A cooling fan assembly for a vehicle

Abstract

The present subject matter relates to a cooling fan assembly (100) for a vehicle. The cooling fan assembly (100) comprises a fan (104), and a cowl (106). The fan (104) includes a motor (102) and one or more fan blades (103). The cowl (106) comprises a fan casing (202), and 5 a cover (204). The fan casing (202) defines an opening (202x). The cover (204) defines an enclosed space to enclose at least a portion of the fan (104). The cover (204) includes at least one of: a first outlet opening (210a) configured on a first side (F) of the cover (204), and a second outlet opening (210b) configured on a second side (S) of the cover (204). At least one of the first outlet opening (210a) and the second outlet opening (210b) is oriented 0 in one or more directions, to direct air along the one or more directions.

Description

TITLE OF THE INVENTION:A COOLING FAN ASSEMBLY FOR A VEHICLEFIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present subj ect matter is related, in general to a vehicle, and more particularly, but not exclusively to a cooling fan assembly for the vehicle.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Radiators are essential components of a vehicle’s cooling system, ensuring that the engine operates within an optimal temperature range. Acting as a heat exchanger, the radiator circulates coolant through a network of tubes, fins provided to dissipate heat from the coolant into the surrounding air. In most vehicles, radiators are positioned at the front, utilizing natural airflow (ram air) to aid in heat dissipation as the vehicle moves forward. Consequently, ensuring proper airflow to the radiator is crucial for maintaining its performance and effectively cooling the engine coolant.

[0003] Generally, a cooling fan is mounted on the radiator to enhance airflow across the fins when natural airflow is insufficient, such as in traffic or at low speeds of the vehicle. The incoming air flows through the radiator fins, absorbing heat from the coolant, and then passes through the fan blades. The fan expels the heated air outward from the sides of the cooling fan assembly. However, a significant issue with this system in two-wheeled vehicles is that the fan directs the heated air toward the sides of the vehicle, often towards the vehicle rider’s legs. This can cause significant discomfort to the vehicle rider, and in some cases, lead to bums or other injuries.

[0004] Furthermore, mounting the cooling fan on the radiator adds extra weight, which is transferred by the radiator’s mounting brackets. This additional weight, combined with potential vibrations during vehicle operation, can lead to bracket wear or failure. Additionally, the fan’s mounting bracket on the radiator can obstruct incoming airflow, thereby reducing the radiator’s overall cooling efficiency.

[0005] Accordingly, a need exists for an efficient solution that solves the above-mentioned problems.

[0006] Further limitations and disadvantages of conventional and traditional approaches will become apparent to one of skill in the art, through comparison of described systems with some aspects of the present disclosure, as set forth in the remainder of the present application and with reference to the drawings.SUMMARY

[0007] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

[0008] In accordance with an embodiment, the present subject matter relates to a cooling fan assembly for a vehicle. The cooling fan assembly comprises a fan, and a cowl. The fan includes a motor and one or more fan blades. The cowl is configured with the fan and is configured to enclose the fan. The cowl comprises a fan casing, and a cover configured with the fan casing. The fan casing defines an opening. The cover defines an enclosed space to enclose at least a portion of the fan. The cover includes at least one of: a first outlet opening configured on a first side of the cover, and a second outlet opening configured on a second side of the cover. At least one of the first outlet opening and the second outlet opening are oriented in one or more directions, to direct air along the one or more directions.

[0009] The one or more directions includes at least one of: a first direction, a second direction, a third direction, and a fourth direction. The first direction is towards the first side of the cover along a horizontal axis Z-Z’ of the cowl. The second direction is towards the second side of the cover along the horizontal axis Z-Z’ of the cowl. The second direction is opposite to the first direction. The third direction is towards an upward direction along a vertical axis Y-Y’ of the cowl. The fourth direction is towards a downward direction along the vertical axis Y-Y’ of the cowl. The fourth direction is opposite to the third direction.

[0010] In an aspect, the cover comprises: a rear wall, a first guide wall, and a second guide wall. The rear wall is coupled with the fan. The first guide wall is extended from a first end of the rear wall towards the fan casing. The second guide wall is extended from a second end of the rear wall towards the fan casing. The first outlet opening is defined between the first guide wall and the second guide wall on the first side of the cover. The second outlet opening is defined between the first guide wall and the second guide wall on a second side of the cover, the second side being opposite to the first side.

[0011] The cowl is symmetrical about a vertical axis Y-Y’ of the cowl. The first outlet opening and the second outlet opening are oriented symmetrically about the vertical axis Y-Y’.

[0012] The first guide wall comprises: a curved portion, a first portion, and a second portion. The curved portion extends symmetrically about the vertical axis Y-Y’. The curved portion is concentric about an axis X-X’ of the cowl. The first portion is connected to the curved portion and extends away from the vertical axis Y-Y’. The first portion is inclined at a first acute angle a with respect to the vertical axis Y-Y’. The second portion is connected to the curved portion, and is configured opposite to the first portion and extends away from the vertical axis Y-Y’ . The second portion is inclined by a second acute angle P with respect to the vertical axis Y-Y’. The first portion and the second portion are symmetrical about the vertical axis Y-Y’. The first portion and the second portion are configured to define the first outlet opening and the second outlet opening to orient along the one or more directions.

[0013] The second guide wall comprises: a curved member, a first member, and a second member. The curved member extends symmetrically about a vertical axis Y-Y’ of the cowl. The curved member is concentric about the axis X-X’ of the cowl. The first member is connected to the curved member, and is extended away from the vertical axis Y-Y. The first member is inclined at a third acute angle 5 with respect to the vertical axis Y-Y’. The second member is connected to the curved member, and is configured opposite to the first member and extends away from the vertical axis Y-Y’. The second member is inclined at a fourth acute angle 9 with respect to the vertical axis Y-Y’. The first member and the second member are symmetrical about the vertical axis Y-Y’. The first member and the second member are configured to define the first opening and the second opening to orient along the one or more directions.

