or engine oil).
[027] Advantageously, the present disclosure provides the oil cooler assembly 100 that is compact. The construction of inlet pipe 108 and the outlet pipe 110 in the assembly 100 eases serviceability of the vehicle 200 for a technician, without the need for removal of the inlet pipe 108 and the outlet pipe 110, particularly during service of the clutch member. Additionally, the cooled oil supplied to the cylinder head 206 (which is the maximum heat generation area in the engine 202) gets collected back into the crankcase 204, thus cooling a gear box (not shown) of the vehicle 200 as well. Additionally, due to the selective routing of the cooled oil, the size requirement of the oil cooler 102 reduces, thereby reducing the size of the assembly 100. Further, the banjo joints 112, 114, facilitate ease of manufacturing process of the inlet pipe 108 and the outlet pipe 110 and ensures a leak-proof joint in the assembly 100. Furthermore, due to selective routing of the inlet pipe 108 and the outlet pipe 110, the piping length is reduced, thereby ensuring compact layout of the assembly 100. Consequently, improving aesthetic appeal of the vehicle 200 and increasing layout clearances proximal to the engine 202.
[028] 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.