Air filter assembly

Abstract

The present subject matter relates to an air filter assembly (200) for an application such as a motor vehicle (100). The air filter assembly (200) includes a partition wall (220) configured to support a filter assembly (270), and the partition wall (220) separates a front filter portion (210) and a rear filter portion (215). A controlled inlet member (225) is disposed adjacent to an outer peripheral portion (211, 212) of the front filter portion (210), defining a controlled inlet passage (226) therebetween. The air filter assembly (100) is retained at an existing location of the motor vehicle (100) while reducing impurities from entering the air filter assembly (200).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present subject matter generally relates to an intake system and, more particularly, to an air filter assembly forming part of an intake system. Background Art

[0002] Generally, an intake system is incorporated in various industrial systems for providing filtered air. One such area where the intake system plays an important role is in automobiles / motor vehicles for supplying filtered air to the engine assembly. Generally, a two-wheeled motor vehicle or a three-wheeled motor vehicle includes a frame assembly that serves as the skeleton of the motor vehicle and a structural member for supporting various vehicle loads. At least one front wheel is connected to the front portion of the frame assembly by one or more front suspensions. The frame assembly extends towards the rear portion of the motor vehicle. At least one rear wheel is connected to the frame assembly by one or more rear suspensions. The frame assembly supports the engine assembly mounted thereon. The engine assembly is functionally connected to at least one wheel that provides forward / backward movement to the vehicle. In addition to other functional components, the engine assembly has a cylinder block and a reciprocating piston that is slidable within the cylinder block. When the air-fuel mixture burns, the piston transfers the energy generated during combustion to the crankshaft through a connecting rod, thereby driving the crankshaft. The air-fuel mixture is supplied to the engine assembly through the intake system. The intake system includes an air filter assembly that supplies filtered air for mixing with fuel for combustion. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0003] The detailed description of the present subject matter is made with reference to the embodiments of a two-wheeled saddle-type straddle vehicle and the accompanying drawings. In all the drawings, like reference numerals are used to refer to like features and functional components.

[0004] Figure 1 A left side view of an exemplary motor vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter is shown.

[0005] Figure 2 A perspective view of an air filter assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter is shown.

[0006] Figure 3 A partial exploded view of an air filter assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter is shown.

[0007] FIG. 4(a) shows a schematic cutaway view of an air filter assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0008] FIG. 4(b) shows another schematic cutaway view of an air filter assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0009] Figure 5 A schematic view of an air filter assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter is shown.

[0010] FIG. 6(a) shows a perspective view of a controlled inlet member forming part of an air filter assembly according to an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0011] FIG. 6(b) shows another perspective view of the controlled inlet member forming part of the air filter assembly according to an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0012] Figure 7 A side view of a selected portion of a motor vehicle and the air filter assembly according to an embodiment of the present subject matter is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] Typically, in a motor vehicle, an air filter is connected to an intake port of an engine assembly. A fuel supply device such as a carburetor or a fuel injector supplies fuel, which is mixed with air from the air filter. Such an air-fuel mixture is supplied to the engine assembly for combustion in a combustion chamber. The air filter typically filters impurities or foreign particles attempting to enter the intake port of the engine assembly. However, when the density of impurities or foreign particles is very high, it is possible that some portions of the impurities or foreign particles bypass the air filter and enter the intake port of the engine assembly. Such entry of impurities or foreign particles is predominant when the air filter assembly is used for a long time due to wear and tear of the filter. Combustion of such an air-fuel mixture with impurities or foreign particles affects the combustion process and can cause deposits in the combustion chamber, on the piston, or on the spark plug due to improper combustion, thereby affecting the functionality of the corresponding functional components. Improper combustion or deposits also affect the combustion efficiency of the engine assembly.

[0014] Typically, the filtered impurities / foreign particles filtered by the filter element tend to accumulate on the filter element. For example, impurities or foreign particles (hereinafter simply referred to as "impurities") including dust, dirt, moisture, etc. may accumulate on the filter element, thereby forming a layer on the filter element, causing clogging and hindering air entry. Further, the formation of such a layer affects the breathability of the power unit / engine assembly. The engine assembly requires a predetermined volume of air for combustion to occur, thereby generating the desired power and torque. Such a requirement is crucial when the power unit operates at a higher speed (revolutions per minute / RPM) at which the rate of intake and exhaust is higher. Further, when a paper-type filter member is used, the filter member may be damaged due to dust, mud, moisture, etc. The paper-type filter member is damaged, thereby allowing impurities to enter the intake port through the damaged filter, rendering the filter member useless. This would require frequent replacement of the filter member, thereby making it an expensive and cumbersome maintenance task. Further, in the case where the filter member is made of a sponge-type material, a layer of impurities will still be formed, and thus the sponge also needs to be cleaned and / or replaced frequently.