[0014] The fan casing comprises a plurality of mounting provisions. The plurality of mounting provisions are configured to allow a mounting of the cooling fan assembly on at least one down tube of a frame assembly of the vehicle.

[0015] In an embodiment, the cooling fan assembly is configured behind a radiator of the vehicle along a vehicle front-rear direction. The radiator is mounted on the frame assembly.

[0016] In an embodiment, the cooling fan assembly comprises a plurality of mounting members configured with the at least one down tube and extended towards the plurality of mounting provisions of the cooling fan assembly. The plurality of mounting members and the plurality of mounting provisions of the cooling fan assembly are configured to allow mounting of the cooling fan assembly on the at least one down tube.

[0017] In accordance with an embodiment illustrated herein, the present subject matter additionally provides a vehicle. The vehicle comprises a frame assembly, a radiator mounted on the frame assembly, and a cooling fan assembly mounted on the frame assembly. The cooling fan assembly is configured behind the radiator along a vehicle frontrear direction. The cooling fan assembly comprises a fan, and a cowl. The fan includes a motor and one or more fan blades. The cowl is configured with the fan and is configured to enclose the fan. The cowl comprises a fan casing, and a cover configured with the fan casing. The fan casing defines an opening. The cover defines an enclosed space to enclose at least a portion of the fan. The cover includes at least one of: a first outlet opening configured on a first side of the cover, and a second outlet opening configured on a second side of the cover. At least one of the first outlet opening and the second outlet opening are oriented in one or more directions, to direct air along the one or more directions.

[0018] The frame assembly comprises at least: a head tube, and at least one down tube extended downward from the head tube. The at least one down tube is configured with a plurality of mounting members extended towards a plurality of mounting provisions of the cooling fan assembly. The plurality of mounting members and the plurality of mounting provisions of the cooling fan assembly are configured to allow mounting of the cooling fan assembly on the frame assembly.

[0019] The at least one down tube comprises a first tube, and a second tube. The second tube is separated from the first tube by a gap, wherein the cooling fan assembly is configured within the gap.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description given herein below and the accompanying drawings which are given by way of illustration only, and thus are not limitative of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of a cooling fan assembly of a vehicle, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

[0022] Figure 2 illustrates a rear isometric view of the cooling fan assembly of Figure 1.

[0023] Figure 3 illustrates an isometric view of a cowl of the cooling fan assembly, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

[0024] Figure 4 illustrates a front view of the cowl of Figure 3.

[0025] Figure 5 illustrates a rear view of the cowl of Figure 3.

[0026] Figure 6 illustrates a rear isometric view of the cowl of Figure 3.

[0027] Figure 7 illustrates an exploded view of the cooling fan assembly, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

[0028] Figure 8 illustrates an exploded view of the cooling fan assembly of Figure 7.

[0029] Figure 9a illustrates mounting members provided with down tubes of a frame assembly of a vehicle, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

[0030] Figure 9b illustrates a rear isometric view of the mounting members provided with the down tubes of the frame assembly of Figure 9a.

[0031] Figure 10 illustrates an isometric view of a cooling fan assembly mounted on the down tubes of the frame assembly of the vehicle, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

[0032] Figure 11 illustrates a rear isometric view of the cooling fan assembly mounted on the down tubes of the frame assembly of Figure 10.

[0033] Figure 12a illustrates a front view of the cooling fan assembly of Figure 10.

[0034] Figure 12b illustrates a rear view of the cooling fan assembly of Figure 10.

[0035] Figure 13 illustrates a rearview of the cooling fan assembly mounted on the frame assembly of the vehicle and rearward of a radiator in a vehicle front-rear direction, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] The present disclosure may be best understood with reference to the detailed figures and description set forth herein. Various embodiments are discussed below with reference to the figures. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed descriptions given herein with respect to the figures are simply for explanatory purposes as the system may extend beyond the described embodiments. For example, the teachings presented, and the needs of a particular application may yield multiple alternative and suitable approaches to implement the functionality of any detail described herein. Therefore, any approach may extend beyond the particular implementation choices in the following embodiments described and shown.

[0037] References to “one embodiment,” “at least one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “one example,” “an example,” “for example,” and so on indicate that the embodiment(s) or example(s) may include a particular feature, structure, characteristic, property, element, or limitation but that not every embodiment or example necessarily includes that particular feature, structure, characteristic, property, element, or limitation. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in an embodiment” does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.

[0038] The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with different embodiments. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather those embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

[0039] The present invention is illustrated with a two-wheeled vehicle which may be an Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) based vehicle, or a Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV). The vehicle may be a two-wheeled vehicle, a three-wheeled vehicle, a four wheeled vehicle, and may also include multi-axle vehicles. In a preferred embodiment, the vehicle may be an ICE-based two- wheeled vehicle.

[0040] The vehicle user is the primary operator / pilot of the vehicle but may also, depending on the context, include the secondary operator / passenger (if any) of the vehicle. The term “vehicle user” has been used interchangeably with “user”, “vehicle rider”, “vehicle operator”, “vehicle controller”, and “vehicle driver”, while conveying the same meaning. The term “vehicle” has been used interchangeably with “saddle-type vehicle”, “straddle-type vehicle”, and “motorcycle”, while conveying the same meaning.

[0041] The vehicle comprises a radiator The radiator is mounted on a frame assembly of the vehicle, in front of a power unit of the vehicle. The cooling fan assembly is mounted behind the radiator along a vehicle front-rear direction and is configured to suction air through the radiator.

