Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A saddle type vehicle (10), comprising:
a head pipe (22);
a main frame (24) extending rearwardly of the head pipe (22);
a fuel tank (40) disposed on the main frame (24);
a fuel tank cover (140) for covering the fuel tank (40);
a pair of side covers (150) disposed on either side of the saddle type vehicle (10);
an air duct (110) for receiving atmospheric air, having a first end (110A) open to the atmosphere and a second end (110B); and
an air intake system (120) for receiving atmospheric air from the second end (110B) of the air duct (110) and inputting the air into an internal combustion engine (12) for combustion, wherein the air intake system (120) is disposed behind the head pipe (22) and in front of the fuel tank (40) in a vehicle front-rear direction, between the pair of side covers (150) in the vehicle width direction, and disposed below the fuel tank cover (140) in the vehicle up-down direction, thereby allowing the air intake system (120) to draw atmospheric air from bottom of the vehicle (10) by means of the air duct (110).

2. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the air intake system (120) comprises an air filter; an air flow meter or sensor; an intake manifold; and a throttle body.

3. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a connecting portion (130) for connecting the second end (110B) of the air duct (110) to the air intake system (120).

4. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a first cover (160) for detachably connecting the fuel tank cover (140) to the side cover (150).

5. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 3 and 4, wherein the first cover (160) overlaps with the connecting portion (130) in a vehicle side view.

6. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the first end (110A) of the air duct (110) faces the side cover (150) that is disposed on the right side of the vehicle (10) in a vehicle rear view.

7. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the air duct (110) extends substantially parallelly to the side cover (150).
8. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 4, comprising a sound proofing sheet (170) lined along an inner face of the side cover (150) for muffling the sound produced by the internal combustion engine (12).

9. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the sound proofing sheet (170) includes a recess (180) to accommodate the connecting portion (130) and at least a part of the air duct (110).

10. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the air duct (110) has a substantially oval cross section such that the cross section area gradually increases from the first end (110A) to the second end (110B).

11. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first end (110A) of the air duct (110) has an extended discoid shape to facilitate entry of atmospheric air in to the air duct (110).

12. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein length of the air duct (110) is equal to or more than half of length of each of the side cover (150) in the vehicle up down direction.

