Description:FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[See section 10, Rule 13]

“DUST PROTECTOR”

HERO MOTOCORP LIMITED, an Indian Company at: The Grand Plaza, Plot No.2, Nelson Mandela Road, Vasant Kunj- Phase -II, New Delhi, India, 110 070

THE FOLLOWING SPECIFICATION PARTICULARLY DESCRIBES THE INVENTION AND THE MANNER IN WHICH IT IS TO BE PERFORMED.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION:
[001] The present invention relates to a vehicle, more particularly a vehicle comprising a dust protection system reducing ingress of dust into an inlet portion of an air filter of the vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
[002] Traditionally, a vehicle such as a scooter comprises an internal combustion engine. Also, the vehicle comprises an air filter adapted to draw in environmental air via an inlet portion, remove particles from the environmental air to obtain substantially dust-free air, and supply the substantially dust-free air to the internal combustion engine. In some cases, the vehicle may be provided with an air-cooled type internal combustion engine while in other cases, the vehicle may be provided with a combination of an internal combustion engine and an engine cooling system.

[003] One such engine cooling system comprises a radiator. In working, a fluid is made to pass through the internal combustion engine where the fluid gains temperature (thereby cooling the internal combustion engine). Thereafter, the fluid made to pass through the radiator where the fluid looses temperature and the fluid cools down. The vehicle further comprises a fan that establishes air flow through the radiator thereby cooling the radiator. The fluid is circulated between the internal combustion engine and the radiator.

[004] While it is convenient to dispose the air filter, the radiator and the fan in close proximity of the engine, it has been observed that the excess dust ingresses through the inlet portion of the air filter of a vehicle having the engine cooling system (comprising the radiator) and the fan as compared to a vehicle having an air-cooled type internal combustion engine. The reasons for excess dust ingresses through the inlet portion of the air filter of a vehicle having the engine cooling system (comprising the radiator) and the fan is due to design constraints and environmental factors. In any event, there exists a need to reduce ingress of dust into the inlet portion of the air filter of the vehicle having the engine cooling system (comprising the radiator) and the fan.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
[005] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[006] In one aspect of the invention, there is provided a dust protection system reducing ingress of dust into an inlet portion of an air filter of a vehicle, comprising: a fan establishing air flow through a radiator; a fan case covering at least partially the fan, the fan case comprising at least one radial air exit opening; and a first air deflector element restricting flow of air from the at least one radial air exit opening towards a rear ground engaging member of the vehicle.

[007] In an embodiment of the invention, the fan case comprises a first portion surrounding at least partly the at least one radial air exit opening.

[008] In another embodiment of the invention, the first portion being behind the at least one radial air exit opening in a front-to-rear direction of the vehicle.

[009] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the first portion comprises the first air deflector element restricting flow of air from the at least one radial air exit opening towards the rear ground engaging member of the vehicle.

[0010] In still another embodiment of the invention, the vehicle comprises a swing arm, the swing arm comprising: a front portion surrounding at least partly the at least one least one radial air exit opening, the front portion comprising the first air deflector element restricting flow of air from the at least one radial air exit opening towards the rear ground engaging member of the vehicle via an opening formed between a rear end of the fan case and the front portion.

[0011] In a further embodiment of the invention, the swing arm comprises an intermediate portion comprising a second air deflector element re-directing flow of at least a part of the air outwardly from the vehicle in a vehicle width direction.

[0012] In a furthermore embodiment of the invention, the first air deflector element comprises a plate member separate from the swing arm and the fan case, the plate member placed between the fan case and the swing arm.

[0013] In another embodiment of the invention, the plate member comprises at least one mounting aperture for mounting the plate member to at least one of the fan case and the swing arm.

[0014] In one aspect of the invention, there is provided a vehicle, comprising: a rear ground engaging member; a storage compartment and at least one electrical component disposed above the rear ground engaging member; an engine generating power for driving the rear ground engaging member; an air filter adapted to draw in environmental air via an inlet portion, remove particles from the environmental air to obtain substantially dust-free air, and supply the substantially dust-free air to the engine; a swing arm pivotally supporting the engine; an engine cooling system comprising a radiator adapted to cool the engine; and a dust protection system reducing ingress of dust into an inlet portion of the air filter of the vehicle. In an embodiment of the invention the dust protection system comprises: a fan establishing air flow through a radiator; a fan case covering at least partially the fan, the fan case comprising at least one radial air exit opening; and a first air deflector element restricting flow of air from the at least one radial air exit opening towards a rear ground engaging member of the vehicle.

