DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter relates generally to a saddle type vehicle and more particularly to an air cleaner assembly for an engine assembly of the vehicle.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Generally, a saddle type vehicle comprises of a frame assembly extending rearwardly from a head tube. The frame assembly acts as a skeleton and a structural member for the vehicle that supports the vehicle loads. A front wheel is connected to a front portion of the frame assembly through one or more front suspension(s). The frame assembly extends towards a rear portion of the vehicle. A rear wheel is connected to a frame assembly through one or more rear suspension(s). The frame assembly comprises of an engine assembly mounted to it. The engine assembly is functionally connected to the rear wheel, which provides forward motion to the vehicle. A muffler assembly is provided at a lateral side of the vehicle mounted to the frame assembly or the vehicle through a mounting bracket. Typically, plurality of panels is mounted to the frame assembly of the vehicle that covers various vehicle parts mounted thereon.
[0003] An engine assembly is mounted to the frame assembly of the vehicle. In a saddle type vehicle, the engine assembly is disposed in a front portion of the vehicle. In case of an internal combustion (IC) engine, there are one or more cylinder bore(s), where combustion happens. The internal combustion (IC) engine, among other components, has a cylinder on top of which a cylinder head is mounted, and receives a reciprocating piston from the bottom. On combustion of the air-fuel mixture, the piston transfers the energy generated during combustion to a crankshaft through a connecting rod thereby driving the crankshaft. In this way, the reciprocatory motion of the piston is converted to rotary motion of the crankshaft. The crankshaft rotation then powers the vehicle.
[0004] The combustion of air fuel mixture inside the cylinder bore results in the reciprocating motion of the piston. But for this whole process to occur an ample amount of good clean air is required. The air contains water vapor or dust and other impurities which may cause poor engine combustion efficiency, or even cause damage to the vehicle engine. Thus, the intake structures of the general motorcycle engines are included in an air filter to eliminate the impurity, after which filtered air is introduced into the vehicle engine for combustion.
[0005] Typically, filtered air is guided in a carburetor through an intake tube, and the air introduced into the carburetor is then mixed therein with a fuel, the mixture being supplied to the engine for combustion. Most engines include air cleaners for screening the air before it enters the engine. These air cleaners normally comprise a filter element positioned within the engine's air intake passage. The filter element is frequently positioned in a passage having an inlet opening facing in the direction of vehicle travel.
[0006] Mostly, an air cleaner assembly is located after the cylinder head of an engine assembly such that adequate clean air is supplied without causing any space constraints for the air cleaner. The air cleaner is usually disposed just below the seat assembly in a hollow mainframe member disposed in a front cover of the vehicle. It is located in a substantial central portion of the vehicle frame when viewed from a side of the vehicle.
[0007] In most systems an air inlet is provided either at a side facing the cylinder head with the opening facing the direction of the vehicle travel, or else it is located on an upward region pointing upwards disposed near the seat assembly and facing towards rear wheels. But in both the cases there are some major short comings which arise, one of them being that the air entering through an inlet with opening facing towards the cylinder head turns out to be hot which is not favorable. Whereas, in the other case when the air inlet opening is provided near the seat assembly there is a high probability of large amount of mud entering the system. For example, the rear wheel rotation results in lot of dust that could enter through the air inlet. In such scenarios the durability, life span and performance of the filter and as well as the engine is affected.
[0008] Thus the system proposed provides such an air cleaner assembly and an inlet for the air cleaner assembly, which improves the durability and performance of the system by overcoming all the above stated problems. In furtherance to it, the present subject matter also substantially reduces entry of mud and dust which may enter the assembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The detailed description of the present subject matter is described with reference to the accompanying figures. Same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components.
[00010] Fig. 1 illustrates a right side view of an exemplary two-wheeled vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00011] Fig. 2 illustrates a right side view of an exemplary vehicle without a seat assembly and front cover attached to it, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00012] Fig. 3 illustrates a right side view of an air cleaner assembly for a two wheeled vehicle shown in Fig. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00013] Fig. 4 illustrates an exploded right side view of the air cleaner assembly for a two wheeled vehicle as shown in Fig. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00014] Fig. 5 illustrates an exploded view of the air cleaner assembly for a two wheeled motor vehicle as shown in Fig. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00015] Fig. 6 illustrates an exploded top view of the air cleaner assembly for a two wheeled vehicle as shown in Fig. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00016] Fig. 7 illustrates a sectional view taken along axis A-A’ of the air cleaner assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter as shown in Fig. 3.