[0042] The object of the present subject matter is to provide a cooling fan assembly for the vehicle that can effectively suction incoming ram air through the radiator of the vehicle, while ensuring that expelled heated air from the cooling fan assembly is directed away from a vehicle rider’s legs.

[0043] In accordance with the present disclosure, the present subject matter relates to a vehicle. The vehicle comprises a frame assembly, a radiator mounted on the frame assembly, and a cooling fan assembly mounted on the frame assembly. The cooling fan assembly is configured behind the radiator along a vehicle front-rear direction. The cooling fan assembly comprises a fan, and a cowl. The fan includes a motor and one or more fan blades. The cowl is configured with the fan and is configured to enclose the fan. The cowl comprises a fan casing, and a cover configured with the fan casing. The fan casing defines an opening. The incoming ram air is suctioned through the radiator and passes through theopening of the fan casing to enter the cooling fan assembly. Therefore, the cooling fan assembly is able to effectively suction incoming ram air through the radiator.

[0044] The cover defines an enclosed space to enclose at least a portion of the fan. The cover includes at least one of: a first outlet opening configured on a first side of the cover, and a second outlet opening configured on a second side of the cover. At least one of the first outlet opening and the second outlet opening are oriented in one or more directions, to direct air along the one or more directions. Therefore, the present subject matter expels heated air from the cooling fan assembly along one or more directions.

[0045] The one or more directions includes at least one of: a first direction, a second direction, a third direction, and a fourth direction. The first direction is towards the first side of the cover along a horizontal axis Z-Z’ of the cowl. The second direction is towards the second side of the cover along the horizontal axis Z-Z’ of the cowl, wherein the second direction is opposite to the first direction. The third direction is towards an upward direction along a vertical axis Y-Y’ of the cowl. The fourth direction is towards a downward direction along the vertical axis Y-Y’ of the cowl, wherein the fourth direction is opposite to the third direction. Therefore, the present subject matter ensures that the expelled heated air from the cooling fan assembly is directed away from a vehicle rider’s legs.

[0046] It is another object of the present subject matter to provide a cooling fan assembly for the vehicle that can direct the expelled heated air from the cooling fan assembly along a sideward and an upward direction from the cooling fan assembly. In view of addressing the same, the present subject matter, in an embodiment, provides the cover comprising: a rear wall, a first guide wall, and a second guide wall. The first guide wall and the second guide wall direct the expelled heated air is directed along a sideward (the first direction and the second direction) and upward direction (the third direction) away from the vehicle rider’s legs. This effectively ensures that the expelled heated air is directed away from the vehicle rider’s legs. Therefore, the present subject matter provides enhanced comfort and safety for the vehicle rider.

[0047] It is another object of the present subject matter to provide a cooling fan assembly for the vehicle that can be securely mounted while ensuring that incoming air flow is not obstructed. In view of addressing the same, the present subject matter, in an embodiment, provides the fan casing comprising a plurality of mounting provisions. The plurality of mounting provisions are configured to allow a mounting of the cooling fan assembly on at least one down tube of a frame assembly of the vehicle. Therefore, the mounting of thecooling fan assembly on the frame assembly, and not directly on the radiator ensures that the weight of the cooling fan assembly is not borne by the radiator mounting brackets. This protects the radiator mounting brackets from damage caused due to the additional weight of the cooling fan assembly. Additionally, due to the secure mounting of the cooling fan assembly with the frame assembly, the cooling fan assembly is able to withstand vibrations during vehicle operation. Therefore, the cooling fan assembly is mounted securely while ensuring durability.

[0048] Additionally, the frame assembly comprises at least: a head tube, and at least one down tube extended downward from the head tube. The at least one down tube is configured with a plurality of mounting members extended towards a plurality of mounting provisions of the cooling fan assembly. The plurality of mounting members and the plurality of mounting provisions of the cooling fan assembly are configured to allow mounting of the cooling fan assembly on the frame assembly. Therefore, the present subject matter ensures that the cooling fan assembly for the vehicle is securely mounted while ensuring that incoming air flow is not obstructed. Therefore, the present subject matter provides enhanced serviceability and performance of the cooling fan assembly.

[0049] Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of a cooling fan assembly of a vehicle, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

[0050] With reference to Figure 1, 100 denotes a cooling fan assembly, 104 denotes a fan, 106 denotes a cowl, 202 denotes a fan casing, 202a, 202b, 202c, 202d denotes a plurality of mounting provisions, 202x denotes an opening, 204 denotes a cover, 210a denotes a first outlet opening, 210b denotes a second outlet opening, 212a, 212b denote a plurality of supporting members, 214 denotes a cable guide member, Z-Z’ denotes a horizontal axis of the cowl, Y-Y’ denotes a vertical axis of the cowl, F denotes a first side of the cover, and S denotes a second side of the cover.

[0051] The cooling fan assembly 100 comprises the fan 104, and the cowl 106. The fan 104 includes a motor 102 (See Figure 7) and one or more fan blades 103. The motor 102 is configured to receive electrical energy from a power source such as a vehicle battery unit and transmit a rotational motion to the one or more fan blades 103. Upon rotation, the one or more fan blades 103 are configured to suction air towards the cooling fan assembly 100. In an embodiment, the number of the one or more fan blades may be 6. The cooling fan assembly 100 and its internal components may be made of any of: ABS plastic, polycarbonate, fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP), carbon fiber, aluminium, and steel.

[0052] The axis Z-Z is a horizontal axis that passes through the cowl 106, such that the axis Z-Z’ can symmetrically divide the cowl 106 into two equal horizontal halves in a front view of the cowl 106.