[0015] In an embodiment of the invention, the air filter comprising the inlet portion located behind the engine along a vehicle length direction and on a first side of the rear ground engaging member and the first air deflector element being located on a second side of the rear ground engaging member.

[0016] In another embodiment of the invention, the storage compartment and the at least one electrical component being located above the engine, the first air deflector element preventing over heating of the storage compartment and the at least one electrical component.

[0017] Advantage of invention is that the dust protection system reduces ingress of dust into an inlet portion of an air filter of the vehicle by an amount in excess of 10%. Particularly, the dust protection system reduces ingress of dust into an inlet portion of an air filter of the vehicle by an amount in excess of 20%. Thus, an amount of dust collected in the air filter reduces. Thus, a time period between two services of the air filter can be increased. Also, a life of the air filter increases.

[0018] Another advantage of the invention is that the dust protection system is substantially light weight and therefore addition of the dust protection system does not increase an overall weight of the vehicle. Yet another advantage of the invention is that the cost of the dust protection system is substantially low and hence, addition of the dust protection system does not increase cost of the vehicle.

[0019] Still another advantage of the invention is that the dust protection system does not decrease a volumetric flow of the air through the radiator. Thus, efficiency of the engine cooling system is not adversely impacted.

[0020] A surprising advantage of the invention is that the dust protection system prevents overheating of the storage compartment. In particular, the dust protection system prevents overheating of an underside of the storage compartment and a lateral side surface of the storage compartment. As overheating of the storage compartment reduces a life of the storage compartment, by preventing overheating of the storage compartment a life of the storage compartment is increased.

[0021] Another surprising advantage of the invention is that the dust protection system prevents overheating of at least one electrical component. In particular, the dust protection system prevents overheating of at least one electrical component located above the engine. As overheating of the at least one electrical component located above the engine reduces a life of the at least one electrical component, by preventing over heating of the storage compartment a life of the at least one electrical component is increased.

[0022] Still another surprising advantage of the invention is that the dust protection system increases visual appeal of the vehicle by at least partly hiding an opening in the swing arm.

[0023] To further clarify the advantages and features of the invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES:
[0024] In order that the invention may be readily understood and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to exemplary embodiments as illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views. The figures together with a detailed description below, are incorporated in and form part of the specification, and serve to further illustrate the embodiments and explain various principles and advantages, in accordance with the present invention where:

[0025] Figure 1 illustrates a first side view of a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 2 illustrates a partial first side view of a rear end structure after removal of a cover of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 3 illustrates a partial first perspective view of the rear end structure after removal of the cover of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 4 illustrates a partial second perspective view of the rear end structure after removal of the cover of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 5 illustrates a partial first side view of a rear end structure after removal of a cover and a radiator of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 6 illustrates a partial exploded view of the rear end structure taken from an underside of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 7 illustrates a perspective view showing the swing arm and the fan case without the first air deflector element, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 8 illustrates a first side view showing the first air deflector element as forming part of the fan case, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 9 illustrates a first side view showing the first air deflector element as forming part of the swing arm, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 10 illustrates a first side view wherein the first air deflector element is separate from both the swing arm and the fan case, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 11 illustrates a second side view wherein the first air deflector element is separate from both the swing arm and the fan case, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0036] Figure 12 illustrates a perspective view of the first cover, the second cover and the third cover in an assembled state, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] It may be noted that to the extent possible, like reference numerals have been used to represent like elements in the drawings. Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have been necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the drawings may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of aspects of the present invention. Furthermore, one or more elements may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

Detailed Description of the Invention:
[0038] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated device, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

[0039] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are explanatory of the invention and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.

[0040] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0041] Reference throughout this specification to “an aspect”, “another aspect” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrase “in an embodiment”, “in another embodiment”, and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

[0042] The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or components proceeded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices or other sub-systems or other elements or other structures or other components or additional devices or additional sub-systems or additional elements or additional structures or additional components.

[0043] As used herein, and unless the context dictates otherwise, the terms "coupled to", “connected to”, “operably connected to”, and “operatively connected to” are intended to include both direct connection / coupling (in which two elements that are coupled / connected to each other contact each other) and indirect coupling / connection (in which at least one additional element is located between the two elements). Therefore, the terms "coupled to" and "coupled with" are used synonymously. Similarly, the terms “connected to” and “connected with” are used synonymously.

