JP5418380B2 - Air cleaner - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an air cleaner that is mounted on a vehicle and filters and exhausts air that is taken in, and more particularly to an air cleaner that prevents an obstacle such as snow from staying inside.

  In general, when a vehicle travels in a snowfall state, obstacles such as snow and hail flow into the air cleaner together with air. If such an obstacle stays in the air cleaner, the flow of air in the air cleaner is lowered, and there is a possibility that a necessary amount of air is not supplied to the engine. Conventionally, an air cleaner having a structure that makes it difficult to be affected by an obstacle staying inside and a structure that makes it difficult for an obstacle to stay inside has been proposed.

Conventionally, an air cleaner of this type includes a main filter element, a first intake port for sucking outside air, and a supply port for supplying the sucked air to the engine, and a case for housing the main filter element. It is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
In this air cleaner, the case has an intake side space defined by the main filter element and the case, and a supply side space defined by the main filter element and the case, and the sub filter element is disposed in the intake side space. The intake side space is defined as a main space and a sub space, and a second intake port for sucking outside air is provided in the sub space.

  This air cleaner filters the obstacles such as snow in advance by the sub filter element in the intake side space, supplies air without obstacles to the main filter element, and the obstacles such as snow adheres to the main filter element. The main filter element is prevented from being clogged.

  In this air cleaner, even if an obstacle such as snow stays in the main space of the intake side space, outside air is sucked from the second intake port into the subspace provided in the intake side space. become. As a result, the air supplied from the subspace is filtered by the main filter element and supplied to the engine, and good output characteristics of the engine are maintained.

JP 2008-232111 A

  However, the conventional air cleaner as described above has a sub-filter element in addition to the main filter element, and this sub-filter element defines the intake-side space into a main space and a sub-space. Is complicated and the manufacturing cost is high.

  In addition, the conventional air cleaner does not consider a structure that makes it difficult for obstacles to stay inside.Therefore, obstacles such as snow and hail, along with air, are in the main space defined in the intake side space. It flows in and stays. If an obstacle stays in the main space, air is supplied through the subspace defined in the intake side space, so that there is a possibility that a necessary amount of air cannot be obtained depending on the operation state.

  Further, since air passes through the main filter element through the subspace, there is a problem that obstacles flowing into the subspace may adhere to the main filter element and gradually accumulate to cause clogging. Due to such clogging, there is a problem that the amount of air supply required by the engine is insufficient, the necessary power of the engine cannot be obtained, and the fuel consumption is deteriorated.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described conventional problems, and it is possible to suppress the accumulation of obstacles such as snow entering the inside with a simple structure, and the air required by the engine. It is an object of the present invention to provide an air cleaner that can ensure supply of an amount.

In order to solve the above problems, an air cleaner according to the present invention includes (1) an intake side case having an intake port for sucking air and an intake side space for retaining the air, an exhaust port for discharging the air, and the air. An air cleaner comprising: an exhaust side case having an exhaust side space to be retained; and a filter element that is held between the intake side case and the exhaust side case and filters the sucked air. The inner wall surface portion and a shelf-like protruding portion formed on the inner wall surface portion so as to protrude from the inner wall surface portion into the intake side space and to have a gap between the filter element and the gap. communication hole for communicating the air passage and the outside air consisting are formed on the inner wall surface portion, the inner wall portion, the first side wall and the adjacent A first support portion having a side wall, wherein the shelf-like protrusion is formed at a corner portion defined by the first side wall and the second side wall, and is supported by the first side wall; A second support portion supported by two side walls, wherein the communication hole includes a first communication hole formed in the first support portion and a second communication hole formed in the second support portion. It is characterized by having .

  With this configuration, a differential pressure (MPa) is generated between the pressure (MPa) of the air staying in the intake side space and the atmospheric pressure (MPa). For example, when the air cleaner according to the present invention is mounted, the vehicle is When traveling, dynamic pressure (MPa) due to the flow of air flowing into the intake side space acts, and the differential pressure further increases.

  In the air cleaner according to the present invention, even if snow is mixed in the sucked air due to the action of such differential pressure, the air is defined between the filter element and the shelf-like protruding portion. Can be discharged from. On the other hand, even if air is exhausted from the communication hole, a necessary amount of air is supplied to the engine through the filter element, so that an appropriate output characteristic of the engine is maintained.

  Even if snow-containing air continuously flows into the intake side space, the communication hole is not blocked by snow but passes through the air passage and is discharged from the communication hole to the atmosphere. As a result, the accumulation of snow in the intake side space is suppressed, and the adhesion to the surface of the filter element is suppressed. Therefore, even if air containing snow continuously flows into the intake side space, the proper output characteristics of the engine are maintained.

  Even if the snowfall condition deteriorates and a large amount of snow is mixed in the air, even if a large amount of snow flows into the intake side space and the intake side space is filled with snow, air is sucked from the communication hole and The filtered air can be supplied to the engine through the filter element.

  Even in such a bad snowfall state, supply of the air amount required by the engine is ensured, which can contribute to excellent vehicle driving performance.

  In addition, the air cleaner according to the present invention has a simple structure in which a shelf-like protrusion and a communication hole are formed in the intake side case, and in the bad weather such as a snowfall state, an obstacle such as snow entering the inside accumulates. It is suppressed and the supply of the amount of air required by the engine is ensured. That is, when the intake side case is formed, for example, by integrally molding plastic, it is not particularly necessary to provide a step of separately forming the shelf-like protrusion and the communication hole. As a result, the manufacturing cost does not increase and the effect is realized with an inexpensive structure.

With this configuration, the shelf-like protruding portion is formed in the corner portion, the communication hole has the first communication hole formed in the first support portion, and the second communication hole formed in the second support portion. A larger amount of obstacles such as snow is discharged from the communication hole than in the case of a single communication hole in the shelf-like protrusion formed on the surface. Further, even if snow continuously flows into the intake side space, the communication hole is more reliably prevented from being blocked by snow, and is discharged from the communication hole through the air passage to the atmosphere.

As a result, it is possible to more reliably suppress the accumulation of snow in the intake side space and more reliably suppress the adhesion to the surface of the filter element. Therefore, even if air containing snow continuously flows into the intake side space, the proper output characteristics of the engine are maintained.

In the air cleaner according to the above (1), (2) the inner wall surface portion includes an intake port forming wall in which the intake port is formed and an intake port non-formed wall in which the intake port is not formed, and the shelf The protruding portion and the communication hole are formed in the intake port non-forming wall.

With this configuration, when the shelf-like projecting portion and the communication hole are formed on the intake port non-forming wall, when air flows into the intake side space from the intake port of the intake side case, it flows in the intake side space. The dynamic pressure of the air acts directly on the shelf-like protrusion and the communication hole, and is exhausted vigorously through the communication hole from the air passage defined by the shelf-like protrusion. As a result, it is possible to more reliably suppress the accumulation of snow in the intake side space and more reliably suppress the adhesion to the surface of the filter element. Therefore, even if air containing snow continuously flows into the intake side space, the proper output characteristics of the engine are maintained.

In the air cleaner according to (1) or (2) , (3) at least one of the first communication hole and the second communication hole is formed by a pair of rectangular slits. To do.
With this configuration, when at least one of the first communication hole and the second communication hole is formed by a pair of rectangular slits, a larger amount of obstacles such as snow can be reliably ensured from the pair of rectangular slits. Discharged. In addition, even if snow continuously flows into the intake side space, the pair of rectangular slits are more reliably prevented from being blocked by the snow, and are discharged from the pair of rectangular slits to the atmosphere through the air passage. The
As a result, it is possible to more reliably suppress the accumulation of snow in the intake side space and more reliably suppress the adhesion to the surface of the filter element. Therefore, even if air containing snow continuously flows into the intake side space, the proper output characteristics of the engine are maintained.