Dated this 02nd day of February 2022

TVS MOTOR COMPANY LIMITED
By their Agent & Attorney

(Nikhil Ranjan)
of Khaitan & Co
Reg No IN/PA-1471 , Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention generally relates to a saddle type vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to disposition of an air intake system in a saddle type vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Generally, in saddle type vehicles, a dedicated air intake system is present for allowing air to enter the internal combustion engine for combustion. The air intake system includes an air filter, an air flow meter or sensor, an intake manifold and a throttle body. The air filter is usually situated near the engine compartment and hence the air travels from the air filter to the engine compartment. The Air filters are usually a layer or multiple layers of filtrates that filter the air off particulate matter and pollutants at various levels. Their basic function is to prevent dust from entering the engine, which could cause serious damage to the performance of the vehicle.
[003] In conventional motorcycle type saddle type vehicles, the air intake system along with the air filter is disposed near the rider seat or between the rear shock absorbers. However, in vehicles, where there is no utility space, like scooters and where the front part of the vehicle is usually heavier than the rear part, for example in racing bikes, this space for mounting the air intake system is either not available, or available in a very limited capacity.
[004] Further, in such vehicles, the air intake system can’t be repositioned in rear portion of the vehicle as vehicle layout may contains mono shock absorbers, hence no space is available for mounting of the air intake system. In some other vehicles, the air intake system can’t be repositioned near the rider seat as that area is exposed, as there is no covering in that portion with body panels. In these vehicles, the air intake system can also not be repositioned in front portion of the vehicle as the same space fouls with the fuel tank. In those vehicles the air intake system is disposed behind the headlamp and on the fuel tank of the vehicle, below the fuel tank cover.
[005] However, when the air intake system is placed behind the headlamp and on the fuel tank of the vehicle and below the fuel tank cover, a relief needs to be provided on the body panel of the vehicle, leading to an increase in the width of the vehicle. In such arrangements, the efficiency of the engine is compromised by reducing the size of the intake passage that allows air to enter to the air filter from the outside of the vehicle.
[006] Thus, there is a need in the art for a saddle type vehicle which addresses at least the aforementioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[007] In one aspect, the present invention is directed towards a saddle type vehicle having a head pipe, a main frame extending rearwardly of the head pipe, a fuel tank disposed on the main frame, a fuel tank cover for covering the fuel tank, and a pair of side covers disposed on either side of the saddle type vehicle. The vehicle further has an air duct for receiving atmospheric air. The air duct has a first end that is open to the atmosphere and a second end. The vehicle further has an air intake system for receiving atmospheric air from the second end of the air duct and inputting the air into an internal combustion engine for combustion, wherein the air intake system is disposed behind the head pipe and in front of the fuel tank in a vehicle front-rear direction, between the pair of side covers in the vehicle width direction, and disposed below the fuel tank cover in the vehicle up-down direction, thereby allowing the air intake system to draw atmospheric air from bottom of the vehicle by means of the air duct.
[008] In an embodiment of the invention, the air intake system has an air filter; an air flow meter or sensor; an intake manifold; and a throttle body.
[009] In a further embodiment of the invention, the saddle type vehicle has a connecting portion for connecting the second end of the air duct to the air intake system.
[010] In a further embodiment of the invention, the saddle type vehicle has a first cover for detachably connecting the fuel tank cover to the side cover. In an embodiment, the first cover overlaps with the connecting portion in a vehicle side view.
[011] In another embodiment of the invention, the first end of the air duct faces the side cover that is disposed on the right side of the vehicle in a vehicle rear view.
[012] In another embodiment of the invention, the air duct extends substantially parallelly to the side cover.
[013] In a further embodiment of the invention, the saddle type vehicle has a sound proofing sheet lined along an inner face of the side cover for muffling the sound produced by the internal combustion engine.
[014] In a further embodiment of the invention, the sound proofing sheet includes a recess to accommodate the connecting portion and at least a part of the air duct.
[015] In a further embodiment of the invention, the air duct has a substantially oval cross section such that the cross section area gradually increases from the first end to the second end.
[016] In a further embodiment of the invention, the first end of the air duct has an extended discoid shape to facilitate entry of atmospheric air in to the air duct.
[017] In a further embodiment of the invention, length of the air duct is equal to or more than half of length of each of the side cover in the vehicle up down direction.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[018] 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 illustrates a left side view of the saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 illustrates a side perspective view of the saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 illustrates a side perspective view of an air duct and a connecting portion of the saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 illustrates an exploded view of the saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 illustrates a side view of a first cover and the air duct of the saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 illustrates a rear view of the side cover, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[019] The present invention generally relates to a saddle type vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to disposition of an air intake system in a saddle type vehicle.
[020] Figure 1 illustrates an exemplary saddle type vehicle 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The vehicle 10 includes an internal combustion engine 12 that is vertically disposed or a traction motor (not shown). Preferably, the Internal combustion engine 12 is a single-cylinder type internal combustion engine. The vehicle 10 further includes a front wheel 14, a rear wheel 16, a frame member, a seat assembly 18 and a fuel tank 40 (shown in Figure 2). The frame member includes a head pipe 22 (shown in Figure 2), a main frame 24 (shown in Figure 2), a down tube (not shown), and seat rails (not shown). The head pipe 22 supports a steering shaft (not shown) and two telescopic front forks 26 (only one shown) attached to the steering shaft through a lower bracket (not shown). The two telescopic front forks 26 support the front wheel 14. The upper portion of the front wheel 14 is covered by a front fender 28 mounted to the lower portion of the telescopic front forks 26 at the end of the steering shaft. A head light 32, a visor guard 33 and instrument cluster (not shown) are arranged on an upper portion of the head pipe 22. The frame member having the down tube (not shown) may be located in front of the internal combustion engine 12 and extends slantly downward from the head pipe 22. The main frame 24 of the frame member is located above the internal combustion engine 12 and extends rearward from the head pipe 22. The internal combustion engine 12 is mounted at the front to the down tube and a rear of the internal combustion engine 12 is mounted at the rear portion of the main frame 24. In an embodiment, the internal combustion engine 12 is mounted vertically, with a cylinder block extending vertically above a crankcase. In an alternative embodiment, the internal combustion engine 12 is mounted horizontally (not shown) with the cylinder block extending horizontally forwardly from the crankcase. In an embodiment, the cylinder block is disposed rearwardly of the down tube.