[0044] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one ordinary skilled in the art to which this invention belongs. The device, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

[0045] The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as being essential to the practice of the invention.

[0046] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims.

[0047] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0048] The terms “front / forward”, “rear / rearward / back / backward”, “up / upper / top”, “down / lower / lower ward / downward, bottom”, “left / leftward”, “right / rightward” used therein represents the directions as seen from a vehicle driver sitting astride.

[0049] While the present invention is illustrated in the context of a vehicle, however, cover and aspects and features thereof can be used with other types of vehicles as well. The terms “vehicle”, “two wheeled vehicle” and “motorcycle” have been interchangeably used throughout the description. The term “vehicle” comprises vehicles such as motorcycles, scooters, bicycles, mopeds, scooter type vehicles, All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV) and the like.

[0050] Referring to Figure 1 there is illustrated a first side view of a vehicle (10) that comprises a front end structure (12), a rear end structure (14), and a footboard (16). The front end structure (12) forms the front portion of the vehicle (10). The rear end structure (14) forms the rear portion of the vehicle (10). The footboard (16) lies between the front end structure (12) and the rear end structure (14). The footboard (16) provides footrest for a rider riding the vehicle (10).

[0051] The front end structure (12) comprises a front ground engaging member (18), and a steering mechanism (20). The front ground engaging member (18) is operatively connected to the steering mechanism (20). In the illustrated example, the front ground engaging member (18) embodies a wheel. Alternatively, the front ground engaging member (18) embodies a track, without limiting the scope of the invention.

[0052] Further, the front end structure (12) comprises a front cover (22) and a leg shield (24). The leg shield (24) provides protection for the feet of the rider of the vehicle (10). The front end structure (12) further comprises a dash assembly (not shown). The dash assembly comprises a display unit (not shown). The display unit displays information about the vehicle (10) to the rider. The dash assembly may comprise additional components such as LCD, GPS, graphical user interface (GUI), etc. without limiting the scope of the invention. The front end structure (12) may further comprise additional components such as handle cover, windscreen, headlight, mirror(s), turn indicator(s), etc. without limiting the scope of the invention.

[0053] In an embodiment of the invention, the rear end structure (14) comprises a seat (26) and a rear ground engaging member (28) disposed below the seat (26). The seat (26) provides seating for a rider of the vehicle (10). The rear end structure (14) comprises a cover (30) extending in a rearward direction of the vehicle (10). The cover (30) hides at least partially various internal components of the vehicle (10).

[0054] Referring to Figure 2 and Figure 3, there is illustrated a partial first side view of the rear end structure (14) after removal of the cover (30). The rear ground end structure (14) comprises an internal combustion engine (32) supplying power to the rear ground engaging member (28). The rear ground end structure (14) further comprises a storage compartment (34) disposed over the internal combustion engine (32). Thus, referring to Figure 1, Figure 2, and Figure 3; the internal combustion engine (32) and the storage compartment (34) are disposed under the seat (26) and are at least partially hidden by the cover (30). In the illustrated example, the rear ground engaging member (28) embodies a wheel. Alternatively, the rear ground engaging member (28) embodies a track, without limiting the scope of the invention. The rear end structure (14) further comprises at least one electrical component (36) hidden by the cover (30). The at least one electrical component (36) comprises a battery, a control unit for controlling operation of the vehicle, one or more fuse elements, inverter, Power Distribution Unit (PDU), telemetry unit for establishing connection between the vehicle and an external device, etc. The rear ground end structure (14) comprises a swing arm (38) pivotally supporting the internal combustion engine (32).

[0055] Now referring back to Figure 1, the rear end structure (14) further comprises an engine cooling system (40). Particularly referring to Figure 2, and Figure 3, the engine cooling system (40) comprises a radiator (42). In operation, a fluid is made to pass through the internal combustion engine (32) where the fluid gains temperature, thereby cooling the internal combustion engine (32). Thereafter, the fluid is made to pass through the radiator (42) where the radiator gains temperature, thereby cooling the fluid. The fluid is circulated between the internal combustion engine (32) and the radiator (42). The engine cooling system (40) may further comprise a pump (not visible) establishing flow of the fluid between the internal combustion engine (32) and the radiator (42).