[0015] In addition, in two - wheel or three - wheel vehicles, the power unit is disposed near at least one front wheel or at least one rear wheel. Further, the air filter is connected to the engine assembly, which may be disposed near the front wheel or the rear wheel. For example, in some motor vehicles, the air filter is disposed in the front portion of the motor vehicle and behind at least one front wheel. In some other types of motor vehicles, the air filter is disposed in the rear portion of the motor vehicle. Thus, the air filter located near the front / rear wheel makes it easier for impurities to enter due to the rotation of the wheel, and the rotation of the wheel will disturb the dust and dirt on the road, causing the dust and dirt to be sucked into the air filter. Such a problem of sucking impurities into the air filter is more serious in some dusty road conditions. In addition, in some other motor vehicles, the air filter is disposed in the rear portion of the motor vehicle and near the power unit. The power unit may be fixed or swingable. In such a vehicle, the air filter may be disposed towards a lateral side of the motor vehicle for sucking air, which will cause the air filter to easily suck in impurities.

[0016] Typically, in the prior art, in order to change the entry point of air into the air filter, it is proposed to use certain solutions to connect the air filter to other functional components of the motor vehicle. For example, the air filter may be connected to the frame assembly so that air enters through one of the tubes of the frame assembly. However, the connection of the air filter to the frame assembly may affect the structural integrity of the frame assembly, since a connection portion will be formed on the frame assembly, and a leak - proof connection between the air filter and the frame assembly is also a major challenge, as maintenance may require frequent assembly and disassembly. In addition, the repair of a single system also becomes a challenge, as the maintenance of one system may require interfering with another system / functional component, which is not desirable.

[0017] In addition, another solution in the prior art is to change the position of the air filter to a position away from the power unit in order to reduce the entry of impurities into the power unit, which is typically located near the front wheel or the rear wheel. In such a case, the length of the intake pipe connecting the air filter and the power unit becomes longer, which increases the cost. In addition, the intake pipe may have to undergo certain bends, which will affect the flow of the intake air, thereby affecting the performance of the power unit due to the disturbed flow. In addition, accommodating the air filter in the new position will require a major change in the layout of the motor vehicle to accommodate the air filter and the new wiring of the intake pipe, which increases the design and manufacturing costs. This may actually affect the existing useful space on the motor vehicle. Therefore, an improved air filter is needed that can overcome all of the above problems and other problems of the prior art.

[0018] Accordingly, the present subject matter provides an improved air filter assembly that reduces impurities during intake. The air filter assembly forms part of a motor vehicle intake system, and the air filter assembly can be retained in its existing position on the motor vehicle while effectively reducing the entry of impurities into the air filter assembly without changing its position. Additionally, the present subject matter provides a cost-effective solution without any changes to the layout of the motor vehicle.

[0019] In one embodiment, the air filter is mounted to a motor vehicle that includes an engine assembly mounted thereon. The engine assembly is either fixedly mounted or swingably mounted to a frame assembly. Additionally, an electric motor can be provided as a traction motor or an auxiliary motor. The present subject matter enables the air filter assembly to be disposed at a portion near at least one front wheel, at a middle portion between at least one front wheel and at least one rear wheel, or at a rear portion near at least one rear wheel. The air filter assembly includes an outlet tube connected to the motor vehicle engine assembly.

[0020] The air filter assembly includes a controlled inlet member that is coupled to an outer peripheral portion of a front filter portion of the air filter assembly, thereby defining a controlled inlet passage for air to enter. The controlled inlet member is configured to cause air to enter the air filter assembly in a direction other than a direction opposite to the direction of movement of the motor vehicle in the forward direction. In a preferred embodiment, air enters the air filter assembly through a rearward opening of the air filter assembly. Compared to an air inlet configured such that air enters substantially in a direction opposite to the direction of movement of the motor vehicle, the entry of impurities into the air filter assembly is greatly reduced.

[0021] The air filter assembly of the present subject matter utilizes the existing configuration of the air filter assembly, retains it in its existing position, and the controlled inlet member is configured to utilize the outer peripheral portion of the front filter portion of the air filter assembly. The controlled intake member is formed using a minimal amount of material to utilize the existing outer peripheral wall of the air filter assembly, thereby achieving a low-cost solution. Additionally, the present subject matter is configured to be retrofittable to an existing air filter assembly.

[0022] In one embodiment, the controlled inlet member is configured to form a controlled inlet passage, and further, the controlled inlet member is configured to cause a change in the direction of air entering the air filter assembly. One feature of the present subject matter is that the controlled inlet member is retrofittable to an existing air filter assembly.

[0023] In one embodiment, an air filter assembly having a controlled inlet member is configured to be adjacent to a functional component of a motor vehicle, thereby utilizing the existing functional components of the motor vehicle without changing the layout of the motor vehicle. The air filter assembly and the functional component together form an additional impurity restriction system, whereby the functional component performs an additional secondary function in addition to the designated primary function.