[0053] The axis Y-Y’ is a vertical axis extending in a longitudinal direction through the cowl 106, such that the axis Y-Y’ can symmetrically divide the cowl 106 into two equal vertical halves, in a front view of the cowl 106.

[0054] The cowl 106 is configured with the fan 104. The cowl 106 is configured to enclose the fan 104. The cowl 106 comprises the fan casing 202, and the cover 204 configured with the fan casing 202. The fan casing 202 defines an opening 202x. The opening 202x can have any profile. In an exemplary embodiment. The opening 202x can have a circular profile with a diameter equal to a diameter of the fan 104. The opening 202x allows the incoming flow of air through the cooling fan assembly 100. The incoming ram air is suctioned through a radiator 400 (shown in Figure 13) and passes through the opening 202x to enter the cooling fan assembly. Therefore, the cooling fan assembly is able to effectively suction incoming ram air through the radiator 400.

[0055] The cover 204 defines an enclosed space to enclose at least a portion of the fan 104. The cover 204 encloses at least a rear portion of the fan 104. The cover 204 includes at least: the first outlet opening 210a being configured on the first side F of the cover 204, and the second outlet opening 210b being configured on the second side S of the cover 204. The first outlet opening 210a and the second outlet opening 210b are configured on the opposite sides of the cover 204.

[0056] The first side F is at least one of a left lateral side or a right lateral side of the cowl 106 as demarcated by the vertical axis Y-Y’, in a front view of the cowl 106. In embodiment, the first side F is a left lateral side of the cowl 106 and the second side S is a right lateral side of the cowl 106, in a front view of the cowl 106 along a front-rear direction of the vehicle. The second side S is opposite to the first side F.

[0057] At least one of the first outlet opening 210a and the second outlet opening 210b is oriented in one or more directions, to direct air along the one or more directions.

[0058] The one or more directions includes at least one of a first direction, a second direction, a third direction, and a fourth direction. The first direction is towards the first side F of the cover 204 along a horizontal axis Z-Z’ of the cowl 106. The first direction is away from the vertical axis Y-Y’ towards the first side F of the cover 204. In anembodiment, the first direction is away from the vertical axis Y-Y’ along the horizontal axis Z-Z’ towards the left lateral side of the cowl 106, in the front view of the cowl 106.

[0059] The second direction is towards the second side S of the cover 204 along the horizontal axis Z-Z’ of the cowl 106, the second direction being opposite to the first direction. In an embodiment, the second direction is away from the vertical axis Y-Y’ along the horizontal axis Z-Z’ towards the right lateral side of the cowl 106, in the front view of the cowl 106.

[0060] The third direction is towards an upward direction along a vertical axis Y-Y’ of the cowl 106. The fourth direction is towards a downward direction along the vertical axis Y-Y’ of the cowl 106, the fourth direction being opposite to the third direction.

[0061] In an embodiment, the at least one of the first outlet opening 210a and the second outlet opening 210b are oriented in the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction to direct the expelled heated air along a sideward (the first direction and the second direction) and upward direction (the third direction). Therefore, the present subject matter ensures that the expelled heated air from the cooling fan assembly is directed away from a vehicle rider’s legs. For instance, the first outlet opening 210a is oriented in the first direction and the third direction to direct the expelled heated air along a left sideward (the first direction) and upward direction (the third direction). For instance, the second outlet opening 210b is oriented in the second direction and the third direction to direct the expelled heated air along a right sideward (the second direction) and upward direction (the third direction).

[0062] The fan casing 202 comprises a plurality of mounting provisions 202a, 202b, 202c, 202d. The plurality of mounting provisions 202a, 202b, 202c, 202d are configured to allow a mounting of the cooling fan assembly 100 on at least one down tube, for instance down tube 302a, 302b, of a frame assembly of the vehicle (See Figure 10). The cooling fan assembly 100 may be mounted on the down tubes 302a, 302b of the frame assembly 102 by means of any of bolted connections, welded connections, riveted connections, screwed or threaded connections, adhesive bonding, clamping, snap-fit or interlocking mechanisms, magnetic mounting, straps, bands, cotter pins, and sliding / slot-mounted systems. In a preferred embodiment, cooling fan assembly 100 may be mounted on the down tubes 302a, 302b by means of bolted connections.

[0063] In an embodiment, the cowl 106 includes the plurality of supporting members 212a, 212b. The plurality of supporting members 212a, 212b extend between the fan casing202 and the cover 204 and are disposed within at least one of the first outlet opening 210a and the second outlet opening 210b of the cover 204. The plurality of supporting members 212a, 212b are configured to provide structural rigidity to the cooling fan assembly 100. The plurality of supporting members 212a, 212b are configured to support or hold the electrical cables and other hoses (such as the fuel system overflowing hose). Additionally, the plurality of supporting members 212a, 212b act as a protective barrier to prevent the electrical cables and other hoses (such as the fuel system overflowing hose) from coming in contact with the one or more fan blades of the fan 104.

[0064] The cable guide member 214 is a U-shaped / C-shaped cable routing bracket that may be used to arrest or mount one or more cables (such as the clutch cable) of the vehicle, or electrical cables of the cooling fan assembly 100. The cable guide member 214 prevents the cables from coming in contact with the one or more fan blades of the fan 104. In an embodiment, the cable guide member 214 is disposed on the second guide wall 208.

[0065] Figure 2 illustrates a rear isometric view of the cooling fan assembly of Figure 1.

[0066] With reference to Figure 2, in addition to the elements introduced above, 204 denotes a cover, 204b denotes a rear wall, 206 denotes a first guide wall, 206a denotes a first portion, 206b denotes a second portion, 206c denotes a curved portion, 208 denotes a second guide wall, 208a denotes a first member, 208b denotes a second member, and 208c denotes a curved member.