DETALIED DESCRIPTION
[00017] Typically, a saddle type motor vehicle is operated through an internal combustion engine assembly mounted to the frame assembly in a front portion and a fuel tank disposed above the engine assembly. Conventionally, an internal combustion (IC) engine assembly includes a crankcase, a cylinder block coupled to the crankcase, and a cylinder head mounted on the upper part of the cylinder block. Air fuel mixture is supplied to the engine assembly by means of a carburetor or an air-fuel supply unit. Thereafter combustion of the air-fuel mixture takes place so that a piston disposed in the engine assembly is set into motion. The piston is operated in a linear motion, after which said liner motion is converted to a rotational motion, wherein said rotational motion is transferred to the rear wheel finally resulting into motion of the vehicle. This mechanism also results in generation of power and torque by the engine assembly.
[00018] Generally, an air cleaner assembly is provided for an engine assembly, which supplies substantial amount of clean air to the carburetor for the combustion process to take place. The air often contains water vapor or dust and other impurities which may cause poor engine combustion efficiency, or even cause damage to the vehicle engine. Thus an air cleaner comprises of a filter element in the passage for the air intake of the engine assembly.
[00019] The air cleaner is generally located in a hollow mainframe assembly in the front cover area of the vehicle. In most of the cases it is disposed just below the seat assembly, adjoining at the end of the fuel tank placed in a substantial central portion when viewed from a side and being disposed after the engine assembly. An air inlet is provided for the air cleaner assembly which allows an ample amount of air to enter the assembly. In most of the assemblies the air inlet port is either placed facing the cylinder head in direction of the vehicle travel or on an upper side pointing upwards and in a rearward direction too in some cases. But in all the scenarios there are some challenges, as in one of the cases the air entering turns out be very hot and in the other a large amount of mud enters the system affecting the life span, durability and performance of the assembly.
[00020] The present subject matter overcomes the above stated and other short comings with respect to the air cleaner assembly and the air inlet with respect to it. One of the objectives of the present subject matter is to provide a saddle type vehicle with an air cleaner assembly with an air inlet port disposed in such a way that amount of mud entering is substantially minimized. Another objective of the present subject matter is to provide such an air cleaner assembly whose performance, durability as well as the life span is higher as compared to other air cleaner assemblies known in the art. The term “saddle type vehicle” is not limiting and may include any motor vehicle having a similar vehicular structure with two or more wheels.
[00021] In an embodiment, an air cleaner assembly is disposed in a hollow main fame assembly in a front cover area. The assembly is placed just below the seat assembly adjoining near the end of the fuel tank in a substantial central portion when viewed from a side and being disposed after the engine assembly. As per an aspect of the present invention, an air entrance slot is placed at a left hand side of the air cleaner assembly opposite to that of the engine assembly. A protective wall is provided in front of the air entrance slot to stop a direct entry of mud or water from the rear wheel to the air cleaner assembly. In other words, the protective wall is disposed in proximity so as to block or restrict direct entry of air through the air entrance slot.
[00022] As per an aspect of the present invention, the air entering the air cleaner assembly first has to pass through the protective wall which restricts the mud and water present in the air from entering in the air cleaner assembly. After passing through the protective wall, air enters the air cleaner assembly through the air entrance slot. Preferably, air enters from a downward direction due to the protective wall and subsequently takes a first diversion towards the air entrance slot. As per an aspect of the present invention after entering through the air entrance slot the air passes through a circular shaped air inlet lying further within the assembly. The diameter of the air inlet is based on the power of the engine, as in higher the power of the engine larger would the diameter be. As per an aspect of the present invention, after passing through the air inlet, the air entering the assembly collides with a deflector plate, which tries to eliminate any kind of mud or water particles still present in the air, as it is placed after the air inlet considering the air flow direction. As per an aspect of the present invention, the deflector plate is attached to the plate which consists of the air inlet through at least two mounting provisions. It is only after passing through the deflector plate that the air entering the assembly goes to the filter before entering the engine assembly.
