EP4127445A1

EP4127445A1 - Air cleaner assembly

Info

Publication number: EP4127445A1
Application number: EP21727593.2A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Adiga Vijaya Bhaskar; Annamalai Muthuraja; Thirumal Joghee; Mani Boobalan; Sridhar Balaguru
Original assignee: TVS Motor Co Ltd
Current assignee: TVS Motor Co Ltd
Priority date: 2020-03-26
Filing date: 2021-03-16
Publication date: 2023-02-08
Also published as: MX2022010808A; BR112022019372A2; WO2021191922A1; CN115315574A

Abstract

The present subject matter relates to an air cleaner assembly (200) used in applications liked a motor vehicle (100). The air cleaner assembly (200) comprising a partition wall (220) configured to support a filter assembly (270) and the partition wall (220) separating a pre-filter portion (210) and a post-filter portion (215). A controlled inlet member (225) disposed adjacent to an outer peripheral portion (211, 212) of the pre-filter portion (210) defining a controlled inlet passage (226) therebetween. The air cleaner assembly (100) is retained at existing position of the motor vehicle (100) and at the same time reducing entry of impurities into the air cleaner assembly (200).

Description

AIR CLEANER ASSEMBLY

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present subject matter relates generally to an air induction system and more particularly to an air cleaner assembly forming part of an air induction system.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Generally, an air induction system is incorporated in various industrial system for provision of filtered air. One such area where the air induction system plays a vital role is in automotive/ motor vehicles for supplying filtered air to an engine assembly. Generally, a two-wheeled or a three-wheeled motor vehicle comprises a frame assembly that acts as a skeleton and a structural member for the motor vehicle that supports various vehicle loads. At least one front wheel is connected to a front portion of the frame assembly through one or more front suspension(s). The frame assembly extends towards a rear portion of the motor vehicle. At least one rear wheel is connected to the frame assembly through one or more rear suspension(s). The frame assembly supports an engine assembly mounted to it. The engine assembly is functionally connected to the at least one wheel, which provides forward motion/ rearward motion to the vehicle. The engine assembly, among other functional components, has a cylinder block and a reciprocating piston slidable within the cylinder block. On combustion of air-fuel mixture, the piston transfers energy generated during combustion to a crankshaft through a connecting rod thereby driving the crankshaft. The air-fuel mixture is supplied to the engine assembly through an induction system. The induction system comprises an air cleaner assembly that supplies filtered air for mixing along with fuel for combustion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0003] The detailed description of the present subject matter is described with reference to an embodiment of a two wheeled saddle type step thru vehicle along with the accompanying figures. Similar reference signs are used throughout the figures to reference like features and functional components.

[0004] Fig. 1 illustrates a left-side view of an exemplary motor vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. [0005] Fig. 2 illustrates a perspective view of an air cleaner assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0006] Fig. 3 illustrates a partial exploded view of the air cleaner assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0007] Fig. 4 (a) illustrates a schematic sectional view of an air cleaner assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0008] Fig. 4 (b) illustrates another schematic sectional view of an air cleaner assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0009] Fig. 5 illustrates a schematic view of an air cleaner assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[00010] Fig. 6 (a) illustrates a perspective view of a controlled inlet member forming a portion of an air cleaner assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[00011] Fig. 6 (b) illustrates another perspective view of a controlled inlet member forming a portion of an air cleaner assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[00012] Fig. 7 illustrates a side view selected parts of a motor vehicle along with an air cleaner assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[00013] Typically, in a motor vehicle, the air cleaner is connected to an intake port of the engine assembly. A fuel supply device like a carburettor or a fuel injector supplies fuel that gets mixed with air from the air cleaner. Such air-fuel mixture is supplied to the engine assembly for combustion inside a combustion chamber. The air cleaner, typically, fdters impurities or foreign particles that try to enter the intake port of the engine assembly. However, when the density of the impurities or foreign particles is very high, there is a possibility that some portion bypasses the air cleaner and enters the intake port of the engine assembly. Such entry of impurities or foreign particles is predominant when the air cleaner assembly is used for substantial amount of time owing to wear and tear of filters. Combustion of such air-fuel mixture with impurities or foreign particles affects the combustion process and may result in deposition in the combustion chamber, on the piston, or on a spark plug due to improper combustion thereby affecting function of the respective functional components. Improper combustion or deposition also affects combustion efficiency of the engine assembly.