In addition, the air cleaner according to the present invention includes (4) an intake side case having an intake port for sucking air and an intake side space for retaining the air, an exhaust port for discharging the air, and an exhaust side space for retaining the air. An air cleaner comprising: an exhaust-side case having a filter element that is held between the intake-side case and the exhaust-side case and filters the sucked-in air. A shelf-like protrusion formed on the inner wall surface so as to protrude from the inner wall surface into the intake-side space and having a gap with the filter element; communication hole for communicating the outside air is formed in the inner wall portion, the inner wall portion has a bottom wall facing the filter element, wherein The protruding portion has a shelf that protrudes from the bottom wall toward the filter element and has an opposing surface that faces the filter element, and the communication hole is formed in the shelf. And

  With this configuration, the shelf-like protruding portion protrudes from the bottom wall toward the filter element, and has a shelf on which a facing surface facing the filter element is formed, and the communication hole is formed in the shelf. The periphery of the shelf-like protrusion is an intake side space. When air flows into the intake side space from the intake port of the intake side case, the dynamic pressure of the air flowing in the intake side space can be applied from the entire peripheral direction of the shelf-like protrusion. And since the communication hole is formed in the shelf, air flows into the air passage defined by the shelf-like protrusion from all around the direction, and the air that has flowed through the communication hole vigorously in the atmosphere. To be discharged. As a result, it is possible to more reliably suppress the accumulation of snow in the intake side space and more reliably suppress the adhesion to the surface of the filter element. Therefore, even if air containing snow continuously flows into the intake side space, the proper output characteristics of the engine are maintained.

The air cleaner according to the present invention includes (5) an intake side case having an intake port for sucking air and an intake side space for retaining the air, an exhaust port for discharging the air, and an exhaust side space for retaining the air. An air cleaner comprising: an exhaust-side case having a filter element that is held between the intake-side case and the exhaust-side case and filters the sucked-in air. A shelf-like protrusion formed on the inner wall surface so as to protrude from the inner wall surface into the intake-side space and having a gap with the filter element; communication hole for communicating the outside air is formed in the inner wall portion, the inner wall portion has an inner peripheral wall of the non-square shape, the shelf-like protrusions wherein the circumferential And wherein the formed.

  With this configuration, even if the inner wall surface portion has a non-angular inner peripheral wall, the shelf-like protruding portion can be formed on the inner peripheral wall. That is, when the intake side case is formed by, for example, integral molding of plastic, even if the inner wall surface portion has a non-square inner peripheral wall, the shelf-like protruding portion can be easily formed. Also in this case, it is not necessary to provide a step of separately forming the shelf-like protrusion and the communication hole. As a result, the manufacturing cost does not increase regardless of the shape of the inner wall surface, and the effect is realized with an inexpensive structure.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an air cleaner capable of suppressing the accumulation of obstacles such as snow entering the inside with a simple structure and ensuring the supply of the air amount required by the engine. it can.

It is a perspective view of the engine room which fractured | ruptured a part of vehicle by which the air cleaner concerning 1st Embodiment of this invention was mounted. It is a perspective view of the air cleaner concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention. It is a top view of the air cleaner concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention. It is a disassembled perspective view of the air cleaner which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a top view of the suction side case of the air cleaner concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention. It is a top view of the shelf-like projection part in the suction side case of the air cleaner concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the AA cross section of FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the BB cross section of FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows CC cross section of FIG. It is a top view of the intake side case of the air cleaner which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention, and shows the flow state of the air containing snow. It is sectional drawing which shows CC cross section of FIG. 3, and shows the flow state of the air containing snow. It is a top view which shows a part of intake side case of the air cleaner which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention, and shows the retention state of the snow which accumulated on the shelf-shaped protrusion part. It is sectional drawing which shows CC cross section of FIG. 3, and shows the state with which the inside of an intake side case was filled with snow. It is sectional drawing which shows CC cross section of FIG. 3, and shows the modification of the intake side case of a structure different from the air cleaner which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a top view of the intake side case of the air cleaner which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention, and shows the intake side case comprised by a different number of communicating holes. It is a top view which shows a part of intake side case of the air cleaner which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention, and shows the residence state of the snow which accumulated on the shelf-shaped protrusion part of the intake side case of a different structure. It is a top view of the intake side case of the air cleaner which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention, and shows the intake side case which provided the duct which sends the air which flows out out of a communicating hole. It is a top view of the intake side case of the air cleaner which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention, and shows the intake side case which has the shelf-shaped protrusion part of another different structure. It is sectional drawing which shows the DD cross section of FIG. It is sectional drawing of the shelf-shaped protrusion part of the air cleaner which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention, and shows the flow state of the air containing snow. It is a top view of the intake side case of the air cleaner which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention, and shows the intake side case which has the shelf-shaped protrusion part arrange | positioned in a different position. It is a top view of the air cleaner concerning a 2nd embodiment of the present invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the EE cross section of FIG. It is a top view of the intake side case of the air cleaner which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a top view of the intake side case of the air cleaner which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention, and shows the flow state of the air containing snow. It is sectional drawing which shows the EE cross section of FIG. 22, and shows the flow state of the air containing snow. It is sectional drawing which shows the EE cross section of FIG. 22, and shows the state with which the inside of the intake side case was filled with snow. It is a top view of the air cleaner concerning a 3rd embodiment of the present invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the FF cross section of FIG. It is a top view of the intake side case of the air cleaner which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a top view of the intake side case of the air cleaner which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention, and shows the flow state of the air containing snow. It is sectional drawing which shows the GG cross section of FIG. 28, and shows the flow state of the air containing snow. It is sectional drawing which shows the GG cross section of FIG. 28, and shows the state with which the inside of the intake side case was filled with snow.

  Hereinafter, first to third embodiments of an air cleaner according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(First embodiment)
1 to 13 are views showing an air cleaner 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 1, the air cleaner 10 is disposed in the engine room 2 of the vehicle 1, and is configured to suck air from the direction of arrow A in front of the vehicle 1 and supply clean air to the engine 3. ing.
First, the configuration of the air cleaner 10 will be described.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the air cleaner 10 includes an intake side case 11, an exhaust side case 12, a filter element 13, an intake duct 14, an exhaust duct 15, and an exhaust side case 12. And a fastener 16 that fastens.
In addition, the intake side case 11, the exhaust side case 12, and the filter element 13 in the first embodiment constitute an air cleaner according to the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the intake side case 11 is a rectangular case having one side opened, and is made of a molded product such as plastic. In addition, you may make it comprise this square case in shapes other than the shape shown in FIG. For example, you may make it comprise arbitrary shapes, such as a triangle, a square, a polygon, a circle, and an ellipse.

As shown in FIG. 4, the intake side case 11 includes a first side wall 21, a second side wall 22, a third side wall 23, a fourth side wall 24, a bottom wall 25, a shelf-like protrusion 26, A flange portion 27 and a fastener mounting portion 28 are provided.
The first side wall 21, the second side wall 22, the third side wall 23, the fourth side wall 24, and the bottom wall 25 are integrally formed and constitute an inner wall surface portion in the present invention. 29 is defined. Further, the first side wall 21 constitutes the inlet forming wall of the inner wall surface in the present invention, and the second side wall 22, the third side wall 23, the fourth side wall 24 and the bottom wall 25 are the inlet of the inner wall surface in the present invention. It constitutes a non-formed wall.