[0067] The axis X-X’ is a horizontal axis that passes horizontally along a central rotational axis of the cooling fan assembly, such that the axis X-X’ can divide the cowl 106 into two equal halves in a top view of the cowl 106.

[0068] The cowl 106 can be symmetrical about the vertical axis Y-Y’. The first outlet opening 210a and the second outlet opening 210b can be oriented symmetrically about the vertical axis Y-Y’.

[0069] The cover 204 comprises the rear wall 204b, the first guide wall 206, and the second guide wall 208. The rear wall 204b is coupled with the fan 104. The rear wall 204b comprises an opening to receive the fan 104. The first guide wall 206 extends from a first end of the rear wall 204b towards the fan casing 202. In an embodiment, the fist end of the rear wall 204b is a bottom end of the rear wall 204b. The second guide wall 208 extends from a second end of the rear wall 204b towards the fan casing 202. In an embodiment, the second end of the rear wall 204b is a top end of the rear wall 204b.

[0070] The first outlet opening 210a is defined between the first guide wall 206 and the second guide wall 208 on the first side of the cover 204. The second outlet opening 210b is defined between the first guide wall 206 and the second guide wall 208 on the second side of the cover 204. The first outlet opening 210a and the second outlet opening 210b are oriented symmetrically about the vertical axis Y-Y’.

[0071] The first guide wall 206 comprises the curved portion 206c, the first portion 206a, and the second portion 206b. The curved portion 206c extends symmetrically about the vertical axis Y-Y’. The curved portion 206c is concentric about the axis X-X’ . In other words, a centre of an arc formed by the curved portion 206c is coincident with the axis X-X’.

[0072] The first portion 206a is connected to the curved portion 206c. The first portion 206a extends away from the vertical axis Y-Y’. In an embodiment, the first portion 206a is disposed on the first side F of the cover 204. The first portion 206a is inclined at a first acute angle a with respect to the vertical axis Y-Y’ (See Figure 5).

[0073] The second portion 206b is connected to the curved portion 206c, and is configured opposite to the first portion 206a. The second portion 206b is extended away from the vertical axis Y-Y’. In an embodiment, the second portion 206b is disposed on the second side S of the cover 204. The second portion 206b is inclined by a second acute angle P with respect to the vertical axis Y-Y’ (See Figure 5).

[0074] The first portion 206a and the second portion 206b are symmetrical about the vertical axis Y-Y’. The first portion 206a and the second portion 206b are configured to define the first outlet opening 210a and the second outlet opening 210b to orient along the one or more directions.

[0075] The second guide wall 208 comprises: the curved member 208c, the first member 208a, and the second member 208b. The curved member 208c is extended symmetrically about the vertical axis Y-Y’. The curved member 208c is concentric about the axis X-X’ of the cowl 106. In other words, a centre of an arc formed by the curved member 208c is coincident with the axis X-X’. The curvature of the curved member 208c is opposite to the curvature of the curved portion 206c of the first guide wall 206.

[0076] The first member 208a is connected to the curved member 208c. The first member 208a extends away from the vertical axis Y-Y’. In an embodiment, the first member 208a is disposed on the first side F of the cover 204. The first member 208a is inclined at a third acute angle 5 with respect to the vertical axis Y-Y’ (See Figure 5).

[0077] The second member 208b connected to the curved member 208c. The second member 208b is configured opposite to the first member 208a and extended away from the vertical axis Y-Y’. In an embodiment, the second member 208b is disposed on the second side S of the cover 204. The second member 208b is inclined at a fourth acute angle 0 with respect to the vertical axis Y-Y’ (See Figure 5).

[0078] The first member 208a and the second member 208b are symmetrical about the vertical axis Y-Y’. The first member 208a and the second member 208b are configured to define the first outlet opening 210a and the second outlet opening 210b to orient along the one or more directions.

[0079] The first acute angle a ranges between 5 degrees and 60 degrees. The second acute angle P ranges between 5 degrees and 60 degrees. The third acute angle 5 ranges between 5 degrees and 60 degrees. The fourth acute angle 9 ranges between 5 degrees and 60 degrees.

[0080] The first guide wall 206 and the second guide wall 208 are configured to direct the expelled heated air along the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction, whereby the expelled heated air is directed in a sideward (the first direction and the second direction) and upward direction (the third direction) from the cooling fan assembly 100. Therefore, the first guide wall 206 and the second guide wall 208 ensure that the expelled heated air from the cooling fan assembly is directed away from a vehicle rider’s legs.

[0081] Figure 3 illustrates an isometric view of a cowl of the cooling fan assembly, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

[0082] Figure 4 illustrates a front view of the cowl of Figure 3.

[0083] With reference to Figure 4, 106 denotes a cowl, 202 denotes a fan casing, 202a, 202b, 202c, 202d denotes a plurality of mounting provisions, 204b denotes a rear wall, and Y-Y’ denotes a vertical axis of the cowl 106.

[0084] In an embodiment, the fan casing 202 may be configured with a circular flange portion that is configured to separate the incoming ram air at the front portion of the fan 104 from the heated air at the rear portion of the fan 104. In another embodiment, the fan casing 202 may be configured with a square-shaped / rectangular-shaped flange portion that extends along a boundary of the fan casing 202. In an embodiment, the rear wall 204b comprises an opening 205 to received the fan 104.

[0085] Figure 5 illustrates a rear view of the cowl of Figure 3.

[0086] With reference to Figure 5, 106 denotes a cowl, 204 denotes a cover, 204b denotes a rear wall, 206 denotes a first guide wall, 206a denotes a first portion, 206b denotes a second portion, 206c denotes a curved portion, 208 denotes a second guide wall, 208a denotes a first member, 208b denotes a second member, 208c denotes a curved member, a denotes a first acute angle, P denotes a second acute angle, 5 denotes a third acute angle, 0 denotes a fourth acute angle, Y-Y’ denotes a vertical axis of the cowl 106.

