TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter relates generally to saddle-ride type vehicles, and more particularly, but not exclusively, to an air cleaner assembly for the saddle-ride type vehicles.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Generally, in a saddle-ride type vehicle, 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 vertical or inclined forwardly. Typically, in the saddle-ride type vehicle, a fuel tank is disposed above the IC engine and an air intake system is disposed below a seat.
[0003] 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 a 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 IC 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.
[0004] 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 [0005] The detailed description of an immobilizer system 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.
[0006] Fig. 1 illustrates a right side perspective view of a saddle-ride type vehicle as an example, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0007] Fig. 2 depicts a left side perspective view of frame assembly, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0008] Fig. 3 (a) depicts a left side perspective view of air cleaner assembly
installed on a frame assembly, in accordance with another embodiment of the
present subject matter.
[0009]Fig. 3 (b) depicts left side perspective of an air cleaner assembly.
[00010]Fig. 3 (c) illustrates an exploded view of the air cleaner assembly of
the.embodiment illustrated in Fig. 3 (b).
[00011]Fig. 4 depicts a left side perspective view of an air filter assembly, in
accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00012] Fig. 5 depicts a left side perspective view of a rear fender, in
accordance with an embodiment of the.present subject matter
[00013] Fig. 6 depicts a left side perspective of the air cleaner assembly
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00014] Typically, in an internal combustion (IC) 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. The air filter is divided into a pre filter volume and, a post filter volume by a filtering member. 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.
[00015] Further, in the IC engine, anundesired parameter like induction noise is to be kept minimal. In the suction stroke of the IC engine, air is directed into pre filter side of the air filter. The air filter generates induction noise due to airflow restriction. The airflow restriction is caused due to insufficient volume of the air filter and insufficient length of the air intake duct.
[00016] 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.
[00017] 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.
[00018] Hence, an objective of the present invention is to provide a saddle-ride type vehicle. Further, the vehicle is installed with an air cleaner assembly with reduced induction noise for an air intake system of the vehicle having a compact structure. Further, the air cleaner assembly uses an under-utilized space on the vehicle thereby overcoming the space constraint problem.
[00019] The advantages of the proposed air cleaner assembly are that the air cleaner assembly is positioned below a seat assembly such that water entry into the air cleaner assembly is reduced. The part count of the system is reduced because at least a portion of the air cleaner assembly is integrated with an under-utilized part of the vehicle. Further, the assembly time is also reduced.
[00020] In an embodiment, the proposed air cleaner assembly comprises of a secondary air chamber and an air filter assembly..The secondary air chamber is formed on a top portion of the rear fender. Integrating the secondary air chamber on the rear fender decreases the part count thereby reducing the assembly time of the vehicle. The secondary air chamber comprises of a chamber inlet and a chamber outlet. The air filter comprises of a filter inlet and a filter outlet. The air cleaner assembly comprises of a pre-filter area, and a post-filter area formed by a filter member. The chamber outlet of the secondary air chamber and the filter inlet of the air filter are coupled using a connecting member preferably of elastic material. In the embodiment, at least a portion of the secondary air chamber is

integrated on the rear fender, which is under-utilized space on a saddle-ride type vehicle. The proposed design of the air cleaner assembly helps in draining any water that enters therein. Furthermore, the integration of the secondary air chamber on the rear fender solves the problem of space constraint.
[00021] In another embodiment, the secondary air chamber of the air cleaner assembly has a closed structure with a chamber inlet and chamber outlet. The bottom portion of the secondary air chamber is formed by top portion of the rear fender. The secondary air chamber has one or more air inlets positioned on the top portion of the secondary air chamber thereby enabling in suction of more air. The secondary air chamber and the air filter are coupled so that the pre-filter area of the air cleaner assembly is adduced with the area formed by the first chamber, thereby increasing the area and the volume of the pre.-filter. The increased length of the duct and the increased volume enables reduction of the induction noise. Further, the secondary air chamber and the air filter are disposed below the seat assembly such that they are aligned for coupling, thereby creating a low friction path for airflow. Furthermore, the secondary air chamber and the air cleaner filter are coupled by shortest traverse path for air.
[00022] In an embodiment, a vehicle with mono-shock rear suspension, the mono-shock suspension is connecting the main frame of a vehicle and a swing arm. The positioning of the mono-shock suspension-creates space constraint in the vehicle. The proposed air cleaner assembly is installed on the vehicle, wherein the air cleaner assembly is disposed rearwardly of the mono-shock. The filter outlet of the air filter is disposed adjacently of the mono-shock that extends from the air filter towards the airflow control device.
[00023] In another, embodiment, the proposed air cleaner assembly is installed on a vehicle with a dual shock rear suspension. A secondary air chamber is integrated on the rear fender. An air filter is disposed forwardly of the dual shock suspension, therebetween, below the seat assembly. The secondary air chamber and the air filter are coupled by a connecting member. Induction noise is