[00014] Typically, the filtered impurities/ foreign particles that are filtered by the filter element tend to get accumulated thereon. For example, the impurities or foreign particles (henceforth, collectively referred to as ‘impurities’ for brevity) that includes dust, dirt, moisture etc. may get accumulated on the filter element thereby forming a layer on the filter element causing clogging, obstructing entry of air. Further, formation of such a layer affects breathability of the power unit/ engine assembly. The engine assembly requires a pre-determined volume of air for the combustion to take place whereby the desired power and torque could be generated. Such a requirement is critical when the power unit is operated at higher speeds (rotations per minute/ RPM), where the rate of intake and exhaust is higher. Moreover, when a paper type filter member is used, the filter member may get damaged due to dust, mud, moist etc. The paper type filter member gets damaged whereby the impurities enter the intake port through the damaged filter thus making the filter member obsolete. This would require frequent change of the filter member thereby making it expensive and cumbersome maintenance task. Further, in case of a filter member made of a sponge type material, a layer of impurities may still be formed whereby the sponge also requires frequent cleaning and / or replacement. [00015] Moreover, in two-wheeled or three-wheeled vehicles, the power unit is disposed in proximity to the at least one front wheel or to the at least one rear wheel. Further, the air cleaner is connected to the engine assembly, which may be disposed in proximity to the front wheel(s) or the rear wheel(s) . For example, in certain motor vehicles, the air cleaner is disposed in a front portion of the motor vehicle and rearward to the at least one front wheel. In certain other type of motor vehicles, the air cleaner is disposed in a rear portion of the motor vehicle. Thus, the air cleaner being in proximity to front wheel/ rear wheel makes it even more susceptible to entry of impurities due to rotation of wheel, which would disturb the dust and dirt on the road causing suction of the same into the air cleaner. Such a problem of suction of impurities into the air cleaner is aggravated in certain road conditions that are dustier. Further, in certain other motor vehicles, the air cleaner is disposed in a rear portion of the motor vehicle and in proximity to the power unit. The power unit may be a fixed type or a swingable type. In such vehicles, the air cleaner may be disposed towards one lateral side in the motor vehicle for suction of air, which would make the air cleaner susceptible to suction of impurities.

[00016] Typically, in the art, certain solutions are suggested to connect the air cleaner to other functional components of the motor vehicle in order to change entry point of air into the air cleaner. For example, the air cleaner may be connected to the frame assembly in order to make the entry of air through one of the tubes of the frame assembly. However, Connection of the air cleaner to the frame assembly may affect the structural integrity of the frame assembly as connection portion is to be formed on the frame assembly and also, a leak proof connection between the air cleaner and the frame assembly is a major challenge as maintenance may require frequent assembly and disassembly. Moreover, servicing of individual systems also becomes a challenge as maintenance of one system may require disturbing another system/ functional component, which is not desired.

[00017] Further, one other alternative solution in the art is to change the location of the air cleaner to a location away from the power unit in order to reduce the entry of impurities as the power unit, which is typically in proximity to front wheel(s) or rear wheel(s). In such a scenario, length of the intake pipe connecting the air cleaner to the power unit becomes longer, which increases cost. Moreover, the intake pipe may have to undergo certain bends that would affect flow of intake air thereby affecting the performance of the power unit due to disturbed flow. Additionally, accommodation of the air cleaner at a new location would necessitate major changes to layout of the motor vehicle for accommodating the air cleaner and to accommodate the new routing of the intake pipe, which increases the cost of design and manufacturing. This in effect, may affect the existing utility space on the motor vehicle. Therefore, there is a need for an improved air-cleaner which overcomes all the problems cited above & other problems of known art. [00018] Thus, the present subject matter provides an improved air cleaner assembly with reduced impurities during intake. The air cleaner assembly forms a part of an air induction system for motor vehicle, and the air cleaner assembly can be retained at existing location on the motor vehicles and at the same time effectively reducing entry of impurities into the air cleaner assembly without changing the location. In furtherance, the present subject matter provides a cost- effective solution without any changes to layout of the motor vehicle.

[00019] In one embodiment, the air cleaner is mounted to a motor vehicle that includes an engine assembly mounted thereto. The engine assembly is either fixedly mounted or swingably mounted to a frame assembly. Additionally, an electric motor may be provided to act as a traction motor or an assisting motor. The present subject matter enables the air cleaner assembly to be disposed at a portion in proximity to at least one front wheel, at a central portion between at least one front wheel and at least one rear wheel, or at a rear portion in proximity to at least one rear wheel. The air cleaner assembly comprises an outlet pipe that gets connected to an engine assembly of the motor vehicle.

[00020] The air cleaner assembly comprises a controlled inlet member coupled to an outer peripheral portion of a pre-fdter portion of the air cleaner assembly thereby defining a controlled inlet passage for entry of the air. The controlled inlet member is configured to provide inlet of the air into the air cleaner assembly in a direction other than a direction opposite to a direction of motion of the motor vehicle in a forward direction. In a preferred embodiment, the air enters into the air cleaner assembly from a rearward opening of the air cleaner assembly. The entry of impurities into the air cleaner assembly is drastically reduced when compared to an air inlet provided such that air enters substantially in a direction opposite to direction of motion of the motor vehicle.

[00021] The air cleaner assembly of the present subject matter utilizes an existing configuration of the air cleaner assembly retaining it at the existing location and the controlled inlet member is configured to utilize an outer peripheral portion of a pre- filter portion of the air cleaner assembly. The controlled intake member is formed by using minimal material to use the existing outer peripheral wall of the air cleaner assembly making it a low-cost solution. Moreover, the present subject matter is configured to be retro-fittable to an existing air cleaner assembly.