[00023] The present subject matter enhances the life span and durability of the air filter used in the air cleaner assembly as the air entering the air clear assembly passes through the path defined by the protection wall taking a first diversion and then through the air inlet taking second diversion and then by getting deflected by the deflector plate thereby providing improved air with reduced dust and water. It also eliminates/reduces the impurities such as dust and water which used to enter the air cleaner assembly previously thereby substantially improving air cleaner efficiency by 60-80%. In furtherance to it the whole process and system also enhances the air cleaner’s overall performance.
[00024] The present subject matter provides the method of filtering air passing through air cleaner assembly by passing air entering the air cleaner assembly first through a protective wall by taking a first diversion. Then passing air through an air inlet by taking a second diversion for entering through the air inlet. Then passing air to be deflected by a deflector plate and passing air through a filtering means thereby filtering mud and air from air entering the air cleaner assembly.
[00025] As per an implementation of the present invention, the air entrance slot is disposed on a first side of the air cleaner assembly, wherein the first side includes a front side and a rear side thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the air entrance slot is disposed on the rear facing side of the air cleaner assembly, specifically on a third cover component of the air cleaner assembly that is disposed at an outward sideward direction thereof.
[00026] The protection wall includes two or more sides that are capable of blocking the direct flow of air into the air entrance slot. This removes dust and water as a first stage.
[00027] The vehicle includes a front cover assembly that is disposed adjacent to the air cleaner assembly from an outward direction. This enables the protection wall to allow entry substantially from downward direction.
[00028] The aforesaid and other advantages of the present subject matter would be described in greater detail in conjunction with the figures in the following description.
[00029] Arrows provided in the top right corner of each figure depicts direction with respect to the vehicle, wherein an arrow F denotes front direction, an arrow R indicated R direction, an arrow Up denotes upward direction, an arrow Dw denoted downward direction, an arrow Rh denotes right side, an arrow Lh denoted left side, as and where applicable.
[00030] Fig. 1 illustrates a right side view of an exemplary saddle type vehicle (100), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The vehicle (100) includes an engine assembly (4) which is supported by the main frame of the frame assembly (not shown). The engine assembly (4) acts as the power unit of the vehicle (100), wherein the power unit may also include a traction/electrical motor (not shown). The two wheeled vehicle (100) includes a rear wheel (9) that is functionally coupled to the engine assembly (4) through a transmission system (not shown). A rear fender (12) disposed upwardly of the rear wheel (9) covers at least a portion of the rear wheel (9). A pair of front forks (6) supports a front wheel (8) and is steerably supported by the head pipe. A handlebar assembly (2) is connected to an upper portion of the pair of front fork (6). Further, a front fender assembly (7) covers at least a portion of the front wheel (8) and the front fender assembly (7) is mounted to the front forks (6).
[00031] A fuel tank (3) is mounted to the main tube of the frame assembly and disposed rearwardly of the handlebar assembly (2). A seat assembly (10) is disposed rearwardly of the fuel tank (3) and supported by the pair of rear tubes. Further, the vehicle (100) comprises a headlamp (5) that is disposed above the front forks (6). The two wheeled vehicle (100) comprises of a seat assembly (10) disposed after the fuel tank (3) with a pillion handle (11) place at the end of the seat assembly (10) used by the pillion for support during a running condition of the vehicle (100). At least one front cover assembly (14) is disposed below the seat assembly (10) adjoining at the end of the fuel tank (3). The at least one front cover assembly (14) is placed just after the engine assembly (4) when seen from a side of the vehicle (100). An exhaust emission system (13) is connected to the engine assembly (4) and the exhaust emission system (13) is extending in a rearward direction along the length of the vehicle.