[0087] The first outlet opening 210a is defined between the first guide wall 206 and the second guide wall 208 on the first side of the cover 204. The second outlet opening 210b is defined between the first guide wall 206 and the second guide wall 208 on the second side of the cover 204. The first outlet opening 210a and the second outlet opening 210b are oriented symmetrically about the vertical axis Y-Y’.

[0088] The first guide wall 206 comprises the curved portion 206c, the first portion 206a, and the second portion 206b. The curved portion 206c extends symmetrically about the vertical axis Y-Y’. The first portion 206a is inclined at a first acute angle a with respect to the vertical axis Y-Y’. The second portion 206b is inclined by a second acute angle P with respect to the vertical axis Y-Y’.

[0089] The second guide wall 208 comprises the curved member 208c, the first member 208a, and the second member 208b. The curved member 208c is extended symmetrically about the vertical axis Y-Y’ . The first member 208a is inclined at a third acute angle 5 with respect to the vertical axis Y-Y’. The second member 208b is inclined at a fourth acute angle 9 with respect to the vertical axis Y-Y’.

[0090] The first acute angle a ranges between 5 degrees and 60 degrees The second acute angle P ranges between 5 degrees and 60 degrees. The third acute angle 5 ranges between 5 degrees and 60 degrees. The fourth acute angle 9 ranges between 5 degrees and 60 degrees.

[0091] The first guide wall 206 and the second guide wall 208 are configured to direct the expelled heated air along the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction, whereby the expelled heated air is directed in a sideward (the first direction and the second direction) and upward direction (the third direction) from the cooling fan assembly 100. Therefore, the first guide wall 206 and the second guide wall 208 ensure that the expelled heated air from the cooling fan assembly is directed away from a vehicle rider’s legs.

[0092] Figure 6 illustrates a rear isometric view of the cowl of Figure 3.

[0093] Figure 7 illustrates an exploded view of the cooling fan assembly, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

[0094] With reference to Figure 7, 100 denotes a cooling fan assembly, 102 denotes a motor, 104 denotes a fan, and 106 denotes a cowl. In an embodiment, the fan 104 is a shrouded fan.

[0095] Figure 8 illustrates an exploded view of the cooling fan assembly of Figure 7.

[0096] Figure 9a illustrates an isometric view of a frame assembly of a vehicle, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

[0097] With reference to Figure 9a, 302a, 302b denote at least one down tube, 304a, 304b, 304c, and 304d denote a plurality of mounting members.

[0098] The vehicle (Not shown) comprises a frame assembly, a radiator 400 (shown in Figure 13) mounted on the frame assembly, and the cooling fan assembly 100 mounted on the frame assembly. The cooling fan assembly 100 is configured behind the radiator 400 along a vehicle front-rear direction.