reduced as the volume and the length of air duct of the pre-filter area of air cleaner assembly are increased by addition of the first chamber.
[00024] 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.
[00025] Fig. 1 illustrates a left side view of a saddle-ride type vehicle as an example, in accordance with an embodiment of present subject matter. The vehicle 100 has a frame assembly 105 (shown in Fig. 2), which acts as skeleton for the vehicle 100. The frame assembly 105 includes a head tube 105A, a main tube 105B, and a down tube (not shown). A swing arm 110 is swingably connected to the frame assembly 105. A rear wheel 115 is rotatably supported by the swing arm 110. One or more feaf~susperision(s) 120 (shown in Fig. 2) is connecting the swing arm 110 to the frame assembly 105 at an angle, to sustain both the radial and axial forces occurring due to wheel reaction, to the frame assembly 105. A seat assembly 125 is mounted to a pair of rear tubes of the one or more rear tubes 105C, which extend rearwardly from the main tube 105B. A fuel tank 130 is disposed forwardly of the seat assembly 125.
[00026] An engine assembly 135 is mounted to an anterior portion of the frame .assembly 105. The engine assembly 135 includes a starting mechanism, a transmission system for transferring the power to the rear wheel 115.Further, the engine assembly 135 includes an intake manifold and an exhaust manifold, and an air supply mechanism is coupled to the intake manifold of the IC engine through a carburetor or the like. A handle bar assembly 140 is connected to a steering shaft (not shown), one or more front forks 145 are coupled to the steering shaft. A front wheel 150 is rotatably supported by the one or more front fork(s) 145. A front fender 155 covers at least a portion of the front wheel 150. The handle bar assembly 140 includes a handle bar, an instrument cluster, handle grips and one or more levers. The vehicle has various electrical loads including a headlamp 160, a tail lamp 165, and a starter motor (not shown). Plurality of body panels 165 are mounted to the frame assembly 105. Further, the vehicle includes

an airflow control device, for example in this particular embodiment, a carburetor 170 is used. The airflow control device includes a carburetor, a fuel injector system or the like.
[00027] Fig. 2 illustrates a left side perspective view of a frame assembly 105 of a saddle-ride type vehicle as an example, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The frame assembly 105 depicted is a double cradle type frame structure. The frame assembly includes a head tube 105A, a main tube 105B, a down tube extending rearwardly downward from the head tube 105A and one or more rear tubes 105C extending inclinedly rearward from the main tube 105B. The steering shaft is rotatably supported by the head tube 105A. The engine assembly 135 (shown in Fig.l) is bolted and suspended from the frame assembly 105. A front end oLthe swing arm.-110 is swingably connected to the frame assembly 105. In the present embodiment, a mono-shock suspension 120 is connecting the swing arm 110 to the frame assembly 105. The fuel tank 130 is supported by the main tube 105B arid is disposed above the engine assembly 135. The seat assembly is supported by the one or more rear tubes 105C.
[00028]. Fig, 3(a) depicts a left side perspective view of a frame assembly of the vehicle installed with an air cleaner assembly, in accordance with the embodiment. Fig. 3 (b) depicts a right side perspective view of air an air cleaner assembly, in accordance with the embodiment depicted in Fig. 3 (a). An air filter 205 is mounted to the frame assembly 105. The rear fender 205 is fastened to pair of rear tubes of the one or more rear tubes 130. The air filter 205 assembly is disposed rearwardly of the engine assembly 135. Further, in the present embodiment, the air filter 205, which is an air-filtering unit, is disposed rearward to the mono-shock suspension 120. The air filter 205 is provided with one or more mounting slots for fastening to the one or more rear tubes 105C. The air filter 205 comprises of a filter inlet 205A disposed in the front portion and a filter outlet 205B disposed in the rear portion. The filter outlet 205B of the air filter 205 is coupled to the intake manifold of the engine assembly 135. Further, the filter outlet 205B of the air filter 205 extends adjacently of mono-shock

