EP4127445A1 - Ensemble épurateur d'air - Google Patents

Ensemble épurateur d'air

Info

Publication number
EP4127445A1
EP4127445A1 EP21727593.2A EP21727593A EP4127445A1 EP 4127445 A1 EP4127445 A1 EP 4127445A1 EP 21727593 A EP21727593 A EP 21727593A EP 4127445 A1 EP4127445 A1 EP 4127445A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
air cleaner
cleaner assembly
assembly
motor vehicle
air
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP21727593.2A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Adiga Vijaya Bhaskar
Annamalai Muthuraja
Thirumal Joghee
Mani Boobalan
Sridhar Balaguru
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
TVS Motor Co Ltd
Original Assignee
TVS Motor Co Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by TVS Motor Co Ltd filed Critical TVS Motor Co Ltd
Publication of EP4127445A1 publication Critical patent/EP4127445A1/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02M—SUPPLYING COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL WITH COMBUSTIBLE MIXTURES OR CONSTITUENTS THEREOF
    • F02M35/00—Combustion-air cleaners, air intakes, intake silencers, or induction systems specially adapted for, or arranged on, internal-combustion engines
    • F02M35/02—Air cleaners
    • F02M35/0201—Housings; Casings; Frame constructions; Lids; Manufacturing or assembling thereof
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02M—SUPPLYING COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL WITH COMBUSTIBLE MIXTURES OR CONSTITUENTS THEREOF
    • F02M35/00—Combustion-air cleaners, air intakes, intake silencers, or induction systems specially adapted for, or arranged on, internal-combustion engines
    • F02M35/02—Air cleaners
    • F02M35/024—Air cleaners using filters, e.g. moistened
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02M—SUPPLYING COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL WITH COMBUSTIBLE MIXTURES OR CONSTITUENTS THEREOF
    • F02M35/00—Combustion-air cleaners, air intakes, intake silencers, or induction systems specially adapted for, or arranged on, internal-combustion engines
    • F02M35/02—Air cleaners
    • F02M35/024—Air cleaners using filters, e.g. moistened
    • F02M35/02475—Air cleaners using filters, e.g. moistened characterised by the shape of the filter element
    • F02M35/02491—Flat filter elements, e.g. rectangular
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02M—SUPPLYING COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL WITH COMBUSTIBLE MIXTURES OR CONSTITUENTS THEREOF
    • F02M35/00—Combustion-air cleaners, air intakes, intake silencers, or induction systems specially adapted for, or arranged on, internal-combustion engines
    • F02M35/02—Air cleaners
    • F02M35/04—Air cleaners specially arranged with respect to engine, to intake system or specially adapted to vehicle; Mounting thereon ; Combinations with other devices
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02M—SUPPLYING COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL WITH COMBUSTIBLE MIXTURES OR CONSTITUENTS THEREOF
    • F02M35/00—Combustion-air cleaners, air intakes, intake silencers, or induction systems specially adapted for, or arranged on, internal-combustion engines
    • F02M35/02—Air cleaners
    • F02M35/04—Air cleaners specially arranged with respect to engine, to intake system or specially adapted to vehicle; Mounting thereon ; Combinations with other devices
    • F02M35/048—Arranging or mounting on or with respect to engines or vehicle bodies
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02M—SUPPLYING COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL WITH COMBUSTIBLE MIXTURES OR CONSTITUENTS THEREOF
    • F02M35/00—Combustion-air cleaners, air intakes, intake silencers, or induction systems specially adapted for, or arranged on, internal-combustion engines
    • F02M35/02—Air cleaners
    • F02M35/08—Air cleaners with means for removing dust, particles or liquids from cleaners; with means for indicating clogging; with by-pass means; Regeneration of cleaners
    • F02M35/088—Water, snow or ice proofing; Separation or drainage of water, snow or ice
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02M—SUPPLYING COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL WITH COMBUSTIBLE MIXTURES OR CONSTITUENTS THEREOF
    • F02M35/00—Combustion-air cleaners, air intakes, intake silencers, or induction systems specially adapted for, or arranged on, internal-combustion engines
    • F02M35/10—Air intakes; Induction systems
    • F02M35/10006—Air intakes; Induction systems characterised by the position of elements of the air intake system in direction of the air intake flow, i.e. between ambient air inlet and supply to the combustion chamber
    • F02M35/10013—Means upstream of the air filter; Connection to the ambient air
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02M—SUPPLYING COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL WITH COMBUSTIBLE MIXTURES OR CONSTITUENTS THEREOF
    • F02M35/00—Combustion-air cleaners, air intakes, intake silencers, or induction systems specially adapted for, or arranged on, internal-combustion engines
    • F02M35/10—Air intakes; Induction systems
    • F02M35/10242—Devices or means connected to or integrated into air intakes; Air intakes combined with other engine or vehicle parts
    • F02M35/10262—Flow guides, obstructions, deflectors or the like
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02M—SUPPLYING COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL WITH COMBUSTIBLE MIXTURES OR CONSTITUENTS THEREOF
    • F02M35/00—Combustion-air cleaners, air intakes, intake silencers, or induction systems specially adapted for, or arranged on, internal-combustion engines
    • F02M35/16—Combustion-air cleaners, air intakes, intake silencers, or induction systems specially adapted for, or arranged on, internal-combustion engines characterised by use in vehicles
    • F02M35/162—Motorcycles; All-terrain vehicles, e.g. quads, snowmobiles; Small vehicles, e.g. forklifts
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02M—SUPPLYING COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL WITH COMBUSTIBLE MIXTURES OR CONSTITUENTS THEREOF
    • F02M35/00—Combustion-air cleaners, air intakes, intake silencers, or induction systems specially adapted for, or arranged on, internal-combustion engines
    • F02M35/02—Air cleaners
    • F02M35/0212—Multiple cleaners
    • F02M35/0216—Multiple cleaners arranged in series, e.g. pre- and main filter in series
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02M—SUPPLYING COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL WITH COMBUSTIBLE MIXTURES OR CONSTITUENTS THEREOF
    • F02M35/00—Combustion-air cleaners, air intakes, intake silencers, or induction systems specially adapted for, or arranged on, internal-combustion engines
    • F02M35/02—Air cleaners
    • F02M35/024—Air cleaners using filters, e.g. moistened
    • F02M35/02441—Materials or structure of filter elements, e.g. foams
    • F02M35/0245—Pleated, folded, corrugated filter elements, e.g. made of paper
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02M—SUPPLYING COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL WITH COMBUSTIBLE MIXTURES OR CONSTITUENTS THEREOF
    • F02M35/00—Combustion-air cleaners, air intakes, intake silencers, or induction systems specially adapted for, or arranged on, internal-combustion engines
    • F02M35/02—Air cleaners
    • F02M35/024—Air cleaners using filters, e.g. moistened
    • F02M35/02441—Materials or structure of filter elements, e.g. foams
    • F02M35/02466—Meshes; Grids; Perforated plates
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02T—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO TRANSPORTATION
    • Y02T10/00—Road transport of goods or passengers
    • Y02T10/10—Internal combustion engine [ICE] based vehicles
    • Y02T10/12—Improving ICE efficiencies