[0024] In one embodiment, the air entering the controlled inlet passage travels in an upward direction, whereby the direction of flow is opposite to the direction of gravity, causing particulate impurities that may have entered the filter assembly to decelerate and be filtered by settling at the bottom portion of the air filter assembly and ultimately discharged through one or more drain plugs.

[0025] In one embodiment, the controlled inlet member includes at least one upwardly inclined portion defined at an inclined angle, and the upwardly inclined portion is configured to change the direction of flow of the air in the upward direction to flow against gravity. The inclined angle is set in the range of 15 degrees to 75 degrees to provide an upward air flow. In one embodiment, more than one inclined angle is provided to provide a smooth transition of the direction change.

[0026] In one embodiment, the air filter assembly includes one or more intermediate inlets, and the intermediate inlets are provided with one or more control orifices to restrict the entry of impurities into the pre-filter section. At the same time, the one or more orifices increase the velocity of the air, which subsequently causes the air to disperse in the pre-filter section in order to reduce the velocity and separate the impurities. The air filter assembly is provided with a plurality of drain plugs, for example, at the pre-filter section and the post-filter section, to remove impurities from the air filter assembly.

[0027] In one embodiment, the controlled inlet member is configured to cause a change in the direction of flow of the air entering the air filter assembly, whereby particulate matter and any moisture entering through the air inlet region accumulate on the walls of the air filter assembly, thereby serving as another stage of filtration.

[0028] In one embodiment, the air filter assembly includes a wall portion disposed adjacent to the intermediate inlet, and the wall portion is configured to further restrict the entry of impurities such as moisture and dirt. Due to the one or more orifices provided in the intermediate inlet, the air reaching the wall portion accumulates on the wall portion, and the accumulated impurities / (condensed) moisture are discharged through the drain plugs. Only the air is deflected from the wall portion and reaches the filter assembly for further filtration.

[0029] In one embodiment, the filter assembly includes a foam filter member and a paper filter member. The paper filter member is disposed after the foam filter member. In other words, the foam filter member is disposed upstream of the paper filter member. Even in the case where moisture or dust enters the air filter assembly, the foam filter member restricts impurities from reaching the paper filter member, thereby protecting the paper filter member.

[0030] In one embodiment, the controlled inlet passage defined by the controlled inlet member is provided with a tapered inlet region (having a tapered cross-section in its downstream portion). After the tapered inlet region, the air is dispersed, resulting in a reduction in the velocity of the suspended impurities, causing the impurities to reach the bottom portion due to gravity.

[0031] In one embodiment, the intermediate inlet has a first length in a first direction, and the wall portion has a second length in the first direction, the second length being significantly greater than the first length. Thus, the air entering through the intermediate inlet of the smaller length is decelerated by the wall portion of the larger length provided in the pre-filter portion, where the larger wall portion serves as a restricting member for impurities and moisture. Subsequently, the air becomes dispersed, causing the impurities to accumulate in the lower portion of the air filter assembly for discharge.

[0032] In one embodiment, the air filter assembly is disposed adjacent to at least one of the crankcase or the crankcase cover of the swing-type engine assembly. The air inlet region is formed due to the sandwich-type installation of the controlled inlet member between a part of the air filter assembly and the crankcase. Thus, the crankcase or the crankcase cover serves as a first functional component of the motor vehicle. The first functional component may vary according to the configuration of the motor vehicle and based on the position of the air filter assembly on the motor vehicle.

[0033] The air inlet region sandwiched between a part of the air filter assembly and the first component of the motor vehicle serves as an additional filtering region with a very narrow cross-section for air to enter. Subsequently, the air passes through the controlled inlet passage defined by the controlled inlet member. Thus, the first component may be at least one of the crankcase or the crankcase cover of the engine assembly. Therefore, the air inlet portion provides a narrow passage for air to enter the air filter assembly, restricting the entry of impurities into the air filter assembly.

[0034] In one embodiment, the air filter assembly is configured with an inlet region on a side of the air filter assembly that is disposed away from the wheel. For example, on the outward-facing side of the air filter assembly. The air filter assembly is mounted on the engine assembly itself, without the need to provide a new mounting location for the air filter assembly.

[0035] In one embodiment, the engine assembly is fixedly mounted to the frame assembly of the motor vehicle. In one implementation, the air filter assembly is disposed at the central portion of the motor vehicle and adjacent to the side panel of the motor vehicle. The air inlet region is formed by a space sandwiched between a part of the air filter assembly and the side panel of the motor vehicle. In another implementation, the air filter assembly is disposed below the seat assembly and above the rear fender, and the air inlet region is sandwiched between a part of the air filter assembly and one of the seat assembly or the rear fender.

[0036] In one embodiment, the air filter assembly is disposed in the rear compartment of the motor vehicle, and the air inlet region is sandwiched between a part of the air filter assembly and the rear compartment of the motor vehicle.