suspension 120 towards the airflow control device i.e. carburetor 170 (shown in Fig. 1).
[00029] Further, a secondary air chamber 210 is disposed rearwardly of the air filter 205. Furthermore, at least a portion of the secondary air chamber 210 is integrally formed with the rear fender 215. The secondary air chamber 210 comprises one or more chamber inlet(s) 210AA, 210AB and a chamber outlet. The one or more camber inlet(s) 210AA, 210AB of the secondary air chamber 210 enables receiving of air from atmosphere.. Furthermore, the chamber outlet 210B of the secondary air chamber 210 is coupled to the filter inlet 205A of the air filter 205, which enables passage of air that is received by the secondary air chamber 210. The air filter 205 comprises a pre-air filter area and a post-air filter area that are .separated by; a filter..-.(not shown) The secondary air chamber 210 adds to the length and volume of the pre-filter area of the air filter 205, thereby enabling reduction in induction noise. In addition, the secondary air chamber 210 is integrated with the rear fender 215. Also, the under-utilized space on the vehicle is effectively used.
[00030] The rear fender 215 is mounted to the one or more rear tubes 105C and is secured to the one or more rear tubes 105C. In the present embodiment, the secondary air chamber 210 is provided on a top portion of a fender portion of the rear fender 215. In the present embodiment, width end(s) of the rear fender 215 is provided with one or more mounting points through which the rear fender 215 is secured to the one or more rear tubes 105C.
. [00031] The air cleaner assembly including the air filter 205, is positioned below the seat assembly 125 and the secondary air chamber 210 is disposed rearwardly of the air filter 205.
[00032] Fig. 3 (c) depicts an exploded view of the air cleaner assembly illustrated in Fig. 3 (b). The secondary air chamber 210 forms a closed structure with openings formed by the air inlets 210AA, 210AB and a chamber outlet 210B. The bottom portion of the secondary air chamber 210 is formed by a top portion of the rear fender 215. The secondary air chamber 210 is formed by

plurality of wall(s)that are integrally formed with the rear fender 250 and a lid 210D is provided to form secondary air chamber 210. The lid 210D is adapted to accommodate one or more chamber inlet(s) 210AA, 210AB.
[00033] Ambient air or the atmospheric air is drawn into the secondary air chamber 210 through the chamber inlets 210AA,210AB and directed into the secondary air chamber 210. The air drawn is directed into the air filter 205 through the chamber outlet 210B, which is coupled to the filter inlet 205Aof the air filter 205. This increase volume of pre-filter resulting in reduction of induction noise, which is one of the prominent vehicle noises, is reduced. The secondary air chamber 210 increases the air duct length, and the volume of the pre-filter is also increased. Further, the secondary air chamber 210 is integrated
oa-the-rear fender 215,. which is an under-utilized part of the vehicle. The rear^ ..
fender 215 is disposed above the rear wheel 115 of vehicle.. In the embodiment, the anterior portion of the rear fender 215 is extending downwards. In a preferred embodiment, the secondary air chamber 210 is formed on the anterior portion of the rear fender 215. In a preferred.embodiment, the secondary air chamber 210 is formed into a box like structure, where the bottom portion of the secondary air chamber 210 takes the shape of the top portion of the rear fender 215. Further, a connecting member 220 enables connection between the chamber outlet 210B and the filter inlet 205A. The connecting member 220 provides an airtight seal to eliminating any possibility of air leak.
[00034] Further, the secondary air chamber 210 on the rear fender 215 enables the secondary air chamber 210 and the air filter 205 to be properly aligned. Proper alignment of the of the chamber outlet of secondary air chamber 210 with the filter inlet240 of air filter 205 enables air flow with low friction.
[00035] Fig. 4 depicts a left side perspective view of an air filter assembly, in accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter. The air cleaner assembly 300 is disposed below the seat assembly 125, and said air cleaner assembly extends from the rear fender 215 towards the carburetor 170.

[00036] The air filter 205 comprises of a pre-filter volume 225 and post-filter volume 235 that are separated by a filter member 230 within the air filter 205. The air filter 205 comprises of the filter inlet 205A towards the pre-filter volume 230. A filter outlet 250 is towards the post-filter volume 235. Further, the chamber outlet 210B of the secondary air chamber 210 and the filter inlet 205A of the air filter 205 are aligned such that they are coupled by a connecting member 220. The connecting member 220 made of an elastic material that provides airtight seal. The secondary air chamber 210 and the air filter 205 are fastened to the frame assembly 105, more specifically to the one or more rear tubes 105C.
[00037] In the intake cycle of the engine 135, air is sucked into the engine
....135. through-the carburetor 170 by the air cleaner assembly 300. TheJilterJnlet. „ _
210A of the secondary air chamber 210 draws air into the secondary air chamber 210 of the air cleaner assembly 300. Air is directed into the air filter 205 through the filter inlet of the air filter 205. The sealing member 220 seals air from leaking at the connection of the secondary air chamber 210 and the air filter 205.
[00038] Fig. 5 depicts a left side perspective view of a rear fender in accordance with an embodiment. The rear formed 515 is provided with a secondary air chamber 510 that is formed by a fender portion 515a covering at least a portion of a rear wheel 115of the vehicle 100. The fender portion 515a is disposed upwardly of the rear wheel 115. The fender portion 515a is provided with a secondary air chamber 510, said secondary air chamber 510 includes plurality of walls 510a, 510b, 510c, 510d, 510e and at least a portion of said secondary air chamber 510 is integrally formed with the rear fender 510.One wall 510d of the secondary air chamber is adapted to include a chamber outlet 510B and another wall 510e is adapted to include one or more chamber outlet(s) 510AA, 510AB
[00039] Fig. 6 depicts a left side perspective view of an air cleaner assembly, in accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter. A secondary air chamber 210 is integrally formed on a rear fender 215. The rear fender 215 is fastened to one or more rear tubes 105C of the frame assembly 105.