[00022] In one embodiment, the controlled inlet member is configured to form a controlled intake passage and also, it is configured to cause change in direction of entry of air into the air cleaner assembly. It is a feature of the present subject matter that the controlled inlet member is retrofittable onto an existing air cleaner assembly.

[00023] In one embodiment, the air cleaner assembly with the controlled inlet member that is configured to abut a functional component of the motor vehicle thereby utilizing existing functional components of the motor vehicle without change in layout of the motor vehicle. The air cleaner assembly in conjunction with the functional component forms an additional impurity restricting system whereby the functional component does additional secondary function apart from a designated primary function.

[00024] In one embodiment, the air entering the controlled intake passage travels in an upward direction whereby the flow is in a direction opposite to gravity causing particulate impurities that might have entered the cleaner assembly to be slowed down and filtered by settling at bottom portion of the air cleaner assembly eventually draining through one or more drain-plugs.

[00025] In one embodiment, the controlled inlet member comprises at least one an upward inclination defined at an inclination angle configured to change direction of flow of the air in upward direction to flow against gravity. The inclination angle is provided in the range of 15 to 75 degrees to provide the upward flow of air. In one embodiment, more than one inclination angle is provided to provide a smooth transition in change of direction.

[00026] In one embodiment, the air cleaner assembly comprises one or more intermediate inlets, which are provided with one or more controlling apertures to restrict entry of impurities into the pre-filter portion. At the same time, the one or more apertures enhance the velocity of air thereafter causing a subsequent dispersing of air in the pre-filter portion in order to reduce speed and for segregation of impurities. The air cleaner assembly is provided with plurality of drain-plugs, say at the pre-filter portion, and the post-filter portion, to take out the impurities from the air cleaner assembly.

[00027] In one embodiment, the controlled inlet member is configured to cause change in direction of flow of the air entering the air cleaner assembly whereby particulate matter and any moisture that enters through the air inlet region is accumulated on the walls of the air cleaner assembly thereby acting as another filtering level.

[00028] In one embodiment, the air cleaner assembly includes a wall portion disposed immediately adjacent to an intermediate inlet, which is configured to further restrict entry of impurities like moisture and dirt. The air reaching the wall portion gets accumulated on the wall portion due to one or more apertures provided on the intermediate inlet and the accumulated impurities/ moisture (condensed) is drained through the drain-plug. Only air gets deflected from the wall portion and reaches the filter assembly for further filtering.

[00029] In one embodiment, the filter assembly comprises of a foam filter member and a paper filter member. The paper filter member is disposed subsequent to the foam filter member. In other words, the foam filter member is disposed upstream of the paper filter member. Even in case of entry of moisture or dust into the air cleaner assembly, the foam filter member restricts the impurities from reaching the paper filter member thereby protecting the paper filter member.

[00030] In one embodiment, the controlled inlet passage defined by the controlled inlet member is provided with a tapered inlet region (with a tapered cross-section at a downstream portion thereof). Subsequent to the tapered inlet region, the air gets dispersed leading to reduction in velocity of suspended impurities causing the impurities to reach a bottom portion due to gravity.

[00031] In one embodiment, the intermediate inlet is having a first length, taken in a first direction, and the wall portion is having a second length, taken in said first direction, and the second length being substantially greater than the first length. Thus, the air entering through smaller length intermediate inlet gets slowed down by a larger length wall portion provided in the pre-filter portion where the larger wall portion acts as a restricting member for impurities and moist. Subsequently, the air gets dispersed causing impurities to accumulate at a lower portion of the air cleaner assembly for draining.

[00032] In one embodiment, the air cleaner assembly is disposed adjacent to at least one of a crankcase or a crankcase cover of a swinging type engine assembly. The air inlet region is formed due to a sandwich mounting of the controlled inlet member between a portion of the air cleaner assembly and the crankcase. Thus, the crankcase or the crankcase cover acts as a first functional component of the motor vehicle. The first functional component may vary depending on configuration of the motor vehicle and depending on position of the air cleaner assembly on the motor vehicle.

[00033] The air inlet region sandwiched between a portion of the air cleaner assembly and a first component of the motor vehicle acts as an additional filtering region with very narrow cross-section for entry of air. Subsequent to which the air passes through the controlled inlet passage define by the controlled inlet member. Thus, the first component can be at least one of a crankcase, or a crankcase cover of the engine assembly. Thus, the air inlet portion provides a narrow passage for entry of air into the air cleaner assembly restricting entry of impurities into the air cleaner assembly.

[00034] In one embodiment, the air cleaner assembly is configured with the inlet region on a side, of the air cleaner assembly that is disposed away from the wheel. For example, on an outward facing side of the air cleaner assembly. The air cleaner assembly is mounted to the engine assembly itself eliminating need for a new mounting location for the air cleaner assembly.