The first side wall 21 has an intake duct attachment portion 21a and an intake port 21b formed in the intake duct attachment portion 21a.
An intake duct 14 is attached to the intake duct mounting portion 21a, and air drawn from the intake duct 14 flows into the intake side space 29 through the intake port 21b.

The second side wall 22 is formed adjacent to the first side wall 21, and the first side wall 21 and the second side wall 22 define a corner portion 11a, and the corner portion 11a has a shelf-like protruding portion 26 formed. Yes.
The third side wall 23 is formed to face the first side wall 21 and has a bent wall portion 23a that bends in the direction of the fourth side wall 24. When the third side wall 23 is disposed in the engine room 2 of the vehicle 1, other It is designed not to interfere with parts.
The fourth side wall 24 is formed adjacent to the bent wall portion 23 a of the third side wall 23 and opposed to the second side wall 22.
The bottom wall 25 is connected to the first side wall 21, the second side wall 22, the third side wall 23, and the fourth side wall 24, and a mounting portion is provided on an outer wall surface not shown. The intake side case 11 is attached to the vehicle 1 via this attachment portion.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the shelf-like protruding portion 26 is formed to protrude from the corner portion 11 a of the first side wall 21 and the second side wall 22 into the intake side space 29, and is formed on the first side wall 21. A first support portion 26a supported; a second support portion 26b supported by the second side wall 22; an edge portion 26c connecting the first support portion 26a and the second support portion 26b; and a shelf portion 26d. And it is formed in a triangular shelf shape.

A communication hole 11b having a length L ₁ and a width W ₁ and a communication hole 11c having a length L ₂ and a width W ₂ are formed in the first support portion 26a. Further, as shown in FIG. 7, a communication hole 11 d having a length L ₃ and a width W _{3 and} a communication hole 11 e having a length L ₄ and a width W ₄ are formed in the corner portion 11 a of the first side wall 21. ing.
The communication hole 11b and the communication hole 11d, and the communication hole 11c and the communication hole 11e allow the intake side space 29 and the outside air to communicate with each other, so that air flows between the intake side space 29 and the outside air. The communication hole 11b and the communication hole 11c constitute a first communication hole in the present invention.

A communication hole 11f having a length L ₅ and a width W ₅ and a communication hole 11g having a length L ₆ and a width W ₆ are formed in the second support portion 26b. Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the corner portion 11a of the second side wall 22, the length _{L 7,} the communication hole 11h of the width _{W 7,} the length _{L 8,} are formed with communication holes 11i of the width _{W 8} Yes.
The communication hole 11f and the communication hole 11h and the communication hole 11g and the communication hole 11i allow the intake side space 29 and the outside air to communicate with each other so that the air flows between the intake side space 29 and the outside air. The communication hole 11f and the communication hole 11g constitute a second communication hole in the present invention.

The lengths L ₁ to L ₈ may be the same dimension or different dimensions. Further, the widths W ₁ to W ₈ may be the same size or different sizes. These dimensions are appropriately selected based on design specifications such as the vehicle type, the structure, shape and size of the air cleaner 10 and the amount of air required for the engine 3.
The communication hole 11b or the communication hole 11i constitutes a slit in the present invention. The slits are not limited to the oval through holes formed in the first embodiment, but may be circular, oval, quadrangular, or other through holes having any other shape.

  The shelf portion 26d has a flat shelf surface 26e that is formed to face the filter element 13. As shown in FIG. 9, a shelf-like protrusion 26 is formed in the corner portion 11a so that a gap S is formed between the shelf surface 26e and the surface 13a of the filter element 13. An air passage T is defined by the gap S, and the air passage T communicates with the outside air through the communication holes 11b to 11i.

  The gap S is preferably as small as possible in order to increase the flow velocity of the air flowing through the air passage T. However, due to the dimensional error of the intake side case 11 and the filter element 13, the shelf surface 26e and the surface 13a are separated from each other. It is set to a predetermined size so as not to contact. The predetermined size varies depending on the vehicle specifications and design specifications such as the structure, shape, and size of the air cleaner 10, but is, for example, about 4 mm to 10 mm.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the flange portion 27 is formed so as to protrude with a predetermined width over the entire periphery of the opening side end portions of the first side wall 21, the second side wall 22, the third side wall 23, and the fourth side wall 24. The filter element 13 is mounted.

  One fastener mounting portion 28 is provided on each of the first side wall 21, the second side wall 22, the third side wall 23, and the fourth side wall 24 on the flange portion 27, and each fastener mounting portion 28 has the fastener 16. It can be attached.

As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the exhaust side case 12 is a rectangular case having one side opened, and is made of a molded product such as plastic.
The exhaust side case 12 has a main body portion 31, a flange portion 32, and a fastener engaging portion 33.

The main body 31 has an exhaust side space 34 defined therein, and air filtered through the filter element 13 is retained therein. Further, the main body 31 is formed with an exhaust port 31a so that the filtered air is discharged.
The flange portion 32 is formed so as to protrude with a predetermined width over the entire circumference of the opening side end portion of the main body portion 31, is formed to have substantially the same size as the flange portion 27 of the intake side case 11, and the filter element 13. Is to be installed.
Four fastener engaging portions 33 are provided in the flange portion 32 corresponding to the fastener attaching portions 28 of the intake side case 11 so that the fasteners 16 are engaged with the respective fastener engaging portions 33. It has become.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the filter element 13 holds a filter 13b made of paper, a synthetic fiber having fine holes, a nonwoven fabric, and the like, and the filter 13b, and is attached to the intake side case 11 and the exhaust side case 12. It is comprised by the flange 13c. With this configuration, the filter 13b filters from a large particle such as sand or dust to a small particle such as ultrafine dust of several microns. Further, since the flange 13c is sandwiched between the intake side case 11 and the exhaust side case 12 and fixed by the fastener 16, the air cleaner 10 is integrated by the exhaust side case 12, the intake side case 11, and the flange 13c. It is configured so that dust and the like do not enter inside.

The intake duct 14 has a main body portion 14a and an intake portion 14b, and is attached to the intake duct attachment portion 21a of the first side wall 21 of the intake side case 11 at the end of the main body portion 14a.
The intake portion 14b is provided with an intake port 14c that opens toward the front of the vehicle 1, and air is sucked from the intake port 14c.
The intake port 14c communicates with the intake side space 29 via an intake passage in the main body 14a, and air flows into the intake side space 29 from the intake port 14c.

  The exhaust duct 15 has a main body portion 15a and a connection portion (not shown), and is attached to the main body portion 31 of the exhaust side case 12 at the end of the main body portion 15a. Further, the main body portion 15a has an exhaust passage therein, and the filtered air discharged from the exhaust port 31a of the exhaust side case 12 is supplied to the engine 3 through the exhaust passage. Yes.

  The fastener 16 is formed of a spring material having elasticity, is attached to the fastener attachment portion 28 of the intake side case 11, and engages with the fastener engagement portion 33 of the exhaust side case 12. The exhaust side case 12 and the filter element 13 are fixed. Further, the exhaust side case 12 and the filter element 13 can be easily detached from the intake side case 11 by releasing the engagement of the fastener 16.

Next, the operation of the air cleaner 10 in the first embodiment will be described.
When the engine 3 is started, air is sucked from the intake port 14 c of the intake duct 14 shown in FIG. 4 and flows into the intake side space 29 through the intake port 21 b of the intake side case 11.
At this time, the air staying in the intake side space 29 is increased in pressure (MPa) by the sequentially sucked air, passes through the filter element 13 and flows into the exhaust side space 34, and the exhaust side case 12. An appropriate amount of purified air is supplied to the engine 3 through the exhaust duct 15 through the exhaust port 31a. Even if an obstacle such as snow or hail is mixed in the air, the obstacle is separated from the air by the filter element 13, and the filtered clean air is supplied to the engine 3.