[0037] The arrows provided at the upper right corner of each figure describe the directions with respect to the motor vehicle, where arrow F represents the forward direction, arrow R represents the rearward direction, arrow Uw represents the upward direction, arrow Dw represents the downward direction, arrow RH represents the right side, and arrow LH represents the left side, as appropriate.

[0038] Figure 1 A left side view of an exemplary motor vehicle 100 according to an embodiment of the present subject matter is shown. The vehicle 100 includes an engine assembly 110, and the engine assembly 110 is swingably supported by a frame assembly (not shown) of the motor vehicle 100. The engine assembly 110 serves as a power unit of the motor vehicle 100, and the power unit may further include a traction / electric motor (not shown). The engine assembly 110 includes a crankcase 111 for supporting its various functional components. The engine assembly 110 is mounted to the frame assembly either swingably or fixedly through the crankcase 111. The motor vehicle 100 includes rear wheels 120, and the rear wheels 120 are functionally coupled to the engine assembly 110 through a transmission system (not shown). A pair of front forks 125 supports the front wheels 130 and is steerably supported by a head tube (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.

[0039] The motor vehicle 100 of the present embodiment includes a step-through portion 140. A seat assembly 145 is disposed behind 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 the rear portion of the motor vehicle 100. According to the present embodiment, the air filter assembly 200 is disposed at the rear portion of the motor vehicle 100. The air filter assembly 200 is connected to an air inlet (not shown) of the engine assembly 110. An exhaust system (not shown) is connected to the engine assembly 110, and the exhaust system extends in the rearward direction along the length of the vehicle.

[0040] Figure 2 A perspective view of an air filter assembly according to an embodiment of the present subject matter is shown. The air filter assembly 200 includes an outlet tube 205 that is connected to an engine assembly 110 of a motor vehicle 100, particularly to an air intake. The air filter assembly 200 includes a front filter portion 210, a rear filter portion 215, and a partition wall 220. In one embodiment, the outlet tube 205 is disposed substantially along a lateral center plane (shown by dashed line C-C’) of the motor vehicle 100. An inlet region 250 is disposed at a lateral offset with respect to the lateral center C-C’ and is located on an outward-facing side of the air filter assembly 200, away from at least one front wheel or at least one rear wheel. The air filter assembly 200 includes a controlled inlet member 225 coupled to the front filter portion 210. The controlled inlet member 225 is disposed adjacent to an outer peripheral portion of the air filter assembly. In the illustrated embodiment, the controlled inlet member 225 is disposed adjacent to a first peripheral wall 211 and a second peripheral wall 212 of the front filter portion 210 (as Figure 3 shown). The controlled inlet member 225, the first peripheral wall 211, and the second peripheral wall 212 define a controlled inlet passage 226 therebetween. Further, in one embodiment, a positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) chamber 240 is provided and is connected to the rear filter portion 215. Further, the air filter assembly 200 includes an extension portion 245 for connecting a baffle 246 (as Figure 3 shown) that is configured to block impurities. The baffle 246 extends in a downward direction to block impurities from reaching a front portion of the air filter assembly 200.

[0041] The air filter assembly having the controlled inlet member 225 is disposed near a first functional component (not shown), and the air filter assembly 200 supports or abuts around the first functional component. The air filter assembly 200 draws air A1 from the atmosphere, preferably in a direction same as the direction of movement of the motor vehicle 100. The front filter portion 210 is provided with a drain plug 230 for draining any liquid (or moisture condensed into a liquid) that enters the front filter portion 210 of the air filter assembly 200. Similarly, another drain plug 231 is provided at the rear filter portion 215. Further, the air filter assembly includes a vent hose 232. Several of the foregoing elements having reference numerals 230, 231, 232 are depicted in FIG. 4(a).

[0042] Figure 3Depicts an exploded view of an air filter assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The rear filter section 215 essentially serves as the central portion of the air filter assembly 200. The partition wall 220 acts as at least one side wall of the rear filter section 215. The partition wall 220 is provided with an integrated housing 265 for supporting the filter assembly 270. The front filter section 210 is fixed to the rear filter section 215 by a plurality of fasteners. The partition wall 220 is provided with a passage (not shown) to enable communication between the front filter section 210 and the rear filter section 215. For example, the passage may be an orifice or a hole provided after the filter assembly 270. The filter assembly 270 may be disposed substantially along one of the transverse direction RH-LH and the longitudinal direction F-R and at an angle with respect to the transverse direction RH-LH and the longitudinal direction F-R. In the present embodiment, the filter assembly 270 projects substantially into the front filter section 210. The front filter section 210 also shares the partition wall 220 to form the front filter volume. For the sake of brevity, the components forming the front filter section 210 itself are labeled as the front filter section 210. In one embodiment, the controlled inlet member 225 is mounted to the front filter section 210 and is provided with an air inlet A1 in the direction of movement of the motor vehicle 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the air inlet A1 to the air filter assembly 200 is provided in the direction of movement F of the motor vehicle 100. For example, a motor vehicle typically operates in the forward direction F, and the air A1 enters the air filter assembly 200 through a rearward opening in the forward direction. Compared with an air inlet provided such that air enters substantially in a direction opposite to the direction of movement of the motor vehicle, the impurities entering the air filter assembly 200 are greatly reduced. Further, the controlled inlet member 225 may be selectively fixed to one or both of the front filter section 210 and the rear filter section 215. The controlled inlet member 225 is detachable from the front filter section 210 independently. In another embodiment, the controlled inlet member 225 may be detached together with the front filter section 210.

