DESC:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a prime mover cooling system suitable for an automotive vehicle where rider is exposed to hot air coming from the prime mover, more particularly a prime mover cooling system which directs hot airflow away from the rider.

BACKGROUD OF THE INVENTION
Prime mover such as an internal combustion engine produces heat as a direct consequence of combustion of fuel and friction produced in the engine’s moving parts. Depending on the size and capacity of the engine, and the quantum of combustion, the concomitant heat generated in the process varies. For lower capacity engines, the heat is dissipated by increasing the surface area in contact with the atmospheric air by providing fins on the external surface of the engines cylinder block. Such an approach to engine cooling is usually not effective in some situations for example when dealing with engines of a higher capacity where the increased surface area provided by the fins on the external surface of the cylinder block are insufficient to maintain the engine within its optimal operating temperature.

In such cases the engines may have to be provided with a specialised coolant based heat exchange device to dissipate the engines heat, in addition to the existing fins. Such specialised heat transfer devices are generally known as radiators or convectors and use oil or water based heat transfer fluids, among others, as coolants. These devices work on the principle of heat dissipation. The heat exchange device typically has a network of small pipes which may have attached to them, sheets of metal in the form of fins to further increase surface area in contact with air.

While these heat exchange devices independently are effective at dissipating engine heat, there is a need to force a greater volume of air through the heat exchange devices to maintain optimal engine operating temperature and prevent overheating without increasing the size of the heat exchanger, depending on the capacity of the engine. In such cases a fan is typically used to induce a greater volume of air to flow through the heat exchanger. Such cooling systems are commonly referred to as ‘forced air’ type cooling systems.

With reference to Figure 2 indicating a conventionally used engine cooling system, the cooling system 250 is conventionally disposed between the front wheel 210 and the internal combustion engine 220. The rider seated on the seat 225 with his feet resting on the foot rest 230 has his knees 235 folded and disposed in close vicinity of the engine 220 such that the legs are exposed to the heat generated from the engine 220.

Figure 3 indicates a conventional two wheeled saddle type vehicle comprising of a heat transfer device 255 disposed between the engine 220 and the front wheel 210 in vicinity of the rider’s legs. The figure indicates a heat map of the airflow inside from the air intake side 255A and outward from the air discharge 255B side and towards the rider’s legs. From the heat map is evident how the hot air flows towards the rider’s leg thereby causing an increase in temperature of the rider’s body parts, especially the legs, which come in contact with this air.

Aforementioned issue has been addressed using techniques which involve encasing the fan 340 on the discharge side 255B of the heat exchange device 255. A conventional fan arrangement in this regard is indicated in figure 4A and figure 4B where the motor 350 being operationally connected to fan 340, is partially enclosed by a covering member 320. The covering member 320 has an outlet 355 in the ground ward direction such that the air sucked in by the cooling system does not reach the riders legs. Although this approach prevents hot air from reaching the rider, it presents other shortcomings of its own.

The arrangement as indicated in Fig. 4A and 4B and described above restricts airflow on the air discharge side 255B of the heat exchange device 255. The covering member 320 acts as an obstruction which reduces airflow rate through the heat exchange device 255. The obstruction caused by covering member 320 causes pressure drop across the cooling system thus reducing the efficiency of heat dissipation.

To ensure that the cooling system with the fan arrangement as indicated in Fig. 4A and 4B dissipates heat just as effectively as a system without a covering member to obstruct the air flow; the fan speed has to be increased to compensate for the pressure drop caused by the obstruction. This increase in fan speed requires a greater capacity motor, puts a greater load on the battery of the vehicle thus warranting a greater capacity battery. All of the aforementioned changes increase the cost of the vehicle and the cover member makes it difficult to access the motor. Further, the fan rotating at higher speeds produces a loud undesirable noise while rotating which adds to the inconvenience caused to the rider.