[00032] Fig. 2 illustrates a right side view of the two-wheeled vehicle (100) without the seat assembly (10) and front cover (14) (shown in Fig. 1) attached in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. In one embodiment, an air cleaner assembly (15) is connected to the engine assembly (4) of the vehicle (100). The air cleaner assembly (15) is placed after the engine assembly (4) when seen from a side of the vehicle (100). In one embodiment, the air cleaner assembly (15) is placed in the front cover assembly (14) just below the seat assembly (10). The air cleaner assembly (15) may be at least partially covered by the front cover assembly (14) from side of the vehicle (100). The air cleaner assembly (15) is generally adjoined at the end most region of the fuel tank (3) of the vehicle (100). The air cleaner assembly (15) has an outlet that is connected to an inlet port of the engine assembly (4), wherein the inlet port may be provided on a rear side of the cylinder head.
[00033] Fig. 3 illustrates a right side view of the air cleaner assembly (15) of the two wheeled vehicle (100) as shown in Fig. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. In an embodiment, the air cleaner assembly (15) comprises of a protective wall (16) provided for avoiding a direct entry of air into the air cleaner assembly (15) such that a maximum amount of dust and water is stopped from entering the system. In an embodiment, the air cleaner assembly (15) comprises of an air entrance slot (17) through which air enters into the air cleaner assembly (15). The air entrance slot (17) is placed after the protective wall (16) such that a substantial amount of air enters the air cleaner assembly (15) only after passing through a path formed by the protective wall (16) and being deprived of dust and water from entering into the system. Thus, the protective wall is adapted to receive air in a first direction, wherein the first direction includes at least one of a downward direction or a sideward direction and the first direction is other than the direction in which the air enters into the air entrance slot. Further, the air cleaner assembly (15) includes an air inlet (19) provided within the air cleaner assembly (15). Furthermore, the air cleaner system (15) comprises of a first cover component (18) which covers and protects the system as a whole.
[00034] Fig. 4 illustrates an exploded right side view of the air cleaner assembly (15) of the two-wheeled vehicle (100) as shown in Fig. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. In an embodiment, the air cleaner assembly (15) also comprises of an air inlet (19) with a controlled diameter. The diameter of this air inlet (19) generally depends upon the power/engine capacity of the vehicle, as in larger the requirement of the vehicle larger would be the diameter for more air to enter the system. In an embodiment, the air entering the air cleaner assembly (15) first passes through the path formed by the protective wall (16) so that dust and water is stopped from entering the system, after which it passes through the air entrance slot (17). Air entering the air entrance slot (17) takes a first diversion, which is substantial directional change, in order to enter the air entrance slot (17) whereby the water and dust etc. gets accumulated on the surface of the protective wall (16) and only the air gets diverted. After passing through the air entrance slot (17) the air needs to go through the air inlet (19). It is only after passing through the air inlet (19) that the air enters the main system for being filtered before being sent to the engine assembly (4). The air that enters through the air entrance slot (17) further takes a second diversion, which is substantial change in direction, in order to enter the air inlet (19). The air enters the air inlet (19) from a second direction, which is other than the first direction. The second direction may be a sideward direction. This second diversion enables in further segregation of water and dust from the air that had passed through the air entrance slot (17) thereby minimizing entry of water or mud entering a paper filter (22) (shown in Fig. 5).
[00035] Fig. 5 illustrates an exploded view of the air cleaner assembly (15) of the two-wheeled vehicle (100) as shown in Fig. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The air cleaner assembly (15) includes a second cover component (25) and a third cover component (26). The second cover component (25) and the third cover component (26) define a volume capable of accommodating a filtering component. Further, the air cleaner assembly (15) comprises of a deflector plate (20) which is placed after the air inlet (19) and is disposed adjacent to the third cover component (26). Thus, air entering through the air inlet (19) gets deflected by the deflector plate (20). In other words, the air which enters the assembly through the air inlet (19) further reacts with the deflector plate (20) to eliminate any kind of impurity which would still be present. In an embodiment, the air after passing through the deflector plate (20) finally goes in to react and pass through a paper filter (22), which is provided acting as a filtering component. Thus, the deflector plate (20) also protects the paper filter (22) from direct hitting of air flow. This is the final stage of filtering and purification after which the air entered is sent to the engine assembly (4) through an outlet pipe (23) provided at one end of the paper filter (22) and the outlet pipe (23) is connected to the second cover component (25). A ring assembly (24) is provided to keep the outlet pipe (23) intact and attached to the paper filter (22) and to the air cleaner system (15). In an embodiment, a second cover component (25) is provided which is attached to the first cover component (18) with the help of a seal (21) such that both of them combined keep the air cleaner assembly (15) intact and protected.
