DESC:Technical Field
[0001] The present invention generally relates to a two wheeled vehicle and particularly relates to an air cleaner assembly for said two wheeled vehicle.
Background
[0002] Two wheeled vehicles having an internal combustion engine as power source include an air intake system for supplying clean air to the engine. Particularly, for said engine to generate desired power, and torque, the air intake system plays a crucial role. The air intake system includes an air cleaner assembly, and a carburettor. Said air cleaner assembly is disposed upstream of an intake pipe of the engine, and includes an air inlet port through which atmospheric air is supplied to the intake pipe. Since atmospheric air contains dust, and other particulate matter, the air cleaner assembly serves to supply clean air to the engine. Particularly, the air cleaner assembly includes at least one filter element which filters dust and other particulate matter entering along with atmospheric air. However, the filter element gets clogged due to accumulation of dust over a period of time and as a result fails to function efficiently. Moreover, besides dust, water splashed by a rotating rear wheel also enters the filter element through an air inlet port, thereby resulting in damage to the filter element. Changing the filter element frequently not only proves to be a costly affair but also proves to be a hassle in terms of difficulty involved in assembling said filter element etc.
[0003] Therefore, in order to ensure that the air cleaner assembly works efficiently, and particularly in order to ensure that life of the filter element is prolonged, there is a need to prevent dust and water from entering a dirty chamber of said air cleaner assembly through the air inlet port thereof.
Summary of the Invention
[0004] The present invention is directed to overcome all or any of the problems set forth in the background.
[0005] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an air cleaner assembly for a two wheeled vehicle, said air cleaner assembly being adapted to prevent foreign matter like dust and water from entering a filter element thereof through an air inlet port provided in said air cleaner assembly.
[0006] To this end, the present subject matter described herein discloses an air cleaner assembly for a two wheeled vehicle. According to an embodiment, the air cleaner assembly includes a pre-filter cover, a post-filter cover, a filter element sandwiched between said pre-filter cover and said post-filter cover, and an air inlet port provided in said pre-filter cover. The air cleaner assembly as per an aspect of the present invention includes a check flap mounted to the pre-filter cover in a manner so as to cover the air inlet port at least partially. As per an embodiment, said check flap is a non-rigid member preferably made of rubber. The check flap as per an aspect of the present invention includes a mounting member and a baffle member. Whereas the mounting member enables removable mounting of the check flap to the pre-filter cover, the baffle member obstructs foreign matter such as dust and water from entering the air inlet port. Moreover, the structure of the check flap is such that it allows atmospheric air to pass through the air inlet port. Thus, the construction of the check flap according to the present invention enables to ensure that atmospheric air passes through the air inlet port while preventing foreign matter such as dust and water from entering the air inlet port. As a result, dust and water are prevented from entering the filter element and thereby clogging of the filter element is prevented.
[0007] Summary provided above explains the basic features of the invention and does not limit the scope of the invention. The nature and further characteristic features of the present invention will be made clearer from the following descriptions made with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Brief Description of Drawings
[0008] The above and other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter will be better understood with regard to the following description and accompanying drawings where:
[0009] FIG.1 illustrates a side view of a two wheeled vehicle including an air cleaner assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0010] FIG.2 illustrates a side view of said air cleaner assembly as mounted to an engine of the two wheeled vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0011] FIG.3 illustrates an exploded view of the air cleaner assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0012] FIG.4 illustrates a side perspective view of a pre-filter cover of the air cleaner assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0013] FIG.5 illustrates an exploded view depicting mounting of a check flap to the pre-filter cover of the air cleaner assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0014] FIG.6 illustrates a side perspective view of the air cleaner assembly depicting air flow into the air inlet port in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0015] FIG.7 illustrates a rear perspective view of the air cleaner assembly depicting air flow into the air inlet port in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0016] FIG.8 illustrates a side perspective view of the pre-filter cover depicting deflection of foreign matter by the check flap in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0017] FIG.9 illustrates a rear perspective view of the check flap in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments
[0018] The present subject matter described herein relates to an air cleaner assembly for a two wheeled vehicle, hereinafter ‘vehicle’. Exemplary embodiments detailing features of the air cleaner assembly, in accordance with the present invention will be described hereunder with reference to the accompanying drawings. Various aspects of different embodiments of the present invention will become discernible from the following description set out hereunder. Rather, the following description provides a convenient illustration for implementing exemplary embodiments of the invention. Further, it is to be noted that terms “upper”, “lower”, “right”, “left”, “front”, “forward”, “rearward”, “downward”, “upward”, “top”, “bottom” and like terms are used herein based on the illustrated state or in a standing state of the vehicle with a driver riding thereon, unless otherwise elaborated. Furthermore, a longitudinal axis refers to a front to rear axis relative to said vehicle, while a lateral axis refers to a side to side, or left to right axis relative to the vehicle. While a vehicle forward direction refers to a direction as viewed from a vehicle front, a vehicle sideward direction refers to a direction as viewed from a vehicle left or right side. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
[0019] In describing the preferred and selected alternate embodiments of the present invention, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-9, specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. The invention, however, is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish similar functions.