Further, in case of fully fared two wheeled vehicles, operators are protected from engine heat due to fairing. However, to dissipate the engine heat, the fairing needs to be provided with openings. This deteriorates the vehicle aesthetics.

Engines with varying capacities have different heat generation characteristics. Smaller engines where the heat generation is such that heat dissipation through the heat transfer device is required to a much lower extent and intermittently, the air from the fan may not cause any noticeable inconvenience. On the other hand, engines with higher capacity may require cooling throughout the vehicles operation and the air heats up the extent that the rider may be inconvenienced by it. In such a case the air flowing towards the rider’s legs may cause inconvenience as discussed earlier. Here to address this varying cooling requirement, currently dedicated cooling systems are designed, manufactured and mounted on the vehicle. The lack of standardisation and uniform implementation of parts across vehicle platforms increases the overall cost of development, manufacturing and assembly.

OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, one of the objectives of the present invention is to provide a cooling system which allows for an effective cooling of a vehicle prime mover and which allows for the air to be directed away from the rider.

Another objective of invention is to provide an energy efficient prime mover cooling system which operates with lower fan noise.

A further objective of the invention is to provide a prime mover cooling system which is modular in nature and can be used across different vehicle platforms with no or minimal modifications.

Yet another objective of invention is to provide a prime mover cooling system which is cost effective and uncomplicated in construction.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

With these objectives in view, the present invention provides a cooling system for a prime mover of an automobile where the prime mover is disposed in the vicinity of the rider and the rider is not shielded from the prime mover.

In an embodiment, the prime mover is an internal combustion engine and is disposed towards the front end of the vehicle and in the vicinity of the rider , for e.g. close to the riders legs, comprising a heat exchange device having air intake side and air discharge side, a fan, a mounting structure, a motor being operationally connected to and driving the fan, wherein the motor is mounted on the mounting structure and at least one deflector is disposed on the mounting structure to deflect the air in a desired direction. Prime mover is typically an internal combustion engine, but other prime movers amenable to air or liquid cooling including an electric motor may also be used. The fan may be a conventional fan or a ring type fan.

The mounting structure in the present invention comprising a plurality of arms extending outwards from a central portion. This central portion may have an opening to accommodate and mount the motor operationally attached to the fan. Each of the arms has mounting points through which the mounting structure is secured onto a heat exchange device. On the mounting structure, a deflecting section is provided between two arms of the mounting structure being disposed at the outer periphery of the fan. The deflecting section may either be integrally formed into the mounting structure of may be detachably provided. Its position may be chosen depending on the requirements of the cooling system and functions as a deflector to create a physical barrier for the air and directs its flow in a desired direction.

Further, at least one deflector may be detachably disposed on the mounting structure, for example, the deflector may be is detachably disposed between the motor and the mounting structure. Alternately, the deflector may be integrally formed with the mounting structure. This deflector is placed at a position in the vicinity of the fan to redirect the airflow induced by the cooling system where the airflow would otherwise be in the direction of the rider, for example towards the rider’s legs. The detachable deflector may have a central protruding annular sleeve such as to cover the fan motor output shaft. This annular sleeve prevents foreign particles from entering the motor through the motor output shaft. The placement of the deflector may be influenced by the design requirements of the engine cooling system and be provided accordingly. The deflector can be a modular structure which can be adopted for various configurations of the prime mover cooling system.

The present system overcomes the shortcomings arising out of using a closed type shroud such as in figure 4A and figure 4B by not covering the fan entirely. This does not significantly hinder the airflow and also minimises the pressure drop across the system, thus allowing the air to flow freely and a greater cooling efficiency is achieved without increasing the fan speed. As a consequence the noise associated with an increased fan speed is avoided. A greater load on the battery associated with running a fan on higher speed is also avoided thus making the setup both efficient in cooling as well as energy consumption. Since the fan is not disposed inside a shroud, it is easy to assemble. By doing away with the closed type shroud as in figure 4A and figure 4B, material is also saved, all of which further results in reducing cost.

