DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter relates generally to a motorcycle, and more particularly, but not exclusively, to an air filter assembly for a scooter type motorcycle.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Typically, vehicle layout design for a step-through type scooter type motorcycle features a step-through frame and a flat surface called as a floorboard used for disposing legs of a rider when the rider puts his/her feet on the floorboard. Further, the scooter features bodywork, including a front leg shield and body that conceals all or most of the mechanisms.
[0003] Generally, in a step-through type scooter type motorcycle, frame structure is such that an internal combustion (IC) engine is positioned in the forward direction of the vehicle. The IC engine is positioned in a manner such that the cylinder head is either horizontal or inclined forwardly. Typically, in the scooter type motorcycle, an air intake system is disposed below a seat.
[0004] The internal combustion (IC) engine comprises of the air intake system, which supplies air required for operation of the IC engine. The air is drawn in by the intake system due to vacuum created in the combustion chamber, during an intake stroke. The air drawn is mixed with fuel at a desired ratio and combusted in the IC engine during a compression stroke of the engine. The combustion of the air-fuel mixture will result in a power stroke. To generate a desired torque and power, the air intake system plays a vital role.
[0005] A typical air intake system comprises of an air filter connected to a carburetor. The air filter comprises of a filter, which removes any unwanted particles from entering the combustion chamber.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] The detailed description of an air filter assembly 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.
[0007] Fig. 1 illustrates a left side perspective view of a step-through type vehicle as an example, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0008] Fig. 2 illustrates a part of a rear side of the step-through vehicle depicting mounting of the air filter assembly on a variator cover.
[0009] Fig. 3 depicts a top view of a portion of a rear side of the vehicle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00010] Typically, in an engine, an air fuel mixture is combusted in a combustion chamber/cylinder of the IC engine. An air intake system includes an air filter, intake duct and a carburetor or like means. Filtered air is fed to the IC engine. A filtering member divides the air filter into a pre filter volume and, a post filter volume. The filtered air is mixed with fuel and is combusted in a combustion chamber. The combustion of air fuel mixture results in generation of torque during the power stroke. The torque and power output of the IC engine are two desired parameters in an IC engine.
[00011] Typically, in a saddle-ride type vehicle, the air filter is located below the seat. The frame structure of the vehicle is such that a main frame extends rearward and downward from a head tube. There is a space constraint. In addition, modern vehicles are installed with various electronic components like anti-lock braking system (ABS) or combined braking system (CBS) or vehicle control systems. Therefore, there is space constraint for increasing the volume of the air filter, or the length of the air duct since other systems occupies the available space within the layout.
[00012] Further, as the IC engine capacity of a vehicle increases, accordingly the volume of the air intake required increases, at the same time the number of control components also increase. The airflow restrictions results in induction noise. The user of the vehicle feels discomfort while riding the vehicle. Any passers-by also feel the noise generated. The increasing stringent norms on noise pollution calls for a need for reducing vehicle related noises like induction noise.
[00013] Hence, an objective of the present invention is to provide a scooter type motorcycle. In an embodiment of the present invention, a rear shock absorber is placed ahead of the air filter assembly. The rear shock absorber is placed such that the proposed air filter assembly lies behind a rear shock absorber. According to the present embodiment, the rear shock absorber is mounted to lie substantially along a vehicle longitudinal direction.
[00014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the rear shock absorber is mounted on a front end of a variator cover and the rear shock absorber extends forwardly towards front side of the vehicle in the vehicle longitudinal direction to create a vacant space to be utilized by other vehicular parts. The vacant space created is utilized by the air filter assembly. Hence, an air filter assembly of variable volumes including an air filter assembly of higher volume can be accommodated in the vacant space created.
[00015] Further, due to the placement of the rear shock absorber and the air filter assembly, the under-seat space is increased substantially. Hence, the under-seat space can be utilized by a utility box placed below a seat assembly.
[00016] According to another embodiment, a rear shock absorber is mounted substantially vertically and ahead of the air filter assembly.
[00017] The previously mentioned and other advantages of the present subject matter are described in detail in conjunction with the figures in the following description.
[0001] Fig. 1 illustrates a side view of the scooter type vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle has a body frame assembly made up of several tubes welded together, which usually supports the body of the said vehicle. The vehicle has a steerable front wheel 101 and a driven rear wheel 102. The body frame assembly of the vehicle is an elongated structure, which typically extends from a forward end to a rearward end of the vehicle. The frame assembly includes a head tube (not shown), a main frame and also may have a sub-frame. The frame assembly is covered by a plurality of vehicle body covers including a front panel 103, a rear cover 104, and one or more side panel(s).
[0002] A handlebar assembly 108 and a seat assembly 109 are supported at opposite ends of the frame assembly and a generally open area is defined there between known as floorboard 110 that functions as a step through space. The seat assembly 109 for a driver and a pillion is placed rear side of a floorboard 110. A storage compartment (not seen) is disposed below the seat assembly 109 for the user to store any articles/ any vehicular accessories can be mounted in the storage compartment. A front fender 111 is provided above the front wheel 101 to avoid the said vehicle and its occupants from being splashed with mud. Likewise, a rear fender 112 is placed behind the rear wheel 102, and to the outer side in the radial direction of the rear wheel 102. The rear fender 102 inhibits rainwater or the like from being thrown up by the rear wheel 102.
[0003] Suspensions are provided for comfortable riding of the vehicle on the road. A front suspension assembly 113 including a pair of front forks is disposed on either side of the front wheel 101. The rear suspension assembly comprises of at least one rear shock absorber 105 preferably on the left side of the vehicle. However, a vehicle with two rear suspensions, namely on the left side and the right side is also possible. For the safety of the user and in conformance with the traffic rules, a headlight 114 in the front portion of the vehicle and a tail light 115 in the rear portion of the vehicle is also provided.
