WO2023166518A1

WO2023166518A1 - Engine system for saddle type vehicle and saddle type vehicle thereof

Info

Publication number: WO2023166518A1
Application number: PCT/IN2022/051101
Authority: WO
Inventors: Adiga Vijaya Bhaskar; Sivasamy ARUN SELVAKUMAR; Mani Boobalan; Annamalai Muthuraja
Original assignee: Tvs Motor Company Limited
Priority date: 2022-03-02
Filing date: 2022-12-19
Publication date: 2023-09-07

Abstract

The present invention provides an engine system (100) for a saddle type vehicle (200). The system (100) includes an engine (202) mounted on a frame member (204) of the vehicle (200) and extending along a longitudinal direction of the vehicle (200). An intake pipe (206) is fluidly coupled to the engine (202). The intake pipe (206) is adapted to route filtered air provided by an air cleaner (208) to the engine (202). A throttle body (102) is fluidly coupled to the engine (202) via the intake pipe (206) and adapted to route metered quantity of air into the engine (202), wherein throttle body (102) is mounted on side of engine (202) with respect to central axis (X-X') of vehicle (200). Such a construction mitigates requirement of cut-out in a storage box (212), thereby enhancing utility space, while maintaining a compact layout of engine system (100).

Description

Engine System for Saddle Type Vehicle and Saddle Type Vehicle Thereof

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[001] The present invention relates to a two-wheeled vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to engine system for the twowheeled vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[002] It is a known aspect that, an internal combustion engine requires air and/or air-fuel mixture into an engine cylinder, for initiating combustion. Typically, fuel is supplied by injectors or a carburetor, while ambient air is routed into the engine via an intake system. The amount of air and fuel mixture going inside the engine is controlled by a throttle body or a butterfly valve.

[003] In recent past, the throttle body or the butterfly valve is a separate unit in the vehicle. The throttle body are of two kinds, a mechanical throttle body or an electronic throttle body. The mechanical throttle body is connected to an accelerator of the vehicle via a cable, and thus the mechanical throttle body opens or closes to adjust the air-flow into the engine upon actuation of the accelerator. The mechanical throttle body is typically located between an air intake filter and an intake manifold.

[004] However, instead of using mechanical throttle, in recent past the throttle body is electronically actuated by an Electronic Control Unit (ECU) using inputs from the accelerator. Electronic throttle body or electronic throttle body is highly desirable in place of mechanical throttle body due to inclusion of a main control unit that not only reads input from the accelerator but also examines input from a wheel that is slipping, the wheel that has grip, a steering system and brakes of the vehicle, helping to correct a driver error and keep the vehicle under control. In other words, the electronic throttle body can balance several factors that affect a vehicle’s speed and direction. Typically, electronic throttle bodies are also placed in the same location between the air intake and the intake manifold where fresh air is pulled into the engine for the combustion process along a vehicle centre longitudinal axis.

[005] However, for a saddle type vehicle layout with utility space above the engine, electronic throttle body has to be placed between the engine and utility box. To accommodate the electronic throttle body which is larger in size compared to conventional mechanical throttle body, engine is placed at a lower level having minimum ground clearance. Also, due to size of the electronic throttle body a side cut-out is required to be provided in the utility box, inherently reducing utility volume, which is undesirable. Additionally, in conventional engines, the electronic throttle body is placed at a farther location from the engine, resulting in increased travel path for air from air cleaner. Such a scenario reduces performance of the engine, which is undesirable. [006] In view of the above, there is a need for an engine system for a two-wheeled vehicle, which addresses one or more limitations stated above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[007] In one aspect, an engine system for a saddle type vehicle is disclosed. The engine system includes an engine mounted on a frame member of the vehicle and extending along a longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The engine is adapted to generate motive force required for vehicle movement. An intake pipe is fluidly coupled to the engine and is adapted to route filtered air provided by an air cleaner to the engine. A throttle body is fluidly coupled to the engine via the intake pipe and is adapted to route metered quantity of air into the engine, wherein the throttle body is mounted on a side of the engine with respect to a central axis of the vehicle.

[008] In an embodiment, the throttle body is mounted on a lefthand side of the engine with respect to the central axis of the vehicle.

[009] In an embodiment, a cooling system is mounted on a side opposite to the throttle body with respect to the central axis of the vehicle.

[010] In an embodiment, the cooling system is mounted on a righthand side of the engine with respect to the central axis of the vehicle.

[011] In an embodiment, the throttle body is mounted at an angle with respect to the central axis of the vehicle. [012] In an embodiment, the angle ranges from about 20 degrees to about 45 degrees.