The present invention allows for the cooling system to be entirely modular in its design. The mounting structure is provided with a plurality of mounting points on which the motor, the deflecting section and detachable deflector are secured using adequate securing means. A single deflector or a plurality of deflectors may be detachably secured on the mounting structure, positioned around the fan such that the same system is advantageously employable across vehicle platforms and for prime movers of a wide range of specifications.

The cooling system may either directly be mounted on the vehicle body frame or support may be taken from a convenient vehicle component as per design requirements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a side view of a saddle type motorcycle including an engine cooling system.

Figure 2 is an isometric view of a rider seated on a saddle type motorcycle with a conventional engine cooling system.

Figure 3 is a side view of a saddle type motorcycle having a conventional engine cooling system, indicating the heat map of the airflow inside from the air intake side and outward from the air discharge side and towards the rider’s legs.
Figure 4A and Figure 4B are isometric views of the conventional closed type fan shroud arrangement.

Figure 5A is an isometric view of one embodiment of the inventive engine cooling system.

Figure 5B is an isometric view of another embodiment of the inventive engine cooling system along with a detachable mounted deflector.

Figure 6A and Figure 6B are exploded views of one embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the fan, motor, mounting structure and a detachable deflector part forming the engine cooling system.

Figure 6C and Figure 6D are exploded views of yet another embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the fan, motor, mounting structure and a detachable deflector part forming the engine cooling system.

Figure 7 is an isometric view of one embodiment of the present invention indicating the air circulation arrangement and the detachable deflector. The direction of lateral air flow around said components is also indicated.

Figure 8A is a side view of a saddle type motorcycle having one embodiment of the present invention indicating the heat map of the airflow inside from the air intake side and outward from the air discharge side of the of the cooling system.

Figure 8B is an isometric view of a saddle type motorcycle having one embodiment of the present invention indicating the heat map of the airflow inside from the air intake side and outward from the air discharge side of the of the cooling system without causing inconvenience to the rider.

DETAILED DISCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Description of preferred but non-limiting embodiments of the prime mover cooling system of the present invention will now follow with reference to the above drawings.

Referring first to figure 1, there is shown a motorcycle 100 having a frame 106 comprising a head pipe 101, front forks 102, a body frame 106A and rear frame 106B. Front wheel 103 is connected to front forks 102 in a conventional manner. A handlebar 104 is mounted on the head pipe 101. Further, mounted to body frame 106A is an internal combustion engine 113, conveniently of medium engine capacity and operational with a lean air fuel mixture. The engine 113 is disposed in the front end of the motorcycle 100, mounted on the side members of the body frame 106A through suitable connection means (not shown) and disposed behind the wheel 103. Engine 113 is amenable to air cooling to an operating temperature conducive to efficient engine operation. Cooling air is atmospheric air which is inducted into an engine cooling system 111 as the motorcycle 100 is operated, for example being ridden along a road.

The cooling system is disposed between the front wheel 103 and the internal combustion engine 113 in a conventional manner and is secured to mounts provided on the side members of the body frame 106A through suitable connection means (not shown). Additionally, independent of the cooling system 111, an air scoop 110 may preferably be provided to improve air flow in the engine region when the motorcycle is in motion.

The motorcycle 100 is provided with a seat 107 supported by the rear frame (not shown) and an ergonomically disposed foot rest 108 mounted on the body frame 106A for the rider to sit and place his feet respectively. When the rider is seated on the seat 107 with his feel rested on the foot rest 108, as a consequence of the aforementioned conventional seating arrangement, his knees are foldedly positioned in close vicinity of the engine 113 such that the legs are exposed to the heat generated from the engine 113.

The engine 113 is provided with a coolant jacket (not shown) through which a coolant is circulated using a pump mechanism (not shown). The coolant absorbs heat from the engine 113 to heat up and is then pumped out of the coolant jacket and into the a heat exchange device of the cooling system 111, which when operational, sucks in air from the air intake side 111A and blows it from the air discharge side 111B.