[0020] FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of a two wheeled vehicle 10 in accordance with the present invention. Said vehicle 10 includes a body frame (not shown) forming a body framework thereof. A head pipe (not shown) is provided at a front end of the body frame. The head pipe supports a steering shaft (not shown) rotatably in a certain range. In an upper portion of the head pipe, a handlebar 11 is rotatably integrally connected to the steering shaft. The handlebar 11 is used to steer the vehicle 10 and is connected to a front wheel 12 through the steering shaft, which in turn is connected to a front fork assembly 14. An upper portion of the front wheel 12 is covered by a front fender 13 which prevents mud and water from getting deflected towards the steering shaft. Further, the front fender 13 is mounted over a portion of the front fork assembly 14.
[0021] Further, a front portion of the body frame is covered by front cowling structures such as a front cowl 20 disposed above the front fender 13, and covering a forward facing portion of the body frame, a headlamp cowling 21 disposed above the front cowl 20 to encompass a headlamp and the handle bar 11 at least partially, and a leg shield 25 disposed below the front cowl 20 and behind the front fender 13 to cover a rider’s legs on either sides. In the present embodiment, the leg shield 25 disposed on both sides of the front fender 13, extends at least partially up to a floor board 24 of said vehicle.
[0022] Furthermore, beyond the floor board 24, a rear portion of the body frame is covered by left and right side cowls 26, and left and right rear cowls 27. Whereas said left and right side cowls 26, cover at least a side surface of an internal combustion engine (hereinafter engine) 30 at least partially on both sides thereof, said left and right rear cowls 27, which are disposed behind said left and right side cowls 26, extend up to a tail lamp unit 35. In the present embodiment, the left and right side cowls 26 are disposed above the floor board 24 and on either sides of a central cowl disposed below a seat 50.
[0023] The seat 50 is disposed above said left and right side cowls 26, and said left and right rear cowls 27. The layout of the seat 50 is such that a rider and a pillion can be seated on a front portion and a rear portion thereof respectively. A fuel tank (not shown) is disposed beneath the seat 50. A pillion handle 55 is mounted in an under side of the seat 50 to provide support for the pillion.
[0024] The engine 30 is equipped with an exhaust system that includes an exhaust pipe (not shown) connected to the engine 30 and a muffler (not shown) connected to the exhaust pipe. The muffler (not shown) extends rearwards along the right side of a rear wheel 38.
[0025] A rear fender 39 for covering an upper side of the rear wheel 38 is mounted to a rear portion of the body frame to prevent mud and water splashed by the rotating rear wheel 38 from entering the muffler, the engine 30 and other parts disposed close by.
[0026] With reference to FIG.2-FIG.8, an air cleaner assembly 40 in accordance with different embodiments of the present invention is elaborated.
[0027] FIG.2 shows a side view of the air cleaner assembly 40 as secured to the engine 30. The air cleaner assembly 40 is mounted to the engine 30 of said vehicle 10 through a two point mounting. Particularly, the air cleaner assembly 40 is disposed above the engine 30, particularly substantially away from a cylinder block 30a of said engine 30.
[0028] Further, as may be seen in FIG.3, the air cleaner assembly 40 in accordance with the present embodiment includes a pre-filter cover 41, a post-filter cover 42, and a filter element 43 sandwiched between said pre-filter cover 41 and said post-filter cover 42. A plurality of caskets 44 are provided to hold the filter element 43 between said pre-filter cover 41 and the post-filter cover 42. The filter element 43 aids in filtering foreign matter entering the air cleaner assembly 40 along with atmospheric air. Particularly, in the present embodiment, atmospheric air enters through an air inlet port 45 (shown in FIG.4) provided in the pre-filter cover 41. The atmospheric air entering the air inlet port 45 is typically unclean, containing foreign matter such as dust and other particulate matter. This unclean air gets filtered at the filter element 43 after passing through a dirty chamber formed between said pre-filter cover 41 and the filter element 43. Thereafter, clean air enters a clean chamber formed beyond the filter element 43, and up to the post-filter cover 42.
[0029] In the present embodiment, since the air inlet port 45 faces downwards towards a ground surface, in an assembled condition of said air cleaner assembly 40, water splashed by a rotating rear wheel 38 is also prone to enter the dirty chamber and strike the filter element 43. Besides, rain water dripping from the seat and other body parts of said vehicle also gets sucked into the air inlet port 45. Thus, the filter element 43 is adversely prone to clogging due to accumulation of dust and particulate matter, besides getting damaged due to water entry. Therefore, there is a need to protect the filter element 43 from damage due to dust and water entry.