[013] In an embodiment, the engine is mounted below a storage box provided below a seat assembly of the vehicle.

[014] In an embodiment, the throttle body is one of an electronic throttle body and a mechanical throttle body.

[015] In another aspect, the saddle type vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle includes the frame member and an engine system. The engine system includes the engine mounted on the frame member of the vehicle and extending along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The engine is adapted to generate motive force required for vehicle movement. The intake pipe is fluidly coupled to the engine and is adapted to route filtered air provided by the air cleaner to the engine. The throttle body is fluidly coupled to the engine via the intake pipe and is adapted to route metered quantity of air into the engine, wherein the throttle body is mounted on the side of the engine with respect to the central axis of the vehicle.

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 is a schematic view of a saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a schematic view of the vehicle depicting an engine system mounted below a storage box of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3 is a schematic view of the vehicle including the engine system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the engine system mounted on the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 5 is a front view of the engine system mounted on the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 6 is a top view of the engine system mounted on the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 7 is a perspective view of the engine system depicting position of a throttle body, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

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 two-wheeled vehicle 200, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As an example, the two-wheeled vehicle 200 is a saddle type vehicle. The vehicle 200 includes an internal combustion engine 202 (shown in Figure 2) and a transmission assembly (not shown) that is disposed behind a floorboard 216 and below a seat assembly 214 and/or a storage box 212 (shown in Figure 2). The vehicle 200 has a front wheel 218, a rear wheel 220 and a frame member 204.

[019] A head pipe 222 (shown in Figure 3) connects to the frame member 204. The head pipe 222 supports a steering shaft 224 (shown in Figure 3) and a front suspension 226 attached to the steering shaft 224 through a lower bracket (not shown). The front suspension 226 supports the front wheel 218. An upper portion of the front wheel 218 is covered by a front fender 228 mounted to the front suspension 226. In an embodiment, the front fender 228 is movable along with the front wheel 218, during travel over undulations on a road surface. A handlebar 230 is fixed to upper bracket (not shown) and can rotate about the steering shaft 224 for turning the vehicle 200. A headlight 232 and an instrument cluster (not shown) is arranged on an upper portion of the head pipe 222.

[020] Further, a rear suspension 234 is provided to the rear wheel 220 for dampening the vibrations induced during travel of the vehicle 200 over undulations on the road surface. A taillight unit 238 is disposed at the end of the vehicle 200 and at the rear of the seat assembly 214. A grab rail 240 is also provided for facilitating grip and/or balance to a rider on the vehicle 200 during movement. The rear wheel 220 is arranged below the seat assembly 214 and adapted to receive the motive force from the engine 202. The transmission assembly transfers the drive force from the engine 202 onto the rear wheel 220 for movement the vehicle 200. In an embodiment, the driving force of the engine 202 is transmitted through an endless transmission drive (not shown). In an embodiment, the endless transmission drive may be a chain drive or a belt drive. A rear fender 242 is disposed above the rear wheel 220.

[021] In an embodiment, the engine 202 is mounted onto the frame member 204 (as shown in Figures 2 and 3) of the vehicle 200, particularly in front of the rear wheel 220. Mounting of the engine 202 in front of the rear wheel 220 lowers centre of gravity of the vehicle 200, thereby improving maneuverability of the vehicle 200. In an embodiment, the engine 202 is defined with mounting provisions for enabling mounting on the vehicle frame. The engine 202 along with the transmission assembly, a throttle body 102, an air cleaner 208 and a cooling system 210 forms an engine system 100. The description pertaining to engine system 100 is provided in detail with reference to Figures 3-7. Further, in the present disclosure annotation provided in Figure 1 is referred for describing the position of the components in the vehicle 200.

[022] Referring to Figure 3 in conjunction with Figures 1 and 2, the engine system 100 is depicted. In the present embodiment, the engine system 100 is provided below the storage box 212 (as shown in Figure 2) and the seat assembly 214 (as shown in Figure 1). The engine system 100 pertains to a layout or a strategic mounting of drive related components in the vehicle 200, for ensuring compact layout in the vehicle 200 while ensuring optimum performance.

[023] The engine system 100 includes the engine 202 mounted on the frame member 204 and extending along a longitudinal direction or a central axis X-X’ (as shown in Figure 5) of the vehicle 200. An intake pipe 206 is fluidly coupled to the engine 202 and is adapted to route filtered air provided by an air cleaner 208 to the engine 202. In an embodiment, the air cleaner 208 is positioned adjacent to the rear wheel 220 and above a cover variator 244 of the vehicle 200 (as shown in Figure 4). In the present embodiment, the air cleaner 208 is positioned at a left-hand side of the rear wheel 220.