  Further, even if the above-mentioned obstacle is mixed in the air flowing in from the intake port 21b and staying in the intake side space 29, as shown in FIG. 10 and FIG. 26 passes through the air passage T between the filter element 13 and the filter element 13, and is discharged into the atmosphere from the communication hole 11b or the communication hole 11i. At this time, the pressure in the intake side space 29 is increased by the air that is sequentially sucked in, and thus becomes higher than the atmospheric pressure, and is discharged by the differential pressure. Further, according to Bernoulli's theorem, the larger the difference between the pressure in the intake side space 29 and the atmospheric pressure, the faster the flow velocity (m / s) of the air passing through the air passage T, and more obstacles are on the intake side. It is discharged from the space 29 into the atmosphere.

  In particular, when the vehicle 1 travels and its speed increases, the amount of air flowing into the intake side space 29 from the intake port 21b increases, the pressure in the intake side space 29 increases, and the differential pressure from the atmospheric pressure also increases. Become bigger. Further, as the vehicle 1 travels, dynamic pressure (MPa) due to the flow of air flowing into the intake side space 29 acts, and the differential pressure from the atmospheric pressure further increases. As a result, a larger amount of obstacles are expelled from the intake side space 29 into the atmosphere.

  When the obstacle is snow, it gradually accumulates in the intake side space 29 and may adhere to the surface 13 a of the filter element 13. However, as described above, the snow flowing into the intake-side space 29 is vigorously discharged into the atmosphere through the air passage T, so that its accumulation and adhesion are suppressed. In particular, since snow flows vigorously in the air passage T, the amount of air in the air passage T is sucked into the filter element 13 and adheres to the surface 13a of the filter element 13 facing the air passage T. Never do.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a snow accumulation state on the shelf surface 26e of the shelf-like protruding portion 26 when a predetermined time has passed since air containing snow continuously flows through the air passage T. The portion indicated by indicates a portion where a snow pool has occurred.

  As shown in FIG. 12, even if the air containing snow continuously flows through the air passage T and a predetermined time elapses, the snow remains in the corner portion of the shelf-like protruding portion 26, the communication hole 11b or the communication hole 11i. It only deposits in the vicinity and does not block the communication hole 11b or the communication hole 11i. Therefore, even if the air containing snow continuously flows through the air passage T and a predetermined time elapses, the air containing snow is discharged into the atmosphere from the communication hole 11b or the communication hole 11i.

  Further, as the time elapses, that is, the temperature of the engine 3 increases as the vehicle 1 continuously travels, the temperature in the engine room 2 also increases, and the temperature of the shelf-like protrusion 26 gradually increases. As a result, the temperature of the snow to be deposited on the shelf-like protrusion 26 is also increased, and the snow becomes water or water vapor, and the accumulation is further suppressed.

  When the snowfall state deteriorates and a large amount of snow is mixed in the air, and a large amount of snow flows into the intake side space 29, it is expected that the intake side space 29 will be filled with snow as shown in FIG. Is done. In this case, the circulation of air is blocked by the snow accumulated in the intake side space 29.

  However, even if the intake side space 29 is filled with snow, the communication hole 11b to the communication hole 11i are formed at positions where the snow in the engine room 2 does not easily enter. There is no snow accumulation. Then, air is sucked into the intake side space 29 from the communication hole 11b or the communication hole 11i by the negative pressure of the engine 3 and the air flow pressure, and flows through the filter element 13 from the air passage T, and is filtered. Is supplied to the engine 3.

  In such a snowy state of bad weather, the vehicle 1 is not driven at a high speed and a large amount of air is not required. Therefore, an amount of air necessary for the vehicle 1 to operate at a low speed is sucked from the communication hole 11b or the communication hole 11i, which can contribute to excellent vehicle driving performance.

  Since the air cleaner 10 according to the first embodiment is configured as described above, the following effects are obtained.

  That is, the air cleaner 10 has an intake side case 11 having an intake port 21b for sucking air and an intake side space 29 for retaining air, an exhaust side 31 for discharging air and an exhaust side space 34 for retaining air. A case 12 and a filter element 13 that is held between the intake side case 11 and the exhaust side case 12 and filters the intake air are provided.

  The intake side case 11 has a first side wall 21, a second side wall 22, a third side wall 23, a fourth side wall 24, and a bottom wall 25 as inner wall surfaces, and a corner portion 11 a of the first side wall 21 and the second side wall 22. And a shelf-like protruding portion 26 formed in the corner portion 11 a so as to have a gap S between the filter element 13 and the air-intake side space 29. And the communicating hole 11b thru | or the communicating hole 11i which connect the air path T which consists of the clearance gaps S, and external air are formed in the shelf-shaped protrusion part 26, the 1st side wall 21, and the 2nd side wall 22. As shown in FIG.

  As a result, a pressure difference (MPa) is generated between the pressure (MPa) of the air staying in the intake side space 29 and the atmospheric pressure (MPa), and the air flowing into the intake side space 29 by running of the vehicle 1 is generated. Dynamic pressure (MPa) due to flow acts, and the differential pressure further increases.

  In the air cleaner 10, even if snow is mixed in the sucked air due to the action of the differential pressure, the air passage T is defined between the filter element 13 and the shelf-like protruding portion 26. Can be discharged from. On the other hand, even if air is discharged from the communication hole 11b or the communication hole 11i, a necessary amount of air is supplied to the engine 3 through the filter element 13, so that an appropriate output characteristic of the engine 3 can be maintained.

  Even if snow-containing air continuously flows into the intake-side space 29, the communication hole 11b or the communication hole 11i is not blocked by snow, but passes through the air passage T and passes through the communication hole 11b or the communication hole. 11i is discharged into the atmosphere. As a result, it is possible to obtain an effect that the accumulation of snow in the intake side space 29 is suppressed and the adhesion to the surface 13a of the filter element 13 is suppressed. Therefore, even if snow-containing air continuously flows into the intake side space 29, the appropriate output characteristics of the engine 3 can be maintained.

  Further, since the temperature of the engine 3 increases due to the continuous travel of the vehicle 1, the temperature in the engine room 2 also increases, and the temperature of the shelf-like protrusion 26 gradually increases. As a result, the temperature of the snow to be accumulated on the shelf-like protruding portion 26 is also increased, and the snow becomes water or water vapor, and the effect of further suppressing the accumulation is obtained.

  Even if the snowfall state deteriorates, a large amount of snow is mixed in the air, and even if a large amount of snow flows into the intake side space 29 and the intake side space 29 is filled with snow, the communication hole 11b or the communication hole 11i The air is sucked and flows through the air passage T through the filter element 13, so that the filtered air can be supplied to the engine 3.

Even in such a bad snowfall state, it is possible to ensure the supply of the air amount required by the engine 3 and to contribute to the excellent driving performance of the vehicle 1.
Further, the air cleaner 10 has a simple structure in which the shelf-like protrusion 26 and the communication hole 11b or the communication hole 11i are formed in the intake side case 11, and the obstacle such as snow entering the inside in bad weather such as a snowfall state. It is possible to suppress the accumulation of objects and to obtain an effect that it is possible to ensure the supply of the air amount required by the engine 3. That is, since the intake side case 11 is formed by integral molding of plastic, it is not particularly necessary to provide a step of separately forming the shelf-like protrusion 26 and the communication hole 11b or the communication hole 11i. As a result, the manufacturing cost does not increase, and the effect can be realized with an inexpensive structure.