[0043] The front filter section 210 includes a first intermediate inlet 255 through which the air A1 entering the air filter in a controlled manner enters the front filter section 210. Further, a second intermediate inlet 260 is provided for allowing air to enter the front filter section 210. In one embodiment, the second intermediate inlet 260 is capable of providing a controlled entry of air into the front filter section 210. Subsequently, the air passes through the filter assembly 270 and enters the rear filter section 215. Further, an outlet tube 205 extends into the rear filter section 215, and the outwardly extending end of the outlet tube 205 is connected to a carburetor or a throttle body (not shown) for regulating the air flow into the engine assembly 110 or other overall systems of the vehicle.

[0044] In one embodiment, the air filter assembly 200 includes a PCV chamber 240 connected to the rear filter section 215. The PCV chamber 240 is provided with an inlet port 241. The inlet port 241 is connected to a part of the engine assembly 110. For example, a hose can be used to connect the crankcase or the cylinder head cover to the inlet port 241 for discharging oil vapor from the engine assembly 110 to the PCV chamber 240. In addition, the oil vapor reaching the PCV chamber 240 condenses, whereby the oil will be discharged from the PCV chamber 240, and any uncondensed oil vapor and air will be sent to the rear filter section 215. Thus, any oil vapor and similar emissions from the engine assembly 110 will be sent back to the engine assembly 110 for combustion.

[0045] FIG. 4(a) depicts a schematic cross-sectional view of an air filter assembly according to an embodiment of the present subject matter, the cross-section being taken along Figure 2 the axis X-X' as shown. FIG. 4(b) depicts another schematic cross-sectional view of an air filter assembly according to an embodiment of the present subject matter, the cross-section being taken along Figure 2 the axis Y-Y' as shown. Figure 5 A schematic cross-sectional view of an air filter assembly according to an embodiment of the present subject matter is depicted. The controlled inlet member 225 is coupled to one of the front filter section 210 and the rear filter section 215 of the air filter assembly 225. The controlled inlet member 225 abuts one or more peripheral walls 211, 212 that form the outer peripheral portion of the air filter assembly 200. The first peripheral wall 211 extends along the downward portion of the front filter section 210 (as depicted in the figure), and the second peripheral wall 212 extends substantially along the vertical set portion of the front filter section 210. Air A1 from the atmosphere enters the air filter assembly 200 through an inlet formed by the controlled air inlet 225, and the controlled air inlet 225 is preferably arranged such that the direction in which air enters the air filter assembly 200 is different from the direction in which air flows onto the motor vehicle 100. Since the direction in which air enters the air filter assembly is different from the direction in which air flows onto the motor vehicle 100 (during forward movement), the impurities entering the air filter assembly are reduced.

[0046] In addition, the air inlet region 250 of the air filter assembly 200 is arranged such that the air inlet region 250 is sandwiched between a part of the air filter assembly 200 and a part of the first functional component of the motor vehicle 100, thereby forming a preliminary controlled passage for air entry even before the controlled intake passage 226, thus effectively restricting the entry of impurities. In one embodiment, the controlled inlet member 225 is configured to form a controlled inlet passage, and in addition, the controlled inlet member 225 is configured to change the direction of air entering the air filter assembly 200. The controlled inlet member 225 can be retrofitted to an existing air filter assembly, and in one embodiment, the controlled inlet member 225 is sandwiched between a part of the air filter assembly and a functional component of the motor vehicle 100. For example, in one embodiment, the first functional component of the motor vehicle can be the crankcase of the engine assembly 110. The first functional component is not limited to the crankcase and can include any functional component of the motor vehicle 100 disposed near the air filter assembly.

[0047] The air A1 entering the air filter assembly 200 in a controlled manner passes through the controlled air inlet 225. In the present embodiment, the air A2 passing through the controlled air inlet 225 travels in an upward direction, whereby the flow direction is opposite to gravity, and thus any heavy particulate impurities that may have entered will be restricted from further entry. For example, as shown in FIG. 4(b), the controlled inlet member 225 provides at least an upwardly inclined portion defined by the inclined angles α, β, wherein the direction of air flow is in the upward direction against gravity. According to the present embodiment, the inclined angles α, β are obtained with reference to an imaginary plane parallel to the inlet region 250, and the inclined angles α, β are set in the range of 15 to 75 degrees to provide an upward air flow.

