DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter relates generally to saddle-ride type vehicles, and more particularly, but not exclusively, to an air intake assembly for the saddle-ride type vehicles.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Generally, internal combustion (IC) engines require air intake, fuel, and spark ignition to achieve combustion. Atmospheric air is drawn in when a vacuum is created in cylinders during an intake stroke of the IC engine. Further, the atmospheric pressure outside also ensures that air is available as and when required by the IC engines. The air that is drawn in is appropriately mixed with the fuel and the resulting air-fuel mixture is supplied to combustion chamber of the IC engine. A system that controls the air drawn in and the air supplied to the IC engine for combustion is commonly referred to as an air intake system. Any assembly that is necessary to operate the air intake system is an air intake assembly.
[0003] Generally, the air intake assembly of IC engines includes an air cleaner that enable filtering of air drawn in from the atmosphere before supplying to the IC engine for combustion. The air cleaner is generally mounted on top of the IC engine. The air cleaner enables filtering of dust particles and other residual particulates from being drawn in to a carburettor of the IC engine.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components.
[0005] Fig. 1 illustrates a right side view of a saddle-ride type vehicle as an example, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0006] Fig. 2 illustrates a detailed side view of a frame assembly of the saddle-ride type vehicle shown in Fig. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0007] Fig. 3 (a) illustrates an enlarged perspective view of an air intake assembly of the saddle-ride type vehicle shown in Fig. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0008] Fig. 3 (b) illustrates a top perspective view of the air intake assembly of the saddle-ride type vehicle shown in Fig. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0009] Fig. 3 (c) illustrates an exploded view of the air intake assembly of the saddle-ride type vehicle shown in Fig. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00010] Fig. 4 illustrates an air inlet sub-assembly of the air intake assembly of the saddle-ride type vehicle shown in Fig. 1, in accordance to an embodiment of the present subject matter.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00011] Various features and embodiments of the present subject matter here will be discernible from the following further description thereof, set out hereunder. According to an embodiment, the vehicle described here is a straddle-ride type two wheeled vehicle. It is contemplated that the concepts of the present invention may be applied to other types of vehicles such as step-through scooter type vehicles within the spirit and scope of this invention. Further "front" and "rear", and "left" and "right" referred to in the ensuing description of the illustrated embodiment refer to front and rear, and left and right directions as seen from a rear portion of the vehicle and looking forward. The detailed explanation of the constitution of parts other than the present subject matter which constitutes an essential part has been omitted at suitable places.
[00012] Conventionally known air cleaners are provided with a filtering element housed inside a robust air cleaner housing. One of the primary function of such air cleaners is to prevent harmful particles from entering the IC engine. Sustained intake of such harmful particles could be detrimental to the normal functioning of the IC engine, as they may potentially damage several components of the IC engine, which eventually reduces life of the IC engine. Such conventional air cleaners ensure that the air drawn in from the atmosphere is necessarily passed through the filtering element to effect proper filtration of the air supplied to the IC engine.
[00013] Conventionally, air filters are made of paper or other materials including polyurethane foam, cotton gauze, oil bath etc. Usually, air filters that are made of paper are supported by a layer of wire mesh, which enables the air filters to trap large dust particles.
[00014] Typically, in a saddle-ride type vehicle, the air cleaner is located below the seat. The frame structure of the vehicle is provided in such a manner that a main frame extends rearward and downward from a head tube, which causes space constraint. In addition, modern vehicles are installed with various electronic components that have to be packaged at a similar location on the saddle-ride type vehicle. Accommodation of such components also adds to the space constraint, which has a direct impact on the performance of the air cleaner assembly, which in turn requires increasing the volume of air filter, or the length of the air duct.
[00015] Such air cleaners draws in air from the atmosphere and provide to the IC engines for effecting proper functioning of the IC engines. These air cleaners also ensure that the IC engines are protected from wear due to entry of abrasive particles, large water droplets, and atmospheric moisture along with the air drawn in from the atmosphere. Such air cleaners also enable controlling of temperature of air flowing inside the IC engines for effective combustion. They also help in controlling hydrocarbon emissions to the atmosphere by filtering harmful gases emitting out of the IC engine crankcase emissions.