[0099] The frame assembly comprises a head tube (not shown), and at least one down tube, such as down tubes 302a, 302b, extended downward from the head tube. The down tubes 302a, 302b are configured with a plurality of mounting members 304a, 304b, 304c, 304d extended in a gap between the down tubes 302a, 302b. The plurality of mounting members 304a, 304b, 304c, 304d are extended towards the plurality of mounting provisions 202a, 202b, 202c, 202d of the cooling fan assembly 100. The plurality of mounting members 304a, 304b, 304c, 304d are configured to engage with the plurality of mounting provisions 202a, 202b, 202c, 202d. The plurality of mounting members 304a, 304b, 304c, 304d and the plurality of mounting provisions 202a, 202b, 202c, 202d of the cooling fan assembly 100 are configured to allow mounting of the cooling fan assembly 100 on the as down tubes 302a, 302b of the frame assembly of the vehicle.[000100] The cooling fan assembly 100 may be mounted on the down tube 302a, 302b of the frame assembly 102 by means of any of: bolted connections, welded connections, riveted connections, screwed or threaded connections, adhesive bonding, clamping, snap-fit or interlocking mechanisms, magnetic mounting, straps, bands, cotter pins, and sliding / slot-mounted systems. In a preferred embodiment, cooling fan assembly 100 may be mounted on at least one down tube 302a, 302b by means of bolted connections.[000101] The at least one down tube 302a, 302b includes a first tube 302a, and a second tube 302b. The first tube 302a and the second tube 302b are separated from the firsttube 302a by a gap. The cooling fan assembly 100 is configured within the gap between the first tube 302a and the second tube 302b.[000102] Figure 9b illustrates a rear isometric view of the frame assembly of Figure 9a.[000103] Figure 10 illustrates an isometric view of a cooling fan assembly mounted on the down tube 302a, 302b of the frame assembly of the vehicle, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.[000104] Figure 11 illustrates a rear isometric view of the cooling fan assembly mounted on the down tube 302a, 302b of the frame assembly.[000105] Figure 12a illustrates a front view of the cooling fan assembly mounted on the down tube 302a, 302b of the frame assembly.[000106] Figure 12b illustrates a rear view of the cooling fan assembly mounted on the down tube 302a, 302b of the frame assembly.[000107] Figure 13 illustrates a rear view of the cooling fan assembly mounted on the frame assembly rearward of a radiator in a vehicle front-rear direction, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.[000108] With reference to Figure 13, in addition to the elements introduced above, 400 denotes a radiator.[000109] The radiator 400 is mounted on the frame assembly. The cooling fan assembly 100 is configured behind the radiator 400 along a vehicle front-rear direction. The cooling fan assembly 100 is configured to suction incoming ram air through the radiator 400. Thus, the cooling fan assembly 100 is mounted on the down tubes 302a, 302b of the frame assembly.[000110] Therefore, the present subject matter provides a cooling fan assembly for the vehicle that provides enhanced comfort, durability, performance, serviceability, and safety.[000111] The cooling fan assembly suctions incoming ram air through the radiator of the vehicle, while ensuring that expelled heated air from the cooling fan assembly is directed away from a vehicle rider’s legs. The first guide wall and the second guide wall direct the expelled heated air is directed along a sideward (the first direction and the second direction) and upward direction (the third direction) from the cooling fan assembly. This effectively ensures that the expelled heated air is directed away from the vehicle rider’slegs. Therefore, the present subject matter provides enhanced comfort and safety for the vehicle rider.[000112] The plurality of mounting provisions are configured to allow a secure mounting of the cooling fan assembly on the frame assembly of the vehicle. The mounting of the cooling fan assembly on the down tubes of the frame assembly, and not directly on the radiator ensures that the weight of the cooling fan assembly is not borne by the radiator mounting brackets. This protects the radiator mounting brackets from damage caused due to the additional weight of the cooling fan assembly. Additionally, due to the secure mounting of the cooling fan assembly with the frame assembly, the cooling fan assembly is able to withstand vibrations during vehicle operation. Therefore, the cooling fan assembly is mounted securely while ensuring durability.[000113] The plurality of mounting members and the plurality of mounting provisions are configured to allow mounting of the cooling fan assembly on the frame assembly without obstructing air flow from the cooling fan assembly. Therefore, the present subject matter ensures that the cooling fan assembly for the vehicle that is securely mounted while ensuring that incoming and exiting air flow from the cooling fan assembly is not obstructed. Therefore, the present subject matter provides enhanced serviceability and performance of the cooling fan assembly.[000114] The terms “an embodiment”, “embodiment”, “embodiments”, “the embodiment”, “the embodiments”, “one or more embodiments”, “some embodiments”, and “one embodiment” mean “one or more (but not all) embodiments of the invention(s)” unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “including”, “comprising”, “having” and variations thereof mean “including but not limited to”, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “a”, “an” and “the” mean “one or more”, unless expressly specified otherwise.[000115] In light of the above-mentioned advantages and the technical advancements provided by the present disclosure, the claimed subject matter is not routine, conventional, or well understood in the art, as the claimed vehicle enable the following solutions to the existing problems in conventional technologies. In view of the above, the claimed invention may not be considered abstract and may not be obvious to a person skilled in the art. Further, the claimed subject matter and constructional features provide a technical solution to a technical problem.[000116] Finally, the language used in the specification has been principally selected for readability and instructional purposes, and it may not have been selected to delineate or circumscribe the inventive subject matter and is therefore intended that the scope of the invention be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by any claims that issue on an application based here on. Accordingly, the embodiments of the present invention are intended to be illustrative, but not limiting, of the scope of the invention, which is set forth in the following claims.[000117] While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. A person with ordinary skills in the art will appreciate that the systems, modules, and sub-modules have been illustrated and explained to serve as examples and should not be considered limiting in any manner. It will be further appreciated that the variants of the above disclosed system elements, modules, and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be combined to create other different systems or applications. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that any of the aforementioned system modules may be suitably replaced, reordered, or removed, and additional steps and / or system modules may be inserted, depending on the needs of a particular application.[000118] While the present disclosure has been described with reference to certain embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from its scope. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed, but that the present disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.List of Reference Numerals100: Cooling fan assembly,102: Motor104: Fan,106: Cowl,202: Fan casing,202a, 202b, 202c, 202d: Plurality of mounting provisions,202x: Opening,204: Cover,204b: Rear wall,206: First guide wall,206a: First portion,206b: Second portion,206c: Curved portion,208: Second guide wall,208a: First member,208b: Second member,208c: Curved member,210a: First outlet opening,210b: Second outlet opening,212a, 212b: Plurality of supporting members,214: Cable guide member,302a, 302b: At least one down tube,304a, 304b, 304c, and 304d: Plurality of mounting members, 400: Radiatora: First acute angle,P: Second acute angle,5: Third acute angle,0: Fourth acute angle,X-X’: Horizontal axis of the cowl 106,Y-Y’: Vertical axis of the cowl 106,Z-Z’: Horizontal axis of the cowl 106,F: First side of the cover, andS: Second side of the cover.

Claims

WE CLAIM:

1. A cooling fan assembly (100) for a vehicle, the cooling fan assembly (100) comprising:a fan (104) including a motor (102) and one or more fan blades (103);a cowl (106) configured to enclose the fan (104), the cowl (106) comprising:a fan casing (202) defining an opening (202x), anda cover (204) configured with the fan casing (202), the cover (204) defines an enclosed space to enclose at least a portion of the fan (104), the cover (204) including at least one of:a first outlet opening (210a) configured on a first side (F) of the cover (204); anda second outlet opening (210b) configured on a second side (S) of the cover (204),wherein at least one of the first outlet opening (210a) and the second outlet opening (210b) being oriented in one or more directions, to direct air along the one or more directions.

2. The cooling fan assembly (100) for the vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more directions includes at least one of:a first direction towards the first side (F) of the cover (204) along a horizontal axis Z-Z’ of the cowl (106);a second direction towards the second side (S) of the cover (204) along the horizontal axis Z-Z’ of the cowl (106), the second direction being opposite to the first direction; a third direction towards an upward direction along a vertical axis Y-Y’ of the cowl (106); anda fourth direction towards a downward direction along the vertical axis Y-Y’ of the cowl (106), the fourth direction being opposite to the third direction.