In the air cleaner 10 according to the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, the air passage T formed by the gap S between the shelf-like protruding portion 26 and the filter element 13 has a uniform size in the air flow direction. The case where it is configured with a structure has been described.
However, you may make it comprise this air path T by structures other than a uniform magnitude | size. For example, as shown in FIG. 14, an enlarged opening of the intake-side space 29 of the air passage T is formed by S _1, so as to constitute a structure the S ₂ to the communication hole 11b through the communicating hole 11i side is small May be. In this case, the air in the intake side space 29 becomes easier to flow into the air passage T, and the obstacle can be efficiently discharged into the atmosphere.

  Further, in the air cleaner 10 according to the first embodiment, the communication hole 11b and the communication hole 11c are formed in the first support part 26a of the shelf-like protruding part 26, and the communication hole 11f and the communication hole 11g are formed in the second support part 26b. Furthermore, the case where the communication hole 11d and the communication hole 11e are formed in the first side wall 21 and the communication hole 11h and the communication hole 11i are formed in the second side wall 22 has been described.

However, the air cleaner according to the present invention may be formed with a structure other than the structure of the first embodiment.
For example, the communication hole 11d and the communication hole 11e may be formed only in the first side wall 21, without forming the communication hole 11b and the communication hole 11c in the first support portion 26a.
Moreover, the structure which forms the communication hole 11h and the communication hole 11i only in the 2nd side wall 22 may be sufficient, without forming the communication hole 11f and the communication hole 11g in the 2nd support part 26b.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 15, a communication hole 11j is formed in the first support part 26a, a communication hole 11k is formed in the second support part 26b, a communication hole 11m is formed in the first side wall 21, and the second side wall is formed. The communication hole 11n may be formed in the hole 22.

  In this way, even if the number of communication holes is halved, as shown in FIG. 16, even if the air containing snow continuously flows through the air passage T and the predetermined time has elapsed, It only deposits in the vicinity of the corner portion of the portion 26 or the communication hole 11j or the communication hole 11n, and does not block the communication hole 11j or the communication hole 11n. Therefore, even if the air containing snow continuously flows through the air passage T and the predetermined time has elapsed, the air containing snow is discharged into the atmosphere from the communication hole 11j or the communication hole 11n.

Moreover, in the air cleaner 10 which concerns on 1st Embodiment, the communication hole 11b thru | or the communication hole 11i demonstrated the case where it comprised so that it might communicate with air | atmosphere directly.
However, the communication hole 11b to the communication hole 11i may be configured with a structure other than directly communicating with the atmosphere.

For example, as shown in FIG. 17, a duct 36 having an air passage communicating with the communication hole 11 b or the communication hole 11 i may be provided in the intake side case 11.
In this case, the air discharged from the communication holes 11b to 11i is discharged into the predetermined engine room 2 via the duct 38. In this case, the snow discharged from the communication hole 11b to the communication hole 11i does not accumulate in the vicinity of the intake side case 11, and can be suitably discharged outside the vehicle 1.

Moreover, in the air cleaner 10 which concerns on 1st Embodiment, the case where it comprised with the structure which shape | molds the shelf-like protrusion part 26 integrally with the intake side case 11 was demonstrated.
However, you may make it comprise the shelf-like protrusion part 26 by structures other than the structure shape | molded integrally with the intake side case 11. FIG.

  For example, as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, a shelf-like projecting portion 37 having a predetermined triangular plate thickness is prepared in advance, and bonding such as welding is performed on the first side wall 21 and the second side wall 22 of the intake side case 11. You may make it comprise the structure joined by a means.

  Also in this case, as shown in FIG. 20, the air mixed with snow passes through the air passage T formed by the gap S between the shelf-like projecting portion 37 and the filter element 13, and the communication formed in the first side wall 21. The holes 11d and 11e and the communication holes 11h and 11i formed in the second side wall 22 can be discharged into the atmosphere, and snow does not adhere to the surface 13a of the filter element 13 facing the air passage T.

Moreover, in the air cleaner 10 which concerns on 1st Embodiment, the case where it comprised with the structure which forms the shelf-shaped protrusion part 26 in the corner part 11a of the intake side case 11 was demonstrated.
However, you may make it comprise the shelf-like protrusion part 26 by structures other than the structure formed in the corner part 11a of the intake side case 11. FIG.

For example, as shown in FIG. 21, the shelf-like projecting portion 39 is configured to be formed in a corner portion 11 p between the second side wall 22 and the third side wall 23 as the intake port non-forming wall of the intake side case 11. You may do it.
In this case, the communication holes 11q and 11r are formed in the shelf-like protruding portion 39, and the communication holes 11s and 11t are formed at the positions of the second side walls 22 corresponding to the communication holes 11q and 11r.
In addition, the communication holes 11u and 11v are formed in the shelf-like projecting portion 39, and the communication holes 11w and 11x are formed at the position of the third side wall 23 corresponding to the communication holes 11u and 11v.

  Even in this case, the same effect as the structure in which the shelf-like protruding portion 26 is formed in the corner portion 11a of the intake side case 11 can be obtained. Further, in this case, since the shelf-like protrusion 39 is formed at a position orthogonal to the air inflow direction with respect to the air inlet 21b of the air intake side case 11, it is caused by the flow of air flowing from the air inlet 14c. The dynamic pressure acts on the air passage. As a result, the snow can be exhausted vigorously from the communication hole 11q to the communication hole 11x, so that more snow can be discharged.

(Second Embodiment)
22 to 27 are views showing a second embodiment of the air cleaner according to the present invention. The same reference numerals are given to the same components as those in the first embodiment, and the description will be omitted.

As shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, the air cleaner 40 according to the second embodiment includes an intake side case 41, an exhaust side case 12, a filter element 13, an intake duct 14, and an exhaust duct as in the first embodiment. 15 and a fastener 16 for fastening the exhaust side case 12 to the intake side case 11.
Note that the intake side case 41, the exhaust side case 12, and the filter element 13 in the second embodiment constitute an air cleaner according to the present invention.

As shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, the intake side case 41 is a rectangular case having one side opened as in the first embodiment, and is made of a molded product such as plastic.
As shown in FIG. 24, the intake side case 41 includes a first side wall 51, a second side wall 52, a third side wall 53, a fourth side wall 54, a bottom wall 55, a shelf-like protruding portion 56, A flange portion 27 and a fastener mounting portion 28 are provided.

  The first side wall 51, the second side wall 52, the third side wall 53, the fourth side wall 54, and the bottom wall 55 are integrally formed and constitute an inner wall surface portion in the present invention. 59 is defined. The first side wall 51 constitutes an inlet forming wall of the inner wall surface in the present invention, and the second side wall 52, the third side wall 53, the fourth side wall 54 and the bottom wall 55 are the inlet of the inner wall surface in the present invention. It constitutes a non-formed wall.

  The first side wall 51 has an intake duct attachment portion 51a and an intake port 51b formed in the intake duct attachment portion 51a. An intake duct 14 is mounted on the intake duct mounting portion 51a, and air sucked from the intake duct 14 flows into the intake side space 59 through the intake port 51b.

The second side wall 52 is formed adjacent to the first side wall 51, and the third side wall 23 is formed to face the first side wall 51, and has a bent wall portion 53 a that bends in the direction of the fourth side wall 54. ing.
The fourth side wall 24 is formed adjacent to the bent wall portion 53 a of the third side wall 53 and opposed to the second side wall 52.
The bottom wall 55 is connected to the first side wall 51, the second side wall 52, the third side wall 53, and the fourth side wall 54, and has a shelf-like protrusion 56.

  As shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, the shelf-like protruding portion 56 is formed to protrude into the intake side space 59 toward the filter element 13, and has a shelf portion 56 a that faces the filter element 13. .