[00016] Conventionally, such air cleaners are attached to a positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) chamber of the IC engine for effecting filtration of harmful crankcase emissions such as NOx and COx gases and meeting stringent emission regulations that are currently in place. The PCV chamber recirculation ensures that the gases that have escaped into the engine crankcase due to improper burning in the combustion chamber are rerouted back to the intake manifold of the IC engine by the PCV chamber. The rerouting of the gases is done through the air cleaner for filtration of harmful emissions before entering the intake manifold. After filtration of harmful emissions, the gases are sent to the intake manifold and mixed with the incoming fuel to form proper air-fuel mixture. The recirculation of crankcase emissions through the air cleaner helps in reducing air pollution and preventing moisture build-up inside the engine.
[00017] Conventional air cleaners face the problem of air clogging within the air cleaner chamber due to entry of one or more fluid particles along with the air drawn in from the atmosphere. For example, air cleaners for saddle-ride type vehicles are provided with air inlet passages that is exposed to the outside atmosphere. Such air inlet passages are often prone to entry of one or more fluid particle, for example, water particles when the vehicle is driven on muddy area. Entry of such water particles into the air inlet passages often causes clogging of the filtering media within the air cleaner chamber eventually leading to the damage of filtering media. When left unnoticed, entry of water particles has the potential to deteriorate the functioning of the IC engine due to the wear of filtering media in the air cleaner. In addition to the problem associated with the entry of water particles, the conventional air cleaners also face the problem due to the entry of large sized solid particulates, which is deposited on the filtering media thereby deteriorating the life of the filtering media.
[00018] Further, conventional air cleaners performing PCV chamber recirculation also faces problem of deteriorating the life of filtering media due to the presence of unnecessary residual fluids present in the crankcase emissions. Generally, the crankcase emission gases that escape the engine cylinder through a gap present between piston rings and cylinder block carries fine droplets of oil. Such gases that contain oil droplets, if exposed directly to the filtering media have the potential to deteriorate the life of the filtering media. Generally, such air cleaner assemblies includes post filter, pre-filter, filter element, and air inlet component.
[00019] Typically, such an air inlet component is used to draw & direct the atmospheric air into the air cleaner chamber by avoiding water entry during riding in rainy seasons and water clogged roads. Generally, the air cleaner assembly is provided with air inlet facing towards a side portion of the vehicle.
[00020] The present subject matter provides an air intake system for an IC engine. The present subject matter more particularly describes an air intake assembly for a saddle-ride type vehicle.
[00021] In an embodiment, the air intake system of the present subject matter comprises an air cleaner assembly, and an internal combustion engine including a carburettor. For example, the air cleaner assembly for the saddle-ride type vehicle includes a air filter component. In one embodiment, the air cleaner assembly of the present subject matter includes an air intake duct for receiving dirty air from the atmosphere and transmitting clean air out from the air cleaner assembly.
[00022] In one embodiment, the air intake system of the present subject matter also involves crankcase emission recirculation for preventing harmful gases from escaping to atmosphere. In an embodiment, the emissions from the crankcase enter the air cleaner assembly through a PCV return hose.
[00023] In an embodiment, the crankcase emissions enter the clean side of the air cleaner assembly for further air treatment in the filter media of the air cleaner assembly. In an embodiment, the air filter disposed on the clean side of the air cleaner assembly further filters the air entering the filter media from the crankcase emissions, in addition to filtering the air entering from the atmosphere. The resultant filtered air is passed through the outlet duct of the air cleaner assembly to the carburettor.
[00024] In an embodiment, the air cleaner assembly of the present subject matter is provided with a plurality of protective walls disposed circumferentially around a cover air inlet component. Further, in one embodiment, the air inlet is covered with one or more baffle structures and oriented in such a manner to avoid water entering into an air inlet duct disposed centrally of the air cleaner assembly. Furthermore, in an embodiment, the air inlet acts as an air guiding part into the air cleaner assembly. In this manner, in a vehicle layout, the air inlet can be protected from water and foreign particles entry. The present subject matter provides an air cleaner assembly to overcome the above drawbacks and prevent entry of water into avoid water entering into the air cleaner assembly through air inlet while driving in water clogged roads and during rainy seasons.