[00036] Fig. 6 illustrates an exploded top view of the air cleaner assembly (15) of the two-wheeled vehicle (100) as shown in Fig. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. As shown, an inner side of third cover component (26) supports the deflector plate (20) and an outer side of the third cover component (26) supports the first cover component (18). The air cleaner assembly (15) comprises of a protective wall (16) which protects the air entrance slot (17) so that no air with dust and water directly enters into the assembly. After passing through the air entrance slot (17) the air passes through the air inlet (19) to enter the other side of the assembly and hit the deflector plate (20) placed there such that the air entering is further filtered. It is only after hitting the deflector plate (20) that the air entering passes through the paper filter (22) to be filtered in its final stage so that it can be sent to the engine assembly (4) through an outlet pipe (23). The air that exits the outlet pipe (23) has dust removed by 60-80%, when compared to a conventional design.
[00037] Fig. 7 depicts a sectional view (seen from bottom) of the air cleaner assembly taken along axis A-A’, in accordance with the embodiment of Fig. 3. Fig. 7 shows the flow of air from the atmosphere to the air fuel supply unit, shown as arrows. Air enters the air entrance slot (17) by taking first diversion, which is substantial directional change, by hitting the protective wall (16). Air enters a volume formed by a wall portion (27) provided on an outer surface of the third cover component (26). The wall portion (27) extends substantially orthogonally from the outer surface of the third cover component (26). Also, the wall portion (27) includes a cut portion (28) (shown in Fig. 4) that forms the air entrance slot (17). Subsequently, air enters the air inlet (19) by taking second diversion from the first cover component (18). Air that enters the air inlet (19) is yet again deflected by the deflector plate (20). Thus, the direct hitting/ impinging of air on the paper filter (22) are eliminated. The deflector plate (22) may be a hot riveted member.
[00038] The present subject matter provides the method of filtering air passing through air cleaner assembly (15) by passing air entering the air cleaner assembly (15) first through a protective wall (17) by taking a first diversion. Then passing air through an air inlet (19) by taking a second diversion for entering through the air inlet (19). Then passing air to be deflected by a deflector plate (20) and passing air through a filtering means (22) thereby filtering mud and air from entering the air cleaner assembly Further, the air that is deflected by the deflector plate (22) passes through the paper filter (22).
[00039] The term “paper filter” is not limiting and includes any known filtering means. The air that exits the paper filter (22) passes through the outlet pipe (23) that is subsequently sent to the combustion chamber of the engine assembly (4).
[00040] It is to be understood that the aspects of the embodiments are not necessarily limited to the features described herein. Many modifications and variations of the present subject matter are possible in the light of above disclosure. Therefore, within the scope of claims of the present subject matter, the present disclosure may be practiced other than as specifically described.

List of reference numerals:

100 vehicle
2 handlebar assembly
3 fuel tank
4 engine assembly
5 headlamp
6 front forks
7 front fender assembly
8 front wheel
9 rear wheel
10 seat assembly
11 pillion handle
12 rear fender
13 exhaust emission system
14 front cover assembly
15 air cleaner assembly
16 protective wall
17 air entrance slot
18 first cover component
19 air inlet
20 deflector plate
21 seal
22 paper filter
23 outlet pipe
24 ring assembly
25 second cover component
26 third cover component
27 wall portion
,CLAIMS:We Claim:
1. An air cleaner assembly (15) for a saddle type vehicle (100), said air cleaner assembly (15) comprising:
an air entrance slot (17),
wherein,
a protective wall (16) is provided whereby said protective wall (16) restricts direct entry of air therethrough, and air entering through said air entrance slot (17) subsequently passes through an air inlet (19) of said air cleaner assembly (15).