[0048] Subsequently, the air A2 enters the intermediate inlet 255, and the intermediate inlet 255 is provided with another controlled opening / control orifice 256. According to the current embodiment, the air A2 undergoes a change in flow direction. Due to the change in flow direction, the air A3 impinges on the wall of the intermediate inlet 255, thereby further filtering particulate matter, and any moisture that has entered accumulates on the wall of the intermediate inlet 255, thereby serving as another stage of filtration. The air A3 passes through the second intermediate inlet 260 and enters the pre-filter section 210. Thus, the air A1 undergoes multi-stage control and filtration when it reaches the pre-filter section 210. In addition, in one embodiment, the second intermediate inlet 260 is provided with control orifices 261, 262 for controlling the flow of the air A3.

[0049] There is a wall portion 266 disposed adjacent to the second intermediate inlet 260. The wall portion 266 is part of the integral housing 265 and is further configured to restrict entry of impurities such as moisture and dust. The air A3 reaching the wall portion 266 accumulates any particulate matter and moisture, and these particulate matter and moisture will flow along the wall portion 266 to / through the lower portion and then be discharged through the drain plug 230. According to this embodiment, the air A3 is further deflected by the wall portion 266 and enters the filter assembly 270 in the lateral direction.

[0050] Thus, the air filter assembly 200 includes a first intermediate inlet 255 disposed in the downstream portion of the controlled inlet passage 226 and a second intermediate inlet 260 disposed after 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 control orifices 256, 261, 262 to regulate the air flow. The control orifices 256, 261, 262 serve as filters to restrict the entry of impurities and also increase the velocity of the air passing therethrough. Then, the air is dispersed in the subsequent chamber, such as due to the air dispersion, the velocity is reduced, which causes the gravitational force to act on the suspended particulate impurities.

[0051] In addition, as shown in FIG. 4(a), the filter assembly 270 includes a foam filter member 271 and a paper filter member 272. The paper filter member 272 is disposed after the foam filter member 271. Thus, even when the motor vehicle 100 is traveling on a dusty road or off-road, the two-stage filter assembly 270 serves as an additional stage of dust filter. Even in the case where moisture or dust enters the air filter assembly 200, the foam filter member 271 restricts the impurities from reaching the paper filter member 272. In addition, in one embodiment, the air filter assembly 200 is provided with a dummy plug 209 for connecting a drain hose to a carburetor or throttle body, etc. In addition, the rear filter portion 215 is provided with one or more rib members 219 for serving as a reinforcing member for structural integrity to support the PCV chamber 240, the filter assembly 270, the front filter portion 210, and other functional components of the air filter assembly 200.

[0052] In addition, the controlled inlet passage 226 defined by the inlet member provides a tapered inlet region 227 having a tapered cross-section in its downstream portion. The first width W1 at the tapered inlet region 227 of the controlled inlet passage 226 is significantly smaller than the second width W2 at the downstream portion before the first intermediate inlet 255. The controlled inlet passage 226 includes a tapered profile at the tapered inlet region 226, and the extended cross-section defined by the controlled inlet passage 226 thereafter is configured to reduce the velocity of the incoming air A1, thereby reducing the velocity of the suspended impurities, causing the impurities to reach the bottom portion due to gravity.

[0053] Subsequently, air passes through a second intermediate inlet 260 having a first length L1 (in a first direction) and enters the pre-filter section 210. The first direction includes the vertical direction Uw-Dw. Immediately adjacent to the second intermediate inlet 260, a wall portion 266 is provided with a second length L2 that is significantly greater than the first length L1. As a result, the air entering the pre-filter section 210 is dispersed within the pre-filter section 210, thereby causing air diffusion. This reduces the velocity of the air entering the pre-filter section 210, thereby reducing the velocity of impurities suspended in the air, and ultimately discharging the impurities through the discharge plug. In addition, the suspended impurities in the air impinge on the wall portion 266, causing the particles reaching the bottom portion of the pre-filter section 210 to accumulate on the wall portion 266 and then be discharged through the discharge plug. In one embodiment, the second length L2 is at least 1.5 times the first length L1 in order to provide a larger wall portion to block the dispersion of impurities in the air within the pre-filter section 210.

[0054] In addition, with reference Figure 5 to, the air filter assembly 200 is disposed adjacent to a functional component of the motor vehicle 100. Figure 5 A schematic view of the crankcase 111 is shown, and the air filter assembly 200 is disposed adjacent to the crankcase 111. In the present embodiment, the controlled inlet member 225 is arranged such that an air inlet region 250 is formed due to being sandwiched between a portion of the air filter assembly 200 and the crankcase 111, where the crankcase is the first functional component of the motor vehicle disposed near the air filter assembly. The first functional component may vary depending on the configuration of the motor vehicle and based on the position of the air filter assembly 200 on the motor vehicle 100.