[00025] In an embodiment, the air inlet of the present subject matter is covered and closed from the top and an opening is provided in a downward and/or a sideward direction. Further, in one embodiment, baffles are disposed in the air entry path to avoid water entering in case of direct splashing of water. Furthermore, in an embodiment, a flange portion is added in the air opening area to avoid water entering in the air flow path. In another embodiment, the air inlet can also be provided without baffles.
[00026] The present subject matter and its equivalent thereof offer many advantages, including those, which have been described henceforth. The air intake system, in particular, the air cleaner assembly of the present subject matter provides an improved air cleaner assembly including a cover air inlet disposed at a particular orientation with respect to the air inlet component in order to prevent entry of large water particles. In addition, the cover air inlet of the air cleaner assembly of the present subject matter also includes flanges protruding towards the air entry passage ensuring prevention of water particle entry into the air passage. Further, the cover air inlet sub-assembly of the present subject matter also includes one or more baffles disposed around the periphery of the air inlet duct ensuring prevention of water droplet entry from all sides. This results in increased life of the air filter, which in turn prevents the IC engine from wear thereby increasing the life of the IC engine as well.
[00027] These and other advantages of the present subject matter would be described in greater detail in conjunction with the figures in the following description.
[00028] Fig. 1 illustrates a right side view of a saddle-ride type vehicle (100), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. In an embodiment, the saddle-ride type vehicle (100) of the present subject matter includes an internal combustion engine (101). The vehicle further includes a front wheel (110), a rear wheel (103), a body frame, a fuel tank (107) and seat (106). Body frame includes a head pipe (111), a main tube (112), a down tube (113), and seat rails (not shown). The head pipe (111) supports a steering shaft (not shown) with two brackets – upper bracket and lower bracket at each end. Two telescopic front suspension (114) is attached to the lower bracket on which is supported the front wheel (110). The upper portion of the front wheel (110) is covered by a front fender (115) mounted to the lower portion of a front fork at the end of the steering shaft. A handlebar assembly (108) is fixed to upper bracket and can rotate to both sides. A headlamp assembly (109) is arranged on an upper portion of the front fork. Down tube (113) is located in front of the engine (101) and stretches slantingly downward from head pipe (111). A bracket (116) is provided at the lower end of down tube (113) for supporting the internal combustion (IC) engine (101). Main tube (112) is located above the IC engine (101) and stretches rearward from head pipe (111) and connects the rear of the IC engine (101). A seat supporting structure (117) is joined to the rear end of the main tube (112) and stretches rearward from the point where the main tube joins the seat rails (not shown). The seat supporting structure (117) are also called as seat rails, which are joined to the main tube (112) and stretching rearward to support a seat assembly (106) disposed above these seat rails (117). Left and right rear swing arm bracket portions (not shown) support a pair of swing arm (208) (only one shown) to swing vertically, and a rear wheel (103) is connected to rear end of the swing arm (208). Generally, two rear wheel suspensions (102) is arranged between the swing arm (208). A tail lamp assembly (104) is disposed on the rear cover. A grab rail (105) is also provided on the rear of the seat rails. Rear wheel (103) is arranged below seat assembly (106) and rotates by the driving force of the IC engine (101) transmitted through a chain drive (118) from the engine (101).
[00029] Fig. 2 illustrates a detailed side view of a frame assembly (200) of the saddle-ride type vehicle (100) shown in Fig. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. In an embodiment, the frame assembly (200) of the saddle-ride type vehicle (100) is provided with an air intake assembly (204) that is sidewardly disposed below a seat structure (not shown). For instance, the air intake assembly (204) is disposed below a seat supporting rail right (202) facing towards a right side of the vehicle (100). In an embodiment, the air intake assembly (204) is disposed substantially above the swing arm (208) and substantially in front of a rear shock absorber (212). Further, in an embodiment, the air intake assembly (204) is disposed in a triangular enclosure formed between the rearwardly extending seat supporting rail right (202) and a rear tube (206) that extends downwardly forward from a rear shock absorber mounting location (200a) towards a swing arm mounting location (200b).