[0056] Referring now to Figure 4, there is illustrated a partial second side view of the rear end structure (14) after removal of the cover (30). The vehicle (10) further comprises an air filter (44) adapted to draw in environmental air, remove particles from the environmental air to obtain substantially dust-free air, and supply the substantially dust-free air to the internal combustion engine. The air filter (44) comprises an inlet portion (46) vide which environmental air is drawn in. The inlet portion (46) is located behind the engine (32) along a vehicle length direction. The air filter (44) and the inlet portion (46) are located on a first side of the rear ground engaging member (28).

[0057] Referring now to Figure 5, the vehicle (10) further comprises a dust protection system (100) reducing ingress of dust into the inlet portion (46) of the air filter (44). The dust protection system (100) comprises a fan (102) establishing air flow through the radiator (42, which has been removed for the ease of showing the fan); a fan case (104) covering at least partially the fan (102), the fan case (104) comprising at least one radial air exit opening (106); and a first air deflector element (108) restricting flow of air from the at least one radial air exit opening (106) towards a rear ground engaging member (28) of the vehicle (10).

[0058] Now referring to Figure 6, there is shown an exploded view of the rear end structure (14) of the vehicle (10). The exploded view is taken from an underside portion of the vehicle (10). It was observed that in a vehicle certain amount of dust is thrown by the rear ground engaging member (28) and a part of this dust takes a first route (arrow 124) and reaches the inlet portion (46) of the air filter (44). In vehicle not having the fan (102) and the fan case (104) comprising at least one radial air exit opening (106), the amount of dust taking the first route (arrow 124) and reaching the inlet portion (46) of the air filter (44) is substantially less. However, in a vehicle (10) having the fan (102) and the fan case (104) comprising at least one radial air exit opening (106) the amount of dust taking the first route (arrow 124) and reaching the inlet portion (46) of the air filter (44) is substantially high.

[0059] After a lot of experiments it was observed that at least a part of the air exiting from the at least one radial air exit opening (106) follows a second route (arrow 126) and reaches the rear ground engaging member (28). Rotation of the rear ground engaging member (28) increases the amount of the air following the second route (arrow 126). Without wishing to be bound by a theory, it is believed that the air following the second route (arrow 126), is causing the increase in the amount of dust taking the first route (arrow 124) and reaching the inlet portion (46) of the air filter (44).

[0060] Thus, initial attempts were made wherein some of the at least one radial air exit opening (106) in the fan case (104) were blocked. While blocking a first set of the at least one radial air exit opening (106) in the fan case (104) did not have any effect on the amount of dust taking the first route (arrow 124) and reaching the inlet portion (46) of the air filter (44), blocking a second set of the at least one radial air exit opening (106) in the fan case (104) reduced a quantity of the air following the second route (arrow 126) and reaching the rear ground engaging member (28) and reduced the amount of dust taking the first route (arrow 124) and reaching the inlet portion (46) of the air filter (44).

[0061] While blocking the second set of the at least one radial air exit opening (106) in the fan case (104) reduced a quantity of the air following the second route (arrow 126) and reaching the rear ground engaging member (28) and reduced the amount of dust taking the first route (arrow 124) and reaching the inlet portion (46) of the air filter (44), it lead to a variety of other problems. In particular, blocking the second set of the at least one radial air exit opening (106) in the fan case (104) lead to decrease in a volumetric flow of the air through the radiator (42). Thus, efficiency of the engine cooling system is adversely impacted. Thus, the internal combustion engine (32) could not be cooled to a sufficient level, which adversely impacted the working of the vehicle (10).

[0062] Thus, a first air deflector element (108) was provided to restrict flow of air from the at least one radial air exit opening (106) towards a rear ground engaging member (28) of the vehicle (10) and in particular, restrict flow of air via the second route (arrow 126). Providing the first air deflector element (108) does not lead to decrease in a volumetric flow of the air through the radiator (42). Instead, air coming from the at least one radial air exit opening (106) now is a made to follow at least one alternative route. By way of a non-limiting example, one such alternative route comprises a third route (arrow 128). It may be noted that the air coming from the at least one radial air exit opening (106) may be made to follow more than one alternative route.

[0063] Since the dust protection system (100) does not decrease a volumetric flow of the air through the radiator (42), an efficiency of the engine cooling system is not adversely impacted. Thus, the internal combustion engine (32) is cooled to a sufficient level, thus performance of the vehicle (10) in general and more particularly the internal combustion engine (32) is not adversely impacted.