In the present embodiment, the rear fender 215230 is adapted to accommodate an electronic control unit 410, which is disposed rearwardly to the secondary air chamber 210. The rear fender 215 is adapted to securely hold the electronic control unit 410. Further, a seat assembly 125, which is mounted to the one or more rear tubes 105C, covers the air cleaner assembly. Therefore, water entry into the air cleaner assembly is reduced. Further, the advantage of positioning the electronic control unit 410 on the rearward portion of the rear fender 215is that it will not obstruct the path of the air filter assembly. Further, electronic control unit 410 is disposed far away from the engine, eliminating the effect of heat.
[00040] 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 thaiuas.:. specifically described.

We claim:
1. A saddle-ride type vehicle (100) comprising:
a frame assembly (105) including a head tube (105A), a main tube (105B) extending rearward from the head tube (105A), a down tube extending rearwardly downward from the head tube (105A), and one or more rear tube(s) (105C) extending inclinedly rearward from the main tube (105B);
an engine assembly (135) comprising an intake manifold and an exhaust
manifold, and said engine assembly (135) being mounted on a front portion of
the frame assembly (105); w_ _-„Mfc_ _r._. „.,....,..,
an air flow control device (170), said air flow control device (170) functionally coupled to the intake manifold of the engine assembly (135); and
an air cleaner assembly (200, 300),
wherein
said air cleaner assembly (200, 300) comprises an air filter (205) and a secondary air chamber (210, 510), said air filter (205) having a filter inlet (205A) and a filter outlet (205B) is disposed rearwardly of the engine assembly (135), and said air filter (205) is functionally coupled to said secondary air chamber (210, 510) through said filter inlet (205A), said secondary air chamber (210, 510) being adapted to receive air from atmosphere and to direct said air to the air filter (205),and wherein, at least a portion of said secondary air chamber (210, 510) being integrally formed with, a rear fender (215, 515) of said vehicle (100) is disposed rearwardly of the air filter (205).
2.The vehicle (100) of claim 1, wherein the rear fender (215, 515) of the vehicle (100) is secured to the one or more rear tube(s) (105C) of the frame assembly (105).
3. The vehicle (100) of claim 1, wherein the secondary air chamber (210) comprises of one or more chamber inlet(s) (210AA, 2-10AB, 310), and a chamber outlet (210B) and said chamber outleL(21QR) is..functionaJIy. coupled to the filter inlet (205A) of the air filter (205).
4. The vehicle (100) of claim 3, wherein the chamber outlet (210B) is functionally coupled to the filter inlet (205A) through a connecting member (220) and said connecting member (220) is adapted to provide airtight seal, therebetween.
5.The vehicle (100) of claim 1, wherein the air filter (205) is disposed rearwardly of a mono-shock rear suspension (120) connecting a swing arm (110) to the frame assembly (105) and the filter output (205B) extends adjacently of said mono-shock rear suspension (120) towards the air flow control device (170).
6.The vehicle (100) of claim 1, wherein the vehicle (100) comprises a dual shock suspension and the air filter (205) is disposed forwardly of the dual shock suspension, therebetween.
7.The vehicle (100) of claim 1, wherein the rear fender (215, 515) is adapted to

accommodate an electronic control device (410) disposed rearwardly of the secondary air chamber (210).
8.A rear fender (515) for a saddle-ride type vehicle (100) comprising:
a fender portion (515a) covering at least a portion of a rear wheel (115) of the vehicle (100), said fender portion (515a) is disposed upwardly of the rear wheel (115), wherein
the fender portion (515a) forms at least a portion of a secondary air chamber (510), said secondary air chamber (510) includes plurality of walls (510a, 510b, 510c, 510d, 510e) and atleast^'portion of said-secondary air chamber (510) is integrally formed with the fender portion(515a).
9.The rear fender (515) of claim 8, wherein the plurality of walls (510a, 510b,
510c, 510d, 510e) includes one wall (510d) adapted to include a chamber outlet
(510B) and another wall (510e) adapted to include one or more chamber outlet(s)
(510AA, 510AB).
10.The rear fender (515) of claim 8, wherein the secondary air chamber (510) is
adapted to work with an air filter (210) of said vehicle (100).