[021] The fuel tank 40 of the vehicle 10 is mounted on the main frame 24. Seat rails are joined to the main frame 24 and extend rearward to support the seat assembly 18. A rear swing arm 34 is connected to the frame member to swing vertically, and the rear wheel 16 is connected to rear end of the rear swing arm 34. Generally, the rear swing arm 34 is supported by a mono rear suspension 36 or through two suspensions (not shown) on either side of the vehicle 10. A taillight unit 37 is disposed at the end of the vehicle 10 and at the rear of the seat assembly 18. The rear wheel 16 arranged below seat 18 rotates by the driving force of the Internal combustion engine 12 transmitted through a chain drive 39 from the internal combustion engine 12. A rear fender 38 is disposed above the rear wheel 16.
[022] Further, an exhaust pipe (not shown) of the saddle type vehicle 10 extends vertically downward from the Internal combustion engine 12 up to a point and then extends below the Internal combustion engine 12, longitudinally along the vehicle length before terminating in a muffler (not shown). The muffler is typically disposed adjoining the rear wheel 16.
[023] The vehicle 10 further includes a handlebar 50 connected to the head tube 22 of the frame member and extending in a vehicle width direction. The handlebar 50 can rotate to both sides of the vehicle 10 during vehicle turning movements.
[024] Figure 2 illustrates a side perspective view of the saddle type vehicle 10. As illustrated in Figure 2, the saddle type vehicle has the head pipe 22 and the main frame 24 that extends rearwardly of the head pipe 22. The fuel tank 40 disposed on the main frame 24. Further, a fuel tank cover 140 is provided for covering the fuel tank 40. The fuel tank cover 140 is provided such that the fuel tank cover 140 covers the fuel tank 40 substantially from the top, the sides and the rear of the fuel tank 40. The saddle type vehicle 10 further has a pair of side covers 150 disposed on either side of the saddle type vehicle 10. The pair of side covers 150 are configured to act as a body panel and cover the vehicle components from either side of the saddle type vehicle 10. In an embodiment, the pair of side covers 150 comprise a left side cover and a right side cover.
[025] The saddle type vehicle 10 further has an air duct 110 (shown in Figure 3) for receiving atmospheric air. The air duct 110 has a first end 110A (shown in Figure 4) that is open to the atmosphere, and a second end 110B (shown in Figure 4). The saddle type vehicle 10 further has an air intake system 120 (shown in Figure 4). The air intake system 120 receives atmospheric air from the second end 110B of the air duct 110 and inputs the air into the internal combustion engine 12 for combustion. In that, in an embodiment, the air intake system 120 comprises an air filter for filtering the input air to the internal combustion engine 12, an air flow meter or sensor for gauging the amount of air entering the air intake system 120, an intake manifold for receiving the input air and a throttle body for controlling the amount of air entering the internal combustion engine 12. Herein, the air intake system 120 is disposed behind the head pipe 22 and in front of the fuel tank 40 in a vehicle front-rear direction. The air intake system 120 is further disposed between the pair of side covers 150 in the vehicle width direction, and disposed below the fuel tank cover 140 in the vehicle up-down direction. Since the air intake system 120 is covered from the top, the front and the sides, the air intake system 120 draws atmospheric air from bottom of the vehicle 10.
[026] As illustrated in Figure 3, the saddle type vehicle 10 further has a connecting portion 130. The connecting portion 130 is configured for connecting the second end 110B (shown in Figure 4) of the air duct 110 to the air intake system 120. Since, the connecting portion 130 is a component that is slightly larger is size, arrangements are made for accommodation of the said connecting portion 130 in the saddle type vehicle 10.
[027] To facilitate the arrangement or accommodation of the connecting portion 130 in the saddle type vehicle 10, the saddle type vehicle 10, as illustrated in Figure 4 and Figure 5, comprises a first cover 160 that detachably connects the fuel tank cover 140 to the side cover 150. The first cover 160 is provided such that the first cover 160 overlaps with the connecting portion 130 in a vehicle side view. The provision of the first cover 160 prevents hump creation in the side cover 150 or the fuel tank cover 140 to accommodate the connecting portion 130, thus ensuring better vehicle aesthetics.
[028] Reference is made again to Figure 3, wherein as illustrated, in an embodiment, the first end 110A of the air duct 110 faces the side cover 150 that is disposed on the right side of the vehicle 10 in a vehicle rear view. Further, the air duct 110 extends substantially parallelly to the side cover 150. In a further embodiment, length of the air duct 110 is equal to or more than half of length of each of the side cover 150 in the vehicle up down direction. Such a disposition ensures that the length of the air duct 110 is kept adequate for adequate air supply to the internal combustion engine 12, without having to increase the width of the vehicle 10.
[029] As further illustrated in the embodiment depicted in Figure 3 and Figure 4, the air duct 110 has a substantially oval cross section such that the cross section area gradually increases from the first end 110A to the second end 110B. Such a varying cross section ensures that the pressure gradient of the intake air is modified to desired levels. For further facilitating the entry of atmospheric air into the air duct 110, the first end 110A of the air duct 110 has an extended discoid shape to facilitate entry of atmospheric air in to the air duct 110.
[030] As further illustrated in the embodiment depicted in Figure 6, the saddle type vehicle 10 further has a sound proofing sheet 170 that is lined along an inner face of the side cover 150. The sound proofing sheet 170 acts for muffling the sound produced by the internal combustion engine 12. For facilitating the lining of the sound proofing sheet 170 without affecting the disposition of the air duct 110 and the connection portion 130, in an embodiment, the sound proofing sheet 170 includes a recess 180 to accommodate the connecting portion 130 and at least a part of the air duct 110. Such a disposition allows for the sound proofing sheet 170 to be lined without affecting surrounding vehicle components.
[031] Advantageously, the saddle type vehicle of the present invention allows for accommodation of the air duct, the connecting portion and the air intake system in a vehicle that is substantially covered from the sides by side covers. Further, the disposition of air duct behind the head pipe, and allowing for the air duct to receive atmospheric air from the bottom of the vehicle ensures optimum reach of the air to the air intake system. This not only allows for better engine performance, but also results in improved emission characteristics of the vehicle.
[032] In the saddle type vehicle of the present invention, the air duct, the air intake system and the connecting portion are placed behind the head pipe and below the fuel tank cover without increasing the width of the vehicle and without creating a hump portion, ensuring better vehicle aesthetics.
[033] Further, the present invention allows for better serviceability as only the first cover needs to be removed to access the air duct. The present invention also allows for better manufacturability as manufacturing the air duct and the first cover is easier than providing multiple reliefs in the side cover.
[034] 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.