[00035] In one embodiment, the engine assembly is fixedly mounted to a frame assembly of the motor vehicle. In one implementation, the air cleaner assembly is disposed at a central portion of the motor vehicle and adjacent to a side panel of the motor vehicle. An air inlet region is formed by a space sandwiched between a portion of the air cleaner assembly and the side panel of the motor vehicle. In another implementation, the air cleaner assembly is disposed below a seat assembly and above a rear fender, the air inlet region is sandwiched between a portion of the air cleaner assembly and one of the seat assembly or the rear fender. [00036] In one embodiment, the air cleaner assembly is disposed in a rear compartment of the motor vehicle and the air inlet region is sandwiched between a portion of the air cleaner assembly and a rear compartment of the motor vehicle. [00037] Arrows provided in the top right comer of each figure depicts direction with respect to a motor vehicle, wherein an arrow F denotes front direction, an arrow R indicates rearward direction, an arrow Uw denotes upward direction, an arrow Dw denoted downward direction, an arrow RH denotes right side, an arrow LH denotes left side, as and where applicable.

[00038] Fig. 1 illustrates a left-side view of an exemplary motor vehicle 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The vehicle 100 includes an engine assembly 110, which is swingably supported by a frame assembly (not shown) of the motor vehicle 100. The engine assembly 110 acts as a power unit of the motor vehicle 100, wherein the power unit may also include a traction/electrical motor (not shown). The engine assembly 110 includes a crankcase 111 for supporting various functional components thereof. The engine assembly 110 is either swingably or fixedly mounted to the frame assembly through the crankcase 111. The motor vehicle 100 includes a rear wheel 120 that is functionally coupled to the engine assembly 110 through a transmission system (not shown). A pair of front forks 125 supports a front wheel 130 and is steerably supported by a head pipe (not shown) of the frame assembly. A handlebar assembly 135 is connected to the pair of front forks 125 for maneuvering the motor vehicle 100.

[00039] The motor vehicle 100 of the present embodiment includes a step-through portion 140. A seat assembly 145 is disposed rearward of the step-through portion 140 and is supported by a pair of rear tubes (not shown) of the frame assembly. A rear cover assembly 150 is disposed below the seat assembly 145 and the rear cover assembly 150 extends towards a rear portion of the motor vehicle 100. An air cleaner assembly 200 is disposed at a rear portion of the motor vehicle 100, in accordance with the present embodiment. The air cleaner assembly 200 is connected to an intake port (not shown) of the engine assembly 110. An exhaust system (not shown) is connected to the engine assembly 110 and the exhaust system is extending in a rearward direction along the length of the vehicle.

[00040] Fig. 2 illustrates a perspective view of an air cleaner assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The air cleaner assembly 200 comprises an outlet pipe 205 that gets connected to an engine assembly 110 of the motor vehicle 100, especially to an intake port. The air cleaner assembly 200 comprises a pre-filter portion 210, a post-filter portion 215, and a partition wall 220. In one embodiment, the outlet pipe 205 is disposed substantially along a lateral central plane (shown in dotted line as C-C’) of the motor vehicle 100. The inlet region 250 is disposed at a lateral offset from the lateral center C-C’ and at an outward facing side, of the air cleaner assembly 200, away from the at least one front wheel or the at least one rear wheel. The air cleaner assembly 200 comprises a controlled inlet member 225 coupled to a pre-fdter portion 210. The controlled inlet member 225 is disposed adjacent to an outer peripheral portion of the air cleaner assembly. In the depicted embodiment, the controlled inlet member 225 is disposed adjacent to a first peripheral wall 211 and a second peripheral wall 212 (shown in Fig. 3) of the pre-filter portion 210. The controlled inlet member 225, the first peripheral wall 211 and the second peripheral wall 212 are defining a controlled inlet passage 226 therebetween. Further, in one embodiment, a positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) chamber 240 is provided that gets connected to the post-filter portion 215. Further, the air cleaner assembly 200 comprises an extended portion 245 for connecting a flap 246 (shown in Fig. 3) that is used for blocking impurities. The flap 246 extends in downward direction for blocking impurities from reaching towards a front portion of the air cleaner assembly 200.

[00041] The air cleaner assembly with the controlled inlet member 225 is disposed in proximity to a first functional component (not shown) about which the air cleaner assembly 200 is supported or abutted. The air cleaner assembly 200 draws air A1 from atmosphere, preferably in same direction as a direction of motion of the motor vehicle 100. The pre-filter portion 210 is provided with a drain-plug 230 for draining any liquid (or moisture condensed to liquid) that enters the pre-filter portion 210 of the air cleaner assembly 200. Similarly, another drain-plug 231 is provided at post-filter portion 215. Further, the air cleaner assembly comprises a breather hose 232. Few of the aforementioned elements with the reference signs 230, 231, 232 are depicted in Fig. 4 (a).