[00030] In an embodiment, the air intake assembly (204) is formed as a closed enclosure that contains an air filter component (328). Further, in one embodiment, the atmospheric air enters the air intake assembly (204) along a surface juxtaposing the rear tube (206). In an embodiment, the clean air from the air intake assembly (204) is sent to the IC engine (101) through an outlet duct (218). In an embodiment, the outlet duct (218) is connected to a carburetor (220). Further, in an embodiment, the air intake assembly (204) is disposed substantially rearwardly upward of a crankcase (214) of the IC engine (101). In one embodiment, a PCV return hose (216) carries crankcase emissions from the crankcase (214) to the air intake assembly (204) for further filtration. Furthermore, in an embodiment, the air intake assembly (204) is disposed forwardly to a rear fender (210) of the vehicle (100).
[00031] Fig. 3 (a) illustrates an enlarged perspective view of the air intake assembly (200) of the saddle-ride type vehicle (100) shown in Fig. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. In an embodiment, the air intake assembly (204) is a substantially rectangular box-like structure with a plurality of sidewardly protruding integrated wall structures disposed circumferentially around an air inlet sub-assembly (315). In an embodiment, the air inlet sub-assembly (315) includes a cover air inlet (320), and an air cleaner inlet member (312) disposed around the air filter component (328) in such a manner that the air inlet sub-assembly (315) prevents entry of water droplets splashing from underlying vehicle components when the vehicle (100) runs on muddy roads or during rainy conditions. In an embodiment, the plurality of integrated wall structures of the air intake assembly (204) includes a top wall portion (302) disposed substantially adjoining the seat supporting rail (202), a rear wall portion (304) disposed substantially adjoining the rear tube (206), and a front wall portion (306) disposed opposite to the rear wall portion (304) facing the vehicle front.
[00032] In an embodiment, the atmospheric air enters through an air entry region (310) disposed substantially facing the rear wall portion (304). Further, in one embodiment, the PCV return hose (216) for transmitting crankcase emissions from the crankcase (214) to the air intake assembly (204) is connected to a plane along the front wall portion (306). In an embodiment, the outlet duct (218) carrying clean filtered air to the IC engine (101) is also connected to the plane along the front wall portion (306) and disposed substantially above the PCV return hose (216).
[00033] Fig. 3 (b) illustrates a top perspective view of the air intake assembly (204) of the saddle-ride type vehicle (100) shown in Fig. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. In an embodiment, the air intake assembly (204) includes an air cleaner housing (314) that is a box-like structure enclosing the air inlet sub-assembly. In an embodiment, the PCV return hose (216) and the outlet duct (218) are connected to the air cleaner housing (314). Further, in one embodiment, the cover air inlet (320) is provided with an all-around wall so as to avoid water droplets entering during suction stroke of the IC engine (101). In one embodiment, an air entry passage (318) is provided inclinedly and downwardly rearward to a vehicle moving direction, such that the air entering the air entry passage (318) is devoid of water droplets.
[00034] Fig. 3 (c) illustrates an exploded view of the air intake assembly (204) of the saddle-ride type vehicle (100) shown in Fig. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. In an embodiment, the air intake assembly (204) includes an air inlet sub-assembly (315), which includes the cover air inlet (320), and the air cleaner inlet member (312). The cover air inlet (320) and the air cleaner inlet member (312) is made of plastic material and secured by means of plastic welding process. The air cleaner inlet member (312) is secured to the air cleaner housing (314) by means of fasteners. A seal (330) is provided between the air cleaner inlet member (312) and the air cleaner housing (314) to prevent the leakage and entry of air at the junction. In an embodiment, the air cleaner inlet member (312) is centrally provided with an air flow duct (322) that conveys the atmospheric air entering the air inlet sub-assembly (315) into an air filter component (328).
[00035] In an embodiment, the cover air inlet (320) is provided with a protruding cover flange element (316), which is disposed substantially facing the rear wall portion (304) of a cover air cleaner component (326). In an embodiment, the cover air cleaner component (326) circumferentially encloses the air inlet sub-assembly (315). In an embodiment, the PCV return hose (216) is connected to the cover air cleaner component (326). In one embodiment, the air cleaner inlet member (312), which is sidewardly covered by the cover air inlet (320), is provided with a protruding wall member (324) at the junction of the air entry passage (318). The protruding wall members (314) of the air cleaner inlet member (312) ensures that the air entry region (310) is confined to only the air entry passage (318) and no water particles circumferentially enters from the region surrounding the air cleaner inlet member (312).