[0064] Now referring to Figure 7, it can be seen the swing arm (38) a front portion (114) which located behind the fan case (104). The front portion (114) surrounds at least partly the at least one radial air exit port (106). Due to a variety of reasons, the front portion (114) of the swing arm (38) cannot be merged with a rear end (115) of the fan case (104). Thus, an opening (112) is inherently formed between the rear end (115) of the fan case (104) and the front portion (114) of the swing arm (38). The air from the at least one radial air exit opening (106) flows through the opening (112) and the towards the rear ground engaging member (28). Thus, the first air deflector element (108) was provided to restrict flow of air from the at least one radial air exit opening (106) via the opening (112) and towards the rear ground engaging member (28) of the vehicle (10). It may be noted the term “restrict” signifies a “reduction” and not essentially a complete prohibition. It can be seen from Figures 2 to 5 that the first air deflector element (108) is located to block at least partly the opening (112).

[0065] Now referring to Figure 8, in one embodiment of the invention, the first air deflector element (108) forms part of the fan case (104). In particular, the fan case (104) comprises a first portion (110) surrounding at least partly the at least one radial air exit opening (106). In particular, the first portion (110) being behind the at least one radial air exit opening (106) in a front-to-rear direction of the vehicle. In an embodiment of the invention, the first portion (110) comprises the first air deflector element (108) restricting flow of air from the at least one radial air exit opening (106) via the opening (112) and towards the rear ground engaging member (28) of the vehicle (10).

[0066] Now referring to Figure 9, in an alternative embodiment of the invention, the first air deflector element (108) forms part of the swing arm (38). In particular, the swing arm (38) comprises the first air deflector element (108) extending from the front portion (114) that surrounds at least partly the at least one least one radial air exit opening (106) and restricting flow of air from the at least one radial air exit opening (106) via the opening (112) and towards the rear ground engaging member (28) of the vehicle (10).

[0067] Now referring to Figure 10 and Figure 11 in an alternative embodiment of the invention, the first air deflector element (108) is separate from the swing arm (38) as well as the fan case (104). In particular, the first air deflector element (108) comprises a plate member (120) separate from the swing arm (38) and the fan case (104). In an embodiment of the invention, the plate member (120) is placed between the fan case (104) and the swing arm (38). In an embodiment of the invention, the plate member (120) comprises at least one mounting aperture (122) for mounting the plate member (120) to at least one of the fan case (104) and the swing arm (38).

[0068] Now referring to Figure 12, in an alternative embodiment of the invention, the dust protection system (100) further comprises a second air deflector element (118). The second air deflector element (118) re-directs flow of at least a part of the air outwardly from the vehicle in a vehicle width direction. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the swing arm (38) comprises an intermediate portion (116). In a more preferred embodiment of the invention, the intermediate portion (116) comprising a second air deflector element (118) re-directing flow of at least a part of the air outwardly from the vehicle in a vehicle width direction. The second air deflector element (118) is in the form an inclined surface which re-directs flow of at least a part of the air coming from the at least one radial air exit opening (106) outwardly from the vehicle in a vehicle width direction.

[0069] Advantage of invention is that the dust protection system (100) reduces ingress of dust into the inlet portion (46) of the air filter (44) of the vehicle (10) by an amount in excess of 20%. Thus, an amount of dust collected in the air filter (44) reduces. Thus, a time period between two services of the air filter (44) can be increased. Also, a life of the air filter (44) increases.

[0070] Another advantage of the invention is that the dust protection system (100) is substantially light weight and therefore addition of the dust protection system (100) does not increase an overall weight of the vehicle (10). Yet another advantage of the invention is that the cost of the dust protection system (100) is substantially low and hence, addition of the dust protection system (100) does not increase cost of the vehicle (10).

[0071] Still another advantage of the invention is that the dust protection system (100) does not decrease a volumetric flow of the air through the radiator (42). Thus, efficiency of the engine cooling system (40) is not adversely impacted. Also, the internal combustion engine (32) is cooled to sufficient levels and hence, performance of the engine (32) is not adversely impacted.