[024] Further, a throttle body 102 is fluidly coupled to the engine 202 via the intake pipe 206 and adapted to route metered quantity of air into the engine 202. The throttle body 102 is positioned between a cylinder head 246 (shown in Figure 7) of the engine 202 and the air cleaner 208. As such, the throttle body 102 is capable of routing metered quantity of air filtered by the air cleaner 208 into the cylinder head 246 via the intake pipe 206. In an embodiment, the coupling between the throttle body 102, the conduit and the intake pipe 206 provides necessary support for mounting the throttle body 102 on the engine 202. In an embodiment, the throttle body 102 may be provided with mounting provisions (not shown) for rigidly mounting onto a support member (not shown) or on the frame member 204.

[025] The throttle body 102 is mounted on a side of the engine 202 with respect to the central axis X-X’ of the vehicle 200. Also, the throttle body 102 is positioned away, along a top or UP direction of the vehicle 200, from the cylinder head 246 (shown in Figure 7). Such a layout enables the engine 202 to be mounted at a higher level than in the conventional vehicles, thereby improving ground clearance of the engine 202. Also, due to position of the throttle body 102, length of the intake pipe 206 required for connection between the throttle body 102 and the engine 202 is reduced. Also, a substantial level configuration of the engine system 100 is maintained, consequently ensuring a compact layout of the engine system 100 in the vehicle 200.

[026] In the present embodiment, the throttle body 102 is mounted on the left-hand side of the vehicle 200. That is, on the left side of the central axis X-X’ of the vehicle 200. Alternatively, the throttle body 102 can also be mounted on a right-had side of the central axis X-X’ of the vehicle 200, as per design feasibility and requirement.

[027] Further, the throttle body 102 is mounted at an angle 0 (as shown in Figure 6) with respect to the central axis X-X’ of the vehicle 200. The inclination of the throttle body 102 is depicted via the axis A- A’. In an embodiment, the angle 0 or angle of inclination of the throttle body 102 with respect to the central axis X-X’ ranges from about 20 degrees to about 45 degrees. The throttle body 102 inclined by 20 degrees to about 45 degrees provides a shortest possible path for flow of air into the engine 202, resulting in maximum engine performance. Alternatively, the angle of inclination of the throttle body 102 with respect to the central axis X-X’ may vary as per design feasibility and requirement. Such a position of mounting of the throttle body 102 eliminates the requirement of a cut-out (not shown) in the storage box 212, for accommodating the throttle body 102 below the storage box 212. Thus, enhancing the storage space within the storage box 212. Additionally, the position of the throttle body 102 makes the layout compact.

[028] In an embodiment, the throttle body 102 is incapable of being mounted at an inclination less than 20 degrees, due to space constraints present in the engine 202. In another embodiment, the throttle body 102 is also incapable of being mounted at an inclination greater than 45 degrees, as the throttle body 102 increases the vehicle width, which is undesirable. As such, the throttle body 102 is required to be mounted at an inclination ranging from about 20 degrees to about 45 degrees.

[029] In an embodiment, the throttle body 102 is selected to be one of a mechanical throttle body or an electronic throttle body. In another embodiment, the dimensions of the throttle body 102 is selected as per design feasibility and requirement. [030] The engine system 100 further includes a cooling system 210 mounted on a side opposite to that of the throttle body 102 (as shown in Figures 4 and 5) with respect to the central axis X-X’ of the vehicle 200. The cooling system 210 is fluidly coupled to the engine 202, for dissipating heat generated within the engine 202 during operation. The cooling system 210 is coupled to the engine 202 via a pipe (not shown). In an embodiment, the cooling system 210 may include mounting members (not shown) for mounting the cooling system 210 onto the frame member 204. The cooling system 210 is mounted on a righthand side of the engine 202 with respect to the central axis X-X’ of the vehicle 200, thereby ensuring compact packaging of the engine system 100. In an embodiment, the cooling system 210 may be a radiator assembly or any other suitable cooling system 210 known in the art.