[00018] Fig. 2 illustrates a part of a rear side of the step-through vehicle depicting mounting of the air filter assembly on a variator cover. The rear suspension assembly includes a rear shock absorber 105 that is placed substantially horizontal along the vehicle longitudinal axis ab. One end 105a of the rear shock absorber 105 is mounted on an upper portion 107a of the variator cover 107, when the vehicle is viewed from left hand side. For example, the one end 105a of the rear shock absorber 105 is mounted to the upper portion 107a of the variator cover 107 through a mounting structure 107b fixedly attached to the upper portion 107a of the variator cover 107. For example, the mounting structure 107b is casted to the upper portion 107a of the variator cover 107. Due to the rigid nature of the mounting structure 107b, sufficient stability is provided to the rear shock absorber 105 by the mounting structure 107b.
[00019] Further, the air filter assembly 106 includes an upper face 106b disposed below the seat assembly 109 with a gap therebetween. The gap is capable of accommodating the rear fender 112. The air filter assembly 106 includes a lower face 106c disposed at a close proximity to the upper portion 107a of the variator cover 107, a front face 106d disposed at a close proximity to at least a portion of a mounting structure 107b of the variator cover 107. The air filter assembly 106 is securely mounted in between various vehicular parts as explained above. By making use of the available space, other parts including utility box having maximum space for utility can be disposed.
[00020] Further, the rear shock absorber 105 is mounted substantially horizontal and extends in a vehicle longitudinal direction towards the vehicle front. An air filter assembly 106 is situated rearwardly to the rear shock absorber 105. Hence, the space above the rear shock absorber 105 is available for occupancy by the storage compartment disposed under the seat assembly. Therefore, the rider is provided with enough storage space in the storage compartment for usage. Further, the space available under the seat assembly can be utilized for packaging of any other vehicular components including any electrical components. Further, due to large amount of space available under the seat assembly, an air filter assembly 106 with higher volumes can also be accommodated in the vehicle. Hence, a storage compartment with increased capacity and an air filter assembly 106 of higher volumes can be packaged along with the substantially horizontally placed rear shock absorber 105. Further, the rear shock absorber 105 is mounted substantially horizontally on a plane parallel to the vehicle longitudinal direction and away from a vehicle longitudinal axis. Therefore, considerable amount of space is saved along the vehicle longitudinal axis and the available space can be utilized by the air filter assembly 106. Further, according to an embodiment, the air filter assembly 106 extends inwards along a vehicle transverse direction. The air filter assembly 106 is placed such that the extended portion of the air filter assembly 106 lies in front of the rear wheel 102. Hence, the space under the seat assembly is utilized efficiently by various vehicular parts.
[00021] Fig. 3 depicts a top view of a portion of a rear side of the vehicle. The rear shock absorber 105 is mounted away from the vehicle longitudinal axis ab, which creates enough space facilitating packaging of other vehicular parts including the storage compartment, air filter assembly 106. The rear shock absorber 105 is mounted along the vehicle longitudinal direction as indicated by xy axis. The air filter assembly 106 extends inwardly in the vehicle transverse direction pq such that the extended portion 106a is situated in front of the rear wheel 102. The space available is made use by the air filter assembly 106. Hence, an air filter assembly 106 of higher volume can be accommodated in the vehicle. Further, the space available can be made use by the storage compartment disposed under the seat assembly.
[00022] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the rear shock absorber is mounted along another axis rs perpendicular to the vehicle longitudinal axis ab.
[00023] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the mounting structure 107b is fixedly attached to the upper portion 107b of the variator cover 107.
[00024] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the mounting structure 107b is detachably attached to the upper portion 107b of the variator cover 107.
[00025] Although the subject matter has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain embodiments thereof, other embodiments are possible. It is to be understood that the aspects of the embodiments are not necessarily limited to the features described herein.
,CLAIMS:I/We claim:
1. A scooter type motorcycle (100) comprising:
a rear wheel (102) disposed at a rear end of said motorcycle (100);
a seat assembly (109) disposed above said rear wheel (102);
a rear shock absorber (105) attached to at least a portion of a variator cover (107), said variator cover (107) is disposed below said seat assembly (109); and
an air filter assembly (106) disposed at a close proximity to said variator cover (107),
wherein,
said air filter assembly (106) is disposed above said variator cover (107), said air filter assembly (106) includes an upper face (106b) disposed below said seat assembly (109) with a gap therebetween, a lower face (106c) disposed at a close proximity to a an upper portion (107a) of a variator cover (107), and a front face (106d) disposed at a close proximity to at least a portion of a mounting structure (107b) of said variator cover (107) and wherein said air filter assembly (106) includes an extended portion (106a) extending in a vehicle transverse direction (pq), said extended portion (106a) is disposed in front of said rear wheel (102).
2. The motorcycle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said rear shock absorber (105) includes one end (105a) attached to an upper portion (107a) of said variator cover (107).
3. The motorcycle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said rear shock absorber (105) is disposed along an axis (xy) parallel to a vehicle longitudinal axis (ab), said axis (xy) is at an offset to said vehicle longitudinal axis (ab).
4. The motorcycle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said rear shock absorber (105) is mounted along another axis (rs) perpendicular to a vehicle longitudinal axis (ab).
5. The motorcycle (100) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said one end (105a) is received by said mounting structure (107b) fixedly attached to said upper portion (107a) of said variator cover (107).
6. The motorcycle (100) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said one end (105a) is detachably attached to said mounting structure (107b).