The shelf portion 56a has a flat shelf surface 56b formed to face the filter element 13. As shown in FIG. 23, a shelf-like protrusion 56 is formed at the center of the bottom wall 55 so that a gap S is formed between the shelf surface 56 b and the surface 13 a of the filter element 13. An air passage T is defined by the gap S.
In addition, a communication hole 41a is formed in the shelf portion 56a, and the air passage T communicates with the outside air.

  The gap S is preferably as small as possible in order to increase the flow velocity of the air flowing through the air passage T. However, due to the dimensional error of the intake side case 41 and the filter element 13, the shelf surface 56b and the surface 13a are It is set to a predetermined size so as not to contact. The predetermined size varies depending on the vehicle specifications and design specifications such as the structure, shape, and size of the air cleaner 40, but is, for example, about 4 mm to 10 mm.

  The shape and dimensions of the communication hole 41a are appropriately selected based on the design specifications such as the vehicle type, the structure, shape and size of the air cleaner 40, and the amount of air required for the engine 3.

Next, the operation of the air cleaner 40 in the second embodiment will be described.
When the engine 3 is started, air is sucked from the intake port 14c of the intake duct 14 shown in FIG. 2 and flows into the intake side space 59 through the intake port 51b of the intake side case 41 shown in FIG.

  At this time, as in the first embodiment, the air staying in the intake side space 59 is increased in pressure (MPa) by the sequentially sucked air, passes through the filter element 13 and enters the exhaust side space 34. An appropriate amount of purified air is supplied to the engine 3 through the exhaust duct 15 through the exhaust port 31a of the exhaust case 12. Even if an obstacle such as snow or hail is mixed in the air, the obstacle is separated from the air by the filter element 13, and the filtered clean air is supplied to the engine 3.

  Further, even if the above-mentioned obstacles are mixed in the air that flows in from the intake port 51b and stays in the intake-side space 59, as shown in FIG. 25 and FIG. 56 passes through the air passage T between the filter element 13 and the air through the communication hole 41a. At this time, the pressure in the intake side space 59 is increased by the air that is sequentially sucked in, and thus becomes higher than the atmospheric pressure, and is discharged by the differential pressure. Further, according to Bernoulli's theorem, the larger the difference between the pressure in the intake side space 59 and the atmospheric pressure, the faster the flow velocity (m / s) of the air passing through the air passage T, and more obstacles are on the intake side. It is discharged from the space 59 into the atmosphere.

  In particular, when the vehicle 1 travels and its speed increases, the amount of air flowing into the intake side space 59 from the intake port 51b increases, the pressure in the intake side space 59 increases, and the pressure difference from the atmospheric pressure also increases. Become bigger. Further, as the vehicle 1 travels, dynamic pressure (MPa) due to the flow of air flowing into the intake side space 59 acts, and the differential pressure from the atmospheric pressure further increases. As a result, a larger amount of obstacles are expelled from the intake space 59 into the atmosphere.

  When the obstacle is snow, it gradually accumulates in the intake space 59 and may adhere to the surface 13a of the filter element 13. However, as described above, the snow flowing into the intake side space 59 is vigorously discharged into the atmosphere through the air passage T, and therefore, its accumulation and adhesion are suppressed. In particular, since snow flows vigorously in the air passage T, the amount of air in the air passage T is sucked into the filter element 13 and adheres to the surface 13a of the filter element 13 facing the air passage T. Never do.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 27, even if the intake side space 59 is filled with snow, the communication hole 41a is formed at a position where the snow in the engine room 2 does not easily enter. Snow is not accumulated in the air, and air is sucked into the intake side space 59 from the communication hole 41a by the negative pressure of the engine 3 and the flow pressure of the air.

  Then, the air flows from the air passage T through the filter element 13, and the filtered air is supplied to the engine 3. In such a snowy state of bad weather, the vehicle 1 is not driven at a high speed and a large amount of air is not required. Therefore, an amount of air necessary for driving the vehicle 1 at a low speed is sucked from the communication hole 41a, which can contribute to excellent vehicle driving performance.

  Since the air cleaner 40 according to the second embodiment is configured as described above, the following effects are obtained.

  That is, the air cleaner 40 has an intake side case 41 having an intake port 51b for sucking air and an intake side space 59 for retaining air, an exhaust side 31 for discharging air and an exhaust side space 34 for retaining air. A case 12 and a filter element 13 that is held between the intake side case 11 and the exhaust side case 12 and filters the intake air are provided.

  The intake side case 41 has a first side wall 21, a second side wall 22, a third side wall 23, a fourth side wall 24, and a bottom wall 25 as inner wall surfaces, and has a shelf shape from the bottom wall 25 into the intake side space 59. It has a shelf-like projection 56 formed with a shelf 56 a having a gap S between the filter element 13 and the filter element 13. And the communicating hole 41a which connects the air path T which consists of the clearance gaps S, and external air is formed in the shelf-like protrusion part 56. FIG.

  As a result, a pressure difference (MPa) is generated between the pressure (MPa) of the air staying in the intake side space 59 and the atmospheric pressure (MPa), and the air flowing into the intake side space 59 by the traveling of the vehicle 1 is generated. Dynamic pressure (MPa) due to flow acts, and the differential pressure further increases.

  In the air cleaner 40, even if snow is mixed in the sucked air, the snow can be defined between the filter element 13 and the shelf-like projecting portion 56 by the action of such differential pressure. . On the other hand, even if air is discharged from the communication hole 41a, a necessary amount of air is supplied to the engine 3 through the filter element 13, so that proper output characteristics of the engine 3 can be maintained.

  Even if snow-containing air continuously flows into the intake side space 59, the communication hole 41a is not blocked by snow, but passes through the air passage T and is discharged from the communication hole 41a to the atmosphere. . As a result, it is possible to obtain an effect that the accumulation of snow in the intake side space 59 is suppressed and the adhesion to the surface 13a of the filter element 13 is suppressed. Therefore, even if snow-containing air continuously flows into the intake side space 59, the appropriate output characteristics of the engine 3 can be maintained.

  Further, since the temperature of the engine 3 increases as the vehicle 1 continuously travels, the temperature in the engine room 2 also increases, and the temperature of the shelf-like projecting portion 56 gradually increases. As a result, the temperature of the snow to be accumulated on the shelf-like protruding portion 56 is also increased, and the snow becomes water or water vapor, and the effect of further suppressing the accumulation is obtained.

  Even if the snowfall condition deteriorates and a large amount of snow is mixed in the air, even if a large amount of snow flows into the intake side space 59 and the intake side space 59 is filled with snow, air is sucked from the communication hole 41a. The effect that the filtered air can be supplied to the engine 3 through the air passage T through the filter element 13 is obtained.

  Even in such a snowy state of bad weather, it is possible to ensure the supply of the air amount required by the engine and to contribute to the excellent driving performance of the vehicle 1.

  Further, the air cleaner 40 has a simple structure in which the shelf-like protrusion 56 and the communication hole 41a are formed in the intake side case 41, and accumulates obstacles such as snow entering the inside in bad weather such as snowfall. The effect that it can suppress and can ensure supply of the air quantity which the engine 3 requires is acquired. That is, since the intake-side case 41 is formed by integral molding of plastic, it is not necessary to provide a process of forming the shelf-like protrusion 56 and the communication hole 41a separately. As a result, the manufacturing cost does not increase, and the effect can be realized with an inexpensive structure.

(Third embodiment)
FIGS. 28 to 33 are views showing a third embodiment of the air cleaner according to the present invention. The same reference numerals are given to the same components as those in the first embodiment, and the description will be omitted.