[00036] Fig. 4 illustrates the air inlet sub-assembly (315) of the air intake assembly (204) of the saddle-ride type vehicle (100) shown in Fig. 1, in accordance to an embodiment of the present subject matter. In an embodiment, the air cleaner inlet member (312) that is disposed substantially underneath the cover air inlet (320) is provided with one or more baffle structures. The one or more baffle structures that are disposed on the air cleaner inlet member (312) enables restricting water entry into the air flow duct (322). For instance, a first baffle structure (330-1) is disposed substantially enveloping the air flow duct (322) in a direction facing the air entry passage (318) and substantially adjoining the cover flange element (316). Further, in one embodiment, a second baffle structure (330-2) is disposed substantially adjoining the first baffle structure (330-1) in a direction facing the front wall portion (306). In another embodiment, more than two baffle structures can be provided in any other direction other than those described in the example above. In yet another embodiment, the baffle structure can be an integrated cylindrical protrusion circumferentially enveloping the air flow duct (322).
[00037] 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.
,CLAIMS:We Claim:
1. An air intake assembly (204) for a straddle-ride type vehicle (100) comprising:
an air cleaner housing (314) enclosing an air filter component (328) to filter air before being directed to an internal combustion engine (101) of the straddle-ride type vehicle (100),
wherein the air cleaner assembly (204) further comprising:
an air cleaner inlet member (312) disposed on the air cleaner housing (314) to cover the air filter component (328), said air cleaner inlet member (312) comprising an air flow duct (322) to permit air entry into the air filter component (328); and
a cover air inlet (320) secured over the air cleaner inlet member (312) defining an air entry passage (318) to permit the entry of air to the air flow duct (322) enclosed by said cover air inlet (320).
2. The air intake assembly (204) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the air entry passage (318) is oriented inclinedly and downwardly rearward from the side of the straddle-ride type vehicle (100).
3. The air intake assembly (204) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the air flow duct (322) is disposed centrally on the air cleaner inlet member (312), and the air cleaner inlet member (312) is secured to the cover air inlet (320) by plastic welding.
4. The air intake assembly (204) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the air cleaner housing (314) comprises a plurality of sidewardly protruding wall structures disposed around the outer periphery of the cover air inlet (320) enabling restriction of fluidic particle entry into the air flow duct (322) during air entry.
5. The air intake assembly (204) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 4, wherein the plurality of wall structures comprises, a top wall portion (302) disposed substantially on a upper portion of the air cleaner housing (314), a rear wall portion (304) disposed adjacent to the top wall portion (302) and substantially
on a leftward portion of the air cleaner housing (314), and a front wall portion (306) disposed opposite to the rear wall portion (304).
6. The air intake assembly (204) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cover air inlet (320) comprises a cover flange element (316) projecting axially away from the outer surface of the cover air inlet (320), and a protruding wall member (324) extending sidewardly at the junction of the air entry passage (318).
7. The air intake assembly (204) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the air cleaner inlet member (312) comprises one or more baffle structures (330-1 & 330-2) disposed around the periphery of the air flow duct (322) enabling restriction of fluidic particle entry into the air flow duct (322) during air entry.
8. The air intake assembly (204) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein said one or more baffle structures comprises, a first baffle structure (330-1) disposed substantially enveloping the air flow duct (322) in a direction facing the air entry passage (318) and substantially adjoining the cover flange element (316), and a second baffle structure (330-2) disposed substantially adjoining the first baffle structure (330-1) in a direction facing the front wall portion (306).
9. The air intake assembly (204) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 5, wherein the air intake assembly (204) further comprises a PCV return hose (216) for transmitting emissions from a crankcase (214) of the internal combustion engine (101) to the air intake assembly (204), said PCV return hose (216) connected to a plane along the front wall portion (306).
10. A straddle-ride type vehicle (100) including said air intake assembly (204) as claimed in claims 1 to 9.