[031] The claimed invention as discussed above is not routine, conventional, or well understood in the art, as the claimed aspects enable the following solutions to the existing problems in conventional technologies. Specifically, the claimed aspect of the throttle body 102 mounted on a side of the engine 202 and at an angle, eliminates the requirement of a cut-out in the storage box 212, thereby enhancing the storage space or utility space within the storage box 212, while providing technical solution to the technical problem. Also, due to mounting of the throttle body 102 on a side about the central axis X-X’, reduces size or length of the intake pipe 206, thereby, reducing cost and weight associated with size of the intake pipe 206 in the vehicle 200. Further, reduction in size or length of the intake pipe 206 decreases length of travel path of air from the air cleaner 208 to the cylinder head 246, which significantly improves performance of the engine 202. Moreover, due to shorter travel path of air obtained due to position of the throttle body 102, layout of the engine 202 is made compact while minimizing air transmission losses in the engine 202. In other words, the intake pipe flow path is made short to have quick response and better performance of the engine 202, thereby eliminating manufacturing issues arising due to complex intake pipe angles providing conventional engines. Additionally, position of the throttle body 102 makes the layout of the engine system compact and provides a higher ground clearance with respect to the engine 202 due to the throttle body 102 being placed away from the cylinder head 246. Further, compact layout of the engine system 100 also ensures ease of assembly of the components and serviceability.

[032] 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 - Engine system 102 - Throttle body 200 - Saddle type vehicle - Engine - Frame member - Intake pipe - Air cleaner - Cooling system - Storage box - Seat assembly - Floorboard - Front wheel - Rear wheel - Head pipe - Steering shaft - Front suspension - Front fender - Handlebar - Headlight - Rear suspension- Taillight unit - Grab rail - Rear fender - Cover variator - Cylinder head

Claims

WE CLAIM:

1. An engine system (100) for a saddle type vehicle (200), the engine system (100) comprising: an engine (202) mounted on a frame member (204) of the vehicle (200) and extending along a longitudinal direction of the vehicle (200), the engine (202) adapted to generate motive force required for vehicle movement; an intake pipe (206) fluidly coupled to the engine (202), the intake pipe (206) adapted to route filtered air provided by an air cleaner (208) to the engine (202); and a throttle body (102) fluidly coupled to the engine (202) via the intake pipe (206) and adapted to route metered quantity of air into the engine (202), wherein the throttle body (102) is mounted on a side of the engine (202) with respect to a central axis (X-X’) of the vehicle (200).

2. The engine system (100) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the throttle body (102) is mounted on a lefthand side of the engine (202) with respect to the central axis (X-X’) of the vehicle (200).

3. The engine system (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprising a cooling system (210) mounted on a side opposite to the throttle body (102) with respect to the central axis (X-X’) of the vehicle (200).

4. The engine system (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the cooling system (210) is mounted on a righthand side of the engine (202) with respect to the central axis (X-X’) of the vehicle (200).

5. The engine system (100) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the throttle body (102) is mounted at an angle (0) with respect to the central axis (X-X’) of the vehicle (200).

6. The engine system (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the angle (0) ranges from about 20 degrees to about 45 degrees.

7. The engine system (100) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the engine (202) is mounted below a storage box (212) provided below a seat assembly (214) of the vehicle (200).

8. The engine system (100) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the throttle body (102) is one of an electronic throttle body and a mechanical throttle body.

9. A saddle type vehicle (200), comprising: a frame member (204); and an engine system (100), comprising: an engine (202) mounted on the frame member (204) and extending along a longitudinal direction of the vehicle (200), the engine (202) adapted to generate motive force required for vehicle movement; an intake pipe (206) fluidly coupled to the engine (202), the intake pipe (206) adapted to route filtered air provided by an air cleaner (208) to the engine (202); and a throttle body (102) fluidly coupled to the engine (202) via the intake pipe (206) and adapted to route metered quantity of air into the engine (202), wherein the throttle body (102) is mounted on a side of the engine (202) with respect to a central axis (X-X’) of the vehicle (200).

10. The vehicle (200) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the throttle body (102) is mounted on a lefthand side of the engine (202) with respect to the central axis (X-X’) of the vehicle (200).

11. The vehicle (200) as claimed in claim 9 comprising a cooling system (210) mounted on a side opposite to the throttle body (102) with respect to the central axis (X-X’) of the vehicle (200).

12. The vehicle (200) as claimed in claim 11 , wherein the cooling system (210) is mounted on a righthand side of the engine (202) with respect to the central axis (X-X’) of the vehicle (200).

13. The vehicle (200) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the throttle body (102) is mounted at an angle (0) with respect to the central axis (X-X’) of the vehicle (200).

14. The vehicle (200) as claimed in claim 13, wherein the angle (0) ranges from about 20 degrees to about 45 degrees.

15. The vehicle (200) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the engine (202) is mounted below a storage box (212) provided below a seat assembly (214) of the vehicle (200).