As shown in FIGS. 28 and 29, the air cleaner 60 according to the third embodiment is similar to the first embodiment in the intake side case 61, the exhaust side case 62, the filter element 63, the intake duct 64, and the exhaust duct. 65 and the fastener 16 that fastens the exhaust side case 62 to the intake side case 61.
In addition, the intake side case 61, the exhaust side case 62, and the filter element 63 in the second embodiment constitute an air cleaner according to the present invention.

The intake side case 61 is a case in which one end of a bottomed cylinder is opened, and is made of a molded product such as plastic.
The intake side case 61 includes a cylindrical wall 71, a bottom wall 72, a flange portion 73, and a fastener attaching portion 74.
The cylindrical wall 71 and the bottom wall 72 are integrally formed to constitute an inner wall surface portion in the present invention, and an intake side space 79 is defined by the inner wall surface portion. The cylindrical wall 71 constitutes an intake port forming wall of the inner wall surface portion in the present invention, and the bottom wall 72 constitutes an intake port non-formed wall of the inner wall surface portion in the present invention.

  The cylindrical wall 71 has an intake duct attachment portion 81, an intake port 82 formed in the intake duct attachment portion 81, and a shelf-like protruding portion 83. An intake duct 64 is attached to the intake duct mounting portion 81 so that air drawn from the intake duct 64 flows into the intake side space 79 through the intake port 82.

  29 and 30, the shelf-like protruding portion 83 is formed to protrude from the cylindrical wall 71 on the side facing the intake port 82 into the intake side space 79 toward the intake port 82. It has a shelf 83a facing the element 63.

The shelf portion 83 a has a flat shelf surface 83 b formed to face the filter element 13. As shown in FIG. 29, a shelf-like protrusion 83 is formed so that a gap S is formed between the shelf surface 83 b and the surface 63 a of the filter element 63. An air passage T is defined by the gap S.
Further, as shown in FIG. 30, communication holes 61a, 61b, 61c are formed in the cylindrical wall 71 in the vicinity of the shelf 83a, and the air passage T and the outside air communicate with each other.

  The gap S is preferably as small as possible in order to increase the flow velocity of the air flowing through the air passage T. However, due to the dimensional error of the intake side case 61 and the filter element 63, the shelf surface 83b and the surface 63a are separated from each other. It is set to a predetermined size so as not to contact. The predetermined size varies depending on the vehicle specifications and design specifications such as the structure, shape, and size of the air cleaner 60, but is, for example, about 4 mm to 10 mm.

  The shapes and dimensions of the communication holes 61a, 61b, 61c are appropriately selected based on the design specifications such as the vehicle type, the structure, shape and size of the air cleaner 60, and the amount of air required for the engine 3.

The bottom wall 72 is connected to the cylindrical wall 71, and an attachment portion is provided on an outer wall surface (not shown), and the intake side case 61 is attached to the vehicle 1 through this attachment portion.
The flange portion 73 is formed to protrude with a predetermined width over the entire circumference of the end portion on the opening side of the cylindrical wall 71, and the filter element 63 is attached to the flange portion 73.

  Three fastener attachment portions 74 are arranged at equal intervals on the circumference of the flange portion 73, and the fastener 16 is attached to each fastener attachment portion 74.

As shown in FIGS. 28 and 29, the exhaust-side case 62 is a bottomed cylindrical case with one side opened, and is made of a molded product such as plastic.
The exhaust side case 62 has a main body portion 85, a flange portion 86, and a fastener engaging portion 87.

The main body 85 has an exhaust side space 88 defined therein, and air filtered through the filter element 63 is retained therein. The main body 85 is formed with an exhaust port 85a so that the filtered air is discharged.
The flange portion 86 is formed so as to protrude with a predetermined width over the entire circumference of the end portion on the opening side of the main body portion 85, is formed to have substantially the same size as the flange portion 73 of the intake side case 61, and the filter element 63. Is to be installed.
The fastener engaging portions 87 are provided at the flange portion 86 at three locations corresponding to the fastener attaching portions 74 of the intake side case 61 so that the fasteners 16 are engaged with the fastener engaging portions 87. It has become.

  Similarly to the first embodiment, the filter element 63 holds a filter 63b made of paper, a synthetic fiber having fine holes, a nonwoven fabric, and the like, and the filter 63b, and is attached to the intake side case 61 and the exhaust side case 62. And a flange 63c.

  The intake duct 64 is attached to an intake duct attachment portion 81 of the intake side case 61 so that air is drawn from an intake port (not shown). The intake port communicates with the intake side space 79 via an intake passage in the intake duct 64 so that air flows into the intake side space 79 from the intake port 82 formed in the intake duct mounting portion 81. .

  The exhaust duct 65 is attached to the main body portion 85 of the exhaust side case 62. Further, the exhaust duct 65 has an exhaust passage therein, and the filtered air discharged from the exhaust port 85a of the exhaust side case 62 is supplied to the engine 3 through the exhaust passage. Yes.

Next, the operation of the air cleaner 60 in the third embodiment will be described.
When the engine 3 is started, it flows into the intake side space 79 through the intake port 82 of the intake side case 61 shown in FIG.
At this time, as in the first embodiment, the air staying in the intake side space 79 is increased in pressure (MPa) by the sequentially sucked air, passes through the filter element 63 and enters the exhaust side space 88. An appropriate amount of purified air is supplied to the engine 3 through the exhaust duct 65 through the exhaust port 85a of the exhaust side case 62.

  Further, even if the above-mentioned obstacles are mixed in the air that flows in from the intake port 62a and stays in the intake-side space 79, the obstacles have a shelf-like protruding portion as shown in FIGS. Passing through the air passage T between the filter element 63 and the filter element 63, the air is discharged into the atmosphere from the communication holes 61a, 61b, 61c. At this time, the pressure in the intake side space 79 is increased by the air that is sequentially sucked in, and thus becomes higher than the atmospheric pressure, and is discharged by the differential pressure. As in the first embodiment, according to Bernoulli's theorem, the larger the difference between the pressure in the intake side space 79 and the atmospheric pressure, the faster the flow velocity (m / s) of the air passing through the air passage T. Many obstacles are discharged from the intake side space 79 into the atmosphere.

  In particular, when the vehicle 1 travels and its speed increases, the amount of air flowing into the intake side space 79 from the intake port 82 increases, the pressure in the intake side space 79 increases, and the differential pressure from the atmospheric pressure also increases. Become bigger. Further, as the vehicle 1 travels, dynamic pressure (MPa) due to the flow of air flowing into the intake side space 79 acts, and the differential pressure from the atmospheric pressure further increases. As a result, a larger amount of obstacles are expelled from the intake side space 79 into the atmosphere.

  When the obstacle is snow, it gradually accumulates in the intake space 79 and may adhere to the surface 63a of the filter element 63. However, as in the first embodiment, the snow flowing into the intake side space 79 is vigorously discharged into the atmosphere through the air passage T, so that its accumulation and adhesion are suppressed. In particular, since snow flows vigorously in the air passage T, the amount of air in the air passage T is sucked into the filter element 63 and adheres to the surface 63a of the filter element 63 facing the air passage T. Never do.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 33, even if the intake side space 79 is filled with snow, the communication holes 61a, 61b, 61c are formed at positions where the snow in the engine room 2 is difficult to enter. Snow does not accumulate in the air passage T, and air is sucked into the intake side space 79 from the communication holes 61a, 61b, 61c due to the negative pressure of the engine 3 and the air flow pressure. The air flows from the air passage T through the filter element 63, and the filtered air is supplied to the engine 3.