[0030] Therefore, the present invention seeks to prevent foreign matter including dust, particulate matter and water from passing through the air inlet port 45. The present invention provides a check flap 46 for obstructing foreign matter entering the air cleaner assembly 40.
[0031] FIG.5 is an exploded view depicting mounting of said check flap 46. In the present embodiment, said check flap 46 is attached to the pre-filter cover 41 in a manner so as to cover the air inlet port 45 at least partially. In an implementation, the check flap 46 is detachably attached to said pre-filter cover 41. Preferably, the check flap 46 is press fitted to the pre-filter cover 41. As per an aspect, the check flap 46 includes a plurality of mounting bosses 46am formed integrally therein, which are press fitted into corresponding plurality of mounting holes 41ah provided in the pre-filter cover 41. In the present embodiment, said plurality of mounting bosses 46am are provided in an upper peripheral surface 46ap (shown in FIG.9) of a mounting member 46a of the check flap 46, especially in a rear surface thereof. The check flap 46 is thus mounted to the pre-filter cover 41 only at one end thereof, and is freely suspended at its other end thereof. When viewed from a vehicle sideward direction, the mounting member 46a of the check flap 46 extends substantially in line with at least a portion of an outer surface 41a of said pre-filter cover 41. The check flap 46 is provided in a manner such that a substantial part of the rear portion thereof does not abut with a portion of the pre-filter cover 41. Thus, when the air cleaner assembly 40 is viewed from a vehicle forward direction, it is observed that there is a gap between the rear portion of the check flap 46 and the pre-filter cover 41. This gap serves to allow passage of atmospheric air into the air inlet port 45.
[0032] FIG.6 and FIG.7 depict path of air flow around the check flap 46. For example, FIG.6 depicts path of air flow along a rear side of the mounting member 46a of the check flap 46. As may be seen, air flows above a portion of a baffle member 46b of the check flap 46. In the present embodiment, at least a portion of the baffle member 46b extends laterally inwards towards the air inlet port 45 from a rear surface of the mounting member 46a of the check flap 46. As per an aspect, at least a portion of the baffle member 46b extends in a curved manner towards the air inlet port 45, especially with a concave side facing downwards. As a result, it is ensured that sufficient gap is available for air to flow into the air inlet port 45.
[0033] Further, as may be seen in FIG.7, the curved profile of at least a portion of the baffle member 46b enables to ensure that air flowing from a rear side of the air cleaner assembly 40 also flows into the air inlet port 45. Thus, construction of the check flap 46 in accordance with the present invention ensures that the air inlet port 45 is not covered completely and ensures sufficient air flow for the same. Particularly, in the present embodiment, said baffle base 46ba covers the air inlet port 45 from a bottom side of said inlet port 45. Additionally, since air is allowed to flow from at least two sides of the check flap 46, it is ensured that air entering the air inlet port 45 is not turbulent. Moreover, as may be seen in FIG.8, construction of the check flap 46 also ensures that foreign matter such as water, dust and particulate matter get deflected effectively. For example, a base portion of the baffle member 46b, namely a baffle base 46ba deflects dust and water as shown by the criss-cross arrows shown in the FIG.8. Air for the air cleaner assembly 40 passes above said baffle base 46ba as shown. Thus, the baffle base 46ba effectively aids in not only deflecting foreign matter but also aids in ensuring air supply into the air cleaner assembly 40 through the air inlet port 45 thereof.
[0034] FIG.9 illustrates a perspective view of the check flap 46 as seen from a rear side thereof. As per an aspect, the check flap 46 is a non-rigid member and is preferably made of rubber. As per the present embodiment, the check flap 46 includes the mounting member 46a and the baffle member 46b.
[0035] As per an aspect, the mounting member 46a and the baffle member 46b are formed integrally as a single piece. Whereas the mounting member 46a aids in mounting the check flap 46 to the pre-filter cover 41 by means of said plurality of mounting bosses 46am, the baffle member 46b aids in deflecting foreign matter entering the air inlet port 45 along with atmospheric air. Particularly, the mounting member 46a is polygonal in shape with said plurality of mounting bosses 46am being disposed in the upper peripheral surface 46ap thereof, more particularly in a rear side thereof. Further, a bottom outer periphery 46abp of said mounting member 46a is provided a curved profile so that atmospheric air may be allowed to pass from beneath the mounting member 46a, and past the baffle member 46b upto the air inlet port 45. Moreover, a curved profile of the bottom outer periphery 46abp also aids in ensuring ease of accessibility to a point 41b (shown in FIG.8) in the pre-filter cover 41 for a fastener used to fasten the pre-filter cover 41 to the post-filter cover 42. Thus, serviceability of the air cleaner assembly 40 is facilitated.