Figure 5A indicates the engine cooling system 111 assign which comprises of a heat exchange device 600 having an air intake side 600A and an air discharge side 600B, and an air circulation arrangement 650 is detachably mounted preferably onto the air discharge side 600B of the heat exchange device 600 along mounting points 615. The heat exchange device 600 has an inlet 601 from where the coolant enters the device, a network of pipes to which fins 602 are attached and an outlet 605 through which the coolant exits the device. The fins arranged on the network of pipes through which the coolant flows can assume any shape and size and be made of any material depending on the cooling requirement. The heat exchange device 600 is provided with a plurality of mounting points 610 through which it may be secured to the body frame 106A either directly or indirectly.

Figure 6A indicates an exploded view of the air circulation arrangement 650 with the detachable deflector. The air circulation arrangement comprises of a motor 690, a fan 695 and a mounting structure 630 having a central opening preferably circular in shape to accommodate the motor 690 and a plurality of arms 635 extending radially outwards from the central opening. The arms 635 have mounting provisions provided such as to detachably mount onto the heat exchange device 600 along corresponding mounting points 615 on the heat exchange device 600 through securing means such as screws. The mounting structure 630 further has at least one deflecting section 640 connecting two arms 635 and is preferably placed in the top portion connecting the upper two arms 635. The deflecting section 640 may either be detachably mounted on the mounting structure 630 or may be integrally formed in the mounting structure 630 as in figure 6A. It may be given any suitable shape, for example the deflecting section may be curved to accommodate the circular fan as indicated in figures 6A and 6B and functions to prevent the air sucked in by the fan 695 through the heat exchange device 600 from flowing upwards and outwards from the air circulation arrangement 650 towards the direction of the rider, specifically the rider’s legs. It may also be placed in another desired position or a plurality of positions based on which direction the airflow requires to be directed towards or directed away from or both.

Further, the mounting structure 630 has mounting points 645 provided to detachably secure a deflector 670 as indicated in figures 6A and 6B. The deflector 670 has a central opening concentric with the central opening provided in the mounting structure 630 and is configured to accommodate and house the motor 690. The deflector has a profile configured such as to optimise the airflow in a required direction, preferably in a direction away from the rider. The shape of the deflector 670 is preferably circular covering a substantial portion behind the fan 695. It further has a bent portion 680 disposed on the top ward direction such that the bent portion is inclined toward the deflecting section 640. This further ensures that the air from the fan does not flow in the upward and outward direction towards the rider.
This profile may be modified to suit the requirement of the specific engine cooling requirements and the bent portion may even be removed to suit the airflow requirements. Such bent portions may be provided in one of many other positions as the case may be to ensure an obstruction in the path of the airflow. In yet another aspect of the invention as shown in figure 6C and 6D, the deflector may not be provided with bend portion 680.

The deflector 670 is detachably disposed between the motor 690 and structure 630. The mounting structure 630 is provided with mounting provisions 645 preferably on the radially extending arms 635 to receive the securing means such as screws necessary for mounting the detachable deflector 670. The mounting structure 630 also has mounting points 665 to mount the motor 690. Corresponding mounting provisions 655 are provided on the detachable deflector so that suitable securing means such as screws may pass through the detachable deflector 670 and mount said components on the mounting structure 630.

The deflector 670 further has a substantially annular raised portion provided to form a barrier preventing the entry of foreign bodies in the motor 690 through the output shaft (not shown) thus making it better equipped than conventional systems in performing reliably in dusty operating conditions.

A side portion 675 of the deflector 670 is configured to extend vertically downwards with its face preferably perpendicular to the face of deflector 670 is provided in the lower portion of the deflector 670. Said side portion 675 acts as a barrier to the air flowing outwards towards the rider, specifically the rider’s legs. The lateral airflow due to the rotation of the fan causes the hot air from the engine to flow towards the riders legs. With reference to figure 7, the fan rotating in a clockwise direction causes the air around the fan to move laterally and such lateral airflow is obstructed by the side portion 675 and keeps it from heating the rider’s body.