3. The cooling fan assembly (100) for the vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cover (204) comprises:a rear wall (204b), the rear wall (204b) being coupled with the fan (104);a first guide wall (206), the first guide wall (206) being extended from a first end of the rear wall (204b) towards the fan casing (202);a second guide wall (208), the second guide wall (208) being extended from a second end of the rear wall (204b) towards the fan casing (202);wherein the first outlet opening (210a) is defined between the first guide wall (206) and the second guide wall (208) on the first side (F) of the cover (204); and whereinthe second outlet opening (210b) is defined between the first guide wall (206) and the second guide wall (208) on the second side (S) of the cover (204), the second side being opposite to the first side.

4. The cooling fan assembly (100) for the vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cowl (106) is symmetrical about a vertical axis Y-Y’ of the cowl (106), and wherein the first outlet opening (210a) and the second outlet opening (210b) are oriented symmetrically about the vertical axis Y-Y’.

5. The cooling fan assembly (100) for the vehicle as claimed in claim 3, wherein the first guide wall (206) comprises:a curved portion (206c) extending symmetrically about a vertical axis Y-Y’ of the cowl (106), the curved portion (206c) being concentric about an axis X-X’ of the cowl (106);a first portion (206a) connected to the curved portion (206c), the first portion (206a) extended away from the vertical axis Y-Y’, the first portion (206a) being inclined at a first acute angle (a) with respect to the vertical axis Y-Y’; anda second portion (206b) connected to the curved portion (206c), the second portion (206b) being configured opposite to the first portion (206a) and extended away from the vertical axis Y-Y’, the second portion (206b) being inclined by a second acute angle (P) with respect to the vertical axis Y-Y’, whereinthe first portion (206a) and the second portion (206b) are symmetrical about the vertical axis Y-Y’, andthe first portion (206a) and the second portion (206b) are configured to define the first outlet opening (210a) and the second outlet opening (210b) to orient along the one or more directions.

6. The cooling fan assembly (100) for the vehicle as claimed in claim 3, wherein the second guide wall (208) comprises:a curved member (208c) extending symmetrically about a vertical axis Y-Y’ of the cowl (106), the curved member (208c) being concentric about the axis X-X’ of the cowl (106);a first member (208a) connected to the curved member (208c), the first member (208a) extended away from the vertical axis Y-Y’, the first member (208a) being inclined at a third acute angle (5) with respect to the vertical axis Y-Y’; anda second member (208b) connected to the curved member (208c), the second member (208b) configured opposite to the first member (208a) and extended away from the vertical axis Y-Y’, the second member (208b) being inclined at a fourth acute angle (9) with respect to the vertical axis Y-Y’, whereinthe first member (208a) and the second member (208b) are symmetrical about the vertical axis Y-Y’, andthe first member (208a) and the second member (208b) are configured to define the first outlet opening (210a) and the second outlet opening (210b) to orient along the one or more directions.

7. The cooling fan assembly (100) for the vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fan casing (202) comprises a plurality of mounting provisions (202a, 202b, 202c, 202d), the plurality of mounting provisions (202a, 202b, 202c, 202d) being configured to allow a mounting of the cooling fan assembly (100) on at least one down tube (302a, 302b) of a frame assembly of the vehicle, and wherein the cooling fan assembly (100) being configured behind a radiator (400) of the vehicle along a vehicle front-rear direction, the radiator (400) being mounted on the frame assembly.

8. The cooling fan assembly (100) for the vehicle as claimed in claim 7, comprising a plurality of mounting members (304a, 304b, 304c, 304d) configured with the at least one down tube (302a, 302b) and extended towards the plurality of mounting provisions (202a, 202b, 202c, 202d) of the cooling fan assembly (100), wherein the plurality of mounting members (304a, 304b, 304c, 304d) and the plurality of mounting provisions (202a, 202b, 202c, 202d) of the cooling fan assembly (100) are configured to allow mounting of the cooling fan assembly (100) on the at least one down tube (302a, 302b).

9. A vehicle, comprising:a frame assembly;a radiator (400) mounted on the frame assembly;a cooling fan assembly (100), the cooling fan assembly (100) being configured behind the radiator (400) along a vehicle front-rear direction, the cooling fan assembly (100) comprising:a fan (104) including a motor (102) and one or more fan blades; a cowl (106) configured with the fan (104), the cowl (106) being configured to enclose the fan (104), the cowl (106) comprising :a fan casing (202) defining an opening (202x), anda cover (204) configured with the fan casing (202), the cover (204) defines an enclosed space to enclose at least a portion of the fan (104), the cover (204) including at least one of:a first outlet opening (210a) configured on a first side (F) of the cover (204); anda second outlet opening (210b) configured on a second side (S) of the cover (204), whereinat least one of the first outlet opening (210a) and the second outlet opening (210b) being oriented in one or more directions, to direct air along the one or more directions.

10. The vehicle as claimed in claim 8, wherein the frame assembly comprises at least: a head tube; andat least one down tube (302a, 302b) extended downward from the head tube, the at least one down tube (302a, 302b) being configured with a plurality of mounting members (304a, 304b, 304c, 304d) extended towards a plurality of mounting provisions (202a, 202b, 202c, 202d) of the cooling fan assembly (100), whereinthe plurality of mounting members (304a, 304b, 304c, 304d) and the plurality of mounting provisions (202a, 202b, 202c, 202d) of the cooling fan assembly (100) are configured to allow mounting of the cooling fan assembly (100) on at least one down tube (302a, 302b) of the frame assembly.

11. The vehicle as claimed in claim 10, wherein the at least one down tube (302a, 302b) comprises:a first tube (302a); anda second tube (302b), the second tube (302b) being separated from the first tube (302a) by a gap, whereinthe cooling fan assembly (100) is configured within the gap.

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