  In such a snowy state of bad weather, the vehicle 1 is not driven at a high speed and a large amount of air is not required. Therefore, an amount of air necessary for driving the vehicle 1 at a low speed is sucked from the communication holes 61a, 61b, 61c, which can contribute to excellent vehicle driving performance.

  Since the air cleaner 60 according to the third embodiment is configured as described above, the following effects are obtained.

  That is, the air cleaner 60 has an intake side case 61 having an intake port 82 for sucking air and an intake side space 79 for retaining air, an exhaust side 85 for discharging air and an exhaust side space 88 for retaining air. A case 62 and a filter element 63 which is held between the intake side case 66 and the exhaust side case 12 and filters the intake air are provided.

  The intake side case 61 has a cylindrical wall 71 and a bottom wall 72 as inner wall surfaces, protrudes into the intake side space 79 from the cylindrical wall 71 in a shelf shape, and has a gap S between the filter element 63 and the shelf. And a shelf-like protrusion 83 formed with a portion 83a. Communication holes 61 a, 61 b, 61 c that allow the air passage T formed by the gap S to communicate with the outside air are formed in the cylindrical wall 71 in the vicinity of the shelf-like projecting portion 83.

  As a result, a pressure difference (MPa) is generated between the pressure (MPa) of the air staying in the intake side space 79 and the atmospheric pressure (MPa), and the air flowing into the intake side space 79 as the vehicle 1 travels. Dynamic pressure (MPa) due to flow acts, and the differential pressure further increases.

  In the air cleaner 60, even if snow is mixed in the sucked air, the snow can be defined between the filter element 63 and the shelf-like protruding portion 83 by the action of the differential pressure. . On the other hand, even if air is discharged from the communication holes 61a, 61b, 61c, a necessary amount of air is supplied to the engine 3 through the filter element 63, so that the proper output characteristics of the engine 3 can be maintained.

  Even if snow-containing air continuously flows into the intake side space 79, the communication holes 61 a, 61 b, 61 c are not blocked by snow, but pass through the air passage T and the communication holes 61 a, 61 b, 61c is discharged into the atmosphere. As a result, it is possible to obtain an effect that the accumulation of snow in the intake side space 79 is suppressed and the adhesion to the surface 63a of the filter element 63 is suppressed. Therefore, even if air containing snow continuously flows into the intake side space 79, the appropriate output characteristics of the engine 3 can be maintained.

  Even if the snowfall condition deteriorates, a large amount of snow is mixed in the air, and even if a large amount of snow flows into the intake side space 79 and the intake side space 79 is filled with snow, the communication holes 61a, 61b, 61c The air is sucked and flows through the filter element 63 from the air passage T, and the filtered air can be supplied to the engine 3.

Even in such a bad snowfall state, it is possible to ensure the supply of the air amount required by the engine 3 and to contribute to the excellent driving performance of the vehicle 1.
Further, the air cleaner 60 has a simple structure in which the shelf-like protrusion 83 and the communication holes 61a, 61b, 61c are simply formed in the intake side case 61, and obstacles such as snow entering the inside in bad weather such as snowfall. It is possible to suppress the accumulation of objects and to obtain an effect that it is possible to ensure the supply of the amount of air required by the engine 3.

  That is, since the intake side case 61 is formed by integral molding of plastic, it is not necessary to provide a process of forming the shelf-like protrusion 83 and the communication holes 61a, 61b, 61c separately. As a result, the manufacturing cost does not increase, and the effect can be realized with an inexpensive structure.

  As described above, the air cleaner according to the present invention has a simple structure, can suppress accumulation of obstacles such as snow entering the inside, and can ensure supply of an air amount required by the engine. It is advantageous in that it is useful for general air cleaners used in air purification apparatuses such as automobiles and motorcycles, agricultural machines and construction machines equipped with engines.

10, 40, 60 Air cleaner 11, 41, 61, 66 Intake side case 11a, 11p Corner portion 11b, 11c Communication hole (first communication hole)
11d, 11e communication hole (second communication hole)
11f, 11g, 11h, 11i, 11j, 11k, 11m, 11n, 11q, 11r, 11s, 11t, 11u, 11v, 11w, 11x, 41a, 61a, 61b, 61c
Communication hole 12, 62 Exhaust side case 13, 63 Filter element 13a, 63a Surface 14, 64 Intake duct 14c, 21b, 51b, 62a, 82 Inlet 14a, 15a, 31, 85 Main body 15, 65 Exhaust duct 21, 51 First side wall (inner wall surface)
22, 52 Second side wall (inner wall surface)
23, 53 Third side wall (inner wall surface)
24, 54 4th side wall (inner wall surface part)
25, 55, 72 Bottom wall (inner wall surface)
26, 37, 39, 56, 83 Shelves 26a First support 26b Second support 26d, 56a, 83a Shelves
26e, 56b, 83b Shelf surface (shelf)
29, 59, 79 Intake side space 31a, 62a, 85a Exhaust port 34, 88 Exhaust side space 71 Cylindrical wall S Clearance T Air passage

Claims (5)

An intake side case having an intake port for sucking air and an intake side space for retaining the air, an exhaust side case for exhausting the air and an exhaust side space for retaining the air, and the intake side case; In an air cleaner comprising a filter element that is held between the exhaust side case and filters the sucked air,
The intake side case protrudes in a shelf shape from the inner wall surface portion and the inner wall surface portion into the intake side space, and a shelf-like protruding portion formed on the inner wall surface portion so as to have a gap between the filter element. Have
A communication hole for communicating the air passage formed of the gap and the outside air is formed in the inner wall surface portion ,
The inner wall surface portion has a first side wall and a second side wall that are adjacent to each other, and the shelf-like protruding portion is formed at a corner portion defined by the first side wall and the second side wall, and A first support part supported by one side wall and a second support part supported by the second side wall, wherein the communication hole is formed in the first support part; An air cleaner comprising: a second communication hole formed in the second support portion .   The inner wall surface portion has an intake port formation wall in which the intake port is formed and an intake port non-formation wall in which the intake port is not formed, and the shelf-like projecting portion and the communication hole are not in the intake port The air cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the air cleaner is formed on a forming wall. The air cleaner according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first communication hole and the second communication hole is formed by a pair of rectangular slits. An intake side case having an intake port for sucking air and an intake side space for retaining the air, an exhaust side case for exhausting the air and an exhaust side space for retaining the air, and the intake side case; In an air cleaner comprising a filter element that is held between the exhaust side case and filters the sucked air,
The intake side case protrudes in a shelf shape from the inner wall surface portion and the inner wall surface portion into the intake side space, and a shelf-like protruding portion formed on the inner wall surface portion so as to have a gap between the filter element. Have
A communication hole for communicating the air passage formed of the gap and the outside air is formed in the inner wall surface portion,
The inner wall surface portion has a bottom wall facing the filter element, the shelf-shaped projecting portion projects from the bottom wall toward the filter element, and a facing surface facing the filter element is formed. An air cleaner comprising a shelf, wherein the communication hole is formed in the shelf . An intake side case having an intake port for sucking air and an intake side space for retaining the air, an exhaust side case for exhausting the air and an exhaust side space for retaining the air, and the intake side case; In an air cleaner comprising a filter element that is held between the exhaust side case and filters the sucked air,
The intake side case protrudes in a shelf shape from the inner wall surface portion and the inner wall surface portion into the intake side space, and a shelf-like protruding portion formed on the inner wall surface portion so as to have a gap between the filter element. Have
A communication hole for communicating the air passage formed of the gap and the outside air is formed in the inner wall surface portion,
The air cleaner , wherein the inner wall surface portion has a non-angular inner peripheral wall, and the shelf-like projecting portion is formed on the inner peripheral wall .

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