[0055] FIG. 6(a) depicts a perspective view of a controlled inlet member according to an embodiment of the present subject matter. FIG. 6(b) depicts another perspective view of a controlled inlet member according to an embodiment of the present subject matter. The controlled inlet member 225 may be configured to be retrofitted to an existing air filter assembly. The controlled inlet member 225 is configured to provide an inlet region to the air filter assembly such that the direction of air entering therein is changed to reduce impurities. In one embodiment, the pre-filter section including the controlled inlet member 225 is configured to regulate the entry of air into the air filter assembly.

[0056] The controlled inlet member 225 forms at least a part of a delivery structure for forming a passage for air to enter the air filter assembly. In the illustrated embodiment, the controlled inlet member 225 includes one or more complementary walls 290, 291 for forming a controlled inlet passage 226. One or more of the 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 filter assembly 200, thereby defining the controlled inlet passage 226. Additionally, the controlled inlet member 225 is provided with access apertures 292 disposed in the complementary walls 290, 291 and a sealing member 293 for the access apertures 292. In one embodiment, the sealing member 293 is removably attached. The controlled inlet member 225 is configured to utilize existing mounting portions on the air filter 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 of the air filter assembly 200 (as Figure 3 shown). The controlled inlet member includes a curved portion 297 to enable access to fasteners (not shown) through the access apertures 292. The access portion 292 is configured to access any fasteners hidden by the controlled inlet member 225.

[0057] Figure 7 A side view of selected components of a motor vehicle and the air filter assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter is shown. The engine assembly 110 includes a crankcase 111, and a crankcase cover 111C is mounted on a 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, such as a carburetor or throttle body, is connected to the cylinder head 113. The air filter assembly 200 is connected to the regulating member 115. The air filter assembly 200 is disposed near a first functional component that defines an inlet region 250, and the air filter is sandwiched between the first functional component (such as the crankcase 111 and the crankcase cover 111C) and a portion of the air filter assembly 200 to provide a controlled air flow in addition to the controlled inlet passage 226 defined by the controlled inlet member 225. Additionally, the controlled inlet member 225 of the air filter assembly 200 provides a direction for air A1 to enter the air filter, wherein the direction is the same as the direction of movement of the motor vehicle 100 in the forward direction.

[0058] The air filter assembly 200 provides the inlet region 250 on a side of the air filter assembly 200 that is remote from the rear wheels 120 of the motor vehicle (in the present embodiment). The air filter assembly 200 is mounted to the engine assembly 110 itself, eliminating the need for a new mounting location for the air filter assembly.

[0059] It should be understood that aspects of the embodiments are not necessarily limited to the features described herein. Many modifications and variations of the present subject matter are possible in light of the above disclosure. Accordingly, within the scope of the claims of the present subject matter, the disclosure may be practiced in a manner different from that specifically described.

[0060] List of reference numerals:

[0061] 100 Motor vehicle 241 Inlet port

[0062] 110 Engine assembly 245 Extension

[0063] 111 Crankcase 246 Baffle

[0064] 111C Crankcase cover 250 Air inlet area

[0065] 112 Cylinder block 255 First intermediate inlet

[0066] 113 Cylinder head 256 Controlled opening

[0067] 115 Adjusting member 260 Second intermediate inlet

[0068] 120 Rear wheel 261 / 262 Control orifice

[0069] 125 Front fork 265 Integrated housing

[0070] 130 Front wheel 266 Wall portion

[0071] 135 Handlebar assembly 270 Filter assembly

[0072] 140 Step-through portion 271 Foam filter member

[0073] 145 Seat assembly 272 Paper filter member

[0074] 150 Rear cover assembly 290 / 291 Complementary wall

[0075] 200 Air cleaner assembly 292 Access orifice

[0076] 205 Outlet pipe 293 Sealing member

[0077] 209 Mock plug 294 / 295 / 296 Fastening portion

[0078] 210 Front filter portion 297 Bend

[0079] 211 / 212 Peripheral wall (outer peripheral portion) W1 First width

[0080] 215 Rear filter portion W2 Second width

[0081] 219 Rib member L1 First length

[0082] 220 Partition wall L2 Second length

[0083] 225 Controlled inlet member α / β Inclination angle.