[00042] Fig. 3 depicts an exploded view of air cleaner assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The post-filter portion 215 acts as a substantially central portion of the air cleaner assembly 200. The partition wall 220 acts as at least one side wall of the post-filter portion 215. The partition wall 220 is provided with an integrated casing 265 for supporting a filter assembly 270. The pre-filter portion 210 is secured to the post-filter portion 215 through plurality of fasteners. The partition wall 220 is provided with passage(s) (not shown) to enable communication between the pre-filter portion 210 and the post-filter portion 215. For example, the passage(s) can be apertures or holes provided subsequent to the filter assembly 270. The filter assembly 270 may be disposed substantially along one of a lateral direction RH-LH, a longitudinal direction F-R, and at an angle with respect to the lateral direction RH-LH and the longitudinal direction F-R. The filter assembly 270, in the present embodiment, protrudes substantially into the pre-filter portion 210. The pre-filter portion 210 also shares the partition wall 220 to form a pre-filter volume. For brevity, member forming the pre-filter portion 210 itself is marked as the pre-filter portion 210. In one embodiment, the controlled inlet member 225 is mounted to the pre-filter portion 210 and is provided with an air entry A1 in a direction of motion of the motor vehicle 100. In the depicted embodiment, the air A1 entry into the air cleaner assembly 200 is provided in a direction F of motion of the motor vehicle 100. For example, the motor vehicle is, typically, operated in forward direction F and the air A1 enters into the air cleaner assembly 200 in a forward direction from a rearward opening. The entry of impurities into the air cleaner assembly 200 is drastically reduced when compared to an air inlet provided such that air enters substantially in a direction opposite to direction of motion of the motor vehicle. Further, the controlled inlet member 225 can be selectively secured to one of the pre-filter portion 210 and the post-filter portion 215 or both. The controlled inlet member 225 is independently detachable from the pre-filter portion 210. In another embodiment, the controlled inlet member 225 is detachable along with the pre-filter portion 210.

[00043] The pre-filter portion 210 comprises a first intermediate inlet 255, wherein the air A 1 entering the air cleaner in a controlled manner enters the pre-filter portion 210 through the first intermediate inlet 255. Further, a second intermediate inlet 260 is provided for entry of air into the pre-filter portion 210. In one embodiment, the second intermediate inlet 260 is capable of providing a controlled entry of the air into the pre-filter portion 210. Subsequently, air enters through the filter assembly 270 and enters the post-filter portion 215. Further, the outlet pipe 205 extends into the post-filter portion 215 and an outward extending end of the outlet pipe 205 gets connected to a carburettor or a throttle body (not shown) for regulated flow of air into the engine assembly 110 or other aggregate systems of the vehicle.

[00044] In one embodiment, the air cleaner assembly 200 comprises a PCV chamber 240 that is connected to the post-filter portion 215. The PCV chamber 240 is provided with an inlet port 241. The inlet port 241 is connected to a portion of the engine assembly 110. For example, a hose may be used to connect a crankcase or cylinder-head cover to the inlet port 241 for venting of oil vapours from the engine assembly 110 to the PCV chamber 240. Further, the oil vapours reaching the PCV chamber 240 get condensed whereby oil will be drained from the PCV chamber 240 and any uncondensed oil vapours and air will be sent to the post-filter portion 215. Thus, any oil vapours and similar emission from the engine assembly 110 will be sent back to the engine assembly 110 for combustion.

[00045] Fig. 4 (a) depicts a schematic sectional -view of an air-cleaner assembly, section taken along axis X-X’ as shown in Fig. 2, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. Fig. 4 (b) depicts another schematic sectional-view, section taken along axis Y-Y’ as shown in Fig. 2, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. Fig. 5 depicts a schematic sectional view of the air cleaner assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The controlled inlet member 225 is coupled to one of the pre-filter portion 210 and the post-filter portion 215 of the air cleaner assembly 225. The controlled inlet member 225 abuts one or more peripheral walls 211, 212 that form an outer peripheral portion of the air cleaner assembly 200. A first peripheral wall 211 extends along a downward portion of the pre-filter portion 210 (as depicted) and a second peripheral wall 212 extends substantially along a vertically disposed portion of the pre-filter portion 210. The air A1 from atmosphere enters the air cleaner assembly 200 through inlet formed by the controlled air inlet 225, which is preferably provided such that entry of air into the air cleaner assembly 200 is in a direction other than a direction of flow of air onto the motor vehicle 100. Since the direction of entry of air into cleaner assembly is other than a direction of flow of air onto to the motor vehicle 100 (during forward motion), the entry of impurities into the air cleaner assembly is reduced.