2. The air cleaner assembly (15) for the two-wheeled vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein said protective wall (16) provided is disposed in proximity of said air entrance slot (17) and said protective wall (16) is adapted to receive air in a first direction and the air takes a first diversion for passing through said air entrance slot (17).
3. The air cleaner assembly (15) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said air inlet (19) is provided within the air cleaner assembly (15) and is adapted to receive air in a second direction and the air entering through said air entrance slot (17) takes a second diversion for passing through said air inlet (19).
4. The air cleaner assembly (15) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said air inlet (19) is provided with a controlled diameter, provided based on the power of the engine, for further filtering, and said air inlet (19) is substantially covered by a first cover component (18) of said air cleaner assembly (15).
5. The air cleaner assembly (15) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said air cleaner assembly (15) includes a deflector plate (20) placed after said air inlet (19) with respect to the air flow direction for further elimination of mud and water present in air entering said air cleaner assembly (15).
6. The air cleaner assembly (15) as claimed in claim 1 or 5, wherein said air cleaner assembly (15) comprises a paper filter (22) and said deflector plate (20) is disposed between the air inlet (19) and the paper filter (22) preventing direct flow of air from the air inlet (19) onto the paper filter (22).
7. The air cleaner assembly (15) as claimed in claim 1 or 6, wherein said air filter assembly (15) includes a second cover component (25) and a third cover component (26) defining a volume and for accommodating said paper filter (22), and wherein said third cover component (26) is in an outward sideward direction (RH or LH) and said second cover component (25) is inward, and said air inlet (17) is provided on said third cover component (26).
8. The air cleaner assembly (15) as claimed in claim 1 or 3, wherein said air cleaner assembly (15) includes said first cover component (18) secured to an outer side of said third cover component (26) and said first cover component (18) is capable of deflecting air entering through said air entrance slot (17) to pass through said air inlet (19).
9. The air cleaner assembly (15) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said air entrance slot (17) disposed on a first side of said air cleaner assembly (15), such that said first side include a front side and a rear side thereof.
10. The air cleaner assembly (15) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said protective wall (16) includes two or more sides restricting direct entry of air therethrough.
11. The air cleaner assembly (15) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said saddle type vehicle (100) includes at least one front cover assembly (14) capable of covering substantial portion of said air cleaner assembly (15) in an outer sideward direction and said protective wall (16) receives air from a downward direction to pass through the air entrance slot (17).
12. The air cleaner assembly (15) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said air cleaner assembly (15) includes an outlet pipe (23) disposed at a one surface portion of said air cleaner assembly (15) and said outlet pipe is functionally connected to an air fuel supply unit that is further functionally connected to an engine assembly (4), and said air cleaner assembly (15) is capable of reducing entry of dust by 60-80%.
13. The air cleaner assembly (15) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said air cleaner assembly (15) includes an outlet pipe (23) disposed at a one surface portion of said air cleaner assembly (15) and said outlet pipe is functionally connected to an air fuel supply unit that is further functionally connected to an engine assembly (4).
14. An air cleaner assembly (15) for a saddle type vehicle (100), said air cleaner assembly (15) comprising:
a deflector plate (20) placed after at least one air inlet (19) with respect to the air flow direction for elimination of mud and water present in air entering said air cleaner assembly (15).
15. An air cleaner assembly (15) for a saddle type vehicle (100), said air cleaner assembly (15) comprising:
a first cover compartment (18); and
a third cover compartment (26),
wherein,
a volume is formed by a wall portion (27) and the first cover compartment, said wall portion (27) provided on an outer surface of the third cover component (18) and the wall portion (27) extends substantially orthogonally from the outer surface thereof the first cover component (18).
16. A method of filtering air passing through an air cleaner assembly (15), said method comprising the steps of:
passing air entering the air cleaner assembly (15) first through a protective wall (17) taking a first diversion;
passing air through an air inlet (19) taking a second diversion;
passing air to be deflected by a deflector plate (20); and
passing air through a filtering means (22) thereby filtering mud and air from entering the air cleaner assembly (15).