Definitions

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Fig. 1 illustrates a left-side view of an exemplary motor vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
  • Fig. 2 illustrates a perspective view of an air cleaner assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates a partial exploded view of the air cleaner assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
  • FIG. 4 (a) illustrates a schematic sectional view of an air cleaner assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
  • FIG. 4 (b) illustrates another schematic sectional view of an air cleaner assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
  • FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic view of an air cleaner assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • impurities or foreign particles are 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.
  • the filtered impurities/ foreign particles that are filtered by the filter element tend to get accumulated thereon.
  • the impurities or foreign particles 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.
  • 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.
  • a layer of impurities may still be formed whereby the sponge also requires frequent cleaning and / or replacement.
  • the power unit is disposed in proximity to the at least one front wheel or to the at least one rear wheel.
  • 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) .
  • the air cleaner is disposed in a front portion of the motor vehicle and rearward to the at least one front wheel.
  • the air cleaner is disposed in a rear portion of the motor vehicle.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • servicing of individual systems also becomes a challenge as maintenance of one system may require disturbing another system/ functional component, which is not desired.
  • 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).
  • length of the intake pipe connecting the air cleaner to the power unit becomes longer, which increases cost.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the present subject matter provides a cost- effective solution without any changes to layout of the motor vehicle.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the present subject matter is configured to be retro-fittable to an existing air cleaner assembly.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the intermediate inlet is having a first length, taken in a first direction
  • the wall portion is having a second length, taken in said first direction, and the second length being substantially greater than the first length.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the first component can be at least one of a crankcase, or a crankcase cover of the engine assembly.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the engine assembly is fixedly mounted to a frame assembly of the motor vehicle.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • a positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) chamber 240 is provided that gets connected to the post-filter portion 215.
  • PCV positive crankcase ventilation
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • another drain-plug 231 is provided at post-filter portion 215.
  • 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).
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • member forming the pre-filter portion 210 itself is marked as the pre-filter portion 210.
  • 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.
  • the air A1 entry into the air cleaner assembly 200 is provided in a direction F of motion of the motor vehicle 100.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • any oil vapours and similar emission from the engine assembly 110 will be sent back to the engine assembly 110 for combustion.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • a second intermediate inlet 260 is provided with controlling apertures 261, 262 for controlled flow of the air A3.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the wall portion 266 is provided with a second length L2 that is substantially greater than the first length LI.
  • 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).
  • 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).
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the pre-filter portion comprising the controlled inlet member 225 is configured to regulate entry of air into the air cleaner assembly.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • crankcase ventilation (PCV) chamber l l lC crankcase cover 241 inlet port