[00046] Furthermore, the air inlet region 250 of the air cleaner assembly 200 is provided such that the air inlet region 250 is sandwiched between a portion of the air cleaner assembly 200 and a portion of a first functional component of the motor vehicle 100 thereby forming a preliminary controlled passage for entry of air even before the controlled air passage 226 thereby effectively restricting entry of impurities. In one embodiment, the controlled inlet member 225 is configured to forming the controlled intake passage and also it is configured to change direction of entry of air into the air cleaner assembly 200. The controlled inlet member 225 is retrofittable onto an existing air cleaner assembly and the controlled inlet member 225, in one embodiment, is sandwiched between a portion of the air cleaner assembly and a functional component of the motor vehicle 100. For example, in one embodiment, the first functional component of the motor vehicle can be a crankcase of the engine assembly 110. The first functional component is not limited to crankcase and may include any functional component of the motor vehicle 100 that is disposed in proximity to the air cleaner assembly.

[00047] Air A 1 entering the air cleaner assembly 200 in a controlled manner passes through the controlled air inlet 225. The air A2 passing through the controlled air inlet 225 travels in an upward direction, in the present embodiment, whereby the flow is in a direction opposite to gravity whereby heavy particulate impurities that might have entered would be restricted from entering further. For example, as shown in Fig. 4 (b), the controlled inlet member 225 provides at least an upward inclination defined at inclination angle(s) a, b, wherein the direction of air flow in in an upward direction flowing against gravity. The inclination angles a, b is taken with reference to an imaginary plane being parallel to the inlet region 250 and inclination angles a, b is provided in the range of 15 to 75 degrees to provide the upward flow of air, in accordance with the present embodiment.

[00048] Subsequently, the air A2 enters the intermediate inlet 255, which is provided with another controlled opening/ controlling aperture 256. The air A2, in accordance with the current embodiment, experiences a change in direction of flow. Due to the change in direction of flow, the air A3 hits the walls of the intermediate inlet 255 whereby further particulate matter is filtered and any moisture that enters is accumulated on the walls of the intermediate inlet 255 thereby acting as another level of filtering. The air A3 passes through a second intermediate inlet 260 to enter into the pre-filter portion 210. Thus, the air A1 by time it reaches the pre-filter portion 210 undergoes multiple levels of control and filtering. Further, in one embodiment, a second intermediate inlet 260 is provided with controlling apertures 261, 262 for controlled flow of the air A3.

[00049] Immediately adjacent to the second intermediate inlet 260 a wall portion 266 that is part of the integrated casing 265 is provided, which further is configured to restrict entry of impurities like moisture and dirt. The air A3 reaching the wall portion 266 accumulates any particulate matter and moisture that would flow/ pass along the wall portion 266 to a lower portion and then subsequently drained through the drain-plug 230. The air A3 is further deflected by the wall portion 266 and enters the filter assembly 270 in a lateral direction, in accordance with the present embodiment.

[00050] Thus, the air cleaner assembly 200 comprises the first intermediate inlet 255 disposed at a downstream portion of a controlled intake passage 226 and the second intermediate inlet 260 disposed subsequent to the first intermediate inlet (255). At least one of the first intermediate inlet 255 and the second intermediate inlet 260 is provided with one or more controlling apertures 256, 261, 262 to regulate the flow of air. The controlling apertures 256, 261, 262 acts as a filter to restrict entry of impurities and also enhancing the velocity of the air passing therethrough. Afterwards, the air gets dispersed in the subsequent chamber, say reduction in velocity due to dispersing of air thereby causing gravity to act on the suspended particulate impurities.

[00051] Further, as shown in Fig. 4 (a), the filter assembly 270 comprises of a foam filter member 271 and a paper filter member 272. The paper filter member 272 is disposed subsequent to the foam filter member 271. Therefore, the two-level of filter assembly 270 acts as additional level of filter for dirt even if the motor vehicle 100 is operated on roads with dust or when taken for off-roading. Even in case of entry of moist or dust into the air cleaner assembly 200, the foam filter member 271 restricts the impurities from reaching the paper filter member 272. Further, in one embodiment, the air cleaner assembly 200 is provided with a dummy plug 209 for connecting a drain hose of a carburettor or a throttle body etc. Further, the post- filter portion 215 is provided with one or more rib members 219 for acting as a reinforcing member for structural integrity to support the PCV chamber 240, the filter assembly 270, the pre-filter portion 210 and other functional components of the air cleaner assembly 200.

[00052] Further, the controlled inlet passage 226 defined by the inlet member provides a tapered inlet region 227 with a tapered cross-section at a downstream portion thereof. A first width W1 at the tapered inlet region 227 of the controlled inlet passage 226 is substantially smaller than a second width W2 taken at a downstream portion, taken before the first intermediate inlet 255. The controlled inlet passage 226 comprise a tapered profile at the tapered inlet region 226 and thereafter extending cross-section defined by the controlled inlet passage 226 is configured for reduction in velocity of the air A1 entering thereby reducing velocity of suspended impurities causing the impurities to reach a bottom portion due to gravity.