[0084] 226 Controlled inlet passage

[0085] 227 Conical inlet region

[0086] 230 / 231 Drain plug

[0087] 232 Ventilation hose

[0088] 240 Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) chamber

Claims

1. An air filter assembly (200) for a motor vehicle (100), the air filter assembly (200) include: a front filter portion (210); a post filter section (215); a partition wall (220) configured to support a filter assembly (270), the partition wall (220) separating the front filter portion (210) and the rear filter portion (215); and A controlled inlet member (225); The controlled inlet member (225) is disposed adjacent to the peripheral portion (211, 212) of the front filter portion (210), and a controlled inlet passage (226) is defined between the controlled inlet member (225) and the peripheral portion (211, 212), wherein the controlled inlet passage (226) comprises a first upwardly inclined portion disposed at a first inclination angle (α) and a second upwardly inclined portion disposed at a second inclination angle (β), wherein the first inclination angle (α) and the second inclination angle (β) are obtained with reference to an imaginary plane parallel to the inlet region (250), wherein the air filter assembly (200) comprises a first intermediate inlet (255) disposed at a downstream portion of the controlled inlet passage (226) and a second intermediate inlet (260) disposed after the first intermediate inlet (255), and at least one of the first intermediate inlet (255) and the second intermediate inlet (260) is provided with one or more control orifices (256, 261, 262), and The second intermediate inlet (260) includes a first length (L1) along a first direction (Uw-Dw), the wall portion (266) includes a second length (L2) along the first direction, the first length (L1) is smaller than the second length (L2), the wall portion (266) is arranged in the front filter portion (210) of the air filter assembly (200) and is arranged after the second intermediate inlet (260), wherein air enters the front filter portion (210) through the second intermediate inlet (260) having the first length (L1) along the first direction, and suspended impurities in the air collide with the wall portion (266).

2. An air filter assembly (200) for a motor vehicle (100) according to claim 1, wherein the controlled inlet member (225) is connected to the front filter portion (210) of the air filter assembly (200), and the controlled inlet member (225) is adjacent to one or more peripheral walls of the peripheral portion (211, 212) of the air filter assembly (200).

3. The air filter assembly (200) for a motor vehicle (100) according to claim 1, wherein the first inclination angle (α) and the second inclination angle (β) are in the range of 15 degrees to 75 degrees.

4. The air filter assembly (200) for a motor vehicle (100) according to claim 1, wherein the filter assembly (270) comprises a foam filter member (271) and a paper filter member (272), and the foam filter member (271) is disposed upstream of the paper filter member (272).

5. The air filter assembly (200) for a motor vehicle (100) according to claim 1, wherein the air filter assembly (200) comprises a tapered inlet region (227) having a tapered cross-section at a downstream portion of a controlled inlet passage (226) defined by a controlled inlet member (225), the tapered inlet region (227) including a first width (W1) that is significantly less than a second width (W2) at the downstream portion of the controlled inlet passage (226).

6. The air filter assembly (200) for a motor vehicle (100) according to claim 1, wherein the air filter assembly (200) is mounted to the motor vehicle (100), the motor vehicle (100) includes a first functional component disposed near the air filter assembly (200), and the controlled inlet member (225) is disposed to abut a portion of the first functional component, defining an air inlet region (265) between the air filter assembly (200) and the first functional component.

7. The air filter assembly (200) for a motor vehicle (100) according to claim 6, wherein the controlled inlet member (225) is configured to change the entry of air into the air filter assembly (200) in a direction other than a direction opposite to the direction (F) of forward movement of the motor vehicle (100).

8. The air filter assembly (200) for a motor vehicle (100) according to claim 6, wherein the first functional component is an engine assembly (110), and the air filter assembly (200) is mounted above one of a crankcase (111) and a crankcase cover (111C) of the engine assembly (110).

9. The air filter assembly (200) for a motor vehicle (100) according to claim 6, wherein the air filter assembly is mounted to a frame assembly of the motor vehicle (100), and the first functional component includes at least one of a side panel, a rear fender, a seat assembly, an engine compartment portion, and a fuel tank of the motor vehicle.

10. A controlled inlet member (225) for an air filter assembly (200), the controlled inlet member (225) comprising: one or more complementary walls (290, 291); The one or more complementary walls (290, 291) are configured to be disposed adjacent to a peripheral portion (211, 212) of the air filter assembly (200), defining a controlled inlet passage (226) between the one or more complementary walls (290, 291) and the peripheral portion (211, 212), wherein the controlled inlet passage (226) comprises a first upwardly inclined portion disposed at a first inclination angle (α) and a second upwardly inclined portion disposed at a second inclination angle (β), wherein the first inclination angle (α) and the second inclination angle (β) are obtained with reference to an imaginary plane parallel to the inlet region (250), wherein the air filter assembly (200) comprises a first intermediate inlet (255) disposed at a downstream portion of the controlled inlet passage (226) and a second intermediate inlet (260) disposed after the first intermediate inlet (255), and at least one of the first intermediate inlet (255) and the second intermediate inlet (260) is provided with one or more control orifices (256, 261, 262), and The second intermediate inlet (260) includes a first length (L1) along a first direction (Uw-Dw), the wall portion (266) includes a second length (L2) along the first direction, the first length (L1) is smaller than the second length (L2), the wall portion (266) is arranged in the front filter portion (210) of the air filter assembly (200) and after the second intermediate inlet (260), air passes through the second intermediate inlet (260) having the first length (L1) along the first direction and enters the front filter portion (210), and suspended impurities in the air collide with the wall portion (266).

11. The controlled inlet member (225) for an air filter assembly (200) of claim 10, wherein the one or more complementary walls (290, 291) include an access aperture (292) and a sealing member (293) is removably attached at the access aperture (292).

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