[0072] Referring to Figure 13, it has been surprisingly found that the dust protection system (100) prevents overheating of the storage compartment (34). In particular, the dust protection system (100) prevents overheating of an underside (130) of the storage compartment (34) and a lateral side surface (132) of the storage compartment (34). As overheating of the storage compartment (34) reduces a life of the storage compartment (34), by preventing overheating of the storage compartment (34) a life of the storage compartment (34) is increased.

[0073] Surprisingly, it has also been observed that the dust protection system (100) prevents overheating of at least one electrical component (36). In particular, the dust protection system (100) prevents overheating of at least one electrical component (36) located above the internal combustion engine (32). As overheating of the at least one electrical component (36) located above the engine (32) reduces a life of the at least one electrical component (36), by preventing over heating of the storage compartment (36) a life of the at least one electrical component (36) is increased.

[0074] Still another surprising advantage of the invention is that the dust protection system (100) increases visual appeal of the vehicle (10) by at least partly hiding the opening (112).

[0075] While specific language has been used to describe the disclosure, any limitations arising on account of the same are not intended. As would be apparent to a person in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein.

[0076] The figures and the forgoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples. Additionally, numerous variations, whether explicitly given in the specification or not, such as differences in structure, dimension, and use of material, are possible.
, Claims:WE CLAIM:

1. A dust protection system (100) reducing ingress of dust into an inlet portion (46) of an air filter (44) of a vehicle (10), comprising:
a fan (102) establishing air flow through a radiator (42);
a fan case (104) covering at least partially the fan (102), the fan case (104) comprising at least one radial air exit opening (106); and
a first air deflector element (108) restricting flow of air from the at least one radial air exit opening (106) towards a rear ground engaging member (28) of the vehicle (10).

2. The dust protection system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fan case (104) comprises a first portion (110) surrounding at least partly the at least one radial air exit opening (106).

3. The dust protection system (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first portion (110) being behind the at least one radial air exit opening (106) in a front-to-rear direction of the vehicle.

4. The dust protection system (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first portion (110) comprises the first air deflector element (108) restricting flow of air from the at least one radial air exit opening (106) towards the rear ground engaging member (28) of the vehicle (10).

5. The dust protection system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the vehicle (10) comprises a swing arm (38), the swing arm (38) comprising:
a front portion (114) surrounding at least partly the at least one least one radial air exit opening (106), the front portion (114) comprising the first air deflector element (108) restricting flow of air from the at least one radial air exit opening (106) towards the rear ground engaging member (28) of the vehicle (10) via an opening (112) formed between a rear end (115) of the fan case (104) and the front portion (114).

6. The dust protection system (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the swing arm (38) comprises an intermediate portion (116) comprising a second air deflector element (118) re-directing flow of at least a part of the air outwardly from the vehicle in a vehicle width direction.

7. The dust protecting system (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the first air deflector element (108) comprises a plate member (120) separate from the swing arm (38) and the fan case (104), the plate member (120) placed between the fan case (104) and the swing arm (38).

8. The dust protection system (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the plate member (120) comprises at least one mounting aperture (122) for mounting the plate member (120) to at least one of the fan case (104) and the swing arm (38).

9. A vehicle (10), comprising:
a rear ground engaging member (28);
a storage compartment (34) and at least one electrical component (36) disposed above the rear ground engaging member (28);
an engine (32) generating power for driving the rear ground engaging member (28);
an air filter (44) adapted to draw in environmental air via an inlet portion (46), remove particles from the environmental air to obtain substantially dust-free air, and supply the substantially dust-free air to the engine (32);
a swing arm (38) pivotally supporting the engine (32);
an engine cooling system (40) comprising a radiator (42) adapted to cool the engine (32); and
a dust protection system (100) reducing ingress of dust into an inlet portion (46) of the air filter (44) of the vehicle (10), the dust protection system (100) comprising:
a fan (102) establishing air flow through a radiator (42);
a fan case (104) covering at least partially the fan (102), the fan case (104) comprising at least one radial air exit opening (106); and
a first air deflector element (108) restricting flow of air from the at least one radial air exit opening (106) towards a rear ground engaging member (28) of the vehicle (10).

10. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the air filter (44) comprising the inlet portion (46) located behind the engine (32) along a vehicle length direction and on a first side of the rear ground engaging member (28) and the first air deflector element (108) being located on a second side of the rear ground engaging member (28).

11. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the storage compartment (34) and the at least one electrical component (36) being located above the engine (32), the first air deflector element (108) preventing over heating of the storage compartment (34) and the at least one electrical component (36).