[00053] Subsequently, air passes through the second intermediate inlet 260, which is having a first length LI (taken in first direction), entering the pre-filter portion 210. The first direction includes a vertical direction Uw-Dw. Immediate to the second intermediate inlet 260, the wall portion 266 is provided with a second length L2 that is substantially greater than the first length LI. Thus, the air entering the pre-filter portion 210 gets dispersed in the pre-filter portion 210 thereby causing spreading over of the air. This reduces velocity of the air entering the pre-filter portion 210 thereby reducing velocity of impurities suspended in the air eventually draining the impurities through the drain-plug(s). Further, the suspended impurities in the air hit the wall portion 266 thereby causing accumulation of particles on wall portion 266 that reach the bottom portion in the pre-filter portion 210 thereafter being drained through the drain-plug(s). In one embodiment, the second length L2 is at least 1.5 times of the first length LI in order to provide the larger wall portion to obstruct impurities in the air that gets dispersed in the pre-filter portion 210. [00054] Further, referring to Fig. 5, the air cleaner assembly 200 is disposed adjacent to a functional component of the motor vehicle 100. Shown in Fig. 5 is a schematic view of a crankcase 111 and the air cleaner assembly 200 is disposed to abut the crankcase 111. In the current embodiment, the controlled inlet member 225 is provided such that an air inlet region 250 is formed due to a sandwich between a portion of the air cleaner assembly 200 and the crankcase 111, wherein the crankcase is a first functional component of the motor vehicle disposed in proximity to the air cleaner assembly. The first functional component may vary depending on configuration of the motor vehicle and depending on position of the air cleaner assembly 200 on the motor vehicle 100.

[00055] Fig. 6 (a) depicts a perspective view of a controlled inlet member, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. Fig. 6 (b) depicts another perspective view of a controlled inlet member, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The controlled inlet member 225 can be configured to be retrofittable to an existing air cleaner assembly. The controlled inlet member 225 is configured to providing an inlet region to the air cleaner assembly such that the direction of entry of air thereinto is changed to reduce the impurities. In one embodiment, the pre-filter portion comprising the controlled inlet member 225 is configured to regulate entry of air into the air cleaner assembly. [00056] The controlled inlet member 225 forms at least a partially conveying structure for forming a passage for entry of air into the air cleaner assembly. In the depicted embodiment, the controlled inlet member 225 comprises one or more complementary walls 290, 291 for forming controlled intake passage 226. The one or more walls 290 are configured to be disposed adjacent to one or more peripheral walls 211, 212 that form an outer peripheral portion of the air cleaner assembly 200 thereby defining the controlled inlet passage 226. Further, the controlled inlet member 225 is provided with an access aperture 292 provided on the complementary walls 290, 291 and a sealing member 293 for the access aperture 292. In one embodiment, the sealing member 293 is detachably attached. The controlled inlet member 225 is configured to use existing mounting portion on the air cleaner assembly 200. The controlled inlet member 225 is provided with fastening portions 294, 295, 296 for securing the controlled inlet member 225 to the partition wall 220 (as shown in Fig. 3) of the air cleaner assembly 200. The controlled inlet member comprises a curved portion 297 to enable accessing of a fastener (not shown) through the access aperture 292. The access portion 292 is configured to accessing any fasteners that are hidden by the controlled inlet member 225.

[00057] Fig. 7 illustrates a side view of selected parts of a motor vehicle along with an air cleaner assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The engine assembly 110 comprises a crankcase 111 and a crankcase cover l l lC is mounted to a lateral side of the crankcase 111. A cylinder block 112 is mounted to the crankcase 111 and a cylinder head 113 is mounted to the cylinder block 112. A regulating member 115 like a carburettor or a throttle body is connected to the cylinder head 113. The air cleaner assembly 200 is connected to the regulating member 115. The air cleaner assembly 200 disposed in proximity to a first functional component defining an inlet region 250, and the air cleaner is sandwiched between a first functional component, like the crankcase 111 and the crankcase cover 111C, and a portion of the air cleaner assembly 200 to provide a controlled flow of air in addition to the controlled inlet passage 226 defined by the controlled inlet member 225. Further, the controlled inlet member 225 of the air cleaner assembly 200 provides a direction of entry of the air A1 into the air cleaner, wherein the direction is same as direction of movement of the motor vehicle 100 in a forward direction. [00058] The air cleaner assembly 200 provides the inlet region 250 on a side, of the air cleaner assembly 200, that is disposed away from the rear wheel 120 (in the present embodiment) of the motor vehicle. The air cleaner assembly 200 is mounted to the engine assembly 110 itself eliminating need for a new mounting location for the air cleaner assembly.

[00059] It is to be understood that the aspects of the embodiments are not necessarily limited to the features described herein. 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.