The arm 635A corresponding to the side portion 675 of the deflector 670 is configured to provide mounting points for securing the side portion of the deflector 675 and is likewise extended downward to provide mounting points 645 on which the side portion of deflector 675 is secured through a securing means such as a screw. Arm 635A if extends in radial direction may divert heat to the drivers knee area however modifying it to align with deflector 675 helps to avoid such deflection of hot air.

Figure 9A and 9B indicate a saddle type motorcycle equipped with an engine cooling system according to one embodiment of the present invention. The figures indicate a computer simulation of the airflow inside from the air intake side and outward from the air discharge side of the cooling system 111. As is evident from the heat map of the aforementioned airflow, the rider is significantly less exposed to the hot air and therefore experiences negligible inconvenience.

The present engine cooling system does not create a significant pressure drop as opposed to the conventional system as indicated in figures 4A and 4B. As a consequence, the motor may not be required to run at higher rotations per minute and saves on the battery power while offering superior performance at lower cost.

Furthermore, the detachable nature of the deflector 670 in the present engine cooling system makes it modular. The same cooling system can be used across vehicle platforms of a wide range of engine capacities. Where the engines do not produce as much heat as to cause any inconvenience, the detachable deflector 670 may not be provided whilst keeping the rest of the cooling system in place as indicated in figure 5A. In cases where the engine produces greater heat whereby hot air flowing towards the rider is undesirable, the deflector 670 may be mounted on the mounting structure 630 of the existing cooling system to address the issue as indicated in figure 5B. Deflectors of various profiles, sizes and shapes may be used advantageously to meet design requirements.

Modifications and variations to the engine cooling system described may be apparent to the skilled reader of this specification. Such modifications and variations are deemed within the scope of the present invention. The applicant intends to rely on the provisional specification and drawings annexed to the provisional specification.
,CLAIMS:1. A prime mover cooling system comprising
a heat exchange device having an air intake side and an air discharge side;
a fan and a motor being operationally connected to and driving the fan and
a mounting structure;
wherein the motor is mounted on the mounting structure and at least one deflector is disposed on the mounting structure to deflect the air in a desired direction.

2. The prime mover cooling system according to claim 1 wherein, the mounting structure comprises a plurality of arms extending outwards from a central portion and the central portion have an opening to accommodate and mount the motor operationally attached to the fan.

3. The prime mover cooling system according to claim 1 wherein, each of the arms has mounting points through which the mounting structure is secured to the heat exchange device.

4. The prime mover cooling system according to claim 1 wherein, the deflector is detachably disposed on the mounting structure between the motor and the mounting structure.

5. The prime mover cooling system according to claim 1 wherein, the deflector is integrally formed with the mounting structure.

6. The prime mover cooling system according to claim 1 wherein, the deflector is a modular structure which can be adopted for various configurations of the prime mover cooling system.

7. The prime mover cooling system according to claim 1 wherein, the deflector have a central protruding annular sleeve such as to cover the fan and a motor output shaft.

8. The prime mover cooling system according to claim 2 wherein, a deflecting section is provided between the two arms of the mounting structure and disposed at the outer periphery of the fan.

9. The prime mover cooling system according to claim 8 wherein, the deflecting section may either be integrally formed into the mounting structure of may be detachably provided.

10. The prime mover cooling system according to claim 1 wherein, a side portion extending vertically downwards with its face preferably perpendicular to the face of the deflector is provided in the lower portion of the deflector.

11. The prime mover cooling system according to claim 1 wherein, the prime mover can be an engine or an electric motor or both.

12. The prime mover cooling system according to claim 1 wherein, the fan is ring type fan or a conventional fan.

13. A two wheeled vehicle comprising the prime mover cooling system according to claim 1.