[0036] Besides the mounting member 46a, the check flap 46 also includes the baffle member 46b. The baffle member 46b according to the present embodiment includes a baffle base 46ba, and a baffle wall 46bb. In the present embodiment, the baffle base 46ba extends laterally inwards from the rear surface of the mounting member 46a towards the air inlet port 45 in a manner so that it covers said air inlet port 45 only partially and not completely, when the check flap 46 is mounted to the pre-filter cover 41. Further, the baffle wall 46bb of said baffle member 46b extends from the baffle base 46ba towards the upper peripheral surface 46ap of the mounting member 46a, along the rear surface of said mounting member 46a. Particularly, an apex portion of said baffle wall 46bb terminates at a point substantially below the upper peripheral surface 46ap of the mounting member 46a, on the rear surface of said mounting member 46a. According to an aspect of the present embodiment, the baffle wall 46bb serves to deflect water traversing past the baffle base 46ba towards the air inlet port 45. Since the baffle wall 46bb is disposed between the baffle base 46ba and the rear surface of the mounting member 46a, it serves to deflect water traversing past the baffle base 46ba, and causes the water to slide onto an upper surface of the baffle base 46ba, and thereafter down the baffle base 46ba. Besides, deflecting water, the baffle wall 46bb also serves to direct air into the air inlet port 45. In another embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of baffle walls may be provided along a length of the baffle base 46ba.
[0037] Further, the check flap 46 includes a plurality of support ribs 46c extending from a bottom surface of said baffle base 46ba to a lower peripheral surface 46ab of the mounting member 46a on the rear side thereof. In the present embodiment, said plurality of support ribs 46c is provided to support the baffle base 46ba to the mounting member 46a. Thus, the plurality of support ribs 46c aid in preventing flexing of the baffle base 46ba due to wind. Therefore, stability and sturdiness of the check flap 46 is ensured.
[0038] As is apparent from the above teaching, the check flap provided as per the present invention serves to prevent foreign matter and water from entering the air inlet port of the air cleaner assembly. Moreover, since the check flap is made of a non-rigid material such as rubber, presence of the same does not lead to a significant increase in weight of the air cleaner assembly.
[0039] While the present invention has been shown and described with reference to the foregoing preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes in form, connection, and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.
,CLAIMS:
1. An air cleaner assembly (40) for a two-wheeled vehicle (10), said air cleaner assembly (40) comprising:
a pre-filter cover (41) comprising an air inlet port (45);
a post-filter cover (42); and
at least one filter element (43) disposed between said pre-filter cover (41) and said post-filter cover (42);
characterised in that, said air cleaner assembly (40) comprises a check flap (46) wherein said check flap (46) including a mounting member (46a), and a baffle member (46b), said baffle member (46b) extending laterally inwards from said mounting member (46a) towards said air inlet port (45); covers said air inlet port (45) at least partially, and is adapted to allow passage of atmospheric air into said air inlet port (45) while preventing foreign matter from entering said air inlet port (45).
2. The air cleaner assembly (40) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said check flap (46) is made of a non-rigid member.
3. The air cleaner assembly (40) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said mounting member (46a) adapted to removably mount said check flap (46) to said pre-filter cover (41) extends substantially in line with an outer surface (41a) of said pre-filter cover (41) when viewed from a motorcycle sideward direction.
4. The air cleaner assembly (40) as claimed in claim 3, wherein said mounting member (46a) includes a plurality of mounting bosses (46am) formed integrally therein in a rear surface thereof.
5. The air cleaner assembly (40) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mounting member (46a) has a polygonal shape with at least one of its outer periphery (46abp) being substantially curved.
6. The air cleaner assembly (40) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said baffle member (46b) including a baffle base (46ba), and one or more baffle walls (46bb) covers the air inlet port (45) from a bottom side of said inlet port (45).
7. The air cleaner assembly (40) as claimed in claim 6, wherein said baffle base (46ba) extends substantially curvedly towards the air inlet port (45) with a concave side facing downwards.
8. The air cleaner assembly (40) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 6, wherein said one or more baffle walls (46bb) extends vertically upwards from an upper surface of said baffle base (46ba) towards an upper peripheral surface (46ap) of said mounting member (46a) along a rear surface thereof enables deflection of the foreign matter including water.
9. The air cleaner assembly (40) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 6, wherein said check flap (46) comprises a plurality of support ribs (46c) extending from a bottom surface of said baffle base (46ba) to a lower peripheral surface (46ab) of the mounting member (46a) on the rear side thereof for providing bottom support to said baffle base (46b).
10. The air cleaner assembly (40) as claimed in claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the pre-filter cover (41) includes a plurality of mounting holes (41ah) to receive said plurality of mounting bosses (46am).