List of reference numerals:

100 motor vehicle 232 breather hose

110 engine assembly 30 240 positive crankcase

111 crankcase ventilation (PCV) chamber l l lC crankcase cover 241 inlet port

112 cylinder block 245 extended portion

113 cylinder head 246 flap

115 regulating member 35 250 air inlet region 120 rear wheel 255 first intermediate inlet 125 front forks 256 controlled opening

130 front wheel 260 second intermediate inlet

135 handlebar assembly 261/262 controlling aperture 140 step-through portion 40 265 integrated casing 145 seat assembly 266 wall portion 150 rear cover assembly 270 filter assembly

200 air cleaner assembly 271 foam filter member 205 outlet pipe 272 paper filter member

209 dummy plug 45 290/ 291 complementary

210 pre-filter portion walls 211/ 212 peripheral wall 292 access aperture

(outer peripheral portion) 293 sealing member

215 post-filter portion 294/295/296 fastening portion

219 rib member(s) 50 297 curvature

220 partition wall W 1 first width 225 controlled inlet member W2 second width

226 controlled inlet passage LI first length

227 tapered inlet region L2 second length

230/231 drain-plug 55 a/ b inclination angles

Claims

We Claim:

1. An air cleaner assembly (200) for a motor vehicle (100), said air cleaner assembly (200) comprising: a pre-filter portion (210); a post-filter portion (215); a partition wall (220) configured to support a filter assembly (270), said partition wall (220) separating said pre-filter portion (210) and said post-filter portion (215); and a controlled inlet member (225); said controlled inlet member (225) disposed adjacent to an outer peripheral portion (211, 212) of said pre-filter portion (210) defining a controlled inlet passage (226) therebetween.

2. The air cleaner assembly (200) for the motor vehicle ( 100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said controlled inlet member (225) coupled to one of said pre-filter portion (210) and said post-filter portion (215) of the air cleaner assembly (225), and said controlled inlet member (225) abuts to one or more peripheral wall (211, 212) forming said outer peripheral portion (211, 212) of the air cleaner assembly (200).

3. The air cleaner assembly (200) for the motor vehicle ( 100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said controlled inlet member (225) defines a controlled intake passage (226) and said controlled intake passage (226) comprises an upward inclination disposed at an inclination angle(s) (a, b), wherein said inclination angle(s) is in the range of 15-75 degrees.

4. The air cleaner assembly (200) for the motor vehicle ( 100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said air cleaner assembly (200) comprises a first intermediate inlet (255) disposed at a downstream portion of a controlled intake passage (226) and a second intermediate inlet (260) disposed subsequent to said first intermediate inlet (255), and at least one of said first intermediate inlet (255) and said second intermediate inlet (260) is provided with one or more controlling apertures (256, 261, 262).

5. The air cleaner assembly (200) for the motor vehicle ( 100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein said second intermediate inlet (260) comprises a first length (LI), taken in a first direction (Uw-Dw), being smaller than a second length (L2) of a wall portion (266), said wall portion (266) disposed in a pre-filter portion (210) of said air cleaner assembly (200) and is disposed subsequent to said second intermediate inlet (260).

6. The air cleaner assembly (200) for the motor vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said filter assembly (270) comprises a foam filter member (271) and a paper filter member (272), and said foam filter member (271) being disposed upstream of said paper filter member (272).

7. The air cleaner assembly (200) for the motor vehicle ( 100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said air cleaner assembly (200) comprises of a tapered inlet region (227) with a tapered cross-section at a downstream portion of an controlled intake passage (226) defined by a controlled inlet member (225), said tapered inlet region (227) comprises a first width (Wl) being substantially smaller than a second width (W2) taken at a downstream portion of the controlled intake passage (226).

8. The air cleaner assembly (200) for the motor vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said air cleaner assembly (200) is mounted to said motor vehicle (100), said motor vehicle (100) comprising a first functional component (111, 11C) disposed in proximity to said air first cleaner assembly (200)said controlled inlet member (225) disposed to abut a portion of said first functional component (111) defining an air inlet region (265) therebetween.

9. The air cleaner assembly (200) for the motor vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein said controlled inlet member (225) is configured to change inlet of air into the air cleaner assembly (200) in a direction other than a direction opposite to a direction (F) of forward motion of the motor vehicle (100).

10. The air cleaner assembly (200) for the motor vehicle (100) as claimed in claim

8, wherein said first functional component is an engine assembly (110), and said air cleaner assembly (200) is mounted above one of a crankcase (111) and a crankcase cover (111C) of said engine assembly (110).

11. The air cleaner assembly (200) for the motor vehicle (100) as claimed in claim

8, wherein said air cleaner assembly is mounted to a frame assembly and said first functional component includes at least one of a side panel, a rear fender, a seat assembly, an engine cabin portion, and a fuel tank of said motor vehicle.

12. A controlled inlet member (225) for an air cleaner assembly (200), said controlled inlet member (225) comprising: one or more complementary walls (290, 291); said one or more complementary walls (290, 291) configured to be disposed adjacent to an outer peripheral portion (211, 212) of said air cleaner assembly (200) defining a controlled inlet passage (226) therebetween.

13. The controlled inlet member (225) for the air cleaner assembly (200) as claimed in claim 12, wherein said one or complementary more walls (290, 291) comprises an access aperture (292) and a sealing member (293) is detachably- attached at the access aperture (292).