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Filtering Of Dispersed Particles In Gases (AREA)
  • Air-Conditioning For Vehicles (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un ensemble épurateur d'air (200) utilisé dans des applications telles qu'un véhicule à moteur (100). L'ensemble épurateur d'air (200) comprend une paroi de séparation (220) conçue pour porter un ensemble filtre (270), la paroi de séparation (220) séparant une partie pré-filtre (210) d'une partie post-filtre (215). Un élément d'entrée commandé (225) est disposé adjacent à une partie périphérique externe (211, 212) de la partie pré-filtre (210), définissant un passage d'entrée commandé (226) entre les deux. L'ensemble épurateur d'air (200) est retenu au niveau d'une position existante du véhicule à moteur (100), et réduit en même temps l'entrée d'impuretés vers l'ensemble épurateur d'air (200).
EP21727593.2A 2020-03-26 2021-03-16 Ensemble épurateur d'air Withdrawn EP4127445A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
IN202041013369 2020-03-26
PCT/IN2021/050269 WO2021191922A1 (fr) 2020-03-26 2021-03-16 Ensemble épurateur d'air

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP4127445A1 true EP4127445A1 (fr) 2023-02-08

Family

ID=76076400

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP21727593.2A Withdrawn EP4127445A1 (fr) 2020-03-26 2021-03-16 Ensemble épurateur d'air

Country Status (5)

Country Link
EP (1) EP4127445A1 (fr)
CN (1) CN115315574A (fr)
BR (1) BR112022019372A2 (fr)
MX (1) MX2022010808A (fr)
WO (1) WO2021191922A1 (fr)

Family Cites Families (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP4249345B2 (ja) * 1999-08-31 2009-04-02 ヤマハ発動機株式会社 スクータ型自動二輪車用エアクリーナ
ES2259493B1 (es) * 2002-09-26 2007-10-01 Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Estructuras de filtro de aire y admision de aire para vehiculo de cubierta baja.
JP4341905B2 (ja) * 2003-09-12 2009-10-14 ヤマハ発動機株式会社 スクータ型自動二輸車の吸気装置
JP5484835B2 (ja) * 2009-09-02 2014-05-07 本田技研工業株式会社 鞍乗り型車両の吸気構造
JP5934287B2 (ja) * 2014-06-05 2016-06-15 本田技研工業株式会社 鞍乗型車両のエアクリーナ装置
ITUB20150542A1 (it) * 2015-04-15 2016-10-16 Piaggio & C Spa Struttura di presa d'aria per un motore motociclistico
JP6613092B2 (ja) * 2015-09-28 2019-11-27 川崎重工業株式会社 鞍乗型車両
JP6235634B2 (ja) * 2016-02-22 2017-11-22 本田技研工業株式会社 鞍乗り型車両におけるエアクリーナ構造
CN109026459B (zh) * 2017-06-08 2022-08-16 Tvs电机股份有限公司 用于两轮车辆的空气滤清器组件
JP6997662B2 (ja) * 2018-03-28 2022-01-17 本田技研工業株式会社 鞍乗型車両の吸気部構造

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
MX2022010808A (es) 2022-09-27
WO2021191922A1 (fr) 2021-09-30
BR112022019372A2 (pt) 2022-11-16
CN115315574A (zh) 2022-11-08

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